Morning Musings #2 – Bartley Update, Decorating, Wearing, Cooking & More!
Hey there friend! I’m so glad that many of you seemed to enjoy the revamping of my old series Morning Musings. As mentioned I’ll try to do this as often as time permits and it won’t always be on the same day of the week. I like writing this type of post, as it has the feel of old school blogging from when I first started out. Would you believe that it’s been almost 17 years now?!! Time sure does pass far too quickly…don’t you agree? Speaking of time…Christmas is only 2 months away and as a blogger I’m getting ready to decorate so that I can give you some ideas. Here we go again and I have a new theme this year!
LET’S GET PERSONAL
That being said, as I mentioned in my last Morning Musings my sweet boy Bartley has congestive heart failure 😞. We finally got him into the cardiologist on Monday and the diagnosis and prognosis are quite grim, as he is in severe failure. This all happened rather quickly as our regular vet seemed to think that he was fine back in May. Not only that, but we took his sibling Darby in for an evaluation as well, and received a similar diagnosis 😢😢. She’s only on one medication so far and Bartley is on five, so most likely she will outlive him. We don’t expect that he will have a whole lot longer, but you’d never know it by looking at him…the dear little boy 🐶. Our hearts are breaking and continued prayers 🙏🏻 are most welcomed, of course.
Before we get into the rest…I just want to point out that anything you see in blue in the paragraphs below is a clickable link.
WHAT I’M LOVING IN DECOR
Moving on to decor, I’m looking for some wall sconces for a bathroom project and love THESE from Wayfair. So affordable and by the way…did you know that some items have “open box pricing”? I have purchased several items that were open box, and never had any sort of issues. Speaking of bathroom lighting, THIS CHANDELIER is what I have hanging over the tub in my master bathroom remodel and it’s ON SALE for under $300 HERE. If you love mercury glass THIS COLLECTION of votives is what I like to refer to as an “instant collection” and the color plum is perfection for both the fall and winter months. Since we are on the subject of candles, THIS is my favorite brand…ever since I discovered it in Paris some years back. Also love THIS CANDLE for fall and have one burning in my kitchen right now! By the way…isn’t THIS RUG (below) amazing!!
WHAT I’M WEARING
Truth be told I’m in the process of going through my closet at the moment and revamping. With the weather finally improving I’m doing my daily walks again and wear THESE LEGGINGS with a cellphone pocket and usually a shirt like THIS ONE in black. When it’s close to being chilly outside I opt for a long sleeve casual t-shirt like THIS.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS I’M USING
Since I work from home and the only one who sees me all day are the dogs, I don’t wear a lot of makeup. If I have to run out for some errands it’s usually this powerful yet gentle sunscreen, my favorite under-eye concealer, a touch of powder foundation, this inexpensive blush, mascara with a bendable wand or this mascara…and some lip gloss.
WHAT I’M COOKING & EATING
I go back and forth between eating overnight oats (chocolate peanut butter…want the recipe?) or these oat waffles. I make my own oat flour that takes just minutes with my Vitamix blender. If you are going for healthy recipes then I HIGHLY recommend getting a VITAMIX if you can. I need to write an entire post on everything that I use mine for! These waffles have just 3 ingredients, or 5 if you want to be fancy. Oat flour, bananas and plant milk (baking soda and vanilla extract for the fancy). Let me know if you want me to start posting some more recipes in the comments below.
WHAT I’M WATCHING
I’m not going to lie that I think I was born in the wrong era and watch every period piece that I can get my hands on. Just about finished watching Lark Rise To Candleford on Hulu, which is utterly charming! I think that I’ve watched about every period piece and would love to know if you have some that you enjoy!
INSTAGRAM LOVE
There are a few women that I’ve actually met in person over the 10 years that I’ve been on Instagram that stand out in my mind. One of them is Jen of Decor Gold who is just the sweetest and so talented! I believe that we met at the Haven Conference for bloggers where I taught photography and styling some years ago. Also check out Tam of Citrine Living and she’s another lovely design blogger.
WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
If you missed the first in my Morning Musings series, check that out. I also shared my Thanksgiving Table Ideas earlier this week and it’s a not to miss post! Speaking of Thanksgiving…it’s coming soon, so check out this post for 20 FREE Thanksgiving place cards you can use!
Check out the shopping links below and know that every little purchase does help this website keep going. Thank you and see you next time! xoxo, Janet
So sorry to hear about the precious cavaliers, continued prayers for them.
Thank you so much Emily…we hope to keep them as comfortable and happy as possible for as long as they have the will! xo
So sorry to hear Bartley’s news. He looks absolutely adorable.
Love that rug by the way! Looking forward to your Xmas decor ideas too. Already read your christmas bauble antiquing post – love it – I am going to try it.
Cheers
Ann
Thank you sweet Ann…Bartley is just a precious doll and we adore him (as all 3 of our pups). Hope the antiquing goes well and let me know!
Hi Janet , So sorry to hear that Bartley is so unwell . I will be praying for him and of course you as our pets are truly part of our family and greatly loved . Hobbes the cat from Stone Gable is also in my prayers . Our cat is nearly 15 and has been a great comfort to us as here in Melbourne , Australia where we have endured the harshest and longest lockdown anywhere in the world . Give Bartley a hug from me .
Thank you Angie and both my blog buddy Yvonne and I appreciate your prayers. I know what you mean about our pets and the lockdown for sure and my own pets have been my best friends as I work at home. xoxo
I just ordered a hairdryer brush the other day! My daughter loves hers. Prayers for you and your sweet dogs. ❤️🐶
Those hairdryers are the best thing for hair since velcro rollers were invented, lol! Thank you for your prayers
Prayers and positive thoughts for Bartley–it’s so hard.
Would love the overnight oats recipe, if you don’t mind!
Thank you Cyndie and I’ll try and share a few of my oat recipes soon!
Prayers for the puppies and sending comfort to you. I can’t wait for Christmas, you always do a wonderful job.
Thank you Diana and I’m getting started on a massive Christmas DIY this weekend (a good distraction)!
I’m so very sorry. It is so hard to watch them decline. Sending love, hugs and prayers!
Thank you Stephanie…it sure is a difficult thing but they bring so much joy! xo
SO sorry to hear about Bartley. That is heart breaking news Janet and yes Bartley looks so happy. Sending prayers your way.
Thank you Denise…I feel like I’m running a senior home for dogs here lately with lots of extra care. So worth it though! xo
So sorry to hear about Bartley’s results and now Darby. I can say recently going thru this that we just went thru Cavalier Rescue and got our Augie a sibling that can’t take her place but is helping all of us heal. Charlie is a 3 year old Cavalier relinquished from a breeder situation due to knee surgery. A wonderful group saving this breed. I can’t recommend them enough. Sending you strength and hugs now.
I wanted that candle and it’s sold out! ugh!! I’ll keep trying. The name of the game this year! Lol
Thank you Lori…it’s a tough time but we hope that our Cavvies are with us for awhile longer. We shall see and possibly consider rescue in the future. Keep an eye out for the candle…it should be back!
I’m so sorry to hear the diagnosis on your beloved fur babies. It’s so hard to get that kind of news, I know. Hopefully, the drugs will lengthen their lifespans and make their transitions as easy and painless as possible when the time finally arrives.
On a brighter note, I just love your morning musings! LOL Nothing better than coffee AND shopping in one sitting is my motto! LOL
I’ve been noticed some of those Kelly Clarkson collection lighting fixtures too – incredibly reasonable prices for quite nice designs. There is an oblong contemporary crystal chandelier that I’m thinking of having put over our kitchen island. I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to clean it. LOL That’s the only thing holding me back. But, I keep reading about it, and it says they are actually crystals (not plastic) and I like the style – so maybe I’ll have to break down every couple of months and hire a teenager to come up and wipe down the crystals. LOL
Great minds! I also love Diptyque candles! I first found them actually in Nordstrom’s, not Paris. And I don’t get them real often because my mother always sends me candles for off-holidays (Valentine’s, Hallowe’en, Thanksgiving) and she sends me Luxe Candles. They’re quite nice – though not as large as Diptique. The fragrances are wonderful (my favorite is the Rose&Peony and the Patchouli&Lemon – one extreme to the other LOL).
I haven’t watched (or actually even heard about!) Last Rise to Candleford. I’m just finished binging Nine Perfect Strangers – that I loved AND Only Murders in the Building which I thought was brilliant. I’m just thinking about diving into rewatching old NYPD Blue episodes. I loved it when it was first on tv. It was so original and innovative. I’m not sure what my reaction will be to it all these years later!
Well, I’m now off to check out Jen of Decor Gold on Instagram. Decor Gold sounds right in my wheelhouse LOL.
Another great cuppa with you. Give your fur babes a scratch behind the ears for me – and have a terrific weekend.
Dog person here. Our girl had surgery (2 X now) for rare cancer 1/ 1/2 yrs. ago & they have her 3 months after 2nd surgery & offered to put her down for us at the ER clinic. So don’t give in—she is a fighter & no one (except God can do a recall). We enjoy every single second w/her! Blessings to you one & all.
Dog people are special folks for sure and I’m so glad that you still have your girl Sandi 💞 We sure do enjoy our 3 pups, every single day! xoxo