Button Swap or Sponsor!

Whoa. I can NOT believe the end of March is here! I think April has some amazing things in store :)  But before she gets here I'd like to do a button swap! If you're interested in some swappage just add my button to your blog and either comment or email me saying that you did and I'll add yours to Rustic Living!

If you're looking for some Sponsor information AND a good deal then check this out. Reserve a spot for the month of May and you'll get April for FREE! Click here for the info and email me if you're interested!

 

 

 

 

"I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."—John 3:28-29 (NIV)

Likes and Dislikes

 Likes

- House hunting! Michael and I love spending our weekends taking a look at houses that could be our future family home. We're so excited to be moving back out to the country! Here is the type of home we like to dream about:

 - The Hunger Games. I'm only chapter 3 of the first book and I'm completely hooked. I love leaving reality for awhile and getting lost in another world. Good for your brain I think!

- Hot glue guns. They're quick, easy, and durable. The smell of them makes me so happy (not that kind of happy!)

- Rainy days that take your to do list from being super productive to taking naps, reading a book, and sippin' hot tea instead. Sooo much better.

- Cute flower sticky things (pictured below). I got these from Michael's craft store for around $1.50 (pack of 12). You could do a lot of cute things with them. While sitting at my computer I had the idea to put them on clothespins, to dress them up a bit. I love the card too! It captures some of my most favorite things: Idaho. Coffee. Country.

- Catching my hubby shed a tear while watching The Biggest Loser because he loves seeing people help one another without expecting anything in return. Oh, what a softie.

- Coffee! My current addiction is honey lattes.

- Idaho. Born and raised here and I continue to fall more in love with this state.

(Owyhee River)

- Current sports: Peyton Manning going to the Denver Broncos! Kansas making it to the Final Four of March Madness! Boise State Bronco football spring game in two weeks!

- Dogs. Particularly my dogs. Oh my Banjo and Whiskey.

Dislikes

- House hunting. Michael and I have discovered we are super picky, online pictures can be really deceiving, there are more buyers than sellers (where we are looking anyways),  short sales can be a pain, disappointments are common, and buying a house is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make... which is scary.

- People who hurt animals. Danielle from Taking Notes Coast to Coast shared story on it, you can read that here.

- Accidentally leaving my truck window down on the rainiest night we've had this year. My seats are still drying : (

- Getting a parking ticket, then forgetting about it, then seeing your ticket double in price. Crap!

- After playing some baseball last weekend I was sore for several days. I clearly hadn't used those muscles in a LONG time.

- Expecting a tax refund that you can put towards your down payment on a house just to find out you actually OWE money. Double crap.

- Time management. I thought I had this skill but lately I've noticed its gotten away from me.

- Making some pretty awesome pancakes then discovering you have NO maple syrup. It's just not the same people. Guess I'll just have to make Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Sauteed Apples again, with maple syrup.

Happy Friday!

Meet Brittanie from Three Bracelets

Many  years ago my mom came home from a new job at a home decor business screaming with excitement, "Ashley, I found your long lost twin!" I thought it was odd that I had to remind her I already had a twin. Come on Mom. Then she told me about Brittanie. In another life, I really do think we were twins. For example we both love coffee, golden retrievers, blogging, laughing till you cry, and shabby chic furniture. I'm crazy about Brittanie's blog, Three Bracelets. She's a gorgeous, witty, adventurous girl that will brighten your day... meet Brittanie!

Hi Everyone! I am so honored Ashley asked if I'd like to write a guest post on Rustic Living! Not only am I big fan of Ashley, her amazing love story, her faith, and of course her cutest pups on the planet, I'm also on board the rustic-chic train! (I once wrote about my craigslist furniture here) I'm Brittanie and I blog over at Three Bracelets. I began blogging in 2010 and set myself up on a mission to really focus on life through a glass half-full outlook. Three Bracelets was the perfect outlet to talk about life through the opportunities and challenges as they unfolded before me. I've worn 3 bracelets on my left wrist for 10 years, and it only made sense to name my blog after these gems who have been through it all. 

Over the last 2 1/2 years I've made some drastic life changes, including 2 BIG moves. I ventured from my home in Boise, Idaho to Denver, Colorado, without a job, didn't know a soul, and didn't quite have a place to live when I arrived. Within a week of calling the "Mile High City" my home, I landed 2 of the world's best roommates/friends, a so-so job, and a new city under my belt. During my time in Colorado, I also fell hard for a boy from Baltimore, Maryland, named Mike. So here I was at 24-years-old learning what love was like in the form of a long-distance relationship all while trying to get my independent bearings straight. Just after spending one of the best years in Colorado, I was at it again only this time packing up my life and heading across the country. After driving over 1,700 miles, I found myself drenched in the August humidity of "Charm City."  

Through both moves, I've learned more about myself, the hurdles I've been able to tackle, the importance of family no matter how many miles in between, and love. Here I am, over 1-year later learning more about the east coast, growing from a job I love, still trying to meet friends (I could go on for days about this one), having the best time with Mike, and recapping each week through my Friday Fav series - each week I give you the scoop on something I've learned or fallen for.    

Every morning, I'm reminded that life looks a lot better when partnered with laughter and seen through the eyes of something more than half-full. I'm not sure where my next adventure will take me, but my bags are packed and I'm ready.  

Ashley, thank you so much for having me here, and I hope you all stop by! 

Brittanie   

I feel so lucky to have met Brittanie and loved getting to introduce you to her! Be sure to head over to Three Bracelets to follow more of Brittanie's life adventures.

Fetch!

 Warm weather finally showed up on Boise's doorstep this past weekend and we decided to soak it up by playing a bit of America's pastime with our pups. Baseball is fun, but it's even more fun when two adorable, energy-loaded dogs are more than eager to bring the ball back to you. Here are some snapshots.

Hoping you had a great weekend as well!

Now it's time to face the inevitable ... Monday. 

Bring on the coffee!

He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."—Daniel 3:25 (NIV)

My Desire

 Oh boy am I excited that Friday is here! I've got lots of Rustic Living work to do this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it. Here's a little quote I came across that really warmed my heart.

"Being an artist is about the desire to create, the desire to see beauty, the desire to feel the color and live through one's senses." - Corey Amaro

Happy Friday people, live it up!

... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.—Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)

Hello Sun

Sippin' on some coffee. The sun is out. Furniture project is complete. The weekend is near.

Tis' a good day!

What do you think?

See who I'm linking up with HERE!

... the Holy Spirit descended on him [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."—Luke 3:22 (NIV)

Reminiscing

All this rain here in Boise can really make a girl feel sluggish. I'm almost done with my furniture project and can't wait to share, but I really felt like I had to dig deep for motivation to finish this one. I want spring! I want to paint in the warm sun! The rain may be gloomy but at least today it reminded me of a very happy time. Last October I surprised my hubby with a short trip to Seattle for his birthday.

 

There was rain.

There was Ivar's clam chowder.

There was fish tossing in Pike's Place.

There was a birthday celebration.

Memories were made.

 

 Hope you're all enjoying your Tuesday!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.—Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Thursday Randoms

It's a dreary Thursday in Boise today and you would never guess Spring is right around the corner. So I'm bringing the cheerful season indoors with these yellow beauties.

March Madness begins. Kansas all the way! 

 Are you making a bracket this year?

 Tired pups. Must snuggle them.

 Fun Dip. Because I've clearly NOT grown up.

Starting my next project. This little guy has lots of potential!

Pinterest Inspiration. Love this.

 

Friday is looking extra special this week, the hubby and I have a date!

He appointed twelve -- designating them apostles -- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.—Mark 3:14 (NIV)

Rustic Living Pillows

Have you been wanting to add a personal touch to your home? Looking for a creative wedding or anniversary gift? Rustic Living is now offering adorable pillows that you can personalize to make the perfect gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself. 

State of Love

$35

Overview: Made from a 100% cotton fabric in a beige color.
  A state pillow that shows when and where the happy couple tied the knot.

Our Love Story

$35

Overview: Made from a 100% cotton fabric in a beige color.  

This pillow tells the story of where he and she became we. In this case, where the couple was born and then married. If you have a similar love story then this is the pillow for you!

 Home is Where the Heart is

(Pillow A)

$35

Overview: Made from a 100% cotton fabric in a beige color.
An adorable pillow that shares the moment when blissful newlyweds begin their new life together. Includes wedding date.

Home is Where the Heart is

(Pillow B)

$35

(Pillow B has a different bride, groom, and wedding date placement)

Overview: Made from a 100% cotton fabric in a beige color.

An adorable pillow that shares the moment where blissful newlyweds begin their new life together. Includes wedding date.

Words of Faith

$30

Overview: This pillow is made from a 100% cotton fabric in a beige color. Add your favorite bible verse to make the perfect accent pillow for your home!

Product Information:

100% cotton. Tightly woven, medium weight, soft hand.

Intricate hand-applied graphic and/or writing

Approximate Size: 15"x15" at tallest/widest points

Spot clean

 All Rustic Living pillows  are wrapped in tissue closed 

together with a Rustic Living sticker. It makes a lovely gift!

If you're interested in making an order or have a question, please email me with the subject line "Rustic Living Pillows"

itsrusticliving@hotmail.com

PLEASE NOTE – 

Because all of these are handmade, items may not be perfectly identical. However, the photos do closely represent the product.

If placing an order, payment must be received before any design work begins. Completing payment ensures that I can set aside the appropriate time needed for your pillow design and covers all costs. Once payment is made, your project will be added to my queue. I will give you an estimated time of completion and delivery.

All payments will be invoiced through Paypal.

See who I'm linking up with HERE!