Helpful Friends Guest Post - Emerald Cove

Thank you everyone for your wonderful continued support, it means the world to me!  If there is one thing I have learned from blogging, it's that when you need help, other bloggers will show up no matter what time of day or night and give of themselves in ways you can't even imagine!

When I told a few friends that I would need to post much less often, their first response was to offer their help any way they could.  I've decided to take them up on the offer and will be doing a series of guest posts to keep the blog alive and well until life calms down a little for me.

The first person to guest will be the lovely Michelle of Emerald Cove.  Michelle works with animals every day so her advice and help with the whole doggie situation has been amazingly helpful and calming.  So without further adieu I'll let her do the rest...

I am so honored to be guest posting here at Low Tide High Style! 

Kat was one of my first blogs that I discovered when I decided to enter into blogland.

She welcomed me with open arms and it has been so wonderful getting to know her!

This year has seemed to fly right by me! 

I have no idea where time has escaped to and I can only dream to one day find those minutes and hours that I lost.

While I know that I cannot turn back time or even get those tiny seconds back, I can take a moment to reflect on the things in my life that I am thankful for.

The funny thing is, is that the things that I am thankful for are small and simple, yet worth more than gold.

They are the looks and glances from loved ones.

Stolen moments that no one else sees.

Simple smiles that say more than any words can.

The gentle touch of a small hand on mine that makes my heart melt.

A deep belly laugh that reminds me that I am pretty funny!

A soft purr in my ear or a wet nose nudging my hand.

A call, a note, a hug, a kiss.

The beat of my heart.

A please, a thank you.

A sorry, a forgiveness.

A friendship, a marriage, a belief.

A gift, a gesture.

To be able to give.

I am blessed beyond words to be able to feel, hear, see, touch and taste all the little things that I am thankful for.

This holiday season, I hope that you can reflect on all the little things that we may sometimes take for granted in our everyday lives.

The things that pass us by, just as time seems to do.

Time does not wait for us but we can relish in the lives of loved ones and those small things that make us live.

 


Thank you Michelle for sharing your beautiful photos and wonderful words!!! Be sure to stop by Michelle's blog for more great ideas and inspiration!

You Raise Me Up

The last few days have been rough here at LTHS.  Tears have been shed, bonds have been formed (some faster than others), and time marches on.

Thanks to Connie, Susan, Audrey, and Dianna, who listened to me sort everything out during my rambling phone calls, we have turned a corner. 

I know many of you know that Miss Kylee is ill with congestive heart failure, but I'm happy to report that she is doing much better thanks to some adjustments to her medications!

When I decided to end my blog I was overwhelmed with an older sick dog, and a new puppy who wasn't exactly welcomed into the pack at first by a certain Mr. Quinn.

I was in tears at the thought of having to take this sweet face back to the breeder.  It's amazing how one little puppy can steal your heart in such a short time.

And I think I was just overwhelmed in general by trying to keep too many plates spinning in the air.  When you do that, some are bound to come crashing down, and they did last weekend.

Your emails, offers of help, and prayers made all the difference for all of us.  I'm happy to report that everyone is now fine in this family of 4 plus 3 dogs, so Misty is here to stay!!!

I also realized some things over the past 5 days...I'm not superwoman.  I don't have a cape or cool gold bracelets and I can't be all things to all people.  I have to take care of my pets first and foremost right now, so blogging will be a sideline, not my life as it's been for the past 10 months.

I think that those of us who enjoy and take pride in our blogs (and I would have to say that that is 99.9% of those who do blog) sometimes find ourselves a little stressed and stretched.  We want to reply to each and every comment and feel guilty when we can't...even hunting to try and find someone's email address when we get the no-reply comment thing.

We put pressure on ourselves to craft, create, and produce quality posts...sometimes at the expense of ourselves.  We try diligently to visit other bloggers and comment on their wonderful posts, even when we don't necessarily have the time.

But this face needs me, and so do the other two furry faces in my family at the moment.  So I will try and undo the past almost 47 years of woman training.  The training that makes some of us put ourselves last and feel bad for not being able to be all things to all people.

I came to all of this because you all have raised me up over these past few days and reminded me that you won't be upset if I can't comment on every post you write, even if I do read them.  That you'll still be ok if I don't post as often...because you are me, you've been in my shoes, and you understand! 

Your wonderful emails and comments let me know this...so thank you to each of you for that wonderful support!!!

Mr. Tide is an amazing man, and when I shut down my blog he asked me why I was doing it.  I told him that I needed to concentrate on real life at the moment and although he knew it was true, he said "but you love doing your blog, so I think you should reconsider and just not post as much."

I was adamant that if I couldn't do it all the way, full force, and put everything I had into it then what was the point?!  Can you say "Type A" to the max?!

I mean the holidays are coming, there are things to be done and a lot on my plate right?!

And then I got a lovely package in the mail today.  I had been expecting it and was anxiously awaiting its arrival from Wales.  I had purchased these lovely handmade tags from my dear friend Sam's Etsy Shop!

Sam, who also has the wonderful blog The Nest,  had sent me an email letting me know that she had shipped these wonderful tags, which I can't wait to use on a special tree this year, and she also said there would be a little surprise coming as well.

An early Christmas present of sorts, and she told me that the surprise wouldn't be for me...so of course I was intrigued and couldn't wait for the package to arrive.

When I got home this afternoon there was the package waiting in my mailbox.  I raced inside to see what the surprise might be.  Inside were the lovely tags I had ordered and several packages wrapped in brown paper.  There was also a sweet handwritten letter from Sam telling me that when her children, Seth and Lily, had seen the pictures of Misty they wanted to send her something.

The note went on to say that they couldn't just send Misty something without sending something for Miss Kylee and Mr. Quinn. 

So there they were...three packages with darling handwritten tags from kind and caring children who had never met my dogs, or me!

There was a pig for Mr. Quinn, that actually sounds like a pig when you squeeze it!

And a duck for Miss Kylee, which sounds just like a duck!

The last package was for little Misty Belle.  It was a soft furry duck or maybe it's a goose, who cares which it is, all I know is it was the cutest, softest puppy toy I'd ever seen in my life!!!

It brought tears to my eyes and for the first time in 5 days I felt like everything was going to be ok...not just ok, but back to normal.

Some people may unfollow, or not comment, or even get mad when I can't reply or visit their blogs, but you know what, that's ok!  I have this face...

And this face to remind me that true friends are there no matter what, they truly do raise you up when you need it, and they are unconditional with their support and love.  It took two wonderfully generous children, (thank you Lily and Seth), who are miles away from me, and a deluge of support from wonderful blogging friends and my family to remind me of how very fortunate I am! 

I have also had some dear friends and fellow bloggers offer to guest post in order to keep the cobwebs at bay here on LTHS while I'm off tending the home fires...and I can't wait to see what wonderful things they'll create!

So if you're feeling a little stressed out, over taxed and guilty due to blogging...I highly recommend getting a puppy...it works wonders!  But if you aren't really up for the whole puppy thing, just learn to let some of it go, and wait to see who raises you up...it will amaze and surprise you, I promise!

Until whenever my friends...

Quick Update

Thank you to everyone who left comments or who sent emails regarding my last post.  I won't go into too much detail, but please know that everyone in my family is well.  We are just dealing with some issues regarding one of our dogs and I need to focus all of my attention elsewhere right now.  Yesterday I was overwhelmed and in tears, but there is always a light at the end of every tunnel we face...so I know we'll get through this.

All of your prayers and well wishes are greatly appreciated and I can't thank you all enough!  I hope to return to blogging at some point, it has been a highlight for me over the past year, but in life sometimes we need to prioritize and my priorities lie elsewhere at the moment.

I do hope all of you will enter my Giveaway though, I know someone will be very happy to win this lovely gift for themselves or to use as a wonderful Christmas gift!

xoxo  Kat

Rug Giveaway Winner and Some News

The winner of the Jellybean Rug Giveaway is lucky #24, and my dear friend Kim from Savvy Southern Style.  Kim has a lovely home and is always busy making wonderful improvements to it, so I know she'll find just the right spot for her new rug!  Congrats Kim!

On another note, I will be ending my blog for the foreseeable future.  We've had some sad news here at Low Tide High Style, and I need to just take a break from blogging and re-group.

I will however be announcing the winner of my latest Giveaway next week, so please be sure to enter if you haven't already.  Simply click here and then be sure to scroll all the way down the post to find out how to enter!

I can't thank you all enough for the love and support you have shown me since I started on this crazy adventure 11 months ago.  I have made friends, learned so much, and have found a love for photography that I never knew existed!!!  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!

xo  Kat

Studio Three Part 2 and A Giveaway

Yesterday I took you on a tour of a store in La Plata, Maryland called Studio Three Flowers.  As I mentioned in my last post, Studio Three will be hosting their annual open house this weekend from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm so they've been busy decorating the store for the holiday season...and it's beautiful!

Yesterday I showed you mostly overall shots of how the store looks, but in today's post I wanted to get up close and personal and share some of the wonderful items they have used to create this winter wonderland!

And be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the post to find out about a lovely giveaway!!!

I think what makes these trees and this store so special is the lavish way in which each tree and the entire store is lovingly decorated.  It truly is a sight to behold!

The trees are all done in a different theme and you really have to stand and stare at them for awhile to appreciate all of the wonderful individual ornaments, silk flowers, and ribbon on each one.

Musical instruments filled this tree...

As well as beautiful European style ornaments in a variety of themes.

My daughter goes to the ballet each year to see the Nutcracker, so she would appreciate these lovely sequined fellows!

This tree was my favorite of all the trees in the shop, which is really saying something since all of the trees are magnificent!!  It had a chartreuse and white theme and Anne Ford, one of the owners, had used gorgeous silk tulips and shimmering branches at the top of the tree to create a little unexpected sparkle and drama.

Dripping in icicles, flocked branches kissed with snow, and strewn with sparkling seashells, it immediately caught my eye.  It was so completely fresh and different, and I thought to myself, "wouldn't this be perfect for a winter wedding!"

I also loved this beautiful nativity set.  Its simple antiqued white color with a touch of glitter would be beautiful on an entry table or just about anywhere!

Here is more of the set atop a mantle...so pretty!

I mentioned my love of snowmen in my last post, and this one almost came home with me.  Look at that faux fur scarf, and his top hat made from tree bark!  Looks like Frosty has had a makeover!!

Snow 'men' aren't the only ones who can look fetching during the winter months.  This little snow girl was happy to be safely nestled in the branches of the snow themed tree this year.

Butterfiles seem to be all the rage this year for Christmas, and this be jeweled beauty was ready to take flight.

If visions of sugar plums dance in your head, then this candy cane confection is sure to please.

I think I saw a teddy bear or two trying to steal a few licks when no one was looking!

Creative ideas are everywhere at Studio Three, including this wonderful tree!

What a wonderfully clever idea to use this sample staircase leading up to this lovely tree...this is such a great idea, and I've never seen anything quite like it!

Of course you all know me, I couldn't leave the store without a little something for myself...I mean I've not been naughty...only nice, I promise!

It turns out it wasn't me who was nice, but Studio Three owners Anne and David Ford who were more than just nice...they were extremely generous as well!  I spied these darling little swirly peppermint puffs as soon as I walked in, and Anne and David gave me some to take home...sweets for the sweet they said.  Ok, they didn't actually say that, but they did give them to me, and I was thrilled, thank you Anne and David!!!

I bought some other things as well, but you'll just have to wait until after Thanksgiving when I will be hauling out the bins and putting up my new favorite finds...including the lovelies I bought from Studio Three!

After the shoot, and before I was treated to a lovely lunch with my friends Doug and Joan Vogel...thank you again, Anne gave me a beautiful gift bag with a special treat for one of my readers!

This isn't just any treat, it's a gorgeous Lampe Berger oil lamp from the Limoges Lampe Mandolino line.  An ethereal angel playing a lute graces both sides of the white Limoges bisque lamp, and it is a work of art in and of itself.

But you don't just get this beautiful lamp, this is a gift set that includes a leaded gold top, burner, instructions for using the lamp, a funnel, and of course fragrance oil.  The fragrance oil included is "Ocean Breeze," sounds soothing doesn't it?!

I took the lamp portion out just long enough to snap a few pictures, and I have to admit that it looked right at home on my white bucket bench!!!  Hmm, did I say to Anne that I would give this away....I'm feeling a little fuzzy on that!! ;-)

If you are familiar with Lampe Berger then you know they have a long history of provided soothing fragrances that not only make a home fresh and welcoming, but they also help clean the air by actually eliminating odors.  And they are also beautiful objets d'art!

I can't thank Anne and David Ford enough for giving me this lovely gift valued at $120.00.  And the best part is that one of you will get to win it!!!  Thank you Anne, David, Doug and Studio Three!!!

Before I get to the Giveaway details, I want to remind you that Studio Three Flowers will be hosting their Holiday Open House this Saturday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.  There will be door prizes and lots more, so if you live near La Plata, Maryland...or within driving distance...be sure to stop by and please tell them Kat from Low Tide High Style said hi!!

And if you need flowers, don't just go by what you see on their website, they have lots of custom designs to suit every budget and every taste!

Ok, now to the Giveaway details.

For Chances To Win the Lampe Berger Oil Lamp

1.  Simply leave a comment telling me what your favorite fragrance is, it doesn't have to be one of the Lampe Berger fragrances, just something you love!!

2.  Become a Follower of Low Tide High Style, or if you already are a Follower, be sure to leave a SECOND SEPARATE comment letting me know...and thank you in advance!

3.  Tweet, Blog, or Facebook the Giveaway for a third chance...Just be sure to come back and leave a 3rd separate comment letting me know!

The Giveaway will be open until Friday, November 19th at Midnight PST...Good luck everyone!

I truly appreciate all of the wonderful comments everyone leaves, and I apologize for not getting back to some of you...please know I read and enjoy every one!  Things have been crazy around my house, and as of today they will be ten times as crazy, because as you read this...I'm off to pick up my new puppy...little Misty Belle!  So please bear with me as I won't be able to reply for a few weeks while we all get settled in!!!  Enjoy our weekend, I know I will...puppy kisses everyone!

I Swore I Wouldn't

(click on pictures to enlarge)

I'm actually one of those people who has always hated when stores put out Christmas decorations before at least the middle of November.  I've always groaned and moaned when I walk into one of the big box stores and see Christmas trees up before Halloween has even taken place.  Or when I open my mailbox and see catalogs hocking their holiday wares long before we've even had Thanksgiving dinner....but...and it's a big but...

This year I can't wait to get started on my Christmas decorating!   I even blissfully wandered through the aisles at Walmart recently looking over their holiday decorations!   Gasp...could it be that I'm mellowing in my old age?!  I must admit that I think this might have a little something to do with my blogging...but whatever the reason I'm raring to go this year!

I've always been a independent retailer kind of girl.  There is something so wonderful and intimate about visiting the smaller stores, often filled with one of a kind items, and browsing around while chatting with the owners, many of whom are friends.  This week I was lucky enough to not only visit a shop, but to also photograph their lovely Christmas wares!

My dear friend and talented floral designer Doug Vogel invited me to tour the shop where he now works called Studio Three Flowers in La Plata, Maryland.  Doug started working there a few months back and when he invited me to come out and see the shop all decorated for their holiday open house this weekend, I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Doug is a very talented floral designer, so when he said the shop looked beautiful I knew I would have my breath taken away, and I wasn't disappointed!  There were trees in every size and shape, each with a different theme, and all were beautifully and meticulously done by one of the owners, Anne Ford.

From the moment I stepped inside the door I was transported to a winter wonderland full of sparklies and shimmering pretties!  Anne and her husband David not only sell lovely fresh flower arrangements at their shop, but also a wonderful assortment of gifts and decor!

There were so many great things to look at that I had to do a few laps around the shop before I could even begin taking photographs.  The place is trimmed from head to toe in anticipation of their holiday open house entitled "Celebrate the Season" which will be held this Saturday, November 13th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

There will be door prizes and plenty of inspiration, so if you live anywhere near La Plata, I encourage you to go!

Doug and his lovely wife Joan showed me around Studio Three pointing out all of the wonderful items for sale.  There really was something for everyone, and I had a hard time just snapping pictures and not grabbing everything in sight!

I loved these deer and think they would be perfect for the fall and the winter months, not just at Christmastime.

There were flocked trees trees simply adorned with bright red cardinals...

And pudgy little glass Santas with quirky little caps!  Crackled candlesticks topped with red berry garlands and chunky red pillar candles!

Anne Ford is the creative genius behind the beautiful trees scattered throughout the store.  She has worked tirelessly getting them ready for the open house this weekend and it shows!

This gold, green, and red tree was dressed to the nines, with elegant red silk roses and shimmering gold adornments.  And the best part is that everything you see on the trees is for sale, so you can recreate the look on your own tree at home!

These trees were all so beautifully done that I wouldn't be surprised if someone walks in this weekend and offers to purchase the entire tree to use in their own home!

I loved this pink fashionista inspired tree...

Check out this darling glass purse ornament.  Don't you just love the pink mixed with the zebra stripes...adorable!

And if the purse ornament wasn't cute enough...check out the leopard prints balls...meow!

Studio Three has so much more than just beautiful flowers and lovely Christmas items though, they also carry and array of gifts and home decor, like these cute little mini chandeliers.

Seasonal wreaths are always available, or you can have one custom made.  There are tiny tea sets, and even dolls for the child in all of us!

And check out this faux fur coat for that special little princess in your life...too cute!

They also carry an assortment of home fragrance products, including candles, and the always elegant Lampe Berger line!   

Studio Three also carries unique serveware and tasty treats which make wonderful hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, or thank you gifts for that special teacher.

And of course there are lots of things to give to yourself...you know, as a thank you gift for all you do each year! ;-)

Everywhere you turn there is inspiration...so much so that I'll be doing a second post to show you more photos since there were too many pictures to put into just one post!

I love the idea of adding a shear skirt to a fern stand to dress it up for the holidays.  And just look at that gorgeous silk floral arrangement...can't you just imagine that in your foyer to welcome holiday guests?!

I have a real thing for snowmen, and Studio Three has lots of cute little snow people to go around!  I love that you can keep snowmen out long after the Christmas tree comes down, and they always seem so happy and cheerful...something I can appreciate during those dreary winter months.

This icy tree was all dressed up in glittering white branches, sparkling glass garland, and puffs of white snow.  The darling snowmen that hung from the branches looked quite at home here...at least until the open house when they will be snatched up to go live at their new homes!

I will be doing a second post about Studio Three Flowers tomorrow, and showing you more beautiful things you can can purchase.  Anne and David are working on their website, so if you see something and can't visit their store, be sure to give them a call to see if they can ship it to you!

I will also have a special surprise giveaway in my second post...a lovely treat that I know you will all love!  And I'll also share with you a few things I picked up for myself...the dangers of doing photo shoots in stores! ;-)

Thanks so much to Doug Vogel and his wonderful wife Joan for telling me about Studio Three...and to Anne and David Ford for welcoming me into their shop!  I'm not a paid spokesperson for either Doug or Studio Three, I just love their work and want to share it with others!  So if you live in southern Maryland and you need beautiful flowers, or a special gift be sure to contact them!

Stay tuned...there's more to come!