giving thanks and a giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!  

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.  

We had a very relaxing, simple day filled with lots of puppy love (and football;)

We are very grateful to have so much to be thankful for.  I think it is important to be thankful every day, so Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I usually make the whole traditional Thanksgiving meal even for just the two of us, but this year decided to opt out.  I can not figure out how one single meal takes three days to prepare, but as you all know, it does.  Instead, we had pizza and margaritas!  It was fun and whimsical and perfect for the cold, rainy weather we had and sitting in front of the fireplace in the barn room.

Before we head on into Christmas, and winter, I wanted to share this artwork of Ella that the very talented, and oh-so-kind, Patricia Van Essche of PVE Design painted of Ella from a photo I posted on the blog several years ago.  She, then kindly sent me this print of the painting.  I framed it in an antique gilt frame.

Patricia captured the essence of Ella in this piece and I love it so much.  

Contact Patricia if you would like a painting of your own dog.  I know several people personally who have had her paint their pets and they are so happy with the final work.  

Patricia also paints houses!  To read all about the painting she did of the farmhouse and the notecards she sent please click HERE

Patricia's artwork makes a wonderful gift and since we are coming into that season I wanted to share her work with you in case you were in need of a special gift.

The original photograph of Ella from the blog.

Patricia captured Ella so beautifully.

Patricia is also a Director for the fabulous India Hicks , and has offered to

 give away one of India's candles to my readers!  I am personally crushing on the description of The Grove, but do tell me which candle you would chose?!

Head over to India's website and have a look around.  There are wonderful accessories, jewelry and bags that would make for a great gift!

Giveaway will close Wednesday, November 30th at 8pm EST.  I will contact the winner via email, so please be sure to leave your contact information in your entry comment!  

Casuarina

The simple green fragrance from the Casuarina tree that I pass by as I walk my dogs at dawn down our jungle path. The island only just beginning to stir, my own house still asleep. A time of silence, before the madness begins.

 

Black Hibiscus

Tea and oranges: England in the tropics, captured by the suggestion of sea air, oranges and Earl Grey tea.

The Grove

This fragrance is reminiscent of our island palm grove, stretching lazily from our terrace down towards the end of the garden. We planted this avenue the year our first child was born. A seductive concoction of mandarin, orange blossom, gardenia petals and salty air

Our candle burns for a good long time, believe me I have tested this, at every Get Together I light our candle to bring a little bit of home.

On a final note, I want to thank you for your interest in our farmhouse, my decorating, our lives, and our sweet rescue girls.  Your presence here is a great gift in my life and I am ever so thankful for you.
Post Script:  don't forget to check out the adorable adoptable dog of the week (and watch the video) on the top of my sidebar!!!   

xxojoan

Post script:
After deducting the 4 extra comments that left a total of 96 entries.
My Little Bungalow is the winner.
Congratulations Claudia!