About me..
I am a thirty-something gal with a hubby, two black dogs, and a one eared cat. We live in a great fixer upper in the Fan District of Richmond VA. I have a passion for design which mixes great with my husband’s love for home renovation! Over the past 4 years we have totally gutted the house and rebuilt it piece by piece.
Now the story behind the blog’s name shows there is such a thing as Fate. When Mr. vB and I started to date, his brother and sister in law commented that there was a store down in Raleigh called Boots n’ Toddy. We all thought it was cute and it inspired me to start using “Boots” as Mr. vB’s new nickname. (I don’t think he thought it was so cute) Okay- now fast forward a week or so later. I open my email to this photo and note:
This was the note from the Humane Society. NAME- Boots, 2 month old black lab/tick hound mix abandoned in the woods with his brother. Needs good home.
This was the note from Mr. vB- “Didn’t you say you wanted a puppy? Look at his name!” (mind you we already had a 4 year old black lab mix (Bailey) and a one eared cat (Milo) at home.)
Okay- so this isn’t the exact photo, but you get the point. I searched for the original and couldn’t find it. Look at that face! How could anyone resist. Needless to say, Sir Bootrous-Bootrous vB (aka Boots) entered our lives in July 2005.
So coming full circle, Boots and Totty not only means the realationship between a gal and her dog, but also between her and her hubby. Oh and if it didn’t click yet- I’m the Totty in the story!
Great beginning to a soon to be fabulous and well read blog. The advertisers will be begging to be on your site. Can’t believe how Boots has grown
I LOVE it!! I am in love with your 4-legged Boots already but I now adore the story of the 2-legged Boots in your life! What a perfect introduction.
finally had a chance to thoroughly read your blog. you never cease to amaze me how creative and witty you are! thanks for spicing up my life!
Totty
I love your blog–have sent it on to E and J.
I love you and I love your life
Thanks for the inspiration and all the giggles to accessorize with!!!
Hi!
I was wondering if you could give me more info on Dianne that did the painting for you.
Thanks!
Jamie
Hi Totty! Just wanted to say I love your blog!! And what a cute doggie…his bro, Sam, loves it, too
Totty,
I have been in my dreary basement working today and I decided to check out your blog. WOW! I have been addicted to looking at everything. Now my hand and shoulder hurts (haa!) and I must make myself stop looking for now. Boots is so cute…both of them. haa! Thanks for the laughs. The house looks great! Love the wallpaper and tile in the bathroom.
Hi Totty,
Great blog! I came to your site via your kitchen redesign on YHL
I wonder if I can get contact information for the talented lady who painted your dogs’ portrait? We have a 2 year old yellow lab at home and I’ve been looking around for someone to do this for us for a long time!
Thanks!
Danielle
Ditto to all the other comments. Great Blog. Cute dogs!!!
Hey,
I ran across your blog while looking for the Totty Trunk and Bag Co. I just purchased an antique Totty steamer trunk which I’m about to restore. Are you related to the Totty family that manufactured trunks in Petersburg, VA in the early 1900′s? I’ve been looking for information on the company because I know the trunk I purchased is a Totty as it still has the label on bottom.
Fun! And what a cute dog… seriously. I am glad I don’t get photos like that in my inbox, otherwise we would have a zoo (along with our two kids. WHEW!).
Hi Totty,
What a blast from the past! Do you remember me — it’s Amy — Dana & Randy’s niece. We used to play as kids. Just wanted to say hello. Cute blog and sweet family!