I Love Dogs!!!

Check out these amazing animals! I particularly love the story about the seeing eye dog and the golden retriever. I may need another dog folks!

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/12/29/best-of-2010-the-most-touching-animal-stories/

Easy Peasy Centerpieces from BHG

These are so simple anyone can do them. Plus, the best part is, they don't all require a glue gun! Even though I have gotten much more comfortable with them I still cringe at having to get them out and I love just throwing stuff together with what I already have. This bottom tree is cute enough to maybe be worth the try though. Although the tree made of boxes at the top is my fave!

Check out http://www.bhg.com/ for more ideas!

I can't get enough of this!

For the Book Lover

This would be a great gift idea for any book lover. Like me!

Tree Ornaments

These are so cute! I have tons of cute Christmas cardstock that I would love to use up for this!

Yes, I am Still Wreath Obsessed

This great idea from Better Homes and Gardens pairs up two of my favorite things. Wreaths and mail! I'll post my version as soon as I head to Hobby Lobby this weekend.

Easy Peasy Crafts

Here is another craft that would be great for elementary age kids to try. You could even make a tree design or stars or snowflakes. On second though, I'm totally gonna do that!

Homemade Gift for Kids

Here is cute gift that anyone can handle. Even my least crafty friends could do it!

Christmas List Continued

The Fashionista

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/argyle-bateau-sweater/5528435

Short sleeved sweaters and layers are aways a fall must-have. Plus argyle is a classic that never really seems to go out of style so this sweater is a perfect fit from The Limited.

www.thelimited.com



The Animal Lover


Kyjen Outward Hound Excursion Pack

I love love love my dog! And I love him best when he is wiped out and ready to cuddle. This is a great gift for people with active dogs. It helps the dog have a sense of purpose and tires them out twice as fast. Plus how cute is it?

www.amazon.com

Lazy Posting

I'm still feeling pretty under the weather, but I am dying to post something. Since I have pretty much looked at the entire internet while being bedridden for nearly a week I have gathered tons of great ideas for Christmas gifts. Granted, many of them I would love to have for myself I thought you all would also enjoy browsing through their loveliness. Plus this post doesn't require me getting off of the couch :-)

Christmas List

The Romantic

This little charm is from Blue Nile. Keys are all the rage this year when it comes to decorating and fashion. Personally, I am totally on board. I love the symbolism of the key. This would be a great romantic gift from the one who holds the key to your heart.

www.bluenile.com

Gorgeous Flameless Candles

I am a candle fanatic, but they do make me a little nervous with a crazy puppy around and nieces and nephews. That's why I love this idea of a flameless candle made of real wax that actually smells good. Plus they are super cute.

You can check out IKR Designs Etsy Shop at the link below:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IKRDesigns?ref=seller_info

Sorry I have been MIA

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to let everyone know I had surgery and that's why my blog hasn't been updated. I am hoping I feel well enough tomorrow to start posting. Thanks for reading in the meantime!

Bloghopping Today

Adventures in Cricutland

I am ashamed to say I have had my Cricut for almost a year and have only done one major project with it. Before I received it last Christmas I swore it would revolutionize my life and convinced my dad to buy me the whole big Cricut Expression package on QVC. However, I soon became intimidated my the Cricut believing I could never achieve what my predecessors had. Therefore, the Cricut collected dust and sad sadly in the craft corner.

One day while hopping along in blogland I found Robyn at My Pink Stamper and started watching her videos on my lunch break. Gradually, my confidence built up and I decided to give the long lost Cricut a comeback and try and nice easy project. I know it seems simple, but I am grateful to have my Cricut passion re-ingnited and this cute little frame. I can't wait for more holidays so I can use the Cricut more and more. I am sorry to have banished you to the Craft Corner my loyal friend.

Along Came a Spider

I am a huge fan of Shelley over at House of Smiths. I love her design style and her vinyl line. Plus she is nice enough to post super cute free print outs. Here is a picture of her latest.

P.S. Please ignore the wood putty on the shelf :-)

Wordlessly Wednesday

5 Minute Crafts

I am starting a new theme of crafting for my blog known as "5 Minute Crafts." For those of you who don't know me very well, I work full-time, with a long commute plus I have a very active puppy to take care of. Crafting is my release, but I don't always have time for a full blown project. So I am always on the hunt for something quick and easy that can add some charm to my home. 

Here is my first tutorial. Not exactly, grown-breaking, but I think it's pretty darn cute. I forgot to take pics of the progress, but it only took 5 minutes so I think it is pretty easy. I just bought a fake pumpkin from Michael's (at 50% off), used the jute I already had and applied it in the grooves with my glue gun and tied a ribbon that I already had around the top. Cheap and Easy! (I realize that sounds like a bad advertisement on Craigslist, but go with me here!)

50 Followers!!

I am super excited to announce that I have reached 50 followers! Thanks so much to everyone who has stopped by and decided my little blog is worth following! I can't wait to reach 100!

Yes, I said pop!

After a disappointing weekend for OSU sportsfans the bucks posted this photo to cheer us up. The best pop display ever!

More Monday Blog Hops

Remember to visit one of my favorite blog hops over at Inspiring You to Save!!. Jessica even designed my blog!

Follow Us Monday Morning Blog Hop

I am in a new blog hop this beautiful Monday morning! Ok the last part was a lie, but I am in a new blog hop! Check out the tropical button in my sidebar and hop along with me!

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Question of the Week

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Question of the Week: When was the last time you went camping and what's your favorite camping destination?

Answer: I hate camping! This may make me unAmerican or high maintenance or whatever, but I have only camped twice in my life and I hated it. I have no desire to ever go again and would like to banish both of those experiences from my memory. Sorry to all you camping lovers- you and I are not alike on this one. 

My Thrift Store Conversion Story

I have never had much faith in thrifting. I know that is kind of a swear word in blogland, but I have never had much luck with it. The area that I live in isn't very cohesive to thrifting unless you want clothing. However, I was passing by Goodwill and I decided to listen to the little voice in my head and go inside. And boy IT WAS GREAT! It still has a very small housewears collection, but I did find somethings I have been looking for. Here is a peak of their current state. Keep your eyes peeled in a few weeks for their madeover glory. I am now a thrift store convert.

P.S. There was also an old fashioned Japanese pin ball machine. That alone may have been worth the trip!

Pumpkin Picture Frame

I love this very inexpensive idea from My Creative Stirrings. Check out the tutorial. I even like this idea as not a pumpkin!