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!

Another Thursday Blog Hop!

Grab Bag Giveaway!

Check out this huge giveaway over at Carrie's Rambles! It will be ending soon.

Wordlessly Wednesday

Blog Hop, Skip, and Jump Wednesday!

I am Going to be Famous Among My Neighbors!!!

Anyone who knows me or reads my blog understand my passion for my puppy. And if you have met him I am sure you feel the same (hehe). So when I saw these I can't resist trying one. I have said before I am not a great pumpkin carver and this will probably end up being a hot mess, but I'm doing it for the kids..er dogs!

I can't decide which one is the most like Rolly. We know he is a Border Collie mix, but I'm not sure if that matches him the best. What do you think?

You can view all the options at Better Homes and Gardens.

Rolly

BHG Craft Ideas

I always love so many of these craft ideas from Better Homes and Gardens. Just like the Pottery Barn Catalog they are a great source of inspiration for your own works of art. Here are some of my favorites!

Most of these supplies look like something you could find in your own backyard or the dollar store. You can check out them all here at BHG.com .

Meet Me Monday

Hi Everyone! I am excited about geting more active in blog hops in order to gain more followers and make new friends in blogland. Please check out Meet Me Monday over at Inspiring You to Save. There are lots of great blogs to discover. Join in the fun!

Halloween Giveaway Goodness!

Check out this very generous giveaway from Santa's Gift Shoppe! I love counting down to holidays wit things like this and I love Charlie Brown! What more could you want? You can also check out her Etsy shop to buy your own if you are not the lucky winner.

$105 Blog Design Package for ONly $10!!!

I so need to win this, but I will be happy for you if you win instead.

Package Includes:

Custom Header

Custom Background

Custom Button w/ Code

Custom Post Divider

Custom Signature

Matching Text Color

Text Navigation Bar

Widen Blog and/or Sidebars

1-3 Column Design

Installation

Go here to enter!

The Pumpkin Obsession Continues

Every week I say I am going to the pumpkin patch and every week I never go. The pumpkin season is slipping away and I haven't had a chance to try one of the 20 ideas I have seen on everyone else blogs. here is one more to add to the list. I love Eddie Ross. He makes decorating seem so simple. I'm not a huge fan if these pumpkins in particular, but I like the concept. I am thinking of instead of my initals, drilling in "31st" or something. I'm not great at carving with the knife and this seems much harder to mess up. Let me know if you have any other ideas!

More Pumpkin Decor!

You can never have enough pumpkin decor, can you? I think not! This Idea is so cute and simple and I already have all of the supplies. I love free crafts! Think of all of the possibilities! Hearts for valentine's day, trees for Christmas, shamrocks for St. Patrick's day, leaves for fall! I could go on and on. This will definitely be attempted this weekend with pictures to come. Enjoy the Tutorial over at Embellishing Life!

This Idea is so Genius!

I found this today while blog hopping and I have to say I am in love with it. I am so going to make this! Check out the tutorial at Kimbo Crafts. I am looking for ideas for my friends upcoming bridal shower and I may just have to steal this.

Etsy Giveaway: Love My Coasters

I never psot giveaways that I wouldn't love to win myself so I really encourage you to enter. You never know when you will win. I actually won something 2 weeks ago.

I found a new blog today called Little Sprout Growing and she is having an adorable giveaway. I love the fabrics that are used on the coasters. I am a huge fan of Amy Butler fabrics. Check out her blog and enter yourself!

All coasters have a middle layer of heavy duty stablizer to keep them flat, as well as to keep heat and moisture away from furniture. Coasters are also machine washable. The non-reversible coasters have a faux leather backing as an added layer of protection for furniture.
Love My Coasters features many of our favorite fabric designers in easy to find categories, such as, Michael Miller, Amy Butler, J Dewberry, L Tueller and others!

DeeLain is able to accomodate your needs - need 8 or 12 (or even 16) coasters instead of 4? She can do it for you. Coasters are 4.25 x 4.25.
(Great stocking stuffer idea, don't you think?! or make them up with a basket with coffee and mugs? Mmm...)

Love My Coasters is giving one Little Sprout Growing follower a set of 4 coasters with a fabric of their choice!

Book Thong Giveaway! (Yes, I said Thong)

I just started following this super cute blog Saturday Mornings. She makes these neat little things called book thongs and is giving away one free. Check her out and enter to win!

Giveaway Thursday!

 

Here is your best chance at FREE stuff on the web!!! Join these giveaways!!!! Courtesy of Someday Crafts!

I Won an Award!!!!!

I have been following this amazing blog called While He Was Napping. I even bought a few items from her Etsy that many members of my family will see at Christmas. She gave me and 9 other luck bloggers the Happy 101 Award!

Rules for the award:
1. Post who it was that gave you the award.
2. List 10 things that you like.
3. Give this award to 10 other blogs and let them know with a comment. 

10 Things I Like
1. The Hubs
2. My Rollykins!
3. All my nieces and nephews!
4. Ohio State Football. Go Bucks!
5. Trying to find the perfect gift for people
6. Crafting
7. Baking my secret cookie recipes
8. Home decorating

9. Reading

10. Hibachi (I know it makes me look like a fatty, but it's so true!)

After much deliberation, the 10 Blogs I am awarding the Happy 101 Award to are:

1. A Ruffle in Time

2. ABC's of My Life

3. Blooming Freckles

4. Craftily Ever After

5. Dianna the Explorer

6. Emilie Handmade

7. Generally Creative

8. Grandma's Scraps

9. Lil Luna

10. Make Mine Lime

Wooden Pumpkins

I have been seeing these everywhere in blogland and I loved them. I loved them so much I told myself I had to get over my fear of power tools and give them a try. I'll admit John did most of the cutting, but I measured and assisted. It was great working together on a project. Check out my pictures below. I am totally inspired to make more things with wood. Also, this was my very first time using Modge Podge and I must say, I AM ADDICTED. I forgot to takes pics of that step, but you get the idea.