Rockin' around—more like into—the Christmas tree

Thought I'd be writing this post from the cozy, friendly confines of Southboro Kennels, one of my go-to vacation spots, but Mom's sick: vacation cancelled. So instead, I'm sprawled in the sun, having bumped my sister from her bed onto the floor to get some precious VST: valuable sun time.
While I'm soaking in essential Vitamin D, let me entertain you with a recap of my holiday adventures:

1. Christmas morning madhouse: first, I grabbed some antlers, presumably donated by one of Santa's reindeer, from my Christmas stocking and ran upstairs with the contraband. Then, I raced back down to insinuate my nose into every package, attempted to untie the ribbon on a box containing a cashmere sweater for Mom and generally wreaked havoc as my face-plants resulted in several assaults on the Christmas tree with gift bags on my face. Hey, they should put some eyeholes into those things!

2. Morning madhouse, part II: In which I learn to protect the house from whizzing Hexbugs. My sister, much like Pandora, unleashed these horrid things and set them about on the floor, whenceupon I went into high-alert siren mode: Ah-woooo-gah! Ah-woooo-gah! Ah-woooo-gah! Ah-woooo-gah! I skittered away from them in a kind of hypnotized dance, and when it was clear that I might have a coronary, they were removed. However, I have learned their ways and have been stalking them. Next, I will pounce, with sure results. If only Pandora had a faithful hound, the world would have been rid of such horrible evils.

3. Speaking of creatures that I will not allow to coexist with moi, my sister has ensconced a gigantic shark in her room, which she periodically wakes, makes airborne, and attempts chase in true sister-brother tormenting fashion. Lucky for her I just had my nails clipped, because just one swipe from me is all it will take to bring it down, forever.

If you'd like a hound companion who's likely to be just as much fun (and smart) as I, check out Moose, at my old place, Buddy Dog Humane Society. He's super handsome and would bring extra life (and exercise) into your home, ensuring a very Happy New Year!

Wellesley Books dog-shopping

Santa wouldn't leave me out, would he?

Handy for all those favors I've too often demanded.

For the Willy Loman-type pup.

Popped into Wellesley Books, hoping to catch a glimpse of my old pal Alison Morris, now of Scholastic Book Clubs, who had stopped by for a bit. Instead of pats and praises, then, I did some serious looking around for dog-themed gifts.

Mom liked the retro look of the Good Dog! Christmas stocking, but I already have a stocking, likely to be filled with coal, for good I am not. She picked up some thank-you notes engraved with a classy print of a foxhound and we both laughed at the tiny dog tie. We then paused before an impressive display of dog books, nicely faced out to feature their handsome covers. Someday, I'll be on one of those.

My photo here someday.

Doggone gifts for your pampered beast: gift guide no. 1

Alert and ready to go with my new martingale and collar.

Santa came early this year, because I've been so especially...stubborn. I'm loving my gift of a super-duper, custom-made (Bob matched the leather to my coloring) martingale collar and leash set. It finally stopped raining, so I could model it to its (and my) best advantage. Check out Bob's website at http://www.handcrafteddogcollars.com/ for super stuff for your favorite pet, who you'd prefer not to have take off unattended (although running after your pet would be a good way for you humans to burn off those holiday calories).

Treats from Lands' End.

So, dog-walking gear: check. Now, for feeding the tum. I like a good Christmas bone, but for treats, these organic pumpkin-nutmeg dog treats ($10)  from Oliver Bentleys Barking Bakery in Savannah, made specially for Lands' End, look scrumptious. Being a Southern boy, I'm partial to that kind of baking. And while I'm more a mackintosh and Wellies guy, less a cable-knit sweater dude, I can appreciate the Irish-inspired jumper (that's Brit for sweater, natch) in festive dark red ($39.50), also from LE.

Pottery Barn's painted pillows are too narrow to fit my long legs, but that's OK. I"ll just leave my muddy imprint on our white sofa someday.

And for resting the head: check out these precious pillows from Pottery Barn ($35-$39) that just invite your pup to jump on the couch for a charming double portrait.

Next up: a dog's nose view of the fun gifts at Wellesley Books. I don't have to shop virtually there; for some reason, they let me in (and treat me like a king)!

Hostess Gifts from Fred Flare!

Hostess gifts are something I want to start bringing to the get-togethers that I attend. Just a nice way to say thank you. Thank you for cleaning your home just for me, thank you for slaving over a delicious meal, thank you for the handmade origami crane decorations...I noticed all of that....and it meant a a lot! Plus searching out adorable hostess gifts is just another excuse to shop and purchase! Or you could always make a sweet little something wether it be in the kitchen or in your craft room!....and that's just another excuse to create!

1. ice cream kitchen timer. Everyone needs a kitchen timer for eggs or tea, why not have one that looks like icecream?

2. 5 minute candle pack. Handy for the all the time party maker to have in her purse. A birthday candle match book....perfect!

3. Yes, these adorable ladies are indeed umbrellas! You may not need umbrellas while you are entertaining in your home but those flowers are not going to pick themselves up from the florist rain or shine just in time for the big event!

Find these and other perfect hostess gifts at Fred Flare!

Hostess Gifts from Fred Flare!

Hostess gifts are something I want to start bringing to the get-togethers that I attend. Just a nice way to say thank you. Thank you for cleaning your home just for me, thank you for slaving over a delicious meal, thank you for the handmade origami crane decorations...I noticed all of that....and it meant a a lot! Plus searching out adorable hostess gifts is just another excuse to shop and purchase! Or you could always make a sweet little something wether it be in the kitchen or in your craft room!....and that's just another excuse to create!

1. ice cream kitchen timer. Everyone needs a kitchen timer for eggs or tea, why not have one that looks like icecream?

2. 5 minute candle pack. Handy for the all the time party maker to have in her purse. A birthday candle match book....perfect!

3. Yes, these adorable ladies are indeed umbrellas! You may not need umbrellas while you are entertaining in your home but those flowers are not going to pick themselves up from the florist rain or shine just in time for the big event!

Find these and other perfect hostess gifts at Fred Flare!

My Funny Valentines

I'm not typically a Valentine giver, but this year I decided to make some !

I came up with two different ideas, one for boys and one for girls. Both are super affordable too!

(as they are made out of felt)

For girls: I thought a cute heart headband would be cute!

Plus bonus........it can also be worn as an eyepatch!

For boys: mustache on a stick! What silly boy wouldn't like a temporary handlebar mustache?

These crafties can be used as Valentines, party favors, or just keep them handy for when a friend is having a bad day! For more on how to make these lovelies check out The Lovely Lemon!

Happy Valentines Day!

My Funny Valentines

I'm not typically a Valentine giver, but this year I decided to make some !

I came up with two different ideas, one for boys and one for girls. Both are super affordable too!

(as they are made out of felt)

For girls: I thought a cute heart headband would be cute!

Plus bonus........it can also be worn as an eyepatch!

For boys: mustache on a stick! What silly boy wouldn't like a temporary handlebar mustache?

These crafties can be used as Valentines, party favors, or just keep them handy for when a friend is having a bad day! For more on how to make these lovelies check out The Lovely Lemon!

Happy Valentines Day!

Design Mom creative Valentines

Look at these adorable Valentines that Design Mom created for her kids! These Valentines are unique and super affordable too!

Check out the cuteness!

She and her daughter made friendship bracelets and tied them to card stock with cute Valentines Day phrases printed on them.

A Valentine you can wear all year!

For her son , she wrapped up mad libs with cute scrapbook paper and tied it up with bright colored string. The best part is what is written on the tag!

"You have Mad Skillz"

Hope you like the fun ideas! What are you planning to to for Valentines?

Design Mom creative Valentines

Look at these adorable Valentines that Design Mom created for her kids! These Valentines are unique and super affordable too!

Check out the cuteness!

She and her daughter made friendship bracelets and tied them to card stock with cute Valentines Day phrases printed on them.

A Valentine you can wear all year!

For her son , she wrapped up mad libs with cute scrapbook paper and tied it up with bright colored string. The best part is what is written on the tag!

"You have Mad Skillz"

Hope you like the fun ideas! What are you planning to to for Valentines?

Gingerbread Mug Perches

Check out these simply lovely mug perches found at Not Martha. How much do you want to make a million of these??? What a festive addition to your holiday traditions! These would make amazing garnishes for a Christmas party, and the PERFECT hostess gift for the times when you are the Christmas guest! I need to get into the kitchen and make these immediately!

You can find full instructions and helpful hints here.

Gingerbread Mug Perches

Check out these simply lovely mug perches found at Not Martha. How much do you want to make a million of these??? What a festive addition to your holiday traditions! These would make amazing garnishes for a Christmas party, and the PERFECT hostess gift for the times when you are the Christmas guest! I need to get into the kitchen and make these immediately!

You can find full instructions and helpful hints here.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Dreaming of a white Christmas but don't live in a snowy state?

You can give your loved ones that white Christmas that you have both dreamed of with this clever idea! A girl that I work with came up with this and I think it's just too adorable not to share with you! This works best as a Christmas Eve project, it creates the most magic that way.

All you need to do is decorate your home with paper snowflakes , cotton ball strings, and paper chain ( anyone seen the movie Elf?)and turn down your thermostat to make is extra "snowy". I just love this idea! Imagine being a child awaken to your mother telling you "It's snowing! It's snowing!" when you live in Florida!

Further imagine the excitement you would experience when you get out of bed, put on a sweater, and rush through your house which has been transformed into a winter wonderland!! Magical!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Dreaming of a white Christmas but don't live in a snowy state?

You can give your loved ones that white Christmas that you have both dreamed of with this clever idea! A girl that I work with came up with this and I think it's just too adorable not to share with you! This works best as a Christmas Eve project, it creates the most magic that way.

All you need to do is decorate your home with paper snowflakes , cotton ball strings, and paper chain ( anyone seen the movie Elf?)and turn down your thermostat to make is extra "snowy". I just love this idea! Imagine being a child awaken to your mother telling you "It's snowing! It's snowing!" when you live in Florida!

Further imagine the excitement you would experience when you get out of bed, put on a sweater, and rush through your house which has been transformed into a winter wonderland!! Magical!

DIY bib necklace

I have seen a lot of these bib necklaces lately, and i got to thinking that I could probably make that myself ! So I gave it a try!

Here are some renditions of the bib necklace that I found pleasing.

And here's what I made. Not bad for a first try, and I have worn it about ten times now!

For this project I used stiff felt, and some fabric scraps I had lying around to make the flowers and I braided some of the same fabric to make the rope.

I'd like to make some sparkly versions too!

They will be PERFECT for holiday parties, and gifts!

DIY bib necklace

I have seen a lot of these bib necklaces lately, and i got to thinking that I could probably make that myself ! So I gave it a try!

Here are some renditions of the bib necklace that I found pleasing.

And here's what I made. Not bad for a first try, and I have worn it about ten times now!

For this project I used stiff felt, and some fabric scraps I had lying around to make the flowers and I braided some of the same fabric to make the rope.

I'd like to make some sparkly versions too!

They will be PERFECT for holiday parties, and gifts!

Homemade Thanksgiving Hair-Wear

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I decided to sit down and create some festive hair accessories! This is what I came up with.....

I made leaves out of felt and used thread to create the details.

Buttons found at a thrift store looked fantastic grouped together and attached to a headband.

I attached lots of small feathers to a piece of felt (isn't felt the best?)

and sewed on a button at the bottom to finish it off.

Now go forth and create you own festive Thanksgiving hair-wear!! Have fun and Happy Thanksgiving!