Blogging Basics

I am still shocked at the response I received from my post about what I've learned blogging.

You all got me thinking.  Maybe I should do a little blogging basics series. 

This series would include things I have learned along the way.  I am nowhere close to being a professional.  I have a tiny little blog (but lots of awesome readers).  I have had some amazing opportunities stem from this little blog and I’d like to share my wisdom.

I know some of the fancy big girl bloggers have recently discussed their blogging tips but I’m thinking more tips for us tiny baby bloggers.  We do things a little differently.  Our blogging mission isn’t too put food on our tables but to entertain one another instead.  I think we can do this while pretending to know what we’re doing as well.

My “blogging series” (if I stick with it) will be more focused on the basics.  The things that I had to dig to find on my own. 

Here’s where I need your input…

What would you like to learn from this series? 

Things I have in mind include but are not limited to:

• Blog layout, Laying out a post, How to make a header, What’s your blog mission/focus?, Turn off that word capture, Make Picnik your best friend, Your “About Me” page, Finding your niche, Google Reader 101, Windows Live Writer 101, Getting your blog out there, Social media, Let’s talk $$$

What did I miss?

This would be a one post a week deal.  I don’t want to get away from my true love…….blabbing about my house and my compulsive shopping habits.  (I’m trying to limit my spending in January, so you get random posts.  Woo hoo!)

I would also love if some of you that have been blogging for awhile would chime in with comments.  Maybe I’ll have some helpers.  E-mail me if you are interested experienced little bloggers (decorandthedog at gmail). This could be fun…

Cow Painting Guest Post

Yesterday I shared with you a cow painting painted by my little brother. 

He documented the process for the blog. The blog that he makes fun of me for.  Isn’t that thoughtful (the documenting, not the mocking)?  What is happening to my brother?  I’m worried.

I’m so glad he documented the process because I would not have realized how much thought and time went into this darling little painting.

Take it away little brother…

It all started when my bestest/only sister asking me to paint a cow picture.  I did a quick Google images search and found a cow pic that I thought would be cool.

Now that I was getting going,  I thought..I should learn how to paint.  Kind of a big deal if you are supposed to paint a picture for your sister for Christmas and you are very skeptical of your skills or lack there of.....so off to Google I went.  I searched "how to paint with acrylics"  and kablam, I find artisfun.com. So I read some stuff on there like the supply list and the tutorials. I found the photo realism one pretty cool so I thought I would try that.

I enlarged the photo and then did a grid method light box transfer…which sounds fancy but all you do is put it on a light box and transfer the picture and shading lines onto a new piece of paper.

Now it's go time.  Can i actually do this?.....meh, let's give it the ol' college effort.  Any good college effort includes Monday night football and Coors Light. Thanks Ray Lewis for the pep talk.

I painted for 3 hour the first night.  I had no clue what I was doing so I grabbed my picture and put paint to canvas. I started by blocking in the sky then moved to the grass and lastly blocked in the black of the cows. The next night I painted for 1 hour.  I didn't like how the grass turned
out...looked goofy to me so I went back over it with a standard flat brush and blotted the paint on the canvas kind of just mixing as i went. I also blocked in the white of some of the cow.  I added more paint to the sky due to the fact the lines were slightly visible.  The next hour I added more paint to sky and tried to get better clouds.  I then blocked the background out and layered another coat of white on the cows and blocked in an off white for the shading effect.  The next hour was spent on more detailed work to the front cow’s nose (pain in my arse) I then added more off white, colored in the faces knees ankles and back legs with a little shading . I finished all the background trees bushes fields and shading.  I spent 45 minutes more on nose work shading and tree shading tried blocking in the eyes with lighter color.  I had to spend 45 minutes more on the nose and the eyes….the EYES, they have souls!!! Lastly, I painted the sides of the canvas and sprayed with a glass finish. 

All told, I spent about 10.5 hrs and 50-65 bucks.  There are now two cows and a
lot of supplies (8 canvases, countless paint brushes, and enough paint to go a ways) to further continue painting because it was fun.  

~lil bro

A guest post from my brother. I never thought the day would come.  Maybe he won’t make fun of Décor and the Dog anymore.  Wait, who am I kidding?

Any painters out there?  Any wanna-be painters?  Do your siblings mock your blog?

Start Something That Matters Winner

I was blown away by the responses to the Start Something That Matters Giveaway question (“If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?”).  You all are an inspiring group of readers.  You definitely made me think harder than “lay on the beach and read books/nap all day.”

Unfortunately, I could only pick one winner…and that lucky person is…..drumroll please….

Commenter #3 is the lovely Jen over at Paisley Print Shoes. What a a great answer too!

Congrats Jen!  Can’t wait to hear what you think of the book!

My Brother is Mootastitic

Today I’d like to share with you all one of my favorite gifts that I received at Christmas. 

A cow painting.

This isn’t just any ol’ cow painting.  This cow painting was painted my little brother.  It is his first painting.  I’m beyond impressed. Look at the cow’s shadow.

My brother and I have an interesting relationship. We are extremely close but we do much better in life living apart.  He tells everyone that our relationship has the shelf life of fish….3 days and we start to go bad.  This is day 2.75 of Christmas at home…

I’m touched that he spent the time to paint this for me. (Not only that but he took photos of the process for a blog post.  That’s true sibling love.)

The cows are now living happily in my laundry room….

They make me smile as I’m shoving Nate’s dirty underwear into the washer.  That’s an impressive cow painting.

I have my brother pondering an Etsy shop.  He doesn’t think they are good enough to sell.  I think he is wrong. Because he’s always wrong.  He’s my brother.

Any great gifts from your sibling(s)?  What’s your shelf life with your sibling(s)?

Start Something That Matters Giveaway

I recently received the book "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie as part of a Books for Bloggers program.  Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS.  TOMS is a shoe company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.

I love TOMS shoes.  I’m not usually a trendy person.  As an Iowan, I stand little chance of being trendy.  We don’t catch on to trends until the items are available on the shelves of Wal-Mart.  This is one trend, however, I did catch on to early. 

The shoes are not only hip and fun but they are extremely comfortable.  They are like work appropriate slippers.  I am on my feet 8+ hours per day so I need a comfortable pair of shoes (or five).  I appreciate the TOMS movement.  Who wouldn’t want to help out children while wearing cute and comfortable shoes? Brilliant.

As a loyal TOMS customer, I was excited to read more about the company. 

“Start Something That Matters” is a quick, yet inspirational read.  The book discusses the origins of the company and the importance of using stories in today’s marketing.  Would the alpargata inspired shoe have made such an impact in United States fashion without the one for one movement?   My husband and brother would definitely argue “no” because they do not like the style of shoe.  (Keep in mind they are dudes from Iowa. Iowa dudes are even less trendy than the lovely Iowa ladies.) 

I’m a skeptic when it comes to self-help/inspiration business books.  Yes, it would be awesome to love your work and work for what you love but I’m not sure everyone can experience this.  Maybe there are people that LOVE being garbage men but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise.  But garbage men are important and the world needs them. These people fill a need with their work. (I’m also sure there are pharmacists that LOVE their jobs but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise.  These people fill a need with their work. ;))

I did find this book very inspirational though.  Did it inspire me to start my own company?  No. (Maybe an Etsy shop. Hmmm.) Did it make me think that I could change the world?  No.  What it did inspire me to do was think beyond my current stage in life.  What goals should I set for myself?  How can I help others? Should I think about switching careers?  Where should I volunteer?  I like books that challenge me in such a personal way.  I also learned a little about business and other interesting organizations (charity: water, FEED, method) in a way that didn’t bore me.  That’s an impressive feat.

Would you like to win your own copy of “Start Something That Matters”? 

• TO ENTER (required):  An important part of this book is making yourself aware of your passion. One question Blake asks is “If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?”  Answer that question for your entry!
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: January 8, 2012 11:59PM CST
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• OTHER STUFF: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on January 9, 2012 .  Check back to see if you are the lucky winner!

***I was given this book for free as part of the Books for Bloggers Program.  I was not compensated in any other way and was encouraged to be honest….even if I only used the book as kindling in my fireplace.  My fireplace is electric but this book definitely wouldn’t be needed to keep me warm…unless you count warm and fuzzy thoughts.***

Sangria Pinterest Madness

Today I would like to share with you a Pinterest story.

Last week I pinned a recipe for Sangria from Yellow Song Bird.  The bestie and I were looking for a good healthy recipe to help us ring in the New Year.  No biggie.  Until I started to receive trillions of re-pinned e-mails from this Sangria pin.  Check this out.  Insanity.

Photo via Pinterest and Yellow Song Bird

Here’s the funny part.  I don’t drink very often. I don’t have any moral/ethical/religious issues with drinking.  It’s just one of my many weird Michelle things.  But on occasion, I do enjoy a good Sangria.  Even in the middle of winter.  Mainly because it’s one of the few drinks that I actually enjoy and don’t have to choke down.

I thought I should share with my dear readers a review of this popular pin.  Did it really live up to the re-pinning hype?

A Sangria Review From A Girl That Doesn’t Drink Often and Hates Red Wine

I gathered my ingredients.

Only the finest $4.99 bottle of red wine will do.  Nothing but the best for my New Year’s Eve guests…

I dumped the ingredients in a pretty glass pitcher as instructed (instructions here)…

The sangria was obviously very pretty and it easy to make…even for a girl that struggles in the kitchen.  I’d say I did it alone but I made Nate open the bottle of wine.  Who corks a $4.99 bottle of wine?  Seriously.  I may or may not have carried the bottle of wine outside while looking for Nate.  This was at noon. 

The sangria was delicious.  Just the right amount of sweet and fruity goodness.  You should definitely add this to your entertaining drink list.  Re-pin this lovely drink!  You will thank me.  And your guests will thank me. 

Any other great Sangria recipes out there?  What’s your most surprisingly popular pin on the ol’ Pinterest?

Bring It 2012

What’s in store for our house in 2012? 

To be honest, I’m not completely sure.  I usually tackle projects when the vision comes to me.  Once I get that vision in my head, you can’t stop me. 

Let’s take a look at some areas that need some love.  I’m not putting pressure on myself to tackle any of these.  I really want to think through my design choices.  I may also be asking you all for advice in the future.  You all can be my vision assistants.  I like it.

The office is on my list.  It’s not like the office is horrendous.  It just doesn’t feel right to me.  Like it’s not really us.  Or finished.  It just feels a little “blah” to me.  I don’t like the wall color.  Nate does…or so he tells me.  I think he likes it because it doesn’t involve painting.

A rarely seen area of our home is our finished basement.  I use the term finished loosely.  What?  The Simpsons aren’t a hot design trend.  Seriously?  Ellipticals and boob lights aren’t either?  Bummer.  Guess we have some work to do. 

I really want a bed frame to replace our icky bed skirt in our master bedroom. Nate can totally build a bed frame.  Right?  Right!

We’re pondering built-ins in our living room.  I like the shelves but we’re thinking extra storage would be helpful if we ever decide to have spawn.  (Mom, please read the key word “if” in that sentence.)

We’re torn on a kitchen backsplash.  I’m sure it would like nice with the right tile choice.  We’re totally commitment phobes on this one.  And we both like the kitchen as is.  Weird, right?

I’m also liking the idea of an 8 person table in our formal dining room.  The bar height wasn’t our smartest decision.  I feel like some of the reason we don’t use this room is because of it’s more formal feel.  We’re definitely not formal people so why have a “formal” dining room.  I want to be able to use it comfortably.  And Nate likes building tables.  Or is it that I like him to build tables?  I don’t remember.  That point is not important.

There you have it.  A few maybe projects for the upcoming year.

Which room/project do you want us to tackle first? Who’s excited to be my vision assistant? 

2011 Was Good to Our House

What?  A house post today?  Weird.

We’ve been doing this really strange thing lately.  We’ve been enjoying our house.  Enjoying it just the way it is.  No changes.  No projects.  Just fun.  Weird.

Today I thought I’d share with you how our house changed in a year.  Putting this post together made me realize how much work we have put into our home in such a short period of time.  I’m not going to lie.  This blog is major motivation. I like it.  Kind of makes me wonder what we did the first two years we lived here.  Slackers.

Our first big project of 2011 was building a headboard for our master bedroom.  It totally transformed the room.  I think the headboard was the catalyst that turned me into a crazy DIY/design obsessed human being.  Nothing would be safe from here on out.  I love you headboard.

My next victim was our guest bedroom.  It spoke to me…”Michelle, I’m ugly.  Please help.” 

I made over the guest bedroom and then realized the guest bath was still homely.  It’s in decorating limbo now but better.  I just need that shower curtain to speak to me.  It’s currently telling me that I can do better.

My laundry room (there is no “our” in laundry room) was a giant disaster.  I wish I could tell you that it still looks this clean…but that would be lying.  At least it’s brightly colored and messy now.

Our mudroom was lacking. Unless you count dog dishes as decorations.  Adding moldings and a bench made the room much prettier and (less importantly) more functional.

My most insane decision of the year was to stencil our powder room.  I decided to go big or go home and went with a black on white look.  It’s definitely a conversation piece when guests come over.  The almost mental breakdown was totally worth it.

My luck was running really high in the end of 2011 and I won $1000 in lighting from Barn Light Electric.  Some of our free funds went to updating our kitchen pendants to something a little shinier….

And last but not least, our eating area got a fun rustic facelift thanks to the lovely farmhouse table Nate whipped up for us…

Overall, I’d say 2011 was pretty good to our house.  Who knows what we’ll do to it in 2012…but I’ll share some maybe plans with you on Wednesday!

Did you make big changes to your home in 2011?  Big plans for 2012?  What’s your favorite 2011 Décor and the Dog change?

Linking up to: The Blooming Hydrangea

Finding Silver Linings Boutique Winner

Happy 2012! 

Who stayed up until midnight? Staying up is always a challenge for me.  I successfully made it to midnight though (without a nap..thank you very much!) thanks to the company of some great friends. 

We hosted a small gathering.  We made homemade pizza, sangria, and fondue.  We, obviously, ate too much.  The boys insisted that the Discovery channel be on all night so I learned about moonshining in Virginia and medicinal marijuana sales in California.  It was a rocking New Year’s Eve.

But on to more important things!! Who’s the lucky winner of the giveaway from Finding Silver Linings Boutique?

Drum roll please……

Congrats Kristen!  E-mail me to claim your set!

Remember you can use the code “IKE15” to save 15% off your order at Finding Silver Linings Boutique!

Baby Model

Our third niece was welcomed to the world a few weeks ago!  Nate’s sister wanted a few newborn pictures but didn’t want to fork over the dough that those fancy photographers are charging.  Nate to the rescue!

During a whirlwind trip of central Iowa, we made a quick stop to capture these precious newborn moments.  Nate is picky about his photos but I think they are fantastic and feel like sharing them.  I’m sure he’s glad I decided to start blogging…

Welcome to the world, Claire Elise!

We were hoping to make it their house during the day so Nate could have some natural light.  That didn’t work out as planned.  We improvised.

A child’s lazy boy (covered in a pink blanket) on the dining room table under the bright chandelier…and an aunt who is an awesome babysitter….

I have a way with the children.

The newborn photo shoot was fun.  It doesn’t hurt when you have an extra cute model. 

Nate kept whining the entire time that he needed a better lens.  Little did he know that it was under the tree at home.  I think he did just fine with his available resources.  Good life lesson.

Anyone have experience with newborn photography?  Anyone have experience with newborns?  They terrify us.  Who wants me to babysit their kids?

**Don’t forget to enter the the fun giveaway from Finding Silver Linings Boutique.  Enter here!**