Goose Creek Scented Candle Giveaway

***I thought I’d host a give-away today while I recover from the Junk Bonanza and barely being home in the past two weeks.  Enjoy!***

I have recently mentioned that I’m ready for fall and I love free stuff.  So when Goose Creek Candle offered to send me a scented candle to try out, I was totally in.


I’m usually not a big scented candle person.  Strong scents can cause me to have headaches.  I’d rather my house smell like dog and last night’s tacos than have a headache.  I have recently been burning a lemon scented candle on occasion with no issue so I figured I’d be okay testing out a candle. 

Choosing a scent was the hardest part of the review.  How do you choose between Autumn, Spice Cake, and Whipped Pumpkin Latte? I chose the “Autumn” scent.  Seemed appropriate.

Verdict?  I love it.  Seriously.  Not just because they gave it to me for free.

The scent is very subtle.  It’s not like “Bam.  These people are burning a candle in there house.”  It’s more like “Hmm, why do I feel like putting on a sweater and watching some college football?  And these people’s house smells good.”
I like the simple packaging.  No big and gaudy labels.  Just a jar and some wax.


Want to win a Goose Creek Scented Candle of your very own? Visit Goose Creek Candle Co.’s website. Come back here and use the Rafflecopter widget below to tell me which candle/scent you would love to burn in your home. Bonus entries are available for liking Décor and the Dog on Facebook and following Décor and the Dog on Twitter.

The Rafflecopter widget will appear below.  (This is my first time using this fancy contraption so let me know if there are problems!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Since not everyone can win (sad face), Goose Creek is also offering a coupon code to Décor and the Dog readers.  Use 1050 when you check out and you’ll receive 25% off your entire purchase. This code expires on September 30, 2012.

(Feel free to follow Goose Creek Candle Candle on FaceBook and Twitter to keep up to date on scented candle news.)

***This giveaway is open to residents of the United State only.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was, however, given the great smelling candle to test out.  All opinions are 101% my own.  As always.***

Fall 2012 Tablescape

I have officially gone to the dark side of blogging.   I totally drank the blogger Kool-Aid.

I decorated my table for a fake dinner party.  And I had fun doing it.  Like a lot of fun.  Nate was equally as impressed when he came home to a beautifully decorated table but no supper to eat.  I only have so much time in my day dear husband.

For those of you that aren’t bloggers, bloggers have these things called “link parties”.  Usually these parties have a theme.  Today’s theme is “Fall Tablescapes".  I just realized explaining this is like explaining to your childhood friend that you are spending the night at a person’s house that you met off of the internet.  Blogging is strange.

I picked up most of the items from thrifts stores or clearance racks throughout the past couple of months.  I knew that fall and the holidays were big for table decorating in blogland and I thought I’d try it out.  Seriously a ton of fun.  I can’t wait to host more fake parties for Ike and I.  Or I could invite real friends over but that’d just be weird.  And I’d have to do dishes.

Overall, I’m digging the relaxed yet fancy vibe this little fall tablescape of mine has going on.

Sources: The greenery in the center was purchased at Michael’s for $1.99.  Lucky find.  The chargers were found at Goodwill for $0.50 a piece.   The “china” was also from Goodwill.  Marked $6.38 for a set of 12…and it was 50% off.  The “napkin rings” are acorn ornaments found at the Salvation Army for $1.00.  The pumpkins and napkins I purchased a few years ago from Joann’s.  As well as the fabric for the table runner. The glasses are the Libbey Country Fair Drinking Jars that we use on a daily basis. We built the table (read about it here).

Decorated for any fake dinner parties lately?  What’s your favorite fall recipe that I should eat at this lovely little fall table?

Linking up to: The Lettered Cottage, Ten June

Junk Bonanza

I mentioned on Friday that I was headed up north to check out the Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, MN.

My chauffeur for the week-end was the awesome Kim from NewlyWoodwards.  Kim and I survived 12+ hours in the car together.  That right there is a test to see whether a friendship will hack it or not.  I think I’ll still have lunch with her.  Yeah, I think so. Even if she didn’t let me nap in the car.

My hosts for the week-end were the lovely Cindy and Nick from The Flipping Couple.  These two are adorable.  Kim and I were greeted with our own bedrooms in their beautifully renovated house.  They fed us delicious meals.  Their dogs kept us entertained with ball playing and petting.  I highly recommend staying with the Flipping Couple if you’re in the Twin Cities.  I should write a review on Trip Advisor.

Now for the junk.  Hmmm, the junk.  I’m going to be honest.  I was a little disappointed.  Maybe I had unrealistic expectations in my head.  I was picturing many rows of booths with multiple vendors with a great variety in merchandise.  In reality, it only took us 1 hour to get through the entire place.  The booths were packed into 3 smallish buildings and there were a crap ton of people.  Part of my problem is that I’m not a fan of crowds.  It’s harder to bargain hunt when people are bumping into you left and right, blocking aisles, etc.  I figured the prices would be a little higher but most of the items weren’t in my cheapskate price range.

Overall though it was still entertaining.  I found some decent inspiration.  I didn’t find any bargains but I still enjoyed the junk eye candy. 

Can someone explain to me the obsession with creepy old doll heads?  There was an entire aquarium full of them in one booth.  (I’m sad I didn’t get that photo.  I was trying to pull Cindy away from them.)  But seriously.  Can someone explain this weirdness to me?

I really liked these diagrams.  I just couldn’t figure out a good place for one.

If the letter “S” (the first letter of our last name) was left, I would have owned one.  But no such luck.

I can’t say I won’t go back but I also won’t necessarily make a special trip for it.  Beings it only took us a little over an hour to get through, we had plenty of time to hit up the Mall of America and Ikea.  Yes, I made my maiden voyage to Ikea and it was everything I ever dreamed it would be.

Anyone else attend the Junk Bonanza?  Who wants to stay with the Germans?  How was your maiden Ikea voyage?  Do share.

Diggin’ It

Wow.  It’s Friday.  This week went fast!  Here’s our favorites from the week.

Dudette:

• Have you all read The Night Circus? If not, you totally should.  I’m not one of those people that has trouble putting down books.  I like to read but usually have no trouble dropping a book.  I had trouble putting this book down though.  Amazing.  Read it.
• I’m loving the kitchen makeover by Rachel (Maybe Matilda).  I’m always a fan of white cabinets and Barn Light Electric lights.  (Rachel was this year’s lucky Barn Light electric giveaway winner!)
• Today Kim (NewlyWoodwards) and I are headed up north to visit Cindy (The Flipping Couple).  We will be attending the Junk Bonanza.  So. Stinking. Excited. 
  • You can follow our adventures on Twitter and Instagram (My username is decorandthedog) with the hash tag #epicjunk.  I’ll try to post updates on my facebook page as well.

Dude:

• I’m liking this Manfrotto Table Tripod. I found that on our recent vacation I didn’t have my tripod with me when I wanted it.  This tripod is perfect for putting in pocket when I don't want to carry around our larger tripod.
• The Wacom Bamboo Splash Pen Tablet is on my birthday wish list.  This product has been recommended by photographers I follow.  It is supposed to be good for editing photos.  Michelle asked “What is it?”  The product description is: Bamboo Splash is a small format pen tablet designed for lite art creation, drawing, sketching, painting and document mark up. Autodesk Sketchbook Express and ArtRage Studio software is included. Use ArtRage to create paintings on canvas, concrete, numerous paper types and more. Paint with watercolors, oils, chalk, inks and crayon. Use the "stickers' tool to add multiple embellishments to your art and drawings.  

  Dog:

  

  Ike thinks he needs this dog tag.  I do too.

  Big week-end plans?  Read anything good lately?  Anyone else heading to the Junk Bonanza?

Easy Sew Infinity Scarf

Who is sick of those “I’m so ready for fall posts”?  Aww, too bad.  You get another one.  

I’m normally a summer girl but this summer was just too hot.  I’m ready for cooler weather…until it actually comes and then I’ll be whining that I want warmth…like any good Iowan does.

I recently sewed this fun  infinity scarf.  I’m on a sewing roll.  Infinity scarves are so easy to make that I just can't stop!

Nothing says fall like flannel.  I think Nate is glad I’ve traded a pair of ridiculously ugly flannel pajama pants for this flannel scarf.

I sometimes wear something other than grey shirts and jeans.  Sometimes.  It would look better with a long sleeved shirt but it 90 degrees when I took this photo. I only sacrifice so much for this little blog of mine.

This infinity scarf cost me $4.00 and 30 minutes of time. I can’t wait to make more!

Anyone with a sewing machine can make this. Seriously. Dust that baby off. You only have to sew sort of straight lines. You can do this!

You will need some fabric of your choice, some thread, and a sewing machine.  I used a yard of fabric to make this infinity scarf.  It’s a little large.  I think I will like the bulk once it cools down and I’m sipping hot cocoa and pretending to watch Hawkeye football.  Oh, Fall.

Start by cutting two 18” x 40-45” rectangles.  You don’t have to be exact.  I used the length that was provided by the flannel fabric which was about 43”.

Pin the right sides together and sew the long edges.  You will be left with a long tube.

Turn inside out.  Bring the two ends together and pin the inner two layers right sides together.

Sew together.  Turn the scarf inside out and pin the back sides right side together.

Sew the end together leaving a 4-5 inch gap in the middle-ish.

Turn the scarf right side out through the 4-5 inch gap.

Hand stitch the opening closed and enjoy your lovely flannel infinity scarf!

Feel free to share it with your favorite friend.

Who’s ready for fall?  Any favorite scarf patterns?  Any flannel fans out there?

Be sure to check out more sewing projects on our "craft it" page!

Travel Lingerie {Undies} Bag

I’m back!  We enjoyed our trip to Arizona but it’s definitely good to be home. I’m also excited to spend time with females.  If I never hear another Super Troopers quote, fart joke, or Fantasty Football stat again, it will be too soon.  We’ll share some of our vacation favorites with you later this week or next.

Today I’m going to share with you one of my favorite recent creations…a travel undies bag.

My brother asked me what I was making.  I told him I needed a bag to hold my underwear in my suitcase.  I hate when they get all mixed up.  I can never remember if they are clean or not.  They never stay in the pocket I put them in.  He didn’t understand. Nate didn’t understand either. (This is why I need more estrogen in my life.)  Am I the only one with this underwear problem? 

I can’t be.  Today I’m here to help.  This bag was super helpful on our trip.  We lived out of a suitcase and my suitcase ended up being a hot mess.  My underwear, however, were neatly confined to their cute little bag.

This bag contains a zipper but don’t let that scare you.  Zippers really aren’t a big deal.  I promise.  I think this bag took me about 45 minutes to make..and that was after I sewed something the wrong way.

You will need:

• 1 zipper.  Any length.  See below.
• 4 rectangles.  You can make them any size…probably depending on the size of your zipper.  My zipper was 18 inches so I went with four rectangles that measured 10”x20”.
• The fabric I used is from the Salvation Army.  The grey stripes were a sheet and the coral floral was a torn table cloth.
• Heat N’Bond
• Fabric scraps for the “C” (clean) and “D” (dirty)

Your first steps depends on if you want to sew on your “C” and “D” or if you want to just iron them on (my choice).  If you want to sew them on, this would be the time to do that.

Place 1 rectangle of lining fabric right side up.  Place the zipper on top of that followed by a rectangle of outside fabric (right side down).

Sew along the top edge.  I’m horrible with seam allowances but just make sure you are sewing through the three layers. 

Place these two rectangles wrong sides together.

Next layer your fabric as you did previously (lining right side up, zipper, outside right side down).  Pay special attention to how I have the zipper placed.  If you turn the zipper, you will have liner on the outside.  Not that I would know.  Sew along the top edge.

Now it’s time to open the zipper a little.  This is an important step.  Don’t forget it or you won’t be able to flip your bag right side out and that would be sad.

Next place your outside fabric right sides together and your lining fabric right sides together…as shown below.

Sew around the perimeter of the bag leaving a small opening on one of the lining short sides.  You will use this opening to turn the bag right side out.  Turn bag right side out. 

Close the opening in the lining either by secret stitching or just sewing over the top.  I sewed over the top because it’s an underwear bag for myself.  I’m okay a few stitches showing on the inside.

Ooo, look.  It’s a bag.

Turn the bag right side out.  Find the center of your bag and sew to divide your bag into two halves.  I sewed over the same line 3 times.

This line will keep the dirty undies from the clean.  Very important.  I also sewed a small (about an inch) line at the top along the zipper.

Iron on your letters (I traced letters that I printed out and the used Heat N’Bond applied to my fabric.) and enjoy your fancy lingerie bag!

Anyone else struggle with stray underwear?  Have you traveled recently? Any plans to travel soon? 

$500 & Buffalo Roam

Last (but definitely) not least in this guest blog series is Amy from Buffalo Roam.

Amy recently moved into her newly built home.  I like Amy's unique (good unique...just to clarify)  decorating style and sense of humor...which you'll see below.  Amy's decorating style is different than mine but I really like her bathroom and kitchen..which you'll see below.

***

Hi there! I'm Amy, from Buffalo Roam and I'm delighted to be at Michelle's today. Decor and the Dog was one of the first blogs I really got hooked on. Michelle sucked me right in with her wit and fantastic projects. But then you already know that, because here you are!

Michelle is going to be taking a little breather and while she's gone, she asked me what I would do if she were to give me $500. She quickly clarified that this is a hypothetical $500, which made me sad. Guest bloggers don't make that kind of dough? Lame.

Even lamer was my first thought: "I would buy a maid. And a burrito."

I don't know where the burrito thing came from, but my husband and I built a new home this year and I'm still coughing up construction dust. Hence the maid. Also hence a very uninteresting guest post.

So I'm going with the second thing that came to mind: Stuff with which to fill up our new crib.

This is our living room.

I'm finding that it takes a long time to settle in and make a brand new place feel like home. I think in this room, what I'm most lacking is a rug.

Something warm like this:

(via)

And because I can't help myself and have to keep things a little country and rustic, I would overlay the rug with a hide.

(via)

I've probably already reached my $500 budget with those two things, but in my world they are on clearance and left just enough to add some sorely needed bar stools to our kitchen island.

Ahem.. The other side of the kitchen island. Of which I've never taken a picture, evidently.

Maybe these?

Kidding! I have no intentions of galloping into the sunset just to eat a corn dog in my own kitchen.

What I'd really like is something like this:

(via)

Simple, clean, have the word saddle in their title, yet lack stirrups. Perfect. And the fact that they're available at Target for $30 makes me and Michelle happy, once I tell her I expect $500 for writing such a stellar and intriguing post.

Kidding, Michelle! Or am I....

Thank you for having me! It's been fun spending other people's imaginary money.

Amy blogs about her new home and ridiculously cute kid over at Buffalo Roam.

$500 & Life on Mars

Holding the blog fort down on this Thursday is Maury from Life on Mars.



I have "known" Maury less time than my other guests but I've enjoyed reading about her adventures in home improvement....like her fantastic mudroom make-over.

***

Since Michelle is now the sweetest person in the world and has offered to give me $500 for guest posting on her blog*, I thought I’d share how I’m going to spend that money.

*Michelle is not aware of this arrangement, but she is now

When she gives me $500, I’m going to decorate my nursery, starting with this:



I love this wallpaper. We are not finding out what the baby is, so I have to go gender neutral and I think this is perfect. I can’t get it out of my head, but my husband doesn’t want to spend $350 on wallpaper.

*I really think he just doesn’t want to get wallpaper and he’s using the cost as a good reason. Well, Michelle is calling his bluff and donating $500 to the cause.

I imagine painting the walls a pale green with accents in the pale blue color from the flowers.

Thankfully, my sister-in-law had twins so my Mom had two cribs. I now benefit from that because I get to have one of these Jenny Lind cribs (or something less selfish like… I benefit by having super cute twin niece and nephew):

I’d probably buy this Tarva chest from Ikea for $150. I’d make it into my changing table:

I’d paint it like this, except not in coral… that probably doesn’t count as gender neutral, huh?

So I can’t exactly decorate my whole nursery with $500, but I can take care of most of the essentials! Isn’t it nice of Michelle to help out with this? Bloggy friends are so great.

Be sure to visit me at Life on Mars and see how the nursery turns out!

$500 & Two Twenty One

Today's guest is Chelsea from Two Twenty One.

 

Chelsea is a talented one.  Her photography skills impress me.  We have bonded over our love of sarcasm and blogging.  I'd say something about how sweet she is but let's leave it at talented....

***

Hi, Decor and the Dog readers!  (I'm assuming someone is reading this because, let's face it, most readers skip out on their favorite blogs when they know there will be guest bloggers.  I speak the truth.)  I'm Chelsea from Two Twenty One, where I blog about my amazing Craigslist luck, DIY projects, and food, specifically of the dessert variety.

People don't often offer me $500.  Wait.  No one has ever offered me $500.  Legally.  Just Kidding.  Kinda.  Anyway, when Michelle said that she'd "give" me $500, and I could "spend" it on whatever I want, I decided to "spend" it all on myself.  I could say that I'd give it to charity or use it to plant 100 trees but that's not as much fun as fictitiously blowing it.  So here we go!

1. Uggs ($160)  Are they ugly?  Yes.  Are they the most comfortable shoes ever?  You betcha.  I have two pairs, and I love them.  They save my poor, ice cold feet during winter.  I wouldn't mind a new pair of chestnut Uggs since the sole on my 4 year old one's are starting to show their age.

2. Nook ($99)  I told my husband that I'd finally read The Hunger Games if he buys me a Nook.  I still don't have a clue what the hype is about...  And I don't need a fancy e-reader.  Why?  Because if I get a fancy one I'll get distracted with the web browser, and I won't get any reading done.

3. Indiana t-shirt ($20)  I like this shirt.  And I've lived in Indiana for all my 27 years.

4. Pottary Barn cable-knit throw ($79)  Love me a nice, warm, cable-knit throw.  They're so pretty, and soft, and pretty.

5. Kate Spade Mrs. Necklace ($78) I like this necklace.  And I'm married.

6. Glittery Toms ($54)  I need some fall shoes.  Everyone and their sister is all "I love my Toms!"  So I'd like to jump on the bandwagon, please.  That, and since a child will get a pair of shoes from my imaginary purchase, I'm technically giving to charity.

7. Anne Taintor magnet ($5) I love Anne Taintor.  I get her calendar every year, and I have a handful of her magnets-- except this one.  In case you can't read the text, the magnet reads "you're right! it does look like her Facebook picture!"

Those items total $495.  So my charitable self is "buying" the first 5 people to comment 99 cent Frosty's.  You're welcome.

What would you buy if Michelle gave you $500?  Don't tell me that you'd donate it to charity, liar.

What do you think of my choices?  Have a favorite?

You all know how much I love voting for things.  It's a sickness.  Be sure to vote for Chelsea's dresser turned console table daily during the month of September!  Vote here!
 
Chelsea blogs about classy things over at Two Twenty One.  

$500 & Paisley Print Shoes

My guests today are the lovely sisters from Paisley Print Shoes.



I've been reading Jen and Katie's blog for over a year now.  They do a great job of explaining who they are below so I'll leave that to them.  I think I need to set Jen up with my brother...but I kind of like her so I may leave that one alone for awhile. These ladies never fail to entertain me with their differing views and today's guest post is no exception!

***

Hi Everyone! We are Jen and Katie from Paisley Print Shoes and we are super excited to be guest posting at Decor and the Dog today. Michelle is a total sweetie; we wish we knew her in real life. And of course, Ike is probably the cutest dog ever. To quickly explain who we are, we are sisters who have completely opposite taste in just about everything (Katie is the comfy, conservative, and classic while Jen is eclectic, colorful, and fun) but blog about things we both like. Our theory is, if we both like it, then every woman must like it. Stop on by and let us know if our theory is holding true.



Michelle gave us the task of blogging about what we'd do with $500. Since we have COMPLETELY opposite tastes in pretty much EVERYTHING, we decided to split our imaginary $500 up. Jen will spend $150, Katie will spend $150, and we'll spend $200 together. Here's what we came up with:

Katie says: My wardrobe is in some need of some serious help, so I'd like to spend my $150 on clothes. The problem? I (we!) are thrift and sale shoppers, which makes it really hard to find items online to show you what I'd spend my money on. SOOO.....what to do? Here's an idea of what I'd do given a day of shopping/searching:

Source: polyvore.com via Katie on Pinterest

Obviously for $150 I couldn't buy ALL this - but I would find a pair of dark wash jeans for around $50 or less, a cardigan for the same price, and a cute button up for hopefully $40 or less, which would give me enough left over to buy a pair of earrings or a necklace. Jen is ROLLING HER EYES at me right now for posting a picture of a plaid shirt (I was the queen of flannel in high school), but I think this is a cute outfit and would provide me some pretty good versatility as a stay at home mom!

Jen says: Since I am moving in 6 months and I am on a "don't buy stuff for my house" kick I would be just like Katie and spend my money on some clothes. And since it is almost fall I figured I could get some fun new pieces to get me extra excited for fall.

 Here is the low down of my choices. Granted, these were all found on Polyvore so who knows if they would be in stock but hey -this is all make believe, right Michelle? :) The sweater is $66 from Billabong. I guess I never realized that Billabong had such cute sweaters. I might need to start looking at this brand more! The boots are $30 from Wet Seal. They are probably going to be terrible in the snow and get my socks all wet (haha get it? Wet Seal - wet socks? k-bad joke) but whatever, they'll last me at least a few seasons. The scarf is $18 from Nordstrom. Random note....I found a scarf from Target for $50 and this one from Nordstrom for $18. What is going on these days? Target is more expensive than Nordstrom?? And the socks I'm pretending are Darn Tough which are around $30. Pretty perfecto huh? I wish Michelle was actually giving us $500 so I could get all of these things. :)

And for the rest of our $200 this is what we would do. If you read PPS you know that we both love love love organizations that Make a Difference. Make a difference in the world - in someone's life - however they can. One of our most favorite organizations is FashionABLE scarves. To give you a brief outline of what they do, FashionABLE creates sustainable business for women in Africa. You can read the full lowdown of them here.

Source: livefashionable.com via Katie on Pinterest

So with our final $200, we would buy about 5 scarves (scarves range from $36-44) to giveaway to women who could use some encouragement or love. Not only could we help an organization that gives back in such a tangible and amazing way, but we could put a smile on someone's face and help them feel extra special, extra loved, and extra gorgeous in their new scarf!
  

Source: livefashionable.com via Katie on Pinterest

 

Source: livefashionable.com via Katie on Pinterest

So what do you think? Any of you resonate with Katie's choices? Jen's? Could benefit from a FashionABLE scarf right about now?

Thanks so much, Michelle, for letting us hang out on your blog and don't worry, you'd be one of our 5 who would receive a scarf - we know how well you work them!

Jen and Katie blog about their different perspectives on fashion, food, and other life related things over at Paisley Print Shoes