Dare to DIY: Entertain

It’s time for the second challenge for the Dare to DIY. 

The “dare” for Monday is to entertain.  DIY something for your table. This could be something from Thanksgiving table or a new Christmas look. Get creative and use things in new ways. Or go true DIY and make something totally new. Ideas include place mats, table runners, place cards or centerpieces.

I decided to set my table for a fake Christmas dinner party.  I love fake dinner parties.  You don’t have to cook, clean up, or make small talk.  Bonus.

So, my dinner party is a little lame.  Let’s just say I misjudged my time before I left for the holidays.  But use your imagination and expand on what I have here.  I think the world needs more imagination and less Pinterest.  (That’s a lie but I’m going with it.)

I busted out the Pottery Barn reindeer plates that I received for Christmas a few years ago.  They make me smile.  I realized very late in the game that I needed to actually DIY something for my table and not just set it with fun plates and china.  Oops.

I have been meaning to stencil some napkins for awhile now.  What a better time than for the Dare to DIY?  That’s what this challenge is all about, right?  Getting. Stuff. Done.

I decided to stencil the reindeer names to go with the plates.  How cute are they?

Stenciling napkins is super easy.  I bought inexpensive white napkins, a Martha Stewart stencil set, and some black fabric paint.  The two napkins I did took me about 10 minutes.  I think I will actually finish the set…when I find time…after the holidays.

I also decided to make some fun napkin “rings”. 

I found a set of 25 vintage Christmas bulbs at the Salvation Army for $1.00.  I thought they’d look cute in a table setting. I was correct.  You could also tie a name card in the ribbon.  Let’s imagine I did that.  I’d Photoshop them in if I wasn’t falling asleep while writing thing.  Mmm, tryptophan and rhubarb pie.

Our dining room table centerpiece is simple.  Three candles.  Two little Crate and Barrel elves holding candle sticks. One metal reindeer.  Easy peasy.

There you have it. I took the dare.  I pretended to entertain.

Need some additional inspiration to get you headed in the right direction for Monday’s party? 

Check out the Dare to Entertain projects from my partners in crime: NewlyWoodwards, Maybe Matilda, and Two Twenty One!

We’ll see you back here Monday morning at 8am for the big ol’ par-tay.

What do you think of the ol’ table?  Are you good at using your imagination?  How was your turkey day?  I made my first pie.  Yeah, fake dinner parties and pie.  I’m totally old and domestic.

Also linking up to: Bliss at home

Dare to DIY Be Thankful Features

Did you have a chance to check out all of the “Be Thankful” awesomeness from Monday’s Dare to DIY?

If not, be sure to check out all of the creative ideas right here.  I encourage everyone that linked up to visit at least a few other blogs.  Or else.

I would like to share my three favorites with you today!  The other co-hosts will also be sharing their three favorites.  That is twelve DIY action packed projects between four blogs.  Try to contain your excitement!

I’ll share my favorites in order of link up.

Party Goer #5 was Wills Casa sharing their “Give Thanks” photo collage.

The amount of time, effort, and thought that went into this display is impressive.  There are 123 little reminders of precious memories in one awesome display.  I want one.

Party Goer #20 was Desert Domicile sharing this creative take on a guest book.

Such a fun idea for guests to share all that they are thankful for. Do you love the design?  Me too.  Head over for a free download.  Oooo. I’m also drooling over that frame but that’s besides the point.

Party Goer #51 was Sweet Pea sharing this simple burlap and dropcloth tea towel.

A burlap and rick-rack on a tea towel.  How could I not love this?  I need one of these too.  Dear Santa…

Be sure to check out the other featured projects over at :

• NewlyWoodwards
• Maybe Matilda
• Two Twenty One

I’ll be back on Friday afternoon sharing my awesome Black Friday knockdown finds “Dare to Entertain” Project.  Loyal American readers, enjoy your Thanksgiving.  Eat lots of turkey. Be thankful.  Nap.  Bond with the family. Nap. Loyal rest of the world readers, enjoy your Thursday!

What were your favorite projects from the week?  Big Thanksgiving plans?  Who is crazy enough to shop on Friday?  If so, what’s your on your “to-find” list?

Dare to DIY (Be Thankful) Link Party

The much anticipated first link up for the Dare to DIY is here!

On Friday, the co-hosts all shared their “be thankful” project.

Decor and the Dog    Maybe Matilda Newly Woodwards    Two Twenty One

Now it’s your turn!

Each Monday, the link party goes live for that week's Dare to DIY challenge. You can link up as many projects as you wish, as long as the posts correspond with the theme of the week.

You can link up on any of the co-hosts blogs. The linky below will stay live through Wednesday. This Wednesday, each co-host will spotlight at least 3 projects we loved from the week on their blogs. We'll also pin those projects on our shared Pinterest board!

The only rules:

1. Please follow the Dare to DIY theme of the week (this week is “be thankful”). 

2. Please link back to Dare to DIY on one of our blogs (preferably all but we understand that time is precious).

3. Please go to at least one other blog and comment. This is a party. No wallflowers allowed! :)

Okay, it's time for the fun. We can't wait to see your projects!

Dare to DIY: Thanks is For Giving Prints

The much anticipated start to the Dare to DIY is here!

Well, you still have time.  I am just here today to share my project with you as encouragement for you to complete yours.  Let’s do this thing!

The first “dare” is to “be thankful”.  This project can be anything that reminds you to be grateful during this season of thanks.  You can do this.

I channeled my inner Onion Grove Mercantile and painted a “Thanks is For Giving” sign.  Nate hung the sign by the front door.  Bam.  Thankfulness in your face.

I really like sign painting.  It’s surprisingly relaxing.  I also like the recent time change and having to take all of my blog photos in the dark like a loser blogger that has a day job.  A day job that I am thankful for.  See, look at that sign reminding me of all that is good in my life.

I’m going to make up for the night photos with free “Thanks is For Giving” prints for all of you!

The prints are 8×10.

Click the link below the prints to download. 

Download here

Download here

Download here

Need additional “be thankful” inspiration?

Check out the projects by the Dare to DIY co-hosts: Maybe Matilda NewlyWoodwards and Two Twenty One

Don’t forget to link up your “be thankful” projects right here on Monday, November 19th at 8am Central.  I can’t wait to check out everyone’s DIY goodness!

Do you dare to be thankful?

Dare to DIY: Thanks is For Giving

The much anticipated start to the Dare to DIY is here!

Well, you still have time.  I am just here today to share my project with you as encouragement for you to complete yours.  Let’s do this thing!

The first “dare” is to “be thankful”.  This project can be anything that reminds you to be grateful during this season of thanks.  You can do this.

I channeled my inner Onion Grove Mercantile and painted a “Thanks is For Giving” sign.  Nate hung the sign by the front door.  Bam.  Thankfulness in your face.

I really like sign painting.  It’s surprisingly relaxing.  I also like the recent time change and having to take all of my blog photos in the dark like a loser blogger that has a day job.  A day job that I am thankful for.  See, look at that sign reminding me of all that is good in my life.

I’m going to make up for the night photos with free “Thanks is For Giving” printables for all of you!

The printables are 8×10.  Click on the photos below to download.

Need additional “be thankful” inspiration? 

Check out the projects by the Dare to DIY co-hosts: Maybe Matilda, NewlyWoodwards, and Two Twenty One.

Don’t forget to link up your “be thankful” projects right here on Monday, November 19th at 8am Central.  I can’t wait to check out everyone’s DIY goodness!

Do you dare to be thankful?

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and a Dog

Alternate title:  You Will Thank Me for Sharing This Recipe With You Muffins…and a Dog.

Here’s what you will need to recreate this post:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 can pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ~3/4 cup vegetable oil (not pictured)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• dash of salt
• chocolate chips to taste (1/4-1/2 bag.  Depending on how your pants are fitting.)

• A Dog  (Very important ingredient)

Step 1:  Beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and oil until smooth.

Step 2:  Mix dry ingredients together and mix into pumpkin mixture…under close supervision.

Be sure to scrape the sides well.  With your favorite spatula. 

I was really excited when I got this Pampered Chef spatula for Christmas.  I kept telling Nate repeatedly that I could scrape bowls with it.  So that is the ongoing joke whenever I break out the Pampered Chef spatula.  It’s my favorite.  You can scrape bowls with it.

Step 3: Fold in chocolate chips.  The next best thing after pumpkin.

Step 4: Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full.  Or 2 tablespoon scoopfuls. (Should make 12 muffins.)

Step 5: Bake at 400 F for 16 minutes.

Step 6: Take funny photos of your dog’s mustache while the muffins are baking.

Step 7: Cool. (You can definitely eat these warm but we think they are much better cooled.)  Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

I’m really glad I discovered pumpkin this year.  My life will never be the same.

I’m really glad Ike’s mustache is ridiculous.  It makes me smile. 

Who’s hungry?  Do you have a pet sous chef?

Decor and The Dog Photo

There are some prerequisites to being a blogger. You have to like spray paint. And Modge Podge.  You have to be perky and remind your readers of your awesomeness.  You also have to have some kind of shop where you sell your awesomeness.

We are late to the party but today is the day.  We are opening a photo shop.

Nate and I feel there are few options for affordable, unique art.  Who is tired of having the same piece of art hanging in your living room as your neighbor?  Why is it that every piece of art that looks remotely decent is a bazillion and twelve dollars?  I don’t know about you but we don’t have an extra bazillion and twelve dollars in our home art fund.

Decor and the Dog Photo is here to help!

Each month our shop will feature five unique photos.  The photos will be part of a set/theme.  Who doesn’t love themes (another blogger favorite)?  I’ll do a post each month alerting you to the new set of photos.  Each set of prints will available for a limited time only so act quickly! (I’ve been watching a lot of infomercials while recovering from my recent illness. Can you tell?)

Each photo is $5.00 or you can purchase the five photo bundle for $20. 

A digital file will be sent directly to your e-mail which saves you on shipping/keeps the cost down.  The digital photo also allows you to choose your own print size.  Can it get any easier? 

The theme this month is Farm Life.

Wouldn’t the Farm Life bundle be a great gift for the upcoming Holiday season? We think so too.

How do I order? Visit our shop tab located at the top of the blog. Click the ”Buy Now” button following each sample.  You can expect an email with the digital print file attached within 48 hours of your order.

Thanks in advance for supporting our shop.  If you purchase our photos, we'd love to see how they are displayed in your home!

Do you have a shop?  Feel free to share the link.  Any specific photo themes that you would like to see/need for your house?

Confession

I have a confession to make.

I am actually a 93 year old woman. 

I just borrow some couple down the street for photos.  Ike is mine though.  My 93 year old self has no trouble keeping up with that feisty little terrier.

Proof.  My love for quilt squares.

Okay, I fine I’m not 93.  I just act like it.  Tea and quilting anyone?

I started this quilt at the beginning of the year. I was supposed to be partaking in the  Block a Month.  Yeah, that didn’t happen but I finally got caught up…until November hit.

So many quilt squares.  So little time.

I do feel that my quilting skills are improving and I think I might make another quilt next year.  I probably shouldn’t get ahead of myself and finish this one first!

What’s your favorite elderly hobby?

Dare to DIY

I have exciting news! 

I am co-hosting the Dare to DIY Challenge along with Maybe Matilda, NewlyWoodwards, and Two Twenty One.  And we want you to join us!

What is the Dare to DIY Challenge? 

This challenge is the brainchild of NewlyWoodwards.  It is a challenge to motivate us to DIY projects through Thanksgiving and Christmas - and to do it together. Bring on the new DIY blog buddies.

Each week the link party goes live for a Dare to DIY challenge. You can link up as many projects as you wish that correspond with the theme of the week. 

Nov. 19:  Dare to… be thankful!

DIY a thanksgiving project to remind you to be grateful during this season. Ideas include a Thanksgiving advent calendar, artwork and banners.

Nov. 26: Dare to… entertain!

DIY something for your table. This could be something from Thanksgiving table or a new Christmas look. Get creative and use things in new ways. Or go true DIY and make something totally new. Ideas include place mats, table runners, place cards or centerpieces.

Dec. 3:  Dare to… give homemade gifts!

DIY a gift made by you. Nothing is more special to give than something you created. Ideas include bath and body items, kitchen gifts, hand-sewn clothing or home decor. 

Dec. 10:  Dare to… deck the halls!

DIY something new to deck your halls. Did you find something in a catalog that you wish you had? Wreaths, stockings, pillows or advent calendars? Make it! Inspire us all to do the same.

Be Thankful (NewlyWoodwards) Entertain (Miss Prissy Paige)    Give Homemade (Decor and the Dog) Deck the Halls (His and Hers)

Will you be joining us?  Spread the word!  Sign up below. (Link directly to your blog home page)  We double dog dare you!

***Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Ana White’s book, The Handbuilt Home. Enter here!***

Blog Updates & a Tip

What do you do when you are stuck spending four days on the couch with a sinus infection from H-E-Double Hockey Sticks?  Besides whine to your dog and husband? You update your blog tabs.  That’s what you do.

I updated the Home Projects, Photography/Blog Tips, Crafty Things, and Recipes tabs.  I also added the Travel tab.  Click around.  See if you have missed anything important.

Maybe your dog needs a tie for your holiday photos?

Maybe you missed the hard hitting posts where I organized my spice racks or used burlap as wallpaper.

Maybe you need a good recipe for the week.  The photo of Cheeseburger Cups looks disgusting but trust me, they are tasty!  (It’s funny to look at the difference in our photography for the earlier posts compared to the current posts. I hope we’ll be saying the same thing in a year.)

Important Tip #1:  Here’s an important tip for those of you just starting out blogging.  Start your tabs/static pages now!  Seriously.  Don’t be like me thinking you will eventually do it.  You’ll be sitting at home on a sick day 2 years from now wishing you hadn’t been a slacker.  Static pages make it easier for readers to see what you’ve been up to.  (Learn how to make your own using Blogger here.)

Important Tip #2:  inlinkz made this update so much easier.  I broke down and bought the subscription ($20 for the year).  I am a weirdo about spending money on this blog.  The only money I have previously spent is $5 for photo storage (which you are basically forced to do.) This subscription is totally worth the money. 

I was trying to mess with code before. I know very little about coding.  It’s just not my jam.  (Unlike Reese’s Pieces.  They are my jam.)  It’s the site a lot of bloggers use for hosting link parties.  But you can also use to it organize your projects page.  Who knew??  It’s very user friendly.  You enter you’re the address for your blog post.  It pulls the pictures from that post.  You crop the photo, add your title and you are done.  You can edit the page information at any time.  Me likey.  I might even host a link party. Who knows.

Speaking of parties. Check back tomorrow for a big announcement.  Ooooooo, the suspense!

Did you find any fun posts that you missed?  Are you an organized blogger?  Just starting out?  Reese’s Pieces fan?  Pumped for the big announcement?

***Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Ana White’s book, The Handbuilt Home. Enter here!***