DIY Suitcase Dog Bed

It's pretty clear that Ike is a deprived dog.  So deprived that he just now, at almost 7 years of age, got a dog bed.   

Of course, Ike couldn't have just any dog bed.  He needed a re-purposed suitcase dog bed.  Key word: needed

I've been spending a lot of time in my craft room lately.  Ike follows me wherever I go. (Bathroom and shower included.)  Ike likes to be comfortable.  The only spot for the dog to lay in the craft room is on the floor.  This puts him out.  He does this thing where he sighs when he doesn't get what he wants.  There was lots of sighing in the craft room.  It's funny and pathetic all at the same time.

I told Nate that we needed to get him a dog bed.  We decided that a suitcase one would be the most appropriate for a hipster dog like Ike.  We began our suitcase hunt.  Vintage suitcases are kind of expensive.  We found this one for ~$15.00.  Ike approved.

Nate unscrewed the top.  I shoved a pillow and some of Nate's old t-shirts into the bottom.  I then covered it with some material from my stash.  Hipster dog bed complete. 

Nate and I both assumed that we'd make this for him and then he wouldn't use it.  That would totally be an Ike thing to do.  But he loves it.  He crawls right on in.  

There is still some sighing over constantly wanting bones and not being able to go on walks 24/7.  At least we have the craft room covered. 

Mona

If you've been reading awhile, you may have gathered that I'm obsessive compulsive.   

If you're new here, hi!  I'm obsessive compulsive. 

Nate and I went antiquing with my parents about a month ago. In one of the shops, I saw the coolest Mona Lisa replica.  Nate thought it was dumb. I was trying to be a good wife and compromise or something stupid. 

I kept thinking about Mona.  I couldn't get her out of my head. She needed to live in my house.  So I asked my dad if he would stop by and purchase her if she was still there.  He's all about supporting my crazy endeavors, as a good dad should. 

I received this text from him. 

This is why my dad is one of my favorite humans.  Besides the whole contributing to my life thing. 

So, I kept Mona a secret and Nate unwrapped her for his birthday.  My dad and I thought it was hilarious.  Nate didn't get it.  You know, the usual. 

She's quite stunning. 

I'm not exactly sure where she is going to permanently live.  I'm thinking the office or the dining room.  Only time will tell.   Or maybe above Nate's side of the bed.

There are a bunch of scribbles on the back.  I think someone thought it was an original.  Which it totally is. 

Moral of this story: I'm a crazy person with a cool dad who likes to do things that annoy her husband.

Happy weekend! 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

All things pumpkin is sort of blogger cliche.  But I'm totally doing it today.   I should have had a chevron fabric background with a mason jar of milk next to it.  Someday I'll get these things right.

Can you believe that I didn't eat pumpkin until last year?  I've always been a picky eater but I've been trying to expand my horizons the past couple of years.  Good thing or I would have completely missed out on pumpkin.  That would have been tragic. 

Today I thought I'd share with you one of my new favorites, pumpkin chocolate chip bread. 

I want to eat another loaf in one setting just looking at the gorgeous nighttime photo. 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

• 1 can pumpkin puree (plus a little more if you love pumpkin)
• 1 tsp vanilla  
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 2/3 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup chocolate chips + some for sprinkling on top

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Grease loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl: combine the pumpkin, eggs, oil, vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
3. In large bowl: sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips.
6. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake ~70-75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Eat up!

Need more pumpkin in your life?  Try these other tasty pumpkin recipes! Pumpkin Bars,  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie!