12 Days of Gifty-Wifties

For the mutt owners in your life, I give you Wisdom Panel:

We did this for Roo on the recommendation from one of my coworkers. Whether the DNA test gets the breeds 100% right or not is up for debate, but regardless, it's fun to see what their makeup could be and draw your own conclusions.

For instance, our test said that our Roobabe is mostly Treeing Walker Coonhound and German Shepherd. If you know anything about those breeds and our Roo, you'll know that's probably not totally true. Those dogs start at 45 lbs and Roobabe is a healthy 35. Those breeds tend to be darker colored and our Roo is light yellow (as I call it "Yellooo") and white. Those breeds are scent-trackers for medium-sized mammals. Our Roo is a sight/sound tracker and a digger for small rodents (just ask my dad about his pock-marked backyard after this last weekend!).

Click any photo to enlarge.

Where I think the test got to the truth was the page on "other mixed breeds". They listed a terrier and the Basenji - both of which we've suspected before. She has the ears, body style, coloring and face of a Basenji. She has the tracking, digging, tenacity and broad shoulders of a terrier. 

I do consider the test's suggestion of German Shepherd in that she has dark skin around her eyes and mouth. she also has a shepherd-like gait when she stalks squirrels (she only moves her feet and keeps her body perfectly level, lifting her feet delicately). She's larger than a Basenji but smaller than a shepherd, so that cross makes sense. 

Bottom line: It's fun and you may learn something. 

It's also good fodder for dog park conversations. (It gives you something to talk about while your dog awkwardly sniffs another dog while it's relieving itself.) 

We purchased our Wisdom Panel on Amazon. I think it was fun and would do it again. 

Again, no compensation for this post. We just liked doing it and bought this brand on a whim/recommendation. 

12 Days of Gifty-Wifties

My Mr. says this stuff is the bee's knees. He said that other men said so too.

Again, not compensated for this post at all. Yet. Hey, Harry's! Send my Mr. a free set!

I'll keep you posted if that works :)

12 Days of Gifty-Wifties

I have ordered these for both of my parent's parents. They are magnets (or other accessories) made from your instagram photos.

So easy. So cute. A new way to give photo gifts!

If you'd like to give them a try you can use the promo code FRIENDJFJD to get $4 off your first order.

This is not a sponsored post. We both would just get a discount if you used my code.

12 Days of Gifty-Wifties

For the person who has everything. (And for me. I would love this!)

Now you can own a George W. Bush painting!!

12 Days of Gifty-Wifties

This one's from Williams Sonoma, but you could make one too! Maybe with dried herbs so it wouldn't wilt? Or maybe wilting is part of the drying process?

12 Days of Gifty-Wifties

Merry December, kidlets!

I decided that I'd like to do a gift guide for the first couple weeks in December when some may still be doing their shopping. Now, if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hear ya. I think many of these gifts can apply to other winter holidays.

Winter Solstice Yule
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa
Diwali
New Years
"That person you have a crush on that you've been looking for a reason to give them a gift"-eve.

Ok, but this first gift is Christmas-y. And namely Western Christmas-y. Sheesh.

But it's good, ya'll!

The Whiskey Advent Calendar

Miss Moon Was A Dog Governess

This one is called: 

Miss Moon Was A Dog Governess. Lesson One: Be Kind To The Wildlife And They May Return The Favour One Day.

Cool, right?!

And more ginger gals reading to animals... these would look so cute in our guest bedroom.

Love the tension and beauty in this one.

Tipsy Tuesday: You Gotta Be Cotton Me?!

Buh-dum-kish!

Our second wedding anniversary is just weeks away and the traditional gift is... Cotton!

I love the theme (although I didn't follow it last year and gave him a bowl made of glass from our wedding site), so I've compiled some cotton gifts.

Lace shoes

Funky quilt for spare room

Oil on canvas

Natural pillow

Funny tea towel

The non-traditional gift for second anniversaries is china. What do you think? Would you give something completely different?

Happy Birthday to Me

First of all, let me thank the readers who contributed to my whopping 119 pageviews and several comments on this post. I'm so glad that it resonated with many of you and that some of you have stuck around to read this! I hope I can continue to develop personal and compelling content on this blog and that it helps you to feel in community. Oh and I hope you find some of it funny. I promise to be more funny.

Onto current matters:

It's my birthday!

I have a good feeling about twenty-seven.

On this Flip-It Friday, I'd like to ask you all what you want for YOUR birthday.

Be it an object, an experience, a wish or a thought, tell me what you're hoping for on your next birthday.

A few things I'm thinking about today:

My Roo-babe came without a definite b-day, so I vowed to share mine with her. We are skipping a fancy dinner tonight to have time to walk Roo ourselves before whatever the Mr. has planned downtown. Happy birthday, Roo-babe! Twinsies!

Math, Math, Math ... Elvira!

I belong to flash sale sites like Fab.com, Ideeli, Rue La La, Jetsetter, Groupon, Joss and Main, etc.

And have logins to other favorite online stores like ASOS, ShopRuche, Everlane, etc.

I occasionally click on the email promptings or log on to see how I can spend my money.

I need a lot of things:

reliable winter tights
a rug for our living room
a trip somewhere tropical in February
a chandelier for our dinning room
scented candles for housewarming gifts
sweaters that pair well with button downs
comfortable flats for the office

Did I say need? I mean, first-world-need/want.

Thankfully I get overwhelmed when I have two things in my cart and end up closing the browser window in a panic.

Was I really about to spend $100 on 2 sweaters?

I know that this is a lot of money to some and not so much money to others. For sweaters anyway.

The past few clothing purchases I've made have been hit-or-miss in satisfaction. I even find that the more I weed my closet of the unwearables, the easier it is to get dressed.

You have one pair of black pants and 4 sweaters that look good with those pants and 2 pairs of shoes that hit the hemline just-so, so you only have ... math, math, math ... 8 options for an outfit. Easy!

But you know what I have no problem spending money on? Others who really need it.

I love to love people with my credit card. And I can't tell if that statement is endearing or sad.

So when I got an email prompting from Kiva this morning, I click-clicked through to find Elvira's story and click-clicked to help her buy charcoal to sell.

from Kiva.org

She lives in the Philippines where the average annual salary is $1175. She needs a $400 loan to continue her business (... math, math, math, that's 8 fancy sweaters).

So if you feel like going on a shopping spree to help people all over the world with a lil' micro-lending, check out Kiva. And when you get paid back (and I usually do), you can relend the money for even MORE giving and shopping!


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I am in no way compensated for this post. I just really love Kiva and believe in their mission. 

One More Gift Guide

Gifts for the person who has everything. All with high charity ratings.

Kiva - Loans that change lives.

Polaris Project - A world without slavery.

Heifer International - If you give a village a cow...

Samaritan's Purse - The one with the Christmas shoe boxes.

PAWS - The unkennel shelter. Right now there is a dachshund puppy named Randy and a beagle named Greg... I think it's a sign I need another one!

The NY Times thinks it's cool to give.

Beverage pairing? Whatever washes down humble pie.

Tipsy Tuesday: Let Someone Help You

I am miss I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T if you can believe it.

Growing up I threw a fit if I couldn't dress myself. One time I waltzed out of my bedroom, dressed for church, wearing all red (sock, headband, the whole shebang). I was promptly laughed back into my room by my parents.

Source: blogs.babble.com via Renée on Pinterest

(Not me, but I would have done this.)

I should have accepted help.

The holiday season requires even more from us that usual. Travel to orchestrate, family to mediate,  crowded stores to navigate...

So the next time you are:

...texting and driving (don't!), hand the phone to your passenger.
...asked if you need anything from the store, just say "some tic tacs" even if you don't need them.
...offered a ride to the airport, accept it and give them your itinerary and a latte!

I get a real joy out of helping others - especially when its no skin off my back! Some of us wrap gifts better, are better with directions, are more social and willing to talk to Great Aunt Ruth about the depression for the 6th time - let us all specialize for the good of the group!

So if someone offers, let them. Then pay it forward and use your abilities to do something nice for someone else!

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Well under $25 so you can get a lot of things to stuff in that sock-ing.

First you need a stocking:

Source: etsy.com via J on Pinterest

Stuff it with this:

Source: sephora.com via J on Pinterest

S

and these:

Source: bethproudfoot.blogspot.com via Jane on Pinterest

and for even warmer hands on the go, these:

Source: starbucks.com via Kim on Pinterest

Of course there's a sasquatch:

Source: stitchedcards.com via Jeni on Pinterest

and some survival items:

Source: larabar.com via J on Pinterest

DIY something like this:

Source: elleandblair.com via Debbie on Pinterest

and class it all up with this:

Source: anthropologie.com via J on Pinterest

and put one of these in the end... as a snack or a street weapon!

Source: harryanddavid.com via J on Pinterest

Happy Merry, Peeps. What do you want for the holidays?

Gift Guide: Foodie Gifts

My site broke and that's why I haven't been blogging.

Psych. J/K. I'm just not that into you.

But, like picking off a scab, I can't help but indulge in some self-mutilation and continue on with this gift guide.

Onto the foodie portion!

Bing (curly fry cutter!)

Source: fab.com via J on Pinterest

Bang (namesake ice cream)

Source: jenis.com via J on Pinterest

Boom (coffee accouterments)

Source: fab.com via J on Pinterest

Done. (DIY cheese)

Source: etsy.com via J on Pinterest

Gift Guide: Outdoorsy Gifts

Anyone who wanted me to stop being a Debbie Downer can thank my dad for getting me off my pity pedestal and back on the gift guide wagon.

His comment from this blog post:

"Having been around for a couple of these holiday things and having been part of all of yours I can say they are stressful and very difficult to please everyone but as a whole some fond memories are to be had it always seems to work out and there are plenty of people less fortunate. Sunday after two days on my feet and feeling kind of sore I checked in a gentlemen's deer who [the man] was suffering greatly from some issue that he could hardly walk and when I offered to help he said that he could make it and that there were plenty of others in worse shape, kind of made my sore knee problem seem real small. Also enabled me to finish my day with a little more energy. Continue with the gift idea, promote local, green, consumable, reading etc... pa"

 From his comment you might gather that he works an outdoorsy job ("checking in a deer" means that deer done got hunted!), so how fitting that the next theme for gifts under $25 is for outdoorsy people.

I could just give you a few stores (Lands End, L.L. Bean, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop) and let you go wild (zing!), but I've put a bit more thought into it.

I mean, how embarrassing if you were to buy a saltwater trolling motor for a guy who lives in the Midwest. (hint: so embarrassing! Cause there's no ocean near Indiana and that's over $25.)

Flannel

Rain Jacket

Source: fab.com via J on Pinterest

Fancy on-the-go purifying water bottle.

A field guide for their region or area of interest.

Binoculars to make their kid or grandkid outdoorsy!

Earth DVDs, for when the outdoorsman is laid-up or the weather is too harsh to experience nature first hand.

Gift Guide: Couples Gifts

This is the first post of my gift guide. It's not broken out by gender or age, but rather, the type of recipient. Let's be real, I just broke them out by the types of gifts I need to buy. Help me, help you, help me. Ya know?

These gifts would be great to give to a couple or individual as a household gift. All are under $25 as that is the stipulation for gifts in my family this year.

Some unique art. 

Wouldn't this look good in a kitchen? Its easy on the eyes, has a bit of tension but is still gender neutral. 

Something for the home that is seasonal is nice too.

This pepper wreath is traditional and funky at the same time.

This is a dollar over the price point, but it's such a good idea.

Couples mitten!

If they have pets, getting something for the dog or cat could be a way to give something for the household!

And it may seem like a cop-out, but I always like getting and giving gift cards. People can then shop themselves and get exactly what they want. And you still get to show them that you know their favorite 

Brand of coffee

Home improvement store

Local Italian resto

Homegoods

That way, they can have part of their next date, java or home improvement project on you!

How about you? What would you like for your household?

Upcoming Gift Guides

This isn't a real post. Don't get all hyped up thinking you'll walk away being inspired or informed, like usual (ha!).

I was just thinking of how much I love (online) shopping for gifts for my family and thought:

"Self. You like to compile gifts. Why don't you do a gift guide for people who hate crowds and want to buy everything online. And who enjoy a humorous, useful, delicious, classy gift. People just like you."

So here it comes, a big gift guide for the easily overwhelmed, thin-walleted, introverted, quirky gift giver!

I'll break it down by types of recipients. Not by gender (because every other blogger on two legs does that).

It will go as follows:

Couples gifts
Outdoorsy gifts
Foodie gifts
Stocking stuffers

So get excited. The first post with my fun, gifty findings will be tomorrow!

Source: primitivesbykathy.com via Nicole on Pinterest

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Announcement to my family

My sister and I decided that it would be fun/easy to do couples/household gifts this year for $25 or less per household. That means that the Mr. and I would get only one gift as a "household" and that gift can be not more than $25. My brother, as a single guy (handsome ginger seeking nice, SWF age 20 - 25 who enjoys laughing her head off! Message me! J/K... or am I?) would count as a household and would get one gift at $25 or under. I have thought about getting my sister and bro-in-law 2 little somethings that equal $25 so they each get a smaller gift, but have yet to decide. The point is, keep is under $25 :)

Shutters

Guess what, kidlets?

The Mr. gave me a wonderful gift this past week.

I am unworthy of such a device. I'm clumsy with it and every one of the bloggets out there is probably smacking her head in collective shame at how I use it.

But I'll get better. I promise.

And I suppose I'll have to keep blogging for a while to make such a nifty camera purchase worth it :)

How to Design a House

It's easy.

All you have to do it make a million reflective decisions over the course of a lifetime in conjunction with any other figureheads in your household. Oh, and on a budget! Oh, and don't make mistakes because it will cost you to return the rug/repaint that room/replace that broken mirror!

Oh! and shoot me.

We bought paint for our entire house this past weekend because Sherwin Williams (lovingly to me, Sure-Will... as in "Will this navy paint look too dark/not cover enough of the previous color? Sure, will!").

We had to make decisions on the vision for 5+ spaces in a matter of hours in order to get 40% off quality paint and 30% off supplies. (Sale goes through today [Monday], Chicagoans!)

Geeper creeper I've got a case of the weepers.

But, all you girlfriends of mine would be so proud of me. I put on my big girl pants and just made. some. damn. decisions.

Who knows. Maybe it's all wrong. We didn't get samples this time around (they are a waste of money since they're not guaranteed to match the paint you actually buy) and we didn't hang up swatches on the wall and stew over them for days on end. We just looked through the paint deck I sweet-talked out of Sure-Will (for free) and just picked.

Afterall, we stewed-n-brewed over the shades of Navy to use in our bedroom and ended up with a different color entirely because of the mismatched samples (damn you, test pots!). And you know what? The color is fine. We all lived. It will look awesome once I style the pants off that room.

We bought the 2nd best style of paint they offered and went to town. With the current sale running and a $15 off coupon we used, we got supplies (starting from scratch) and quality paint for the whole house for under $400. Not bad, right?

So what colors did we decide on?

Source: sherwin-williams.com via J on Pinterest

Source: sherwin-williams.com via J on Pinterest

Source: sherwin-williams.com via J on Pinterest

Source: sherwin-williams.com via J on Pinterest

Source: sherwin-williams.com via J on Pinterest

Seaworthy, Clary Sage, Ivoire, Rice Grain and Perfect Greige.

The first one is the kicker and the rest are playing it safe. We painted the kicker this weekend (our master bedroom) and needed a break from being kicked. The rest of the house should be calmer.

Seeing them all lined up like that makes me like their inter-play better. I can see the household vision more now.

North-American earthy, natural but a bit dramatic, more masculine. Think: wood, glass, steel, concrete, fur, no-frilly edges, some plants, iron, black and brown mixed, wool, down feathers, wicker, cork, brass, ceramics.

What is your house "vision"?

Do you tie all rooms together or do you use them as individual canvases?

Beverage pairing? A rhubarb cocktail from the cocktail box B.Lill send me. Good gravy, what a good gift!