DIY Holiday Wreath

I know I promised this last night.  I got busy, my bad.  Without futher adieu... The CB2 inspired wreath.

I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with all things Crate & Barrel.  Once I convince Will we actually need a registry, I hope to be signing my name next to lots of pretty things.  A month or so ago, an email from CB2 popped up in my inbox.  In it was a beautiful holiday wreath and a link to the instructions to create it.

Here's what you need:

• Floral or utility wire at least 16 guage like this
• About 60 of your favorite ornaments
• Wire cutters
• Duct tape
• About 18 inches of ribbon

Begin by cutting your wire into the size circle of your choice.  It's easier to work with smaller wreaths.  Mine are probably 8-10 inches in diameter.  Next, begin stringing your ornaments on the wire in whatever pattern you'd like.

Work the ornaments so they stack on top of each other and hide the wire.  I couldn't hide every bit of the wire, but it's mostly concealed.  Now keep stringing until you have a full wreath.

When you get to the end, clip any extra wire, and twist the wire around itself.  Secure the two ends with duct tape.  Then, take your chosen ribon and wrap over the tape and tie a secure bow from which to hang the wreath.

Take and hang wherever you find that needs a little holiday cheer.

Voila!  A wreath that looks like it was purchased from your favorite, pricey home goods store but you have the pride of knowing you put that baby together.

The green and silver wreath with the chocolate brown ribbon was my first attempt.  I found those ornaments at Ikea and Walmart.  I was SO incredibly proud of myself that I went to Target the next day to buy more ornaments to make another.  The silver, red, and green wreath with tan ribbon is one that I made for a gift.  There are some really great colored ornaments out in stores this year, so the color possibilities are endless!  I plan on stocking up at the after-Christmas sales for next year.

*Ignore the bones and chewed Nerf football in the pictures of the silver, red, and green wreath.  Jack isn't very good about putting his toys away.

Fun, easy holiday decor teaser

I'm really excited to post more in depth about this project.  It would get done today, but alas, I didn't have the time to take pictures this morning before work. 

The inspiration came from this wonderful place:

It is easy, and fun, and people will think you are a decorating genius (or spend a lot of money).  Pictures and details to come tonight.  Get excited.

On Negotiations

Three years ago I had LASIK surgery.  For the most part, it's been great.  That, however, isn't the subject of my post. 

Part of the deal with TLC (the network I had it performed under) is that I have annual check-ups on my eyes.  I headed to the eye doctor on the Friday before Thanksgiving for what I hoped to be a quick checkup.  I had noticed a little difference in my distance sight, but didn't think it was a big deal.  The doctor ultimately said my distance vision was fine but recommended that I up the prescription in my reading/computer glasses to further stave off any changes in my vision in the future.

I proceeded out to the lobby where the sales staff works through choosing frames, lens types, etc. with customers.  I balked that lenses alone were going to run over a hundred dollars.  Then they wanted to charge me an additional $70 for the glare-proof coating.  That's where I drew the line.  I asked if I could take my prescription and go elsewhere in search of more affordable lenses for my glasses.  Right there, she took off the entire charge for the glare-proof coating. 

I will never be paying for that again.

Home Deco

I've never had a huge knack for decorating, and quite honestly not much interest in it as well.  However, becoming a bride (or is it bride-to-be?) has suddenly brought on a nesting instinct. 

I recently made a trip to Ikea and purchased this guy.  Will and I did some rearranging of his living room to make space, and I think it looks great.  Last night, I had way too much fun at Target.  I got new throw pillows for the couches, a new throw to cover up the huge hole Jack put in the arm of the couch, a woven vase to put what I can best describe decorative sticks in.  I also picked up a little holiday cheer. 

I'm getting really excited to have a place of my own.  Well, Will's own, but you know... the whole marriage thing makes it mine too.  :)  A place I can decorate permanently and not worry about landlords and crappy rental houses. 

Thank You

To anyone who has ever donned a military uniform and given of your service in order to protect our freedoms, thank you.  Your selfless acts do not go unnoticed.

My father, grandfather, several uncles, future father-in-law, and several other future in-laws have or currently serve in various branches.  And my favorite red-headed boy cousin has just signed on to become the one of the next generation of Navy officers.

I'm proud to have such a rich military heritage.  Thank you again.

On Perfection

In case you've been in a hole for the past two months, you might have missed the current Iowa Hawkeyes season.  The record-breaking, national championship hope-inspiring, perfect season.  It has not been without its scares (every game).  And I guarantee I've aged five years as a result of the turnovers and unnecessarily close games.

However, here we stand.  This team is 9-0 and currently ranked fourth in the BCS poll.  We have never opened a season by winning nine games.  The next three, which will conclude the regular season, include only one in which the Hawkeyes are questionable - a November visit to OSU at the 'shoe.  We're listed as Rose Bowl contenders in every bowl prediction list available.  Most Iowa fans have no idea what to do with this success or this team.

They were the dark horse among pre-season Big Ten championship talk.  Now they're the dark horse in the National Championship game talk.  This team wasn't supposed to be great.  Early season injuries on offense made them even less so, but what they have done is great.  They have taken control of games when it mattered, turned the odds in their favor, and consistently come out on top... much to pollster and analyst chagrin.

Every Saturday through November 21st, I will continue to watch my Hawkeyes plan, and hold my breath everytime Stanzi drops back to pass.  I'll still probably be highly pessimistic and take no game for granted.  I never thought we would be here, though, and so I will soak up every moment of this season.

You may not respect this team.  Many don't.  We don't care.  We'll continue to fight through all four quarters and leave it on the field.  This record speaks for itself.  Respect us or not, we are Hawkeyes.  And this.is.awesome.