DIY CRAFTS: 14 Crafts & Activities for Valentine's Day

Last year I was a bit more motivated than I am this year and created one project a day for 14 days and I called it...wait for it....

Original, right?  Well here's a recap of all the projects from last year.

5 Easy Ways To Show A Blogger Some Love

With Valentine's Day a little more than 2 weeks away, love is definitely in the air.  Don't forget to show those around you some love and why not start with your favorite blogger?

Yes I'm a blogger so all of the information below hits close to home, but this isn't just about me and my readers.  With all the blogs out there (over 6.5 million!) you are either a blogger, know a blogger, or enjoy reading a blog.  Are you doing all you can to help that small business succeed?

Wait, back up...small business?  Yep, that's exactly what a blog is to many bloggers - whether they sell ad space, own an online shop or offer freelance writing or other types of services (or are building their blog towards these) - the blog is their business and each of the five tips below will help to build and grow their business.

Home Design Rules And Why You Can Break Them

A recent post on my living room update and my latest Houzz Ideabook and the uproar it caused in the design world (I wish!) over the length of my curtains got me thinking....Why do we think we HAVE to abide by someone else's rules for our home to be considered beautiful or well-designed?  And, why are we bullied into doing things because someone else says it looks good or, on the flip side, that it doesn't? Don't get me wrong, this is not a rant against negative feedback but just a nudge to all of us to open up our minds just a little.

Poppin Tags: The Unofficial Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge

What What, What, What - I'm not the only one with a thrifting addiction or a fondness for fur(ish) coats.  I went through a rebellious awesome stage in high school where I wore the most god awful clothes I could find - my number one outfit for away basketball games was a bright floral muumuu and a pink fur coat - Mimi would have been jealous.  Eat your heart out, Macklemore.  Setting trends and breaking hearts.

So for those not in the loop (are you living in a cave?!) - Macklemore is a rapper from Seattle (Washington, represent!) who partnered with Ryan Lewis to make this hilarious tribute to all things thrift store.  For those of you that like your versions a little more true to the artist check out the unedited version.  (If you’re on a smart phone click here to watch it.)


The hilarious couple over at Young House Love are all 'bout it too - so much, in fact, that they combined the two for a challenge I couldn't pass up.  The Completely Unofficial Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge!  (For some reason I sang that Oprah-style when I was typing it and dang do I do a good Oprah impression...in.my.head.)

Friday Five // Stripes

I love me some big chunky stripes.  Ever since I painted Luke's room with large horizontal stripes I've had an addiction with the crisp and bold design trend.  I even ended up painting a rug which lives under our bed.  Like "The Bruce Dickinson" and his cowbell, I just can't curb my desire for more stripes.  So the first of many Friday Five posts, which is where I showcase five budget-friendly items based on a weekly theme, is dedicated to one of my most favorite of things...at the moment....STRIPES!

Source List

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Each of these are sure to make a big impact - whether it is in your home or on your person - and a little dent in your wallet.

So are you guys still loving the striped trend with me?  Can you really call stripes a trend?