Sad Dog Diary







This is totally NSFW, but totally HILARIOUS.  Please watch and enjoy the sad thoughts of sad dogs!





Christmas Lights to the Extreme


I may hate winter, but I love Christmas lights.  One of my fondest memories has always been going for a drive late at night with my parents just to see the lights.   My favorite part of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation is Clark’s foibles with the lights on his house:











I’m always amazed at the levels of creativity that are utilized in creating some of these fantastic displays, and found some really great ones I would love to share with you!












Crazy Awesome Sock Patterns to Try

I've been becoming a little bit of a knitter over the years, and while it still isn't my preferred method of yarn craft, I have to admit it holds it's own merits.  For example, I've made gloves, mittens and fingerless gloves in both knit and crochet and I like the lay of the knitted ones better.  They are thinner, but still warm, which allows for more ease in movement, they're stretchy too, which also lends well to this type of garment.  I still favor crochet for hats and afghans, but would never think of crocheting a sweater!  I think that would just be too bulky.  Another area that I think knitting takes the cake is socks.  I haven't yet knitted a pair of socks, but I have crocheted one, and I didn't like the way they felt at all!  I think a knitted sock would be much more comfortable!  This is why I have made it my goal this year to knit a pair (or two!) of socks just to give it a shot and see how I like it.  While I know these won't be the patterns I'm starting with, I am starting quite the stash of fun patterns to try out!

Winter Rose Socks
A Dance for Maus Jung
Mustached Cat Socks
Little Sock of Horrors
Emoticon Socks
A Flock for Your Feet
Knitted Christmas Pattern Socks
Tardis Socks

Oh how my little mind is racing with all the fun I could have with loads of sock yarn and lots more time than exists!  :)  Also, must find Tardis Blue Sock Yarn, know where to find any?

Do you have any crazy awesome socks to share?  Leave a comment!

Things I'm Thankful For: Food





So this was meant to be part of a November Series of "Things I'm Thankful For."


Unfortunately, I got too caught up in being thankful for life that I didn't do much posting here, on this blog.  So here, I bring to you, some entertaining GIFs that will help you appreciate food as much as I do!










Because everyone has had that moment where you just had to eat that beloved sandwich.













BUTTER!!!












COOKIE!  


(The look on his face is perfect!)












Because one drumstick is never enough.













Because animals eating are so cute- and this one takes the cake!!!  (or Broccoli!)


Get all your Holiday Shopping done at Best Buy!!


Did you go shopping on Black Friday?  Did you score some good deals?  Did you know some of the best deals haven't happened yet?  This month, Best Buy is offering some great deals for all of your holiday shopping needs!  Whether you like to shop amongst the crowds or stay on your couch, Best Buy offers great deals and makes them accessible to you!





Did you know that Best Buy features more than 100 items that are exclusive to them?  This assortment includes a huge selection of the best tablets, hottest smartphones, newest gaming consoles and game titles, wearable technology, health and fitness gear, mobile accessories and more than you can imagine!

Not only is their product selection amazing, but their staff is full of passionate, highly trained, knowledgeable and impartial people that can help you fill your christmas list with the perfect gifts for your family and friends. (and perhaps yourself too?)  They'll help you match the most competitive price possible, ensuring that you always get the best deal!




Here are some of the great products that Best Buy offers that you may not know they had!
  • Phones: At Best Buy you can see and try all of the phones, carriers, plans and accessories under one roof with industry-leading trade-in options
  • Tablets: Best Buy is the only place in America where customers can see all of the latest and greatest tablets. 
  • Computing: Best Buy features the best selection, advise, services and support in computing. They help set the market by working with the industry's tech leaders to develop a highly specialized and innovative assortment of laptops, many of which are only available at Best Buy.
  • Mobile Accessories: Best Buy has one of the largest selections of accessories and wearables this holiday. Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, health & fitness gear and headphones will truly rule holiday. 
  • Home Theater: Best Buy offers the world's newest technology, best assortment and service in home theater.
  • Appliances: Best Buy is better positioned than ever to bring the latest small appliances and special deals to you.
  • Gaming: Best Buy is THE destination for gaming this holiday. Not only do they have the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, but the hottest game releases and everything else you need for a great gaming experience.
  • Music/Movies/Musical Instruments: Best Buy offers terrific deals on the best entertainment stocking stuffers.
  • Digital Imaging: Best Buy features the newest selection of cameras, accessories and advise so you can find the perfect gift or capture your own holiday memories.
  • Tech Services: Best Buy is home of the Geek Squad for help installing, repairing, troubleshooting, optimizing and offering all sorts of technical advice from every Best Buy store, in-home, online and by phone


Best Buy has given me the opportunity to share with you two awesome deals that they are offering this holiday season- 15% off Health & Fitness products, Fisher Price & Mattel Toys and 10% off Headphones and Portable Speakers (Excludes Beats, Bose and Sony Product), and I thought I would share with you some great gift ideas of my own to use those great coupons on!

Digital Barbie Makeover Kit
Fisher Price Little People Apptivity Barnyard
Fitbit
Logitech Headphones & Speakers

Want some more ideas?  Check out the Best Buy Gift Center!

Enjoy your shopping this year at Best Buy!!!  (Coupons are Valid 12/1/13–1/18/14)


15% off Health & Fitness products, Fisher Price & Mattel Toys
To redeem coupon on bestbuy.com, enter code bloggers15off at check out


10% off Headphones and Portable Speakers (Excludes Beats, Bose and Sony Product)
To redeem coupon on bestbuy.com, enter code bloggers10off at check out


The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Get your Christmas Smart Phones with Zact at Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores!


If you're like me, you rarely go anywhere without your mobile phone.  You may not have a land line anymore because, well, why would you?  If you have a smart phone at your fingertips, you really don't need one anymore.  The trouble with mobile phones is the costly price tag that comes along with them.  Now, there's another option!



With Zact Mobile, you have the benefit of the Sprint cellular and data network, with nationwide coverage and voice, however you get to choose your voice, texting and data plans a la carte!  Prior to now, you could only get Zact online, however now you can get your new phone through Zact at any Best Buy Mobile Specialty store.  With no contract and completely customizeable service, you get to save big AND only pay for what you use!  To make matters even better, if you don't use everything you paid for that month, you get money back toward your next bill!  The average monthly bill with Zact is a mere $22, leaving you a lot more to spend on other items.  


Not only can you get your bill down, but you can do so while sharing your pool of talk, text and data with your family, control curfews, block or allow contacts, and control the apps that your child has access to. 



Now, you may be wondering where you can get yourself signed up!  Well, admittedly, you can't go to just any old Best Buy store that you like, you have to go to a Best Buy Mobile Specialty store- but that's not bad!  There are 414 Mobile stores nationwide, located in malls and shopping centers.  They are mini stores with specialists, and they're focused on mobile devices and accessories. You can shop on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and Zact carriers and they carry all the hottest smart phones as well as accesories designed to fit your lifestyle.  The experts that work there are highly qualified, but uncommissioned, so they can help you get the phone you need as well as determine the right plan for your needs.  They'll get you set up, from start to finish, transferring all calls and data and set you into the world with your great new phone!  Find one near you today at www.BestBuyMobile.com.


Scouting Sunday, Last Minute Christmas Gift Crafting Ideas!



 So if you recall, this series is designed to share with you some of the things I've found during the week that I love- most are diy, crafty items, and I think they're all great!  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!


As you should know, there are just 38 days left until Christmas!!!  That isn't near enough time for crafting left, but if you're like me, you've got a lot of stuff to work on finishing in a very short period of time!!   This week, on Scouting Sunday, I'm helping you out by giving you a great list of quick and easy Christmas Gifts that you can crochet or craft for your family and friends!


Thick and Easy Potholders

Shine Activity and Fitness Tracker available at Best Buy {Product Review}

It's sad to admit, but as I've gotten older, my body has gotten softer.  I've been trying to make fitness a regular part of my life again, but I'll tell you, it's tough!  When you've got kids running circles around you and an endless pile of laundry, accomplishing even one sit up just seems impossible.  Everywhere you read, however, notes the power of tracking your fitness and food in aiding you to lose weight.  I've tried that.  I must admit that I tend to do ok for a while, but then have set backs or don't log details for weeks at a time.  

Enter this beauty:


Now I'm sure you've seen other wrist worn fitness trackers, like the Jawbone or FitBit, I'm sure you've never seen one that looks like the Shine Fitness Tracker.  You can wear this tracker in different ways, just by popping out the little disk on the front, it can be a watch, a necklace, or just be clipped to your belt.  Wear it in the way you want. Not only can you choose how to wear it, but you can get your disk in different colors.  Shine is exclusively available in additional colors at Best Buy including Silver, Black, Champagne and Topaz.    

Product Specs: 
Shine Features: •Activity Tracking, •Steps, •Activities: Swimming, Biking, Tennis, etc., •Sleep, •Calories, •Clock, •Waterproof, •Extra Accessories (includes Magnet clip), •Leather Bands, •Sport band, •Necklace
Shine is a gorgeous device that will empower people to be more proactive about their personal health.Width 27.5mm x Depth 3.3mm x Height 27.5mm with a weight of 9.4g. The device runs on a coin cell battery which lasts about 4 months. Shine is water-resistant for swimming.
One of the most important phrases in the specs is "device that will empower people to be more proactive about their personal health."  While I have to admit I was skeptical at first, I found that just by having the Shine on my wrist, I remembered my goals and thought about my activity and food intakes more.

Now, I have to say that the app leaves something to be desired.  The insight that I want from a fitness tracker just isn't there, nor is the portability.  Right now, the Shine only works with iPhones or iPods of the newest variety.  I had to borrow an iPhone to test this product.  That was a really big let down.  For now, it will probably sit in a drawer until someone develops the api for Android.  Also, the idea of setting the disk on the iPhone seems cumbersome every time, compared to other trackers abilities to do it via a wireless sync.



That being said, it is a really cool little device and did increase my motivation to work toward my goals, and it is one of the most sleek fitness trackers on the market and is definitely worth a look if you are an iPhone user.  


The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free, though all opinions are her own.

Subscription Box Giveaway!!!

I love giveaways before the holidays!!! Who doesn't want the chance to win a few extra holiday gifts? Win this one, and you can send your favorite person a free one month Subscription Box!
 
Hosted By: 
 
 
Co-Hosted By: 
 
 
Prizes:
 
1 winner will receive a 1 Month Subscription of Flicker Box
 
1 winner will receive a  1 Month Subscription of Square Hue 
 
1 winner will receive  a 1 Month Subscription of Healthy Surprise 
 
2 winners will receive a 1 Month Subscription of JackedPacked.com
 
 
About Flicker Box 
 
If you love candles then this box is for you. Every month you get a curated box of artisan candles made right here in the US. All beautifully hand made. 
 
About Square Hue
 
Every month you will get 3 full size bottles of nail polish.  They are “5-Free” Clean which means they do NOT contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor or Formaldehyde Resin. They are also made right here in the USA which is awesome.  
 
About Healthy Surprise
 
Healthy Surprise delivers healthy snacks right to your do every month.  
You never have to worry about getting anything that isn't good for you because you will know that they are
always natural, gluten free,vegan, soy free, corn free, and wheat free.
 
About JackedPacked.com
 
They help you discover the best products in sports nutrition and they have three different sized packs. The Lightweight, The Heavyweight, and the Heavyweight XXL. 
They also give $10 vouchers to their members every month to use in their store. So if you find something you like, or already know what you like, you can buy the full-size version. They also  have gift subscriptions (in two sizes) and month-to-month options, as well as 3 and 6 month options at discounted rates. 
 
 
 
 
Open to the US Only, 18+
 
 
 
 
 
 
This Crafting Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or even those stated in this post. 
 
 

Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway! Win a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer!! {Giveaway}



It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event



I love the holidays!  I spend every year near the holidays crafting and baking gifts and treats for all of my friends.  My oven is nearly always hot and my Kitchen Aid is whirring quietly in the corner.  Do any of you have a Kitchen Aid? I love mine!  It has a permanent place on my counter and I use it almost every day.  I have a wishlist of items that I want for it, including the ice cream maker, the meat grinder and the juicer!  Today, I'm teaming up with the MPM Network of bloggers to bring you this giveaway!


MPM Network Bloggers are gearing up for an amazing holiday season. Make sure you stop by and checkout all the tasty recipes below. Surely you will find something that makes your holiday even yummier!

One lucky reader will receive a KitchenAid Tilt-head Stand Mixer + accessories!

Giveaway ends December 9th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:This Crafting Life is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

50 Years of Doctor Who Giveaway!!

I LOVE DOCTOR WHO! I have watched about half of the series and am also reading some of the books. When I found this giveaway, I knew I was meant to take part in it!!! So here you go, celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who!

Hosted By:
Co-Hosted By: 
 
 
Prizes:
$50 Gift Certificate from The Next Best Thing
and
Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Monitor Mate
(arv $70)
 

Doctor Who Turns 50

If you could touch the alien sand and hear the cries of strange birds,
and watch them wheel in another sky,
would that satisfy you?
~The First Doctor~
November 23, 1963 changed everything. Initially started as a family show to fill up the spots between the football results and the evening programing it was new and different. After a run of only 3 years the first Doctor William Hartnell wanted to leave the show the brilliant idea of renewing their doctors was born.  In 1989 though after running for 26 years they rested the show until 1996 when they did a made a TV movie featuring the 8th Doctor. It wasn't until 2005 that the Doctor was fully regenerated and it has been nothing but up from there.  Doctor Who has a huge following and Whovians every rejoice this year celebrating what Guinness Book of World Records says is the longest running and most successful sci-fi series in the world. 


Disclosure: This Crafting Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or even those stated in this post. Out of the Bags and the Next Best Thing are responsible for prize delivery.

The Hobbit T-Shirt Giveaway Blogger Opportunity

 
 
Hosted By:
 
 
Sponsored By:
 
 
Prizes:
 
6 Winners will receive 1 Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug T-shirt. (arv $120)
 
 
Event Dates:
 
  •     November 25 to December 9th
  •     Open to U.S Only
 
Participation Requirements:
 
  •     Limit 2 blogs per person
  •     Link Announcement or if you wish not to announce the giveaway then please pay $5
  •     Click here for the Link announcement html
  •     Promote at least 3x times a week.  Top Referer will receive a free Co-Host spot

Hue Subscription Box Blogger Opportunity

 

Hosted By:
 
Sponsored By:
 
Prizes:
  • 1 November Box from SquareHue (arv $19)
  • 1 Starter size box from Healthy Surprise (arv $32)
  • 1 Month Subscription to Flicker Box (arv $33)
 
 
Event Dates:
  • November 17- December 1st
  • Open to U.S Only
 
Participation Requirements:
  • Limit 2 blogs per person
  • Link Announcement or if you wish not to announce the giveaway then please pay $5
  • Click here for the Link announcement html
  • Promote at least 3x times a week.  Top Referer will receive a free Co-Host spot.
 
 

Blogger Opportunity- Dr. Who Giveaway!!!

 

Hosted By:
 
Sponsored By:
 
Prizes:
$50  Gift Certificate and Doctor Who item.
 
Event Dates:
  • November 15-29
  • Open to U.S Only
 
Participation Requirements:
  • Limit 2 blogs per person
  • Link Announcement or if you wish not to announce the giveaway then please pay $5
  • Click here for the Link announcement html
  • Promote at least 3x times a week.  Top Referer will receive a free Co-Host spot.
 
 

Holiday Blogger Opportunity!!

It’s Christmas Baker’s Edition Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media


Grand Prize: KitchenAid Tilt-head Stand Mixer + accessories
Event dates: 11/18 - 12/9
Open to US + Canada
Referral prize: $25 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash

Bloggers: Sign Up HERE

WIP... Thursday?

As I watched people I admire post their WIP's yesterday, I sat here ashamed, thinking of how many projects I have in process right now.  There's things I'm working on for Christmas, there's other items I'm working on just because, and others that have hit the back burner for a long long time.  Here's my problem:

I get bored very easily.

Yep, bored.  If I can't finish a project in under 3 hours, chances are, I'm going to get bored at some time.  When I get bored (or even sometimes frustrated), I have to put it down.  But then there's another problem...

I can't sit still.

I can sit still, I just don't like it.  So, what do I do?  I either return to another project that bored me, or I move on.  This leads to a conglomeration of projects that are constantly in flux.  Now that you know this, always know the response I give to "What are you working on right now?" will always be literally what I have worked on last and not a lengthy reply of about a million projects that are sitting around my house.

Just for amusement, I sorted through my WIP boxes.  (yes, there is more than one)  Here is a run-down of projects currently in progress, starting with the oldest:


The Groovy-ghan.  I have the row of flowers and the row of circle squares done.  I was working on that row of stripes and my row kept changing sizes.  Badly.  So I gave up and tucked it away.  For some reason, still can't bring myself to finish it.  Maybe next year.


Bernat's Mystery Crochet Along Blanket from 2012.  I love the motifs.  Loved them so much, I made enough for two blankets.  (except for one of those squares.  I replaced it with my own because I thought it was ugly)  When the final layout was released, I went yikes.  I really hate this layout.  I think the clusters are ugly and I really don't like how the edges just hang out there.  Plans were made to design a piece that would fill in the gaps.  It was put away, and forgotten about.  A couple months later, I got an emergency request for a baby blanket for a friend who I've crafted for before.  I repurposed a few of the shapes and have never reworked them.  Will probably repurpose the remaining shapes into a blanket of my own design.  Eventually.


This was a fun personal project, though I have only made it about halfway up my waist.  I am working it in the round, though I have to say just knitting and knitting and knitting gets pretty boring after a while.


The Paris Sweater.  The construction is so easy that you could do it in your sleep.  You just do a simple stockinette stitch for oh, say, about 6 feet.   I'm about 2 feet in.  This sweater has been deemed my "too tired to concentrate on difficult patterns but not tired enough to fall asleep yet" or my "car sweater" where I don't want to worry about changing patterns.  Though the car is hard because they're on long needles, and I have a tendency to poke the driver a lot.   (tee-hee)


The Uptempo vest.  I made some modifications to this vest, and just wasn't able to correctly deal with the back modification.  I have a model body now (not quite a dress form, but it was given to me, so I can't complain), so will probably try to finish work on this sweater after Christmas crafting is done.


Scoodies for both my neice and nephew, though not exactly like this one.  I've made my own patterns for both of them, but haven't finished either yet.

*No picture yet*

There are several projects in progress that are of my own creation.  I don't want to share pictures of them yet as they are for Christmas presents, but they'll come soon.  :)


There is also the infamous scrap-ghan.  I work on it after the holidays, when I am putting away the last of the scraps from Christmas crafts and the like.  It's a nice diversion.  It will probably be done in about 20 years.

What is particularly sad is that there are probably projects that I have omitted from this list.  I should probably consider making it my new years resolution to bring this number down... but it's so tempting to make it go up!!!  :)

Do any of you need an extra day to think about your WIP's?  What is on your project lists right now?  Leave me a comment!