Things cooper ate

Ironically, a pen from the dog school we took him to.

Christmas decorating - bannister

As a first time home-owner I'm excited to figure out ways to decorate for Christmas- on a budget of course! I love to mix and match items from different places and did so for our staircase. 

We spent about $20 on Christmas ornaments and ribbon from the dollar store. I try to buy multi-item packages, with a few fancier single ornaments. I always try to buy an odd number so I can easily group ornaments.

The garlands were $4 at Target. I fluffed them and hung them first. Then I separated the gold and silver balls I purchased and tried to evenly divide them in the sections of the garland. I made sure the 'key' ornaments were hung first, then I framed them with the basic balls. 

Finally I added the bows. I made them after searching online for a garland bow tutorial. It was pretty easy! It takes a full 9 foot roll to make one bow. Best thing is that you make them once and then just reuse them. 

I still want to add a string of lights and probably some handmade paper ornaments, but overall I'm happy with how this came out!

Things Cooper Ate

A second coaster from FEW Spirits has been eaten....

The 8 Rules of Conversation, by Ben Franklin

I'm currently reading Benjamin Franklin an American life, by Walter Isaacson. http://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-Franklin-An-American-Life/dp/074325807X

A chapter in this biography discusses Benjamin Franklin's list of common conversational sins which cause dislike. I think they are still true.

1. At the top of his list: talking overmuch. He says it never fails to excite resentment. 

2. Seeming uninterested in the conversation

3. Speaking too much about your own life

4. Prying for personal secrets

5. Telling long and pointless stories

6. Contradicting or disputing someone directly

7. Ridiculing or railing against things except in small witty doses

8. Spreading scandal

I like this list. It really points out that in Franklin's eyes, it is important to listen. His first two rules are about listening!

Personally I find that talking or discussing things that are not proper context for the group of people you are with could also be important. 

What do you think this list could use?

Brushing up on HTML and CSS

I've been doing online training in html and CSS. One of our most recent assignments was to recreate an invitation using CSS and learning how to use web fonts. Here's my copy, with all the code on the JS Bin site:

http://jsbin.com/uxiliTi/1/edit

Things Cooper ate

Well it looks like he's gotta stay in his crate even if we leave on a short errand. He went for a rubber trivet and a coster today.

Things cooper ate

A photo by the waterfall when nick was proposing to me. >:(