DIGITAL CAMERA (SLR) ADVICE WANTED/NEEDED

A few months after I started to really get into blogging, I began to notice all these beautiful pictures on other peoples blogs!

I was (and still am) speechless at some of the photos I've come across. I'm sure most of you have read a comment from me that started out with, "Oh my gosh!!"

Well, my husband has heard me talk about getting an updated camera, although I do have a handy Nikon Cool Pix that takes pretty decent pictures (with some editing), and he's agreed to let me get a new one. A digital SLR, to be exact. I know I've asked some of you what kind of camera you use.

It always comes down to two.

Nikon or Canon

I'm just a beginner, and I want to learn as much as I can about ISO's, aperture, flash, etc.! I want those pictures where everything is blurry in the background! You know what I'm talking about!

So, I ask you...my fellow blog pals, who are wonderful photographers, "What do you recommend?"

Can you tell me why you just absolutely love your camera and why it would be the best for me? I just need/want a simple SLR that I don't have to spend thousands on.

Thank you!!!