DIY: Foraged Gift Toppers

I mentioned recently that my littlest sister was here in Seattle, visiting from Boston (see a little peek into her apartment here).  She and I moved to Beantown the same year--2003; but, when we moved away in 2004, she stayed.  Both on a super tight budget (students!), we made it our mission to find all sorts of inexpensive ways to enjoy our city as well as the surrounding areas--Mount Auburn Cemetary being one of our favorites.  Last week's visit reminded me how much I've missed having her near as we sort of pressed "repeat", but this time in Seattle.  It was her first time here and you know I had a great time showing her around!




When I mentioned to her that I wanted to create simple gift toppers with little bits and pieces I've spotted along the road, her face lit up.  It turns out there are few things she enjoys more these days than foraging, so this was pretty much her dream day :)  Honestly, I couldn't believe all the little treasures we found--almost all of them within one block of my home.  Seattle is just crazy that way.  Pine cones in the shape of baby basketballs?  Check.  Holly in my backyard?  Check.  Cute, fuzzy berries in shades of yellow, orange and red?  Check.  We were practically giddy about it all.

For this simple DIY you will need: 

1. solid wrapping paper (kraft brown is a classic, but colors can also be lovely as they create contrast).

2. washi tape

3. twine

4. sprigs of green

If you swap out the greens, tape colors, types of twine, etc. you can really go to town making beautiful gifts.  Who needs expensive ribbon when you have a few trees or bushes nearby? :)  I promise you that if you start looking for little greens or twigs to incorporate into your gifts, you will discover so much overlooked beauty.  It's really a wonderful feeling!

all images by me, except for no. 5, which was taken by my sister via iPhone

A Surprise Package

We all know that the best anecdote for feeling glum is to do something nice for someone else, right?  Focusing our minds and efforts on thinking of another not only makes the recipient feel watched over,  but it helps us forget our own problems too (or what we perceive to be problems).  I firmly believe that making a paradigm shift towards constantly thinking of others will help us all be happier people.  Karma...totally believe in it, do you?  

So I've got a great idea as to how you make that good turn today...how about putting together a simple surprise package?  One that you dress up all fancy and pretty and then send in the mail with no forewarning. Yup, that's the kind I'm talking about...and it's guaranteed to make your friend's day.  I am living proof :)



Your package doesn't have to be expensive to put together--a few things from around the house mixed with some store-bought gems are just the ticket.  Have fun and be creative by coming up with a theme...like "sweet and salty", "red and white", "favorites" or "sunshine yellow" (like the one above that the lovely Miss Rebecca put together).  Surely you have a few bits and baubles you'd like to share; and a box should be easy to find around the house, yes?  If you're having trouble feeling inspired as to what to place inside your surprise package, jump on Etsy and start searching by color.  I typed in one of my favorite colors (periwinkle), and it turns out there are over 9,000 items on Etsy listed under that color if you can believe it!  Oh, and if you don't have tissue paper on hand, don't fret--try using parchment or wrapping paper instead.

p.s. a fun twist would be kamikaze surprise packages...assembling and mailing several out on the same day.  Just think of all the good cheer you'd spread!

Evergreen Gift Toppers

One of the best things about living in Seattle is all the green.  Green, green and more green.  I love the varieties of plants, bushes and trees all within a square city block.  It's an absolute visual treat!  I wanted to incorporate some of this local beauty into gift wrapping this year and snatched these {mostly} evergreen clusters up to play the role of gift toppers this year.  But seriously, even if you don't live in a place where evergreens abound, you can still put this idea to use...most succulents would make lovely gift toppers!  There is just something about the simple beauty of a plant that adds an air of cozy sophistication to a brown paper package tied up with string.

p.s. more simple gift wrapping ideas last week...in case you missed 'em.  Happy wrapping!



images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

Mini Cherry Almond Crumb Cakes

I used to make little goodies for my neighbors all the time before we moved to a new state; but I'm slowly getting to know the good people that live close to us here in Seattle and starting to feel comfortable leaving treats on their doorsteps.  It really does take about a year to feel settle one's family somewhere, doesn't it?  A few of you gave me that advice when we moved and it's absolutely true. 

Since I love any excuse to make this delicious cherry almond crumb cake a la Sophistimom, I couldn't resist making mini versions once I spotted these little paper loaf pans at a local Japanese store.  Seriously, this cake is so good that I stock more canned and frozen cherries than any other pantry item...because I never...ever...want to not be able to make this cake when I'm feeling a hankering coming on.  Think edible mini gifts...one for the school secretary...one for the room mother...and one for the homeless guy down the road.

Jaime/Sophistimom's recipe for Tart Cherry Crumb Cake + my notes on making another mini version here.

images by moi

Neighbor Gift Ideas

The Christmas season presents us with a great excuse to reach out to our neighbors and perhaps say "hello" to a person/s we haven't taken the time to get to know just yet.  For others, the month of December is just one giant excuse to bake for those we already hold dear.  I personally think it's fun to do both!  It doesn't matter if you live in an apartment or a home...go knock on their door and present them with a little something you've made...'tis the season!

Here are five neighbor gift ideas I've been mulling over myself.  Please chime in if you have a suggestion as well.  Merci!

1. homemade candy wrapped up in pretty paper - use a food safe paper like white or kraft brown parchment paper.  Last year I used the checked paper pictured above, and while very cute, it stuck to the candy.

2. homemade granola (here is my granola recipe and here is Bon Appetit's recipe just to get you started) - bag it in a clear, cellophane bag and then slip into a kraft brown box.  Add a label and you're good to go!

3. homemade jam you made last summer and then froze - make a fresh batch of homemade rolls to accompany the jam for extra points.

4. a sweet, little plant placed inside a burlap sac - choose rosemary,  any type of succulent, amaryllis or paper whites.  Add a pretty ribbon to cinch the bag for a polished look.

5. a little jar of lemon curd - lemons are in season right now and you can even find Meyer Lemons at Costco, so it would be a shame to pass up a chance to make this versatile citrus-y spread.  It wouldn't hurt to type out a tiny list of ways to use lemon curd for your recipients...not everyone is familiar with the stuff, but I can almost guarantee that every one of 'em will love it.  Here are two ways to make lemon curd.



both images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

Vintage Egg Prints + other Lovely Things

I can't resist sharing a handful of pretty things I've spotted this week...

1. Did you know that Nordstrom is carrying the Mini Boden line now? I love this bit of news! I know I'll feel more comfortable ordering product with a different sizing system when I know I can easily return it if the item doesn't fit. I think this dress is the prettiest Spring/Easter dress I've seen in sometime.

2. Martha Stewart's modern quilt line at Macy's is on Closeout right now. I have mixed feelings about this; while I do love a great sale (quilts are 50% off), I am always sad to see one of her product lines fizz out. I still miss those pretty green bowls, as well as a myriad of other things, from her line at Kmart.

3. Many of you ask about the vintage egg prints hanging in my home. While the exact ones I have are no longer offered, I did find this lovely to share, as well as this pre-framed version.

4. These itsy bitsy bowls are gorgeous. Me thinks I may have to expand beyond my white dishes...

Pie-Shaped Packages in the Shop {+ FREE Shipping}

Make or buy a pie (I made this delicious pie for the shoot) and then slice it up into wedges for gifting purposes. Slip one slice into each box, wrap it up nicely, and attach a simple holly leaf, jingle bell, or gift tag. Keep the edges straight and clean, or use scalloped or zigzag scissors to create a decorative edge. These unique packages make the perfect gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. because they are sweet...simple...affordable...and guaranteed to make someone smile :) Their cuteness cannot be denied!

Sets of 12 and 24 are available, with FREE Priority Mail shipping available for all orders of 24 or more. Each set of 12 includes the 12 boxes, 4 giant sheets of parchment paper for wrapping, and 7 yards of red and white baker's twine. If you order 24, then all of the quantities double. Get 'em while they're hot! Limited quantities available.






































Also available are the cute cherry lollies I procured in Europe for my daughter's Cherry Birthday Party (which is my favorite party to date). I think these lollipops are the most precious little things...right up there with the pie boxes for sure! Like the pie-shaped packages, you'll enjoy FREE Priority Mail shipping on orders of 24 lollipops or more.

All of the goodness pictured can be procured here.

True French Classic

You've seen many-a-striped top this season (I for one have posted more than a few), but this is the true French classic. Petit Bateau is not only a maker of adorable children's clothing, but they delve in classic French knits too. It's definitely a wishlist item, but if you're going for quality over quantity, the top is a real keeper.

p.s. I had no idea Olive Juice offered a few pieces for women too, did you?

Colorful Mixing Bowls

Over at Zupas today, I've shared all my sources for these gorgeous, colorful and oh-so-happy mixing bowls. With the cooler (and often more glum) months approaching, a little color is what every kitchen craves.

Find out where you can pick up a set of any of these lovely bowls here.

Heirloom Books

In my dreams (the big and wild kind), I mail off my "special box" to the talented folks at Good Stock and hire them to create an amazing book with all those little treasures. I'm so enamored with this idea; in fact I've dreamed of doing just this many, many times. It's outsourcing at its best! And maybe (just maybe), I'd even let them include a few images (or maybe just one actually), of my awkward early teenage stage--the one where I have large, blue glasses and bangs as big as my head. The only downside to this experience is the cost--it's definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime-type-gifts. But there is something to be said for actually being able to view your life in a lovely, accessible and tidy book.

p.s. my "special box" is a large box of mementos from my childhood through adulthood)

image via Good Stock

Robin's Egg Blue for the Kitchen

queen anne's lace tea towel / spatula / stockpot / tea towel / colander / egg crate

(also cute, but not pictured above are birdie cabinet knobs and cutting boards)

And not-to-be-missed are gorgeous blue kitchens from Wide Open Spaces - so much kitchen eye candy here it's not even funny!

German Juice Jars

I'd love a collection of these pretty, glass juice jars from Germany. A whole bunch of 'em lined up in a cabinet would be a lovely sight. The price point is quite reasonable too.

Things I Am Enjoying + Some Useful Tips

This week I'm finding joy in both things I already have and in things I'd love to try to make (or in one case...have!). I thought I'd share them in case they had the same effect on you :)

Fabric Covered Pots: If you've been to a nursery lately, you've likely noticed how pricey pots can be. I not only like the bright and cheery effect of the colorful fabrics, but the fact that you can buy a cheap pot for this project. View the full tutorial here. {found via Lavendar and Limes via Creature Comforts}

Modern Return Address Stamps: I keep saying I'm going to procure one of these to avoid the following scenario: I create a nice looking package, simple but nice...I consider writing a return address but am lazy and choose not to...I then head to the post office where the postal worker requires me to write my return address on all 7 packages...I am in a hurry so I scribble something that just slightly resembles my address. Just think, if I had one of these all I'd have to do is push down once and click!

Pantry/Closet Organizer: Best $7 I've spent. This organizer creates a tidy place for me to store my feather dusters, mops, dust pan, and broom. I am grateful for it everyday (laugh all you want, but it's true!). Plus, I love that it allows me to utilize an otherwise-unused wall.

Carafes with Wooden Ball Stoppers: Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. I'd love one or two. Hello wishlist. {found via Kirei Nest}

Martha's Kitchen Sink Spruce Up: I blogged about it a long time ago, and coincidentally it still has the same affect on me each day. It's simple, useful, tidy and minimalist. She'll tell you more about it here.

Daffodils in a Brown Paper Bag = an easy and inexpensive DIY giftie. Who wouldn't love one of these on their porch?

Sneak Peek on D*S: It's not lengthy and provides no explanation--but I am drawn to this archived LA Sneak Peek on d*s nonetheless.

Last-Minute Valentine Ideas

Alright folks...just one more day for Valentine prep! Here are some of my favorite {simple} ideas for the occasion a la Martha. Some of these ideas I've had in my binder since 2004 so it's nice to finally put them to use and share them with you. What I love about each of these tiny projects is how easy they are to pull off and how visually appealing they all are. As an added bonus, many of the required items are available at a regular grocery store.

1. Type out romantic quotes in a Word document. Print. Trim paper using scissors or a paper cutter. Wrap around box and add one piece of ribbon.

2. Make sugar cookies (if you don't have an "x" or an "o" just use hearts!). Wrap in box with colored tissue paper to dress is up. Tie with ribbon.






















3. All you need here is chocolate and I'd venture to guess most of us have that on hand! Oh, and a ziploc bag. That's it! Find directions here.

4. I love the idea of taking this idea and making it into something special for a non-sweets lover or diabetic. Instead of using candy, opt for fruit or vegetables instead. Canteloupe, melon, pomegranate seeds, berries, celery, carrots, or anything else colorful would do. I'm also loving the fancy salt version down below. I love cooking with nice salt, it really does make a difference.




















5. Head to Target. Pick up large bouquet of flowers and big bag of Jelly Bellies (or conversation hearts--see right). Put to use those random vases and mason jars at home for this project. You could even use a plastic cup for the center since it's held into place by the jelly beans. Easy peasy.











all images via Martha Stewart

Lisa Leonard Designs

It can be difficult finding a tasteful, sentimental gift...one that the receiver would actually use/wear/display/enjoy. Lisa recently created a personalized circle necklace for my mom that fits all of the above criterion. She loves it and wears it almost daily {insert huge sigh of relief}. I also love this simple baby spoon...what a perfect gift! It would look fantastic in one of Darcy's memory boxes, don't you think?



































image 1, 2 from Lisa Leonard; image 3 from Martha Stewart

I ♥...

Since this is about the time we all start thinking about Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share my favorite gift idea...a tee shirt proclaiming your love (this is also a great idea for a birthday too). It's not too expensive ($20 or less), it's reusable, and always evokes surprise. The look on my husband's face when I showed up to his birthday party donning this tee-shirt was priceless! We're talkin' ear-to-ear grin here folks.

Your local embroidery store will be able to create one of these for you, but if you're looking for an online source, this one comes recommended.

image via Justin Hackworth (by the way, did you hear about his Love's First Year Project?)

Simple Gift no.2: Mistletoe

I spotted some fresh mistletoe at a local market* and I immediately thought how fun it would be to gift a little mistletoe to some of our friends and neighbors. Admittedly, I like the thought of encouraging romance amongst both the young and old this holiday season :) I, of course, saved a little for our home too...

Wrapping the gifts took just minutes and required few supplies--a little baker's twine, some labels from the wedding aisle at Michaels, and clear cellophane bags. I hope I stumble upon mistletoe again next year...this could turn into a fun tradition!

* Liberty Heights Fresh

Neighbor Gift no.1 + Cranberry Orange Bread

Since making the decision to not send out Christmas cards this year (a 1st in our 10-year-marriage), I've suddenly felt a desire to bake and wrap and do all sorts of fun {but simple} holiday projects. Making this decision was quite a relief, actually, something had to give. I know I say this every year, but next year will be the year I have Christmas done by Thanksgiving so I can enjoy a stress-free holiday and send out cards :)

With unexpected time on my hands I now feel like I can bake, craft with my kids, and make simple, homemade gifts. A delicious baked good is always a hit when it comes to gift-giving, wouldn't you agree? I made a few mini-loaves of Cranberry Orange Bread last week and liked it so much I decided to go for batch no.2 this week. Between the flavor, the colors, and the perfect size, it's a win-win. Plus, it presented another occasion to create a brown paper package tied up with string :)

I'm sharing my recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread over at Zupas today, so follow me there for a moment if you are in need of a delicious, festive holiday recipe. Keep in mind that it's quite addicting so make sure you bake extra loaves for you to munch on as well.

Great Gifts under $20

A few things I think both practical and pretty at the always-popular price point of twenty dollars. Enjoy!

Egg Timer

Stackable Measuring Cups

Cable Yo Yo (you can buy 4 for $20!)

Canvas Tote (forgive me...I'm 95 cents over on this one!)

Recycled Milk Bottle + 4 glasses

White Porcelain Pitcher

French Wooden Toys

In the town of Beynac, home to La Maisonnette, is a tiny toy store that sells wooden toys (mostly by Vilac) and hand-crafted wooden games (chess, checkers, etc.). They were all well-priced and simply adorable so guess where this Mom went when she needed a little something for her kids? I loved spending 6 Euros on something that would cost me $30 here...oh the satisfaction in that.

I've tried to source as many of the toys pictured above as possible on American websites (it's nice to avoid those international shipping charges). I think that little fire station is my favorite...it's the best balance of "cuteness" and price.

Fire Station

Hippo Pull Toy

Petit Ours Brun Car

Ladybug Pull Toy

Dollhouse