Gifts for Neighbors and Friends

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I think it's time to kick off the Christmas season with some gift ideas.  Every year, I try to create a unique handmade gift to give to neighbors, friends, and various teachers who have helped our family during the year.  Last year, we gave Rum Butter Sauce.

Although I love the idea of a baked goodie, it's just to difficult for me to pull off.  You have to bake them (consistently I might add - no burnt batches) AND deliver them quickly so they stay fresh.  Then, if someone's not home, you have to make a return trip to redeliver the item (I tried the "leave it at the door thing" one year and a neighbor's dog ate the entire gift)!

Now, if you are a baker and love the process, I am so happy for you.  But, if you are like me and need a foolproof gift, then read on!

Each year, I do a little brainstorming using recipe books, conversations with friends and, as of late, Pinterest searches.  I focus on keeping the recipe simple, but delicious or unique.  If you are curious about past year gifts read this - Christmas Gift Ideas.  Once I get the recipe and packaging idea, I come up with the label or tag.    

Then, I buy all the supplies and pick a weekend I know we will have time to really enjoy the process (i.e., not the same weekend you get your Christmas tree)!

I've also realized over the years, if you wait (and hope) to find the perfect container for your gift while shopping around town, you will never find it.  Things like this get picked over so quickly.  Instead, I always do this part online and then order them in bulk.  My favorite "go to" sources for the perfect packaging are Nashville Wraps, Container & Packaging Supply, and Specialty Bottle.   I always order my containers, ribbon and wrapping early in the season to make sure I will have them when I need them and each gift will seem special.  

Once I have all the supplies needed for the recipe and the packaging, my daughter and I put it all together.   

Since most of the people who receive our family gift also read my blog, I'm not going to spoil this year's gift idea - you'll just have to wait until next year!  But here are a few ideas I found while doing my research to get your wheels turning on the perfect gift from your family.  I would love to receive any of these gifts from freinds!

Sugar Scrub

This would be wonderful in the bath after a long day of Christmas shopping!

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Bath Bon Bons

These would be so cute packaged in a clear cellophone bag with a green and red stripe ribbon bow and gift tag.

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Lip Balm

I adore this idea.  You could actually package these in small pocket size tins and include one for each family member in a clear bag with a ribbon!  Here are the containers for this one - tins.

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Vinegars, Marinades, Dressing & Sauces

There are endless recipes for this type of thing.  The key is to include some ideas on how to use it for the receiver. (i.e., spruce up your favorite salad or add a little kick when marinading that pork tenderloin)

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Gourmet Syrups 

Again, tell your receiver how to use this one (maybe include a dessert recipe that works well with it).

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Cocktail Mixers 

If you read my previous year's gift ideas, you know this kind of thing is my favorite to give.  I think it's fun to make a special drink during the holidays and a great mixer is the perfect way to encourage this!

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Rein Beer!

Love this clever play on words! You could also make a a non-alcoholic version with root beer. 

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Cocoa Mix

These are always fun to receive, but why not make yours a little different like this Mexican Cocoa.  

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Cookie Mix

Not crazy about making the cookies for you, but I can put the mix together all day long!!  Also, I love how the layers this particular mix look in the jar. 

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Sewing Project in a Jar

This one is not for everyone, but if you have friends who sew or who would like to, this apron in a jar is a fun idea.  My least favorite part is cutting out the fabric and with this one, that part is already done for you! 

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Remember, coming up with the idea should also be part of the fun and enjoyment of making the gift. Now, let the festivities (and craziness) of the season begin!! Happy Monday. M.

Putting a Wish List Together

In our family, the adults exchange names so it's time to put together a little wish list of things I am loving at the moment.  Thought I would share it with you in case you're having a hard time coming up with some items you might like.  Also, these make great gifts for girlfriends or other special people you need to thank during the season.

Cuff Bracelet in Brass

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Personalized iphone Cover

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Brass Necklace

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Gorgeous Leaf Bowl 

(for my breakfast room table)

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Vintage Suede French Handbag

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Urchin

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Enamel "Cotton List" platter

(just b/c it's cool)

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Modern Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins

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What's on your list? M.

Terrariums

While my son was away at camp, my daughter had a couple of weeks of "only child" status.  She's the baby of our family, so it's rare for her to have solo time with me.  She really embraced the time!  At one point she commented, "Mom, I could soooo be an only child." (close to the end of Jack's camp she did change her tune and admit she missed him, but it took some time for this to happen)

 During our "together time," we went over to a friend's house to see a pair of new wall sconces she ordered for her living room.  While there, she showed us a birthday present she received from her sister-in-law.  

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Can you see the tiny little sheep in there!  Well, it's the cutest thing I've seen in a while.  This beautiful creation is from Twig Terrariums and they have quite a selection. . .

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It's difficult to see, but that's an artist painting at his easel.  Here's a closer look.

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Don't you just love the river!

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In addition to the ones from Twig, there are so many other amazing examples of these pretty little ecosystems.  I love this one - it looks like a tiny village on a cake stand!

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This one is in an extra tall vase - I think those are pitcher plants (also known as monkey cups) and are commonly seen in boggy areas.  They are also carnivorous!  Very interesting.

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Look at the whimsical mushrooms in this one!  

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I just love the wooden "cork" in this beautifully designed terrarium.  

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Even a cloche can be used to create a terrarium.  

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So, needless to say, my daughter and I were so struck by the unique gift my friend received we decided to make our own! This was such a fun afternoon activity for the two of us.   If you have some time, you really should consider this DIY project - super easy.

Here's what we used to make our terrariums.

Moss from our backyard.  It was growing on the edges of our brick patio where it's shaded for most of the day.

A couple of bags of rocks.  This was the only thing we had to purchase.  These are necessary as a base layer to keep the moss from getting too soggy. 

Glass beads - these can be used to create a small river in the middle of your terrarium.

Tiny horses (less than 1" high) - We found these in the bottom of her toy box (not kidding).  My daughter horseback rides during the school year and LOVES anything related to horses - so these were the perfect addition to our terrariums.  

  

 Here are our results!  We made two of them.

This one is a large square glass container.

We also made this one in a smaller rectangular container. 

Notice the small violet (aka weed) with the light lavender blooms.  This little weed never thought it would have it so good!

I had two of these containers, so we used the second one as a lid to retain moisture.

I think it's a fun and interesting conversation piece.  By the way, that's lamby (our dog's favorite toy) you see behind the sofa!  Didn't feel the need to clean up before I took this picture.  Sorry!

Terrariums are way more popular than I realized.  Look at these used for summer table settings.

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I also love them grouped as a collection - tons of impact. 

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If you like the idea of these and want to make your own, here is a great site for some affordable apothecary jars.  As for the tiny horses, our toy box is empty!  You're on your own there.

I hope your summer is going great and you are squeezing every ounce of enjoyment out of it.  That is our goal this summer! M.

Whew . . . Plus Some Random Goodness

I've been volunteering at our church kitchen for VBS this week feeding over 100 people each day.  It has been exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time.  I've also met with a couple of new design clients in the afternoons, and I can't wait to share these projects with you over the next few months.

All in all, it's been crazy busy; and to be honest, I feel a bit like this . . .


But, as you know, this is nothing a weekend can't remedy.  So, I thought I would kick off our Friday with my top 10 favorite finds of the week.

(1.) (2.) (3.) (4.) (5.) (6.) (7.) (8.) (9.) (10.)

Enjoy your weekend. M.