Gift Giving: The Little Ones

When it comes to choosing gifts for the little ones in my house (and life); I love to opt for things that might spark or foster a passion in a certain area…. be it belting out the latest Taylor Swift song or in the case of my 9 year old…. origami. :)  Here are a few things catching my eye this Christmas for...

the future pop star - child's guitar

the snow baby - snow tube

the Star Wars fanatic - Star Wars origami

the little chef - child's apron

the nature lover - binoculars

the budding Picasso - Drawing Book 

Share the love...

In my experience, there are few things that can lift the spirits more than doing something nice for others… especially when they aren't expecting it.  Love this simple idea of sharing gratefulness and love by gifting friends a loaf of bread or other treat with this adorable free printable.

 … sure would make a great hostess gift for that sweet gal or guy cooking your Thanksgiving bird this year too… :)  A couple tried and true recipes here and here.

Fool Proof Hostess Gifts….

Tis the season for lots of holiday gatherings both big and small…. and we all know that if you are the hostess; it usually ends up becoming more work than you originally thought it would be.  That's why I'm a big believer in always showing up at the door with a little token of appreciation….  And, with a mile-long 'to-do' list this time of year; I'm also all about keeping it simple and (no surprise) sticking with the classics that are sure to please….

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1. It doesn't matter if you're an excellent baker or not; she will surely appreciate waking up to a breakfast that doesn't involve messing up the kitchen again…
2. Something she wouldn't necessarily buy for herself; a quirky yet useful item (especially if it doubles as a memento of the occasion) is sure to put a smile on her face
3. No explanation needed…. there is always a reason to celebrate when there's champagne (she didn't have to buy herself) chilling in the fridge
4. Again, whether she decides to share them with guests or hoard them away in her closet for later; she will be thankful you came bearing this love language
5. Whether it's a potted bulb or one in full bloom; it will bring her several weeks of virtually care-free beauty
6. And, finally…..Yes, a beautiful smelling soap in a nice container can make dish pan hands and germ protection just a tad bit more enjoyable this holiday season…

Now…. let's party! :)

Gift Giving: Stocking Stuffers

So, it's official, I'm going there…. Christmas.  This is the week where I dive in; making lists, preparing my Christmas card, ordering personalized gifts, searching out promotion codes and just plain getting my Merry on… (you must remember we pretty much skip Halloween and, of course, Thanksgiving here in Switzerland; so I'm justified, right?) ;)

When I reflect back on Christmas' past; some of my most delightful gift giving and receiving memories involve stocking stuffers….. proof that some of the best things come in small packages indeed!  So… in addition to choosing the 2 or three gifts for our girls this year; I'll be having even more fun rounding up a fresh batch of simple but sweet goodies for their stockings….  First up, these adorable soaps from The Little Soap Store on Etsy...

I can hear them giggling in the bathtub now…. 

Father's Day Gift Guide

What better way to honor Dad this weekend than by giving him something he'd actually like? (versus something you'd like him to have...  yes, I'm guilty of this too)....  Here are a few picks that I'm pretty sure would bring a smile to my guy's face...

vintage tee, omaha steaks, red stripe, raybans, new balance, beer glass

Arm Candy

Maybe it's my fond memories of walking with a friend to the corner drug store to buy FunDip, candy necklaces, lipsticks and cigarettes (gasp!... I still can't believe those actually existed) when I was a kid that made me instantly love this new Swatch design...

"perfect timing" for my 8 year old who is learning to tell time at school. :)

Other kid's things I've been loving lately...

Macaron Matching Game

Playable Art Ball

 Lately Lily book

... all so cute I can't help but join in the fun!

You had me at Hello....

The combination of the retro polaroid style prints and this charming orange box and free international shipping had me downloading this app and placing an order faster than you can say "cheese".   

A long-time prinstagram fan, I'm anxious to see how this service compares in quality.  Some features that really appeal to me are the ability to access both your camera roll and instagram pics for printing;  the option to put text on the prints (with a font choice); and the beautiful packaging that lends itself so nicely to gift-giving.  Imagine receiving a tiny box of pics capturing moments from a party or getaway. That would certainly put a smile on my face!

A Cut Above...

Charmed by this cutting board customized with your favorite family recipe....

 my pick... my grandma's buttermilk biscuits or peach tarts

Perfect for gift giving...

etsy

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

... hoppin' down the bunny trail.... 

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"Hippity Hoppin' Easter's on its way!" :)

Wish List....

An old friend of mine sent me an e:mail over the weekend with a link to these.....

India Hicks Love Letters

.... knowing my affinity for monograms; she thought I might like this modern take.

L.O.V.E them..... I do!  Is there still time to send Santa a request? :)

Gift Giving: Memories

Perhaps I'm feeling overly sentimental given our trip home last week.... but I got teary-eyed when I stumbled upon this website this morning and read their mission....

ARTIFACT UPRISING // inspired by the disappearing beauty

of the tangible / bettered by a community of inspired

storytellers / driven by the belief everyone has a story

to tell. Tell On.

As a lover of photography, memories and all things sappy and beautiful.... I think I may have found my gift giving destination.... at prices that warm my heart too!

I promise to get it together soon (I think). :)

The Gift of Nothing....

Being home last week for Thanksgiving was wonderful.... a great reminder about what is truly important in life.... time spent with friends and family; hugs; a meal shared..... laughter. And, following the literal onslaught of commercialism just experienced with Black Friday and Cyber Monday... I find myself craving something simpler.  It made me think of my favorite book....

.... a heartwarming reminder that sometimes no "thing" is the best gift of all.

I'm Stuffed....

1. Words you are sure to hear coming out of my mouth next week following my over-indulgence in

    sweet potato casserole and pecan pie....

2. A description of a different kind of "fullness" I feel each night as I thank God for the gift of another 

    day 

3. And, literally.... these darling pillows expressing my favorite sentiments all year long....  

etsy

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!!!

A very "hearty" thank you to all of you who stop by here now and then.
We're headed off to the States to share in my most beloved American holiday with family and friends.
Be back soon!

Holiday Gift Guide: The Travel-Lover

.... for those on your list with a case of wanderlust..... (me included)!

CAT Studio embroidered pillows/monogrammed playing cards/travel blanket set/Prinstagram/leather camera strap/Leather pencil case/Travel & Leisure magazine/Field Note journal/Italian phrasebook

.... one week until my favorite day of the year!

Holiday Gift Guide: Kids

When it comes to selecting gifts for children I tend to favor those that inspire imagination, creativity or activity..... a big dose of "cuteness" doesn't hurt either.  Here are some tried-and-true picks.... 

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Fancy This.....in the kitchen

Thought I would share a few things I'm loving in my kitchen right now
.... simple things, really, that add a little "special" to the otherwise ordinary 

Monogrammed glass cutting board - A friend gave me one of these as a housewarming gift several years ago and I still love it; makes chopping up those pesky onions a little less of a chore.
Prosecco as an apertif - the perfect "warm-up" to dinner at home or out
Baked salmon in parchment - I made this Friday night and it was delicious; so easy and healthy.... and made me feel a little like Ina... :); destined to become part of the dinner rotation.
Savon liquid de Marseille Amande - I've long been loyal to this soap; but discovering the almond scent has taken it to a whole new level.
Nespresso milk frother - this alone has made living without Starbucks bearable. :)

Happy President's Day to everyone in the States!  

I hope you get to enjoy the day off from the usual Monday routine....

Table (or blanket) for two.....

My guy would probably say I've been watching too many episodes of "The Bachelor" again, but while we are on the subject of eating and with the official "day of love" right around the corner next week; this is my idea of a perfect gift...... 

CWonder

.... add a baguette, bottle of wine, some cheese and chocolate.... and it is quite romantic indeed
 (aspirational thinking - what bloggers are really good at) 

plus get a sitter.... find the perfect day with the perfect temp and the perfect setting.... plus no pesky bugs

(keeping it real - not always so great at that)
Could be fun in the backyard or inside with the kids running around and with PB&J sandwiches too, right? :)

Have a great weekend!

Gift Giving...... for him

..... so, my guy often jokingly accuses me of buying him gifts that are really "for me".... meaning clothes that I would like to see him in, cologne I would like him to wear, tools that would help him do things that I'd like done..... you get the picture.  And, when I think about it, I'd have to say "guilty as charged" of my well-intentioned albeit misguided gifts.  So here's to you honey...... gifts I know would make you happy this year....

vintage tee for his team, Old Spice body wash, tickets to a sporting event, TRX gear, peanuts, custom designed Nikes (although I'd let him do the designing), a subscription to a magazine for his favorite sport or hobby, and, yes, me in this....

Doesn't make for the prettiest of posts.... that's for sure.... but he doesn't care about that anyway.
What does your guy really want this Christmas?

It's a "C. Wonder"ful Life....

If I had to choose only one source for holiday gift giving this year it would be C. Wonder (you were thinking I was going to say J. Crew, right..... well, may surprises never cease! :))

I recently discovered this site because of this jewelry box that has been popping up on a lot of blogger gift guides.  C. Wonder is a virtual treasure trove of goodness and it is now all 25% off this weekend.  So, if you still have some names on your list.... I recommend making it easy on yourself and heading on over......

Have a great weekend everyone!

P.S.  Thank you for the sweet comments to my post yesterday..... they really helped brighten my spirits!

Gift Giving: Art Prints

A gallery wall somewhere beckons for a touch of whimsy, inspiration, or just plain loveliness with the addition of an art print this season.... 

Wishbone, Grace not Perfection; French Girl;  English Lit Ideal Bookshelf; Faith, Hope, Love;  Four Eyes; Top Knot; Arrow

With great prints and frames so readily available and surprisingly inexpensive these days.... it's easy to find something befitting of a loved one and his/her interests (like the above pieces are for me)....
I wouldn't mind finding one under my tree. :)