gift idea: for your favourite crafter

In the event you prescribe to the same let's-get-organized-sooner-rather-than-later school of thought as I do and/or you want to brighten the day of your favourite crafty friend and/or you’re looking for a few cost-effective and thoughtful gift ideas, you’ll be interested in the digital craft book A Hip Handmade Holiday.  Alison + Susan have compiled 18 original holiday craft ideas with tips, instructional videos, and printables.  Buy it here.  

Thanks to Natalie (of Nat the Fat Rat) who featured the book yesterday for the great gift idea. 

(image + digital craft book courtesy of the craft pack).

dream bank.

Every once in a while a product comes along that makes me excited. Enter:  Uncommon Goods' Dream Bank.

Isn't this the perfect way to get excited about a future trip, outfit, or pet? I can also see it as an effective aide to help teach a child how to save money for a special purchase. Heck, it would work on me. Consider this one wish-listed!

Thanks to my sister Jenn for telling me about this.




(photo courtesy of uncommon goods).

girl effect.

Just when I thought Kal couldn't get any more awesome she's gone and done it: her art shop is currently stocked with these girl power bracelets. The bracelets - designed by Winnipeg based jewelry designer Hilary Druxman - have been created in support of girleffect.org who put it best: The math is simple: Girls + Girl Champions = Something Way Bigger Than All Of Us. Now that's a movement I can stand behind. 

Pop on over to Kal's corner of the internet to have a look (after all, these pretties would make a great gift). More information about Girl Effect can be found here.

Oh, and while you're there: make sure you check out these rad key tags (link with love, y'all).



(Photographs courtesy of Kal Barteski).

shades of relaxation: pink edition

If I were to plan the perfect afternoon, it would be filled with sunshine, a good book, something to sip on, and a cozy chair to relax in. Although this recipe-for-relaxation can be applied in any season, these days I'm enjoying all things girly and basking in the sweet smelling glow of late Spring (at least this happens when the sun decides to grace us with her presence). I will be dreaming about these rosey indulgences as I sit at my desk watching the rain clouds roll in this morning.

Relaxation: it's in the details...

- I love fresh cut flowers. Short story: they make me happy. Especially peonies which are in their prime right now (this bunch was captured by the talented Elizabeth Messina).

- Emily (of Cupcakes and Cashmere fame) has written a book chock-full of thoughtful tips and beautiful photography (read about it here). I've added it to my list of things to gift. Don't you think it would pair well with a bubbly cocktail, say, The Capricorn?

- Candles are a staple in our house and exist in almost every room. I enjoy gifting Voluspa candles as they make some of my very favourites and the packaging is pretty. This one comes in a lovely glass jar.

- Truth be told, sometimes a girl just needs to curl up for a cat nap. An eye mask (a la Holly Golightly) and a cozy throw make the perfect companions for an afternoon snooze.

What is your favourite way to relax? 

(peony photograph courtesy of Kiss the Groom, book Amazon, candle Indigo, eye mask Soft Mur Murr, blanket Indigo, and cocktail Martha Stewart; collage created via Polyvore). 

Memory Bank

I am absolutely smitten with the idea of a memory bank. Designed to store special mementos like ticket stubs, to do lists, and love notes, these adorable little piggies collect life's memories instead of pocket pennies. I'm tempted to order one to store the special keepsakes from our first year of marriage.

Do you keep things like ticket stubs or notes in a journal, scrapbook, or shoebox?



(Memory Bank available through Speechless Studios; found through swissmiss & A Cup of Joe).

DIY Terrarium

I've been fond of terrariums for some time now; however, I've never worked up the courage to create one myself. Last year I attempted to have a small pot of succulents in my kitchen and I somehow managed to kill every last one (cause of death is believed to be a water overdose). It was tragic.

I was delighted to find the step-by-step guide compiled by Nicole Balch and featured on West Elm's blog Front & Main. Her tips and the details provided make me feel like this is a project I could complete successfully. Visit Nicole's blog Making it Lovely for more DIY projects and ideas.

Wouldn't this make a nice gift?



(Image and DIY courtesy of Making it Lovely).

Paulova Ceramics

I recently stumbled upon Paulova Ceramics, a San Francisco-based etsy shop full of the handmade creations of Paula Lopez-Otero. As a huge fan of turquoise and white, these beauties are right up my alley. I love the clean simplicity of her work and her clever use of colour; any of these picks would be a very welcome addition to my kitchen (the salt & pepper bowls have been officially added to my wish list).

Visit her shop to see more of her work.



(Images courtesy of Paulova Ceramics: sugar jar | salt & pepper bowls | herb garden labels).

gift guide: stocking stuffers for him.

Well, as previously mentioned, I had great intentions of creating a gift guide palooza; however, this year we're going with stocking stuffers (mostly $20 and under) for her + for him.

For the gentleman in your life...

1. I saw this at Chapters and laughed out loud. If I hadn't already co-ordinated the perfect gift for my little brother he'd be getting this in his stocking. There's nothing like a silly-yet-tasty treat. [coal candy, $8 at Indigo].

2. Fact: I steal Ben's socks 4 out of 5 mornings during the winter months. I'm planning on picking up a few pairs of thick wool socks for him/me. I wish I saw these earlier to order them in time for Christmas. [Camp socks, $19.50 at J. Crew].

3. I think Ben would do less complaining about my tea addiction if he tried a mug of chocolate chili chai. [Chocolate Chili Chai, $13.25 for a 100g tin at David's Tea].

4. Everyone (and some people's dogs) seem to have iPhones these days. What's more fun than having a second case to change it up from time to time. I love David Bushell graphic illustrations; don't they make great cases? [iPhone cases with David Bushell's illustrations, $39.95/ various at Uncommon].

5. The album that should be on everyone's wish list: The Black Keys, El Camino. That's all. [Album, $14.99].

6. Another gag gift that was too awesome not to include. Bathroom humour at its finest. [Matchboxes, $7.00 by dippy lulu on etsy.com].

7. On our Oregon trip last summer we learned that there are many delicious bottled root beers that we just. don't. have. here in Canada. This one was our favourite and I plan to pick up a case next time we're south of the border. [Bulldog Root Beer, various].



In case you missed it...

gift guide: stocking stuffers for her.

Snow Moose.

Even though he won't fit it in a stocking, this snow globe is sure to make anyone smile. We purchased one for our mantle as an early Christmas gift to ourselves and I love him.

Moose Snowglobe by Indigo.

gift guide: stocking stuffers for her.

I had great intentions of putting together a collection of gift guides this year a la Joanna; however, I've been too busy enjoying various holiday festivities and nursing a head cold. Subsequently, what I'm offering you, my faithful blog readers, is a collection of my favourite stocking stuffers for him and her.

Ladies, first...

1. Voluspa Candles are my favourite and the holiday sent Frost Pinecone is deliciously festive. [Mini Tin Candle, $7.50 at Indigo].

2. As previously mentioned, salted caramels rule my world. This stocking stuffer is self-explanitory. [Ooh la la Salted Caramels, $20 at Indigo].

3. These little books have been popping up all over blog land and I understand why: who wouldn't love a small notebook to stash in your purse for sporadic note taking (or blog loving, in this case)? [Archie Grand for J.Crew notebook, $12 at J. Crew]

4. The last time I was at Sephora I fell in love with the wall of purse-size roll on perfumes they now offer. Brilliant and practical, pick one in her favourite sent or a new, fun, one like Kate Spade's twirl. [Twirl By Kate Spade Roll-On, $18 at Sephora].

5. Everyone should have at least one of these little pots of salve in their purse to combat chapped winter lips, add a little glow to cheeks, and moisturize dry cuticles. Best bang for your buck. [Rosebud Salve, $6 at Sephora].

6. My love for ban.do pieces grows with each addition they make to their online boutique; however, their signature sequin hearts are the simplest way of adding a little glamour to a tee or a tote. [ban.do heart, $15 at shop ban.do].

7. The Bay has played its cards right and has introduced a Top Shop in its Pacific Centre store. Lucky for everyone, they also offer pieces online. I love this crochet headband and the brilliant orangey-red colour it comes in. [TOPSHOP Carmine Crochet Cinch Headband, $18 at the Bay].

8. Mimosas and Christmas morning go together like Chocolate and Valentine's day. Why not gift her a mini bottle of your favourite champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco to toast the season? [Freixent - Carta Nevada Brut, $4.72 at BC Liquor Stores].



What is your favourite stocking stuffer to give or receive?

Sassy Door Mats.

I just love these door mats. I needed a good laugh this afternoon and rediscovering them on Pinterest did the trick. What a perfect housewarming gift.



(Front door mats by Uncommon Goods: nice underwear + not you again).

etsy gift guide: the nephew.

Our sweet nephew turns 1 today (happy birthday, Michael! we love you) and I have quickly realized that one year olds are even more fun to shop for than newborns!

I have been scouring etsy since before this beautiful child was born so - needless to say - I have amassed quite a collection of awesome things. Without sounding too much like Oprah, these are a few of my favourites...


skittles set by Wee Waldorf



Arctic Animals Poster by Banquet.



giraffe print booties by Bug-a-booties



Bicycle Prints ( in English, Italian, and French) by English Muffin.



Sock Monkey by Lil Hipsters.




What is your favourite gift to give a toddler? They seem to enjoy almost anything they can get their hands on, don't they!?



(Photos courtesy of their corresponding etsy shops).

Valentine's Gift Guide - for her.

Some of the best gifts I've ever received have been fun treats that I could incorporate into my daily routines. A little something extra is always a welcome addition to everyday happenings.




An adorable Kate Spade pouch to hold the essentials; the complete first season of Glee for impromptu karaoke; an adorable Chanel print for her dressing table (or, better yet, the real thing); the David's Travel Press is amazing (read: any tea lover should own this); ban.do hair embellishments make any messy up do look "put together."

Valentine's Gift Guide - for him.

Although Valentine's Day is typically a spoil-the-women-holiday, it's also a nice excuse to treat the men in our lives. The following are a few gift ideas that may please your favourite fella (you may even enjoy one or two, yourself).



Whisky Stones for Cocktail Hour; Jay Z's Decoded for an afternoon read; The Big Lebowski movie poster for his man cave; Apple TV for movie night; and - if he doesn't already own it - Mumford & Sons' fantastic album.



Do you exchange Valentine's gifts with your partner? Do you make or buy them?

Registry 101

Several of my engaged friends have asked about their registry: these days, do's and don't's appear to be... 'er... interpretive to say the least. Although I'm all for following the path that is most true to the couple and love the idea of creating a unique registry (such as honeymoon/travel-theme), it's sometimes useful to have a starting point.

Cue Martha.

Martha's point form Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Registries and Wedding Registry Basics are a great place to start. So, friends, have a look at these tips and use them as a launch pad to create a registry that is uniquely you. Above all, have fun!



Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings.

Silver + Gold

During the holidays many of us naturally gravitate to metallics and sparkles. This year, I've found myself particularly smitten with anything silver & gold. The following are some of my favourites that I've flagged over the last few weeks that would be perfect gifts or embellishments to deck your halls, tables, or selves!









Are you gravitating towards a specific colour or palette this season?



{SILVER} Single Image: Ornaments. Clockwise from top left: wine/ champagne ice bucket; Tarnish Stone Station Bangles; OPI Swiss Collection; pinecone place card holder; square table; Glacia Bird.

{GOLD} Single Image: Tablescape. Clockwise from top left: Wishbone (via coco + kelley); Etch Pendant (via Rue); Twirl Bow Cuff; Edible Gold Stars (via Oh Happy Day); Short Gold Tumblers.

Chalkboard Horses.

This has to be one of the coolest gift ideas I've ever seen. Who wouldn't want a sweet chalkboard horse for their kitchen counter to jot down a love note or a grocery list? The figurines themselves are quite stunning. It's also adorable for wedding photos!




Check out the many sizes and styles of horses available at Houndstooth Design.




Photos Courtesy of Houndstooth Design (1 + 2) and Once Wed (3).

Advent Calendars, part two.

I love a creative advent calendar & Pottery Barn is offering some adorable options this holiday season. I'm particularly fond of the bucket + branch version; however, the burlap sacks remind me of elementary school and that makes them cool.



Have you ever put together a "non-traditional" advent calendar? I think the idea of small, pretty, packages or thoughtfully penned sentiments is such a sweet idea (+ I'm currently trying to figure out how I can do something fun for B... and I just realized that December 1st is in a week).

Mobile Homes Mobile

Because "mobile homes mobile" is fun to say and this concept is altogether clever and wicked sweet.



a teepee. an igloo. an a- frame. an airstream. a log cabin. hung from drift wood. yes, please.


View this mobile + more in the shop.




Mobile by Kim Baise via jikits.

Commissioned Work by Miranda Karkling

Are you interested in a fantastic opportunity to have photos taken of you or of your favourite person/ animal/ thing? My dear friend Miranda Karkling is currently offering 1-2 hour sessions for $150.00.


Contact her to book before December twenty fifth (not to worry - the shoot can be scheduled in the New Year). A fun shoot would be the perfect Christmas gift, don't you think?



Details: included in the cost of your session, you will receive a disc with 25-40 of the best shots of the day edited by Ms. Karkling.

Exclusions: engagements + wedding photography.



Do you have ideas or need ideas for something that might be fun to shoot? Give her a shout (her creative ticker is running 24/7). But remember (!) you have to contact her before the 25th!



Photos courtesy of Miranda Karkling.