Treat Yourself

Let's face it, life can be tough at times and for those who have a tendency to put other's before themselves (which is an awesome trait) you are not only zapped of energy but left on the backburner. You cant expect to be there for others completely if you aren't there for yourself so, as I like to say "treat yourself." Make sure to find a good balance between your kindness and love for others and the love you have for yourself.

How do you decompress from life's stressors?
Here are some fun way you can treat yourself or someone whose going through a tough time:

1. Customized Pamper Kits in Mason Jars

Personalized for the person based on scents

And don't forget men have bad day's too!

2. Favorite Foods in a Paint Bucket
Gather favorite local snacks or a hand picked dinner for 2 (pasta, pasta sauce, brownies, etc.)

For the BBQ lover this would be a fun unexpected gift of rubs and infused salts

3. An individualized "sunshine" box

Approaching Love Day Already?

It seems that the moment I walked into stores after Christmas I was bombarded with Valentine's day shenanigans. In all honesty, I have a love/hate relationship with this day. I love it for the fact that it's  dedicated to expressing your love to those who mean the most in your life but also find it silly because of all the chocolates, teddy bears and nonsense that people feel they "need" to purchase in order to show that love.
Go ahead and nix the purchasing of all the typical Valentines hoopla and do something that's meaningful together, creating a memory. Here are a couple ideas that I came up with that I think both men and women would appreciate more than box of chocolates.

For you creative ones:
1. Gather some of his/her favorite things. Think: candy, gift card (Starbucks, Frozen Yogurt) reservations to your favorite dinner place, etc. A framed picture of the two of you, and maybe something fun you can do together such as a concert, tickets to a sporting event, cooking class, etc.

2. For those who love cooking together. Put together a basket of all the ingredients for your favorite recipe. Spend that evening in without the crowds creating a yummy dinner with vino and perhaps a movie to watch.



 

3. Purchase a frame, fabric, glue, a dry erase market, and permanent sharpie. Simply glue the fabric to the inside of the frame and using the permanent sharpie write on the outside:" I love you because..." and with a dry erase marker your able to write messages everyday:) 



 

4. Purchase your initials at any craft store. I know Joann Fabrics has them in many different sizes and are very affordable. For this project, you'll need pictures, glue, and Mod Podge. Click Here for a more detailed instructions on how to accomplish this gift.

 

 

For those who aren't as creative:

5.  I know, I know !! Were in a major drought but this heart shaped  umbrella is adorable and I'm sure will be needed in the future. Plus it makes an adorable prop for pictures together (if you care about that sort of things, haha). Find it here. Only $27 plus free shipping!

Tom Joules Wellies (rain boots) are my favorite rain boots. They are comfortable, cute and unlike the million hunter boots you see around are unique. They are made in the UK but ship internationally. You can find them here.

Fashionable jewelry from Baublebar.

 

 I also LOVE the love letter necklace. Found here.

 

 

 6. Personalized wallet with a cute (cheesy) saying like, "No amount of money could be traded for the lifetime I have planned with you."

This wallet is definitely for the minimalist but is nice because it's slim. You can find this wallet on Etsy by clicking here.

This wallet is perfect for guys who like the money clip,on the side. You can find this by clicking here .

Hope you have a fun Valentine's Day full of wonderful memories and remember it's not about the 'things' but rather the time you spend with your loved one(s).

 

"I know of only one duty, and that is to love."- Albert Camus







DIY Holiday Gifts

The Holiday's can be a stressful time for many due to financial reasons and the feeling of trying to purchase the 'perfect gift.' No need to worry my friends! There are a plethora of easy and quality DIY presents that won't break the bank and will be appreciated by everyone!

1. Infused Olive Oil. It's easy to do and delicious. I use Olive Oil in just about every dish and it's perfect for bread dipping. Add garlic cloves, rosemary, jalapenos, pepper flakes or citrus to the bottles of quality Olive Oil. It's a unique gift and will be a fun surprise especially for those foodies.

 

2. For the Fashionistas: I'm a sucker for jewelry especially if it's one-of--a-kind. These options are not only beautiful but appear simple to do!





 

Pick fabric that has some stretch to it. You can even use some old tee's that you haven't worn in awhile!

3. For the home: Every time they see the present they'll think of you!

Even the basics need a little sprucing up. Use paint or wax dipping to give your wooden utensils a pop of color.
 

Purchase geodes and other beautiful rocks at a local hobby store and using super glue attach to a wine cork.  

Take a cheap door mat (you can find them at Ikea) and using a stencil and spray paint personalize it with initials or a cute saying.

Awesome idea and so practical!

Happy DIY, get your craft on!