Homemade Spirits.

I’m only speaking for myself here, but my holiday budget is tighter this year than it’s been in some time. I’m talking pre-career. The nice thing about that is that it’s made me think about the gifts I’m giving even more than I normally would. Starting today I’ll be sharing some ideas for handcrafted gifts to make and give.

Sure, I could buy a friend a bottle of their favorite alcohol at the liquor store, but something homemade might be even better. And cost a little less. And be a little cooler, just think of all the bottling possibilities!


Amaretto


Coffee Liqueur


Cranberry Liqueur

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Holiday Cards: Part 1.

After seeing holiday decorations lined upon store shelves as early as mid-October, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t so much as mention Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Well, that day is finally here. Over the next few weeks I’ll share my favorite cards, a few recipes, some homemade/handmade ideas, and a lot of great things that could be given as gifts should you so choose.

(In most cases, the card shown is only a sampling of what the shop has to offer.)



1canoe2


A. Favorite Design


ash & anchor


Jack & Ella Paper Press


Kate’s Paperie


Pop Ink


REDSTAR ink


Rifle Paper Co.


Starshaped Press


Two Brunettes

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Advent Calendar Roundup.

Advent calendars have always been a big deal for me. Whether it’s one from Hallmark or a more elaborate set-up involving pieces of chocolate or tiny presents, there was always one put up in our little house come December 1st. These are some of my favorites out there this year.


{Brooklyn Advent Calendar}


{Canvas Advent Calendar}


{DIY Advent Calendar}


{Advent Garland}


{Mini Desktop Advent Calendar}


{Wall Advent Calendar}


{Pinboard Advent Calendar}


{Uusi Advent Calendar}

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Happy {Belated} Holidays.

Yeah, I know. It’s December 29th and I’m only just now wishing you happy holidays and I have the gall to post a photo of silver tree branches after the 25th! Oh well, because I’ve been hanging onto this photo since last Christmas and just had to share. And to wish you the happiest season just about ever.

The flu has made for the hills, though my ears are still stuffy and I only have about 75% of my hearing. Next week brings a visit to an ear nose and throat doctor and hopefully the other 25% back. My MacBook showed up two hours after me at work this morning, wrapping up an oddly Groundhog Day-ish experience. (The display went out on the same day as last year, under the same circumstances and the same genius at the Apple Store waited on me one year to the day. Freaky.) All good things so far this week and I’m hoping the trend continues.

Blogging will be spotty this week, but stay tuned for some loose ends that were left hanging when I expectantly fell to the forces of the flu. (i.e. the Xenotees winner, the end of Cinnamon Week, etc.) So happy to be back!

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Happy Weekend.

Great things from the week past…

Super pretty I-can’t-believe-they’re-a-free-download holiday gift tags :: Two Brunettes

Are you using TeuxDeux, the super simple, designy, free to-do app yet? :: swissmiss

Relive your childhood mall Santa terrors with Sketchy Santas

Tear off wallpaper for that customized look :: Design-Milk

Pantone unveils Turquoise 15-5519 as color of the year for 2010!

Living In: Romeo & Juliet :: Design*Sponge

More incredible free printable wintry holiday tags for your collection :: Domestifluff

This December desktop calendar is rockin’ my screen right now :: simple blueprint

Loving the details in this chic Chicago wedding :: Style Me Pretty

Download these envelope + package wraps for your holiday mailings :: Creature Comforts

A great selection of warm + cozy throws for under $100 :: Shelterpop

Check out my personal wish list for the year! :: Shiny Squirrel

Giveaway Reminder: You have until Monday at 9am CST to enter the ivee giveaway!

Happy Weekend!

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The Daily Eat: Holiday Cookies, Day 5.

Gingersnap-Raspberry Sandwiches
{recipe and photo Every Last Cookie}

I hope you enjoyed all of the cookies recipes this week! This weekend I’ll be making 14 dozen Orange Spice Wafers (similar to these) for a cookie swap that’s happening Monday. Wish me luck! What’s your go-to holiday cookie recipe?
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