Give your Favorite Things

girlchristmasIf you’re like me, you sometimes find it tough to come up with a good gift idea.

Is there a person on your gift list who doesn’t really “need” anything?

Do you avoid buying clothing for gifts because finding the right size can be an issue?

Or maybe you’re just tired of giving the same types of gifts to family and friends every year.

Until a couple of years ago, I could answer yes to all of the above. Then I thought of a new idea – I decided to give our favorite things. 🙂

I’m sure you’ll agree we’ve all sampled enough food, beverages, brand names, music/movies, etc. to be sure of the things we love the most.

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With that in mind, I bought a medium-sized covered storage box (I wanted the container to be very useful to the recipient afterwards), and then I filled it with our favorite things, and I mean favorites! I used colorful ribbons and pretty tissue paper to arrange everything in a festive presentation. It was such fun to make a special shopping trip to purchase our favorite chocolates, tea, liqueur, jam, cookies, crackers, music CD, book, and video. (You’ll have your own categories of favorites, of course!)

This was a gift for my parents, who have no need and no space for “dust collectors”. Below is the little poem that I wrote and attached to their gift:

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“We thought and we thought, and then thought some more,
As we searched and searched from store to store,
You’ve no need for knick-knacks, or do-dads, or “stuff”
Finding space for those things can be pretty rough!

So, here is a gift that will earn its keep.
You can use it all up – and that’s a relief!!!
You’ll find sweets and snacks and even booze!
There’s a CD for music, or a book if you choose.

The items are simple – not the treasure of kings
But these are a group of OUR favorite things!
They were gathered with care and lots of love, too.
And they come with a wish… Merry Christmas to you!!!”

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The sky is the limit for different versions of this idea. I hope it helps the next time you’re having trouble finding the perfect present. 🙂

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©2009 beadhappilyeverafter

As the Shoppers Rush Home . . .

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cocoacupBundle up, Kids!

We’re going shopping again!

I’ve rented a bus, stocked up on cocoa and cookies, and handed the driver a big pile of Christmas CD’s.

Is it just me or does that guy remind you of anyone? Maybe it’s the long white beard and the red jacket. He seems to be in an awfully good mood too. He’s been ho, ho, ho-ing ever since he pulled up. 😉

Ok, seatbelts buckled? Then, we’re off to etsy!

Kanzashi Flower Bobby Pins
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Who says you need a new holiday outfit? How about some festive new accessories, instead? Here’s a pretty pair of handmade kanzashi flower bobby pins in decadent ruby red. Petals of silk dupioni are layered in duchess satin, while a glittering crystal rhinestone accents the centers. From PetalMix

Embroidered Cuff
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A magical concoction of snowflakes and sugar… Candy swirls, French Knots and Curly Wisps surround your wrist in purple, green, and red. An accessory for every holiday outfit…or just a pair of jeans and t-shirt! Made with an off-white, mottled wool. Backed with linen; vintage button closure. From Waterrose

Tiny Doll Bed
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So TINY, so adorable!!! ALL Handmade and perfect for any doll that’s under 8 inches. Sturdy birch wood, hand cut, sanded, primed and painted with several coats of paint for LONG lasting play and enjoyment. Comes with a silky pink mattress, a blanket and a pillow, in lovely floral fabrics with pretty hand sewn trim. A sweet vintage baby lamb decal decorates the head and footboards with just a tiny dash of sparkly glitter. VERY limited item. From KittyKatDance

Colorful Pinch Bud Vases
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Give the gift of art! Hand blown glass – Perfect for some stems from the garden, or for rooting new plants. Gorgeous transparent colors, pinched oval neck. From tannerglass

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Yikes, look at the time! We’d better head home.

Aw…. Can you believe it? The poor driver fell asleep waiting for us. Guess he’s been working a lot of hours. He told me that this is the “busy season” at his other job. 😉

‘Til next time,

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Holiday Baking Take 2

bakingscene1It’s never too soon to begin planning your holiday baking. I say this to remind myself more than you, Dear Readers. (I’m sure that you are much more organized!)

This year, if you’re looking for something creative that will surely impress family and friends, do I ever have a suggestion for you! 🙂

Every now and then, there’s an old blog post that’s worth repeating! I would love to show you my holiday baking post from last November. It will be new to most of you, and for those that have seen it before – there’s enough humor in it to make you smile again and a recipe, too!

Click here for an account of one of my baking escapades from a Christmas past.

I can laugh about it – NOW! 😉

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Seasonal Decor

fallscene Do you enjoy decorating for the seasons? I do. 🙂

It started when I was in grade school. I remember I was always delighted to see the changing series of classroom decorations that my teachers (nuns!) came up with for each month of the school year.

There were apples and colorful leaves in September, pumpkins in October, turkeys and Pilgrims in November, Santas and Christmas bells for December, snowflakes for January, Hearts and silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington for February, shamrocks in March, bunnies and Easter eggs for April, flowers for May, and smiling sun faces for June. Those teachers were absolutely tireless! They decorated the walls, the bulletin boards, and the windows!!!

jugdaisyWhen my kids were growing up, I decorated for every holiday! I know that I enjoyed it every bit as much as they did. Of course Christmas was the big one – an extravaganza of decking our halls! In fact, Sir Beads always used to tease me by asking if I would be putting a red bow on the commode! 😉 I never did but just about every other corner was festooned with holiday sparkle.

After the kids left the nest, I scaled back a little, but I still like to put my favorite seasonal items on display. Christmas is not quite the extravaganza of old, but it will always be a colorful and festive occasion in our home.tinypumpkin

Gee, writing about all of this has me in the mood to set up my Thanksgiving decorations – it is almost time! – but I’ll have to dust first. 😉

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Deck the Hall . . . with Fall!

autumnLately, I’ve been receiving some great suggestions for future blog topics and I’d like to thank all of you for your input!

Today’s topic comes from Cindi, who says:

“I love the upcoming holiday season from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas. I would enjoy ‘decorating for the holiday’ posts.”

Thanks, Cindi! You’ve really got me thinking.

How about if we start with autumn in general, and then work our way through all of the holidays as the weeks go by?

My usual “go to” spot for all things beautiful is etsy, so I took on the role of “personal shopper” and discovered some wonderful items for your perusal! They’re perfect for welcoming the season. 😀

7 Beautiful Fall Leaves

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Just look at the gorgeous colors on these autumn leaves! Made from beautiful fall colored fabrics and lined with natural quilt batting, their veins are machine stitched with a brown thread. Imagine all the pretty things you can do with them! Use one to decorate each place setting on your table, or arrange them in a crock for a centerpiece, or scatter them on a table top for a look that’s both casual and elegant at the same time!
Size: About 5″ wide to about 6″ tall.
From homespunannie

Fall Harvest Tote

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This gorgeous Tote Bag features fabric with pumpkins, autumn leaves, & tossed acorns! There are two lined pockets on the inside of the bag, and a tab style closure with a cute green leaf button for the perfect finishing touch!
SIZE: 14”W x 9”H x 4”D. From southernstitches4855

Reversible Table Runner
Autumn Leaves / Winter Red Poinsettias

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Now this is a great idea! Perfect to spruce up your table from September until January! The fall side has leaves, nuts and berries that have gold accents. The winter side has darker red poinsettias, also with gold accents. Size: 11 ½” x 41”. From ksewingbasket

Flower-Filled Pumpkin Pin

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Time to break out that Fall blazer! And what’s the perfect touch to wear on your lapel? Why it’s a gorgeous pin created by the extraordinarily talented Beedeebabee, of course!!!

This 100% wool felt pin measures 2 1/2? across. It’s made completely by hand! Onto a solid black background, Paulette has added an adorable layered pumpkin that’s embellished with tiny flowers and leaves. Everything is embroidered and some pretty beads were added for a bit of sparkle.

If you purchase this pin from Beedeebabee, be prepared for everyone to want it! You probably shouldn’t let it out of your sight for any length of time. Just sayin’ 😉

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