I am completely enamored with this etsy shop chock full of adorable gift trimming.
I'm such a sucker for all types of kraft paper wrapping tied up with twine.
Showing posts with label finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finds. Show all posts
a perfect match
Today, I'll be reading this brand-spanking new magazine. Unlike other online magazines matchbook is more style driven and filled with simple classics.
After a quick peruse, my favorite articles are:
"50 classics for your closet" including American Eagle jeans, a gorgeous coral All Saints scarf, a straw fedora, and Frye boots
"a perfect match" about Anna and Nathan Bond's marriage and company
"an American in Paris" chock full of advice on Paris style, sites, and attitude
creating my closet - part 2
After organizing my clothes, I shopped. The trick was to buy for my own closet. I've gained a better idea of the clothes I wear often and love on my body for school, church, & cozy weekend dates. This quote helped me focus:
So using some Christmas gift money I stocked up on winter essentials from J.Crew. With their sale items an additional 40% off, it could have been easy to get distracted by cheap thrills (dainty blouses, outerwear, or dresses). But I'd done my assessment once my clothes were all in one place. I needed a few more long sleeve tees and cardigans for the three winter months that loom ahead.
"Buy clothes that you’ll wear on a Tuesday afternoon, not a Saturday night— few people lead Saturday-night lives."--Lucky Magazine, December 2010
So using some Christmas gift money I stocked up on winter essentials from J.Crew. With their sale items an additional 40% off, it could have been easy to get distracted by cheap thrills (dainty blouses, outerwear, or dresses). But I'd done my assessment once my clothes were all in one place. I needed a few more long sleeve tees and cardigans for the three winter months that loom ahead.
To mix things up and add some youthful edge, I also experimented with some new pieces from Madewell, J.Crew's younger sister store. Here are the items I picked:
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this rich blue color is my favorite |
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warm, durable, and fabulous colors |
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drapey fabric and a cute, modern cut |
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cozy wool cardigan with a retro, grandpa style |
If you need to add some essentials for your closet -
the 40% off sale is on again this weekend at J.Crew and
30% off sale at Madewell!
my christmas indulgence
Now, I stock up on them for the few weeks that Trader Joe's stocks them and give them away as hostess gifts and to our family. Of course, a few boxes get consumed at home each year because they are so delicious!
If you are looking for a thoughtful, easy-on-the-wallet gift ($4) with cute packaging - add some of these to your shopping cart.
terrariums and cloches
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| from unruly things |
Although terrariums are a big trend in home design, I think their vintage and industrial appeal gives them lasting power. The scientist in me is loving each little combination of green and glass. Terrariums are functional, beautiful, and earthy. I have a large one in my classroom filled with coleus, but my Christmas break project is to add one to my house. Terrain, Anthropologie's sister store, is featuring some of the best terrarium supplies (+ they have a free shipping).
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| from studio choo's post on design*sponge |
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| from this gorgeous outdoor wedding on 100 layer cake |
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| from simple lovely's post about her daughter's terrarium birthday gift |
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| from once wed |
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| check out this terrarium from Terrain, $18 |
to give and get {for guys}
I have 10 solid years of buying (a.k.a. madly hunting for) gifts for the men in my life. Between Zach, his two brothers, my two brothers, not to mention our dads - that adds up to a lot of gifts! At the beginning, I was not very intrigued while shopping in the men's department and settled for less than inspiring gifts (sorry guys!). However, since getting married and understanding the male psyche a little better - gift buying has become much more interesting. Here are my favorite gifts:
I've seen my husband and brothers eat breakfast enough to know that they love the sweet and salty combo of chocolate, syrup, and bacon. I think this mix would be perfect for any bachelor who wants to recreate the flavor sensation at home.
Finally, I figured out how to successfully buy clothes for Zach. My secret is this - find one store whose clothes fit perfectly and buy all gifts there. For his "athletic" build (broad shoulders and trim waist) that store is J. Crew. Luckily their men's sale items are fantastically marked down and I only shop in bulk with additional % off and free shipping promo codes. My favorites include: cotton-cashmere v-neck sweaters, long sleeve henleys, flannel shirts, and secret wash shirts (especially the gingham ones).
For an even cheaper clothing item - last year we discovered these awesome Hanes waffle tees with a Christmas gift card. They look like a J.Crew shirt, but only cost about $10 at Kohl's. And I know some of you are the die-hard Kohl's shoppers with all those coupons, so you can probably buy it for like 35 cents!
Soccer Pants, $30-45A couple years ago, Zach and I went to Soccer House in my hometown to pick up a pair of warmup pants for my brother, Ryan's, Christmas present. Once there we both ended up buying a pair as well since they were a great deal. (You can see mine in this post.) Zach wears these all the time, and I'll probably pick another pair for him this year (shh...it's a secret!).
These shows are amazing if you haven't seen them. I show Planet Earth to my biology classes, and guys and girls love it. It's an investment, but after 4 years of teaching I've probably seen all the episodes 20 times each and I'm still not sick of it. This was a great gift for my dad several years ago. If you're looking for a wow episode - try Shallow Seas, Jungles, or Deep Ocean (my favorites). Added bonus: David Attenborough's British accent and dry humor throughout the narration.
Last but not least - if you're still at a loss, gear your man up for winter with a pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves, a big umbrella, and galoshes (Mad Men style!).
I really hope this little guide gets you going in the right direction!
Homage t-shirts, $24
Quirky, retro, and best of all - so soft! They feel like you've worn them for years. They have loads of styles, and although I spring for the OSU tees - they have plenty of other cities and states represented. (Plus, this Friday all tees are $10 to $20 on sale....I'm definitely picking up a couple.)A Watch, $20 and up
Zach recommended I add this to the ultimate guy list. I'd splurge on a great brand - like Swiss Army and view it as a heirloom gift. Zach bought his after a big promotion and wears it everyday to work. He also has some simple Timex watches that are classic, sporty designs too. The best finds for watches under $100 are the great field watches and vintage styles at Urban Outfitters.
Instax Mini 7S Camera, $130
Although I usually end up taking pictures most of the time, I think Zach would totally dig having a small Polaroid-type camera. He's heading to India in the spring, and this would be such a cool way to record the trip!
The Mustache, $12 and $8
Sweet. Add a mustache to anything and it works for guys (at least in my experience). Last year, I bought these glasses for Zach, but I love the fingerstaches for a stocking stuffer and mustache mug this year. 
For an even cheaper clothing item - last year we discovered these awesome Hanes waffle tees with a Christmas gift card. They look like a J.Crew shirt, but only cost about $10 at Kohl's. And I know some of you are the die-hard Kohl's shoppers with all those coupons, so you can probably buy it for like 35 cents!
Soccer Pants, $30-45
Last but not least - if you're still at a loss, gear your man up for winter with a pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves, a big umbrella, and galoshes (Mad Men style!).
I really hope this little guide gets you going in the right direction!
to give and get {for girls}
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| a print of a favorite flower in amber glass, $13 |
I've already bought several presents for people on my list, and there are a few rules to help guide me while shopping. Usually, I try to pick items that are practical, pretty, and have some personality (alliteration!). I also tend to choose gifts that I don't buy with my own money but would enjoy having and using. For me - these rules usually mean I'm purchasing accessories, jewelry, and books.
Due to my great anticipation of the holidays, here are my favorite items to give and receive for girls. Everything is under $40 and follow the links to get more information! Here goes:
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| ruffled peony print, $35 |
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| sparkly quartz necklace, $24 |
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| a girly pair of flannel pj's to wear all winter long, $40 |
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| simple ribbon posts, $24 |
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| Beautifully detailed monogram cards, $18 and cute new pair of mittens, $25 are pretty, yet functional gifts |
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| a classic clothbound book, $14 and a delicious scented candle, $18 |
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| 4 new nail polishes brighten up winter's gloominess, $20 |
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| Last but not least, I love getting new socks and tights. |
Plus, coming soon: my favorite gifts for guys - and I have loads of practice in this area (husband, two brothers, and two brothers-in-law)
indy field trip
While Zach was away on a business trip, I headed downtown to the Midland Arts & Antiques warehouse for a fun distraction. There are two factory floors filled with vintage and antique furniture, art, jewelry, clothes, and decor. I love the abundance of industrial and schoolhouse items and the wide range of prices. It provides easy inspiration and also some items that could be put to work in your home.
My favorite finds included:
- a educational wall map
- sturdy wooden dressers with glass knobs (true bargain pieces)
- a mirror surrounded by studded wood
- a plethora of vintage lamps and chandeliers
- science glassware collections, including cloches and amber bottles
- colorful globes
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