Being Neighborly...And Other Christmas Goodies

We have the greatest neighbors. Really, we do. We actually have experienced a lot of not so great neighbors, so moving to our current location proved to us that neighbors can be nice. Because we love them so much we like to do a little something for them for Christmas (well and throughout the year too). I didn't have a chance to show you what I did last year...or at least I don't think I did, if I did then just think of this as a reminder. We needed something simple and inexpensive, but cute all at the same time. Here is what we came up with.

Aren't those fun? We found the pails in the dollar section at Target. You could always find some at a craft store or Goodwill and decorate them yourself, but at the time (working full-time and had a 2 month old) I just couldn't find a spare moment to DIY much of anything. So pre-made worked for me! The inside is filled with Peppermint Bark from Costco. That is some good stuff! We also found little packets of hot chocolate and stuffed them in there as well. See those cute little Santa socks there? We had found out that our newest neighbors were expecting their first baby so we had to throw those in for fun. 

So, if you need an idea for an easy and inexpensive gift, there you have it. This year I have plans of giving them some homemade popcorn in glass jars. I don't think they actually read this blog so hopefully I didn't just give it away. Not that I gave much away, it doesn't sound all that great the way I described it, but I promise, it will look half decent in the end. What? I am not promising miracles here. I'll try to share photos if I get them done sometime soon! Christmas is almost here and I haven't finished one present. Talk about procrastination! 

One last thing....our Secret Santa struck again! If you remember we had someone drop a tree at our door and make a run for it. Well, we are guessing that same person (the knock was the same anyway!) dropped a little gift box with all of the fixings for hot chocolate and smores. I happened to be standing next to the door when they knocked, but of course had to do the whole ninja thing and quietly creep to the window to see who it was. No luck, I was too slow and didn't catch them! I would have taken a photo BEFORE we ate everything to show you how cute it was, but we kind of inhaled all of it and ended up in a sugar induced coma. Here is a picture of the cute little mugs that were in that gift box. 

Hope you all are enjoying the holidays so far...and hoping that you have gotten a better start on gifts than I have this year. 

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Jar of Cupcakes

Today I just have a super simple gift idea for you all. Our neighbors had brought home their newborn baby boy and we wanted to give them a little something. Of course a baby gift is obvious, and we could have done a meal, but we knew they had their family staying with them for awhile so meals weren't an issue. Then it hit us. The one thing you don't get a lot of are "treats" when you come home from the hospital...and who doesn't need a little sugar to give them some faux energy once in awhile (especially with a newborn). So, while Josh and I are working towards living healthier lives (more on that later) we still think its fun to make something sugary as a treat every once in awhile. Plus, I needed some quick and easy. Enter a boxed cake mix and some frosting...ummm, did I just go there? Yes, yes I think I did. 

These were so simple. I picked a box of funfetti cake mix because, well, it's fun and some white frosting. I prepared the mix according to the directions and poured the mixture into one of my glass jars about 1/2 full. I baked them just like I would bake a cake and just kept my eye on them until the toothpick came out clean. Helpful hint: use a funnel or just have a very steady hand when pouring the batter into the jar. If any batter is left on the sides of the jar it will come out a burnt mess...yes, I have had experience. As for the frosting on top I just took the store bought frosting and placed it in a plastic bag. I cut off the tip and swirled it around until I got the desired effect. Then I sprinkled on some rainbow sprinkles and was satisfied. To package it up I traced the lid of the jar onto some scrapbook paper, cut it out, and attached it to the top of the lid for a little extra fun. Then I tied on a fork (it's what we happened to have) with a ribbon and that was that. Of course I attached a little note before we delivered it as well. 

Have fun with this...use different mixes, add in different toppings, decorate it however you would like. These would make great hostess gifts, welcome to the neighborhood gifts...the sky is the limit really. The only rule is, make one for yourself at the same time or otherwise you'll be delivering a half eaten jar. Consider yourself warned. 

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Tray Talk

Mother's Day is coming. Soon. Please tell me you didn't forget. 

Well, even if you did forget...or well, even if you didn't, I wanted to give you a quick crafty project to tackle just in case you hadn't yet decided on a gift for your beloved mother. 

Here's the skinny. Some moms are hard to shop for. You know they work so hard and do so much all year long, but when it comes to buying them something you just don't know where to start. I think most moms oftentimes don't feel like they actually "need" anything so you are left trying to figure out what extra special thing you can give to the woman who birthed you or brought you into her life in some way or another. Honestly I am all for handmade. I think any gift that was thoughtfully made by you shows just how much you care. It's a great excuse to get your craft on as well...and that is never a bad thing. 

Last year I made a chalkboard tray (I know, using old craft projects as blog material seems to be a theme lately) and it is now well used by my sister from another mister, Ruby. Yes, the same Ruby who just celebrated her golden birthday. Okay, I know what you are thinking, Ruby is not my mother. This is true. However, in going through old photos of projects I had done, I came across the tray and thought it was such a great gift for anyone, especially mommies. Now, this would be the part where I show you that photo. The problem is I wasn't so great at using my camera back then and the photos are so blurry that even I had a hard time making out (that's what she said!) what it was. So, without further adieu, I give you a whole bunch of other people's chalkboard trays that I found all over my beloved internet. 

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Trays can be used to write notes to the family or even to have in a guest room with some welcoming words and some toiletries or even a little snack as shown above.

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Does your mom love tea? Have a grown up tea party outside with her new tray. Oh and husbands, you aren't getting out of this that easy. Why don't you use those DIY skills I know you have and make your wife a chalkboard tray of her own AND THEN do something bold. Go cook her breakfast and serve it to her in bed. Stop your whining. I don't care if you don't know how to cook. Go watch some Food Network, do a little googling, and figure it out. Trust me, she deserves it and she will love you and your burnt toast.

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Nobody said chalkboards have to be black (or green like in elementary school). Find a chalkboard paint in your mom's favorite color, or find one that matches her decor. Need some inspiration? Check out all of the colors that Hudson Paint carries.

 Want to really get your hands dirty and can't find the paint color that you really desire? Make your own. Check out the oh so talented Kate from Centsational Girl's great tutorial. 

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Not feeling the whole tray thing? Then, grab something else and paint away! Seriously, if your mom loves to cook or garden, how cute would painted chalkboard pots be? Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Just head out to your local thrift store, Target, wherever and find something that looks like it wants to be painted. 

Oh and most definitely don't forget the chalk. Preferably some pretty colored chalk. Although, white is always nice as well.

Now, go forth my pretties and make something nice for that special mom in your life.

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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

When the dog bites...when the bee stings...when I'm feeling sad...I simply remember my favorite things...

Oh sorry, I'm done. No more singing. Promise. Maybe.

Josh and I decided to forgo Christmas presents this year since we both bought iPhones recently and have taken a trip and made a few other large purchases over the past month. However, that doesn't mean there aren't a few fabulous things out there that make my mouth water. Yes, I do have a rag by my side at all times while browsing all of my favorite sites. Don't worry, you will get past that visual as soon as you start looking at all the great things on my wish list.


I. Want. This. Desk. I have had my eye on this lacquered parsons desk for quite some time. I love the simple lines.

West Elm

These books are not only classics that I could read over and over, but they also have the greatest colors which could make for some quick and easy decor. Use them to prop up a vase, a candle, or really anything. It will give it dimension and look great while doing it.

 

Anthropologie 

 

 

This candle makes me feel warm and snuggly. This is WAY better than a snuggie in my book.

 Anthropologie

With all of the rain we get in Oregon, this umbrella stand would be great for holding all of the wet umbrellas that we have and look cute while doing it.

Z Gallerie

I think this would look great in an office, or any room with contemporary styling. 

Z Gallerie

Loving this pillow. I adore Dwell Studio. They always have wonderfully put together items that are such attention grabbers.

Target

Just thinking of all the projects I could accomplish using this one gun. Its a staple, brad, and nail gun all in one. Seriously I do think I need this and I think you need this too.

Lowe's

So that was a bit of a peek into what I would want if Josh and I were doing presents this year. There are so many great gifts out there and I hope the Christmas shopping hasn't been too overwhelming. Our pastor did a sermon on spending less for Christmas which I think is a great reminder that it really is not about the gifts. I know we hear this every year, and yet every year we try to get the biggest and most expensive gifts for our loved ones. I know I suffer from this. His challenge was to focus on Christ this Christmas and give gifts that have meaning that don't have to cost a lot. It has been quite a challenge for me since I really do love to give gifts, but its been a great way to refocus my thinking. It really isn't about the gifts. You truly cannot take Christ out of Christmas, it just cannot be done.

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