Making A Memory - The Perfect Gift

Earlier this week, I shared our Memory Jar so it should be no surprise that we would want to *create* memories with people we care about. Joe and I have made a decision to give experiences rather than things when possible.

To give the impression of an actual gift, I wrapped a big box with a special note and a correlating gift card with tons of tissue paper.

Some ideas:
A zoo membership
A pottery class
A girl's night out
Painting with a Twist
A wine tour
A cooking class
A pre-planned date night
Sporting event tickets
Go-karting gift certificates

Our two favorite kids 'cashed in' on their presents this weekend. It was probably the best couple days that I've had in awhile. We had themed days for each of them and let me just say, my heart is full.

(Sidenote: During college I nannied full-time for the most delightful family. The two oldest children were in our wedding and I still make time to babysit whenever they ask.)

Freebie Friday: All You Need is Love

It's Friday, it's Friday! Oh thank the heavens, it's actually Friday! As if you need another reason to smile today, here is an early Valentine's Day print just for you. Print it. Frame it. Make it your February desktop background. Scribble a note on it for your hubby. Just be sure to enjoy it :)

~ 5x7 Print ~

~ HD Image ~

~ 4x6 Print ~

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Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Drab to Fab - Eyewear Makeover

Need a quick pick me up? If you wear glasses, especially plain jane frames, I have a super easy way to dress those babies up.  

In total, this makeover will cost you all of $2. Yerp. That's it.  I'm pretty sure most of us can swing that.

2014 Memories & Blessings Mason Jar

On New Year's Eve, Joe and I were chatting about our resolutions and plans for the year. I was telling him about how I wanted to choose a word for the year and about this really cool memory jar idea that I stumbled upon on Pinterest. 

Have you seen them? If not, here's the rundown: Throughout the year, you toss in notes of the good things (big or small) that touched your life. Then, at year's end, you pull them out together and reminisce.  To my surprise, he thought the jar was an awesome idea. Almost three weeks later and I finally have the jar done. 

What I like most about this is that while it's obviously a fit for the New Year, it could also work just as well to record what happened between birthdays. 

Need some ideas of what to share? Try some of these:

Surprise gifts

Daily blessings

Happy moments

Special memories

Momentous occasions

Life's little pleasures

Milestones

Accomplished goals

A Few of My Favorite Things - Christmas 2013

I miss Christmas so much already. I was raised in a Russian Orthodox home so I we got a 'second' Christmas on January 7th -- Little Christmas! Joe isn't totally in on it (so no presents or fancy family meal here), but at the very least, we keep the tree and all of the decorations up until then. Even after the Epiphany, I have some really fabulous reminders of this year's gaiety -- some of the most thoughtful gifts ever. 

Did you get any gifts that warmed you to the core? These are a few of my favorite things from Christmas 2013

This fantastic hedgehog planter from West Elm

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My ultimate beauty crush - the Clarisonic Mia2 in Amethyst from Sephora

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The very cutest owl salt and pepper shakers from West Elm

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Luscious shades of beauty from Essie's 2013 Holiday Gift Set at Target

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I cannot wait to get a full season out of these Nutcracker Ornaments from Land of Nod

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A top quality Krups panini press from Williams Sonoma

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The only stocking stuffers any girl needs: each and every single baby lips electro & dr. rescue medicated lip balm, care of Target

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A truly meaningful Japanese Daruma from KarmaLoop

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The most darling (and inexpensive!) flamingo scarf in the whole wide world, from ModCloth

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the perfect everyday initial bracelet, Alex and Ani of course!

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the prettiest pens you ever did see from your dear friend, Vera Bradley

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and one more present that I plan on using everyday - caramel ombre faux fur throw from PB

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Sometimes, you just gotta brag, right?

So, now I have to ask -- what were YOUR favorite gifts?? I've seen a lot of Silhouette cameos, fuzzy slippers, shiny stand mixers, fancy cameras, handmade goodies, gorgeous sweaters, and a whole lot more. 

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I'm linking to:

Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Make Mistakes

I read this in Parade Magazine's 14 New Year's Quotes to Inspire and More. It resonated with me and I hope it does the same for you. I'm so worried about being perfect and doing everything right. I stress all of the time about things I should have / could have / would have done differently. It's easy to forget that going outside of your comfort zone isn't for the fainthearted. You're going to hit snags and mess stuff up, but that's okay.

[Quote from Neil Gaiman]

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. 

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world.

You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're *doing something*.
 Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art or love or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

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Best of 2013

Happy New Year, one and all!

I almost can't believe that it's already two thousand fourteen... Where has the time gone? Y2K was 14 years ago... geez louise! While we're all wrapping up our holiday festivities, I thought it might be nice to recap the thirteen most popular posts of 2013 (based on pageviews). It's always fun to see what was most visited because there are always some unexpected treasures in the trove. Check em out!

#13 - WATERCOLOR GUEST BOOK ART ≈ 1.1k views

#12 - TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT TAGS ≈ 1.2k views

#11 - SPRINGTIME MASON JAR PHOTO HOLDER ≈ 1.4k views

#10 - WOODEN PLANK WELCOME MAT ≈ 1.6k views

#9 - WASHI TAPE MAGNETS ≈ 1.7k views

#8 - DISH TOWEL MARKET TOTES ≈ 1.7k views

#7 - SIMPLE & FUN BRIDAL SHOWER ACTIVITIES ≈ 2.3k views

#6 - GLITTERED MINI MEMO BOARDS ≈ 3k views

#5 - COUPON ORGANIZER ≈ 3.3k views

#4 - PAPER FLOWER GIFT TOPPER ≈ 3.7k views

#3 - DIY WOVEN CAMERA STRAP ≈ 4.3k views

#2 - PERFECT PAPER BOW & TEMPLATE ≈ 5.2k views

#1 - "ALL OF YOUR FIRSTS" WINE GIFT BASKET ≈ 16k views

While I think the list is pretty well-rounded, I know that some of my favorites from the year are missing. Did you have a favorite project from 2013? I'd love to hear what it was!

Thanks for all of the support -- I'm so thankful to all of you for being a part of my life. This blog is just a 'hobby' and even when my 'real' job gets in the way, I love having this community to fall back on. Best wishes to each and every one of you. Enjoy your day, week, year, and beyond <3

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