DIY Gift Ideas

12.13.2011

After taking a look at the calendar (LOLZ Christmas is like tomorrow,) I figured it was about time I get a move on with my Christmas shopping. For some reason this year, I have been a little stumped, but browsing Pinterest gave me an idea: why not DIY? 

In my browsing, I came across some really awesome DIY idea's and just had to share them with you all. Besides being totally awesome, the majority of them are under $25 and can be finished in time for Christmas!
1. An Anthropologie-esque necklace is one chic statement piece; they won't believe its handmade!

2.  Make and personalize this leather journal for anyone on your list.

3. This license plate key holder is great to remember that first car or a flea market/travel find.

4. These monogrammed hand towels are super luxe, at a fraction of the cost.

5. This sunburst mirror looks straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Can you believe its just popsicle sticks?

6. Don't just give the same old tie, give one that's personalized

7. Map coasters are a great reminder of that last trip or hometown.

8. Some thumbtacks, canvas, and paint create a one of a kind wall hanging of their favorite quote or saying. 
(Another great alternative is this DIY from ..Love Maegan)

And because I can't leave out the kiddies:
Fabric paint or an iron on applique on a onesie or tee shirt, make a one of a kind gift they'll always want to wear. 

For more DIY's check out Martha Stewart and Pinterest

My Holiday Playlist

12.12.2011

Nothing gets me into the holiday spirit quite like some season appropriate music. 

While I may lead you to believe that I only listen to A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, I do in fact listen to and enjoy other holiday songs. (No, that one is still not included on the list).

Here are 12 of my favorite holiday songs, to kick off the 12 days before Christmas (Well, Christmas Eve)!

Andy Williams


Kaskade and Late Night Alumni

The Enchanters

Frank Sinatra

Jose Feliciano

Dominick the Donkey
Lou Monte

The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole

Bing Crosby

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time
Paul McCartney

NSYNC

*available for free download via soundcloud

What are your favorite Holiday songs? 

All I Want For Christmas this Year is...

12.11.2011


Caramel Popcorn

12.08.2011

One thing I love this time of year are those massive popcorn tins, and their variety of flavors. Since I couldn't wait until this weekend to pick up a tin from Trader Joe's, (they have one for $9.99!) I decided to make some caramel popcorn last night. I then ate it for dinner, after dinner, before bed...

I used this recipe in particular, because it uses no corn syrup. I also put the popcorn in the pot with the caramel, as opposed to pouring it over the popcorn, to mix it up. Pouring the caramel over the popcorn sounded like a visit to the ER and I wanted to avoid that. 

Lastly, I placed the popcorn on a baking sheet, and in the oven for about 5 minutes at 175 degrees. The outcome was a perfectly crunchy caramel popcorn. 
after the popcorn cooled, I mixed it with an equal amount of plain popcorn so it wasn't such a sugar rush.
My outcome will be a nice long nap as I come off this sugar high...