Wooden Objects

Here are some decorative and functional wood items that would make great holiday gifts:

Heirloom Recipe Card Box by Rife Paper Co. that is made from reclaimed wood

Twiggy Serving Set from Anthropologie

Dice Salt and Pepper Shaker Set by Surevolution 

Address File by 1Canoe2

Bamboo Magnet Board from West Elm

Wooden Camera Tape Dispenser from fredflare

 -Lana

Canvas and Leather Bags

Ever since I saw this tutorial for a simple and chic bag by Renke for Desgin*Sponge, I wanted to make a canvas bag with leather accents.  

Since I don’t have that much free time on my hands and my sewing machine is in need of repair, I have been on the lookout for similar bags to purchase.  In my search, I came across the following:

The Quality Mending Company makes a tote bag that is available through their site and through Madewell.  

Makr  bags have an understated simplicity and style.  Their backpack and large canvas tote are available in several colors.

This tote bag/log carrier from Eddie Bauer is rugged and has a lot of character.  I love that there are zippers down both sides of the bag as well as two exterior flap pockets.  I wouldn’t mind using this as a travel bag or even as a baby bag.

Here is a tool/mason bag from the Heritage Leather Company that would serve as a great tote bag.  I like the colorful leather accent on the bottom as well as the metal accents along the top of the bag.  There is also metal hardware underneath to protect from wear and tear.  This comes in three sizes.  

I just came across this Kaufmann Mercantile canvas tote bag yesterday and I have to admit that it is my favorite one.  This one goes on my wish list!

-Lana

Advent Calendars

This holiday season, I’ve seen some great advent calendars.  Although we are several days into December, I still thought I would share them with you. 

Two of my favorite ones are available from Pottery Barn.  I love the rustic look of these and that the little gifts peek out of the containers. To purchase, click here for the bucket and branch calendar and here for the burlap sack calendar.

If you have time to craft one, here is a great tutorial from Twig and Thistle. I love that this calendar is magnetic.  Twig and Thistle uses cheerful colors, but you could probably do your own twist on this by substituting with seasonal colors or even photos of the family holding up numbers.  The possibilities are endless.

Here is another simple DIY origami box advent calendar by Lorajean's Magazine for the blog Whatever Dee-Dee Wants.  

She created this as a countdown for Thanksgiving, but it easily doubles as a countdown for Christmas.  I like the simple craft-colored origami boxes that can be dressed up like this example below also by Lorajean's Magazine. You can use mini clothespins to attach the numbers on small tags instead of stamping them directly on the box.

-Lana

I'm in love

I spied these Anthropologie beaded clutches today and I am in love!  Santa baby.............

- Tina

Tree hunting

It's Friday!  Given there are only three weeks until Christmas I bet that a lot of people will be getting their trees this weekend.  I like to cut mine down - the fun of the hunt, the crisp air, the smell of pines and firs.  It's an experience I hope everyone has taken part of.  I thought I'd give you all some ideas on how to turn your tree hunt into a fun and warming picnic.

1. Vest 2.Picnic Basket 3.Pendelton Throw 4.Thermos 5.Easy chili recipe 6.Irish coffee recipe

-Tina

Build your own igloo

Okay, bear with me during this post because I swear it has potential.  Last night I went to a holiday boutique and came across a booth that caught my eye.  Now, the idea is great if you tweak it a bit.

This..........

with this inside......

Equals this...

Now, I am sure I lost you with the last photo.  It's the only one that was somewhat decent in my Google search but imagine the block without the trees and wording.  They'll look just like glowing ice cubes.  I'd stack three of them on their side in somewhat of a pyramid style and have them atop of a table in a nest of greens.  I think they'd look fabulous.  Not kitschy like the photo but sleek and wintry.

The hard part is cutting a hole in the glass cube.  After some research I have found out how to do it (see below).  Note the cubes can be purchased at Lowe's for cheap or online with pre-drilled holes.  Strand of lights should be 50 bulbs and they are super cheap at places like Big Lots. 

Hole: "Get a 3/4 Diamond bit, use water to cool and wash away the dust. When drilling use slow speed and lots of pressure. Start drilling at 45 degrees then 90. I was drilling 3/4 inch holes in 2 minutes."

-Tina

Mod Cloth

For those who have never heard of Mod Cloth you must shoot over to their site here.  They have amazing dresses and accessories for you and your home.  This will be a good place to start for your holiday party outfit!

A few of my favorite home accessories....

And here is an outfit I have picked out.....

 

-Tina