Style Me Green: gifts

Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts

FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS

I love wrapping presents! I know some people hate it, I used to be one of them, I would shove presents in gift bags with tissue, and call it done. Maybe it's Pinterest, or being surrounded by creative types that has changed me, but now I get pumped to wrap gifts. I usually pick a color scheme to work within and just run wild. Last year it was kraft paper, black, and apple green glitter accents.This year it's all about red and white. I am so behind this year with a lot of our holiday projects, I'm blaming a late Thanksgiving... But, I was able to find the perfect white eco-friendly gift wrap at our local art supply store, and a fun herringbone red ribbon so I hurried to get everything together.

If you are trying to get out of a wrapping rut just pick a few colors and stick to those- mix and match patterns and texture and everything you do will look great.

I created some fun tags to go with our gifts this year. You can download them for FREE HERE!

INSTAGRAM HEART PHOTO COLLAGE

Our anniversary was 2 weeks ago. We both agreed we wouldn't spend more than $5 on a gift or a treat for the other person. We usually just go out and enjoy a nice meal to celebrate-This year it was a local Thai/Sushi place- So good- If you are ever in Sun Valley you have to go to Dang's Thai and Sushi Bar. I wanted to give John something that would celebrate the past 7 years, and be simple, he doesn't get into mushy stuff, and I don't really either. Then I saw a picture on Natalie Jean's Instagram of her cute son in front of a photo collage wall in their home. My brain immediately switched gears, how I could make this in my home? I decided on a small framed collage, I already had the frame I just needed the photos.

I researched the best ways to print my instagram photos, and ultimately I came up with the idea of laying out 2x2 images on a 4x6 photo so my local photo center could print them easily for me. I also had about 1,000 pictures on my computer I had taken before instagram was even a twinkle in Facebook's eye- so it was just easier to transfer everything from computer to photo shop. There are some great apps and websites though if you don't want to go that route.
Pinstagram
Mpix
Foxgram

Supplies:
Exacto knife
Cutting mat
Photos
Acid Free Photo squares
Frame and mounting board

Method:
Once each of my small photos was cut out I began laying them on the mounting board. I tried several different layouts before deciding a heart looked the best, and it felt a little bit more free-spirited than filling the entire frame or having a stiff grid.

Once they layout was set I used my photo squares to stick the photos to the mounting board. Then just frame and hang, and you have it!

I like fat hearts, not tall ones, so I think I may add more photos to widen it at some point when I find the perfect square frame.

The hardest part was deciding which photos would be included, we had so many fun ones. I loved going through them all and finding photos of things we totally forgot about- like the time a Times-Square tourist trap about King Tut lured us, and our $20 with promise of seeing a real mummy. At least we looked good in the gift shop pharaoh hats.

SEPTEMBER ECO FRIENDLY FINDS

The changing of the seasons not only signals a change in wardrobe, but adjustments to your home as well. Think about it in the same way you would your wardrobe. Adding lush fabrics, texture and warmth can be easy if you start of small. A knit toss pillow, a wool throw, and some wooden accessories can cozy up a space, just like that. This month's favorites are a collection of small things you could add to your home to warm it up for fall. I just ordered #2 and I can't wait to snug it right onto the guest bed.

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BUILDING AN EASTER BASKET

It was 60 degrees here last week, and I was loving it. But, we live in Idaho where one day you are walking around in shorts, and the next day you are shoveling a foot of snow out of your driveway. There is still hope for us though, Easter is right around the corner. Remember this post from last year on using natural materials to dye eggs? This year I wanted to share a few fun things help you build the perfect basket.

Beatrix Potter Books

Julep Natural Nail Color

Clamp Scarf @ Future Standard

Grey Wool Tweed Tie

Leather Knot Bracelet

Rosemary, Thyme, & Mint Herbal Oil

TOFFEE BLONDIES IN A JAR

This year for our neighbor and co-worker gifts we decided to give "cookies in a jar." We thought people bake so much during the holiday and have so many treats hanging around that giving something that they could make later with their kids or have on hand for a snowy day would be fun. I found several ideas online but not many had rave reviews in the taste department, just cute packaging. Because I had my own packaging idea we decided to find something that would taste great first and foremost. I stumbled upon this idea for Toffee Blondies from Better Homes and Gardens.

To assemble them you need the following ingredients:
1 qt. Mason Jar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup Heath Chips

I like to put the brown sugar at the top of the jar because if it hardens it is a pain to get out of the bottom of the jar, but they can be layered in any order you want.

Your recipient will add the following ingredients and follow these directions:
1/4 cup melted butter
2 lightly beaten eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Melt some butter in a bowl. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Pour in the contents of the jar. Mix it all up. Pour the batter in an 8x8x2 pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 25 to 30 m. or until the blondies start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool in the pan and cut into 16 bars.

To make our cute tags we found these great free printable ones from Hey Look. And I customized the recipe cards to print on the back of one of their tags. Feel free to use this file for your own gifts.

ECO FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR HIM

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ECO FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR HER

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HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY

I think today is the scariest day of the year, even more terrifying than Halloween. I just avoid going out at all. I have never shopped a Black Friday in my life and I hope to keep it that way. But I get it, you can buy toys, clothes, and gifts for deep discounts, on a small budget you can get a lot for your money- and if you have a large family you can stretch your dollar farther. If you do venture out today in search of great deals think about investing in local businesses and keeping your money close to home.

Almost anything you can buy from a big box store can be found at a local mom and pop shop. Those same vendors you saw selling jewelry and hats at the Farmer's Market will likely still have inventory to select from. If you are shopping for someone who "has everything" try donating to a charity in their name. Give gift certificates to local restaurants, and shops if you are unsure of what to stuff stockings with. You won't regret investing in your local infrastructure, I promise. If you just can't find the perfect thing try sites like Etsy, where you can select from many vendors of homemade and vintage goods. Good luck on this day, shop smart, and shop wisely!

GIVEAWAY: PINK COLLAR SHOP

I am excited to be hosting an awesome giveaway once again. This time from the fabulous, Aubree Hegdahl, owner of the Pink Collar Shop, and creator of Herbivore Sweets. Aubree makes, from scratch, Vegan-friendly soaps, natural lotions, soy candles, sundries, and other yummy beauty products. She lets nature do the work, and never uses any artificial colorants or dyes. The products are inspired by nature’s charm, and her inner “foodie.” Here's what she has to say about her favorite products:

The Vegan Peach Tea body butter has always been a best seller of mine, it’s a thick whipped cream made with raw shea butter. Using it for dry weather, it gives you that extra punch of moisture when you need it most. The formula is paraben free and vegan-friendly, with an original recipe of delicious essential oils of peach tea and a hint of ginger.

The Mango Peach Salsa is for the foodie’s enjoyment! The soy blend candle is a unique, fresh scent that adds a positive ambiance with the fair-trade soy wax and the sweet blend of Mango Peach Salsa.

SO HERE IS HOW TO ENTER:
1. Like Style me Green AND The Pink Collar Shop on Facebook

2. After you've done these 2 things leave a comment below telling us what scents you love to mix, or you'd love to see in future beauty products.

*If you don't have a blog or Google account please leave an email with your comment, so we can notify you if you're the winner!

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRIES
1. Follow Style me Green on twitter/pinterest, be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 2 extra entries).

2. Mention this giveaway on twitter/facebook/personal blog, be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 3 extra entries).

3. Follow Aubree on instagram @thepinkcollarlady or Erika @erikablank be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 2 extra entries).

4. Pin this giveaway on pinterest, be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 1 extra entry).

The giveaway ends Monday, November 5th at 11:59 PM.
One winner will be selected using random.org and will be notified by email.

*Remember you have to comment to be entered, if you don't comment you can't win.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Mother's Day is soon approaching, and I know I struggle with fun ideas for gifts for my mom. I mean what do you give the woman who gave you life- a toaster, umm no... The pinnacle of my Mother's Day gift giving success came in 2005- The Lord or the Rings Collector's Edition DVD boxed set. I will never come close to the success of that gift ever again, well until they release The Hobbit. Nudge, Nudge, Peter Jackson. But Style Me Green is here to save the day with a few eco-friendly and affordable gifts for the mom(s) in your life.

1. Rifle Paper Co's botanical journals are gorgeous and eco friendly. They are made in the USA from FSC certified paper.

2. I love watching Brent and Josh "The Fabulous Beekman Boys," but I love their home-made goat milk soap even more! My favorite is the wild poppy seed, but there are so many fantastic options you can't go wrong!

3. This gift never fails-potted plants. Whether you give her a gift card to select her favorite buds from her local nursery or pick them out yourself, it is definitely a gift that will keep on giving all summer long.

4. Etsy is full of great shops where you can personalize jewelry for mom. I love the idea of doing a monogram charm for each child.

5. You can never go wrong with a gift from the heart. Service is a great way to show you care. Wash her car, give her a foot rub, or help out in the yard. This is a gift for any age and any financial situation that is always a success.

6. Butter London has a great selection of eco friendly nail lacquer that comes in so many fun colors. My favorite is Tea with the Queen.