December 01, 2017

Gift Guide for Bookworms, or Anyone with a Coffee Table

December 01, 2017/ Ashley

I'll admit that I don't get as much reading done as I should, but I'm a lover of coffee table books! I've shared a few of my favorites in previous gift guide posts (linked at the bottom of this post) but here's an even bigger collection themed for many different interests your gift recipients may have. Enjoy!

Travel

Food

Architecture

Interior Design

Humor

Flora

The Little Book of Cacti and Other Succulents

Animals

Maddie on Things: A Super Serious Project About Dogs and Physics

Organization

Activism

Design

Science

Landscapes

People

Check out all of my gift guides:

Gift Guide for Anyone with a Coffee Table
Gift Guide for Makers
Gift Guide for Old House Lovers
Gift Guide for Those Going Zero Waste
Gift Guide of My Personal Wish List
Gift Guide for Organizers and Tidiers
Gift Guide for Cooks and Bakers
Gift guide for Homebodies
Gift Guide for Techies and Smart Homes

November 30, 2017

Gift Guide for Cooks and Bakers

November 30, 2017/ Ashley

'Tis the season for cooking family meals and baking for friends and co-workers (or for yourself!)

I've rounded up some of my favorite things in my kitchen that make great gifts for the pro chef or those just learning to boil water.

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Spiralizer: There are spiffy electric spiralizers out there, but this simple one is super efficient and easy to use. We use it quite often to make zucchini into noodles so we can fool ourselves into eating healthier. I also like that it's dishwasher safe and BPA free. UPDATE: I like this spiralizer and slicer combo set!

Serving and Cutting Board: I feel like one can never have too many cutting boards or serving boards.

Vintage Crock Utensil Holder: Just because it's utilitarian doesn't mean it can't be pretty. Help your friend stow their utensils in a shiny copper container. If they are in need of spatulas and spoons, you could plop them all inside and use the holder as the gift bag!

No-Spill Ice Cube Tray: This may look like your average ice cube tray but it's so much better! It has a silicone cover that seals each of the cavities so you can store it sideways without anything spilling out. You can use it for water, but I use mine for freezing lemon juice. I then use the lemon cubes for cooking or for my lemon meringue pies. Plus, it's BPA free and dishwasher safe.

Clean Slate: For your friend that is trying to be healthy despite the temptations of holiday sweets.

Herb Scissors: Once you go herb scissors, you never go back. These things make chopping fine herbs so much easier!

Salt Set: Salt can go on anything - veggies, meats, chocolate, cocktails - so this is a perfect gift for any type of cook or baker in your life.

Pizza Camp: I don't know that I've met anyone that doesn't like pizza. Give the pizza lover in your life the gift of custom making their own pies.

Ice Cream Maker: Some may say winter is no time to enjoy ice cream, but I completely disagree! This easy-to-use maker has helped me whip up my favorite dessert and I will not stop just because it's cold out! My favorite recipe I've made so far is this one.

Infrared Thermometer: Just point the laser at whatever you're cooking and the thermometer instantly displays the temperature. It's also fun to walk around the house and take temperature measurements of everything. Just 'cuz.

Stoneware Set: You may not want to gift a whole set of tableware, but this brunch set is a nice collection of ethically sourced and handmade ceramics from North Africa. I just ordered these in matte black, but it comes in so many other pretty finishes.

Stainless Steel Baking Sheet: These baking sheets are 100% stainless steel (as in no Teflon nor aluminum), which I've found to be the most healthy way to bake. Non-toxic and dishwasher safe - win-win.

Feed the Resistance: For your activist that also likes cooking!

Apple Corer/Slicer/Peeler: This thing is amazing. It cores, slices, and peels each apple in seconds. It’s the secret to my famous apple pies.

Tea Kettle: I use this tea kettle with my french press coffee, for kombucha brewing, and for heating up small batches of water for cooking recipes. It has a thermometer on top and a removable loose leaf tea strainer.

Pasta Attachment: For the cook that already has everything, KitchenAid has oodles of attachments for stand mixers. I bet the person that has it all doesn't have each and every one of them.

For a bonus, I shared a few of my favorite pie-making tools in this post. I have one last gift guide scheduled for tomorrow, but if you're itching for any gift themes in particular, let me know - I just might do more!

Check out all of my

November 29, 2017

Gift Guide for Makers

November 29, 2017/ Ashley

Today's collection of gifts are for the DIYer, crafter, tinkerer, and maker in your life!

I tend to go for practical gifts, so this is my collection of tools I genuinely like to use, and and a few art supplies that have a lot of versatility. All are great for all ages and interests! Well, supervise your creative toddler on the miter saw, please.

The Crafter's Box: Every month, the lovely folks at The Crafter's Box mail out a beautiful kit of supplies for creatives to make something inspired by some of our favorite makers/crafters/artists. Seriously, check out this incredible artist lineup! You can give a multi-month subscription, or just a single box.

Block Printing Kit: Printmaking is among my favorite art mediums! You can make stamps, greeting cards, or artwork. A kit like this one is the perfect introduction to the craft.

Good Clean Fun: You may know actor Nick Offerman from the show Parks and Recreation, but did you know he's also an accomplished woodworker? His book is filled with tutorials and tips for woodworks of varrying skill levels - and also chock full of comedy.

Compound Miter Saw: We used this saw when we installed the picture rail molding last spring and it made the job infinitely easier. Whether your friend is a crafter or renovator, this versatile saw will most definitely come in handy. It's nearly 50% off!

Keychain Measuring Tape: I never leave the house without a tiny tape measure in my purse. It's so handy for measuring lumber, furniture, appliances, you name it! I particularly like it for measuring other people's houses to see how they laid out their kitchen. Hey - I'm planning my kitchen design and need inspiration!

Sander: Just like the miter saw, a sander comes in handy for the smallest or biggest projects.

Audible: When your maker is spending hours and hours and hours working on their craft, a good audiobook comes in handy! When I was painting the mural last year, I listened to several David Sedaris books that kept me über entertained!

Moleskin: Creators have so many ideas running through their heads. A pocket-sized moleskin notebook is a nice way for them to jot down ideas or sketch a plan.

Classic Frames Safety Glasses: I'm not sure who decided that safety glasses had to look so ugly, but luckily someone invented a much more attractive option for keeping eyeballs safe. These even come in a sunglasses version!

In the Company of Women: Everyone needs inspiration. This book is full of stories and experiences of female artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. Don't you dare go thinking this book is only for women - it isn't!

Apron: There's something about putting an apron on that makes you feel purposeful and committed to the project at hand. This one is a classic loose fit that works for folks of all genders and sizes.

Sculpey Polymer Clay: There are SO many uses for polymer clay. It's easily moldable, and when baked, it becomes a solid material that's long lasting. It's particularly great because it can easily be sculpted by hand, but becomes even more refined with traditional clay tools. I used this type of clay a lot in my art teaching days with a wire armature. Look at what my 10-year-old students made with Sculpey!

Kreg Jig: I'm not normally a fan of products that have only one very specific purpose but this one is amazing. New woodworkers or accomplished ones can benefit from this handy tool that helps join pieces of wood with pocket holes.

3D Pen: Full disclosure, I've never used this product. But $30 for a 3D printing pen?? It's the perfect stocking stuffer.

Sugru: I don't know how to describe magic, but Sugru is it. It's a moldable glue that turns into a strong rubber when dried so you can fix and upgrade things around the house. Check out a bunch of examples of this magical product here.

Embroidery Kit: For the craftsy one in your life, an embroidery kit is a fun way to make something from start to finish without having to source each of the materials individually. Make it a custom gift by finding a pattern that aligns with your recipient's favorite things like, tea, witty sayings, dachshunds, anatomy, technology, houseplants, and home.

Keep coming back as I share more gift guides every day this week!

Check out all of my gift guides

November 28, 2017

Gift Guide for Homebodies

November 28, 2017/ Ashley

I'm the ultimate homebody - so much so that there's worry among friends that I may become a recluse one day. But hey, I love being at home.

I own each and every one of these items and sing their praises frequently. Even if you're buying for someone that isn't a near-recluse, there's much to be enjoyed.

Old Home Love: Literally one of my favorite coffee table books!

Handmade Quilt: This Etsy seller custom-made our quilt that we use on our bed and could certainly design a cozy blanket for your special someone in their favorite colors.

Ceramic Feelings Art: Mitsy creates beautiful ceramic art objects as a part of the ‘99 feelings’ project. You can pick a feeling like pure, wise, love, sleepy, organized, and so many more. I have empty and it's one of my favorite little pieces in the house. View the whole collection here. Psst, she's going on hiatus on 12/1, so order today!

Planter: Homebody or not, houseplants are great for adding life and cleaning the air. A pretty handmade planter makes a great gift that you can even fill with soil and your favorite foliage. Or, use the pot in lieu of a gift bag and put smaller gifts inside.

Custom Framed Family Photo: Maybe you captured a sweet moment of your friend on your phone, but never shared the photo. Or, you got profesh photos taken of your family that you want to share with grandparents. Nothing dresses us a photo like a custom frame.

Sonos Play:1: We keep music and podcasts playing all day every day when we're home. Everyone loves tunes! When you gift multiples, the recipient gets surround sound throughout the house by putting one in each room.

Roomba: I can't imagine life without our Roomba, and I think many other homebodies would adore the cleaning ease. iRobot extended their holiday sales through the week, so you can get $100 off a robot vacuum!

Sheet Set: You can never have too many sheets. They are great for the gift recipient or the gift recipient's holiday guests. Tip: your local animal rescue center is always in need of sheets and towels, so there's never a reason not to get rid of worn bedding.

Block Print Pillow: This homebody likes comfort and style.

Soy Candle: This is among the best scents ever. I buy candles based on smell, but you could also gift one in a pretty vessel so the recipient can pot a plant inside when the candle is used up.

Electric Candle Lighter: No need for a bunch of matches, this candle lighter is rechargeable. Include it in the stocking of someone that got a box of candles from you.

French Press: Why leave the house for coffee when you can make it at home? This is my favorite press because it isn't plasticky, it's dishwasher safe, and it's the perfect size for single-serve pours.

Remodelista: The Organized Home: This book is hot off the press and most definitely on my holiday wish list.

Artwork: Homes are so much more personal when meaningful art adorns the walls. If you know the recipient super well, you could get them a print that has significance, or a gift card to Minted will let them pick what catches their eye! My favorite online art shops are all listed here.

Bath Tray: For the homebodies that like a nice bath, this bamboo tray is a simple and classy way to store bath needs.

Simplisafe Home Security: Homebodies do indeed leave the house, and when we do, it's nice to know that a security system is keeping an eye on things. This one is great for renters and owners alike because it doesn't get hardwired in. It's a win-win gift when it gives you peace of mind as the gift-giver. Learn more and check sales here.

Keep coming back as I share more gift guides every day this week!

Check out all of the gift guides

November 27, 2017

Gift Guide for Techies and Smart Homes

November 27, 2017/ Ashley

This post comes to you, in part, from Ross, our home's Chief Technology Officer. He's been a tech nerd for nearly two decades and has helped me round up today's gift guide for those that like gadgets - but it's really for anyone living in the 21st century!

You also know I’m big on organizing our cables and techy gear, so this is also inspired by someone that loves form and function.

Ross likes his gadgets streamlined and not gimmicky, so if you're looking for a thumb drive in the shape of a human thumb, this isn't the gift guide for you.

iPad Stand: I'm a sucker for wooden stands for our electronics. This sleek one is perfectly understated, yet a showstopper. Plus, it's handmade!

eero Home WiFi System: We've gone through several routers in the past couple of years. We did Apple's Airport Extreme as well as those hideous ones with the giant antennas. The eero has been the most reliable wifi, and it comes with boosters to sprinkle throughout the house, covering all of our rooms.

Sonos Playbase: We just ordered one of these for an early holiday gift to each other. This Sonos will amplify our TV for higher quality audio. Plus, when the TV isn't on, it pairs with our Sonos Play:1 speakers we have throughout the house so we can listen to music/podcasts in each room.

B&O Headphones: These are such dreamy headphones. They used to be Ross' but I took them earlier this year and now they are my go-tos. I wear them at work every day and I can't get on a plane without them.

Personalized Ergonomic Mousepad: I'm just getting settled into our new home office and wondering if I should get a mousepad. This pretty handmade one is a contender.

Velcro Cable Ties: These aren't the sexiest tech gadget, but they are life changers - and a great stocking stuffer. These velcro ties are the easiest and most streamlined way to keep cables organized. They work well for the cords behind the TV that you don't need to fuss with at all, and they are great for coiling the extension cord you get out of the garage every day/week.

Cable Management Grid: I installed one of these under our new desk (which isn't the intended use of it) and it works so swimmingly!

Camera Strap: This handmade strap is such an improvement from the stock straps that come with camera bodies. I actually prefer wrist straps over neck straps, so I have this one.

Apple TV Remote Holder: Losing the Apple TV remote is no good when all you want to do is sit down after dinner for some Stranger Things viewing. We have a holder that props the remote upright, but I actually like the lower profile of this one. Plus, it's handmade!

WD 1TB Portable External Hard Drive: Whether you're taking your digital files out of the house or not, a portable drive for backing up files is an absolute must for everyone - techie or not.

Flash Drive: The perfect stocking stuffer. This is a nice portable flash drive that isn't plasticky or chunky.

Backblaze: For serious backup storage, we use Backblaze which ensures all of our photos, music, movies, files, etc. are safely stored in the event that our hard drives are damaged. Psst, that link gets you - I mean your gift recipient - a free trial!

Record Holder: Who said tech lovers need to adore only the new stuff? Get your vinyl record lover a sleek stand to keep their tunes. This pretty walnut holder is hand crafted.

Nest Dropcam Security Camera: This security camera provides piece of mind, and it's fun to check in on the house while you're away.

Flat Plug Braided Extension Cord: We all have wires in our homes. I try my hardest to hide them (see my two other cable management gift ideas), but when you're going to see one, why not make it attractive?

ElevationDock 4: We were early adaptors and bought the first ElevationDock when it was on Kickstarter. It was the one and only charger at the time that stayed on the table when you picked up your phone. They've continued to refine it year after year, and this is their latest.

And there you have it! Do you have any techie items to recommend? I could use them, because Ross is so tough to gift shop for.

Check out all of my gift guides

October 13, 2017

Halloween Inspired Vintage Art

October 13, 2017/ Ashley

Halloween Print in Bathroom The Gold Hive

I don't like to go wild with decorating my home for the seasons, but I love that Halloween gives me an excuse to display eerie, weird, dark, melancholic, spooky, mischievous, and creepy artwork. I've collected some of my favorite vintage art from Etsy that could be great all year long but has a particularly spooky vibe during the month of October - especially en masse. All of these are available for purchase and should make it to your home in time for All Hallow's Eve. Enjoy!

Portraits

Original Antique Primitive Art 1800's Paper On Canvas Monotone Portrait Young Boy Hat Knickers Large Ornate Wooden Plaster Gold Frame Creepy

antique mourning frame Victorian memento mori souvenir frame with hair love tocken Belgian dame lady moving tribute curiosity cabinet sepia

Antique vintage 1800s, Victorian Art Nouveau, beautiful lady engraving print ' Theresa ' A.Egg, muscial

Quaker Woman portrait Floating Oval Vignette Pristine Daguerreotype late 1840s

19th Century Victorian Mourning Photogravure Photograph w/Oil Painted Coloring Of Anna Huebners 8x10 Original Metal Frame

1880s Antique British Historical Print of Four Generations of Royalty - 19th century Queen Victoria portrait, Victorian wood engraving art

Rare 3-Dimensional Daguerreotype Portrait of Old Victorian Couple! Hand-Drawn Background! Scarcely-seen photographic history!

Tintype Photo Pretty Young Woman Great Hair and Victorian Accessories

How do you like that bearded man's side eye? And that girl's mischievous look? Pretty much any daguerreotype is perfect for Halloween decor by the nature of it.

Flora/Fauna

Feeding a cuckoo bird original 1874 zoology print - Victorian art, wagtail - 142 years old French antique engraving illustration

Vintage lithograph of the zebra spider and the wolf spider from 1956

1852 Original Antique Hand-Coloured Engraving - Cape Jackal & American Grey Wolf - Canine Decor - Natural History - Decorative Print

1860 Antique diptera print, old original insects engraving, bees mosquitos flies plate illustration, vintage fly mosquito bee entomology.

1861 Bird of prey Sparrow Hawk Antique Engraving Hand colored Original Antique Print Wall Art home decor Lithography Victorian period

Still Life With Dead Game/French Antique Print/Hand Colored Engraving/Hunting Tropies

Crow with Peaches by McFee Book Print (1962), Frameable Wall Art, Contemporary Still Life, Black Bird, Orange Fruit, Blue White, Dramatic

1879 great antique Scavengers animals in the Desert print, oddity vultures wolves engraving, big dimensions camel wolf plate illustration.

Vintage Spiders Scorpions Arachnid Family 1887 Victorian Insects Arachnology Natural History Engraving To Frame Black & White

Sorry to any of you that don't like creepy crawlies. Can I interest you in some bones?

Anatomy

Vintage still life oil painting on board of a skull

Original 1940s sketches drawing book | biology student original found art homework | bones anatomy heart nose | obscure quirky morbid

Contact Lens 1980 Irving Penn & Four Shoes 1959 on Reverse 1st Impression Photography Museum Book Art Still Life Framing Salon Spa Fashion

1880 MAMMAL SKELETON original antique print, 9.5 x 6.5 inches, vintage decor, wall decor, home decor, Victorian art, Encyclopaedia print

FRAMED Vintage French Medical Anatomy Education Poster- Heart and Blood Vessels

Those retro anatomy prints are so cool. They are available on Etsy, but are also sold in an awesome brick & mortar shop in Joshua Tree. It's a must stop if you're in the Palm Springs area!

Still Lifes

Vintage Hero Paradiso Oil Painting- Memento Mori

Vintage Original Still Life Painting With Apple & Skull/Vintage Original Painting/Still Life Painting/Acrylic Painting/Skull

Still Lifes with dead game. Set of 12 Vintage Prints, Postcards -- 1960s-1980s

Dutch Still Lifes. Collection / Set of 29 Vintage Prints, Postcards -- 1960s-1980s

Original oil painting, Dry Roses, Still Life, Soviet Vintage Painting, One of a kind painting

Vintage Still Life Lithograph Painting Table Fruit and Pitcher Framed Dark Moody Color Palette Antique Litho Wood Framed Kitchen Art Food

These still lifes are anything but lively.

Landscapes

1920s Open Casket Funeral. Silver Gelatin Photo of Deceased Man in Coffin. Rest In Peace. Postmortem Corpse Photography. 8" by 10".

Antique / vintage Real Photo Postcard - approximately 135 mm x 85mm. Photo from the 1920s.

Original Antique Engraving - Wolves And The Sheep

I genuinely find cemeteries to be beautiful. Anyone else with me?

Happy (almost) Halloween!

July 04, 2017

Deals! Deals! Deals!

July 04, 2017/ Ashley

Now, I'm definitely not into commercializing our national holidays, but I also don't shy away from a sale. I mean, why pay full price?

Please, enjoy your 4th of July if you're in the States or any of the many other countries celebrating their independence this week! But if you're taking a break from the sunshine, BBQs, or porches as gorgeous as Melissa's, then why not take advantage of some of those sales?! I've rounded up some great deals and also a few of the products I have my eye on (if money were no object.)

Rejuvenation - 20% off lighting / no coupon needed

Society6 - 20% off + free shipping / no coupon needed

Wayfair - lots-o-sales / no coupon needed

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eCarpet Gallery - 50% off +additional 35% off / code: JULY4

Minted - 15% off wedding, baby, and kids / code: FIREWORKS

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ASOS - more $$ off when you spend ++ / codes: FREE50, FREE70, OR FREE100

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Murchison-Hume - 20% off / code: MHJULY4

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Anthropolgie - 30% off sales / no coupon needed

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AllModern - extra 20% off deals / code: USA

Target - up 50 30% off sales plus an extra 15% off / code: AMERICA

Article - up to 25% off select items / no coupon needed

CB2 - sales on sleepers, desks, outdoor, baskets, and clearance / no coupon needed

Artfully Walls - 25% off site wide / code 4JULY17

West Elm – 20-30% off and an extra 20% off markdowns / code: SUMMER20

Artifact Uprising - $10 off framed prints / 4THFRAMES

Pottery Barn - Buy more, save more + free shipping / code: FIREWORKS

House of Antique Hardware - 25% off / code: FJ1725

Serena & Lily – 20% off everything / code: HAPPY4TH

Old Navy - tons of sales plus 20% off / no coupon needed

Domino - 10% off / code: FIREWORK

Okay, that's enough! Enjoy your holiday!

May 05, 2017

Weekly Roundup

May 05, 2017/ Ashley

Are you ready for Mother's Day? If not, I've rounded up a few gifts that are sure to delight the moms in your life!

Remember all of that art that I raved about last week? Well, with this link, you can get 20% off your Society6 order plus free shipping through May 6th! Find a design mom will like, then have it printed as a mug, pillow, framed print, tote bag, or whatever she fancies! Click here to get the promo and browse my favorite pieces. For even more art prints options, I'm sure you can find something she'd enjoy at Minted. If not, get something custom made or commissioned!

Maybe in lieu of a tangible item, she would like her gift to empower women and girls in need. International Rescue Committee has some wonderful gift options including a safe birth kit, a year of school, and small business training. These options range from $21-$192 and make a major impact.

Might mom need some new frames? I highly recommend these $95 glasses (frames and lenses!). Both my prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses are from Warby Parker. I wear these every day but I'm planning on getting these to switch up the look every once in awhile.

Is mom into DIY? Perhaps you can interest her in some woodworking supplies and hardware from Rockler? A pressure washer that I love because my neighbors think I'm playing with a robot? Classes and supplies for making her own goodies at Craftsy? The miter saw we used to install picture rail molding?

For moms with a great sense of humor, illustrator Chipper Things makes adorable flow charts, and this one all about mom makes for a great card.

For the literary mom, In The Company of Women is a must have and will keep her inspired as she continues her passions.

Is she a gardening mom? I have this elevated garden wedge and love how easy it is to harvest without kneeling on the ground, and it just looks pretty.

Is mom tricky to shop for? Gift her Amazon Prime so she can buy what she wants with free (and fast!) shipping. Plus she can stream her favorite movies and TV shows.

I hope these ideas give you procrastinators some inspiration!