I said I was going to write a blog post about DIY gifts, and I got so excited that I started writing it right away. Since I'm so strapped for cash all of the time, I love making things to give as gifts. I love the reaction I get, and they really mean a lot more than just purchasing something. Although, I do argue that it's always the thought that counts.
This year I made a photo book for someone's birthday of all of the things we did together as a family, and other special moments in our relationship. There were many hours dedicated to things like colors, fonts, and photo placement, but it was worth the effort. I used a Groupon code to purchase an inexpensive photo book from an online photo ordering website. Although my book was more expensive than I planned, I also learned there are other photo websites with legitimate savings. So don't back out! You can also go to any photo editing software or Powerpoint, and create a slide show with music. I made one of these slide shows for my mother on Mother's day, and she definitely enjoyed it so much she cried.
In my last post I wrote about a pressed flower iPhone case I am working on. I also make jewelry with a similar concept, where I take pre-cut shapes of glass, and glue to the back pictures I trim from magazines. I've given away many necklaces and earrings with this design, and received many compliments. Check out my Etsy shop for an example of what the jewelry will look like. You can also use larger pieces of glass and create paper weights or bookends.
There are so many DIY ideas online, I could really talk all day about it. I'm also obsessing over homemade advent calenders and 12-days-of-Christmas idea. Check out this Pinterest board for some advent calender ideas. Also, check out this Popsugar post about the best DIY gifts. Let me know if you have any suggestions for DIY gifts.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Today went by quickly. It's the beginning of Thanksgiving week, and there was lots of shopping to be done. I'm responsible for the peas with bacon, and pecan pie. Last year was my first attempt at making a homemade pecan pie, and it came out better than I expected. I made it the morning of, so it was fresh and marvelous when we cut into it. I'd like to do the same thing this year, only this time I'm making my own pie crust. Can't wait to share!
I also did a little online shopping this weekend, and earlier today. I've been needing a new pair of black heels because I wear them so often, they get way past their prime. Since I go through heels so quickly, I don't like to spend very much on them. I've learned that it's best to have at least two pairs of heels in nude and black--one pair for work and another for nice occasions. I like to shop at 6pm, and I find inexpensive heels I always love. Today they had an extra 15% off coupon, so bought these babies.
I've also been in need of a better shampoo, so I used my birthday coupon code for 15% off their PRX Reparatives shampoo. I have not tried it before, but I know their other shampoos work well. I also have a ton of conditioner, so for now I only bought the shampoo. A few months ago I went to the Fredrick Fekkai here in Dallas, and I really enjoy my haircut. I have received several compliments, and I look forward to going back many more times.
I'm also a huge fan of homemade gifts. One of my ideas this year, besides jewelry, is one given to me by the person I am gifting it to. I received an email one day with this adorable DIY craft idea on Etsy for making your own pressed flower iPhone case. I usually save my bouquets, and let them dry out. I also have some vintage pressed flowers from a craft store I would love to combine to create one of these lovely gifts. I purchased a clear iPhone 5 case from Amazon for less than two dollars. Light bulb! I'm thinking because I love DIY crafts so much, I will have to share a blog post in the near future about some of my other DIY crafts.
I hope everyone had a blessed and joyous Monday. May your Tuesday be just as special, as well as the days that follow.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I have one of the kindest neighbors who lives upstairs. Almost every day she leaves a handwritten note on my door. It always contains the most wonderful and positive messages of God's joy and blessings. She has been through many hardships, and lives by herself since her husband passed away a year or so after purchasing the condo. Every time I see her, there is a light about her that makes me want to sit for hours with her and chat. She has a way of turning anything negative into something positive. And I really need that type of influence in my life. Ever since we became friends, I've learned to become closer with God, and it has compelled me to work on blessing others in the way my friend has blessed me.
I've always cared deeply about others, and now that I live in Dallas, I'm in contact with a lot more people. Recently, I decided to put together care kits for the homeless I see some days on my way to and from work. The care kits included things such as a pair of socks, knit hat, t-shirt, soap, and a few other toiletries, such as items in a first-aid kit or . Most of the items I used in my care kits were items I already had around the house. Everything was packaged in a zip-lock baggie, and placed inside of a used backpack.
Today I was blessed with the experience of giving away one of these care kits. On my way to work this morning, a one-legged man was standing on the median of Northwest highway and Preston. I had enough time at the red light to remember I had a care kit in the back of my car, and wait for the man to walk past my car. I hope to make more care kits in the future.
Tonight I have more homework due, and then work again tomorrow. I hope everyone has a pleasant evening. Please consider making some of your own care kits, or giving in some other way before the year is over. Here is a link to an idea for care kits. Also, check out this link.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
