Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts

12.11.2018

Trend Tuesday // Gift Guide for the Bookworm

So when I was in high school I had a couple of English teachers that really inspired me to read.  I don't keep up with it nearly as much these days (I really need to invest in this Audible thing) but I still remember the appreciation for the classics these teachers instilled in me.  I've added to intelligent conversations still yet to this day with literary comparisons and my knowledge of literary devices. 😏 I will say, I can't spell or write grammatically correct worth shit though....but that is for another post.

Recently, Literary Book Gifts reached out to me about sharing their product here on the blog and I was hit with a bit of nostalgia upon seeing some of the books they offer printed on their products.  First, when you visit their website you'll see a super streamlined and easy to navigate page.  They offer a wide range of prints on just a few products - men's & women's tees as well as printed totes.  Personally I find this AMAZING because I'm not navigating a ton of items mindlessly!  As mentioned on their about page, the design work is done in house & then professionally printed on the item with care.  I can totally see the detail in the line work of the art.  Each design reminds me of a block print!

Women's Tee Shirts


So first off, I love that the have The Wizard of Oz as a tee shirt! It's also in men's and in a tote bag, which means I love all three!  The best part about these shirts is the variety of colors.  Each design has about 13 colors to choose from from deep blue to khaki to bright pink.  I also love that they include a size chart right on the page + the mention that the shirts run a bit small.  It's attention to detail like this that really shows a company that knows its stuff.  Shop women's tees here.

Printed Tote Bags

If you're looking for a sturdy tote bag, these guys are printed with the same artwork available in the tee shirts and made of 100% polyester.  Featuring boxed corners, these bags are spacious!  They are available in 3 sizes, feature black cotton handles, and a black lining.  While the tee shirts come in a variety of colors you'll only be able to get one color way with these totes.  I think that each tote has been designed in the most striking colorway so you're sure to get the biggest wow factor!  Shop tote bags here.

Men's Tee Shirts

Finally, if you like a little bit of a looser fit or are maybe shopping for a gentleman reader you'll find these classic fit tee shirts in 100% cotton will do the trick.  Again, these guys are available in a variety of colors most offering at least 12 colors.  As mentioned on each men's tee shirt page these seem to fit pretty true to size and are recommended for unisex sizing.  How cool would it be to twin with your book obsessed boo as well this holiday season!  Shop men's tee's here.

So with all of that said, I want to offer you one more thing - you can use the code FIVESIXTEENTHSBLOG20 for 20% off of your order (no minimum)!  This would be so perfect as a thoughtful gift for someone who may have a little bit of everything.


If you'd like to see some more gift lists that are on the blog, click here.  I'm wishing you a very merry holiday season!

What gifts are you giving this year?  

xoxo, Moe

11.20.2018

Holiday Gift Guide for the Woo Woo Woman

Personal and spiritual development has been an important part of my life this year.  Connecting in with my authentic self comes from a devotion to myself that I've found through various woo woo items & practices.  So today let's do an amazing little gift guide on the perfect gifts for the Woo Woo Woman in your life, shall we?
this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

I can't wait to share this with you because I love the thought of women cheering on other women to be the best they can be.  Through sharing my personal development journey I have discovered so many awesome women and watched them grow!  Join all the fun over in the Live & Create Facebook group where we talk woo woo and work life creating a space for planner people, mindful makers, and lunar lovers to come together in support of each other. All I want in life is for others to realize they too can do it....whatever the it is!  Every accomplishment - big or small - that puts us on a path towards betterment is worth celebrating.  Ok... on to the guide

Tools for Introspection

One of the greatest ways to connect with yourself is through reflection.  Various tarot & oracle decks can help the querent with a little bit of self reflection.  I've got a whole guide to reading tarot here but you can also find some of my favorite tarot decks in this postI've also been loving the Journal Deck, featured above, as an added journal prompt for my self reflection.  There is even a new edition called the Goddess Deck that I want to get my hands on!
Starting Friday 11/23 until Monday 11/26  you can save 25% on the Journal Deck & site wide!  (no code needed!)

Woo Woo Storage

Every woo woo woman needs a place to keep her sacred instruments.  In this post on creating altars in shared spaces I talk a little bit about how creating a sacred space when you share a space with others can be difficult.  If your woo woo woman isn't able to go all out with her altar a little storage box may be just the answer.  I have one similar to this (pictured) but you may be able to find a box that more aligns with here beliefs or vibe better hereThese boxes can be great for keeping tarot or oracle cards as well.  Why not add in a few spell candles, essential oils, or the like so she can get the most out of it!

Quality Correspondences

In my personal spiritual path I use essential oils as a means of personal growth.  Different oils can have different correspondences - for example Lavender is the Oil of Communication & Calm, Rose is the Oil of Divine Love - and when working with these guys, quality is key.  Some of our woo woo sisters may use dried herbs in their practices while others may use incenseGive the gift of quality essential oils with the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils available from doTERRA Throw in some unscented incense sticks & a diffuser so that she can get all those positive intentions going for the new year!  Grab this book to so she can remember each emotional association.

A Place to Keep it All

An amazing way to organize all those woo woo thoughts is in a journal.  While I have a hard time keeping a consistent journal - I have commitment issues and I need a lot of structure! - I love the format of the traveler's notebook.  These guys feature small, bound inserts that make creating different sections in the journal super easy.  Plus there are ton of inserts available out there and you can even make your own easily!  Webster's Pages is my favorite brand because they are so affordable and because of the variety of colors.  This walnut one is gorgeous!


The journey towards self reflection is a great one where the only person you have to be better than is the person you were yesterday.  All of these tools can help you or the woo woo woman you love on her journey.  Feel free to grab the free Intro to the Tarot ebook below (it will be right in your inbox!) and print out a guide for you and your bestie.  Throw it in with your gift and she'll love it!

Lunar Newsletter

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Connecting with our intuition allows us to feel strength & confidence.  I can't wait to see what you give your friends this holiday season!

What woo woo gift would your recommend?  What gift would you like to receive?

xoxo, Moe

ps.  Don't forget to snatch up the Journal Deck here to fill up that traveler's notebook!

2.12.2018

5 DIY Gifts to Support your Best Galentine

Valentine's Day is this week!! I absolutely love February because it is all about love & expressing our love to others.  This year, I'll be focusing on giving some care to my self with a long bath & probably a good movie with a bottle of wine.  We all need a little me time.  But this Make it Monday I want to share with you some easy DIY projects that are supportive for your best Galentines!  Make something for them that will build them up and make them feel like they are awesome!!

Oh, and if you check out the bottom of this post you can in on the last minute registration for the FREE LIVE Essential Oils & Self Care class tonight!  So check that out too!

Printable Positive Affirmation Cards

Build your best gal pals up with a set of printable affirmation cards.  They can draw a card each morning and repeat it while they prepare to move through their day inspired and empowered.  This deck of 36 empowering phrases can be printed at home and assembled rather quickly.


A Handmade Mala Tied with Love & Intention

Speaking of affirmations, hand bead and tie a mantra for your galentine so that they can repeat their affirmation 108 times during a meditation.  Choose beads that you find inspiring - they don't have to be wood or crystal, just something you think they will love.  Choose the embroidery floss based on a Chakra you know your bestie is working with - red for the root chakra of groundedness & security, orange for the sacral chakra of creativity & desire, yellow for the solar plexus chakra of joy & and empowerment, green for the heart chakra of self love & gratitude, blue for the throat chakra of expression & communication, indigo for the third eye chakra of intuition & openness, or purple for the crown chakra of enlightenment & divine guidance.

An Energy Clearing Kit to get rid of any Bad Vibes

Set your gal pal up for a Spring full of good vibes with an energy clearing kit.  Include an essential oil or Palo Santo + a crystal aligned with some good juju so that she can break through anything that has been holding her back!


Custom Scented Bath Bombs

A long, refreshing bath is one of the best self care activities.  We take time to release ourselves from all other burdens to focus on our own well being.  Essential oils can help align us with the emotions we'd like to feel so we can become rejuvenated and restored.  Create a bath bomb for your gal pals that will help them feel they can reach their highest potential!


A Beautiful Journal to Keep Wonderful Thoughts

One of the best ways we can keep track of how awesome we are is to journal our thoughts.  A handmade journal using your Cricut Explore is a great way to get crafty for your BFFs.  Share a creative space where they can feel inspired & supported!

There is still time to sign up for the Essential Oils & Self Care LIVE class this evening!  Head over to the Facebook event page or register here for a FREE self care planner.  I hope to see you tonight!

How do you build up your besties?  

xoxo, Moe

5.29.2017

Make it Monday // Create & Use an Energy Clearing Kit

During this new spiritual journey I've embarked upon, I've found quite a few things that have resonated with me.  One of these is energy clearing in order to align myself with my highest good.  Clearing the stagnant, negative, or all around garbage energy from myself and my space allows for a clearer area to work - both spiritually and mentally.
DIY Energy Clearing Kitthis post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here.
My favorite part of energy clearing is using the scent as an identifier.  If you cleanse your home or space enough you'll begin to associate the scent with positivity.  That gets you in the right head space already!  Rituals should be sacred to you.  The best part of an independent spiritual journey is that you can decide what is special and sacred to you.  This is a personal journey to connect with your higher self, to develop your best self.

Shop Supplies on Amazon!


supplies :: fire proof bowl or surface (I use a metal trinket tray - similar)*, Palo Santo (incense or sage can be used instead), crystal (optional), essential oil (optional), drawstring bag, printable instructions, diffuser necklace (optional)

To assemble your kit simply print & trim the instructions.  There are folding instructions included but the image below shows how it should look once you've folded it up.  Fold the paper in half along the longer axis, then flip the pages until you have a little book.  Place each item into the drawstring bag.

When it comes to choosing the crystal and/or essential oil to work with, I have some tips below, but the over all purpose is to consider the intentions you're setting when clearing your home.  It can be as simple as ushering in positive energy or more complex as wanting to open lines of communication for all inhabitants of the home.  I often cleanse my home/space on the New Moon and cleanse myself when I do a bigger tarot reading (New Moon, Full Moon, month ahead or week ahead spreads or when I read for others.)
Using Essential Oils to Cleanse your Home
This kit is perfect for gifting.  It is seriously great for this grad season.  Imagine embarking on a new life adventure with a way to center and cleanse yourself + cleanse your new dorm or apartment.  I need to assemble one to give to my sister who has just moved into a gorgeous apartment with a gorgeous view.

I chose Palo Santo rather than Sage for this kit mainly because I find that Sage smells like burnt hot dogs!  I don't quite like the smell and I find it more distracting.  I can't center myself because it smells so....funky.  You can also use incense to bless and cleanse your space.  My favorite to use is sandalwood.  This whole thing is about intent.  The ritual is unnecessary but I find the motions help with the intentions and make it more real

What is energy cleansing?

Energy clearing is either the physical removing (like working with herbs such as sage & Palo Santo or incense) or visualization of removing negative energy with in a space or from a body.  Whether you are using smoke to waft away negative energy or visualizing the space being filled with positive energy, this cleansing process has roots in age old traditions from many cultures. You may have seen incense used in churches and you may have heard the term Smudging.  I've been trying to do some research to understand if the term Smudging is being appropriated when used to refer to any energy clearing and it seems that the consensus leans towards yes, it is.  I choose to respect the word and therefore will continue to call the process of removing negative energy from yourself or a space as Energy Clearing.  The best part of a spiritual journey though, is using this technique as it speaks to you.  Using Sage, Palo Santo, or incense to cleanse your space or body also draws upon one of our most powerful senses - the sense of smell.  Which is why I choose Palo Santo, or sandalwood incense, over sage.  
Cleanse Your Home with Palo Santo

How to use the energy cleansing kit

Once you've assembled your kit, it's time to start using it.  As mentioned above, this kit is perfect to break out when you need to clear the air.  Staring something new - a new job, new home, new relationship, new adventure - is a great time to cleanse yourself and your space.  Cleanse yourself before big events - interviews or stressful social obligations - or before meditation.  Cleanse yourself after sicknesses, arguments, or returning from trips.  It is like a mental and spiritual shower, resetting your energy or ridding your of leftover negative or stagnant energy.  For this post I'll be sharing how to cleanse your home, space, or yourself with the motivation of setting new intentions but you can simply sweep away the negative and usher in the positive.

Blessing & cleansing your space
Before you start and if you're so inclined, walk through your house and clap (or bang a pot if you're brave) in each room.  This will break up the energy, especially stagnant energy, and prepare the room for blessing.  You can also use this time to decide if there are any intentions you'd like to set - to bring love into this space, to bring abundance into this space, to bring creativity into this space, etc.

Light the Palo Santo until it starts to smolder.  If the wood catches fire (don't worry, it's not going to combust!) gently blow out the flame until there are only embers smoking.  There isn't a need to place the Palo Santo in your fire proof bowl, you can simply hold the other end of the stick.  However, if you feel the need place it in the blow and carry both with you.  You may need to carry the lighter or box of matches with you if the smoke begins to dwindle.
How to Spiritually Cleanse yourself
Begin your blessing ritual.  This ritual is completely personal to you but consider starting at the front door of your home and working towards the four corners.  Using your hand, waft the smoke into the rooms and corners of your home.  Recite your intentions (aloud or in your head) and work intentionally around your house.  If you're blessing a small space, like your altar, waft the smoke over the altar, recite your intentions, cleanse any tools you use (tarot cards, crystals, etc) with the smoke as well. This is the perfect time to work in mindfulness.  Concentrate & focus at the task at hand.  Carve out time to perform this ritual with dedication and connect with yourself and your intentions.
Once you have finished your blessing ritual, you can either extinguish the Palo Santo and safely pack it away until it is needed again or let the wood smolder a little longer while you meditate (place it in the bowl this time).  I prefer the later option.  Again, this is your personal thing.  You do you.

Blessing & cleansing yourself
I usually cleanse myself while in front of my altar (or in front of any working altar) when I am sitting to read tarot or meditate.  So you can light the end of the Palo Santo as before, place it in the fire proof bowl, and set the bowl on your altar.  Using your hand waft the smoke over your altar, cleansing your tools, and waft the smoke over yourself.  Again, do this process with mindfulness.  Set your intentions, clear your mind, and usher in positive energy.
Quartz Crystal with Doterra Purify
If you don't have an altar, you can find the room you feel most comfortable in and set the fire proof bowl down on a table and waft the smoke over yourself.  If you're standing in your kitchen or your bathroom or your bedroom, light the Palo Santo and while holding the stick waft the smoke on to you.  You can wave the stick around you if you wish (be careful of smoldering embers, I've never had this problem though!)  Keep your mind clear, focused on your intentions. and usher in positive energy.  

Again, I like to meditate after this process as it's normally why I'm cleansing myself to begin with.

Cleansing & using the crystals
While performing your blessing rituals, waft smoke over the crystal in the kit.  Focus your intentions on the crystal as well.  Different crystals will have different effects on you and your space.  If you're choosing to gift this kit to someone, look into crystals that will work with that person.  Some crystals to work with are

  • Quartz - The 'master healer', use this for all around positive vibes
  • Sodalite - Use this stone for opening communication, better intuition, & developing truth
  • Amethyst - Use this stone for stress relief & peaceful sleep
  • Citrine - The stone of happiness! Use this crystal for happiness, abundance, and good things
Since working with crystals is a purely personal endeavor, you may choose to place this crystal in a prominent place in your home or in a more private place where only you will see it.  Hold the crystal, interact with the crystal, mediate with the crystal.  Work the benefits of the crystal into your everyday life.  For example, place rose quartz in a prominent place to draw love into your home or place sodalite in your pocket to remind you to focus on communication through out the day.

You may choose to work with different crystals at different times in your life or spiritual journey.  You can also omit this whole section if it doesn't speak to you!
Sodalite Crystal with Doterra Breathe
Using Essential Oils
Just like the crystal in this kit, you can include an essential oil for yourself or the recipient of the gift to work with.  You can choose to include the essential oil as well as or instead of the crystal.  This is another way to connect with the intentions of the cleansing.  Some essential oils to work with are:


  • Purify - This blend has a pleasant odor that freshens the air & lifts the spirit.
  • Breathe - A blend that opens airways.  It is said minty aromas help with the throat chakra of communication.
  • Lavender - Peaceful, calming aroma that relieves stress & helps with sleep.
  • Lemon - Bright aroma with uplifting & energizing


Using an aromatic diffuser, diffuser jewelry, or applying the diluted oils topically can reinforce the intentions you wish to set.  If you'd like to make your own diffuser necklace (as show in this post) click here for the DIY tutorial!
Amethyst Crystal with Doterra Lavender
Now that your space is cleared you can carry on with your regular life.  Hopefully this little ritual has brought some mindfulness into your life and created a sense of peace & positivity in your home or space.  Your ritual doesn't have to be so involved, please do as you see fit!
Citrine Crystal with Doterra Lemon
This ritual is simply to bring you into alignment with your intentions.  I find that I can say "you know what, I want to listen more" but if I don't do anything to reinforce it....I won't give a crap about it less than 24 hours after uttering those words.  This is a way to keep yourself accountable to your goals and a way to better yourself.

ps. You can also print and gift a set of these positive affirmation cards to go along with the cleansing kit!

Do you cleanse yourself before or after a big change?  What intentions have you set in order to advance your personal growth?

xoxo, Moe

*Please use caution when working with flame.  Not all bowls are fire proof!
** Additionally, information provided in this post is not intended to diagnose or treat any ailment.  Please see a licensed practitioner for professional advice.  Information on essential oils has been taken from the Doterra website, personal experience, and personal research.


Ready to get started on your Essential Oil Journey?  Click here to learn more about doTERRA!

11.22.2016

Trend Tuesday // Give the Gift of Origami Owl

I made the announcement a little bit ago - and even unboxed my starter kit on my YouTube channel - but I'm now an Origami Owl Designer!  I am so excited to share this with you.

If you're unsure about Origami Owl, it is a jewelry line featuring the Living Locket that allows you to create a custom piece with charms, plates, dangles, and more.  Create a custom look to tell your story.  One of the things I've noticed is that if you're new to O2 you may be a bit overwhelmed with all the options.  Whether you're looking for a gift for yourself (who isn't) or you want to introduce someone to Origami Owl there is a gift set to start out on the right foot.  Here are some of my favorites from the Holiday Gift guide.  Shop any of the links below for these uniqu gifts!
Happy Holidays Gift Set - Perfect for the friend or coworker who just loves Christmas!  Do they sing Christmas carols all year long?  Do they decorate their desk for the holidays?  If the answer is yes to either of these questions, they will love this traditional yet whimsical holiday look.  Features the Seasonal Exclusive Candy Cane Twist Living Locket as well as a few of the exclusive charms on a 16-18" silver cable chain. 

A Charmoji'ed Life Set - This set is my personal favorite because I am all about the emojis.  If you have a sister or girlfriend who speak emoji fluently, this gift will suit them wonderfully.  Featuring the three charmoji charms (plus they are reversible - so its really like six charms!) in a medium brushed silver Living Locket on a 16-18" heart link chain, she'll get a kick out of wearing her emotions in a trendy way.

Gold Wrap Snowflake Gift Set - This classic yet unique look is perfect for a chic friend or neighbor who loves adding something trendy to her outfits.  It captures the essence of the season with the Seasonal Exclusive Medium Silver Snowflake Window in a stunning locket on a Gold Wrap bracelet.  This will look super classy for any Christmas party or event.

Bad Day Be Gone Gold Necklace Gift Set - The Moodology line is another one of my favorites from Origami Owl.  This gift set is perfect for someone who needs to keep their mind even during and after the holidays.  Featuring a medium locket with a gold filigree design, the mood disk will diffuse a lovely scent from a 100% pure essential oil throughout the day.  The vintage design is a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.

Black Friday Deals - This is where you don't want to miss ANYTHING!  Select styles & pieces are $10 and under.  Create super affordable looks & great gifts to introduce friends, family, and coworkers to Origami Owl.  Mix with some current locket bases and charms too to create a unique look.  The Black Friday stock is limited - so hurry, hurry, hurry!  Here are some looks to check out.


The best part of these gift sets is that each of these looks can also be customized with a dangle, engraved plate, or additional charms.  You can even change the chain or add or remove charms, etc once any of these looks is in your cart!  These are one click looks to give you a start, then let your creativity take over from there!

And, if you's like to get the inside scoop on the Origami Owl Black Friday exclusives, please join my VIP group to find out more.  You won't want to miss this...really!!

What are your favorite gifts from the gift guide?  Are you making your own wishlist now?

xoxo, Moe

9.27.2016

Trend Tuesday // Coffee Talk

Each morning I make myself a cup of coffee. I make it at home because Starbucks is too far and not on my way to work, and because I've finally found my favorite coffee.  The coffee I like to drink isn't special at all - it is the Meijer store brand Espresso Roast and I just love it.  If you're a coffee lover you've probably got a collection of mugs growing.  Our collection has far outgrown our little coffee bar and I'm not sure where to put them.  I still need more though, so I browsed Amazon for some fun mugs
(this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.)
one // two // three // four // five // six

All of these make me really happy!  They are so cute - especially the Volkswagen!  The holidays are coming up - I know that I have about a zillion birthdays coming up and then there is Christmas.  These mugs would make great gifts.  It is never too early to start holiday shopping (I have!).

Check out my first mug round up here (spoilers, there is a repeat!).

Happy Coffee drinking :)

xoxo, Moe

12.22.2015

Three Last Minute (Thoughtful) Holiday Gifts

So......it is December 22nd and you're still looking for that one gift to give that actually means something.  But you really can't wait on shipping and nothing stands out in the stores, so what are you supposed to do?!?!  Don't fret - I've got 3 awesomely thoughtful holiday gifts that are sure to impress (even if they are last minute!)
this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.
image above created using the app Phonto, read a review here.

Online Classes from Craftsy
If you read this blog then you're probably a crafty person, which means you probably have a crafty friend (or two) that might want to learn something new.  If your friend (or you) have been eyeing trying something new for the new year, right now Craftsy is offering up to 50% off all online classes!  So if someone has been saying they are interested in learning to quilt, learning more about photography, or learning how to watercolor...Craftsy is the place to grab up the perfect last minute, learning gift.  If you're unsure of the something new they might want to learn in the new year, snatch up a Craftsy gift card so they can choose the class that is right for them.

If you have a crafty friend who likes to make crafty things, mots likely he or she also appreciates other's crafty work.  An Etsy gift card is a great way to help them support their handmade buying habit and to support small artists.  Also remind them to sign up for Ebates!  I can say that the usual rebate is 1% for Etsy but the percentage will go up on assorted dates - like on Black Friday (no guarantees though).  If they shop Etsy through Ebates they will save money but they won't take any money away from the artist selling through Etsy.  You can also use Ebates through a variety of other online shops as well.  Your friend might appreciate that thoughtful tip too (and that tip was free!)

If you have a crafty friend who likes to save money (see how this all connecting here?) then they probably will appreciate getting their crafty supplies at a discount and with free two day shipping.  Soooooo the gift of Amazon Prime is a great last minute (yet thoughtful) gift!  Not only will they get the free two day shipping, but it also includes access to Amazon Instant Video and access to borrowing ebooks from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library.  (I don't have a kindle but I can assume there are some crafty related ebooks out there.)

I hope this has given you a few last minute ideas to wrap up and place under the tree.  They don't take up a lot of space but they are definitely very thoughtful & helpful!

Hope you all have a very happy Holiday!  Enjoy your Christmas!

xoxo, Moe

11.23.2015

Make it Monday // PicMonkey + Zazzle for the Perfect Gift

It is nearly Thanksgiving which means we all really need to be on top of our Christmas shopping.  Mine is nearly done - I picked up a lot of things on one of our mini trips to northern Michigan - I just have to pick up a few things mainly for people that are hard to buy for in my family.  If you have some of those hard-to-buy-for-people on your list, I have an idea to share with you today.
this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here.
Have you ever heard of the site Zazzle?  Not only is this site great for invitations, announcements, and more (check my shop here), Zazzle.com has an amazing array of personalized gifts.  Not only can you choose from customizable designs but you can also create your own!  There are tons of blank canvases to work on and tons of inspiration.  I chose to go with creating a vanity tray gift since I thought it was super unique. 

I decided to work in PicMonkey even though I know Zazzle has some fun design tools.  PicMonkey offers some clipart, backgrounds, and fun fonts to play with.  I'll be using one of the brand new fonts available on PicMonkey!  They've added 7 new fonts and some of them are the ever popular calligraphy style.
First start off with an 8x10 canvas.  Crop it to the 16x9 selection to get the closest ratio to the small vanity tray.  This will give you a canvas to start designing on.
If you'd like to do a new take on a monogram, add a label overlay.  There are plenty free options to choose from but the Royale (or paid option) from PicMonkey offers more fonts, more overlays, and way more fun creating!  The cost of Royale is totally worth it - $4.99/mo or $33/year!  PicMonkey is an awesome design tool.
After adding the label overlay, use a fun calligraphy font to add the last name of the family you are creating for.  Under the Overlays tab, there is a floral option.  Use this option to place some flourishes on the scrip text.
There are a few floral overlays that play well with this design.  Adding them to the corners works great for a feminine touch!  Save your design, but don't close out of your PicMonkey window in case you need to make any changes.
Now it's time to move over to Zazzle.  Choose the small vanity tray and using the Add Image button, upload the design you've created in PicMonkey and saved to your computer.
For the most part, your image should fit in the constraints of the tray but you can also use the crop to fit button to trim off a little excess on the left and right sides of the image.
View your tray from multiple angles to make sure you like the way your design is displayed.  Then add to your cart!

If you'd like to make similar designs for multiple gifts, keep your PicMonkey Screen open and design as many as you'd like.  If you'd like to have something similar to this design, click here to download the floral image.  Then open it in PicMonkey to customize your design.  You can read more of my PicMonkey tutorials here....you know you want to!

Be sure you check out if there are any coupon codes going on with Zazzle at the time of your purchase and don't forget to use Ebates to get money back on your purchases!  This a great way to whip up a custom gift after you've stuff your face with a delicious Turkey dinner!

You can check out the stationery, invites, announcements, and more in my Zazzle shop here.

Who in your family is hard to shop for?  Would they like a personalized gift?

xoxo, Moe

11.21.2014

Uncommon Goods Holiday Gift Guide // Personalized Gifts

I can't believe we are another week closer to the holidays!  Honestly I am counting down the days until I can see my family.  Unfortunately I won't be spending Christmas day with my family but I will be traveling down from Indiana to Virginia.  I've already booked my flight and I've already thought about packing!  Is that too soon?
I've been thinking a lot about gifts this year and how sometimes we just find something that is sort of meh to give to our loved ones.  Sometimes it's too stressful to find an meaningful gift that is so perfect for someone that we may just settle for mediocre.  That got me thinking about what kind of gifts I could give that would tell a story.  How can I share with my loved one that I care about them through story telling?  That is when the idea of personalized gifts hit me!  Today I want to introduce you to a site that has an amazing selection of items that are perfect for anyone in your life.  From this selection here of gifts for him, to something for her right here, you're bound to find the perfect something that just suits them so well.  What site am I talking about?  Uncommon Goods!

Uncommon Goods approached me to review a product just in time for the holidays.  While looking through their assortment of quirky and mostly handmade items I cam up on the perfect gift that would tell the story of us....and it's an amazing one.  I chose these State Love Glasses personalized with our initials, date we met, and the state Michigan (for Zach) & Virginia (for me).  When I saw these I knew they would be perfect to surprise Zach with.  It was such an ordeal and a big part of our young lives meeting and then moving 800 miles north to start a life together.  This personalize gift just spoke to me in a way nothing else had in a long, long while.
First off, let me introduce you to Uncommon Goods.  In case you haven't heard of the site Uncommon Goods - let me fill you in.  Uncommon Goods is a privately-owned retailer headquartered in Brooklyn, New York that features unique designs and hand crafted gifts.  They are a company that stands for designers by holding a high respect for the creative individual.  Uncommon Goods is a company that gives back to it's workers and contributes to the community.  I highly encourage you to check out this page of their website where it is outlined how the privately own company contributes to various charities such as RAINN, American Forests, and Women for Women International.
Now onto these State Love Glasses that are so impressive!
I chose these glasses not only because they could be personalized with something so close to us but also because I wanted to see the quality of the etching.  Sometimes, when you get an etched glass, the etching seems to sit on top of the glass and not look like the glass is, in fact, etched.  I wanted to talk about this first - over the packaging and anything else - because when I opened the box I uttered a wow.  The quality of these glasses would impress anyone who receives this gift.  The etching also stands up to hand washing.  The site recommends not to place this in the dishwasher and in order to make any etched glass wear last, you really should wash by hand.

Since many of the items sold on the Uncommon Goods site are handmade I feel a connection to the designer behind these.  On the listing page here I learned the history behind the designer who imagined this product and then in the actual packaging the story was printed again.  As a lover of stories and a person who is intrigued by how we are all connected, this feature touched a personal spot for me.  I love that I was able to bring a unique piece of practical art into my home.  The quality ensures they will stand the test of time and I can't wait to keep them on display for others to hear the artist story as we share our own.
These arrived in a box filled with peanuts, wrapped in bubble wrap, and securely wrapped in brown paper.  When I felt the weight of the box, I thought that it might not be packaged well because it was so light but I was totally wrong.  Whenever I am anticipating a personalized item like this I get a bit nervous that something will be damaged.  However the packaging and care that went into packing up this item really ensures that you will get your item in pristine condition.

A personalized gift is a great way to go to show someone you truly care.  There are a ton of unique an personalized gifts in the Uncommon Goods gift guides here that are sure to make the best impression with your loved ones this holiday season.

What kind of personalized gift speaks to you?  Have you considered how story telling could be incorporated in a gift for your loved ones?

xoxo, Moe

**This item was sent to me for review from Uncommon Goods.  The opinions expressed above are my own.  All information about the company Uncommon Goods can be found on their website here.

12.09.2013

Make it Monday // 4 Vintage & Second Hand DIY Gifts

I think the best gifts are handmade - or in this case, hand assembled.  Giving vintage (or even just thrifted) finds can be a little bit more personal & can sometimes save you a bit of money!  We've been collecting vintage for a while so we've got a lot of things hanging around our house & in 516VINTAGE stock.  (ps. stay tuned for a 516VINTAGE update, there's going to be a lot of refocusing in the coming year & maybe a huge instagram sale with our remaining stock.) But if you're in to poking around garage sales, heading to your local flea market, or popping into your favorite thrift store on Saturday mornings these are some gifts to look out for:
Instant Bar
This is one of my favorite manly gifts!  You can totally do a glammed up version as well with different colored glasses & trays.  This might take a little bit of looking, but if you're a thrifter I'm sure you won't mind!  Find a sliver tray, shaker, pair of glasses, ice bucket, & a decanter - or pick just a few of these to assemble how you wish.  
Assorted Kitchen Storage Jars
We became addicted to gathering different glass storage jars for our kitchen about a year ago.  For ages we just picked everyone up we saw (some for the shop, some for us).  I'm not sure if we're done but we do currently have three of them we store pasta in.  Since you can often find one or two matching jars at thrift stores, etc creating an assortment of your own is really nice.
Craft Case or Sewing Kit
If you can find a sewing box that is awesome but you could also use a train case to assemble your little collection of craft supplies.  If you're lucky you can find a sewing kit already stocked (one of my favorit finds ever!).  But you can also browse the craft section of your thrift store - if you find one, I think a lot of them have little sections like this - for sewing patterns, notions, buttons, and other bits & bobs.  Throw in some nice shears from your fabric store, maybe even a gift card, & there you go!
Instant Mug Collection
Zach loves collecting crazy mugs & our mug rack is full of an assortment of thrifted mugs.  If you keep your eye out long enough your can find a collection of four, five, six, or ten (or twenty, who cares!) mugs.  These instant collections are great if you know someone who wants to start collecting & want to help them along or just encourage them.  Who doesn't want a cabinet of fun mugs?  Even do a his & hers collection!

Giving vintage & second hand isn't tacky at all.  To me it says one of a kind and that you care enough to seek something out for someone.  You might find something that was totally common 20 years ago but is totally unique today!

What are you giving for the holidays?

xoxo, Moe

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