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

Make it Monday // Last Minute DIY Holiday Gift Guide

We've only got 7 days until Christmas, Hanukkah is in full gear, and Kwanza is starting soon.  Not to mention we've got Yule or the Winter Solstice on the 21st and I'm sure I'm missing other solar & seasonal festivals that are going on around this time of year.  Today I wanted to share with you some last minute gifts you can put together for some of the rad gals (and guys) in your life.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Whether you need stocking stuffers or just a small gift for friends, check out the gift guides below for some easy. last minute ideas.

The Planner Girl

These little gifts make the perfect individual stocking stuffers or blend them all together to create a gift set!  Get the cut file for the Happy Planner tabs here, make washi bobbins or portable washi storage here & here, then digitize your hand writing to cut with your Cricut Explore here!  Looking for more planner DIYs?  Click here!

The Essential Oil Enthusiast

Whether the recipient is on a spiritual journey or just plain into scents that smell amazing, handmade gifts for the essential oil enthusiast are sure to excite!  Create a special mala necklace for your loved one to help them focus on their intentions and meditate.  Learn how to make and use a mala here.  Create a nice, soothing bath salt with your favorite blends of essential oils.  Throw in a crystal or two and you've got a great gift set.  Find the DIY here.  Crystals and essential oils go together like holly & jolly.  Make this howlite and lava bead bracelet so that your loved one can diffuse their favorite blend all day long.

The Handmade Aficionado 

If your best friend, sister, mom, or aunt loves any & everything handmade consider getting creative with these three gifts.  Create this mixed metal pennant necklace with some simple jewelry making tools.  Crochet a quick boho inspired bag with scrap yarn - only 3 granny squares are needed!  Got some more scrap yarn?  Whip up some easy coasters using a large crochet hook to make the project go faster.

The Memory Keeper

Journalers and scrapbookers love new paper products to play with!  Spruce up a store bought notebook with a fabric spine.  Create a custom travelers notebook from cover to accessories using your Cricut Explore.  Make a mini spiral bound journal using your Cinch and a few leftover journaling cards.

Quick, creative, and super easy gifts.....now you've just gotta wrap them.  Happy holidays everyone and don't forget to use Ebates when doing your holiday shopping!  You'll get cash back to spend!  Sign up here.

xoxo, Moe

ps. Check out more gift guides here.

Hooray for the Holidays // Print your Holiday Cards with Minted

Last weekend Zach and I packed it up and headed to his parents' house in Michigan to take photos for our first ever official holiday card.  We've been talking about do a card off and on for like the entire time we've been together...but it always seems to be too much work, so we just don't do it.

this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here.

This year though, Zach was gung-ho so I thought I'd better ride that wave while I have it!  We set up a tripod (on a chair!) and found a gorgeous spot in his parents' backyard under this beautiful pair of trees whose leaves were bright yellow.  I used my iPhone (you all know I use my iPhone for everything) to take the pictures and my Apple Watch as the shutter release.  Three quick poses & about 50 + shots later, we were done in about 45 minutes.  I was so surprised!  The phone + watch combination made it super easy to shoot.  I didn't have to set a timer, run over, click, run back to see if we got the shot.  I could compose the shot right on the face of my Apple Watch, tap to adjust the focus and brightness, then use the 3 second timer to shoot a burst of about 10 photos at a time.  Easy, peasy.

Now....all I have to do is decide on the card!

Enter Minted!

I love Minted because of the uniqueness of their card collections.  Of course they don't just do cards - see more posts about Minted's offering here - but that's what we're focusing on today.  They have HUNDREDS of card styles with great colorful touches and the most popular trends.  Choose a die cut shape for a fun touch, hand lettering if you're creative, or tartan if you're down for traditional.

I think I'm deciding on these three cards, the last one even features gold foil! :

 Noted Holiday Card

 Very Merry Moment

Lots of Dots Holiday Card

You can choose from a Holiday theme or get specific with religious touches, traditional Christmas or Hanukkah, or even send a Thanksgiving card.  Whatever happiness you're wishing your friends and family this year Minted has you covered.  

And don't forget you can enjoy up to 15% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on holiday cards! 

Do you send holiday cards?  What style do you like the most?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // 3 Ways to Give Creatively this Year

Every year I try to find something that is meaningful to give to someone.  For a long time that was something handmade.  Now I like to stroll around the mall until I find something that speaks to me.  But if you've got a creative person in your life, something from the mall may not always do.  Creative people appreciate creativity, so why not give them the best creative gift you can?  Here are 3 ways to give creatively this year:

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Give the Gift of Handmade

If you didn't know Etsy is the top handmade marketplace.  There are thousands of shops offering a ton of handmade goodies sure to delight the creative person in your life.  Custom pet portraits, planner stickers, beautiful jewelry, unique vintage finds, crocheted and knitted goodies, and anything you could really think of.  Additionally, Ebates - my favorite cash back site - offers cash back on purchases on the Etsy website!  This does not take any moolah away from the Etsy shop owner so don't think you're short changing their worth.  You can even give an Etsy Gift Card to someone to be used on any Etsy shop.  Sign up for Ebates here & save money while you give this season!

Give the Gift of Creative Supplies

Etsy can also offer a wide array of supplies - cabochons, hand spun yarn, jewelry findings, etc - for creative gifting as well.  If you prefer a more big box store approach, head to Michael's, Joanne's, or Hobby Lobby for some creative supplies.  If you're also short on time use your Amazon Prime membership to ship your craft supplies to you in two days!  You can also give the gift of Amazon Prime if someone really needs to get some specific supplies to their home often.  Amazon is the place I go for scrapbook paper and ephemera that I can't find in my big box stores.

Give the Gift of Learning

Creative people always love learning new things.  Craftsy is a great website to share the gift of learning with the creative person you love.  Right now their 12 Days of Craftsy event is going on!  Check the front page each day for the deal & some deals are coming straight to your email inbox. Be sure to create an account so you can get all the juicy details!  Find a ton of classes & supplies on the Craftsy website.  Cake decorating, quilting, photography, drawing - these classes are all online from great instructors!  Plus you can also find many of the supplies you need for the classes right on the site. Craftsy runs sales - on supplies and classes - often.  So keep a look out if you or you're loved one is interested in a class!

Creative gift giving really means you care.  Also, if you give handmade (like something from Etsy) you're supporting a small business.  Your purchase directly impacts the person you purchase it from!  You may be responsible for putting a gift under their tree as well! So remember to keep handmade in your mind this year for the holidays too!  If you'd like some more holiday giving inspiration, check out past gift guides here.

How are you giving creatively this year?

xoxo, Moe

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

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

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.

Etsy Gift Card

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!)

Amazon Prime

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

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.

Small Holiday 2013 Gift Guide

Well, I'm on the Gift Guide Train this year & there is still a little bit more time to get your gifts squared away for this year's holidays.  Personally, I can't wait to go home - that's the only real gift I want this year, to head home for the holidays.  But if you're looking to give or get a little more than that, take a peak below:

Yarn and Fabric from Craftsy

Moda Jelly Roll in Vin Du Jour //  Schanchenmayr Bravo Yarn

If you're giving the DIY sewing or craft kit from this post this Christmas, throw in some wonderful yarn and/or fabric from Craftsy!  Guess what?  They are on sale!  Yarn is up to 80% off & fabric is up to 65% off from 12/13-12/16.  Snag a class as a gift as well!  Be sure to order by 12/16 though (sale open to US residents only)

Modcloth Gifts for Him or for Her

Look & Sea Telescope Set // Style Me Vintage: Hair

Check out the Modcloth Gift Guide for all things awesome this holiday season.  If you know someone who's into unique things, Modcloth is the one stop shop for clothes, trinkets, accessories, & home decor.  Don't forget to check out the shipping deadlines here.

Etsy Gift Cards

Etsy is a great handmade market place & even better, you can give Etsy gift cards good a thousands of Etsy shops!  The recipient can spend the gift card on any handmade or vintage item he or she chooses!

Ipsy Subscription

Ipsy has to be my favorite subscription box.  Why do I like it more than Birchbox? Well first, you get full size products or at lease deluxe samples (no foil packets) every time.  For $10 a month with free shipping in the US, you can't beat that!  So if you know a beauty lover, sign up here.

Vintage or Thrifted Gift

Mentioned a few gifts in this post & I still stand behind them.  I love the idea of giving something hand assembled.  You've taken the time to really curate something for someone in a way you know they'll love.  If you know a thrifter they'll love you for it!

Happy Holidays!

xoxo, Moe

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