wedding gifts

Handmade Gift Guest: Hannah of Sherbet Blossom

11.08.10

This week I’ll be tying up my handmade gift retreat. And like any good party, I’m not ready for it to be over! But I have stellar women to finish it off, and I have something wonderful coming around the corner, so I will try to be brave.

To kick off the week, I hope you’ll help me say Hello to the beautiful Hannah of Sherbet Blossom. Hannah lives in Utah with her adorable family and runs a design shop you really must see. I love her May I Suggest series she has going right now, and before that her Project Organize (don’t you love her for this? you might run across me while you browse). I’m so thrilled to have her here today sharing a dear gift. I’ll leave you in her hands.

+++

I think we all have ancestors/relatives that we relate to more than others. Relatives that we seem to take after. Someone that shares your same interests, character traits or humor. My Grandma Boo is that relative for me. She was a woman who had a passion for design; she always had the latest fashions in clothing and home decor: not your average grandma. She loved to laugh and she adored her husband. She was always serving other people and thought of herself last. She was the ultimate, glamorous hostess.

I come from a family of cooks and Grandma Boo was the best. When she passed away, my mother made all of Grandma Boo’s descendants a book of my grandmother’s recipes. It is now one of my most prized possessions. I am sad to say this book is not available for purchase, but it SHOULD be!
My copy is full of food stains, kid scribbles and jotted notes. I love this book. I know that I am safe making anything in it. Everything is delicious and most recipes are accompanied by memories of my grandmother. The smells and taste of her food brings in a rush of memories. This is a gift that will keep on giving.

Today, my teary-eyed three-year-old came to me requesting “Grandma Boo’s Cookies” after falling down. How could I refuse him? Grandma’s cookies make any sadness a little sweeter.
Now the she is gone, Grandma’s recipes have become my homemade gift of choice. I pull out the recipe book for every holiday. Many of my friends, neighbors and family members have been the recipients of her fantastic recipes. Nothing can invite a smile like the gift of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

My grandma’s cookies are one of my favorite items in the cookbook, and like my grandma, I don’t believe in secret recipes. Sharing makes cooking even more fun. The recipe is my gift to you today. Enjoy!

GRANDMA BOO’S COOKIES:
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
2 c. quick rolled oats
1 pkg. chocolate chips
3/4 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Cream together shortening and sugars. Add eggs. Add remaining
ingredients in order and mix well. Bake at 350 degrees until done.
(About 10-11 minutes.)

{ 7 comments }

Stephmodo's Kitchen Essentials

08.19.10

Today help me welcome Stephanie of Stephmodo, a favorite of mine for all things kitchen and French (be sure to stop by her Etsy shop of French imports, you will be charmed). Stephanie put together this kitchen essentials list, perfect both for grads and seasoned cooks alike, and was so good to do it besides being 8 months pregnant (see her adorable maternity photoshoot here). I’ll let her take it from here. And thank you, Stephanie, for taking a moment from your preparations to bring us this list (friends, do you love those bowls?!)

1. Martha’s melamine bowl set (those colors…)
2. Wusthof Mincing Knife (perfect for cutting pizza, quesadillas or pb&j–my husband has a few things to say about this too)
3. Vintage Cast Iron Dutch Oven and Skillet (both found at an antique shop, although ebay is a good source too; we use these all the time. I love the way they sear fish on the grill, roast chickens, and roast vegetables)
4. Microplane Zester (great for lemons or parmesan–best zester ever)
5. OXO Salad Spinner (say goodbye to wilty lettuce forever–I also use it as a crisper)
6. Zyliss Garlic Press (there is no other garlic press worth having around)

{ 0 comments }

Sponsor Hello: Audio Heirlooms

06.22.10

One reason I love writing this blog is that I find out about some of the coolest companies and their offerings. This sponsor is one of those. When I found out about Audio Heirlooms, I had to run here and share. Just wait, I’m sure your mind will be racing like mine, running through possibilities and people who you could completely delight with this new find.

Meet Evan Roberts.

Evan has pieces on radio stations across the U.S., and has worked for a couple places that may sound familiar, like WNYC and the New York Times. He’s worked on some weighty pieces, ranging from refugees in the Middle East to exonerated prisoners in California. You can see a few more shots of Evan at work on the Audio Heirlooms Facebook Page. Including a shot of him gathering audio in a chicken coop (Evan?) I’m telling you, the man takes this job seriously.

Now I’d like to introduce you to what Evan does.

Evan makes personalized Audio Heirlooms. Do your realize what this means? You can have a personalized audio documentary (ahh! I love documentaries!) An audio documentary with crisp audio, artful timing, and all of that good stuff, made just for you. Audio Heirlooms has dropped in and recorded a baby’s early moments, bridesmaids prepping for a wedding, a pre-wedding manicure (how great is that?), and more, which you can check out on their site.

I love that Audio Heirlooms makes the whole process simple and fun. With an audio card, for example, Audio Heirlooms will give you a toll-free number to pass out to all your friends and family who you want to make an audio appearance in your piece. Everyone can dial in from home and leave their fond wishes by phone, simple as that. This would be so ideal for my family, we are spread out everywhere.

Audio Heirlooms has all kinds of happy customers, including Scott Hamilton (the Scott Hamilton) and Kimberly Williams-Paisley (wife to Brad Paisley, the Brad Paisley). I already feel cooler just for knowing about this company.

If you’re like me and are stowing this idea away for a few big upcoming celebrations and honorees, you can subscribe to the Audio Heirlooms newsletter to stay posted and get some samples and inspiration. Or contact Audio Heirlooms and get a free sample CD.

I’ve already started putting together my Audio Heirlooms wish list.
I would love an audio of memories of each of my grandmothers. One I’m really close to and the other I never got the chance to know. (These are a couple pics of them. Aren’t they lovely?) Would love to pass this on to my daughter.

I’d love to get an audio card of wishes either for my baby or for my daughter when she is baptized next year.

Do you know whate else I would love? An audio cookbook. I have some relatives who can share a recipe the same way some people tell a good story or joke. Would this not be the perfect grad gift?

Also, would really love to get a series of bedtime stories for my little ones to drift off into their dreams to the sound of beloved grandmas and grandpas, uncles and aunts.

I’d love to hear, who would you like to get on tape? and what would you want them to share?

{ 5 comments }

Sponsor Hello: pi'lo

06.10.10

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my new sponsor, which may already be a favorite shop of yours, like it is mine.

Pi’lo is chalk full of handmade goods made by Heather Shaw in her home-based Toronto studio. If you’ve never seen her work, prepare to be awed. Everything she makes and everything she blogs is a breath of fresh air. She creates one piece after another that will instantly become an heirloom. Below just a few favorites.

So much gift inspiration. Be sure to stop by her shop.

+++

{ 2 comments }

Aedriel Originals

05.13.10

I can’t be on the topic of weddings without telling you a little about one of my sponsors, Aedriel Originals. If you’ve been around for a while, you may remember the lovely teacher appreciation plate she did for me last year. Aedriel came through again for me this year when I needed something special for my SIL’s wedding when we headed out to Utah. (I love giving a platter because it’s a beautiful heirloom gift, and also because when you receive a platter as a gift, you don’t have to wonder where you’ll store it.) When you get a chance, stop by Aedriel’s shop. She has so many lovely creations. And Aedriel is the sweetest person you’ll ever work with, and wicked fast. She can whip up whatever you dream up in no time.

(In the pics below is my daughter giving her aunt a squeeze. There’s nothing little girls like better than getting to flitter around all day in a pretty dress next to an aunt in her pretty dress.)

+++

If you’re interested in becoming a GiversLog sponsor, I plan to open up sponsorships again in late May, early June. In the meantime, you can check out all the nitty gritty details here.

{ 1 comment }

Fabric Flowers a Plenty

04.28.10

I think a fabric bloom is just the thing to give mom on Mother’s Day, don’t you? Something lovely for her to pin on to make her feel queenly. I’ve seen so many beautiful fabric flowers floating around that I thought I’d gather them here for a little inspiration in case you’d like to buy or DIY.

buy Heart of Light | Grosgrain tutorial | 100 Layer Cake tutorial

buy Emersonmade | Miss Priss tutorial | Prudent Baby tutorial

buy Twigs & Honey | buy Sarah Culleton (via here) | Ruffles and Stuff tutorial

Everyday Chaos tutorial | buy K. Autumn (via here) | Mama Monster tutorial

Salty Pineapple tutorial | Knit Picks tutorial | buy Tago Design

+++

If you happen to be a budding photographer, you are going to love one of my new sponsors. More on Clickin Moms coming soon.

{ 4 comments }

Reader Question: Low-Cost Wedding Gift

04.12.10

“I need a gift that is heavy on the creative to make up for the lack in cost. It is for my husband’s coworkers that are getting married. They are in their late 40′s and this is a second marriage for both. Help!” —Andrea

Andrea, great question! I’m sure our readers have some fabulous ideas of things they’ve given or enjoyed getting for their own weddings. One possibility is to have an artist do a custom drawing of their home, which you can give as is or turn into stationary. You may be able to find a landscape designer who does sketches and will do the job on the cheap, or even a talented student nearby. Also be sure to check etsy. Holly of Holly’s Houses also does custom stamps of homes, and they are completely beautiful, though she is not low cost (found via D*S).

What about you readers, any low-cost high-value wedding gifts you’ve seen? If you have any suggestions for Andrea, we’d love to hear.

{ 33 comments }

MARTA WRITES: would or did

11.23.09

-clear packaging boxes Stop by Marta’s shop to pick up very fun packaging

I bring up the talented Marta of Marta Writes so often here, that I thought I’d better get on with it and ask her for an interview. Lucky, so very lucky for me, she said yes.

Marta’s blog is an absolute favorite. Marta is an Idaho girl (I grew up an Idaho girl), and let me tell you, homegirl can write. I see a block of text on her blog and can’t wait to dig in, to watch how she tousles and arranges the words. If I have a day when I don’t get to read a piece of serious and illustrious literature, but I’ve had a chance to read something on her blog, I’m satisfied. Yup. It’s that good. Oh, and she also takes inspiring photos, has super cute handwriting, and runs a great shop full of packaging and her graphic design work. Plus she always gives the best gifts. What more could you ask for? And since it is Thanksgiving week, be sure to stop by Project Thankful on her blog and join many others, including me, in listing a thing or two you are thankful for.

-sheep

Meet Marta
hello. i am marta dansie from martawrites. i live in idaho with my little boy and my husband. i am a graphic designer and specialize in book layout and announcements and invitations. i love to be with family, to write, to read, to bake, to wrap gifts, to plan parties, to roadtrip, to practice yoga and to purchase candy from the bulk section.

And now that we’re acquainted,

a few gifts that WOULD or DID make Marta happy

tickets to a broadway show. a few years ago my husband surprised me with tickets to Lion King and then again, another surprise to Wicked, both such happy occasions. he knows i live for musicals and is always such a good sport to escort me. i told him the gift of surprise broadway tickets should become a tradition.

-dpackage a set of photographs. my husband commissioned our niece (an amazing photography college student) to snapshot all of our newlywed places; where we lived, where we ate, the streets we walked and so on. i am still in awe whenever i see these incredible photos. not only are they beautiful, but they speak volumes.

-yoga001 a book of yoga wisdom. my darling cousin whitney put together a custom yoga workbook for me to brush up on my skills. she is a yoga teacher and is my go-to source whenever i have questions about certain poses. she always has the best advice for technique and makes me feel encouraged and strong. she was so sweet to put together a thoughtful book full of photos and quotes that i can open up again and again.

a day for a getaway. it was ever so romantic when my husband surprised me one saturday with a getaway to the big city for a weekend last december, just so i could get all the christmas shopping done in my favorite shops. we had nothing planned other then purchasing a few christmas list items, so everything else (even our meals) were spontaneous and lovely. we even went to watch ice skaters downtown at night.

a jar of grandma bernice’s strawberry jam always gets tucked into my purse every time we visit her. she is such a classy woman, in her nineties and still incredibly on top of it. she is my hero. it not only tastes delicious but it reminds me of all the qualities i love about her.

a package of stamps from my dad. one day i blogged about vintage stamps and soon thereafter i found my dad’s amazing stamp collection in the mailbox for me. he said he was happy for me to have them!! (he is the best gift giver because he is always paying attention to details.)

anything from a local bakery or gift shop is always a fun surprise.

a few gifts that WOULD or DID make someone else happy

a stack of magazines. i love taking a big pile of my favorite glossy magazines to a friend who loves them as much as i do.

tickets to tokyo. i’d love to take my husband back to one of our favorite ramen shops in tokyo, japan. i dream of surprising him one day with our luggage already packed in the trunk of the car.

a copy of favorite family recipes. i made a binder of traditional recipes from our family along with magazine cut outs and online recipes and empty page protectors for new recipes too. it’s a perfect bridal shower gift, a great way to welcome a new member into the family.

a book of adjectives. i created a mini accordion book for my cousin’s 25th birthday featuring 25 words that describe her.

a jar of homemade bath salts. i love making martha stewart’s bath salt recipe with eucalyptus + mint oils and tying a string around it with a small scoop attached. it is a perfect hostess gift, get well soon gift, new mama gift, going away to college gift, etc. i should start making that recipe in bulk. it would be fabulous in mini jars for favors at a girls night out party!

a visit from the whole family. this last september, the entire cast (meaning all seven kids and spouses) surprised my mom for her 60th birthday. since we are spread all over the country, it is near impossible to get together often, but we pulled off the task of being together again for the special occasion. the look on my mom’s face was truly priceless. our reunion was better than any material gift we could’ve given her.

anything wrapped in bakers twine looks so charming to me.
-st.nick

{ 7 comments }

Notes on Cooking

10.27.09

I am in love with this book. The instant I first saw it’s cover, with its sweet little understated title, I knew it would be good. And it is, wow, it is. You know how delicious it was when you were a kid or teenager and you were allowed to be part of some really adult conversation? Like the cool aunt who tells you how life really is? It feels like that. Like you’re sitting down with a master chef, who, for some reason, has decided to spill everything about how the kitchen really works and satisfy all your curiosities.

Notes On Cooking Cover

The book reminds me of all the reasons I love to cook. And if you know anyone who gets passionate about cooking at any time in their life, they will feel the same. Read some of the advice, you’ll see what I mean:

“If it’s in the title, leave it alone”
“The cook’s first job is to delight”
“Feed others as they wish to be fed”
“Preside happily over accidents”
“Cook for the kitchen you’re in”
“Use koser or sea salt”
“Fish should not smell”
“Think regionally”
“Add fresh woody herbs at the beginning; fresh leafy herbs at the end”
“When the cook has done his job, there should be no need for salt and pepper on the table”
“Chicken is the test of a cook’s versatility”
“First aroma and appearance, then temperature, then texture, then flavor”

So, do you have any stellar notes on cooking?

{ 47 comments }

SOMETHING BORROWED

10.15.09

I had to share this bridal gift with you (found via here) because I think it is the sweetest thing ever. And because it involves really good chocolate.

CD mix (something old)
a pink slip (something new)
borrowed wisdom (something borrowed)
Mast Brothers chocolate (something blue)

I love the part about borrowed wisdom. Some people’s creativity knows no bounds.

{ 2 comments }

Select Registry Guidebook

09.21.09

Just a little warning, if you read on, you may never be fully satisfied by another hotel again. Just thought I’d warn you.

inn at the round barn 1 inn at the round barn best bed and breakfasts

I mentioned Friday that Mr. Fawson and I had the most fantastic weekend at a nearby B&B last fall. Our last morning there, our host let us in on some privileged information. Okay, he actually gives the same info to all his guests. But I felt like I was being let in on some great secret known only to the select few.

He told us his inn was a member of Select Registry, and then went on to tell us what that entails. (Aspiring honeymooners, pay close attention,) It means every now and then, a secret inspector checks in and spends the night at the B&B under the guise of being an every day guest. Only after he or she has spent the night and breakfasted at the inn do the innkeepers discover his true identity (just like a super hero). Inspectors are independent agents with years of experience in hospitality (where can I sign up for that job?) and report back to Select Registry.

Select Registry is the leading B&B directory for the U.S. and Canada. Each year they publish a guidebook that makes for some very fun browsing. I could spend hours leafing through it, imagining my next getaway. You can buy it online for $10.

Visit Select Registry B&B directory
Purchase a guidebook
Browse their inns

Just for fun, here are a few inns on the registry. You may need something to catch the drool.

greystone best bed and breakfasts 1 Greystone

pentagoet

pentagoet best bed and breakfasts

Pentagoet

bee and thistle

bee and thistle best brf and breakfasts

Bee and Thistle

bentwood

bentwood best b&bs

Bentwood

geneva on the lake

geneva best b&bs Geneva on the lake

guide best bed and brakfasts select registry

{ 25 comments }

LE CRUSET & INDESTRUCTABLE NONSTICK

08.28.09

My honey loves me. Look what he got me for my birthday, my very own Le Cruset. Is it possible to fall in love with cookware? I think I’ve fallen. My 6-yr-old picked out the color. She did well, don’t you think? This gift makes me believe that some day I will again have enough control over my life to calmly prepare dinner, Paella! Chicken Vesuvio! Chicken Cacciatore! Carnitas! Or maybe a little Dutch Apple Crisp for dessert. Mmmm.

As for now, I’m just proud of myself that we made our first trip to the grocery store (with 3 kids!) When I realized the baby was falling asleep and the kids had just been fed, we dropped everything we were doing and raced to the store before that perfect window closed. I actually thought we had the perfect window earlier in the day, and made it as far as the grocery store parking lot when my 4-year-old had an accident and the baby woke up and everything came crashing in. Ah well. Patience.

le cruset dutch oven 2 While we’re on the topic of cooware, has anyone had any experience with the new Saucepan CTX non-stick? I’m told you don’t have to replace it after a few years like traditional nonstick, that you can use metal utensils on it, that it’s PFOA-free, and that it’s bulletproof. Just kidding about the last one. But I wouldn’t be surprised. It sounds pretty amazing.

CTX saucepan permanant nonstick cookware

{ 5 comments }

FROM THE BRIDE & GROOM TO EACH OTHER

08.05.09

brideandgroom wedding gift eachother I love this idea a few friends have done for a wedding-day gift couples can make for each other: a binder of emails they’ve written to one another. Because let me warn you, newlyweds, if you don’t print them off now, you very possibly never will. I have a binder I printed of my hubbie’s emails to me during a summer we spent apart while dating (he was in Nor Cal, I in LA), but would love to have the other half too. (Photo above is actually for a baby journal, from here via here.)

A few other (so romantic) ideas worthy of the occasion.

brideandgroom gift eachother2 1. A music box kit to make your own melody (incase your song doesn’t happen to be “Send in The Clowns,” and therefore already widely available in music boxes).
2. A poem on a scarf (via here: here).
3. Je t’aime heart pillow with pocket. “Ideal for lovenotes, gifts, cards…”