Happy 2014!! I've never been much for resolutions, but it's practically impossible to think of a new year without thinking of ways you hope to make it better than the last. So here goes:
In 2014, I hope I can be fearless to go after what I really want, more self confident so I can get out of my own way, and cultivate my creativity by venturing out of my comfort zone.
image source: Paper Source
Currently my mind is occupied primarily by 2 things: the flip, and Christmas... can you tell? When it comes to Christmas, my family and I have simplified in the past few years, so DIY gifts have been catching my eye lately. There are so many amazing DIY tutorials out there in blog-land lately that its hard to pick a favorite. Here are 6 easy DIY's that would please anyone on your gift list.
1. These macrame bracelets from Honestly WTF are so adorably chic and easy to make, how can you go wrong?
2. Can I interest you in a classy beer opener? via Decor and the Dog
3. I would find it very hard to actually use these beautiful spoons from Design Mom, but hello cute but not kitschy kitchen art!
4. Had to throw one of my project in here. This DIY ipad case is one of my favorite projects to date, and so simple!
5. I can't seem to locate the origin of this bike horn turned iphone speaker, but wherever it's from, I want it! I guess that means that it would make a great DIY gift!
6. I think I'd be willing to handwash a few dishes if said dishes were as pretty as these gold painted mugs from Garland of Grace. These would be an amazing gift on their own or filled with favorite treats.
Christmas decorating is going to be a little bit more exciting for me this year- my wheels are turning with ideas! Why so different? Well, for the first time in 5 years of living together, Humbug Hubby has given the green light on white lights- on our porch.
As a young Jewish boy working in retail during the holiday season, Hubby was traumatized early by Christmas music on repeat and garish, in-your-face decorations. Being the good wife that I am, I have tried to be sensitive to his PTCD (post traumatic Christmas disorder) and kept the decorating rather simple. The extent of our previous exterior decorations was a kissing ball. Last year, in a moment of clarity (or slip of the tongue) Hubby mentioned how nice tasteful white lights can look. Yes Dear, I agree, we should totally have tasteful white lights on our porch this year! What a great idea!
Oh the possibilities!!!
So I was thinking of doing something simple like this:
Too much?
I can only imagine what our electricity would cost with that on! I kid of course, I was more thinking along the lines of this.
The puppy completes the ambiance. Think I could get Charlie to pose in a Santa hat?
I love the not-too-traditional-but-still-traditional look of magnolia garland. Mix in a few metallic leaves and it would be magical (IMHO)
No lights that I see here, but if you imagine this simple garland with lights, I could see that working on my porch. I also love the wreath (I see a non-traditional greenery theme emerging)
This is also a leading contender. Take away the large red bows and maybe add a simple burlap bow and now we're talking.
I know it's probably taboo of me to say in blogland, but I have no desire to spend exorbitant amounts of time and money decorating when it'll be mainly Hubby and I seeing it. I'd rather have a few festive vignettes that put a smile on my face and get us into the holiday spirit.
I'll probably bust out the tree and ornaments and get started this weekend- I may even force Hubby to help. It'll be good therapy for his PTCD, I think.
sources 1/2/3/4/5 If you know the original, non-pinterest sources, please share- I'd like to give credit where it's due!
