5-3-24
What I Can’t Let Go Of:
This blog is publicly, a politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)
(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer.
You know how there is something in your family’s universe that defines your unit — says something about your uniqueness, your family’s quirkiness?
I remember a time, longer ago than I wish, that we excitedly invited two other families to join us for the local release of second movie in a future mega series. They were definitely giving us the sideways tilted heads when we were guessing what would come of Obi-Won and R2D2. I glossed over the significance then.
Many years later a college boyfriend of our daughter’s was visiting and had never heard of The Emperor’s New Groove (look it up). Admittedly narrow fandom for this one, so we were willing to pin that on his parents. As any reasonable family would do, we sat him down and made him watch our DVD. He smiled three times, while we were quoting favorite lines, shaking with laughter, etc.
This telltale sign could not be glossed over — yes, I had learned from history!
My sleepless night was filled with vacillating between
is-it-ridiculous-to-force-a-breakup-over-The-Emporer’s-New-Groove and
how-do-I-convince-our-daughter-that-any-future-togetherness-is-doomed!
The next day his fate was sealed.
He had never seen an Indiana Jones movie!!!!
Have I ever told you that to propose to me, The Hubs dressed up as Indy?
(complete with the soundtrack playing on his boombox)
Needless to say that boyfriend did not last.
Seems they had a LOT in common . . . except how to have fun.
The importance of fun, of leisure, or renewal cannot be overstated!
A family that knows how to have fun together, how to explore together,
to play together, and laugh (till you snort) together is critical.
It’s what gets you through the trials and the minutia of life.
That’s our bonus son in carbonite!!!
NOTE: That is not a photo booth set up at the theater. This was one of our Christmas experiences gifted by our daughter and bonus son complete with costumes for each of us.
You should have seen the looks as we walked through downtown streets in KC to the theater!!!
I can’t let go of lessons I learned from the movies — Starting with that Star Wars 2nd release
(but 5th in the series) not so far away, and not so very long ago.
May the 4th be with you!!!!
On the Blog This Week
The New Craft I Can’t Stop Making!
Seriously! This Tuesday post slipped all the way to Friday. I just kept making more and more — so many possibilities!!!
Plus: They’re easy, quick, fun, cheap and so satisfying to tear the first page off the pad you just made . . . .
. . . okay I’ll fess up to Craft Geek.
Plus they make great gifts!!!
Shopping With Friends
It’s that “other” gift-giving time of year:
Teacher appreciation, graduation, weddings, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!
Let’s Talk About Those Teachers
Some say the rule for gift-giving, is for the gift to be something they would actually want and use but wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Personalized clipboards that reference pencils, or a composition notebook, or retro charm like these, and are just so fun!!!
Most of the clipboards use sublimation for the decorating and should hold up really well.
The erasers I show here are done with wood engraving or a resin coating.
On the More Personal Side
Thing beyond the classroom walls, I selected a few items that I thought would be appreciated.
What a treat to have a new tote bag for slinging all the accoutrements of teaching — and personal life too.
And isn’t that a cute linen wristlet bag for keeping some of the essentials together.
A bit more predictable, but oh, sooo cute, this Summer Break candle and adorable iced cookies.
SIDENOTE: I hope the trend of fabulously iced cookies never dies away!!!!
For the Graduates
Graduates are hard for standard gift suggestions.
Their lives are at major crossroads and under a wide range of future plans and needs.
So these suggestions are for smaller items that might accompany what they really need – money for the life changes just down the road.
Isn’t that custom newspaper make a fun flower wrapper? An empowering message tucked into a cosmetic bag (which might be used more for office supplies and essentials). A great book embosser for the books they really want to read and collect. And there are ever too may reminders to call their mom!
Now Let’s See What The Other Gals Found For Us
It’s that “other” gift-giving time of year: teacher appreciation, graduation, weddings, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!
- For all our hard-working, dedicated teachers, how about these or these fun white board erasers, or a great personalized clipboard like this, or this, or this.
- And every teacher needs a stylish new tote bag, plus a separate wristlet bag for just the essentials . And who doesn’t love fabulous cookies and a very appropriately named candle!
- At the other end of the education spectrum, let’s celebrate our graduates in some unexpected ways. After years of books they HAD to read, gift the grad a personalized book embosser for all the books they WANT to read and collect.
- This zippered cosmetic/desk supply bag with a “Be Fearless . . .” quote inside, will encourage her onward.
- I particularly love this fun stamped “Call Your Mom” spoon. And the there is this clever personalized newspaper to wrap fresh flowers in. (Yes, you read that right, check it out!!!!)
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
- Every spring and summer I purchased new white t-shirts. This year I bought them from Quince and couldn’t be happier with them! They are super soft and feel like silk. And the fit is amazing! So I bought a navy one too! I like the v-neck but they also come in a crew neck style. While I was on the Quince website, I also found a gorgeous Italian leather wallet. It’s gorgeous and will last me for years unlike my last wallet!
- Our bedroom rug was perfect until it wasn’t….we got a king bed to replace our queen. The 8′ x 10′ was just too small. Walmart has a great selection of rugs and I found a gorgeous blue and ivory rug in a 9′ x 12′. It’s the perfect size! I’m considering the same size for our living room and I am on the hunt!
- Our garden shed is getting a ton of use this spring! I’ve started so many seeds this year. A pump sprayer is a must for seed starting (perfect for house plants too!) It’s an easy way to spray a mist of water over the seeds and seedlings so they don’t get too soaked. It holds a 1/2 gallon of water so I’m not running back and forth to our water source too often.
- This spring we had a new grandbaby girl enter our family! I stayed with our daughter and her family for a week to help out with chores and baby snuggles. I was sure to pack My Pillow in my suitcase so that I could get a good night of rest! I can’t leave home without the perfect pillow! Have you tried sleeping one one? They are so comfy!
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- Wicker vases are hot right now. And the new versions are all season, so they can be used outside, too. Use them with faux flowers, or tuck a container of water in them and fill with fresh garden flowers. I can’t wait to fill them with lilacs. They have such great texture. Find wicker vases HERE.
- I loved the tasseled fringe on my new living room curtains so much (see them HERE), I decided to freshen up our bedroom, too. I hung these soft white curtains with clip rings (HERE). I love how the light streams through their subtle texture. And I just love the tasseled trim:) Find our new bedroom curtains HERE.
- I bought this denim overall jumper on a whim, and it is so cute! Wear it with a simple T shirt or a flowered blouse for an easy, fun outfit. You can find it HERE.
- I love bringing out the vintage gardening tools for decor this time of year. Once I scrub them up with a brillo pad, I give them a coat of THIS to bring out their timeworn patina. You can find old garden tools HERE. (see “10 Easy Ways to Decorate with Vintage Garden Tools” for ideas)
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
My house is blue and white! Every season, I add a color to it to make it festive and appropriate for that particular time of year.
As we head into the warmer months, I’m going to add yellow to my blue and white palette. Not just a pale yellow but a vibrant hue.
- I’ll start by adding these toss pillows to my chairs and this lumbar pillow, which by the way is on sale, to the blue and white pillows on my sofa.
- I love ranunculus flowers but they are available for only a short time in the spring. These faux soft-touch stems will last all summer long.
- I love using books for decor. THIS cookbook and THIS home decor book will look amazing on my coffee table.
- A blue and white throw with yellow accents is a perfect way to tie everything together.
Anna – Sky Lark House
Thanks to the popularity of the Nancy Meyer aesthetic, Laura Ashley designs are having a resurgence. In addition to her popular bedding, there is now a line of home products! I rounded up some of my favorite Laura Ashley finds from Amazon.
- This 3 piece canister set and this bread box are adorable.
- I can’t believe they offer a Laura Ashley toaster and slow cooker.
- These Laura Ashley anti-fatigue mats for your kitchen come in three colors yellow, navy, and soft green.
- Finally, this simple yet charming Laura Ashley cotton tie-up window treatment is super affordable at $16.
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I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
Some great gift ideas Diane!