DIY festive gift tags

One of the benefits of being so enthusiastic about Christmas is that I start with all things holidays as early as possible. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is spoiling all my family and friends - I find such genuine pleasure in the act of giving. I always send out Christmas cards with my loving sentiments but needed little gift tags to keep the presents straight! 

There's nothing complicated about these gift tags and if you have some time over the coming weeks before Christmas I think they give a sweet, homemade touch to any gift!

 

{ What you'll need: }

- holiday themed rubber stamps (Michaels had a great selection on sale for $1.50 each) 

-ink pad (color of choice)

-hole punch

- festive ribbon (keep the diameter of your hole punch in mind)

- marker (silver or gold)

- thick paper (I used a few pages of my watercolor paper)

- scissors or paper cutter

- to/from stamp (alternatively, you could print this onto the paper)

{ I started off by figuring out how many tags I would be able to fit on each sheet of paper. I took my time cutting them, then punched a hole for the ribbon in each one }

{ I decided on four different designs, mixing and matching the image with the text. I created a little cheat sheet to keep me on track. Then I got to stamping... }

{ I added in a silver detail at the bottom of each card, keeping it unique on each design }

{ The back of each tag was stamped with a To: & From: stamp that also has a line for a short little message }

{ Finally, I measured the length of ribbon needed for each tag and cut each piece, then strung them through the hole. I left the ends untied to allow me to tie them onto whatever gifts I have }

{ The end result were adorable, festive tags - perfect to keep the presents addressed under the tree! }

{ gift paper - Ikea; red twine - Ikea; present toppers - Dollarama }

black friday

Are you braving the malls tomorrow for Black Friday? I don't know as I'll make it out tomorrow - but turns out cyber Black Friday takes part in most of the awesome sales too...

Incase you'd rather shop from the comfort of the office or home, here are some sales to check out!

Gap has 50% off the entire site (Old Navy too)

Shopbop has some great sales and up to 25% off

JCrew has 30% off. I'd choose this sweater!

Holt Renfrew is offering up to 40% savings 

I've already done loads of Christmas shopping here - Chapters has some great deals online.

Nothing's better than scoring a sweet bargain! Happy shopping my fellow shopaholics. xx

gift idea: for him

{ Travel Kit $55 }

{ Manicure Set $32 }

For those guys who can be tricky to shop for - Gentleman's Hardware has some great gift ideas. Both these travel accessories are being wrapped up under the tree for D. The travel kit will replace his old, worn-out one and he will have all the tools needed to keep his nails trimmed and manicured. While it might not seem 'manly', this gift offers a type of necessary utility in a neat, stylish packaging. 

{ Duke Cannon Superior Grade Soaps }

These soaps would also be a great add-on or stocking stuffer. The scents are so fresh and clean - wouldn't ocean or peppermint smell amazing?

warm mushroom salad

Salads can sometimes get repetitive and boring. With fresh, crisp lettuce I sometimes don't think of adding in cooked, warm ingredients but it's an especially nice addition in the cold weather.  For a easy, weeknight recipe, I topped mixed greens with warm sauteed mushrooms and goats cheese. The mushrooms took only a few minutes on the stove top, cooked down with olive oil, garlic and chili flakes. The slight heat from the chili flakes, combined with the tangy goats cheese was really delicious and, happily, was a big hit with my biggest critic - D :) 

music monday

This weeks music Monday is inspired by summer's past, music played live, enthusiastically, outdoors for large groups of people dancing and drinking beer. Can't wait for next summers music festivals... I've seen both Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers live before Osheaga this year, but I fell in love with some different songs seeing them live again. Enjoy...

Submarines by The Lumineers

Slow It Down by The Lumineers

Big Parade by The Lumineers

Below My Feet by Mumford and Sons

Lovers' Eyes by Mumford and Sons

foodie friday: hopgood's foodliner

Last Friday night was one of those nights where the fridge was empty, it had been a long week of visiting with family and friends and neither D or I felt like cooking. We decided to treat ourselves and headed across the street to Hopgood's Foodliner. We snagged two bar seats and wound down with a  crisp glass of white wine and a Manhattan cocktail.

We had been for dinner soon after moving in the summer and we weren't disappointed on our second visit. The staff is comprised of a bunch of east coasters, so the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. The menu is interesting with loads of seafood and everything we've tried has been delicious. If you're looking for a spot for a special upcoming dinner - I would highly recommend Hopgood's Foodliner - I doubt you'll leave disappointed.

 

{ The restaurant pickles their own vegetables. The variety changes each time but they're so interesting and delicious, it's a must order as a snacky starter }

 

 

{ Halifax Donairs - D and I love them after spending so much time out East, and they're sort of like the East coasts version of a gyros. The difference is donair sauce - it's sweet and paired with the slight heat of the seasoning on the meat - it's an amazing combination }

 

 

{ Always save room for dessert. The chef makes a homemade Twix bar, and it's better than a real Twix bar. Whatever description I muster up with won't do it justice - just try it }

sale

{ Printed Poplin PJ set - $50 }

{ Bright Wool Moto Jacket - $76 }

 

If you're wanting to get a head start on your holiday shopping, Gap has 40% off all regular priced items today online. They have some great accessories and warm, cozy sweaters. I'd choose a new pair of pyjamas and this bright moto jacket to add some pizazz to a plain black dress.

festive prints

I'm in love with SS Print Shop. We got one of her prints from Chapters Indigo that hangs in our living room and I've only become more obsessed after browsing her online shop. I think these festive prints would be so adorable to hang during the holidays. The only problem is trying to decide which ones I love most. 

Gift Idea: I picked one up at Chapters that I've put away as a Christmas gift for a girlfriend. I picked up an Ikea frame to put it in and I think it'll be a lovely, heartfelt gift. 

You can buy the prints online here, or check our your local Chapters Indigo store for their selection! 

Update: I couldn't resist adding some winter romance to the bedroom with the "Baby Its Cold Outside" print :)

wanderlust wednesday

After traveling for close to six months last year, I'm so excited to have another adventure booked. D and I are headed to California in March. A friend is getting married in Santa Barbara and then we're headed to meet D's parents at a house they've rented in Palm Desert. We're still in the stages of figuring out logistics but today D mentioned that on the Sunday drive back to L.A to meet his parents we can take the scenic drive along the Malibu coast. One of the trips on my "before we have kids" list is to drive the California coast together, so even if we don't get to drive from north to south, this should be a great start. I'm hoping for a sunny day and maybe even a convertible rental car :)

{ images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }

sweater with a bow

{ Leonie Silk Tie Merino Sweater - $129 }

This sweater from Club Monaco just shot to the top of my Christmas wishlist. A classic cut in the front, with a sweet girly detail in the back. The colors are so soft and beautiful and I can only imagine how cozy this sweater would be to cuddle up in on cold winter nights.

P.S. If you have someone that deserves spoiling this Christmas, check out Club Monaco's holiday gift guide for some great ideas!