Tagged: christmas presents
Green is Go!
That time is fast approaching. The one where we all have to make big decisions about who to buy who what, knowing that both our personalities will be forever enshrined and defined by our choice. A veritable minefield. First best in show offering – the winter version of spring bulbs, in preferably a slightly rough, stood the test of time pot filled with lacey ferns, dark green moss and something sculptural. I can’t think of anything – apart from maybe candles (can always add) – I would like more at the centre of my dining room table as the nights draw in and food and conversation become a priority.
You can even make your own planters like these ones – go here for more details.
(All pics Pinterest and Artsyprettyplants)
My tip? For the larger bases, hot glue gun on some felt to protect vulnerable table tops. Delicious.
Laters, Kate x
Hands up x
I’ve mixed up the pics of mens and women gloves, mainly because I don’t like segregation of any form; I think it leads to the worst kind of fomo. And because it generally leads to the men getting the cleaner, stronger designs. Which is not to say these gloves by Mabel Shepherd aren’t fab and certainly deserve a place on both ‘presents to give’ and the lust list. Can you tell which one is which?
(All pics Pinterest and Mabel Shepherd)
Except the computer had other dividing ideas – still, do you mind your designs conforming?
Laters, Kate x
Smile x
In the summer, in Greece, I hunt down the old fashioned souvenir shops that still sell the shell based surfer chokers of old for a few euros, then layer them up. A look akin to a mash up between a Masai warrior (is that cultural appropriation – or cultural celebration?) and a sun bleached beach bum. The jewellery of Roxanne Assoulin gives me the same joyful feeling – and for those still on the present hunt, the price point is a Christmas treat (£70 – £350) but not in the mortgage your left kidney and sell your soul to the devil bracket.
(All pics Roxanne Assoulin and Pinterest)
It also helps that her ‘story’ page makes me laugh. You can either read it as I don’t care, or you can see it as a pithy comment on the modern disease to manufacture and self promote.
For me it’s the later.
Laters, Kate x
Tasty Pampers x
Even I think I’m a conundrum – I love seeing boundaries pushed, to the extent I hate boundaries. But if something works, I’m loyal – it takes a great deal to convince me the grass is greener on the other side. Hence this post – the pampers that make the cut every time, because not only do they smell like heaven, they also work. Stuck for a Crimbo present? Look no further than Le Labo’s Jasmine 17 shower gel...even Bella has discovered it..I was hoping the plain packaging would put her off…it is pure joy in a bottle and I covet every drop.
This baby – OI all in one milk – works on fly away hair..and anything else. Rub into arms and legs just because it’s gorgeous – the type of scent that turns heads when you walk into a room.
An every day must – Ren Moroccan Rose body oil – for use on face – buy the body oil, ignore the body bit – 100ml versus 30. Bargain. (The only difference is in your mind, put there so you don’t do it. A wall that needs to come down)
This little wonder – Herbivore Orchid – packs a punch – small and powerful – as an extra layer and to extend the bottle, I mix 3 drops in my palm with my Ren rose oil for a mood boosting face cocktail. I’ve used face oils for years and won’t use anything else.
And finally, an old favourite – Elemis Frangipani monoi body oil – because now it smells of holidays, sunshine and smiles. Perfect for the summer. Perfect for the winter.
Laters, Kate x
X marks the spot..
There’s a delicate balance when it comes to Christmas: too early is crass, too late misses the boat. And there’s another element now that seems to be sneaking in..that too much is just…too much. Both sides of my family have thought about how to change expectations. On one side we do a secret Santa, one person each with a price limit. On the other side it was suggested last year for handmade presents only, something that requires thought and time. I would love to make the above.
(All pics Pinterest)
So I’m going to: Why should doing the right thing need universal agreement?
Laters, Kate x
Merry Mad-mas..
(Knit your own golden retriever)
I was reminded of this post today (along with the feeling that the madness seems to strike earlier each yea)…..it sums up such a interesting feeling that I believe it deserves another viewing, along with the proviso that whilst the spirit is there, the links probably aren’t…
When looking for presents, I start every Christmas with a simple shopping list of good intentions..
..But somewhere along the line something happens.
I can’t decide whether it’s because I’ve been beaten down and seduced into embracing the madness of the season..or it’s a bizarre reaction to the obscene commercialism that’s always lurking round the corner..
But it always reaches a point when suddenly giving a gift of earwax seems the most natural thing in the world..
(Plush Roadkill)
And why shouldn’t a stuffed toy include the inner bits as well?
Mouse taxidermy? It could be the new baking…
As The final finishing touch, Firebox – the source of all this wonder (and recommended to me by the wonderfully talented Beth, through her Blog The linen Cat Blog ) add their own distinct wrapping service. Pure genius.
Now if I could have an unlimited supply of ‘crap wrap’ stickers, I think I would be happy for life…grunge wrapping is the new black…
Laters, Kate x
Dear Santa..
The great thing about the triumphant march of technology is that it reminds you of the simple pleasures you once took for granted like writing, pens and ink.
Because now a great script stands out instantly.
Even more so if the ink is coloured. I went through years at secondary school writing in either green or purple ink but now that doesn’t only seem a life time ago, it is a lifetime ago. But a fountain pen with green ink is top of my Christmas list this year. A new trend? Probably.
(All pics Pinterest)
My ink of choice would be Akkerman, a Dutch company who’ve been making inks for over a hundred years. Their unique bottle originating from the 1930’s is poetry in motion – tilt the closed ink bottle and the neck fills itself up with ink. Placed the bottle on a flat surface again and the marble falls back in the neck to trap the ink creating a perfect reservoir – even when the pot is almost empty.
Pure magic.
Laters, Kate x
Foxy Lady x
All I want for Christmas is a Christmas tree..but it’s not going to happen..there’s no space and it’ll just get covered in dust. But I might compromise with a fox scarf..I like the play on the vintage look. I’ve seen children’s versions, which could be like a neck scarf. But personally I like the longer, Tom-Baker-Doctor-Who ones..
This one promises to be soft, strong and very, very long.
(All links to examples can be found on Pinterest)
A girl can dream..
Laters, Kate x
Bag Boys…
Hero designs are those that fill multiple purposes and still manage to look the dog’s wobblies each time.
Like the Model M bag, hot on my personal wish list for a top totty present.
Made from fashion-flex – a posh name for a proprietary polymer (your guess is as good as mine) it’s resilient, lightweight and equally at home in the urban jungle or on a sun-drenched beach.
Those living in the States are laughing – it’s a mere frugal designer $120 dollars for you – which somehow translates into £125 for us Brits if you buy from Liberty London.
Might be worth doing the transatlantic shipping cost maths…..or dropping a note to Santa and his sleigh….
Laters, Kate x
Marking Time..
Do you remember Clothkits? They’re a huge dollop of nostalgia for me as the first clothes I truly coveted and lusted over at school. They came in easy-sew kits to make up, including all sorts of wonderful, genius things like rag dolls as well..
There was always an extra touch..like her matching bag to add the final flourish and make them utterly desirable..
How cute?
The padded coats were particularly memorable…if this came in my size now, I would have it..
But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel..I googled them and Clothkits is still running, and many of these designs are still available plus a host more..
From old originals…
To their modern equivalents..
If you want to give something crafty for Christmas..so crafty you can put a tail on it and call it a fox?..check them out..their range is incredible..
Laters, kate x
Maison Bentley Style 