Wear a Story

What are you wearing? That’s kind of an intimate question isn’t it? But clothing is rather intimate. It comforts. It covers. It projects. It can spark conversations and memories, too. So look again: What are you wearing?

Do It Now

“Forever is composed of nows.” ~Emily Dickinson It began with to-do list musings over the beat of my scrubbing toothbrush. “Birthday … Dede … present … ” My dearest friend triumphed over a lot in the past year: a big move, a big promotion, and a scary MS diagnosis—all while juggling the duties of mom … More Do It Now

Picture Puzzles

I made one of my favorite gifts ever this holiday. I wanted to share it with you all December, but I was afraid I’d ruin the surprise. (Some of the recipients kindly read this blog. You know family; they’re supportive like that.) Even though the holidays have come and gone, I thought some of you … More Picture Puzzles

Delayed Gratification

Does your Christmas morning devolve into a flurry of wrapping paper with gifts tossed into a heap? Do you leave family gatherings with no idea of who gave anyone what? I have a theory: We open gifts too fast to enjoy them! In our race to get each other more more MORE, we appreciate everything less less … More Delayed Gratification

Guessing Game Gift Tags

Top off the perfect gift with the perfect gift tag — something that doesn’t just say “To” and “From,” but recognizes those things that make your recipient so gift-worthy. You can make a game out of it, too …

Holiday Birthdays

The holidays can get confusing if your birthday (or the birthday of someone you love)  falls in the middle of them. I consider myself somewhat of an expert on this, since I’ve had a Christmas Eve birthday for, oh, 30 odd years or so. People with a holiday birthdays grow up with a love-hate relationship with … More Holiday Birthdays

Locks of Love

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth bringing up again, especially during this time of giving. Have you ever considered donating to Locks of Love? It’s a non-profit that gathers hair donations to make wigs for kids who don’t have their own, due to illness (commonly cancer). I recently donated for my second time. … More Locks of Love

Present Treasure Hunt

Ah, the present treasure hunt. Brings back fond memories of me and my sister, scribbling notes to each other with scented gel pens, racing around the house in paper crowns. All you need is a pen, bits of paper, a gift, and a little imagination. (It’s particularly handy if you have a gift too big … More Present Treasure Hunt

Holiday Gift Ideas

There’s no getting around it. The holidays are in full effect, and that means it’s gift time. Most people dread it, but you really don’t have to. What if, instead of throwing money at the problem this year, we put our hearts into it? Included below are a slew of ideas to get your brain … More Holiday Gift Ideas