Weekends + Wishlists

Lately I've been compiling a small list of items that I would love to own. Husband and I didn't do anything for each other for our birthdays this year or for our anniversary, so I am thinking a few select gifts may be in order for the Christmas season. Also, considering the fact that last year every single gift I received (not exaggerating!) was for Elliot, a couple indulgences would be nice. Here is a carefully curated list of lovely things that would make excellent gifts, in my opinion:

This Pendelton blanket is at the top of my list. I have been wanting one for years now, and since we are finally at a somewhat finished place with our master bedroom renovations, it may be time to invest. The one I originally wanted is no longer available in the size we need, but I really like the pattern of this one as well. 

These grey and white striped napkins would be nice. We don't use paper towels too much in our house, but I'd like to limit our use even more by having some lovely but practical cloth napkins on hand.

A few new linen kitchen towels would be nice as well (perhaps this one, this one and this one). Because I typically buy white ones, but they become discolored too quickly, and honestly it's time to do some replacing. (But don't worry. Those old, discolored towels will be disinfected and transformed into dust rags and baby wipes.)

And maybe one of these lovely trays... to corral the random items on our coffee table and because I have a soft spot for trays

This stain remover bar. I am a recovering Tide pen-aholic, but since removing chemicals, etc from our home, I haven't looked back. Nonetheless, this is a great thing to have on hand, especially when the tiny being in your house has a penchant for spilling your coffee on the beige sofa.

A pair of short, colorful rain boots. Because they are practical.. and cute.

A pretty pair of kitchen scissors and a magnetic knife block. 

And if we are dreaming big.... this beautiful essential oil organizer. 

Happy weekend.

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Handmade Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is traditions is the giving and receiving of handmade gifts. Last year my mother-in-law made all the girls a tote bag out of multiple fabrics, and it is one of my most treasured gifts. Unfortunately, I'm not that talented in the sewing department, so I typically stick with edible gifts. I really love the simplicity of layering ingredients in a mason jar and tying festive trinkets to the front. This year I wanted to do something besides sweets, so I made fruited rice curry in a jar {and for the non-curry lovers in the family, I made a couple jars of brownie mix}.

Happy handmade holidays.

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Holiday Gift Guide: Homemade Christmas

This year for Christmas, my husband's family decided to sponsor a less fortunate, well-deserving family and buy them gifts instead of giving each other things. I love it. Imagining the faces of the people in that family on Christmas morning just lifts my heart. So on Christmas day, instead of having presents to unwrap from each other, we are doing a homemade/handmade exchange. Last year I did a fair amount of baking and made some hot chocolate mix to accompany the goodies. Here are some of the ideas I am throwing around for this year.

{Click on the descriptions below for the links & tutorials!}

1. Vintage Tin Candles
2. Homemade Pasta
3. Scented Sugars
4. Bottle Stoppers
5. Handmade Headbands
6. Brandy Snaps
7. Placemat Clutch
8. Cowboy Cookie Jars
9. Christmas Cloth Napkins
10. Nutter Butter Truffles
11. Bath Snowballs


I better get a move on. There's lots of work to do!
xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

anthens indie craftstravaganza

if you are in the athens area next saturday, may 1, definitely stop by the indie craft fair! all the items are handmade by super talented artists and crafters, and everything is so unique. trust me when i say that these events are always so much fun! not only are there the most unique and adorable items, you get to meet some really cool independent artists.
among the talent that will be displayed next saturday are two of my faves. lesley from homemade grits and her lovely friend from down and out chic. if these two are any indication of what will be showcased at this event... well, let's just say that it will be spectacular.

graduate school zipper pouch by homemade grits

robin's egg blue chrysanthemum hair pins by down & out chic

supporting local artists and businesses is something very close to my heart, especially lately. {i will spare you the ugly details, but let's just say i have had too many friends burned by major companies that they and i were so loyal to. ahem, anthropologie.} also, buying local and buying handmade is a great way to go green.

so come grab a bite of delicious athens cuisine {i recommend transmet for a slice of veggie pizza}, pick up some lovely handmade items, and enjoy a beautiful spring day in athens!

hope to see you there!
xoxo


images courtesy of homemade grits and down and out chic
copyright Hiking in Stilettos