Tink Tink Tink

Dave loves wind chimes.

When I saw this awesome hanging planter in my favorite consignment store in SLC, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.

Getting my  hands on chimes was more difficult than I thought it would be.  I took these from a broken wind chime I finally found on sale at Lowe’s of all places.

I chose simple, elegant beads that would reflect the light & create the perfect…TING.

It turned out just like I envisioned.

From that spark of inspiration when I first glanced the planter to carefully selecting each bead to painstakingly lovingly tying each knot this project was all about the person I was giving it to.

Dave loves that something as powerful as the wind can be reflected in the simple & beautiful sound of chimes.  That is what I hoped to embrace, & he was in my thoughts throughout the entire process.

That is what made this gift so special…plus it held a pretty fern. 😉

Hopefully, he enjoyed it.

~

I wanted to share it with you after a new friend I met through the blog asked if there were any favorite gifts I had made. Now I’d like to hear about any special gifts you’ve made for someone. Tell us about them here in the comments or link to your own post.

I’m also looking for a little inspiration as the holidays approach…I’ve hit a bit of a lull.

Simple, Natural

I am a minimalist when it comes to makeup.  I dust a little mineral powder over my face, swipe my lashes with mascara & maybe add a touch of eye shadow.  I’m not sure I “need” a full brush set, but I certainly wasn’t in love with my [now former] Kabuki brush — it was constantly shedding & leaving dark hairs on my face which stayed for hours before I noticed them! — so I wasn’t going to say no when Alicia Silverstone & EcoTools decided to give away 50 of their new 5-piece set in a random drawing at TheKindLife.com.  If I decided I didn’t want it, it would make a nice gift.

I was thrilled when I found out I was a winner!  I was especially excited about the Finishing Brush; I couldn’t wait to sweep it across my face.

I have been using it for about a month & LOVE IT. It is feathery & soft, hasn’t shed a single hair & leaves an even, flawless finish.  I feel pampered when I’m using it.

The Eye Shadow Brush is just as soft — I’d never guess the bristles are synthetic.  It’s also angled for easy application.

The truth is, these are the only brushes from the set I’ve used.  I wouldn’t use the other two on a regular basis, so I didn’t want to use them at all in case I decided to give them away.  You can go ahead & heckle me for “regifting”, but I would rather they go to use than sit in my drawer.  Besides, I think is would be cute to tie the brush to a little jar of blush with a pretty ribbon.

Silverstone & EcoTools teamed up to create this “earth-friendly” set.

The Brushes

[Finishing Brush – Blush Brush – Angled Eye Shadow Brush – Lash & Brow Groomer]

• Handles are bamboo, which is fast growing & highly sustainable
• Soft, taklon bristles are 100% cruelty-free

The 5th piece of the set is the cosmetic bag, which not only holds the brushes but has a zippered pouch for makeup & other toiletries.  Mine holds my mineral powder & chapstick…as well as my wallet, iPod, etc…it has actually become a little “clutch” I throw in my tote when I head out the door.

The Bag

• Made from natural hemp fabric
• Printed with non-toxic ink
• Lining is recycled plastic [PET]

• Even the hangtag is printed on tree-free stone paper.

Are you expecting some ridiculous price tag now?

I was.

~$15.99 for the set.  I don’t think that’s a bad price for high quality brushes, never mind that these are natural, cruelty-free brushes.  You can find a list of places to buy here.

I like simple, fresh & natural when it comes to most things, including how I do myself up.  Like I said, I’m a minimalist, but sometimes it’s fun to be girlie…& it feels good to be girlie while still being “kind”.

I’m not getting anything for posting this — I wasn’t even given this set to review — I just wanted to let you know about something I really like that would make a nice gift…even for yourself. 😉

~

What’s your makeup style?  Au naturel or do you go All Out?

‘Tis the Season to Give

Dave & I had planned a very special day date in Prescott yesterday.  One-third of it was spent away from each other though.

What made it so special then?  It was more of a date with our cameras than with each other.  We parted ways for about an hour, then met back up & shared our favorite shots with the other.

Why don’t I share some of those with you tomorrow? 😉

Dave wanted to explore the emotions of the town along the streets & creek.

I intended to hide from the cold antiquing in local shops.

I have a thing for thrift & secondhand stores; antiques are so fun, unique & “green”.

This got me thinking about PRESENTS — obviously the holidays are just around the corner — & I’m hoping to get some discussions going about gift giving.

This is sort of an area of stress for me right now because Dave & I are not bringing in money just yet; so I am hoping to spark excitement & ideas by talking about a few of my gift giving rules guidelines.

Dave & I have actually celebrated the last couple “Black Fridays” as Buy Nothing Day.  But just because we don’t want to get caught up in all the consumerism, we still enjoy giving & receiving gifts — meaningful gifts.

I read somewhere that many people don’t want it if they can’t eat it, wear it or read it.  This seems like a good place to start.

[Eat It]

You don’t have to consider yourself a foodie to appreciate delicious food or something to enhance your dining [or photo taking ;)] experiences…

like lovely cups & saucers…

aw…every food blogger’s weakness. 😉

or a random air-popper for the popcorn lover [how did I ever live without mine?].

If baking for others seems too overwhelming or stressful, you could simply share a favorite recipe along with a key ingredient or kitchen tool.  One day, I would love to make an entire recipe book.

[Wear It]

For the most part, my concern has transitioned from fashion to function when buying new clothes [usually for climbing, camping, etc].  When I just want something cute to wear though, I feel less guilty buying vintage.  Clothing can be tricky for me to buy for others though; accessories are easier to pick out or make, so I usually stick with those.  My mom has given me a couple beautiful scarves recently, & Dave rocks at dressing me [who knew he’d be one of my best shopping partners?].  Apparently my family is much better at fashion-for-others than I am.

[Read It/Listen to It]

I love passing along cherished books just as much as I love experiencing a friend’s favorite.  Not a book lover?  Most people enjoy flipping through a particular magazine & might consider it a luxury they wouldn’t necessarily treat themselves to.  Ever thought of giving a gift subscription of one of your favorites?  Music is another beautiful element of life that should be shared; I often wish I had someone to exchange piano sheet music with; for now, it’s fun to share what’s on my iPod.

[Make It]

Though it does make me nervous to give something I’ve made 😛 I really enjoy everything that goes into it.  The giftee is in your thoughts during the whole process.  I really love when someone makes something specifically for me,

like these adorable aprons my sister sewed for my birthday.

Though it may not come to you quickly, every one has something to offer in this aspect, & it’s AMAZING to see what people create.

[Experience It]

Rather than giving more “stuff”, offer experiences.  You can give anything from a golfing pass to a massage to an ATV tour to a cooking class to a trip.  Think about what this person loves to do or has always wanted to try.

[Consider It]

If you are going to buy something new, think about how it is made & the trace it leaves.  Supporting local can add just another touch to the meaningfulness of your gift.  There really are compassionate, respectful & honest companies out there, & more & more are springing up.  I suggest watching The Story of Stuff to remind ourselves to be discriminating with our choices as consumers.

I just realized I recently won something fun that could make a great “girlie” gift.  I’ll tell you more about it next week in a proper review of sorts.  For now, here’s a photo hint:

[Any guesses?]

Gift giving should be a balance between

Appreciating who that person is & recognizing his/her passions.

&

Sharing a part of yourself/your passions.

Obviously one passion I love sharing is food — wait, I think we already talked about food…oh well. 🙂

Stuffed Delicata Squash for one

• Delicata Squash, halved & deseeded

Place one half of squash cut-side down in a baking dish with about an inch of water.

Bake at 400*F for 15 – 20 minutes until flesh is just tender.

Wrap other half of squash in plastic wrap & store in crisper to be used in next couple days — you’ll want to make this again! 😉

• ½ C bread, torn into pieces
• 2T orange juice
• 2T almonds, chopped
• 2T apricots, chopped
• ½ Leek, sliced into half moons
• ¼-inch slice fresh ginger, diced
• dash of dried sage

While squash cooks, toss the rest of the ingredients together.

Once squash is ready, gently pack the delicata with the stuffing.

Lower oven temperature to 350*F.

Cook 20 – 30 minutes until bread is golden & squash is tender.

One of the beautiful things about tender delicata is how soft & edible the skin becomes…

so you can savor every bit of the squash.

Well…almost every bit of it.

This recipe is extremely versatile, so use whatever you have on hand.  Replace almonds with walnuts; use raisins instead of apricots; choose scallions over leek or rosemary rather than sage.

This makes a perfect, light entree for lunch or dinner.

~

What do you like to give?

What do you like to receive?

Lessons from the Needles & Making PB with Love

The only needles I was familiar with growing up were on the sharp end of a cactus.  I knew how to work a “hook” & crochet a bit, but knitting alluded me.  Just a few years ago, I would often stop by the yarn store & browse colors & textures…& play make believe.  What could I make with these?  A new chalk bag?  A lovely sweater?  A simple headband?  I would scan the learn-to-knit class schedule & debate over whether I should just do it already.

Then I met Ashley.

[She’s on the left; I’m in the visor.]

Honest.  Sincere.  Outspoken.  Thoughtful.  Driven.  Intelligent.  Reliable.

She Climbs Rocks…& she Knits.

How perfect is she?

So my best friend taught me to work the needles & this simple practice has truly enhanced my life.

~

Lessons I have/am learning on the needles:

Contentedness. I picked up on the “knitting” aspect fairly easily; my fingers were not getting “purling” though, so initially I just “knit”…scarves…perfectly content at my skill level or lack thereof.  Enjoy the moment & don’t get too ahead of yourself.

Appreciate & acknowledge others. Knitting is a time-consuming & expensive pastime.  Many charge high rates for lessons & help — as they should.  Does Ashley know how grateful I am that she took the time & had the patience to teach me & correct my mistakes?  Does she realize how much her basic instruction & introduction to the needles added to my life?  We need to make sure people realize what they mean to us & what they bring to our lives.

Don’t over think — let your intuition have a crack at life. I dropped the needles for a few months & didn’t make time for knitting while focusing on other things.  When I picked them up again, the “knitting” clicked; but, I couldn’t quite remember “purling”.  It had been so difficult before; how was I ever going to get it without my tutor?  Watching tutorial videos online, I debated between English & Continental styles; I would think I had it, then just confuse myself further.  Finally I closed my browser & simply grabbed some yarn & needles.  My fingers knew what to do.  They could “purl”…I just had to let them.  In our western world, it is easy to over-analyze & have to logically reason every aspect of life & our decisions; often we will come to [more accurate] realizations sooner if we just trust our ability to sense it.

Working outside my comfort zone. As “content” as I was to simply “knit”, branching out from basic scarves to more extravagant scarves to less-than-ordinary wash cloths to mittens to headbands has expanded & brightened the experience.  Whether I am teaching myself to cable, increase/decrease, create a thumb hole or read & follow more advanced patterns, the next step always makes the basics even more fun.  Pushing beyond what we are comfortable doing — whether it turns out like we expect or not — is the only way to grow & progress.

Sometimes I am the type of person I want to be….sometimes not. I have learned a lot about myself while knitting, like where my patience lies.  Some days I will sacrifice comfort for stark pain as Bodhi sits, enraptured, on my forearm.  Try to knit with a 13-lb cat sitting on your arm.  Ouch.  I tell myself it’s forearm training for climbing 😉 Really, I just like bonding with Bodhi.  Other days, Dave has to hold me back from inflicting serious harm on the mischievous whiskered twins’ [Christine’s cats] during their reign of terror.

Mind you, this was securely hidden in the bottom of my bag & discretely tucked away.  Ten minutes — ten minutes alone, & they had found & completely unraveled & tangled my lovely ball of yarn.  We can only take each day & moment as they come…& try to make actions that are in line with who we want to be. [I don’t want to be a person who kills cats 😉 ]

Tedious labor is good for the soul. Knitting is methodical.  I love listening to audio books & embracing the chance to expand my knowledge; sometimes, I enjoy sitting in silence, simply experiencing the yarn coming together.  I spend a lot of time in my head, letting my mind wander.  Find quiet “you time”, not only to destress, find peace & inspiration, but to become acquainted with yourself.  It’s important to be able to stand your own company. 😉

[I have to give credit here.  Though I had typed this up before seeing Nienke’s life lesson post, she said it in her #3 better than I could…& I was inspired to reword my title.  Thanks Nienke.]

Experience life & share that with others. It is amazing to watch the strand become more. This is life.  You start simply, with one strand — one idea or notion — & create beautiful experiences interwoven & connected. I love sharing this with others.  As the holiday approaches, I have been anxious to finish Dave’s scarf so I can begin working on gifts.  I am excited to share those here, but won’t be posting photos until after Winter Solstice.  I would love to share these with anyone who is looking for a little inspiration for simple knitting projects though.  Just email me if you can’t wait until January!

~

Speaking of gifts…

enjoying the experience…

& developing patience…

Homemade Nut Butter

but not just any old buttah —

Homemade Double~Roasted Maple~Kissed Peanut Butter

• 1 C Peanuts, unsalted [I could not find raw, hence the “double-roasted”]
• 1 T Maple Syrup

Drizzle maple over peanuts, toss & spread onto a cookie sheet.

Roast in 350*F oven ~10 minutes until lightly golden & maple has started to crystallize.

Cool slightly, but it’s ok if they are still on the warmer side.

Into the food processor…&…go!

First, it will become a meal.

Eventually, the oils will start to break down into a thicker, more moist meal, but will still be crumbly.

Continue processing & scraping down as needed.

As the oils break down further & become thicker, add

• 1 T Maple
• 1 tsp sea salt

& keep processing…

…& processing…

…& processing…

It seriously take ~15 minutes for the oils to completely break down into that creamy goodness.

Definitely a lesson in patience…which might not be as pointed if I had a regular food processor which I could walk away from…but since it broke, I have to use my mini food processor with the Smart Stick Hand Held Blender attachment.

That’s right; I have to hold the button the whole time.

It’s almost there!

I often begin to lose faith & question if it is really breaking down.  Stop?  Give up?  No.  Just keep doing what you are doing — it will work.

I promise.

There is something so rewarding about reaching that creamy, glossy state…

& sharing it with others.

So now find a cute container.

Add an extra special touch.

Give it to someone who will appreciate all the labor & love that went into making something so seemingly simple, yet decadent.

~ Happy Birthday Mom ~

[I hope this reached you safely & you enjoy it.]

~

What are your quiet, “me time” pastimes?  Do you make gifts?