What a Great Idea - Resolve To Do What You Want to Do this Year!

Hold Those Resolutions!

Story by  knitfitt

Published on Dec 31, 2011 in Shop

Photo by quotesandnotes

It has only been in the past few years that making any New Year’s resolutions made sense to me. Postponing change to some arbitrary deadline like January 1st or graduation makes the commitment to change seem less serious than proclaiming, “Okay, I am making it happen now!” Resolutions always seemed to be about doing something I really did not want to do. Consequently, I refused to make any New Year’s resolutions for most of my life. Three years ago I decided to look at them from another point of view —what do I enjoy that I do not do often enough? Thinking about it that way I came up with two that I have renewed yearly plus one knitting resolution that has not gone quite so well.

[Clockwise from top left: Mannequins abstract modern art print from Elizabeth Rosen Art; 2012 New Years resolution notepad from Quotes & Notes; Dieter's spoon from Spoontaneous; Pink typography print from Sacred & Profane; "I lied about being the outdoors type" pillow cover from mybeardedpigeon] 

Out with the trusty standbys — diets, exercise, cutting the dogs’ nails. Make those changes throughout the year.

[Clockwise from top: Upcycled music shaker from Belle Adore; "It May Be Twang" print from justajar; Vintage accordion from MademoiselleChipotte; The Three Musicians vintage photograph from Pedro Abreu Photography; Dove sound hole mandolin from Celentano Woodworks] 

Hear more live music. Enjoy local musicians and visiting artists. Attend a school concert and pause to listen to a street busker.

[Clockwise from top: Give someone a hug original etching from atelier28; Cat's cradle greeting card from badbooks; Antique gold French ring from Adin Antique Jewelry; Genuine old Pagago woven friendship basket from Old West Gems;Mechanical moving picture from woodlucker] 

Spend time with friends. Share a meal, take a trip or just give a call. Make contact with friends from long ago. Do not let daily life and routines interfere with making time for those you enjoy or want to know better.

[Clockwise from top left: Doreen 2 needles argyles vintage knit and crochet pattern booklet from howtobooksandmore; Original 1952 knit o graf sock argyle patterns from rainydayjoys; Golf socks block print from magprint; Large argyle glass serving bowl from FloatingGlassStudio; Handmade cashmere swing cardigan from movieboyproductions]

2010 — knit a pair of argyle socks. 2011 — finish one argyle sock. 2012 — unravel the half finished sock. It turned out to be hard to admit I will never make that particular pair of socks.

What are your resolutions this year?

Etsy Gift Guide for Your Best Friends

Gifts For Your Best Friends

Story by  joslyn

Published on Nov 25, 2011 in Shop

Photo by Is Was and Will Be

Joslyn Taylor is the founder of Simple Lovely, a lifestyle blog that chronicles her love for design, fashion, art and food. In addition, she is a founding partner in tinyDallas, which focuses on raising kids in a creative and mindful way in her adopted hometown. She also is a freelance writer contributing to local publications such as The Dallas Morning News, the Dallas edition of Edible Magazine and Dallas Child Magazine.

I’m a bit of an obsessive gift giver — I plan, ruminate on the recipient and make lists before deciding what to buy. The act of selecting a truly meaningful gift for another person gives you a chance to really celebrate them, to consider what they love, their interests and passions.

I think the best gift is a combination of something useful and beautiful — something the recipient probably wouldn’t buy for themselves but will use and love. No dust collectors or fodder for re-gifting allowed.

The most fun (in my opinion) is sleuthing out a gift for a sister or best friend: something that honors your relationship. The ladies in my life tend to run the gamut – there are staunch foodies, earthy gals, accessory lovers, nesters — so I’ve pulled together some of my favorite picks for each. Enjoy!

For The Soulful Fashionista

[Clockwise from top left: Sailor's knot blueberry leather key fob fromautomaticsweetheart; Rose gold sparkle clutch from Scout & Catalogue; Gold earrings with gemstone from lovejujube; Triangle pendent necklaces fromamerrymishap; Grey poppy silk day dress from byrachelrose; The skyscraper necklace from ISWAS + WILLBE]

This bright blue key fob would seriously lower the risk of losing your keys.

I love this sweet, glittery pouch for stashing coins and business cards.

These simple gold earrings would dress up a simple black top.

Triangle necklace: One of Jenn’s clay triangle necklaces would be a perfect everyday piece.

This silk day dress is like a wearable work of art.

I love the mix of rustic black lava rock with the modern pop of pink in this necklace.

For The Nester

[Clockwise from top left: 2012 trellus calendar from Michelle Armas; Saucer/spoon rest from Dawn Dishaw Ceramics; Winter coats painting from Kiki & Polly; "Love" black lines noteset from NEAPOLITAN; Mid-century brass owl tray fromVieuxDesign; Modern white mobile from AM radio]

Michelle Armas is a favorite artist of mine — her yearly calendar is a way to share the love with all my nearest and dearest.

I like this blue pottery saucer to store rings.

I love the sentimentality of this sweet winter coat print.

These hand-painted love notecards would be perfect for my Luddite letter writing sister.

This mid-century brass owl would look great atop a stack of books.

And I’m a bit obsessed with these artful himmeli mobiles.

For The Naturalist

[Clockwise from top left: 100 succulent plant rosettes from Succulent Designs;Yarrow mound from flores del sol; Cedar spring air plant terrarium from Sea & Asters; Table top forest terrarium from CaptainCat]

I love the idea of pitching in with a few friends to get someone special an over-the-top gift. I think kick-starting someone’s garden with 100 succulents would do the trick, yes?

This sweet yarrow mound would be fool-proof for a green thumb-challenged buddy.

I love these artful, unique takes on a terrarium, and the vessels are just as pretty as the plants.

For The Foodie

[Clockwise from top left: Folded salt and pepper cellars with spoon from Pigeon Toe Ceramics; Winter fruit print from clairenereim; Wood serving board fromTimber Green Woods; Pit-fired tumbler with ceramic glaze from ClayWoodStone;Fleur de Sel caramels from The Caramel Jar; Rosemary tangelo orange marmalade from cupboardcook]

Sculptural salt and pepper cellars are simple enough to mesh with any décor.

I love framed art in the kitchen; the winter fruit print is an all-time favorite.

I’d give this beautiful natural edge wood serving board with a hunk of good cheese.

These gorgeous ceramic tumblers would be perfect for tea and could do double duty as a vase.

Food gifts like fleur de sel caramels and artisanal marmalades are my go-to for holiday hostesses.

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/gifts-for-your-best-friends/?ref=fp_blog_title