DIY: Cookie Cutter Holiday Gift Tags

This may be weird, but one of my favorite parts about the Holidays are wrapping the gifts that I bought/made for others. I like using cookie cutters to make easy holiday tags for gifts. Its more unique and cost effective than purchasing ones at the store.  Here is a simple DIY tutorial.

1. All you really need to make these holiday gift tags is card stock or thick paper, cookie cutters, and a pair of scissors. I opted to decorate my gift tags, but that's totally up to you.

2. Trace the cookie cutter and cut out the shape. Decorate the gift tag if wanted. You can also hole punch the gift tag (see Christmas Wreath) and string ribbon through it to make it easier to tie on gifts.

Seattle Recap

Last weekend, my husband and I had the pleasure of traveling to Seattle. It was our first time there, and we had a wonderful time. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Pike Place Market

Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

I saw the first Starbucks and consumed way too many Peppermint Mochas

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium

I'm Back!

First of all, let me apologize. I've been a terrible blogger and haven't written in months. The only excuse I can give is that the last few months have been crazy for me. I finished my graduate degree, moved, got married, honeymooned in Ireland and Scotland, got a new dog, and started a new job.

My husband and I during our first dance

Calton Hill, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland  (A little blurry, sorry).

During these past few months, I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to take my blog in and  subsequently deleted a few of my past posts (which I now regret, but c'est la vie). After much consideration, I decided I wanted this blog to be more of lifestyle blog with a focus on DIY. While I adore fashion and will continue to post OOTDs, I do not want this blog to be solely a fashion blog. I also want to use this blog as a means to showcase my decor and design ideas and hopefully inspire readers to add a little glam to their lives through easy DIY projects.  

I have greatly missed blogging, and I am glad to be back. I also promise to write posts much more frequently! 

Book Review: P.S.- I made this...

I had a few questions about the P.S.-I made this...book by Erica Domesek I featured in my favorite ways to relax post so I decided to do a book review about it. As a huge fan of DIY and Erica Domesek's genius website  P.S. - I made this..., I couldn't wait to purchase this book.  And it did not disappoint! The book is filled with beautiful photos and great DIY projects. It includes DIY inspiration for jewelry, accessories, and apparel. Another bonus is that the materials used are inexpensive and objects you probably already have lying around your house.

The downside? Some of the DIY projects featured in the book are already posted on the website. If I am going to shell out money for a book, I would prefer to have it not include the DIY ideas I have already seen on the web.

Overall, I think this is a great book for anyone who is interested in DIY fashion. I can't wait to try out some of the ideas, especially the DIY gold oxfords! I could see this book making a fabulous present for a fashion blogger (hint, hint, all you boyfriends/husbands out there!)

Overall Grade: A-

FTC disclaimer: I purchased this book with my own money and I am not being sponsored by P.S. - I made this..

My Favorite Ways to Relax

Yogi tea.  So good!

 Fun reading materials.

 Spending time with my adorable cat...

and my cute dog!

What are your favorite ways to relax?

 

Decor: Thrift Store Finds

I went thrifting on Monday and scored some great decor finds. My favorite was this commemorative tea cup from Prince Charles and Diana's wedding. I bought this tea cup for only $3.00 (USD)! I was ecstatic because I have been a long time fan of Diana's style and grace.  I am also anxiously awaiting the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton! I am in love with Kate's style and I can't wait to see what designer she wears on her wedding day (my fingers are crossed for Alexander McQueen!).

I also scored these two beautiful porcelain containers for only $6.00. I think I am going to use them to store rings and other various knick-knacks.

Have you ever thrifted any great decor items? If so, do tell!

Decor: How to Display Jewelry

I got this decorating idea from the gorgeous and stylish Alex over at HRH Collection . Check out her blog and YouTube videos - she is amazing! I love the idea of displaying some of my favorite jewelry in pretty tea cups and saucers.  It dresses up my jewelry armoire and makes my favorite jewelry pieces easily accessible.  My favorite place to find beautiful tea cups is at estate sales, they always have gorgeous antique tea sets.

Deborah Lippmann, I love you.

I've been wanting to try Deborah Lippmann nail polish for awhile now, but the $18.00 price tag always scared me away. Could Deborah Lippmann polish really be worth the hefty price tag? After purchasing Ruby Red Slippers, I found out that the answer was a resounding yes! I normally shy away from glitter polishes, but I couldn't pass up the gorgeous ruby shade of Deborah Lippmann's Ruby Red Slippers.  The polish went on smoothly (unlike most glitter polishes), dried quickly, and was opaque after two coats. Plus all Deborah Lippmann nail polishes are free of toluene, formaldehyde and DBP. Another bonus: Deborah Lippmann does not test on animals!

Buy it here for $18.00

FTC Disclousure: I porchased this product with my own money and I am not being sponsered by Deborah Lippmann.