All wrapped up in giving, dreaming, believing, ribbons, and pretty paper… Give the gift that will be remembered!
On the first day of Christmas my dear friend gave to me a bag to hold all my goodies. This canvas tote makes a perfect stocking stuffer for your friends who knit. It’s 13 inches by 13 inches, making it the perfect size for a small project to take on the road or store while it is in progress.
Or Shop Online at our square store to give the gift that will be remembered!
Summer has been fun, fun, fun, but we are ready for fall. Among other activities, the cooler weather is a great time here in Ohio to do a little glamping.
We used to be campers, but now we have learned the fine art of glamping 🙂 .
Roughing It In Style!
Let me show you what our little roadtrip to Brookville, Indiana glamping at Whitewater Memorial Park Campground looked like while I give you 10 Gift Ideas For Happy Glampers.
The first three things every glamper should have are a cast iron skillet, warm pajamas, and a pocket knife.
The need for the cast iron skillet is obvious. It goes on the handy dandy grate so glampers can cook themselves up some chow. One of the secrets to a Happy Glamper is a full stomach. A cast iron skillet is made for the job – fry up some bacon, sausage, coffee cake – whatever their little hearts desire (except Pop-Tarts, you can just eat those right out of the box). – Realizing all that is chock full of fat, salt, and sugar. What can I say? Sometimes I fall off the wagon.
Wait! Did someone just say coffee? Thought so.
Every true American Glamper likes a swig of coffee to wake them up in the morning, right? A coffee cup is another super gift idea for a Happy Glamper.
Anyways, back to the picture.
A pocket knife is handy for obvious reasons – like whittling the tip of a stick to put a hot dog or marshmallow on. It also comes it handy to open things or maybe even … cut things :D?
Soft, Warm pajamas provide comfort on cool nights snuggled by the campfire or in the tent. Cold toes make sad glampers – And nobody wants that!
Another idea for a Happy Glamper is a folding camp chair. No matter how great a camp chair is, eventually they wear out. I think any Happy Glamper would appreciate receiving a camp chair.
So far we’ve covered cast iron skillet, coffee cup, pocket knife, warm pajamas, and a camp chair. We are halfway through our 10 Gift Ideas for Happy Glampers. If any of those sound like a good fit – what are you waiting for? Go get that shopping done!
If you still need more, think about these.
What are you going to put the soft, warm pajamas in?
A duffel bag! Personalization is always nice touch. Happy Glampers like to keep their things neat (pretty) and organized. Enough said.
One thing about being out in the wilderness. It gets dark at night.
That means sitting around the fire telling – Ghost Stories! A book of short ghost stories is sure to be a hit gift for the Happy Glamper on your list.
I wish I had a picture of us roasting marshmallows on roaster sticks and reading ghost stories, but I didn’t have a flashlight, camping string lights, or a camp light with a nice sturdy shepherd’s hook to hang it on.
You’ll just have to use your imagination – or Google 😀 !
That’s 10 Gift Ideas for Happy Glampers (plus a few bonus ideas if you were paying attention):
10. Nice, Sturdy Shepherd’s Hook
9. Camp Light
8. Campfire Roasting Sticks
7. Book of Short Ghost Stories
6. Duffel Bag
5. Folding Camp Chair
4. Pocket Knife
3. Soft, Warm, Pajamas
2. Coffee Cup
1.Cast Iron Skillet
Eleven more days until Father’s Day! Who is easier to shop for than good old dad?
This post is chock full o’ links because I am spilling over with ideas for gifts for dad.
My dad is a grill master. He loves to receive gifts like this grill set, gloves for handling hot stuff, or Jim and Jack Together At Last. If your family has a new bundle of joy any proud papa would love a father baby matching set. Awww.
If your dad is a beer drinker he could probably use a bottle opener , or maybe some helpful socks, or a natural wood flight paddle.
What hobbies does your dad enjoy? Does he like to play guitar? Maybe he would like a new guitar pick, or a key chain. Every dad I know loves music and gadgets and would swoon over this little gift that covers both!
Or does your dad spend his spare time out hitting the links? Why get him a magazine subscription when he could be practicing his game instead?
Uh oh – Don’t get me started on dad jokes 😀 😀 😀
No matter what makes your dad tick. I’m sure he is the
I want to share with you the gifts my children gave me for Mother’s Day because I think they are terrific ideas for birthdays, graduate, anniversary, or even bridal.
My oldest son lives in California and he and his fiance sent me the first two seasons of Pushing Daisies and The Big Book of Pies and Tarts.
Pushing Daisies is new to me. I’m part way through the first season and so far it’s meeting the description of quirky and fun. I can’t wait to cook up some of the delicious recipes in the cookbook.
I think this could also make a great birthday, anniversary, or bridal gift.
My oldest daughter and my son-in-law live in Florida and they sent me a terrarium kit.
My daughter recently joined a garden club and has been learning about succulents. She knows I am interested in trying my green thumb on them too.
I think a terrarium would make a great gift for a birthday, anniversary, or the graduate going off to college. A tiny little garden could give a touch of home to a dorm room or to anyone who occupies a small space. Terrariums are a fun way to bring a little outdoor life to an office cubicle too.
My youngest daughter gave me a beautiful handmade card. I love orange and pink together so this card is right up my alley.
“Life comes with a mother, not a manual. I think you are great at being the manual.”
These ideas can be used for a family member or friend that you know well, but they are also terrific birthday gift ideas for someone you aren’t as close to – like a neighbor or co-worker.
Here’s a picture of my terrarium. Let me know how you think my terrarium turned out and I’d love for you to give me any tips you may have for keeping my little green friend alive.
Read our blog to find inspiration for gifts and life.
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I was listening to the radio on my drive to work yesterday. The DJ was asking moms to call in and say what they wanted most for Mother’s Day.
Their answers? – The overwhelming response was SLEEP!
The moms that called in said they wanted to sleep through the night uninterrupted. They wanted to sleep in. They wanted a day without having to take care of everybody. They wanted to be pampered.
If this sounds like a mom you know we’ve got some last minute gift ideas.
If she wants sleep why not give her pajamas or a fun sleep mask or some embroidered pillowcases?
If she doesn’t take time to pamper herself consider getting her a manicure or pedicure (or both!) I don’t think I know any mom who wouldn’t appreciate this gift.
Here are some other great last minute gift ideas your mom or wife is sure to love:
A mug for her coffee or a new water bottle.
Bath salts, bath bombs, or lotion.
A picture frame with a funky flower.
A Journey of Grace angel.
A Willow Tree figure
A rose pin.
A flag for her garden.
A plant pick in a beautiful bouquet or pot.
A glitzy pen from Bauble Lulu.
Any soccer mom or baseball mom might like a new chair, spirit wear, a scorekeeper, or sunglasses.
Suzy Toronto coasters or prints.
Still not sure or need more ideas?
Check out our Mother’s Day board on Pinterest.
Read The Real Truth About What Moms Want for some other simple ideas for Mother’s Day.
We’d love to hear what you are giving your mom this Mother’s Day?
Or tell us what was the best Mother’s Day gift you ever received?
Flowers are lovely. Jewelry is exceptional. Perfume is wonderful. Chocolate is heaven.
But do you want to know the real truth about what moms want for Mother’s Day?
It’s something more valuable than all that.
Mom’s want your time and your love. Period.
It’s that simple.
We know we are hard to deal with sometimes.
We know we aren’t perfect.
We know we don’t always deserve it, but we want to know that you love us anyways.
We want to spend an hour or two (or as many as we can get) looking at the beautiful faces we brought into the world.
So instead of giving mom a cut bouquet, what about spending some time planting flowers with her in the yard?
Take her to lunch, dinner, or a movie. Or make her dinner and afterward chat on the patio or in the living room.
Make something together or take a class together and learn something new.
Take an hour out of your day and give her a ring on the telephone or Skype or FaceTime.
Go on a walk with her.
Photo by Jon Flobrant.
For the mom of young children I’ve heard of people giving time a different way. They give mom time to spend alone – a day off from the kids. This is a great gift too. Moms need time for themselves, but be careful with this one. Mother’s Day may not be the day she would pick to spend away from the kids.
It would be nice to have Mother’s Day off from cooking and cleaning and all the other repetitive mom chores. So consider that as an option for the day.
The real truth about what moms want for mother’s day is that this is one of those days where your presence is more important than presents.
Spoil her with your presence so that she can’t possibly doubt that you love her.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your mom?
Feature photo by Alexander Dummer.
If you live in Ohio I hope it is too early in the season for you to be putting this comic latin weedis victorious plant pick in your flower garden. Beware. It won’t be long before the weeds will be victorious if allowed.
Now is a good time to be putting down a pre-emergent in your flower beds.
At our house we use Snapshot which contains the active ingredients isoxaben and trifluralin. Another popular pre-emergent is Preen which contains the active ingredient of trifluralin.
Generally speaking these products do not kill weeds. They simply keep new weeds from sprouting. Don’t use these products on areas seeded with flowers that have not yet germinated. It can be used after flowering plants have germinated and are 2 – 3 inches tall.
Taking the time to put down a pre-emergent now will save you from having to waste time pulling weeds later. Instead you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your flowers. These products are not labeled for use on all vegetables. Be sure to check the label before applying to a vegetable garden. Also, be sure to check the label to know when it is time for a reapplication.
When in doubt, check the label. Check the label. Check the label. Chemicals can be a great help, but when used carelessly they don’t work properly, or worse, can be harmful.
If by chance weeds become victorious in your yard or garden you know where to find signage for them. Or maybe you have something magnificent that this would be appropriate for.
Which one is your favorite?
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It’s no secret that I love Valentine’s Day.
Happiness is having someone to share your ups and downs with. 
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate all the special people who bring love and happiness into your life.
I’ve got 5 incredible gifts your Valentines will absolutely love. (Plus, I’ve got a little bonus material to share with you.)
1. Usually you can’t go wrong with classics like candy or flowers. I’m a sucker for chocolate and roses never fail to delight me. If you want to change it up a little bit surprise your valentine with a balloon bouquet instead. If roses and balloons aren’t your style consider a cookie or fruit bouquet instead.
2. Another idea is bubble bath, bath bomb, soaps, perfume, or cologne. This can be a little more expensive and a little harder to choose for someone else. I recommend sticking with something you already know your valentine likes. If it’s for a child the risk is a lot less. My kids are grown now, but they used to love to get some bubble bath or colored soap.
3. Write your valentine a love letter or give them a handmade card. Maybe you could share all the secret reasons why you adore them.
4. Pajamas or slippers are a fun gift that my valentines love to receive. You are sure to be in their dreams when they are nestled in bed all snug in the gift from you.
5. Give them a music CD: A romantic collection of love songs. Something fun to sing along with in the car. Or maybe you are the type that likes to make a mix yourself and burn it to a CD.
Bonus Material: On a personal note, this year I am ahead of the game with a gift for my husband. No last minute shopping for me! (This happens to be because I planned to give this to him for Christmas, but didn’t quite have my act together to get it done in time. That’s another thing I love about Valentine’s Day – Any left over Christmas gift ideas that I couldn’t afford or didn’t have time to get can be given in February.) My husband has a gold necklace that needed a new end cap so I took it to the jeweler and had it replaced. I know he’ll be happy to have it wearable again. It is kind of an interesting story how he got the necklace. He is a golf pro and used to give lessons. The wife of one of his clients gave her husband this beautiful gold chain as a gift on a special occasion. The client then turned around and traded the necklace to my husband for a golf club! Boy did that client have some explaining to do when his wife found out. That is my bonus material- A little free advice: If your valentine gives you a gift please don’t trade it for a golf club. It’s likely that wouldn’t go over well.
Have you ever received a Valentine’s Day gift that made your heart burst? We would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Read our blog to find inspiration for gifts and life.
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Header photo by Laura Ockel.
It was love at first sight. Ahh… This story of romance reminds that shinier is not always better.
It is up to me to choose to be grateful for what I have even if it is not perfect.
This is a memory of one of my first loves. I’ll share it here so that its memory will live on. I first wrote it for a class assignment years ago. Out of respect for that time in my life I’ll leave it unchanged.
A Sweet Camaro
When a light film of dirt settles on the dashboard I think, “Where did that dust come from? I just wiped the entire interior the day before yesterday.” But as I grab a rag and the Armor All bottle, I feel a sense of warm pride inside as I gently wipe away the dust. As my rag caresses the panel of buttons and knobs, I take a deep breath and feel the sweet, crisp, clean, scent tickle my nostrils.
Meanwhile, the headliner droops brushing my hair and face. Somewhere deep inside I know this car is slightly beat. I know the paint has chips and rust, and I know the sagging headliner is not the only flaw inside. I hear the squeaks and groans of the door and seat springs. I see the cracks in the dashboard and the holes in the apholstery.
But I see beyond that.
The dark navy paint shows you your reflection after a thorough wash and wax. As I place my rag aside, the black dashboard gleams. The wire rim hubcaps shine, and the light blue pinstripes down the sides outline the sleek body.
When I walk toward my car in a parking lot, I do not turn my head to look after quieter, shinier, newer cars. Instead I scan the lot and focus on the sweet Camaro that I bought with my own money, lock my eyes on it, and I think, “Oh baby, You’re mine.”
I can’t wait to slide into my own private sanctuary where everything feels good.
By the way that bucket seat cradles my body, it seems to be made for me alone. The fresh polish leaves the vinyl slightly slippery, but in no way greasy, so that I can easily move around to make myself comfortable. I can reach the glove compartment without difficulty to remove the vanilla air freshener which lightly mists the air leaving an almost sickeningly sweet perfume.
The radio plays familiar upbeat music with lyrics I know by heart. The seatbelt fits in place perfectly, and even the shoulder strap refuses to annoy me. As I drive along knowing exactly when to let up on the clutch as I deftly maneuver the stick shift into gear controlling the transmission which my father refers to as “a bear,” I smile.
I watch the sunlight sparkling off the new glass buildings I pass and glisten on the hood in front of me.
I listen to the engine running and feel it working through the slight vibrations under me.
I know that I am aware of how grateful I am to be here in this car, at this moment, content in my own solitude.
Since then I haven’t been romanced quite so beautifully by a car. In fairness, as my life gets busier, I probably don’t romance my cars in the same way that I did my Camaro either.
But it goes to show that there can be romance in unpredictable places. You just have to choose to look at life with a grateful spirit.
Do you have a Valentine in your life who is grateful for their car? You could get them revved up with a simple gift for their car.
Little Gift Shop OH 