New Year,

January 9, 2022

new outlook. It’s always great to start the New Year armed with what you need to tackle whatever comes your way. A new yearly calendar ( yes, old school ) a handful of new Uniballs and black Sharpies and a crisp blank journal is where I always start. That’s pretty much all you need to do a quick jot of your goals, plans, and inspiration, contained for easy reference. That covered, maybe hone an old skill or develop a new one to help you work your way through the day smarter, not harder. And, if you’re still working from home, maybe treat yourself a little and up the business casual with some cashmere…a classic crew neck sweater for the waist up...cashmere sweatpants from the waist down. 2022, we’re ready for ya.

projpad_penF

photos 1 & 3: gp

Where’s that list?

December 12, 2014

I find it’s easy to refer back to gifts that I have received and have enjoyed when trying to come up with a gift idea for someone else. While most of them could easily fall into that “stocking stuffer” category budget wise, you’ll hear down the road that their impact was greater than something more extravagant. Really…it’s the small things that make the difference, don’t you think?

book1adj

A journal or sketch book…always a clean sheet at hand. The perfect place to record a thought, a plan, a sketch, a dream.

ras_el_hanout3F

Ras el Hanout…Mix up a batch of this Moroccan spice blend from the recipe found here.http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/ras-el-hanout While great in meat, vegetable and cous cous recipes, you might include this recipe for Roasted Cauliflower soup to get things started.  http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/2012/10/roast-cauliflower-soup/

hch14-03-heath-classic-holiday-modern-cup-set-of-2-731by607

Heath holiday tall modern cups…ruby red inside, red suede outside. Peppermint hot chocolate will feel right at home, as would coffee, tea or a fistful of tulips or winterberry. You’ll be thought of with every use.

wntrcndlFcrpt

Clementines, cloves and snow…really. “Winter” fragrance 3 wick candle at Bath and Body Works.

glvs3F

Deerskin gardening gloves…indispensible. Protection for your hands when gardening or to keep in the car in the event you make an unplanned stop at the nursery. I’m never without a pair…or two.

blkwhtyrn

Luxurious yarn in a gift card from Purl Soho, Jimmy Beans Wool or Yarn.com.  Who wouldn’t be excited with a gift of cashmere, merino wool or alpaca? And, for the fiber freak…it’s all about the picking. It’s almost like two gifts.

wisksm6

The mini wisk. I received this one as a gift years ago and it’s still in my top 5 favorite utensils.

booda

The “Ropey”…who’s special kid wouldn’t love a new one? 

Modern cup photo: Heath Ceramics. All other photos: gp