Relax
January 11, 2016
The holidays are behind us and the New Year is just beginning. The holiday lights are down and all of the decorations are packed away for another year. Now what? A little self-indulgence might be just what’s needed. I’m thinking a relaxing soak or invigorating scrub using Pacha Soap Co.’s Birch Muscle Soak. Three simple ingredients…Sweet Birch Essential Oil, Epsom Salts and Organic French Gray Salt…blended to soothe sore muscles and stimulate the sweat glands to help detoxify the body. Take a deep cleansing breath and the wintergreen-like scent will help open up the sinuses. A perfect way to take advantage of a cold wintry day and fine-tune your focus on the New Year ahead.
For more info:http://www.pachasoap.com/product/birch-muscle-soak/
photos: gp
Small Gifts
December 15, 2015
Small gifts always seem to make the best gifts. You are thought of fondly by the recipient with every use. Better yet, small gifts don’t need to break the bank to make a lasting impression. Here are a few simplequietmodern suggestions should your shopping list have a few entries that need to be checked off. There’s still time…get crackin.
Conifer chart tea towels ensure one won’t run out of evergreens during the holidays. And, if you help cleaning up as well the cook will love them even more. Photo: http://www.shopterrain.com/best-bets/conifer-chart-tea-towel
This natural birch muddler will make short work of prepping the next Mojito, Cuba Libre or Mint Julep.photo: http://www.cb2.com/wood-muddler/s552025
A pinch of salt is always at hand in this small ramekin in linen from Heath Ceramics.photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/small-ramekin
A pair of fingerless mitts will be a welcome gift that you made yourself. There’s still plenty of time to crank out a few pair with the pattern found here. This photo: gp http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html
If you don’t know a baker who needs one, you might gift yourself this modern take on the classic bundt pan from Nordic Ware. The bundt might just be the new cupcake. photo:http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/heritage-bundt-cake-pan/?cm_src=AutoRel
It’s not a sweater, but it’s a start. 100% cashmere that looks like it was spun right off the goat. photo:http://www.purlsoho.com/newoooh.html
low cost / no cost
December 9, 2014
As you start stockpiling your gift purchases also start giving some thought to your gift wrap while a treasure of free materials is staring you in the face. The crisp white tissue, softly rumpled newsprint and” green” packing materials are a great place to start getting creative. And, at no cost. The addition of a $2 ball of sisal twine and a few found objects…twigs, leaves, cones…will have you presenting gifts that will be almost too pretty to open.
Top to bottom:
Softly rumpled newsprint bound with sisal twine says simplequietmodern Christmas to me.
Maple and Oak leaves, free in nearly every yard if you want a little something extra.
The graphic black and white images of Korean comics are fun tied up with smooth white crochet cotton…just pennies at an Asian market.
Whisper thin red pine veneer from Habu Textiles makes an unforgettable impression when complimented with a simple tie of raffia and a hand marbled note. http://habutextiles.com/NK-6
If you’re looking for an extra bit of “holiday” in your presentation…give your completed packages a quick shot of gold paint. Psst…done. And gorgeous.
all photos: gp
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