Less Can Be More

I just read an interesting article that really alligns with my family Christmas plans. The article is called 'Three-gift Christmas' parents try to bring some reason to the season'.

TODAY contributor, A. Pawlowski writes, Inspired by the notion that Jesus received three gifts from the Wise Men on December 25 -- gold, frankincense and myrrh – many parents are saying they, too, want a three-gift Christmas for their children. Some do it for religious reasons. Others try it to save money, ease the stress of the holidays or get away from the commercialism that permeates December.

I would have to put a check mark on all of those reasons. We've been practicing minimal gift giving as a family for several years. We prefer to spend our time experiencing many of the special moments of Christmas - like driving down Christmas Tree Lane looking at all the decorated homes, attending our church's Christmas play, having friends over for a gift exchange, watching holiday movies, and just staying at home enjoying our family and our decorations. Best of all, by keeping the gift giving to a minimum it keeps our 'greed-o-meters' in check. I don't like feeling discontent with my life because I don't have the latest gadgets or must-have items that are all on sale. We purposefully keep the commercialism to a minimum so we can be thankful and celebratory of the true reason for Christmas.

What about you? Do you plan to splurge or keep the gift-giving to a minimum this year?
 

Arm Knitting Craze

There's a hot trend for winter that seems to be a favorite craft amongst Millennials: Arm Knitting! Have you heard of it? No knitting needles required—all Millennials need are their own two hands and about 30-minutes to spare to create the chunky knit scarf of the season.  

Arm knitting is a growing trend, with over 300 boutiques on Etsy selling knitted goods made using this method. According to The Wall Street Journal, the technique combines several things that are appealing to Millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification. Unlike traditional knitting, which has been passed down from generation to generation, the arm knitting craze has gone viral--you can find info and inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube, where there are a plethora of tutorial videos that are easy to follow.  

Before you know it you'll be an expert at the quickest way to make a chunky scarf, and you'll be on trend, too!

 

 

Pantone's Color of the Year 2014

The captivating, magical and enchanting Radiant Orchid. An invitation to innovation, modern and versatile Radiant Orchid encourages creativity and originality. Imbued with a harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and its rosy undertones emanate great joy, love and health. See more on Pinterest.

Celebrity Hair Color - Fall 2013

 Alexa Chung

 

 Kesha

 

 Avril Levigne

 

Vanessa Hudgens

Celebrity Tie-Dye Sitings for November 2013

Rachel Zoe and Coco Rocha

 Credit: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc/Sipa

 

 

Kanye West in his latest music video, Bound 2

Color Drip

 Seeing these...

 

iPhone 5/5s Coat of Color cases by Jordan Carlyle

 

 

Makes me think of these... 

Scribbles Dimensional Fabric Paint

DIY Candy Wrapper Crafts

Well, did you all survive the Halloween madness?! Us, too. Now, what to do with all those candy wrappers that are gathering as your kids (or you) make their way through the sugary loot??? Here are some really cool DIY projects I found that make me want to say "Kids, hurry up and eat that candy!"

This curtain from Luisa Caldwell is made from thread and old wrappers, and would make an excellent party backdrop.

 

 Gum wrapper chains also make for really great Christmas garland that you can use for years upon years. From The New New.

This coiled vase was made by Saved By Love Creations, from a combination of candy wrappers and magazines.

DIY Candy Wrapper Barrettes (source: MAKE)

Candy Wrapper Dress (source)

This gorgeous evening dress, designed by Christina Liedtke, took over 600 M&M wrappers and 1,800 flower designs to create. It was featured at TerraCycle’s Greenup! Popup Shop in New York City in 2010.

 DIY Candy Wrapper Wreath (source: Michele Made Me)