Stuff I Love – Gift Ideas

 Today I’m excited to join my friend, Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick, and 17 other bloggers as we each share our favorite things! Hopefully this can give you some ideas if you are gifting to a DIY or home decor enthusiast in your life… or perhaps you wanna buy yourself a gift! 😉 Either way, I’m sharing a pretty comprehensive list of things I love.

I put mine into categories: Home Decor, Tools & Products, and Beauty & Fashion. First up? Home Decor….

1- Fresh Olive Wreath – This one is from Williams Sonoma and I love how thick and lush it looks. Olive leaves dry and do get a little darker green as they do so, but they don’t really fall apart and they still look beautiful when dried! I made an olive wreath a couple weeks ago to hang on an interior door in my dining room and I think the look is so timeless yet still festive!

2. Brass Candlesticks – I found mine at a thrift store, but these are identical to what I have and I ADORE THEM. I seriously use them in nearly every tablescape I put together, I’ve used them on my mantel, in bookcases, on coffee tables…. pretty much they are one of the most versatile decor things I own.

3. Petal Palette Monogram Mug – I recently bought this when Lucy came to visit and we did a little shopping at Anthro… I love how colorful it is and the handle on it is smaller, which makes it surprisingly more comfortable to hold!

4. “Patience” Original Oil Print by Brynn W. Casey – I’ve been following Brynn on IG for awhile now and I can’t get enough of her water paintings. She has a gift– I can’t think of any other way to describe how she masterfully recreates moving water with a paintbrush. This particular print has the prettiest colors that would work in pretty much any season. Plus I’m a big believer that everyone should have some fine art on their walls. 🙂

5. Magnolia Wreath Pillow – Lucy painted this and I adore it. I’ve bought several of her pillows over the years and every one is just as beautiful in person as it appears online.

6. Vintage Style Brass Cow Bells – These ones are from a sweet shop based out of France and she sells several of all different sizes. I have acquired all of mine at HomeGoods, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx, but if you luck out (because they are hard to find), then these are the exact same thing and a great option! I have used them a lot recently in my Christmas decor but I actually love using them year-round as well– like in my styled bookcases, as bookends, or sitting on a coffee table tray.

7. Striped Apron – I spotted this one as well as a couple other aprons in my local West Elm a few weeks ago and I couldn’t get them out of my head! The price wasn’t too bad, especially for a cute apron, so I went back and got one. 🙂 Currently I have my aprons hanging on some hooks I put up recently in my kitchen and they look so sweet– a perfect farmhouse touch!

8. Southwestern Pillow – When designing a client mood board a couple months ago, I included this pillow and I keep going back to it! The design and colors are so striking yet neutral. I’ve seen lots of southeastern pillow designs and none are quite as classy as this one.

9. Merry Christmas Waltz Poster – My friend Kristen, from Ella Claire Blog sent me this poster from her shop and I adore it. I have it hanging in my dining room on top of a chalkboard and I got several questions about it when I shared my dining room a couple weeks ago. It is printed on cotton canvas and attached to stained pieces of wood with some twine to hang it. I was pleasantly surprised how large it was (am I the only one who rarely measures things before I buy them?), so it definitely makes you take notice.

10. White Felt Ball Garland – I bought these last year after I bought a couple of sets in the Seamstress colorway from Hello Maypole, and I LOVE their quality and size. Aubry is so good at artfully selecting color combos that are so fun and festive. She also recently sold at the Magnolia Silobration! You gotta check out her other collections– you will die. She is also having a sale for Black Friday going on now– 25% off!

1. Rigid Cordless Drill/Driver – This drill is my favorite right now. It has a light, it is super powerful, and it doesn’t ever fail. My other Ryobi one is good, but it doesn’t have an many features and sometimes the drill bit grip slips and I have to re-tighten. This one– works like a charm every time.

2- Purdy 2″ XL Glide Sash Brush – I have been painting with this brush for about 5 years now and even though I’ve tried all kinds of brushes, this one is still my go to for just about any paint project.

3. Ryobi 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Similar HERE If you are going to invest in a miter saw, this is the best bang for your buck. The sliding option is something you don’t want to be without. I used to have the 10″ and it was okay, but now that I have the 12″ I can’t imagine going back to a 10″. So much more you can do with a 12″. I use this weekly or more.

4. Ryobi Cordless Brad Nailer – If I had to choose just 3 tools I would pick the drill, my miter saw, and this one. I have built so many things, small projects especially, with just a nail gun. The cordless aspect is just all around fantastic. No compressors or hoses– just magic. 😉

5. Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Joinery System – Every single piece of furniture I build, I use this. I actually have the K5 which is a table mounted unit, but it does the same thing and this is a great option to start with. If you think you might start doing simple projects where you need to join 2 pieces of wood together, then you will want and need the Kreg Jig.

6. HomeRight FinishMax Sprayer – This sprayer has saved me so many times. It works beautifully and sprays evenly without much if any problems. Just make sure to clean it well after each use and you will have an awesome sprayer that makes paint projects speedy.

7. Kreg Clamp – This might seem like a no-brainer but it really is the best clamp out there if you are using a Kreg Jig. Not only that, I use it to keep two pieces of wood even and straight when attaching the screws and it is awesome.

8. Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax – This might surprise some that I included clear wax, but I use this wax for so many finishes– it is super versatile and durable. It helps me clean up marks in waxed furniture, I can tint it any color to rub into wood grain or subtly change a paint color (I usually lighten or darken), and it is my favorite wax to use by a long shot. And I’ve tried almost all of them out there.

9. TimberMate Wood Filler – This wood filler is from Australia and only has been sold in the US the past couple years. Woodcraft sells it and it is worth the effort to get it there. It is water based and if it dries out you can put a little water in the jar, put the lid on, and it re-hydrates so you can use it again! No waste! It is also super super smooth and easy to apply.

10. Cordless Circular Saw – I just got this tool last Christmas and man does it make some cuts easier! I love the cordless aspect and honestly, if you can’t afford or don’t want to get a big miter saw, at least get this cordless circular saw. You’ll have to work a little slower to make sure you are cutting straight and even, but this can get the job done!

11. Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig – This is a new-to-me jig but I’m in love with it! I used to hate installing hinges, but this jig makes it the easiest fool-proof thing ever. I’ll be doing a blog post about it soon!

1. Striped Linen Full Skirt – I’ve been a fan of Kingdom & State for a long time. Their swimwear was what initially attracted me to their boutique, but honestly they have been busting out some killer tops and skirts lately, and this one is my absolute fav. So versatile! I also bought a linen DRESS with a similar shape but with blue stripes this past summer from THE ROSE NEST BOUTIQUE and it was one of my most complimented dresses.

2. Chambray Shirt – I basically live in my chambray shirts, especially in the fall. They go with pretty much everything, even jeans. I have one from American Eagle I got years ago, but this one they have right now is so cute, I couldn’t resist! The wash on it is especially classic and is it super soft.

3. Ear Crawler Earrings – I recently bought a pair similar to these and I love how they look on. They are just the right amount of edgy and they look good with everything.

4. Lace Up Ballet Flats – After picking up a pair almost identical to these at Marshalls, I have been wearing them everywhere. I love a good pair of flats and the black color means it can pair with most of my outfits. The lace detail is so sweet and feminine too!

5. Sequin Leggings – I got these last year from The Rose Nest Boutique co-owned by my bestie, Camille, and every time I wear mine I get a ton of compliments– they are my favorite leggings to wear when I feel like a party. New Year’s Eve is coming up and these would be darling! The only downside is unless you have the impossible thigh gap, the sequins WILL rub off between your thighs as you are walking around. I even sometimes get little knots of the string from the sequins. But don’t fret– I just snip off the string or whatever is catching and all is right again in the world! Even with the disappearing sequins in between my thighs, I still think they are totally worth it. I might even get a second pair. The Rose Nest doesn’t currently have them in stock, but they may be restocking them if they have enough interest! Make sure you subscribe to their newsletter and shoot them an email you are interested!

6. Brilliantine (Hair lotion)– This stuff is made by Bumble & Bumble which is one of my favorite hair product companies. I was introduced to it almost 10 years ago by my stylist and I’ve always had some handy. I have very fine hair but some damage to the ends, so when my hair is feeling just a tad frizzy or lots of fly-aways, I just take a pea-sized amount and smooth the tips. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it look greasy– just smooth with a smallest amount of natural shine.

 7. Naturally Pretty Shadow Palette – This is the only eye shadows I use. I’ve been using this palette for about 1 1/2 years now and I am not even close to running out of any of the colors. They are all matte shadows which means they last longer than shimmer ones, and they pigments are quite strong so you don’t need much. The colors are my fav tho– every single one looks good.

8. Microdermabrasion Set – Similar here. I’ve been using this set on my face for over 2 years– every other day and it has made the biggest difference. I feel like I don’t every get a build up of clogged pores. My cleanser is good, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes I feel like it doesn’t get quick everything.  I just keep it in my shower and rub it into my face for about 5 minutes (focusing on different areas at a time) then rinse off. My skin afterward feels so soft and smooth.

9. Gel Eyeliner – Similar here. People ask me about my eyeliner all the time because I’m a winged eye girl through and through. It’s my go-to and I’ve really perfected it (on my at least). It took some practice but it really isn’t pretty easy now– especially when I use this gel liner with a brush. I’ve tried liquid liners with those built-in little wands– I feel like I mess up way too easily with them and they come off in a minute. This is the best one I’ve used, especially for the price.

10. Maskcara IIID Foundation Palette – I’m obsessed with this palette. It has everything you need in one compact case– highlighter, contour cream, blush, and luminator. I’ve been using it for about 1 1/2 years also and I think it makes a huge difference on how my face looks. Cara has all kinds of tutorials and her before/afters on other people are AMAZING. Check out her IG account if you want to see!

11. Ruffle Blouse – Ruffles are back in a big way and I love this top. It is so feminine and classic. Paired with jeans, slacks, a skirt… it looks amazing. H&M is one of my favorite places to shop for myself.

Whew! Can’t believe you made it through! Thanks for reading through my picks and let me know if you have any questions!