Gifted - Hostess Edition

Remember when I shared this gift basket I put together for a date night in theme? Well I thought I would tackle another easy gift idea to bring to someone's home {more of my DIY gifts can be seen here & here}. I always enjoy putting together a gift that is part homemade and part purchased. So I decided to gift a friend who was having a girls night in party a few of my favorite things. Inspired by a limoncello recipe that I made awhile back and absolutely adored I decided do a lemon theme but this time I made a lemon simple syrup. I used this recipe that is delicious and oh so easy breezy. I added in a bottle of some Italian process, a fresh lemon for garnish and my absolute favorite lemon cookies from a local bakery here in Boston. I just love a sweet treat and a cocktail to help wash it down, don't you? I hope my hostess friend loves it as much as I do!

bag // ribbon // tissue // glass bottle // cutting board 

more of my favorite hostess gifts can be found below

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DIY Smart

Remember when I shared this fun company that makes stylish do it yourself jewelry and accessories?  Well I stumbled across another fabulous DIY company that allows you to create items for your home, kids, gifts and so much more. Enter Darby Smart, the crafty company that allows you to make items that you actually will use, a far cry from the dated arts & crafts stores I remember shopping as a kid where everything you made certainly looked "homemade". I personally love this take on the do it yourself concept. You are delivered everything you need so there is no excess purchasing of supplies,  you get detailed instructions so your not guestimating every step of the process and a detailed look of the final product to help you achieve the look your going for. It's so fun for a girls night, creating a personalized gift, or an activity with your kiddos. A few of my favorite items you can create are displayed below. I personally can't wait to gift some of these items to friends & family. 

really smitten with their kids section

oh & how cute are these free printables like the gin labels & card below!

Hack With Design

Instagram has got to be by far my favorite platform for social media. It's such a fantastic way to get be introduced to other bloggers, brands and businesses that I may have otherwise missed. Thanks to my love for the modern furniture site Bludot I was made aware of the fabulous new tassletry wall hangings becoming available next week by Hack With Design House. These lovely tassels are handmade from beautiful scrap fabric so each one will be unique. You will have three sizing options and will be released on their online shop as they are created. I personally love the soft romantic element they exude. I think they could work so well as art in your home or beautiful decor to have at a special soiree!

Sip & Snack - Breakfast In Bed

Since most of the holiday gift guides have been completed I thought I would come up with an easy do it yourself present that will surely make anyone feel special. When it's cold and snowy outside I don't think it gets much better then having the simple luxury of sleeping in and having delicious breakfast treats brought to you in bed. All it takes is a few key elements to create the perfect sip and snack for your favorite person to enjoy a lazy morning in bed. I of course chose to wrap it up as a surprise for my special someone because well you know tis the season!

box // twill ribbon // juice carafe // kraft bags // striped straws // mason jars // tea towel // plaid napkins 

DIY - Thinking Outside the Box Clutch

Finding inspiration for blog posts that are worth sharing with you all isn't always easy. Sure you can find something fabulous and expensive and recreate a lower cost version for yourself but I thought I would try to think outside the usual parameters and take my inspiration and create something that resembles the original but serves an entirely different function. When I spotted this clutch on instagram during fashion week, I was seriously smitten. I have always admired the design of a box clutch but especially adored the added sparkle of the rhinestones. While a pricey clutch wasn't in my budget, I thought I would try to recreate the look on something I use every day, my phone. 

Check out all the bedazzled details below. 

glue // rhinestones {mine were from M&J Trimming but were sew on, non sew on are better} // iPhone cover I used {another version, also here} 

1. lay out the rhinestones in desired pattern & photograph that pattern
2. with the photo as your guide, start gluing your first rhinestone in the center then retracing your pattern stone by stone
3. let dry & adhere to your cell phone

The Finished Product

The Stella & Dot Gift Card winner will be announced later today!

DIY - Made Easy

I was recently shopping for some rhinestones for my own little DIY to share with you all {coming soon} and stumbled upon Wander & Hunt, a fabulous site dedicated to making DIY not only stylish but also providing you with self contained kits and supplies. Just take a peak at some of the very fashionable goodies you can make with their one stop shopping. Wouldn't it be so fun to have all your friends purchase a kit and have a wine {because wine makes a crafting more fun} & diy night? 

I love a clear clutch. This one is perfect with its gold hardware and oversized envelope shape.

Clutches not your thang? How about a crossbody bag?

A stylish statement necklace that is a marriage of preppy and glamour. 

Studded details are everywhere. Why not make an arm party of them? 

Statement earrings are so on trend and these beauties definitely do not look homemade!