Saturday, December 31, 2011

Appreciate the Moment



"It’s sad to me when I see people who are with their significant other or their children and they are not really understanding how critically important it is to appreciate that moment. Because that’s all life is. It’s little moments pasted together. The only thing that’s important in your life are relationships." - Peg Reiter, widow of Jerry Schad

I recently read an article in the San Diego Union Tribune about the widow of Jerry Schad and how she is coping after his death earlier this year. Schad was a legend in San Diego for his series of hiking guides which encouraged city dwellers to get out and explore the beautiful San Diego back country and even the urban canyons. The quote above, was from the closing of that article. It resonated with me so much and was a great reminder about prioritizing and capturing all the little moments of life.

As I reflect on all the adventures and projects that happened in 2011, I feel very grateful. From starting my own business, to checking things of the life list, to seeing a live seal birth, to great memory-making visits with friends and family. These just scratches the surface.

Needless to say, I am looking forward to 2012, to make more memories, to learn new things, to push myself, to say yes to things that are scary, and to enjoy the journey. Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Handmade for the Holidays - Gifts for your Sweetie

Welcome to my Handmade for the Holidays series. Today I am featuring some handmade items from Etsy sellers that might be a fun gift for your sweetie. This is my last post in my Handmade for the Holiday series. I hope you all have a great holiday season and are able to support artisans and crafters this season.

Eye Chart Print ($13)

CJ Prints makes a variety of fun prints that are a take on the typical eye chart. This one says "You are the cookies to my milk". Last year I got Bob one that says "You are the ketchup to my fries". Those of you who know me, know I really love ketchup. Lots of different themes and colors to choose from.


Felted Penguin ($22)

New Jersey-based AdoraWools makes sweet felted wool creations. I thought this was a particularly charming little penguin with an over-sized heart.

Gourmet Cocoa and Marshmallow Pops ($15/ four servings)

Nothing like a good cup of steamy cocoa and a warm blanket fire side to make for perfect nuzzling with your sweetie. You can always add a little Bailey's to your cocoa to make it more grown up . This gourmet cocoa kit is from Danielle's Sweet Shop has everything you need on a stick to make cocoa. Just swirl it in warm milk and enjoy.

Hans + Leia Key Chains ($30)
If your sweetie is a Star Wars fan, then this key chain set may be the perfect gift. Hand stamped and featuring a line from the Empire Strikes Back. You can choose aluminum, copper or brass. San Diego-based Spiffing Jewelry makes these, as well as a lot of other fun metal jewelry items.


Leather Journal with Heart Key ($29)
 How about a pretty journal to write shared memories of your time together. Each person takes turn writing a little note, memory or sweet thought in the journal. Bound By Hand is based in Santa Cruz and makes a variety of leather journals in different colors and styles.

Chocolate Saffron Romance Box ($28)

Red Ambrosia is based in Northern California and makes a variety of all natural luxury botanical items for massage. This kit contains body oil and love balm. Celebrate romance with this fun little gift.

There you have it. Some of my gift picks for the sweetie on your list. You can see all my other gift picks from the last six days by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom. You will find  gifts for kids, pets, map lovers, the guys, the girl and even gifts for the home. Happy shopping and hooray for supporting handmade.


Note: Photo credits belong to each of the Etsy vendors listed in this post.