Summer Lovin’

Posted on July 29, 2014 by sara

How’s your summer going? Can you believe July is nearly over? I’ve gotta get in my sunny days in while I can!

Here are some things I’m loving right now…

1. This baby shower tablecloth is so cute.

2. I must have this gold {temporary} tattoo.

3. Chocolate potato chips? Yes please!

4. I adore this 40th birthday. It gives me ideas for a future party for my hubby…

5. Tiny gift parade. {this has made the rounds, but I love gifts!}

6. Candy necklace napkin ring. So colorful and fun for summer.

What are you loving this summer?

Gift for a New Mom

Posted on July 24, 2014 by sara

Speaking of gifts… I remember reading awhile back (probably on a blog) about a new mom, home on maternity leave with her new baby, asking for books to read while breastfeeding. As sometimes the baby will feed for hours at a time, she was looking for ways to entertain herself beyond social media and reality tv marathons. Being a big reader myself, I found this to be an interesting and thoughtful gift idea and stored it away.

I recently had a chance to try it out, as a friend had the good timing to have her baby exactly a week before we planned to see her. We were able to see her, her new baby girl– and the amount of down time she had those first few days. We certainly wanted to get her something to celebrate the baby’s arrival — and maybe we saw her on a day that she was feeling stir-crazy, but she seemed excited by the idea of some books.

I sent her 3 of some of my recent favorites– The Signature of All Things, The Language of Flowers, and Cutting for Stone. All paperbacks, to make it a bit lighter to balance. Hopefully she will enjoy them and find this to be a useful gift.

Moms, any feedback or thoughts on this gift?

{image}

Personalized Gifts

Posted on July 22, 2014 by sara

I love giving gifts. It’s so much fun to find the perfect item for someone, just the thing that they need or want. For special occasions, I find that personalized gifts that commemorate the moment can become the most meaningful items to share. Living overseas, it can be hard to to provide these kind of thoughtful gifts– so thank goodness for shopping online!

Uncommongoods is now offering handmade and personalized gifts, making it so much easier for me to find the perfect gift for friends and family. From jewelry to entertaining items, home decor to slippers, you can find something for everyone. Just check out some of these items…

1. I met 4 new babies while I was home in the US. These pillows would have been perfect gifts for those families.

2. These shark slippers make me laugh. These would be great for a nephew or a brother.

3. I love this personalized couple/family art. So cute and good for any stage of life.

4. This handmade basket is just plain cool.

Little Gifts to Show We Care

Posted on July 15, 2014 by sara

We are back from our US adventure, jet lagged, tired, but full of love. I’m trying to get back on schedule, but that 12 hour time difference kicks me in the pants.

While we were gone we asked some friends to stay in our apartment to take care of our cat {she’s needy and hungry}. To say thank you we left a little welcome gift of Japanese chocolate covered potato chips. I wrapped them up with ribbon and a note.

For our friends and family in the US, we wanted to share a little taste of Asia. The green tea taste has won us over, so we got some mini green tea KitKats to hand out. I added our contact information to each package. I attached the strips with special edition washi tape of the Hong Kong Star Ferry and skyline.

We hope everyone enjoyed our gifts!

Flower Obsession

Posted on June 12, 2014 by sara

Around Japan I saw little nosegays of flowers at every corner market, perfectly wrapped up. I’ve been eying them every since. I love the patterned paper with the colorful blooms. I’m definitely trying this, as a small gift or decorations at a party.

{images: 1/2/3}