diy holiday gift wrap ideas

This year I'm going down the eco-friendly gift wrap path by using brown paper grocery bags (which are made from recycled paper and easily recyclable themselves) instead of the usual wrapping paper and plastic ribbon. To jazz things up a bit (because a gift that's wrapped in just brown paper bags can be kind of boring) I'm going to use paint, yarn, tape, glitter, craft scraps, twine, etc... to get creative with decorating the paper wrapping!

This is a great way to be conscious, green, AND creative for the holidays!

Click on the links below for tutorials on how to create these simple gift-wrap decorating ideas!

1. Word Puzzle Wrapping Paper - via The Die Line - Instead of buying the wrapping paper, make your own word puzzle by using letter stamps then circle the holiday or the name of the person receiving the gift!

2. Washi Tape Wrapping Paper - via Poppy Talk

3. More Washi Tape Decorating

4. Easy Printmaking Using Block of Wood and Yarn - via Modern Parents Messy Kids

5. Paper Scraps + Celery as a Stamping Tool - via Creature Comforts - This idea is probably my favorite! I love the tags and the pattern (flower-esque) the celery makes!

6. Typographic Gift Wrap - via Man Made - Fantastically simple!

7. Doily Gift Tags - via Pinterest - Buy packs of doilies at the dollar store then cut and glue away!

8. Easy Styrofoam Printing on Paper or Fabric - via Alisa Burke  

9. Gift Wrap Ideas Following a Yellow Color Palette - via Decor8 - she used grocery bags and carefully selected colors and decor items such as: doilies, opaque white ink pen, ribbon, lace, fabric measuring tape, bakers twine, and washi tape!

Happy Creative Wrapping!

this and that

[image via cstar events]

I'm storing this idea in the "fun party ideas" section of my brain. These would be perfect for Easter, birthdays, and even New Years!

Tuesday night was spent chasing Santa Claus through the neighborhoods so the kids (and I) could sit on his lap (I refrained from doing this) to tell him what we want for Christmas. We also made beautiful gingerbread houses using gumdrops, peppermint pinwheels, m&m's, smarties, jelly beans, and sugary frosting for snow... all while listening and singing to the Christmas genre station on Pandora. Love me some Pandora! Oh, and I bet our gingerbread houses are more personalized than yours! Geneva built a mailbox on her house and Christian and Nicolas built dandelions (they are fascinated by dandelions ever since I showed them one the other day) and candy bushes and trees.  

Sneak peak at one of the many handmade or hand painted gifts I'm giving friends and family this Christmas! I used Pebeo Porcelaine 150 outliner paint on porcelain mugs from CB2. 

Do it!: 

1. make sure your mug is clean and dry.

2. paint whatever design you want! (i'm personalizing each mug based on the person I'm giving it to).

3. once you've finished painting, let it dry for 24 hours.

4. bake your mug for 35 minutes at 300 to 325 degrees F. 

5. after baking, turn off the oven and leave the mug inside until it has gradually cooled to room temp.

6. mug is now dishwasher safe with a rad design! drink up folks!

[images via society 6]

If you're an art enthusiast, into creative designs and juxtapositions, or want a cool sight to browse through on your lunch break, check out Society6! They have really sweet artwork created by thousands of artists from around the world! Find a print you like? Get it framed, put on an iPhone case, laptop skin, t-shirt, or sweatshirt! The possibilities are endless. I personally LOVE the "Scales" iPhone cover designed by Steven Womack and the "Whimsical Balloons" laptop skin designed by Laura Ruth!

[image via pinterest]

Made some the other day except I used shelled pumpkin seeds from the bulk bins at Whole Foods. 

Do it!: 

1. put about a cup of shelled pumpkin seeds in a ziploc bag and pour 1 tbsp. of olive oil and 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce into the bag. 

2. shake the bag until the seeds are covered with oil and soy sauce.

3. line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread the seeds on the sheet.

4. bake the seeds at 400 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes. Don't overcook because the seeds brown easily!!

5. Let cool for 5 minutes.

6. Enjoy as a snack on its own, on salads, fish, greens, and rice!

nom nom nom!

choose to live healthy [2]: "Superfoods" by David Wolfe

"The knowledge David Wolfe brings us is vital for reaching the ultimate level of health, clarity, and understanding about the power of foods to heal ourselves and the planet. I believe that David, with his wealth of information, is hands-down one of the most important people of this century."

-Justin BUA, artist and author of The Beat of Urban Art

Awhile back, before I became a full-fled vegan, my friend encouraged me to read raw foods guru David Wolfe's book, Superfoods. I did and I loved it. I learned about the top 10 superfoods out there (goji berries, cacao, maca, bee products, spiraling, afa blue-green algae, marine phytoplankton, aloe vera, hempseed, and coconuts) and how they act as powerful sources of clean protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, good fats and oils, essential amino and fatty acids, and other nutrients. 

We all know (some more than others) that organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, and other healthy plant foods are very important part of our diet. What we may yet know (that's why you should read this book!) that eating the superfoods listing above is a way to guarantee that you will get the nutrients you require to be healthy all the years of your life. In essence, superfoods are true health foods.

David Wolfe organizes the book by describing each superfood in detail, accompanied by easy and delicious recipes and authoritative scientific information. "This accessible guide presents persuasive arguments, based on sound science, for the unique power of superfoods to promote nutritional excellence, health and well-being, beauty, sustainable agriculture, and to transform individual diet and lifestyle, leading to a revitalized humanity and planet." - Superfoods 

And do yourself a favor. Make the Goji Balls recipe on page 29 before reading. They are AHHmazing!

What you'll need: 

2 cups dried goji berries blended in a high-speed blender

1 cup tocotrienols

2 tbsp. coconut oil

2 tbsp. raw honey

1 handful cacao nibs

1 heaping tbsp. chocolate powder

1/4 cup almonds blended into fine powder in a high-speed blender

Mix with hands into bite-size balls and munch away!

the most beautiful public spaces

[image via luxefinds]

"The Bean" sculpture by Anish Kapoor in Millennium Park, Chicago. It is made of 168 highly polished stainless steel plates, and stands at 33 feet high, 66 feet long, and 42 feet wide, weighing 110 tons. I like how the reflective surface captures and transforms the city skyline and your own reflection if you get close enough. 

[ image via luxefinds]

“Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain”, a giant sculpture in Duisburg, Germany by artists Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth. Information about the sculpture by the artists: Here is more information from the artists: ”The curved flight of stairs inscribes like a signature on the landscape and recruits the nimbus of the classical roller coaster. Having a closer look, the public is disappointed in a disarming way. The visitor climbs on foot via differently steep steps the roller-coaster-sculpture. So the sculpture subtly and ironically plays with the dialectic of promise and disappointment, mobility and standstill. Visitors happen to briefly meet with oncoming visitors on the steep and about 1m | 1yd wide corridors. Led-lights are integrated in the handrails and highlight the flight of stairs so the sculpture is accessible at night, too.” I'd like to climb on this at night and take in views of the Rhine river and surrounding areas!

Located in Sienna, Italy, Piazza del Campo is an open plaza located at physical and cultural the heart of the city. I visited Sienna back in high school and this square made the most vivid memory. I love the way in which the square is outlined with quaint cafes and shops and if you're big into people watching like I am, Piazza del Campo is perfect for that because its layout allows you to see everything in the square from any corner! Sounds creepy, I know, but it's a real treat! 

The Champ de Mars is a large public greenspace in Paris, France. Umm, could you have a more beautiful monument to play frisbee, eat a banquet and cheese with a loved one, or take a nap next to? I think not. 

  

New York knows what's up when it comes to the holidays and how to decorate and transform the city into a winter wonderland! It's no surprise then that Rockefeller Center at Christmas time makes the list as one of the most beautiful public spaces to visit. I mean look at that tree! There are literally thousands of lights strewn upon that giant. All I got to say is I'm glad not to be the one in charge of decorating it! 

It's very clear that New York is the place to be during the holidays! Note to future husband: Take me here for the holidays one year PLEASE! :)

The Madrid Atocha Train Station is Madrid's largest and first train station. It was converted into a concourse with a beautiful tropical garden of palm trees and glass roof (as well as a nightclub and various cafes!) in 1992 after the city built a new train station adjacent to this one. I love the whole modern industrial meets nature vibe going on here!  

These are only a handful of some of my favorite places I've been lucky enough to enjoy; and some I'm still dreaming about going to. Out of the thousands of beautiful places out there, which is your personal favorite? It may be your local park or a national park. Tell me about it! I wanna know where it is! 

weekend wonderments [5]: solstice canyon hike and hollyweird

The greatest piece of advice given in my life thus far includes two things:  If it makes you happy, do it. If it doesn't, then don't. 

Life is short. Change your view about happiness. Do the things that make you happy and make you feel your absolute best! Lose the things that make you unhappy or are no longer serving you. 

With that said, here are the stills from my weekend of me doing some of the things that make me happy!:

Taking goofy photos with Geneva. She loves taking pictures with me on my phone! This makes me happy.

Friday after work I went to sushi at Katsu for some sake and sushi - veggie style! - before heading to Gable House Bowl (old bowling stomping grounds back in high school!). While searching the leftovers for an appropriately sized bowling ball, my best friend Alex Curry surprised me with a "What are youuuu doing here?!" You know you're best friends with someone when you both go to the same place on the same night without telling each other! Crazy I'd say. We're totally on the same wavelength.

On our way to Urth Cafe in Santa Monica Saturday, we literally drove through a sea of decorated firetrucks and police cars escorting Mr. Claus himself through the parade route. Check out that stuffed Santa Claus going down the chimney on top of the police car!! 

One mural on Main Street in Santa Monica I never get tired of seeing. Lovely words, positive message.

Pure joy from Urth Cafe. That's a beet, carrot, celery, and ginger juice up top!

After lunch, Alex and I drove up to Malibu to go on a little hiking adventure in Solstice Canyon. We ended up doing more mountain climbing (see Alex's mountain climbing squat stance above) than actual "hiking." The canyon and scenery was enchanting - full of waterfalls, pools, vibrant green plants, and remnants of Fred Roberts ranch! 

How romantic and relaxed do those two look kicking it in the hammock? What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon !

Saturday night my mom and I went out together in Hollywood for one of her friends birthdays! You may be thinking mom, daughter, and hollywood don't mix, but we had so much fun together! 

We made a great  team and painted Hollyweird red in a fun yet classy way! 

[small handful of our usually large RFKC family!]

Sunday night I went to our Royal Family Kids Camp (the nonprofit I'm blessed to be apart of) annual Christmas party! We signed Christmas cards for our beautiful kids in the program and ate lots of delicious food! I love the candid shot of my cousin Carly in the chair and Ashley on the right. Love these girls!

handmade gift ideas

1. Handmade Clay Bird Ornaments - The Shine Project, aren't these just the cutest? I like how you can personalize them using stamp letters. Perfect gift for family members, newlyweds, or Baby's 1st Christmas ornaments!

2. Marshmallow Gun - Create Studio, perfect the the little guys in your life and really fun to make together!

3. Etched Hot Cocoa Jar - Oopsey Daisy, great gift idea a whole family can enjoy!

4.  Homemade Peppermint Bark - Martha Stewart, place peppermint bark in a christmas tin, slap on a tag, and tada! you've got a delicious gift to give!

5. DIY Wrap Bracelet - Honestly...WTF, I've made these before by following the tutorial. I love layering these with other bracelets and I ALWAYS get compliments when I wear them out. Buy your materials at Ornamentea.

6. Handmade Tea Soap - Cucumbersome, Brilliant! I love the thought of bathing in tea!

7. DIY Film Candle Holder - Photojojo, Neglect photo negatives no further—time to use those negatives for something positively enlightening!

8. Printed Candles - Instructables, a simple and beautiful gift.

9. Party Mix! - Cookies and Cups, Got an event or holiday party to attend? This party mix is a fun and delicious addition to the party.

10. Money Money Money - How About Orange, Don't have time to buy a gift? Forgot to give a gift to someone? Well you're in luck! Just fold a bill into a cute little shirt and you're safe! 

pumpkin spiced (and everything nice) pancakes

I usually don't eat typical breakfast foods such as pancakes or waffles because 9 times out of 10 the recipes out there aren't vegan friendly. However, yesterday morning, largely impart of the chilly weather I'm guessing, I was craving warm, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes like our mothers (or fathers!) used to make when we were little (or now!) and I was on a mission to find the perfect recipe to satiate that craving. 

After about 4 minutes (thanks again Internet!), I found a recipe worth making the trip over to Whole Foods for. Angela Liddon, my go-to gal for dank vegan recipes, did it again! Her spiced up and stacked pumpkin butter pancakes recipe on her blog Oh She Glows hit the pancake spot in my belly! 

What you'll need: (serves 1)

1/2 cup stone ground Kamut flour (or flour of choice)- I used buckwheat flour

3/4 cup non dairy milk- I used almond

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3/4 tsp cinnamon + dash of nutmeg + dash ginger

1/2 tbsp sugar- I used agave nectar (mix it in with the wet ingredients)

Pinch sea salt

1 tbsp coconut oil, melted (or preferred oil)

Pecans (optional)

Coconut chips (optional)

Homemade Pumpkin Butter- Trader Joe's makes a good one if you don't want to make it from scratch

Do it!:

1. Grease and preheat a skillet on the stovetop.
2. In a medium sized bowl, mix the dry ingredients (baking powder, flour, sugar, sea salt, spices).
3. In a small bowl mix the wet ingredients (vanilla, almond milk, coconut oil (melted). Add wet to dry and whisk well.
4. Pour less than 1/4 cup per pancake and cook until bubble form. Flip and cook until golden on the opposite side.5. Layer with Homemade Pumpkin Butter and pecans and sprinkle with coconut. 

Then Sha BAM! Instant satisfaction at the breakfast table. 

Want or need to score some points with the parentals?? Make these Christmas morning (or any morning)!!