The Open Hearted Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year! I love thinking almost all year for gift ideas for this season that show my loved ones how loved they are while preparing us for another bright, creative year ahead. I hope you love poking around for everyone on your list! Each button goes to a treasure trove of finds,…

Fall Hygge from Etsy

As someone who has spent most of my life in Texas, there’s almost a thrill in the Wild West’s distaste for following seasonal weather. I’ve gone swimming on Thanksgiving and Easter, worn a t-shirt and watched it snow on Christmas Day. Be ready for anything and you’ll be fine is really how it’s done there,…

Etsy Gifts Under $25: Kids Edition

Especially now that we live out of town, I delight in few things more than spoiling my nieces and nephew by mail. I remember being so excited to get a package from an out-of-town aunt or grandparent growing up. It seems like the cost of an average children’s gift is rising these days. Honestly though,…

How to Make a German School Cone

I know and I cannot believe that we are thinking about Back to School again. I am never the one to start these conversations, as you can usually find me at the pool feeding my family sandwiches until 9:00 p.m. the day before The Big Day. As much as it pains me, I think our…

The Best Dresses for European Travel

I’ve had so much luck lately finding the best dresses for European travel, and thanks to lots of after school errands to run, plenty of time to test a few on the cobblestone streets here. The sun is out for spring, town is exploding with blooming vines and color and its time for shoulders and…

Gifts for Mom from Etsy

I have to be honest that, once I become a Mother myself, I discovered that my favorite gifting holiday is Mother’s Day. There’s something about seeing what my family puts on the breakfast tray for me – from a card made at school to a bauble or handmade coupon for an experience – that really…

Easter Gifts on Etsy

After a beautiful but gray winter, it’s been a treat to begin to see cello wrapped chocolate molds and bright candy displays in the shop windows for the upcoming Easter season. As I plan our first Easter living in Germany, I’m getting easter basket gifts from Etsy.  I love how Etsy celebrates handmade gifts and…

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts on Etsy

Y’all, the day is almost here. It’s not close but it’s not far off either, and I vote that we begin talking about it. Parents, like all humans on Earth, have had it rough for the past year. Moms have lost their jobs at the highest numbers in our economy during the pandemic while they’ve…

Kids Gifts on Etsy

One thing I really enjoy is being around children. Whether I’m getting to enjoy the company of children at one of my art parties in Dallas, getting to spend precious time with my nieces and nephew and, of course, being with my daughter, I find getting really present with a child reminds me that there…

How to Make Christmas Putz Houses

Growing up, my favorite places to be during Christmas time were my grandparents’ houses. Not even the most exciting outing of pre-ticketed, oversensory holiday cheer could compare to the comfort of how each home welcomed and comforted me with the same decorations out year after year, the same little traditions. I always cry putting out…