Last Minute Gifts Ideas for Under $50

Did you wait until the last minute to purchase that gift for someone special. Here are several gift ideas for under $50:

For Him:

Cuff links from Block Party Press

For Her:

Necklace from The Broken Plate

Hostess Gift:

Tea Towels from Fuzzy Mug

Teacher Gift:

Bookmarks by Yummy and Company

Written by Linda's Paperie

Trim That Tree!

Every year I seek out a new ornament for the tree, something unique, fun and hand made of course! Here a few of my favorite etsy finds this year.

Gingerbread zombie man by Living Thread!


I know I need this copper Boxer dog ornament by White Dog Art. They have many different breeds if you are not a Boxer lover like me!

Beautiful hand blown glass ornament by In The Light Glass Work for my traditional side.

BEST'S own Jenny Jen's felt Owl Ornament- he maybe hanging around all year.

Powder coated steel ornaments by Megan Auman, for the metal smith in me.

Baltimore Life: Highlandtown Train Garden

Highlandtown kicks off new holiday tradition! -and I think my family will have to take part! This is a great opportunity for kids, grandparents, and families to get into the holiday spirit together this season. With free admission, it makes for a great treat.

For weeks now, in a secret location, model railroading engineers have been assembling East Baltimore’s first public train garden, which will open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 5, at noon at Engine Company 41, Highlandtown’s firehouse at 520 S. Conkling Street.

Construction of the 16-by-eight-foot, two-tier layout was built by volunteers with generous support from community organizations.

The train garden will be open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. and Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., from Dec. 5-27. The layout will also be open Monday, Dec. 28, 5-8 p.m.
The Southeast Anchor Library will host the opening reception, Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. The classic film “Polar Express” Southeast Anchor library auditorium Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon with free admission.
See you there!

Holiday Finds: Luck of the Irish

I'm all about decorating my mantle for holidays, and these would be perfect. Set of three houses by careysquirks.

I'm only a wee bit Irish, but on St. Patrick's Day, I still like to say I am - who doesn't? Note card set by katieblairdesigns.

I adore the texture of this scarf by marshallarts79.

Smell like the Emerald Isle with these soaps from Sudstress.

Love this moss clip by Ottoman, the little circles remind me of moss-covered landscapes.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Not in the Holiday Spirit?

Here are some things you can do that will help you get to that fuzzy cherry place!


Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum through December 30th
Come on! Everyone likes trains!


Miracle on 34th Street in Hampden
You think you've seen the brightest, the most over the top, the most spectacular decorations a neighborhood can handle. If you haven't been tho 34th St. in Hampden, I can promise you that you've never seen anything like it. Seriously. You can almost hear the utility meters clicking away.


Photos with Santa at Harborplace
When was the last time you went down the harbor? Right now is the perfect time. It's relatively calm in the wintertime and the Christmas lights are really very beautiful. What's more is that you don't need kids to participate... This Monday, December 15th from 6-9pm, bring your dog or cat for a holiday photo and enjoy some holiday fun with Santa (I'm not sure how much fun my cat would have but...). A variety of holiday costumes will be available for pets to wear during their special photo shoot. Yay!

Friday Finds- Thanksgiving Edition

Thanksgiving is almost here! And here's some of my favorite things to put you and your family in a holiday mood...

I love the retro feel of this apron, by jnsweeney.

The color on these napkins is so luscious, and perfect for an autumnal table. (I'd probably use my sleeve instead, though.) By margotbianca.

Sweet felt garland, perfect decor for a doorway or mantle, by miesmama.

I can't stand how much i love these acorns. These would be amazing scattered on your dinner table. By truLuxe.

This Indian Paintbrush wreath is so striking - what a great way to welcome your guests. By dancingcircle.

Friday Finds - 4th of July Edition

please, please, please, someone buy this dress. it is too much fun. bonus points if you add the sailor hat. by avantegarbe

something for the kids- red, white, and blue star pony holders by ButtonBoutique

for your favorite pooch, patriotic collar by twohappyhounds

if you're feeling quietly patriotic, grab this ring by momomatic

even a sock monkey can get in on the love, by hoffeeandanuffin

by the way, my favorite patriotic item is here. enjoy the fireworks, and the nice long weekend!

Father's Day Finds

In honor of Father's Day,

A shirt that speaks for itself, by BRANDED


For those suit-and-tie days, by toybreaker


Ditto, by our own blockpartypress


I don't like guns, but this belt buckle is stunning, by lucybluestudio


And i love this print anytime, by ArgyleWhale

Happy Father's Day!

Etsy Finds

In honor of Memorial Day, some handmade items featuring the old red white and blue:

Star decoration by hasenpfeffer


Etoile (and stripes!) earrings by sofiamasri


Sweet patriotic dress by necessityisthemother


Betsy Ross decoration by middleburg


For your backyard barbeque, by sassyapron

Here's hoping for peace....