Gifts For The Guys

I struggle a lot for gift ideas for the men in my life:  husband, brother-in-law, etc.  Well, it's much easier now, thanks to this compilation of ideas, all brought to you from Uncommon Goods.  They did not sponsor this post, I just found their gifts for men creative, inspiring, and unique.  And this is just a small sampling of the hundreds of cool, creative ideas that they have to choose from.  Be sure to check out there site for a complete run down.  

1. F-Bomb Paperweight.  It's never easy dropping truth bombs in the office. But "f" bombs? Always explosive fun! Fred Conlon's recycled steel sculpture lightens up desk-side chats and tough conversations with a delightfully abstract expletive appropriate for any situation. Handmade in Utah.

2.  Golf Barbecue Tool Set. Golf and BBQ: separated at birth? Both involve the outdoors, great friends, and knowing in the clearest of terms that you wouldn't want to be doing anything else. These weekend favorites are combined in this three-piece stainless steel BBQ set with soft insulated handles that look just like golf grips. The tongs, spatula, and fork are perfect for the guy who loves the links, sausage or otherwise. Made in China.Sold as a set of three.

3.  NYC Map Tie. Subtly pay tribute to the city that never sleeps with a modern necktie that boasts a charming portrait of the Big Apple in a graphic aesthetic that is positively big-city chic! This high-design rendering of NYC appears to be a gridded graphic from afar, but up close street names, parks, and landmarks appear, allowing you to show a little urban pride even in the most no-nonsense corporate environment. Each cosmopolitan accessory is suited to liven up the business attire of the local as well as the fellow about town, the metropolitan enthusiast, or the civic aficionado. Designed by Josh Bach. Made in New York City.

4. Money clip.  Even if you're light on cash, you'll own a rich sense of humor with this cheeky, aluminum clip. Its engraved wisecrack says it all (and then some): 

5.  Stone Drink Dispenser.  You may not be able to get water from a stone, but you can tap your favorite spirits. Cut from cobbled granite and affixed with a stainless steel spigot with a beach stone lever, Jeff Henderson's sturdy and sophisticated drink dispenser adds instant pizazz to any event. Handmade in New Hampshire.

6.  Mix Tape Tumblers.  Take all-occasion glassware on a retro rewind with these colorful mixtape glasses. The blank tape allows partygoers to write their names or favorite power ballad on the cassette using the included wax pencil, giving you a personalized playlist and a great way to keep track of drinks. Glassware made in Louisiana, decorated in Maryland. 

7. iPhone charging doc. The epitome of modern electronic design is now paired up with the timeless, organic minimalism of nature. These docks for iPhone and iPod are handcrafted from natural driftwood, polished to a velvety smoothness by sand and surf before washing up on the stony shores of Maine. That's where Lee Goodwin and his team gather them, select each one for size and shape, and craft them to fit the contours and cord of your device. The juxtaposition of organic and artificial, contemporary and timeless transforms your personal electronics into a piece of functional art. Handmade in Maine.

8. United States of Beer Map. Celebrate America's amber waves of grain, as well as their finest amber ales. Each state on this hop-friendly map offers a spot to list your favorite local brewer, the date you tried it, and a flavor wheel to gauge your taste. Whether you're on a cross-country road trip or sampling some of America's finest from the comfort of your couch, this beer-lover's design allows you to sip from sea to shining sea and honor your favorite hops. Made in Portland, OR.

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Easy Crockpot Applesauce

I made crockpot applesauce for the first time last week.  It turned out great and tastes like apple pie, with no added sugar!  I had extra canning jars, so I decided to jar a few for quick gifts this season.

What You'll Need:

• 6-9 medium to large apples (I used organic red delicious, but I have since also used Fuji and Gala, and those work great, too)
• 1 tbl cinnamon
• 1 tbl pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp. sea salt or himalayan salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 cups water

Peel half the apples.  Leave the skins on the other half of the apples (this leaves some much loved fiber in your sauce). Core and dice the apples into small chunks.  Place in crockpot and add all spices, lemon juice, and 3 cups of the water.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  If it becomes too thick as it cooks, add additional water.

Flavored applesauce variation (optional):  in the last hour of simmering, add 3 bananas, 3 peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced), or 1 cup of blueberries.

Once soft, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the apples.  Note:  I had to do 2-3 batches in my food processor to blend the entire batch.  

Transfer to jars or storage containers.  Keep refrigerated or freeze.  

For gift giving, simply add ribbon and gift tag (if desired) and you are set!

Craft Spotlight: Upcycled Christmas Light Ornaments

By Meg Hodson

I am an avid recycler and try to be a good role model for my children when it comes to conserving and recycling.  So, when we were recently decorating our Christmas tree, we were testing our lights and inevitably, many needed replacing.  I gazed at the pile of colored bulbs on our counter, not wanting to just throw them away.  Then a great idea struck me.

I have always loved to tie ornaments or other small trinkets to presents.  I will usually buy a package of small bulbs strictly for this purpose.  But looking at these old bulbs, I decided to play with the idea of using them instead.  I am very excited about the results!

To make them sparkle (and to get the kids involved with this project), I had them coat each bulb heavily with a glue stick.  (The bulbs I had are the C7 old-fashioned bulbs, but the C9's should work equally as well) Then, I gently rolled them in small cups of glitter.  I found, through experimentation, that matching bulb to glitter color worked best, in case there were microscopic areas that were missed by glitter. So, I chose green on green, red on red, and used white with silver.  To let them dry, I used a cookie cooling rack and set them upright in the holes.  I did not use a craft sealant of any kind on these, but they are a little delicate and I think it would be a good idea.

Once dry, have your hot glue gun ready and ribbon of your choice (I used 1/4 inch wide single face satin).  First, cut off a strand and glue the ends on opposites side of the end of the bulb (see photo below).  Let dry for a minute and cut another strand to tie a bow across the end of the bulb.

                         Tweet

And you're done!  They look positively adorable on gifts and equally adorable hanging on the tree. Have fun!

          

Kids' Favorite Stocking Stuffers

By Meg Hodson

I know, lots of bloggers out there have their "must have" stocking stuffer lists.  I am no exception! Stockings are probably the best part of Christmas morning for me.  I individually wrap all the goodies I tuck in for my kids so each one is a true treasure.

So, I've rounded up a few fun, cute gifts they are sure to covet in their stockings.  Below read on for my top five girls and top five boys stocking stuffers.

For The Girls:

1.  Cherokee Sequin Tank, from Target.  I even want one of these!  And at only $12.99, it's sure to be a pleaser in any girls' stocking.

2.  Pink Leopard Print TOMS, from Nordstrom.  I know my little girl wants a pair.  Just perfect to tuck into a stocking.

3.  Hello Kitty Bow Compact Mirror, from Sephora.  I know my daughter would love to tuck this into her bag.

4.  "Have A Cherry Christmas" Lip Gloss, by Philosophy.  Not too flashy, perfect for the little girl in your life.

5.  M & M's Earbuds,  by Maxell.  Too cute!

For The Boys:

1.  Batman Hat, from Target.  Any boy would love to stay warm with this hat!  A steal at $9.99.

2.  Love these Fan Decks, from Pottery Barn Kids.  Available in Superhero or Star Wars.

3.  Solar Powered Bug, Fat Brain Toys.  We were once at a science museum and my boys played with something similar to this for hours!

4.  Crayola Airbrush Maker, by Crayola.  Turns a marker into an airbrush.  Art loving kids will dig it!

5.  Spy Glasses, available at Amazon.  I love these.....and they are a steal at $2.50 for a fun stocking stuffer.

Editor's Note:  I have not been solicited by any of the above companies.  I simply love their stuff!

Happy shopping!