BHG Holiday Crafts Magazine!

I was so excited to have my holiday wreath featured in this year's BHG Holiday Crafts Magazine! I bought a copy for myself (and another for my mom!) and had so much fun looking through it (especially page 34!).

In addition to all the seriously cute winter holiday crafts, there are some adorable Halloween projects. Here's a peek at some of my favorites:

I love the holiday season!

♥ Shannon

A Peek at Christmas

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday! We spent Christmas with my mom and sisters, very relaxed with friends and boyfriends stopping by for visits in between board games, gift giving, delicious food, and merriment! 

♥ Shannon

Winter Wish List

Everyone keeps asking what I want for Christmas. Truly, I have everything in the world I need (unless Steven Spielberg's bff is reading this--then all I want is his contact information *wink*). I will say, though, here are a few things I'm really loving right now:

1. Party Straws in Red & White
2. Gift Certificate to Moo
3. Everyday Stainless Steel Straws
4. Cruelty-free base coat
5. Cruelty-free top coat
6. Cruelty-free red nail polish
7. Cruelty-free nail polish remover
8. Small Farmer's Market Basket in Blue
9. The War of Art
10. Blog, Inc.
11. Crazy Sexy Kitchen

I'm kind of a hippie, huh?

♥ Shannon

Christmas: Previous Projects

Here are some of my craft projects from previous years!

1. DIY Fireplace

 2. Flower Wreath

3. Flower Hairpiece

4. Origami Advent Calendar

5. Free Last-Minute Gift Wrap Ideas

Have you been doing any fun crafts this year?

♥ Shannon

Valentine's Day: Not just for lovers!

There are a lot of people out there who hate on Valentine's Day, calling it a hallmark holiday, or feeling overwhelmed by their lack-of-significant-other. Well it just shouldn't be so! Allow me to illustrate why, via Instagram:

True, I was able to sneak in some cuddle time with my lover, but it was during a nap because he had class all day. Was I going to let that get me down? Never!

My sisters and I had a date. Bonnie had us over for dinner and a movie (she had never seen Love Actually, can you believe it?), Forest brought cherry Moscato and amazing vegan Red Velvet cupcakes & cake pops (eeep!). My mom sent us each a matching love shirt, as well as puppy love in the form of Doodles Weaver, Bonnie's little chihuahua-werewolf mix.

I think the most touching part of the day was when my dad surprised me with a Valentine card made out to his daughter and son-in-law.

Think of Valentine's Day as an excuse to have frilly fun just for the sake of it! Dote on friends, family, pets, and yes, if you have them, lovers. Who cares if it's a "Hallmark Holiday"--it's a chance to celebrate!

Now, if you missed your chance, fear not, for today is the Feast of Lupercalia! Now go offer your libations to the gods and have fun!

♥ Shannon

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String...

So has the flurry of the holidays hit you yet? Just remember, a few months ago you looked forward to this season--lights, parties, loved ones, warm drinks by the fire. Let go of anything that might be stressing you out and enjoy this special time of year.

And if you're like me and you've waited until the last minute to find/wrap your gifts, don't worry--here's a cute idea for last-minute gift wrapping: DIY Baker's Twine + brown paper bags (or magazines, craft paper, newspaper, anything lying around!).

What you'll need:
--White twine ($2 at a craft store)
--Sharpies in whatever color strikes your fancy
--Brown paper bags (anthro magazines, newspapers, leftover fabric or paper, doesn't matter!)
--Free printable gift tags
--Scissors, tape, junk mail

To make your Baker's Twine, just wrap the twine around an old junk mail envelope and color stripes on both sides. When you unravel it, it looks just like the real thing (but for a fraction of the cost!).

I love using upcycled materials for gift wrapping--it's great for the environment!

♥ Shannon

Free Holiday Gift Tags

Why buy gift tags when you can download ones that are free? And precious!

These tags from Design*Sponge are probably the cutest tags I've ever seen!

I love these little birds from Creature Comforts!!

The Tasteful Life offers these bright tags--so cheerful!

West Elm. So clean and modern. As always. They have four different sets, but of course I love the animal ones!

How far along are you with gifts? Because I probably should start soon....

♥ Shannon

Cutest Cocoa Bar Ever

I am in love with this hot cocoa bar from Shindig Parties to Go. Hot cocoa, a few fun toppings, and a simple color scheme are all you need--just add good friends!

Check out all the details here!

I love pretty dessert tables, don't you?

♥ Shannon

December 1st!

I had so much fun making this crafty advent calendar with my sister. So cute and easy! I just used this origami box tutorial and voila!

Wouldn't it be cute as a garland or on a wreath? Inside each box is a fun activity for us to do as a family. The activity for today? Make stockings for our furry friends!

This is going to be a fun month--get ready for crafts, party fashion, gift ideas, and more!

PS: Distracted by the Subway Art in the background? It's from eighteen25--those girls are fantastic!

♥ Shannon

A Day for Giving Thanks

What a perfect holiday--a time when everyone around us is reminded to find the brightness in our world.

So who or what are you exquisitely thankful for?

♥ Shannon

Happy Monday!

Hello, dear friends. I am back in America, though not quite back home. I've had a beautiful, love-filled weekend with my Yoga Teacher Training family. We graduated Friday night (yay! I'm a registered yoga teacher!) then spent the weekend with our teachers and their teacher, John Friend.

It has left me feeling very grateful. I have also realized that sometime when I was surfing and jungle-trekking, the holidays approached! So with that, I have a few lovely things for you to be happy about:

1. Erika's lovely blog, chambanachik, complete with two weeks of Christmas Giveaways!

Check out her blog for fun DIYs like this scarf made from a t-shirt!!

2. The new Christmas Planner from the eighteen25 sisters! Yes!!

3. Linda's crochet bows from The Little Willow.

She's so cute--and she's so young! Still in college, hoping to one day be a small business owner. I love it.

3. This Peter Pan Collar DIY from Ruche

4. In fact, all of the Homemade Holiday crafts from Ruche!

5. The Merry and Bright holiday cards from Creative Thursday.

Alright, I'm going to try to contain my winter holiday enthusiasm until after Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't resist! It's in the air, don't you think?

If these aren't enough to get you amped, I'm announcing a Giveaway tomorrow. And it's going to be awesome. Trust me.

♥ Shannon

Buy Local on Black Friday

 Image via The Green Glass Company

Banner design by Rachel Red Lips

This year, check out local shops featuring handmade, fair trade, and organic items. These gifts are usually more special because they are original and they have numerous benefits for the community. Everyone wins! Some of my favorite places here in Maryland are Nest, Mother Nature's, and Lovely Yarns.

Where will you be shopping?

♥ Shannon