Boxwood Clippings

‘Holy Night’ by Carlo Maratta

There has been only one Christmas, the rest are anniversaries.

-W.J. Cameron

Happy Christmas to you and yours. See you in a few days!

Well, even though I started decorating before Thanksgiving, they weren’t finished until last week. I got very busy this year, so I was grateful I started when I did.

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve made our bedroom festive, but I really enjoy the results this year. There’s nothing like reading a good book, snuggled in my down comforter, with twinkly lights all around…aaaaaah bliss.

 Hope you’re all having a magical Christmas Eve…

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!

Wrapping with your fella in mind can be a bit of a challenge. For this look we combined natural elements, and a touch of men’s fashion.

Details:

• The first package is brown paper with brown ribbon. The tag made from scrabble pieces glued to a scrap of leather. Simple.
• The second package is bark textured paper found at Target. An old belt was used for embellishment, we just needed to add an extra hole so it was snug.
• The final package is wrapped in seasonal plaid from the Dollar Tree. With cinnamon sticks and an acorn with twine finished the look.

This look is making ready to hit the mountains! Where are my boots?!

There is no bigger trend this season than mixing rustic and chic, and we are all over it with upcycling things we already owned and a little spray paint:

Details:

• For the little walnut present we simply spray painted the nut and hot glued it to a little box to create a huge statement on a little gift.
• For the large white gift we used glitter tape from the craft store and embellished with spray painted cinnamon sticks and a pine cone.
• We used craft paper, a scrap of natural mesh and a spray painted leaf to create an easy, elegant gift. We created a similar look by using an old belt to embellish a simple brown parcel.
• Lastly we used glitter scrapbook paper to wrap a wooden box and attached with twine.

Grab your spray paint ladies and get ready to witness a makeover!

For the rest of the week we’ll be sharing more of our gift wrap ideas, since we figure you’ll be busy setting up wrapping stations too. We hope you find them pretty, but also inspiring…enjoy!

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Black and white is our ultimate favorite color combination, so naturally it is our first go-to for gift wrap, with Christmas being no exception.We were inspired by THIS dress in My Fair Lady, to add lace. A pretty classy result we think!

Again, we gathered odds and ends from around the house to help achieve each look.

Details:

• The black lace is from a pair of tights that we cut up and used as a sleeve over the presents.
• The floral wrapping paper is a scrap from Sarah’s holler dollar drawer liner…we LOVE this print.
• The large white present was wrapped with white tissue paper and covered with a lace curtain that we bought at Ikea. It is a lot of lace for $15, and looks amazing in person.
• The white lace is from Martha Stewart that we blogged about here.

Do you have a favorite look your thinking of incorporating in your gift wrap? Do tell!

This year my decorations are all about the vintage and glamorous combo, a vibe I am loving right now.

I mixed ivories, champagne gold, and high shine ornaments with lace ribbon and multiple strings of beads that resulted in a ‘granny-glam’ effect. Who knew it was possible to feel as cozy and warm like at your Granny’s house and have a totally chic space at the same time?

My favorite, new decoration got the spotlight this year. I purchased ‘JOY’ from the fabulous Alice Lane, and love it so much it will be finding a place in our home long after the decorations come down as a reminder for me to put ‘Jesus, then Others before Yourself’.

My next favorite decorations are gold and ivory bowls that I bought for a few dollars at the thrift store. I simply added gold baubles, and have at least one little bowl in every room of the apartment.

After my simple and sparse decorations last year, I was ready to add a few pine cones and glittery sprigs for a rustic warmth this year. I wanted it to be extra cozy.

My only goal in Christmas decor is to induce excitement for what’s to come…and as I feel very ready to nestle up with a hot cocoa and the hubs for a Christmas movie, I am one happy decorista.:)

Stockings are always the last thing for us to open Christmas morning, and in many ways the icing on the cake.

Here are some of our favorite finds we love to see in our stocking:

1. Mini Bath Goodies: THESE ones at Bath and Body works are on sale 3 for $10 and are so delicious!

2. Hardware Store Gift Card: Mr Faubus gave this to Sarah last year with a coupon saying he’d tackle a house project. Good one Hubs, we loved it!

3. Terry’s Chocolate Orange: this has been a tradition in our family since forever, delicious and classic.

4. Lindt Lindor Truffles: Another yummy fave.

5. A Guilty Pleasure DVD or CD: Camelot is a must for our collections. Hello 60′s fashion and make-up and songs to die for!

6. New Scarf: like THIS is perfect to see us through winter. Plus, it works out great if you roll it up and stuff it in the leg of stocking!

7. Fashion Jewelry: So fun to have something new and spunky. THESE are great to group together or split up.

8. A Small Candle: A new scent ready for the new year! We love THIS one.

If you’re planning a trip to Bath and Body works, they always have coupons you can use. We usually just look HERE before shopping!

Well, ladies and gents that was the last of our stocking ideas for this year, we hope you found it helpful!

The number one thing I hate about doing my nails is how long it take for them to dry. I can sit idle for hours and still manage to smudge the polish (Yes, Mum I’m applying thin coats). Who has time for that this time of year?

This is the number one reason I’ve been in love with OPI’s Opening Night Champagne for several years:

It applies ever so evenly and is hyper-pigmented with it’s metallic, shimmery champagne color that it only requires one thin coat of polish (you can even skip the base and top coat). Five minutes to dry and I’m out the door for all the Christmas festivities. Perfect…

WRONG, the color has been retired and can only be found in England for $30!!!

What the heck? So friends, I’m in the need of a new one-coat metallic beauty, and any beauty shortcut tips, please.

Anyone else running around like crazy with no time to curl their hair?

For this next gift wrapping look, we thought we’d mix two of our favorite colours, white and gold. It’s clean yet glamourous, classy and cute. We’re in love, are you?

s

As you know we love to collect bits and bobs from around our houses, and throw them into the mix. Here are the gift details, from left to right:

• The ‘S’ was made from stationary brads, with white wrapping paper.
• Then the white paper with white tule was just a matter of layering the tule, one knot after another. 10 in total.
• The gold tinsel was just that, but first wrapped the gift with tissue paper then smothered it in tinsel and placed in clear box.
• The white wrapping with gold circle, is actually a napkin ring made from mini bells. So fun to repurpose.
• Then the gold on gold, is simply gold gift wrap with a gold pipe cleaner. Also, so fun to raid the kids crafts!

We hope you find these different looks inspiring, and note that you don’t always have to go out and buy wrapping to mix things up. :)

We can’t tell you how thrilled we were when our friends over at Lonny called and asked us to share some gift wrap ideas with them.

Our brains instantly exploded with ideas that we can’t wait to share with you. But first up, we knew another ‘cozy look’ was in order since we had such a great response from last year’s version. Tell me, have you ever seen an old sweater look so cute?!

For a how-to on this gift, and a peek at our other faves, be sure to check us out HERE.

Thanks again Lonny, we sure had fun :)

This post brought to you by: Gygi

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Good morning everyone! Today we’re sharing our third and final treat from our afternoon of holiday baking. It’s our fave so we hope you enjoy!

We’ve mentioned before how much we love caramel apples for gift-giving, and we’ve been dying to make a batch of delicious caramel apples all year long.

After hearing people rave about Peter’s Caramel,we have finally found the perfect occasion to try it out, and made a double batch for all our neighbors and friends for Christmas. We couldn’t decide on which candy topping would be best, so we decided to prepare a sampler instead.:)

We used these tips from Orson Gygi and are happy to report present-worthy results.

This is what you’ll need: Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Peter’s Caramel, Candy for toppings, Apple Skewers, and Parchment Paper.

How To: First, we prepped our apples using these steps. We used small fuji and gala apples so we could fit two different apples in one box.

Next, we prepped the caramel like this.

After dipping and setting the caramel, it was time for the chocolate. We went with the less-stress approach and used Guittard milk chocolate a-peels, and melted them in the microwave, stopping and stirring every 20 seconds. We drizzled the chocolate onto the apples and then sprinkled our candy topping before the chocolate set.

Like our pretzel sticks, this was SO MUCH FUN and incredibly easy with Gygi’s quality products. We are so happy with the results and hope our recipients are too. :) We also really loved these brown cake boxes, they were perfect for this project and only 65 cents each (see HERE).

A big thanks again to Gygi, for being our one-stop shop and for offering our readers 10% off everything! Just use code: “BOXWOOD10″ at checkout.

Our next stocking round-up is for the kiddos. Stocking stuffers can get pricey so we try to keep it simple with a few fun items, yummy treats and a few things for fun activities.

1. New toothbrush: Again, what a better day to break out a new one.

2. Theatre candy: To match a movie gift card.

3. Pringles: Children love a can all to themselves.

4. Disposible camera: We love this idea to catch Christmas through little eyes.

5. Magic bubbles.

6. Small photo album: A keepsake album to store the Christmas memories captured with the disposable camera.

7. Bubble Gum Tape: Novelty tape, full of artificial flavors that wouldn’t normally be allowed.

8. Movie gift card: Perfect for a child to use over the school break.

9. Small flashlight: For reading late at night or for treasure hunts and adventures.

 What are your go-to stocking stuffers that your kids have loved?

This post brought to you by: Gygi

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Ever since we saw Mel’s yummy Chocolate Bark over at You Are My Fave last year we’ve been wanting to make our own. But since it was our first try we decided to stick to the classic Peppermint version.

It’s soooo easy and yummy … in fact I’m nibbling on it now. :)

All you need is: Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Peppermint Flavoring, Peppermint sticks, foil, ziplock bag and a baking tray.

(We used: this milk chocolate,  this white chocolate, this peppermint flavoring, and these peppermint sticks.)

How To: First, line baking tray completely with foil. Then place peppermint sticks in a ziplock bag and crush by beating with rolling pin.

Next, melt milk chocolate in microwave stirring every 30 seconds about 1 1/2 minutes total, then spread chocolate evenly covering whole pan. Place in fridge for 15 – 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt white chocolate the same way but note it melts in slightly less time. Then add peppermint flavoring to taste, about 2-3 drops. Spread white chocolate over hardened milk chocolate, and immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint sticks on top.

Once set, cut or break into triangle pieces and package. We used THESE adorable boxes (lined with parchment paper), and wrapped in our favorite twine found HERE.

We really do love Gygi for our holiday baking. Seriously, what’s better than finding all you need in one place!?

Remember to use code “BOXWOOD10″ at checkout for 10% off everything!

In our opinion, a perfect gift is a little splurge for the recipient that they usually wouldn’t buy for themselves.

Today we’d like to share a few of our crowd favorites that everyone is sure to love…including your wallet!

Anthropologie mugs $6

We think this is the perfect gift. Last year Sarah gave them to our whole family. It’s so fun to have matching mugs, and Brad and I love having a cup of hot cocoa together after date night.

Notebook $2.99

We cannot get enough notebooks and love to give them as gifts. This one is from Target and SO cute for only $2.99. There’s something therapeutic about starting a new notebook at the start of a new year, don’t you think?

Zipper Lighters $6.31

Zipper lighters are our fave. Stylish and chic, we just love to have them in our kitchen drawer.

New Tunes around $10

The gift of music is underestimated in our eyes. We are old school and love nothing more than receiving a favorite CD from a loved one.

If your recipient is solely digital, you can’t go wrong with an itunes gift card, so they can pick out their own tunes (this is a especially great for any teen).

Starbucks Gift Card $5-$10

During this recession, many have eliminated from their budgets a favorite treat. A Starbucks gift card can always be used for a warm drink and sugary treat on a cold day.

We hope you found this roundup handy and inspiring to know you don’t have to break the bank to give a great gift!

This post brought to you by: Gygi

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Good morning everyone!

Today we have a tasty treat to share that we think would be a perfect little gift for co-workers, teachers, neighbors…or anyone really!

Our friend Bri used to make these all the time, and they helped make any old night more festive. We LOVE them because not only are they uber delish but they are so fast and easy, and so cute…don’t you think?

All you need is: Pretzel Rods, Caramel (melted), Milk Chocolate (melted), White Chocolate (melted).

(We used these pretzels, this caramel, this milk chocolate and this white chocolate.)

How To: Simply melt caramel (we did ours in our cast iron pot in the oven at 200 degrees for about an hour) and dip or drizzle on pretzel. Allow to set for a couple minutes, then drizzle with chocolate.

When they are fully dried, place a few in a bag like these and tie with string or ribbon. Voila! Done and done!

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Buying ingredients in bulk can be very cost effective, so we’ll be sharing a couple of other treats soon using some of these basic yummies.

Don’t forget that all you lovely readers can get 10% off everything at Gygi with code “BOXWOOD10″. Plus, you local readers don’t have to pay shipping if you pick up in store; just order a day in advance. :)

It will be stocking time soon, and it seems we are always trying to come up with new ideas for the men in our lives. Here are a few ideas that have been tried and tested and may be good for your man too:

1. Switch Belts. We are huge fans of these one-size-fits-all belts. Available in a rainbow of colors with interchangeable buckles, we think they’re perfect for a stocking. 15% off for Boxwood readers for the next two weeks. Enter ‘BOXWOOD’ at checkout.

2. Classy Little Altoids. What’s not to love?

3. Mini Cologne. Unless your man splashes cologne around, minis are the perfect size. Banana Republic currently has four fragrances in travel size, and I couldn’t decide which I liked best. Usually $15 each, but often 2 for $20.

4. New Toothbrush. We probably all need to change our toothbrush more frequently than we do, and I can’t think of a better day to break out a new one!

5. Novelty Socks. Stripes, dots but we’ve found Santa socks don’t go down too well :)

6. Gift cards to his favorite eats are the way to his heart :) We usually buy these to places for lunch breaks, hoping to make work day a little nicer.

7. Black shower sponge from Bath and Body Works. Another thing that needs replacing often and would be nice new for Christmas Day.

8. C.O. Bigelow Methol Body Wash. The best thing ever.

9. Toblerone. Manly chocolate, and if he isn’t too interested, I’m sure you will find someone who is ;)

Do you have any tips for a successful male stocking? We would love you hear your tips.

Merry Chirstmas Everyone!

I’ve been dying to say that for weeks, but waited until our first decorations post to publicly shout it, and boy does it feel good! I’m not done decking my halls yet since I like to take my sweet time. But I do have one little room to share, my downstairs guest bath.

This year I went against all my natural instincts and chose bold, hot colours. Crazy huh? I’m actually enjoying the mix up, and figured a small space could handle it. What do you guys think, you likey?

To see last years green version, click HERE.

Have you guys scored any mega deals yet this cyber Monday? Free shipping is always something we hold out for, but today one our favorite sites, Minted are offering that along with additional discounts.

Minted has long been our favorite go-to place for amazing products, and this year we’re having a hard time deciding what Christmas cards to choose, coz their collection is simply too fabulous! Check it out HERE.

We’d better decide quickly because they’re offering 15% off plus free shipping on all holiday cards today only. If you’re tempted also, simply use code CYBER2012 at checkout.

wonderful life photo card

joyful season  photo card

classic merry holiday photo card

Aren’t these designs to die for? They even make our dorky photography look amazeballs!

Additionally, they’re offering 25% off their stationary, art, notebooks and calenders, soooo many great options for those tricky people on your list.

Paper bows are always one of those things we can’t resist once they go on clearance, but we rarely end up using them on gifts.

Since most things look better grouped together we thought we’d try adding a whole cluster of bows to a foam wreath. We were surprised how lovely, modern and clean it looked.

To make the wreath you’ll need:

A foam wreath.

Some pins.

A thimble.

About 70-100 bows (depending on size of wreath and bows).

This really is the easiest project, because all you do is pin the bows into place. The hardest part is punching the pin through the paper on the bow, that’s why the thimble comes in handy. :)

What do you guys think? Will you be making one?

Tis’ officially the season of Christmas tunes, and boy does it feel good! We thought it’d be fun to narrow down our absolute favorites for a go-to play list this season, here are our picks:

Sarah’s top 10:

It’s Beginning To look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Buble

I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Johnny Mathis

Merry Christmas Darling – The Carpenters

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan

Christmas Day – She & Him

Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas – Bing Cosby

Do They Know It’s Christmas Time – Band Aid

White Christmas – The Driffers

It Feels Like Christmas – The Muppets

O Holy Night – Nat King Cole

Em’s Top 10:

All I Want For Christmas Is You – Michael Buble

 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Glee: The Christmas Album

Merry Christmas Darling – The Carpenters

Rocking Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Wonderful Christmas Time- Paul McCartney

White Christmas – Otis Redding

Carol of the Bells – The Calling

Oh Holy Night - Lea Michelle

Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald

Ha, we only have one the exact same..not bad for sisters. But really, I couldn’t let Sarah steal the Carpenter’s now could I?

Are these your faves too, or do you have others? We’d love to hear!