Tag Archives: fashion

10 Holiday Gift DIY’s You Should Start Making Today!

November 4, 2016How to'scandles, christmas, coffee, DIY, eco-friendly, fashion, food, gift giving, gift guide, gifts for family, gifts for friends, gifts for kids, holiday, home decor, laundryBeth Berger

Here are a few ideas to get you started if you plan on making holiday gifts this year. DIY gift giving is a great way to save some dough during the costliest time of year. Not to mention, there’s something so sweet and personal about receiving a gift made especially for you, don’t you think? The 10 DIY’s listed below range from “extremely simple” to “easy but time consuming.” All the supplies needed are readily available. (At second hand stores, Dollar Tree, or your local hardware/craft store.)

Please excuse how many involve jars…

Gold Polka Dot Mugs

Make these for: Someone who loves to entertain. Think: Your best friend who hosts a monthly book-club or your sister who always offers to throw wedding showers.

The How-To: Find a few mis-matched white mugs at Dollar Tree or a second-hand shop. Decorate with different sizes of polka dots. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and let cool in the oven.

Pair with: A bag of Fair Trade coffee beans.

Mason Jar Candles

Make these for: Anyone who spends a lot of time relaxing in the great outdoors. Think: An aunt who spends most every evening on her screened in porch or your sister-in-law who considers the ideal vacation something akin to a chapter from Little House on the Prairie.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: A historical fiction novel.

Polka Dot Jeans

Make these for: A jeans and t-shirt kinda gal. Think: Your art-obsessed daughter or a friend who always discovers enviable flea-market finds.

The How-To: Find some suitable denim and cut the legs to achieve a casual, cut-off’s vibe. Dip the tip of a pencil eraser into some white fabric paint and stamp the jeans to create a polka dot print.

Pair with: A clever tote bag.

Colorful Braided Rug

Make this for: A cuddly kid. Think: Your toddler son who is always on the floor surrounded by toy trucks or your sweet niece who would rather be curled up with a chapter book than anywhere else in the world.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: A lamp that makes ceilings look like the night sky.

“Love You” Jars

Make these for: Someone who loves dainty decor. Think: Your little sis who is in need of decorations for her brand new apartment or your gal pal who matches mantelpiece decor with each approaching holiday.

The How-To: Attach a doilies and red paper hearts to glass jars. (You can glue, decoupage, or just tie the string tight enough to hold the paper pieces in place.) Wrap red and white bakers twine around the middle and tie so the knot is hidden in the back.

Pair with: Fairy lights.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Make this for: Anyone who believes in Taco Tuesday. Think: Your brother who fancies himself somewhat of a celebrity chef or your co-worker who always posts her meals on Instagram but you don’t hate it.

The How-To: Follow the recipe for your favorite homemade taco spice blend. Package in whatever container you think most suitable.

Pair with: Taco holders that keep your hard-shelled tacos up-right.

Eco-Friendly Dryer Sheets

Make this for: The people in your life who never forget their reusable bags when they go to the grocery. Think: Your Greenpeace donating Mom or your yoga instructor.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: A clothes hamper.

Chai Tea Latte Mix

Make this for: Someone who likes to start their day with a hot cuppa. Think: Your Starbucks-obsessed boss or the mom you share carpool duty with.

The How-To: Find a recipe for chai tea latte and mix it up. Add the mix to a jar and embellish with some twine and a pretty tag. (Great for bulk gift-giving!)

Pair with: A tumbler for drinking hot beverages on-the-go.

T-Shirt Produce Bag

Make this for: Anyone who frequents the Farmers Market. Think: Your green-thumbed boyfriend or your BFF who recently got really into juicing.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: Gift certificate to your local produce market or co-op.

Flavored Syrups

Make these for: Someone who fancies themselves a barista. Think: Your husband who wouldn’t be caught dead drinking plain, black coffee or your budget-savvy bestie who has sworn off her coffee shop habit as an upcoming New Year’s resolution.

The How-To: Recipes for vanilla, raspberry, coconut, and caramel syrups HERE. Add each syrup to a bottle with a pour spout. Package in a basket or tray so they’re kitchen counter ready!

Pair with: A coffee cookbook for added inspiration.

Which DIY from above is YOUR favorite? Do you plan on making any presents for the holidays this year?

mid-week round-up

November 2, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, collector's items, fashion, feminism, finance, home decor, hostess with the mostess, interior design, links, made me laugh, music, native peoples, news, politics, protest, PSA, round-up, social media, supernatural, the 90's, urban geographyBeth Berger

What are you up to today? I have some errands to run (including getting my hair cut which I’ve been putting off for ages) but I’m feeling a little mid-week lazy. Can’t I just drink coffee and read books every day??? I hope everyone had a fun Halloween however you chose to celebrate. I was pretty pleased with my last-minute farmer costume. (Overalls!) Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday, and here are a few links I’ve gathered for your reading pleasure…

The Dakota Access Pipeline protest is unprecedented and 150 years in the making.

How a poster in a bar restroom cleverly combats sexual assault.

“I dressed like Rachel Green for a week and here’s what happened.”

What was the Princess Diana Beanie Baby?

House Tour: An art-filled Nashville home.

How to host a dinner party in a small space.

Our financial errors vary by age.

Lady Gaga does carpool karaoke.

Why American and European cities are dramatically different.

Why is Election Day on Tuesday, November 8?

Humans of New York and the cavalier consumption of others.

The feminist power of female ghosts.

mid-week round-up

May 18, 2016Wednesday Linksalternative lifestyles, articles, budget, camping, DIY, fashion, food culture, girl crush, home design, IKEA, longform, made me laugh, news, recipe, round-upBeth Berger

What are you up to this week? Our wedding invitations are starting to show up in folk’s mailboxes and I’ve been giddily checking our online RSVP’s with WAY too much frequency. We also booked our tickets to Lexington last night. I’m really excited that I’ll be in Kentucky so soon! I opted to fly in earlier then Chet (he has to teach a summer class) so I can take care of all the last minute planning…as well as drink daily Ale-8’s and buy copious amounts of my favorite treats from Good Foods Co-op. Hope you’re all doing well and have some fun plans for this week. In the mean time, here are a dozen links for you to peruse…

Surviving for a week on gifted gift cards.

I’m learning that swivel seats are a must for luxurious van dwelling. (I have weird interests.)

How freaking cute are these watermelon coasters?

Students learn about Julia Child’s impact on American culture.

Comedian replies to email scammers and here’s what happens.

Thoughts on heels.

A notorious prison escape artist discovers a new (legal) way to lift life sentences.

Don’t judge a house by its exterior.

A great dinner to cook up when you’re feeling lazy.

Dreamy family camping trip.

I heart Amy Poehler.

Ikea tips and must-buys.

50 Piece All-Season Capsule Wardrobe

January 22, 2016Fashion, Style and Designcapsule wardrobe, clothes for all occasions, down-sizing, fashion, minimalism, minimizing decision fatigue, Project 333Beth Berger

With more and more people jumping on the minimalism train, some of my more random obsessions are finding their way into the spotlight. Now that everyone and their mother has read Marie Kondo’s book, I can’t shake a stick at YouTube without finding a video highlighting a capsule wardrobe. (This is not a problem for anything but my productivity. I LOVE capsule wardrobe videos.)

33 pieces. 37 pieces. Accessories and jewelry included or not. Two capsules a year. Seasonal capsules. Capsules just for work wear and play clothes and comfies. There’s SO much inspiration out there if you want to go down the capsule wardrobe road.

With all that inspiration in mind, I decided to try my hand at putting together a capsule that could work (with just a few minor swaps) all year long. You could of course store the colder weather items away during warmer weather, and vice-versa. This is a capsule that I see being very feasible for my own life and what I want to work towards. I’d like to use it as a resource when I’m de-cluttering but also when I’m shopping for clothes. Because while I have a lot of these pieces, sitting down to dream up my perfect capsule was actually a great first step in showing me some glaring holes that exist in my wardrobe. (For example – I don’t own a white, collared button-up shirt. Staple item!)

So, check it out and let me know what you think….

1. Dressy top

2. Tank top

3. Striped top

4. Sweater

5. Chambray shirt

6. Long sleeve blouse/tunic/tee (Depending on your life and wardrobe needs. I work from home so tee would be legit enough for me, lol.)

7. Shirt with a print you love (or polka dots. or feathers!)

8. Plaid button-down shirt (or this one.)

9. White tee shirt

10. Turtleneck

11. White button-down shirt

12. Black editor pants

13. Jeans

14. Black skinnies (or leggings.)

15. White jeans (or pants.)

16. Shorts

17. Skirt (dressier option.)

18. Pencil skirt

19. Maxi dress (or floral dressy option. or super casual.)

20. Little black dress

21. Seasonal dress suitable for a party/wedding/fancy event (Winter) (and here’s a Spring option. and a Summer. and an Autumn.)

22. Raincoat (or a parka.)

23. Cardigan (I like black but tan boyfriend sweaters are super versatile, too.)

24. Denim jacket

25. Leather jacket (brown option.)

26. Safari jacket

27. Blazer

28. Winter coat (or how about a hooded option.)

29. Ballet flats (or black velvet.)

30. Business casual appropriate pair (if you prefer heels. if you prefer comfort.)

31. Casual shoes (moccasins!)

32. Sandals (flip-flops.)

33. Nude pumps

34. Party appropriate heels (or booties. or sandals.)

35. Rain boots

36. Trainers/athletic shoes

37. Boots (or chelsea boots. and you can’t go wrong with the brown riding boot.)

38. Seasonal scarf (Autumn/Winter) (or this one.) (Spring/Summer. or this one.)

39. Sunglasses (budget option.)

40. Seasonal hat (Winter) (and here’s a Spring option. and a Summer. and an Autumn.)

41. Casual belt (or black.)

42. Dressy belt

43. Cocktail ring (cocktail bracelet. cocktail brooch. pick your poison!)

44. Classic stud earrings (diamonds if you ball that way.)

45. Dainty everyday necklace

46. Watch (or this one.)

47. Statement necklace (budget option.)

48. Everyday bag in a neutral color (tote style.)

49. Clutch (swoon.)

50. Purse (a little more versatile option.)

*wipes brow* and there you have it! A 50 item all-seasons capsule wardrobe! What do you think? Is this do-able? Anything I’m leaving out or anything I included that you don’t think is necessary or would swap out for something else? Could you do a capsule wardrobe? Do you already?? Share your favorite resources if you do!

ITCHING FOR MORE CAPSULE WARDROBE CONTENT? Check out THIS!

mid-week round-up

November 4, 2015Wednesday Linksarticles, fashion, healthy lifestyle, just for fun, literacy, made me laugh, news, pop culture, products I love, recipe, round-upBeth Berger

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween! Did you do anything spooky? Dress up in a costume? We ventured down to Homestead and enjoyed an afternoon walking along Biscayne Bay and laying out by the beach. Then we headed home for a chili dinner and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Despite my best door decorating efforts, we didn’t get any Trick-or-Treaters. WOMP-womp. But I think Chet’s students appreciated our candy surplus on Monday! ; ) Now I’ve got a busy few days of work and preparation ahead of me because this time next week I’ll be on my way to New Orleans! Woohoo! Enjoy your Wednesday and a few links…

10 tips to adopt this Fall for healthy living.

These two sentence horror stories are truly terrifying!

Would you work from a standing desk?

Celebrities #NailedIt this Halloween. (I can’t believe Kim K went as HERSELF!)

Hygge – “the absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things” – is how Danes survive the short days now upon us.

A new recipe for Pizza Fridays everywhere!

Your reading list just got longer, here are the National Book Award finalists.

A great (free!) resource to help you get organized.

I would love to have this hanging on the wall behind my kitchen table.

100 years of wedding dress fashion in 3 minutes.

CT scans of Pompeii mummies reveal amazing details.

Why you should drop in for some deep reading.

mid-week round-up

October 29, 2014Wednesday Linksarticles, fashion, jewelry, just for fun, made me laugh, news, photography, podcasts, reading material, round-up, videos, wednesday linksBeth Berger

Happy Halloween! I hope everyone is having a great week and that you have an appropriately spooky weekend. Here are a few fun links from around the web for your mid-week enjoyment…

Life skills–for anyone, really.

I would love this as a vacation spot!

What really happened to the deceased professor who became the poster-child for exploited academics.

Those little piggy grunts!

Great conversation starter.

22 ways to look at style.

Poor Shane. I’m on his side. : )

If you’re in the market, I LOVE this jewelry shop! Druzy obsessed.

What a proposal!

I would hang a framed print of ANY of these photographs in my house.

Have y’all been listening to this podcast? It’s a nail biter!

Fascinating interview with a former English teacher at a North Korean university.

P.S. Have you seen the show “Manhattan”? I’m 3 episodes in and already totally addicted. The first season is streaming on Hulu Plus, if you’re in need of a new show.