with dani colding plus shop her picks with an exclusive code inside!
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Sustainable Ways to Gift Wrap - Part 2
Sustainable gift wrapping
and gift-topper ideas
This holiday season you can use materials that you most likely have laying around your home to “dress up” that gift wrap job! If you’re anything like me, you may feel like the money is just flying out of your wallet in November and December, so an affordable and low waste option is to make those holiday household items work for you. Some of my favorite sustainable wrapping ideas that I am going to walk you through is wrapping with different fabrics and topping your gifts with unique low waste items like ornaments, tree clippings, and pen/markers! Putting different textures together will give you a lovely array of wrapping that is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also, sustainable and budget friendly. My hope is to inspire you to get creative by thinking outside of the box while putting those household Christmas products to good use.
When gift wrapping, I start by brainstorming how I can make my gifts look pretty without spending a fortune. I love to get down my Christmas decorations from the attic, rummage through it, and start collecting the little pieces that inspire me. First, I pick out about 3 different wrapping papers. ***Pro tip: You may laugh, but don’t be afraid to save wrapping paper from those big gifts. I used to poke fun at my grandmother for doing this, yet it is so resourceful. Fold it flat and stash it away for next year.*** Then I check my craft drawer for any extra fabric and gather any blankets that can be used for wrapping! This year I am lucky to have this Fin and Vince holiday blanket and extra gingham fabric that I had from recovering a chair. Then, I move onto gift toppers—my favorite part!
I am a HUGE fan of gift toppers, you can ask any of my friends, I like a good gift topper for any occasion! During Christmas I love to top my gifts with other small items that I am gifting, for instance, the tiny Fin & Vince mittens for baby Macrae made the cutest little topper. Other low waste gift topper ideas:
-new and old ornaments (especially those vintage ones or handmade ones)
-Christmas trinkets
-bells
-tiny brush trees
-excess scrap wrapping paper to make bows
-marker, pen, or paint to create any design
-dried oranges
-leftover material or paper cut into fun Christmas shapes like trees, wreaths, stockings, candy canes, or polar bears.
Don’t be afraid to take pen, markers, or even paint to your Kraft paper, this is a fun way to make a little statement! I cut a clipping from my garland and drew a little basket! ***Pro Tip, keep a few extra gift toppers on hand. If you ever come across something small and cute in the target dollar section, pick up extra and stash some away for future gift toppers, your future self will thank you- trust me!**
Finally the ribbon to tie it all together, figuratively and literally! I will invest in a good ribbon because I know I can reuse it! ***Pro tip: Keep a zip lock bag by the tree on Christmas morning and save your good ribbon.*** There are biodegradable and recycled ribbon options available if you are looking for sustainability! I believe wrapping with different ribbon widths, materials, and textures make your gift display really pop! If you have a small amount of wrapping paper left at the end of a roll or scraps you can make bows instead of throwing it out! Boom, looks good and you didn’t waste materials! Below are two helpful visuals that I got from Pinterest to show you how to wrap with material and make a bow from scrap paper.
Thank you for joining my holiday wrapping session, happy wrapping, and Merry Christmas!!
-Dani
featured items
women's fleece button pullover -
sand
holiday blanket -
fern
wrap cardigan -
fern
Thank you for stopping by to learn sustainable wrapping ideas for your holiday season! all items featured in this blog are eligible for 40% off with code BLOGHOLIDAY2! enjoy!
*code expires on 12/23/21 at 11:59mst*
Sustainable Ways to Gift Wrap - Part 1
with Melanie Gabrielle, plus a secret shopping code inside!
vintage jingle bell
a thrifted find, this bell serves as gift wrap decor every holiday season! looped with yarn or ribbon and tied with a bow in place of plastic.
hand-rolled beeswax candle
this is a super easy and fun way to add a personal touch to your holiday gifting. my family members love to take the candles home as they become an extension of their gift and not wasteful packaging.
want to try your hand at making a hand-rolled beeswax candle? step by step how to video featured down below!
and a little love
These easy-to-make candles make wrapping gifts more sustainable (no cheap bows going in the trash after Christmas) and it’s a little handmade bonus gift for the person receiving the gift from you! All you need is a beeswax candle kit from Amazon, a pair of scissors, and some wrapped gifts to slide the candles into. Using a hand-rolled candle kit simply cut to desired size, place/cut the wick and roll the sheet tightly. Voila!
For wrapping, we chose the kraft paper style wrapping paper for it’s compostability while also being intentional with saving brown paper shipping packing materials for reuse during the holiday season; we also reuse our ribbon, yarn, twine and paper tags every year. adding hand rolled candles, vintage bells, small thrifted trinkets and/or wooden toys (for the kids) helps to minimize waste! These items supply their receiver with fun usefulness in comparison to single use stickers and bows for gift decor. Not only does it feel more intimate, but it’s unique and sustainable!
featured items
doll long john and bonnet sets
- 11 colors
mini waffle lovie - milk
women's ribbed turtleneck -
milk
scrunchies
- multiple shades
thank you for stopping by to learn sustainable wrapping ideas for your holiday season! all available items featured in this blog are eligible for 40% off with code BLOGHOLIDAY! enjoy!
*code expires on 12/18/21 at 11:59mst*
holly jolly santa cookies
with the loosle family
'tis the season
sweater weather is better together
ho ho ho!
Holly Jolly Santas
Recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Ingredients
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1-2 teaspoons red food coloring
mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)
mini holiday M + M s (for Santa's nose)
Cream Cheese Buttercream
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powder sugar
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. Add the flour, and salt, beat until combined, and the dough begins to form a ball.
3. Remove 1 cup of the dough and set aside. With the remaining dough, add in 1 teaspoon red food coloring, adding more if needed for better color. Keep in mind that the color will darken over time.
4. From the red cookie dough, make 1 (1-inch) ball and 5 (1/2-inch) balls. From the plain cookie dough, make 1 (3/4 inch) ball and 5 (1/4-inch) balls. You will have a body, head, hat, four red arms and four white hands and a white ball for the top of the hat. I find it easiest to make all the parts first, then assemble.
5. On the prepared baking sheet, place the red 1-inch ball, gently flatten until 1/2 inch thick. Attach four of the red 1/2-inch balls for arms and legs. Next, attach the plain 3/4-inch ball for a head, gently flatten until 1/2 inch thick. Attach the plain 1/4-inch balls for hands and feet. Shape the remaining red 1/2-inch ball into a triangle for a hat and attach it. Repeat with remaining dough, arranging the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Add chocolate pieces for eyes and buttons (see above photos for visuals, this will help!).
6. Transfer to the oven and bake the Santa's for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden
7. To make the frosting. Add the butter and the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and whip until extra light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat together until whipped, about 2 more minutes.
8. To decorate. Transfer half the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small tip. Or, take a ziplock bag and snip a very small portion of the corner off the bag. Use the bag to go around Santa's face, arms, and legs. Put a small dot on the tip of his hat and then place one red mini M&M on his face as his nose.
make it a december to remember
spread the holiday cheer
all pieces available now with our Holiday capsule collection
Summer bucket list + Coloring Page
We gathered a list of things we love to do in the summer.
Here are some ideas for keeping kids busy and having fun at home as a family.
The best part?! You can print this bucket list coloring page and color it all at once, or as your checking your experiences off!
Watch fireworks
Read books
Go berry picking
Build a fort
Ride bikes
Visit a zoo
Eat ice cream
Go on a picnic
Fly a kite
Stargazing
Make lemonade
Look for cloud shapes
Backyard campfire
Go on a road trip
Blow bubbles
Make popsicles
Doodle with chalk
Tie dye clothes
Play in the rain
Bake a cake
Do a puzzle
Make someone a present
Eat watermelon
Visit farmers market
Movie night
For your summer adventures use code BUCKET for a FREE duffel bag (a $140 value) with any purchase (over $60) from our Grand Tour USA collections! Code is good for 20 uses for 20 lucky customers!!! Just add item + duffel of choice to cart!
How To: Papel Picados
How to: Papel Picados, a children's activity in honor of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo which translates to the Fifth of May, is a day observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory at the Battle of the Puebla which took place in 1862. Contrary to a popular misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day. Though it is considered a minor holiday in Mexico, Americans first began to celebrate in Southern California during 1863. May 5 has since become widely recognized and celebrated in the USA as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity, promote ethnic consciousness and build community solidarity. The city of Puebla continues to keep the tradition alive by honoring the day the battle was won with with arts, festivals, food and even reenactments of the battle!
Photography and activity provided by @raisingremmy
Papel Picado Steps
1.) Google "Papel Picado templates" and save them on your phone (found this easiest)
2.) Use an app called Pixelcut to turn them into SVG files
3.) Upload to Cricut design space and load white cardstock onto a Cricut, cuts 4 at a time
4.) After they are all cut and weeded, I let Remmy have some fun and finger paint them
5.) Allow time for drying and string them up for decoration
That's it, your Papel Picados are all made! Remmy and I really enjoyed doing this little craft!
Papel picado, which translates to paper cuts, originated in Southern Mexico about 1400 years ago as brightly colored paper decorations and are used to celebrate Day of the Dead, birthdays, weddings, national holidays and other Mexican celebrations like Cinco de Mayo!
READ NEXT
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Written by Creatuve Team
Mother's Day Gift Guide
The sweetest Spring holiday is upon us and we've got the women in your life covered! Included are ideas for all of the things Mothers love most (next to our babies) such as Clothing and Accessories, Self-Care, Jewelry, and Home. Fin & Vince will also be hosting a Mother's Day sale on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in honor of Moms, the true gift that keeps on giving.
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“GINA MINKS TODDINGS,” FULLCIRCLEPOETRY
She touched her scars
Reminding herself how beautiful they are
Gracing her body like the stars
Across an endless sky
Aligning perfectly in time
Eternally sacred lines
Following the map they provide
The stories of her children
Our greatest blessings
Brought to life
your next adventure accessories
a close look at our new grand tour accessories
voyage duffel bag
features an elastic side pocket on both sides for quick storage + wipeable canvas interior
adventure trail tag to log your adventures
Tour Backpack
comes in two size: kids + toddler
features two elastic side pockets, front pocket and a wipeable canvas interior
fanny pack
goods on the go
hats + caps
mesa cap -
featuring the pencil storage slot
all accessories coming soon with our Grand Tour USA collection
where will you head on your next adventure?
grand tour USA - chapter 1
Grand Tour USA - by Fin & Vince
The foam of the sea hitting their toes. The grandeur of desert red rocks towering over them. The warmth of the sun's rays on their faces. Their feet spinning as they cycle to the next adventure. After a year of limits, this collection brings an unlimited amount of imagination and destinations to explore. Grand Tour USA was fully inspired by our own childhood memories and the memories we are creating with our children. The result is a collection full of love reflected on carefree summer days, around our families, at our favorite U.S destinations. After a trying year, this collection embodies all sorts of journeys. Even if the destination becomes a simple camping trip to a backyard, a fishing trip to a pond, or a picnic in your own living room. Imagination is unlimited.
The World is theirs. Let the adventure begin!
Love,
Sara & Makel
Black Owned Small Shop Feature: BLVD Hair
Why/How did you start your business?
I have been doing hair for over 15 year, by trade for 5, and had always dreamed of having my own product line. In 2020 I stepped away from behind the chair and moved to the east coast where I was able to focus on making my dream a reality.
What does your business mean for the black community?
Hair culture is huge in the black community but hair care for many is something that still needs learning. With my products I also strive to offer education and promote healthy hair habits. We also offer textures of extensions that mimic the natural kinky hair texture from kinky straight (blown out) to Afro kinky curly to help women lessen the damage caused to their natural hair trying to blend with silkier textures.
What has been the hardest part about running your business?
I literally took every last dollar I had to fund starting up my business in the middle of the pandemic. Dealing with factories overseas has by far been the most challenging and aside from that just overcoming the fear of failure from starting up in such uncertain times. I’ve had an overwhelming amount of support since launching mid October.
How has it benefited your family?
One of my main drivers for launching my business was my 3 year old son. He has been privileged enough to have never need to to go to day care and moving away from family would take those privileges away if I went back to work. I’m now able to be a SAHM and run my business while caring for my son. I hope to pass the entrepreneur spirit to him as he comes of age and sees how beneficial working for yourself can be.
30 Black Owned Businesses to Support
To celebrate and honor Black History Month, Fin & Vince would like to strongly encourage you to support Black businesses by making direct purchases during this historically educational and inspirational month!
We will be matching your totals spent for this entire first week of February with a Fin & Vince shopping credit. The list for eligible shops is featured below! Please e-mail your receipt to marketing@finandvince.com to claim your gift card after you've made your purchases!
We will be learning, sharing and interviewing Black businesses on our blog all month long. Stay tuned for more on that!
Soup Recipe with Katie DeGroot
My very first memories involve baking with my mother. She was very intentional about including me and teaching me hands on skills while making up something delicious. As a mom to my own two, I hope to impart some of those lessons and beautiful memories. While my husband is a much better cook than I am, I do enjoy working in the kitchen alongside my two. Before I became a mother cooking was a peaceful event involving large glasses of wine and jazz playing on my phone. These days if I'm in the kitchen with two-and-a-half-year-old Priscilla and seven-month-old Langston, it's far from peaceful, but we are still having fun and most of all-- my kids are learning. Priscilla is especially fond of the measuring cups and sprinkling in spices. We have long, bone chilling winters here in Minnesota so it's not uncommon for us to make soups at least once, sometimes twice a week. I love paring them with warm sandwiches and sometimes salads. Soups are an easy way to add in vegetables and use up the homemade bone broth we also enjoy making. This particular recipe I found a few years ago while searching for a simple tomato soup. It always turns out and we have never added the saffron, I just omit it, and it still tastes delicious.
Ingredients:
3 cups yellow onions, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
4 cups chicken stock
Large pinch of saffron threads
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven such as Le Creuset, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in the chicken stock, tomatoes, saffron, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, fill a medium pot with water, add 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 minutes. (It will finish cooking in the soup.) Drain the orzo and add it to the soup. Stir in the cream, return the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently.
Best Dressed Snowman Contest
@teamsobus
@butterflycottagemama
@ladybirdclaire
@liza.shelestun
@finandvince
Thanks to all who entered! See you next winter!