I love plastic

I hate the mall.  I literally do everything I can to avoid stepping foot in one, especially this time of year.  I shop handmade, order on-line, visit boutiques, and peruse the web for fun DIY ideas.  I was just online and found the perfect all-in-one shop - they sell clothes, shoes, home goods, fun beauty products, craft items, and more.  Plasticland is amazing and here are some great gift ideas I found in the shop:

Wall mount rabbit bottle opener. $22.

Art deco girl bookends. $34.

Git and Titonic ice cube tray.  $11.50

Foot in the door shoe doorstop.  $8.50.

Dumpling Dynasty shoe shine kit.  $21.

And, of course, I couldn't help but find a few cute things for myself.......

2-tone spat button platform bootie pumps.  $42. 

ps. They're vegan friendly!

Polka dot retro cropped jacket.  On sale (yeah!) for $68.40.

Happy shopping! 

Plants a plenty

I have been trying to include more plantlife into my house, but I don't have the greenest thumb in the world.  I usually end up killing most of what we have!  Last weekend I headed over to Portland Nursery (the loveliest nursery in town) for some new greenery.  I just knew that the helpful staff there would point me in the right direction - low maintenance, hearty, not easily murdered, plantlife.  Week one has been pretty good.  I replanted them in some lovely containers and they seem to be thriving.  I got two snake plants, another one I can't remember the name of, and two succulents.  I used to despise succulents, but have really grown to love them.  I am on the hunt for some more intersesting ways of potting plants and have come across some lovely options!  

The sake cup.  I actually saw this on etsy awhile ago, and copied the idea for my two succulents that I bought last weekend.  I found some beautiful blue and white cups and planted the two little guys in them.  I can't find the picture right now, but here are some sake cups to inspire you - this was a super easy, quick and cute project! 

via

The vintage planter.  Another completely economical, fun and funky way to go. Etsy is, of course, a great way to find some ideas!

~via domestikate~

The apartment garden.  I am so in love with this idea.  I first saw it on Design Sponge (I think) and have the website bookmarked for the next time I feel like whipping out the plastic.  Great gift idea for anyone in the family and pretty inexpensive, too. 

Boskke sky planter.

The air plant (bromeliad).  I don't know much about these guys, but remember seeing these awhile back at the nursery and thinking they were pretty rad.  I recall that they might be a bit on the spendy side, so may count as an investment in your plant future. 

These here are featured in vintage oak bowls. 

Via www.fernwood.com. 

The terrarium.  My friend Courtney and I have been talking about getting together and making one of these for weeks!  We need to get on that.  They are so cool, and remind me of a fun science project.  There is a great tutorial at Apartment Therapy.

via Apartment Therapy.

Love the idea of one of these guys, but don't feel like getting your hands dirty?  No worries - you can buy one of these adorable orb versions for 28 bucks. 

via CharlotteCramer

Speaking of traveling...

I found these adorable gift ideas while poking around the internet.  They're inexpensive stocking stuffers for the travel lover in your life! 

Recycled map stationary.  Dote.  Four cards and envelopes for $10.00.

Four NY subway map coasters.  She gets bored. $12.50.

Circumnavigation - 4 eco-friendly globe prints.  The Spotted Sparrow.  $18.00.

Marble magnets - Cities of Italy.  Pretty Originals.  9 magnets for $8.75.

NY City street map clock.  Gifted Papers. $23.50.

I heart Fishs Eddy

So, I recently discovered Fishs Eddy - a completely adorable online boutique that features great kitchen equipment (plates, flatware, glasses, etc) and fun gift ideas.  Since the holidays are upon us, I have been on a search for some low-cost ideas for friends and family.  I found some amazing bargains on here for under $20!  You must take a look!

Rest in grease (ha!) spoon rest.  $7.95

Adorable mermaid bottle opener. $14.95. 

Strip tea coasters.  Set of 10 for $3.95.

The glasses to match!  $5 each.

Wood fish salad servers.  $14.95.

Bird in a tree teacup.  $3.98 (on sale).

Alice in Wonderland wooden postcard.  $4.95.

Nursery rhyme glasses - these are so cute!  $5.50 each.

I love finding adorable and affordable things!  Where do you guys tend to buy your little gifts like these.  Would love to know of some more great stores!  Happy hunting!

Double doubler

I always feel like a bad person when I throw away my disposable coffee cup, especially when it has one of those sleeves that are probably made out of 500 trees each.  Now, I can at least feel good about one thing when I ditch my cup.  This is so cool!  A fashionable ebony bracelet that doubles as a coffee sleeve!  And, it's made out of reclaimed architectural pieces.  Love it! 

Coffee cuff.  $68.  By Contexture Design.

(thanks for the heads up on this one, Court!)

P.S. I do realize that there are such things as travel mugs which would help avoid this whole situation.  But let's face it, I am not coherant enough in the morning to remember the mug.  I fall into the same trap I do with those reusable grocery bags!  I vow to try to remember both the bags and the mug, but in the meantime this cuff is pretty rad!