Easy DIY Holiday Gift Tag Printable

{Tis the Season}
I've reach deep into the archives of my blog these gems that will never go out of style! #printables

Enjoy!

More oldy but goody gift ideas coming soon! :)

+Emily Ashby

Best Photographer Gift Ideas 2014

{Instagram Giveaway}

Looking for a the perfect gift for the photographer in your life? We've got a few gems for you! Plus if you head on over to Instagram today you'll have a chance to win one as well! #photogexpress #photographergiftideas #gifts {Find it at @camera_coats}

And what do we have for you?

1.(bottom left) Photographers love good photoshop actions! Summerana are some of my all time favorites!  They always help my photos pop beautifully.

2. (top left) Darling baby hat from The BlueBerry Hill. Every newborn photographer needs a sweet hat or two for their customers! 

3. (bottom fight) Kelli France is the Editor in Chief of the Chic Critique Magazine and has given not only a year's subscription to this great online photographer resource but a gold sequin camera strap!

4. (top right) Camera Coats. Padded, fitted, waterproof protection for you dlsr camera. Capture the memory...take your camera! #camerabag

Fun times & Happy Shopping! #happyholidays

+Emily Ashby

Unique Gift Ideas for Grandma

{Grandma Gifts}

If you've been wondering what to get your grandma this year I've got a few ideas that just may get her checked off your shopping list!  These ideas are a bit out of the norm and I think she just might love them! To see me talk about them on live TV you can head over to Ch 4 ABC affiliate in SLC at 11:30 today! 

If you missed it, here's the link to the segment: Good4Utah with Emily Ashby

Light Affection Lamp

I had never heard of these before so I was curious to see what they were! When I opened the box I was a little disappointed. It just looked like a white mold without much detail. But then when I plugged it in I was AMAZED at how cool it was!! I send a photo of the boys to the company and came back with this awesome lamp! (Not shown.)

You basically send the photo of your choice to Light Affection and somehow they make a lamp out of it. Grab on old photo of your grandparents wedding day and off you go!  

Website: Light Affection

Price: $45-240 depending on the size

Company Info:

"Light Affections offer a special alternative to the traditional way of displaying photos.  Light Affection frames are framed sculpture duplications of any photograph. The photograph is duplicated perfectly in sculpture and then combined with a beautiful lighting system that illuminates every aspect of the sculpture, creating a work of art that makes the memory displayed in a photograph seem as if alive and making it even more treasured.  Based on an age-old art form known as lithophanes (Greek for vision in stone), the engraving of an image comes to life when illuminated from behind. The varying thickness of the translucent material creates the illusion of the original image. Just email a digital image or mail a physical photograph and the company generates the Light Affection without damage to the original image.  Comes in sizes from night-lights to large frames in various styles and shapes."

Downton Abbey Fragrances

 If you or anyone you know loves Downton Abbey and would like to go back in time this is the best way to do it!  These perfumes are the actual fragrances that they high society ladies of the early 1900's wore!  I tried the Lady Cora scent and actually really like it! Its not overpowering but has a rich scent that is great for me! 

Great gift idea. 

Website: downtonabbeyfrangrances.com

Price: They start at $75

Company Info:

The Downton Abbey fine fragrance collection are sensual and sophisticated perfumes designed to embody the personality and style of the central female characters of the show, including Anna Bates, Lady Cora, Lady Mary, Daisy Mason, Lady Edith, Lady Rose and Countess Violet.  The collection’s fragrances are crafted in the artisanal method utilized by the master perfumers so highly in demand during the early 1900’s time period during which the show is set, allowing the fragrances to be very close approximations of the luxurious and complex perfumes which the high society ladies of that era actually wore.  The rich and varied scents of the fragrances have been crafted from pure perfume oils, without alcohol, chemicals, additives, artificial colors, parabens or phthalates.  These fragrances are pure and undiluted, vastly different than most perfumes on the market, which generally are up to 75% alcohol. Whereas alcohol-based perfumes evaporate in a rush, obscuring the delicate nuances of a fragrance’s complexity, the richness of each of the Downton Abbey fragrances can be appreciated much like fine wines. Each scent has top, middle and bottom notes that develop slowly after application on the skin, creating a sensual experience that lasts for and develops over a period of hours.  It is this kind of painstaking fragrance artistry that allows the Downton Abbey collection perfumes to reflect the personality of the show’s characters. 

PlaceTiles Cookie Jar
Classy cookie jars for the baker in your life! Who doesn't love one of Grandma's cookies straight from the cookie jar?  And now she can label the jar and add nice removable magnet accent depending on the theme she chooses!

Website: PlaceTile.com
Price: $55 and up

Company Info:

Fits for the Occasion Tiles are a new line of stylish, erasable ceramic accent labels with interchangeable, magnetically attached motif designs, perfect as dinner table place cards for guests, as descriptive accessories for each dish being served and for many other entertaining uses.  Each Fits for the Occasion ceramic label tile can be customized for the setting and occasion by simply detaching one motif and attaching a new one.  Comes in 16 different motifs to fit any party or gathering theme.  The Fits for the Occasion Tiles come in 2 sizes, 6” x 8” MessageTile size and 2.25”x3.75” PlaceTile size.  $14.95 - $38.95, depending on size and style.  

Sachi Insulated Bags

We use these Sachi Bags all of the time and they are great. They are insulated and come in a variety of size and styles from lunch purse bags to beach bags!  If your Nana doesn't like a traditional brown paper sack lunch bag then she'll love these! 

Company Info: 

Sachi Insulated Fashion Bags are insulated, fashionable lunch bags suitable for any setting.  Stylish and roomy enough to double as a purse or handbag, while effectively keeping food hot or cold as desired.  Easily wipes clean with a damp cloth.  Handles fold down for easy fit in the refrigerator.  Zips closed and handles fold down to the sides so that you may lay it flat, allowing for easy refrigerator storage.  Comes in a variety of styles and colors. 

Cushies Footwear by NuFoot
Winter is here and slippers are the way to go! Give the gift of a comfy, cozy, washable slipper by Nu Foot!  These come in a variety of styles so you are sure to find one that you'll love for yourself or give to someone you love!

Website: nufoot.com
Price: $19.99

Company Info:

Cushies, the newest indoor footwear creation from the Nufoot Company, are a comfortably padded and soft slipper-shaped footwear, but which is also nearly weightless, amazingly flexible and has a breathable mesh top.  They are also antimicrobial and both water and skid resistant.  Its sturdy neoprene construction makes it durable and comfortable on any indoor surface.  Comes in a variety of colors in sizes for both men and women.  

Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sleep Sound Therapy

We can't sleep without our Sound Oasis! I'm not kidding. We take ours everywhere we go to drown out the sounds of hotels, neighbors, babies, family, and each other. :) And I was excited to see the new bluetooth option...now we have a music speaker too! Yay!

Website: soundoasis.com

Price: $59.99

soundoasis.com

Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sleep Sound Therapy System (soundoasis.com)

The Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sleep Sound Therapy System combines the best facets of a high-quality, wireless bluetooth speaker and a therapeutic sound and sleep therapy device.  As a Bluetooth speaker, it has a 30 ft. range to stream music from your mobile device or computer.  Its built-in usb-rechargeable battery allows for 5-8 hours of cordless use on one charge.  Super compact size at 2 ½ inches tall by 2 ½ inches in diameter makes it very portable but still has excellent sound quality and powerful bass.  Built-in sleep therapy sound tracks can be customized to run seamlessly for up to 8 hours.  Perfect for improving sleep, blocking noise and managing tinnitus.  10 different sounds are built-in and more sleep/sound therapy tracks/sounds can be downloaded from the SoundOasis.com store or from the Sound Oasis Apps. 

Clever Crates

If your Grandma is like mine then you know how she despises clutter...even in her car.  These Clever Crates are the perfect answer. They lay flat until you are ready to use them! Don't worry, they aren't hard to put together...in fact I did it easily myself! (No directions or husbands needed!)

Website: clevercrates.com

Price: $11.99-$19.99 depending on the size

Company Info:

Pop'em up, fold'em down, Clever Crates are the smartest, easiest way to organize and transport household items. The secret is the unique lightweight and collapsible lift, pop and pack design that creates a spacious container that can be folded, stacked and stored away almost anywhere.  Pop them up to bring gear, drinks and snacks to family activities.  Great for the garden, garage, camping, parties, travel and so many other uses, as well as space-saving and efficient storage.  Ranging in size from 32 Liter (35 lb capacity) to 62 Liter (132 lb. capacity), coming in both open walled and solid wall versions and with or without handles.   Clever Crates provide great portability for both daily activities and in home storage while being easily collapsible when not in use without cluttering your home or vehicle.  Clever Crates are hygienic and easily washed. They are made from durable, reusable, sustainable and recyclable material.  A great alternative to plastic and paper disposable bags and cardboard boxes, Clever Crates have advantages that no other box, crate or basket can match.  

When your Grandma gives you extra kisses at Christmas this year enjoy every one of them!  Happy Shopping!

XOXO

+Emily Ashby

KUTV Easy Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

{Coming Up}

If you have a glue gun, fake leaves, burlap, and 20 minutes you can do these easy Thanksgiving crafts! Watch KUTV Ch2 (CBS Salt Lake) at 12:40 today (Nov 12, 2014) for my quick demo!

If you can't watch I'll be posing the quick steps of "how to" tomorrow on the blog! 

XOXO.

+Emily Ashby

Happy Halloween from KSL, Kitniss, Harry, & a Hamburger

{KSL Fun}

Had a great time with Elvis (Andrew Whittenberg), Mireda (Lori Prichard), Harry (Ethan), Kitniss (Yours Truly), and a hamburger (our friend Noah!) Wishing you a safe and fun Halloween! 

+Emily Ashby

DIY Halloween Decor (That You'll Want To Bring Out Each Year!)

{DIY Simple, Easy, & Smart}
When Aidan (6) is begging to decorate for Halloween you know you'd better have something to pull out of the storage!  If there's one thing I've learned about crafting over the years its that I don't want to make it if I don't want to keep it!  Paper pumpkins just don't stand the test of time like things made of glass or metal.

Some moms just make crafts to share time with their kids. I say if you're going to craft make something that you'll want to bring out every year! Instead of making paper or pipe cleaner decorations that you'll just throw away try these  little Halloween decor ideas that the boys and I whipped up last week.  I'll be sharing them on KUTV Ch2 at 12:40 today if you want to see them in action!

Glowing Glass Decor

These are made out of old glass jars or small vases you can pick up at Joann's.  You paint them and turn them into pumpkins, ghosts, or night creatures! Once they are painted you can put a candle in them and watch them glow!

Watch out for these two in a dark alley! :)

Tin Can Mummy

These are simple decorations that are perfect for the teacher or any counter top! Made out of empty tin cans you simply wrap with can with white paper, then wrap it with toilet paper, add eyes, and off you go!

Chalk Pumpkins

With a bit a chalk board paint you can make any pumpkin have a different face everyday! Spray the pumpkin and then let the kids go crazy!

For the compete "how to" you can visit my post on Chalkboard Pumpkin Halloween DIY! 

Spooky Wreath

This one is great for the older kids who like to use spray paint!  Just spray an old wreath black and add a few creatures to dangle from the middle. Simple & spooky!

To see this one complete you'll have to check out 2News at Noon today! ;) 

And there you have it! The next rainy day you have find a few tin cans and glass jars around the house and go it! You'll enjoy them for years to come...

XOXO

Emily

+Emily Ashby

Harry Potter Birthday Party Flash Back!

{Throw Back}
Had to bring this one out of the archives. Loved this party. Love this time of year. Love this kid. Enjoy!

{Magical Memory} Originally posted Oct 2011. 
You are really lucky to be a wizard especially if your mom is only a muggle. And I bet every muggle mom who has a little wizard turning 7 wishes for magical powers.  At least I do.

But since I don't have a wand, I just use Photoshop Elements and make sure to have an outdoor party.  It just makes them more magical...or in other words...easier.;)   

{Party Prep}

This is where its at.  Thank-you dollar store.  And here's a behind the scenes look at what we did before the little witches and wizards arrived...

Our little business wizard.  He named the place himself. Once his shop was set up we were 1/2 way finished.

{Magic Money}

And here is the currency of the party.  It was ready to be distributed to the kids as they "earned" it for things like...showing up, participating in the activities, and finding snakes and eyeballs (which will make more sense in a minute).

This was way easier than it looks...

Just bake the cake in bread pans, line up the cakes, and frost them.  I used 2 cake mixes and store bought frosting.  I love that frosting.;)

Stickers rock.  They are so easy and add so much. I found this darling Harry Potter clipart on Etsy in a shop called DigiMyWorld ($5.99) and then printed them out onto sticker (or label) paper.

Note: That shop has some super cute stuff if you ever need anything!

Fizzy drink mix via Target ($4.99).  It was a hit...all colored and bubbly.

Tip: Next time I would just buy Sprite and use the sugar Kool-Aid mix. I think it would be about the same.

Forgive me for the next few pictures...I love these little characters!:)

Potion Prep...simple.  I just grabbed some empty little Costco water bottles and filled them with white vinegar.  The cups had a bit of food coloring and baking soda.

The oldest and best science experiment magic trick in the world...



Troll Snot.  Gak.  Gross and gooey...One part glue to one part liquid starch.  Add food coloring or glitter for effect.  Once again easy, gross, and fun.



{And It Began...}
With Harry Potter theme music blasting, the kids arrived one by one and received their black sidesaddle bag.  They were asked to wear it because they needed it to put their wands, prizes, magic money, and other treasures into throughout the party.



While waiting for everyone to arrive we found wands and make broomsticks.   (Remember my last post? Yep! That's the one!) Every witch or wizard need one!

Then the Potions Class.  We were lucky to have my sister (who got some of the families magical abilities) to teach this class...

Thanks Marge! Your potions were amazing.



{Troll Snot}
After potions we moved right into Troll Snot.  Yes, that's right.  Sometime they sneeze on the trees in the back and this is what we get.  Note: This is not for people with weak stomachs.;)

{Sing It!}
Magical sparks were shooting out of this wand as we sang...fortunately this little wizard had the spell to put them out!

{Warming Up}

Its true, my husband is a wizard.  He got it from his father who is also very gifted.  It sure came in handy at the party as he "wowwed" the kids with his card trick he perpformed! (Don't tell anyone that he learned how to do off of UTube the night before.)

{The Hunt}
For every eyeball or snake they found they could trade it for "magic money" to spend at Ethan's Prize Shop.  Wouldn't you be running too?:)

{Great Day}
And when it was through we had some happy little wizards and witches.

And one happy muggle mom.

{Magical Movement}
And as for the little brother Aidan, he had quite the party too.   After swallowing a 1" screw on Thursday afternoon (yes, a screw...the xray confirmed it) he expelled it during Ethan's birthday party in a "special gift" in his britches.

Our prayers were answered as the Lord truly looked out for him during the ordeal.  There could have been some serious complications, but we are so blessed and grateful there weren't.

And yes, I am making him pay us back for the visit to the Urgent Care when he makes it big someday.;)

{The Muggle}
Our father is a wizard and mother is a muggle.  In fact, have you heard of Bill the Magnificant?  Yep that's him.  For more you can see this post from our family reunion this summer.;)

I am a muggle, but my younger sister-who may now be called a witch-- truly worked some magic at this party.  Thanks again for all of your help Marge!

Picture taken today by Ethan ...

And as for our little wizard...

And what a celebration! Love you Ethan! 

+Emily Ashby