affordable gifts | for the kiddos

the holiday shopping that's the most fun has to be for the kiddos in your life, because you know the reaction you get when they open their presents will be priceless.  there are a ton of fantastic products out there for kids - here are some good options (all $25 or less) for the special little ones in your life.

crochet crown :: bunch / toy seahorses :: brika / building blocks wagon :: ikea / up up up print :: lovemaki / elephant bank :: urban outfitters / wood drum :: grasshopper / miniature trailer :: greenleaf dollhouses / confetti ukelele :: grasshopper / owl pillow :: gingiber / 20-piece train set :: ikea

before + after

there have been some really great before & after home design on the web this week.  i am feeling very inspired to tackle some things around the house and give them a new life.  here are a few of my favorite projects i've stumbled across this week - visit the sources to see the details!

from mosey blog, i love love love everything about this made-over ikea entry table -

apartment therapy just featured ryan marshall's amazing backyard updates via his blog pacing the panic room.  be sure to follow him on instagram (@ryanmarshall), where you can see more of his lovely family and beautiful home.



and finally, sunset has a great arizona ranch home reno worth checking out.  i am a sucker for a 1960's ranch house before/after - it gives me so many ideas for our house!



new project

since i have yet to kill the other plants we have around the house, i decided it was time for a few more.  i'm happy with the end result, but i don't know that i'll be planting cactuses again anytime soon.  i tried gardening gloves, oven mitts and finally metal tongs, but i still ended up with cactus barbs in my hands.  anyone have a good solution or is the pain just a necessary evil? 





i also got this little guy for 25 cents from ikea!  i love the shape and the pretty peachy pink color.  now...what to do with it?