# 18.5

Ok, so work is slow... sue me for finding awesome shit.

Super Cute Printable Gift Labels from the Black Apple:

I plan on cutting them out, putting them on card stock, punching a hole in said card stock and tying them up with ribbon/raffia/yarn after i hap-hazardly and a bit obsessively wrap it around and around each perfectly wrapped gift. can't wait.

Absolutely Adorable Recycled Homemade Gift Bows from How About Orange:

Just the most perfect DIY project to get me excited about wrapping. I've torn down my calendar at work and already made 2! You could use old magazines, catalogs, sheet music, old books, junk mail, etc. The possibilities are endless! Knock yourself out.

If you're a gift card givin' kind of gal like me; add a special touch and use this Gift Card Holder Pattern from Heather:

Most of all enjoy and feel free to share awesome shit with me :)

# 6

I just love this time of year. It's getting cooler out and the scenery changes. Halloween is a month away and I'm usually that procrastinator, waiting until October 30th to throw some crappy costume together then regret that I even tried. So this year, I'm getting a move on.

I'm going to be a dead prom queen this year. I've already started the hunt for a formal dress. I'm going to thrift stores on a pretty consistent basis and have decided if I haven't found something by the 15th, I will come up with something different.

I've spent a little time over at Martha's site checking out the Halloween decorating ideas and googling the hell out of recipes.

What are some of you favorite Halloween crafts, recipes and costume ideas?

# 5

I'm getting excited about Christmas. I should say a little obsessive really. It's gotten a bit cooler here and that always puts me in the mood. Seeing as money is real tight this year; I've been trying to think of some homemade goodness to give this year.

So far I've decided that the lovely ladies in my life will be getting little spa baskets. They will include homemade bath salts, handmade soap from Dee and lotion or a small candle.

I have found small tubes of lavender hand lotion in the travel section at target, for about a dollar. If I can find some small candles on sale or clearance somewhere I'll add those too. Next I'll be looking for small baskets or containers to put everything in. I'm also on the hunt for small jars or bottles to put the salts in.

Peppermint Bath Salts:

• 1 cup of Epsom Salt
• 1 cup of Sea Salt
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• Peppermint and/or Eucalyptus Essential Oils (6 - 12 drops total)
• Fresh mint or Peppermint Tea

1. Combine Salts and Soda in bowl or Ziploc bag.
2. Add Oils, a few drops at a time, mix.
3. Once you get desired scent, add fresh mint leaves or tea.
4. Pour into jars, label and enjoy.

Lavender Bath Salts:

Same as above but use Lavender Oil and Dried Lavender or Chamomile Tea.

I think these will make nice little gifts and I might just spring for a Massage Envy Gift Card for my Mom, Aunt and Sisters.