Crystal Christmas Tree Earrings

Posted: January 11th, 2009 | Author: Maura | Filed under: Crafts, Gifts, Internet | No Comments »

il_fullxfull50511024Around Christmas I was out shopping and saw a pair of tree earrings made of crystals just like these and immediately fell in love: they are festive but not gaudy. They were a little more than I wanted to spend on a Christmas bauble, though. I figured I’d look for them after the holiday on sale and could put them away for next year. (There’s always next year!)

Etsy to the rescue. I found several users selling earrings like these and many of them marked down. This particular pair of earrings from NewLifeDesigns were the most like what I envisioned, so I ordered them. They arrived just as I was packing away my decorations, so I placed them in one of the boxes (hopefully I’ll be surprised later). The earrings are lovely in person, and I had a great experience with the seller as well.


Treetopia Trees

Posted: December 27th, 2008 | Author: Maura | Filed under: Decor | No Comments »

vote-artificial-christmas-tree-2Treetopia: Your Place for Fun Artificial Trees, White Christmas Trees, Wreaths and Garlands, Palm Trees, and Decorations

Treetopia has a completely awesome selection of fun and traditional Christmas trees. I am definitely going to keep them in mind for next year. They’ve been featured on Regis & Kelly and more…check out their media page.

And of course, don’t forget this stunning Stephen J. Colbert National Treasure Tree

I also can’t help loving the Smurftastic Blue Christmas Tree.


Holiday sales

Posted: December 27th, 2008 | Author: Maura | Filed under: Decor, Internet | No Comments »

Now is the absolute best time to shop for Christmas 2009. Besides my annual day-after-Christmas trip to Target, I’ve been browsing the great deals on Christmas goods online, such as these from Pottery Barn.


Christmas Trees on Amazon.com

Posted: December 16th, 2008 | Author: Maura | Filed under: Decor, Internet | No Comments »

51ywjuzrdl_ss400_Did you know that Amazon.com sells fake Christmas trees? This knowledge may come in incredibly handy, as I am planning to upgrade my fake tree after this Christmas season.

I’m particularly smitten with this Barcana Alaskan Deluxe Fir PE/PVC Ready-Trim Christmas Tree with Clear Mini Lights. It has 2,000 lights! If only spending $729.99 sounded like a good idea. (It does ship for free with super saver shipping.)

Nonetheless, there are some other cute options here, including some mini-trees, which I’ve been looking for in stores but have been disappointed with the selection.


Homemade holiday gifts on LA Times

Posted: December 15th, 2008 | Author: Maura | Filed under: Crafts, Gifts | No Comments »

Here are some lovely ideas from the Los Angeles Times: 50 ways to make your holiday gifts homemade.

Not only are homemade gifts less expensive, they also capture the spirit of holiday giving in a way that purchased gifts simply can’t. And if you consider the ubiquitous traffic and holiday crowds, a leisurely morning spent baking breadsticks or whipping up a batch of homemade marshmallows seems positively Zen-like by comparison.

All of the gifts are food-related, from cookies to a winter soup starter. I love the idea of food as gifts, especially sweets.