Uncommonly Good

I'm just going to admit right now that I have not even started to shop for Christmas. I'm totally a last-minute holiday shopper. Ok, that's not the complete picture--I mean, I do think about gifts before buying them, I don't just grab whatever I find. But, sometimes, it's a struggle to think of something really special. Honestly, I would rather plan the food and the decorations than the gifts, for Christmas. It's kinda hard to find things for certain people. You know what I mean? Or maybe I need to get more creative and be a better planner. Anyway, since we are in the gift-giving time of year, I thought you all might like a few gift ideas from a fabulous company.

I want to introduce you to Brooklyn-based UncommonGoods, a site with truly unique wares. They are passionate about offering beautifully handcrafted items, being green in everything they do, and giving back, to share the wealth. Constantly looking for treasures from around America, and working closely with artists and makers to develop their collections, UncommonGoods is a great source for all of those hard-to-shop-for gift recipients on your holiday shopping list. I was seriously impressed, when I discovered their gorgeous housewares, gift items, and artwork. It was really hard to choose my favourites, but I've narrowed it down to the things I personally would love to have. I hope you will love them, too!

This picture takes me to my happy place.

 I just love the handcrafted, timeless look of these housewares (1, 2, 3, and 4).

 For a blue mood... this and this

 This rug would look so gorgeous in my lounge area!

Gifts for him and for her

 I love the abstract quality of this print.

I love the organic look of these decor items (1, 2, 3, and 4). They would all make great housewarming gifts.

 I love all things bird-inspired, like this print.

For a leafy look... this and this

 I could stare at this paper art for hours.

How adorable is this and this?

I love this beautiful piece, made from a real aspen leaf.

{This post was sponsored by UncommonGoods. All words and opinions, as always, are my own. I only share content with you that I truly love and believe that you will love, too.}

Too Easy

I have got to tell you all about this amazing brown sugar scrub that I've been using. It really is "too easy" to make, as Aussies say. Whether you would want to make it for yourself, like I did, or make a batch for Christmas gifts, this scrub should seriously be on your DIY list.

Here's the story...

Last week, I was looking online for an easy and inexpensive homemade facial scrub recipe, because I had run out of my favourite green tea scrub (months ago, actually), and my skin was not looking very happy about it. Being a frugalista these days, I decided to try making one. The scrub recipe with the fewest ingredients, those items which I already had--and always have, in my kitchen, was the one I decided to try. I found the recipe here.

Here's the recipe...

All you need to do is use twice as much brown sugar as olive oil, like 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix it together in a small plastic container (I would not recommend using a glass jar in the shower, in case it would break). That's it! Now you have a yummy scrub which your face will love.

After having used the scrub for a week, I can tell you that my skin is looking and feeling much better--cleaner pores, moisturized, supple, and soft texture. 

To use, just apply a dab of the sugar scrub on each area of your face, and then quickly scrub your skin, because the sugar crystals will dissolve pretty rapidly once they get wet. Also, I recommend using a gentle cream cleanser to wash the scrub off, like Cetaphil or a generic version.

This brown sugar scrub would make a fabulous gift. Just gussy up the container with a ribbon bow and a label, and voila! A perfectly pretty little present.

{image found here}