Photo
HOMEMADE LIP GLOSS
The Internet has bazillions of recipes for DIY lip balms that can be made with beeswax, cocoa butter, and some essential oils (this one is particularly good), but if you’re looking for something even easier, try one of these, which use Vaseline (or generic-brand petroleum jelly) as a base:
HONEY LIP GLOSS
Combine three parts petroleum jelly and one part honey in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave 30 seconds, or until just melted. Pour into desired container and let cool.
Hostess Gifts
I’m going to be doing a bit of traveling in the coming months (including trips to Canada, Los Angeles, and San Diego), and will be avoiding hotels and staying with friends and family who I rarely see wherever possible.
Whenever I step foot across someone’s doorstep, I try to have a gift in hand. For a dinner party, of course a bottle of wine is just fine (although I’d suggest going for something a little more interesting, such some inexpensive champagne and a small bottle of flavored liqueur to mix into it or a homemade vodka infusion), but when you’re spending a night or a weekend at someone else’s home, I’d advise you to go a bit bigger.
HOSTESS GIFT SUGGESTIONS
- A treat (or two) from your hometown (e.g. Buckeyes if you’re coming from Ohio, salt water taffy if you hail from Cape Cod, or some Cajun spices if you’re from down New Orleans way).
I’ll be MIA for the next few days, on vacation with Julia and Meghan (Julia’s Xmas gift to me!). We have zero Internet action there, but have no fear: I queued up some lovely, bliss-y posts for you to enjoy until I return.
xoxo…here’s to safe travels :)
P.S. I’d like to address the fact that I’m feeling extremely conflicted about going on vacation and doing something lovely at this moment in time…and in the same part of the world that’s experiencing such tragedy. I don’t quite know what to say about that, other than…I am so heartbroken about what is going on in Haiti. I know that you can’t stop going about your life and doing the things that you’re doing - even in the face of tragedy - but you can take a moment to stop, realize how truly lucky you are, and conduct yourself as best you can with the knowledge that there are people out there who need your help. Anything you can do - even the smallest thing, even if it’s just talking about the tragedy with your loved ones and telling them how much they mean to you - well…that’s something. And if everyone does a little something, that’s what will make the difference.
Please, give your time, give your money, or give your prayers. Just give what you can.
Some of Marivi’s stunning designs (I learned how to make the two on the left!).
Want her help with your wedding invitations, stationery, holiday cards, or business cards? Email her at marivi.manaluz@mac.com. She’s simply the nicest girl ever, and such fun to work with.
