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a blog about faith, family, food, & more written by a wife and stay at home mom of five

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DIY Travel Bags: To Wear & To Wash {Gift Idea!}

July 27, 2016 by Aliesha

DIY Gift Idea: Travel Bags - To Wash & To Wear! | Feathers in Our Nest
I’ve been eyeing these travel bags for a while and wanting to make some of my own!  Aren’t they perfect for travel?  You tuck your clean underthings in one, and then as the trip progresses, transfer them to the other one.  This makes it so easy to keep everything separated in your luggage.  This weekend, I took a few minutes to make a set of my own!

First I grabbed these bags (more than you need, so you can make extras to give as gifts!) and a fabric marker (from Target in the craft department, but this set is similar to the one I bought).DIY Gift Idea: Travel Bags - To Wash & To Wear! | Feathers in Our Nest

You can print out the text in a favorite font to use as inspiration.  (Left: Harlems Font. Right: Wanderlust.)  I used these for reference but put my own twist on the letters!

Place a small piece of cardboard inside the bag so the ink doesn’t bleed through to the other side.  Then write “to wear” on one and “to wash” on the other.DIY Gift Idea: Travel Bags - To Wash & To Wear! | Feathers in Our Nest

Tip: Use the bullet point end of the fabric marker to do faux calligraphy (as pictured). Write the words, then thicken each down stroke to give it that calligraphy or brush pen look.  DIY Gift Idea: Travel Bags - To Wash & To Wear! | Feathers in Our Nest

DIY Gift Idea: Travel Bags - To Wash & To Wear! | Feathers in Our Nest

Check the fabric marker packaging for washing instructions.DIY Gift Idea: Travel Bags - To Wash & To Wear! | Feathers in Our NestThese would make nice gifts for a girlfriend who loves to travel!

Other phrases to write on your bags: “bits and baubles,” “hair thingies,” “socks,” “chargers & earbuds,” and “this and that.”

Let me know if you make any!

DIY Travel Lingerie Bags with Brush Lettering: To Wear & To Wash {Gift Idea!} | Feathers in Our Nest

Aliesha Caldwell is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Filed Under: gift ideas, gifts, projects, step-by-step

Gift Guide for the “Fixer Upper” Fan

April 11, 2016 by Aliesha

Most of my friends love watching Fixer Upper, in fact, we frequently discuss our favorite parts of the latest renovations and daydream about fixing up a house in that signature modern farmhouse style! (Though, wasn’t Season 3 great how Joanna really branched out to create some spectacular designs based on different aesthetics?  You could still tell she designed them, but she really ran with the clients’ unique styles!)

So this brings me to today’s post… a gift guide for the Fixer Upper fan!  I’ve been working for a while, curating sixteen perfect items for this list, and I’m quite happy with all of the amazing things I found!  Any Fixer Upper fan would be thrilled with a gift from this list.Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide

Let’s start in the kitchen… shall we?

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest1. Cutting board

You may have noticed that almost every Fixer Upper kitchen styling includes a gorgeous wooden cutting board. I have one very similar to this, and I love that I can use it for cutting as well as a serving piece for casual gatherings! A friend who is just putting together a kitchen of her own needs a piece like this.

 

 

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

2. Cake stand

Every modern farmhouse needs a great cake stand!  This one is classic and beautiful.  The one I have looks just like this, and I use it for everything from cakes to fruit to seasonal vignettes!

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

3. Hanging boxes

I’ve been trying to track these wooden herb boxes down since I saw a pin featuring them years ago.  They are just too cute!  Can’t you see them stuffed with potted herbs (or even artificial greenery)?  Because every room needs something green & growing!

 

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

4. Egg basket

This egg basket is a farmhouse classic.  While it would look great in a kitchen, I could also see it gracing other parts of the house, too!

 

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

5. Mug rack

Your friend probably has enough mugs (my personal collection is overflowing), so why not help a gal out with this stunning wall-mounted mug rack?  I love the clean lines and its classic simplicity.  Very farmhouse chic.

 

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

6. Burlap runner

Moving into the dining room, a burlap runner is a must-have for the modern farmhouse. This one is a fairly good price, but I have several that I purchased from the dollar section of Target for $3.  I use them on my dining room table, breakfast nook table, mantle, and for parties!  Grab one for yourself and one for a friend!

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

7. Wooden tool box

I have several friends who would love this wooden tool box.  With five sections, it could be used to house silverware at a party, greenery for an everyday centerpiece, or crayons/craft supplies for a kids’ worktable!  I love how it’s already distressed and comes in such a pretty shade of blue.

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

8. Chalkboard storage boxes

Speaking of storage, I think these little crates are so cute!  They could easily be the main gift, but you could also use them as the “gift box” for another gift (perhaps a cookbook or a mason jar of wildflowers).

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

9. Wire basket

Continuing with the storage theme, these wire baskets would look great on some built-ins in the living room!  They look like the perfect size for corralling small books, CDs, or toys.  Again, this would make a fun, non-traditional gift bag.

 

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

10. Metal tray

This tray is so fun!  Can’t you just see it on a coffee table, filled with a pitcher of lemonade and some tall glasses?  Or you could place a few potted plants or some old books wrapped with twine inside it.  Everything looks better when grouped inside a tray!

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

11. Tin letter

This letter (which comes in most of the alphabet… click “size” to see which ones are available), would be such a fun inclusion to a gallery wall!  Help a friend celebrate a new last name or a new home with this cute statement piece.

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

12. Vintage letter box

Even if this mailbox isn’t needed for incoming mail on the front porch, it would be really adorable by the front door for storing outgoing mail or cards to deliver to friends!  I like the little embossed bird, of course.

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

13. Ceramic birds

And, speaking of birds, these white ceramic birds would look sweet nestled on a bookshelf or incorporated into a spring place setting.  (I can just picture one placed on each person’s cloth napkin, laid casually over the center of their plate!)

 

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

14. Boxwood wreath

Every modern farmhouse needs a beautiful boxwood wreath!  If this one is out of your price range, don’t fret!  I’ll be posting a tutorial soon on how to make one yourself for next to nothing!

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

15. Mason jar soap dispenser

Filled with some sweet-smelling hand soap, this classy soap dispenser would make a lovely housewarming gift.

Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

16. Black lantern

I get compliments all the time on my lanterns on my porch, so I’ve thought about picking up a few of these lanterns as gifts (and to replace my current porch ones… they’re getting a little old)!  They really help the front porch say, “welcome!” in true Joanna Gaines fashion.

Feel free to pin this for future reference (I keep a secret board just for gift ideas)!


Fixer Upper Fan Gift Guide: Get the modern farmhouse look inspired by Joanna Gaines! Lots of awesome gift & decor ideas in this post. | Feathers in Our Nest

Aliesha Caldwell is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Filed Under: gift ideas, gifts

Gift Ideas for a New Mom

August 4, 2015 by Aliesha

Clever gift ideas for a new mom that have nothing to do with baby... just for mom to help her feel loved and cared about during the busy newborn season! | Feathers in Our Nest



Have you ever wanted to bless a new mom with a special gift that is just for her?  I remember receiving a care package in the mail after one of my babies was born, and it was filled with lovely gifts just for me… stationery, lotion, pens, stickers, and a sweet note of encouragement (the best part!).  It was such a blessing to me at a time I really needed it!

Maybe you’re visiting a new mom in the hospital, or want something to take to her when you go to drop off a meal.  Or maybe she had a baby three months ago and could use some encouragement because her baby hasn’t been sleeping so well lately!

Here is a list of ideas for you of things to give to a new mom (and, of course, most of the items on this list would be loved by any woman, mom or not)!

Gift Ideas for a New Mom (that have nothing to do with baby!)

Mom-Gifts-Joy-Devotionalshort devotionals

When a new baby arrives, time for lengthy quiet times is greatly reduced!  I have found that short devotional books are so encouraging during those sleep-deprived days.  Some devos for women can be a little weak theologically, but these by Lydia Brownback are so rich (even though each day’s reading is just 2-3 pages). I have read Joy, Contentment, and Trust.  They are all very good for reading while feeding an infant!

Petal-2hair ties

I sell this kind in my Etsy store, but you can find them other places as well.

Mom-Gifts-Dry-Shampoodry shampoo

I make my own now, but this is my favorite commercial brand.  It’s so awesome for keeping your hair looking great in between washings!  (At Target, you can grab a little travel size version of this for around $1-$2).

Mom-Gifts-Earringsearrings

After having a baby, it feels like nothing fits right (maternity clothes hang awkwardly, but regular clothes are still too snug), so a new pair of earrings can be a true mood-lifter!  These would brighten any outfit.  (I’ve ordered from that Etsy shop several times and recommend it!)

Mom-Gifts-Mug

mug

I know I always thrived on coffee when I was up several times a night with my new babies, and I would have loved this beautiful, encouraging mug!  Bonus points if you include a favorite variety of tea or coffee!  (This mug is made by mompreneur Kristin Schmucker!)

Mom-Gifts-Art-PrintScripture print

Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think about the things that are true.  One way I like to do this is by filling my walls with truth from God’s Word!  An art print would be a lovely gift for a new mom so she can mediate on God’s truth all day long.  Love this one from Gracelaced (made by mompreneur Ruth Simons).

Mom-Gifts-Snack-Boxsnack box delivery

I totally didn’t realize how hungry I would be after having a baby and while breastfeeding.  Not to mention, too mentally and physically exhausted to even figure out a good snack to eat (one-handed, at that!).  Subscription snack boxes have been so helpful in making sure I have relatively wholesome snacks to munch on!  I’m subscribed to two (you can pick the frequency of delivery that works for you!): NatureBox and Graze.  NatureBox includes 5 larger bags of snacks (several portions each), while Graze offers boxes with either 4 or 8 snacks in individual portions.  (Good to know: NatureBox offers a free trial.  And you can use code “ALIESH64P” to get your 1st and 5th boxes free at Graze… my referral link.)  NatureBox allows you to pick out the snacks you want in each box (or be surprised), while Graze chooses for you (but allows you to rate previous boxes so they get to know your tastes as time goes on).  Either of these boxes would be appreciated by any new mom!

Mom-Gifts-Notebooknotebooks

Whether she uses these to jot down thoughts, keep track of feedings, or to use during her devotional time, pretty notebooks are always a useful gift. These are just lovely. (I have them and I have also gifted them!)

Mom-Gifts-Notecardsblank notecards

The amount of thank-you notes a new mom writes is astronomical, so a pretty set of blank notecards will be put to good use!  I like these die cut ones, but there are often really cute notecard sets in the dollar spot at Target.

Mom-Gifts-Lip-Balm

lip balm

This Pretty Balm from Root is my favorite.  I like it in Gossip, Waverly, and Doll.

Mom-Gifts-One-Line-a-Dayone line a day journal

Okay, so this gift is a little bit about baby.  It’s a five-year journal where mom can record a line or two each day about anything… how she’s feeling, what milestones the baby reached that day, what they did as a family, etc.  Doable, and so sweet.

Creative Mom Gifts: Roberobe

I bought this beautiful new robe to wear after baby comes, and I think any mom would love one!  This etsy store carries lots of amazing floral prints and the robes are handmade in India.

sea-salt-caramels-aldichocolate

Currently, I am obsessed with these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels from Aldi.  They taste very gourmet, and I would totally pay more for them.  Chocolate is always a win!

What would you add to this list?

ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

Filed Under: baby, gift ideas, gifts

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This blog shares our family's story and our journey from newlyweds to a family of seven. We share milestones, we share struggles, we share sweet memories, and we share about our Savior. Keep reading...

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