Batten Down the Hatches!

The earthquake was unsettling enough but what really strikes horror into us Northerners are nor'easter's. Only this time what's projected is a full out hurricane (Irene) instead and we're right in its possible path. If things become quiet around here it could mean our safe place was slammed by Irene. Hopefully everything will be OK and everyone on the Eastern seaboard will be safe and have a home to go back to. It's so deceptively calm and sunny at the moment.

PS Irene seems to have left now! The amount of flooding was unreal and huge trees fell all over... clean up has to begin but thankfully everyone seems safe here. See you next week, given the power holds out. Please be safe everyone on the East Coast.

Image: mam for Gave That

Inspiration: Missoni

Have you seen the pillows from the upcoming Missoni capsule collection? One with ripples (Passione Loops) of what looks to be felt seemed the perfect way to top a gift box (and reuse scraps of paper too). Decorative pillows have actually been incredibly inspiring in general (look for more on that soon) when it comes to gift wrap. For this, simple strips of construction paper was used and tacked down ribbon candy style on the diagonal using hot glue.

For more gift wrap looks see my gift design inspiration area of the blog right here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Floral Bits

Reusing a black Necktyes which always reminds me of Japanese Kanzashi, vintage cocktail napkins used as gift wrap and a Hallmark gift tag card.

For more gift wrap looks see my gift design inspiration area of the blog here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Napoleon Perdis Jetset

Had to mention this Napoleon Perdis Jetset palette for a few reasons... initially the neutral colors reminded me of Urban Decay's cult favorite Naked palette (all the shimmery browns, gossamer golds, taupe's, matt blacks) but what makes me really reach for it is this one by Perdis comes with 18 shadows, plus peachy blushes and bronzers. Bronzes, terracotta, coppery tones and the ivory case totally feels 60's goddess and the slightest tap of the brush goes such a long way (this was obviously intended for tan skin). The second reason is it's white, sparkly and pretty sweet to dole out as gifts to ones bridal party.

NP Set Jet Set Palette

Image: mam for Gave That

Sales, Sales, Sales

Sales, sales, sales... especially during the end of summer they can be insanely hard to resist. These are a few things that were snagged this past July, a very Alexander Wang-ish (and equally sold out) studded camera bag that I plan on using for flea marketing and a 80's throw back scarf cardigan. The problem is they're sold out and almost impossible to find and that's something that usually prevents a post here. In this case I thought it was a decent segue into how good sales can be for finding things that are supposed to be completely sold out. The impossible makes the perfect gift. Getting all your Christmas shopping done in July is also really rewarding.

With all that in mind, the very popular sales calender of the site has been moved to it's very own blog which you can keep up with here and look for a special perks area of Gave That soon... filled with codes and, well perks! (click here for the ever growing list of perks)

Bag: Obey
Cardigan: Married to the Mob

Image: mam for Gave That

Mollycoddle Soap

Absolutely flipped when I saw these tasty glycerin soaps by Mollycoddle Soaps designer Kelly McDowell-DeVries on Fab. She says these "take gifts to another level", what an absolute artist! Can you imagine these being used as your guest soaps and better yet the looks on their faces? Fun times, fun times.

Image: Mollycoddle Soap via Fab.com

Wrapping Bracelets

Memo to self... anything wrapping and adjustable is your friend! Because having this happen is the absolute pits.

Bracelets: Heather Hawkins, Alisa Michelle & Vintage

Image: Magda for Gave That

Pocket Change

Pocket Change necklaces by Alisa Michelle


Image: mam for Gave That

Lunaria

Today every last bit of Lunaria (the original paper moons!) was plucked today and placed in a tiny vase. A sort of miniature homage to Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce and a looming reminder fall is right around the bend. (see here for how I used it to wrap a gift)

Image: mam for Gave That

What's In My Overnight / Weekend Bag

This is my 100% ready for anything overnight / weekend / someplace beachy and hot for weeks bag and it's spur of the moment friend approved too! Seriously, one thing that I've learned is that the likelihood you're going to have to tote around your bag (and belongings) all day is extremely high even when people tell you otherwise so I always try to disguise everything as a mere large handbag. Coated canvas takes so much of the weight off and it's nice not having to worry about downpours or dirty sand. This has been working so well it seemed only right to share with you the makings of a great escape bag! Altogether now:

The bag is Trina Turk and it's all about the shape and print, love it to pieces. Clockwise: Lots of scarves by Missoni & Project Isuga, Baggu tote bag which has so many duel uses including wet clothing, Bikini, Havaianas' flip flops, my beloved Hold Me makeup bag (to see what it's filled with click here), Polar Bottle water bottle from Mum, Stephanie Johnson pouch which can double as clutches, City Slips fold up flats are lifesavers plus the case turns into a tote bag, sunglasses and a travel candle by Archipelago. Also a journal and pen for snooping around and taking notes on what sort of thank you gift to give the host afterwords.



Just looking at all the color has to put a smile (or a Cheshire Cat grin) on ones face. Hope so much you're having a really good weekend and see you next week!

Image: mam for Gave That

Woolly Felt Pocket

Home & Garden Show time rolled around again rather unexpectedly and it was a mad dash to gather up things to enter. Hens & Chicks are always a favorite but who wants to do the exact same living centerpiece as last years? That's when the Woolly Pockets came to mind... yesssss, yes. It ended up being a big hit. Inside the Woolly Island , along with the Hens & Chick succulents, are some Sedum plants and lots of sea shells and terracotta colored sand.



Image: mam for Gave That

GC Giveaway + Sam's Club Box Tops for Education

MyBlogSpark is once again giving everyone at Gave That the chance to win a $25 gift card to Sam's Club in an effort to bring awareness to their special Box Tops for Education initiative. Starting in August you will be able to find 6 Box Tops on a Pack in Sam's Club to help your local schools even more through the Box Tops for Education program.

So, how to enter: Simply email me at GaveThat@gmail.com and tell me how you like to help your local schools. One random winner will be chosen on August 30th at 12:00am EST 2011. This giveaway is open to US residents only and fulfillment of your prize is being handled by MyBlogSpark.

A big congratulations to Teresa who won this giveaway and shared some amazing ways she supports her local school system including buying and donating winter hats! Thank you so much for all your emails and check back for new giveaways.

"The Sam´s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. Thank you so very much!"

Image: mam for Gave That

Special Perks

Special Perks
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Modnique (receive a $5 credit via this link)

JewelMint (jewelry, code: "PRO50" 50% off)

Heartsy (receive a $5. credit)

Folica (receive $10 off your first order)

Beauty Bar (Use Savings Code GAVETHAT)

Winery Insider (receive a $10 credit)

PLNDR (receive $10 after you place your first order)

OpenSky (receive a $10 credit)

Bloom Circle beauty (30% back on your first order with code "30back")

Gilt Groupe (20% off your first order though our special invite link here)

LeftLine Sports (Use our link to join and receive a $10 credit to your account)

Luxury Link (Use code "WELCOMELL" for $50 off + our link for $100 credit)

Shoe Buy Private Events (through this invitation link receive a $10 credit)

Image: mam for Gave That

Roman Holiday

Finding rings that look as if they were once owned by an ancient Roman has been on my wish list for some time. Something that ended up being deceptively hard to find. Brazilian designer Betty Carré has come the closest to absolute perfection. Swooning and so very happy to have found these! The stacking ring sets are especially nice to break up and give to friends.

Blue sapphire, turquoise and lemon quartz gold rings: Betty Carré
Purse: vintage

Image: mam for Gave That