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Easy Fall Stovetop Potpourri

October 7, 2015 by Abby

No messy wax or canned smells here. Just a few easy ingredients and a house filled with the crisp fragrance of fall.

Stovetop potpourri is one of the prevailing smells of my childhood. I have vivid memories of walking in the door from school and being greeted by the divine scent of simmering cinnamon and fragrant apples.

For the longest time, the moment when I pushed the door open was bittersweet. The potpourri smelled, misleadingly, like delicious baked goods. It was a disappointing thing to realize there were no sweet treats available.

My love of all things autumn grew as I got older. I began to appreciate this easy fall stovetop potpourri for what it is: a creative, economical way to bring your favorite fall scents inside, minus the additives and chemicals of candles and room sprays.

With this potpourri, you don’t have to change wax cubes or make sure you have obscure ingredients on hand. All you need is two minutes and a few pantry staples, and you’re on your way to having a home that smells unmistakably like fall.

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Father’s Day Gift Ideas

May 27, 2015 by Abby

A unique selection of Father’s Day gift ideas, perfect for the impossible-to-buy-for dad in your life.

1. sandalwood shaving kit
Pampering isn’t just for women anymore. Give Dad the male equivalent of a bubble bath kit with this sandalwood -scented shaving kit.

If fancy oils and creams aren’t Dad’s thing, grab this Nivea aftershave– it’s my husband’s favorite.

2. team pride toolbox
Is Dad a handyman? Does Dad wish he was a handyman? Or does Dad just jump at any opportunity to represent his favorite team? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, a team logo toolbox might be just the gift you’re looking for.

If you’re buying for a dad who’s just starting his tool collection, this toolbox will help him get started.

3. darth vader shirt decal
Come on. Darth Vader? I am your father? Star Wars gear for Father’s Day is a no-brainer. This decal is an iron-on transfer, meaning you can put it on Dad’s favorite brand of t-shirt or sweatshirt.

If you’d like to buy something ready-made, this Star Wars Darth Vader t-shirt is my favorite.

4. periodic table “father” mug
Got a chemist in your life? J. teaches high school chemistry, so he appreciates all things periodic table. This mug is just the kind of thing a science nerd would appreciate.

For a dad who likes to cook or grill, this apron is an amusing choice.

5. grill branding iron
J. loves red meat. So does my dad. For a lot of guys, grilling is an art form. What better way to brag about your barbeque prowess than to stamp your steak with your initial?

If the dad in your life is a big sports fan, maybe a logo brand is more his style.

6. men’s messenger bag
Does your dad use a briefcase? Or does he still carry his old college backpack? Upgrade him to a hip messenger bag.

If you aren’t a fan of the Backcountry bag, this one from Fossil is a sharp-looking choice.

Don’t see anything that grabs you? A few months back, I wrote a post with Valentine’s Day gift ideas, many of which would make perfect Father’s Day presents, too.

Who is the most difficult dad in your life to shop for?

(note: this post contains affiliate links; to learn more, see my disclosure policy)

5 not lame valentine’s day gifts for your woman

February 8, 2015 by Abby

Not every woman wants a dozen roses and a tennis bracelet for Valentine’s Day (or any holiday). Many ladies, me included, would prefer practical yet fun gifts. The kind that we can use regularly but might not spend the money to buy ourselves.

That’s where this list comes in. Behold, V-Day gifts for the rest of us. And, in case I have any credibility at all as a female gift receiver, I can affirm that I would love to receive all of these gifts (ahem).

a cute tumbler

You know that New Year’s resolution your girl made, the one to drink more water? Chances are she’s feeling pretty waterlogged about now. This adorable bottle is the perfect balance between “I support your desire to be healthy” and “You’re perfect just the way you are.”

jewelry with meaning

I might have included a piece from this same shop on my list of gifts for guys, but I had to include this necklace, too. Jewelry might be a stereotypical V-Day gift, but a necklace like this is sentimental enough to get a pass.

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5 not lame valentine’s day gifts for your man

February 8, 2015 by Abby

For J. and I, Valentine’s Day isn’t a huge deal. Next Saturday won’t find us enjoying a candlelit dinner for two. There will be no rose petals strewn about the house, but as much as I dislike the commercialism driving the holiday, I do think it’s a good opportunity to pause and make sure your special someone feels just that- special.

For most people, that involves gifts. We’re no exception. But again, we’re not so into expensive cologne or fancy watches. We don’t have anything against those gifts, they just aren’t us. We’re a little more quirky and a lot more cheap.

So while we do give each other a gift each February 14, those gifts are typically a little outside the box. Here is a compilation of five presents that go against the grain without breaking the bank. Included on this list are the gifts I’m giving J. this year. If you want to know which ones those are, check out winstead wandering on Instagram.

cartoon character boxers

Because no man should take himself so seriously that he can’t throw on a pair of TMNT underwear.

waterproof bluetooth speaker

Surely J. isn’t the only guy who likes to rock out while he’s showering. If so, since this speaker actually allows you to answer and make phone calls, music in the shower certainly isn’t the only thing it’s good for.

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