I’m pretty good at crafts in general, so you’d think I’d be a good gift wrapper. But the truth is, I suck. Majorly. Even a normal rectangular box is a challenge for me, so anything odd-shaped drives fear into my heart! Everyone has different holiday stressors, and gift wrap is definitely one of mine. So for my Michaels Makers post this month, I came up with three gift wrapping hacks to make the whole experience easier and more fun--no serious gift wrapping skills required!

1. For something small like clothes, barware, or baby toys…put them in a pretty photo box that the recipient can save and use afterward! Michaels has a bunch of options, from patterns to solid colors. Slip a card with the name of the recipient into the slot at the front of the box in lieu of a gift tag, then simply put the lid on top and wrap it up with some ribbon!

Extra tip: a monogram ornament makes for a cute, inexpensive and reusable gift topper.

2. For something large like a guitar, a bicycle, or a baby stroller…rather than trying to wrap the object itself, take something small that goes with the gift and wrap that instead. For example, you could put a guitar pick in a small gift box, then hide the guitar in another room to keep the element of surprise. After all, there's no way to disguise the shape of a guitar anyways!

Extra tip: Use paint chips as gift tags!

3. For a long, skinny gift like a baseball bat or a stack of wooden blocks, put the gift in a poster shipping tube, then roll a piece of wrapping paper around it with a several inches overhanging at either end. Twist the ends like the piece of candy and tie them with twine or ribbon. For smaller skinny objects like pens or candy sticks, you can use an empty paper towel roll instead!

Extra tip: Use kraft paper instead of wrapping paper for a budget-friendly alternative. I used this striped kraft paper that I found at Michaels, but you can use plain kraft paper too.

Do you have any other gift wrapping tips or tricks for those of us that are a wrapping-challenged? I'd love to hear them!

Speaking of tips, Michaels has tons of holiday project ideas and instructions on their website, including gift wrapping, home décor, last minute gift ideas, hostess gifts and more. Check out the other holiday hack topics and ideas on their blog, The Glue String!

Thanks to Michaels for partnering with me on this post.

How was your long weekend? Mine was lovely...lots of sleeping in, movies, brisk walks, hanging out with friends and family, playing games, and Thanksgiving food every day (Thanksgiving leftovers are the best leftovers). And just like that, it’s the last day of November! I say it every month, but every month I mean it--time goes by so fast. I feel like someone hit the fast-forward button on me. The days and weeks still go by slow sometimes, but whenever I look back at another month passed (or another year), it seems like it just flew by. Like whoa, it’s going to be 2016 in just a month now?! As in, ten years since I graduated from high school and moved to Seattle??? Craziness...

Anyways, to wrap up the month, here are a few of my November Instagrams--starting with our Friendsgiving! You can see lots more pictures of the table setup here and here.

These are the pies we made. We tried to get a little fancy with the crusts.

This month, I tried to take a walk during my lunch break every day. I tend to get a little bit of seasonal depression during the winter if I don’t get out in daylight at least a little bit, so my walks have really helped my mood--especially on sunny days. I also signed up for a gym membership, for when it gets even colder and rainier (it’s coming). It’s a little neighborhood gym that is literally two blocks from our house. Ben convinced me to join it with him, and so far it’s actually been kind of fun! Probably because I’m not really working out that hard…just watching HGTV while running/doing the elliptical. But hey, every little bit counts, right?

This is my favorite house in our neighborhood. I usually make a point to walk by it, just to dream a little.

And this is my favorite “little free library” in our neighborhood. It doesn’t usually have the greatest books, but I think the concept is super charming (take a book, leave a book) and it sure looks pretty cute.

Of course, I’ve also been spending lots of time inside this month--mostly curled up on that sofa by that fireplace. Every year when the temperatures drop, I’m super grateful to have a gas fireplace to keep us cozy and warm. It’s definitely been added to my wish list for our future house!

I’ve been reading this book, and it’s good so far! See more book/movie suggestions here.

Here are a few more corners of our house--our dining room hutch...

our gallery wall (+Ben!)...

our new live wreath from Lynch Creek Farms...

and a little winter scene on our mantel.

I’ll end with a picture of us from Thanksgiving day! I have much to be thankful for, but Ben is most definitely at the top of the list. I know how lucky I am to have such a loving and supportive husband, and I’m grateful to him every day! #blessed #forreal

What were your November highlights?

In case you need some suggestions for the long weekend, I’ve rounded up a list of the books and movies that I’ve enjoyed recently, plus a few that I’m looking forward to. Have you read or watched any of these?

Recent faves: The Young Victoria / The Girl on the Train / Magic in the Moonlight / Saving Mr. Banks / Mr. Holmes / The Island  On my list: Styled / Big Magic

I would also love to check out your suggestions! Leave me a comment if you know of a book or movie that you think I’d enjoy.

Winter is coming! And it really feels like it--at least in Seattle. The last few days have been cold, rainy, and stormy, with crazy winds that knocked our power out last night (so I wrote this post in the dark by candlelight--how's that for dedication?). With all the weather changes, maybe your summer bedding isn't keeping you warm enough. Or maybe you're just ready for a cozy change. I'm with you! As a matter of fact, we just gave our bedding a little update for winter...so I thought I'd share my tips for getting your bed winter-ready. Hint: It's all about the layers.

1. Start with luxurious sheets. A lot of people reach for flannel sheets when temperatures drop, but I don't like how they feel on my legs. If you're the same way, no worries--you can certainly keep the same sheets you use and love year-round. And if you've never had a set of sheets that you love, then I'd definitely recommend trying Crane & Canopy's. A good sheet set truly makes a difference in feeling comfortable and getting a good night's sleep!

2. Upgrade the quality of your comforter. You might be able to get away with a cheap, thin comforter in the summer, but during the winter you'll definitely be grateful for the warmth of a quality down comforter (or a good alternative, if you have allergies).

3. Layer on a cozy quilt. Wearing layers is the best way to stay warm in the winter, and it's the best way to dress your bed, too! Especially if you have two people who run at different temperatures, multiple layers are the key to keeping both of you comfortable. Quilts are my favorite layering piece because they're so soft and versatile--you can use them by themselves or on top of other bedding, across the whole bed or just the foot, etc. They’re also perfect to provide for guests in case they get chilly at night and need that extra layer.

4. Add a blanket with some texture. A final layer to pull your whole look together is a nice, snuggly blanket. Sheepskin, faux fur, and chunky knits are all great options that add both warmth and style. They also visually give off those cozy cabin vibes that are perfect for winter!

5. Don't forget an accent pillow, for a finishing touch. If you're wondering how to take your bedding from meh to magazine-worthy, try adding some accent pillows in a contrasting color or a fun pattern. They won’t necessarily add warmth, but they’ll definitely make your bed look cuter.

All the products featured above are from Crane & Canopy, an SF-based online bedding brand that delivers luxury designer bedding at accessible prices. I love that they give a portion of all proceeds to their cause initiative, “A Safe Night’s Sleep,” which benefits women and children affected by domestic violence.

I got a new reversible pick-stich quilt from them, in light grey and blue. It feels both traditional and modern, and is a nice neutral layer that will work equally well for winter and summer. It’s hand-quilted from 100% naturally breathable and premium cotton, woven in 300+ thread count. Needless to say, I love it!

Do you switch up your bedding for winter? If so, I’d love to hear your tips, too!

Thanks to Crane & Canopy for partnering with me on this post.