DIY MONOGRAM DOOR DECORATION

Here's a simple DIY weekend project for you... grab your glue guns, ladies! I was inspired by a spring project by Urbanic and just filled my paper mache letter I found at Hobby Lobby with ornaments! I love how it sparkles when I'm driving up to my house. And it's always nice to make your decor a bit more personalized instead of doing an ornament wreath (though I love those too!). Click here for the tutorial.

I'm planning on filling an "A" for Ari's room with found objects when I have the time... soooo next year probably. 

You could even spell out a word like "JOY" and place on your mantle! 

Happy crafting,

-L

THAT'S A WRAP! [PART 2]

As if receiving a gift from someone isn't enough to make you feel special already, we think that it takes it over the top when its wrapped with love. Just knowing that someone really took some time to add a decorative ornament, layer some ribbon to make the perfect bow, or even just writing your name out really beautifully makes it feel that much more special to receive. 

We absolutely believe that what is inside the box is made even better by the wrapping. We have some pretty creative friends, and it's always fun around the holidays to give and receive each other's gifts! Here are some packages that got a holiday makeover during our wrap party. Believe it or not, postal wrap and baker's twine go a long way!! So simple, but it looks so stunning. Most of the ribbon we used was found in the Target dollar section, along with some metallic markers and ornament embellishments. We also purchased some clear ornaments to fill with glitter, jewels and snow. They would look awesome filled with confetti too. OBVIOUSLY! Ha! 

We had so much fun, and highly encourage you to get together with some friends or just members of your family and wrap together! Turn on some holiday tunes and sip some hot chocolate (after your champagne) and make some super special memories.

Confetti-filled ornaments, glitter glue, and simple kraft paper makes these gifts pop!

Love this "A" wrap by Rock Paper Scissors!

We topped off this Haute Papier wrap with an ornament filled with glitter and jewels.

Simple washi tape bunting banner- cut triangles and stick onto twine.

Glue jewels to Rudolph's nose!

A washi tape mosaic!

Happy wrapping!

THAT'S A WRAP! [PART 1]

It is nearly impossible to make it through December without hosting or attending a holiday party of some kind. We decided to be on the hosting end this year, and throw a wrapping party. Wrapping gifts and eating every holiday treat out on the market is truly our idea of the perfect night! 

Cocoa drizzled popcorn cups with peppermint Oreos!

Wrap buffet...

We served Prosecco and peppermint hot chocolate. We are so in love with these drink toppers. Wouldn't they be perfect for a NYE party as well!?!

Our bestie, Lauren of Rock Paper Scissors, came with these beautiful and tasty antipasto skewers.

No cup of hot chocolate is complete without christmas tree marshmallows. 

We placed mini ornaments (found in the Target dollar section) in shot glasses to add to the "buffet/bar" theme. They just looked so pretty!

You can find these little guys almost anywhere. We got ours from the dollar section as well. We spray painted him gold, and added a festive Santa hat. 

We are so in love with this garland, it pains me to think of taking it down in a couple of weeks!

(Tutorial coming this week incase you would like to make one of your own!)

Remember that large branch that adorned the top of my Thanksgiving tablescape? Well, I kept it around and hung "falling snow" and a couple of snowflakes on it. Just string cotton balls onto fishing line, and voila! So easy, but so beautiful we think!

Our finished products coming up in the next post!

We hope you all are enjoying your holidays and spending time with the people you love so dearly! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (HIM)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

(1) If you need a splurge gift for your fella, this is it. Classic, simple, manly. We love it!

(2) High def sound, noise canceling, cool colors, 'nuff said.

(3) For the major music lover. Hopefully our husbands aren't reading this post........

(4) Give him a chic, industrial desk set for his office by Areaware. We love this Williamsburg-based production company that fosters young and creative talent.

(5) Just clip the lens to your iPhone and wham! In seconds you get some pretty cool pics just from your phone camera! Includes fish-eye, macro, and wide angel. 

(6) Couldn't you see Jim from The Office wanting this laptop bag? Love the vintagy, rugged look. 

(7) Probably the coolest iPhone docking station we've ever seen! Again, another Areaware product home run.

(8) These updated wingtips are TOMS, people! We couldn't believe it either. Not only are they super stylish and hip (why does it sound so not hip to say "hip"), but with each purchase TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. 

(9) Beard balm to tame the beardiest of beards. Moisturizes and promotes beard growth. You've gotta check out the Brooklyn Grooming website- so many cool products, it was hard to pick just one! The scent Williamsburg "smells like personal triumph". Yes. 

(10) Classic wool tie that goes with everything. No brainer. 

(11) This the coolest gift for the guy who has a healthy New Years resolution. The FitBit tracks your steps, calories burned, monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm. Wear it all day and night, even in the shower! Sleek and understated look in black or blue.  

(12) For the guy who constantly loses guitar picks (read: husband). This gadget just punches out new ones from any old plastic cards you have lying around. Now he's ready to serenade you with some old school Dave Matthews Band. On second thought....

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (BABY BOY)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(1) Make your own board book to teach little ones names and faces of their favorite people (you!). Easily upload photos and simply type in names. Perfect gift for an aunt to give their favorite nephew (HINT).

(2) The cutest taxidermy we ever did see! So sweet over a crib or changing table.

(3) Sometimes babies just like to kick around on the floor. Instead of throwing a burp cloth or towel down to prevent spit-ups... or other stuff... let baby be nice and stylish on this play mat from Dwell Studio.

(4) We at Love & Lion have taught our babies simple signs which is why we love these wooden sign language blocks. Perfect for learning, stacking, and of course knocking down.

(5) We're not alone when we say we are crazy for Freshly Picked Mocs! They come in every color and are seriously soft and comfy for those chunky baby tootsies! 

(6) For the hipster baby who refuses regular old bibs for spit up and drool, get him a bandana bib! Absorbent and oh so stylish.

(7) Wooden teethers safe for baby in every state shape. Naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic, which of course we love!

(8) Babies loooove keys, but please don't let them chew on them! These key-animal teethers are simply gorgeous and have the benefit of being non-toxic. You can engrave the babies name and birthday on the back too! A keepsake your baby will actually use.

(9) Every baby boy needs a bow tie. They just do.

(10) If you've never felt a JellyCat toy... omg. Do it. Please. This sweet little baby Reindeer will be baby's BFF. Look at his teeny little Reindeer horns! Perfect for the holiday season.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR BABY GIRLS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 

(1) A cute little farmer's market stuffed set. The milk actually has a little mirror inside. Peek - a - boo!

(2) Mini Boden is always a home run in our book. The little reindeers make it the perfect seasonal dress.

(3) We both own these blankets for our kiddos! They are AMAZING and so warm!! 

(4) Every little baby needs a hippo ballerina play mat, right?! We agree!

(5) A bright wooden walker to help those wobbly legs get stronger. Love Hape products. Amara is the happy owner of this walker. It will last for years!

(6) If you love the crafty look of felt hair bows, but don't have the time or the talents to make them, buy them! 

(7) Keep those chubby baby legs warm all winter long with these polka dot leg warmers. The only downside is that you don't get to see all of those fat wrinkles, which...hello!?! They are the best.

(8) We love trendy outfits just as much as the next fashion forward mom, but we also want our kids to be comfortable especially when they sleep. These Carters fleece sleep sacks are so warm and come in the most adorable patterns. They also have footed ones for your toddlers! We live in these during the winter months.

(9) The softest little stuffed animals ever. So many different ones to choose from, but we are loving the white owl. "Whoo! Whoo!"

(10) I feel like these moccs need NO introduction, but if you haven't hear of them or tried them....please do! Not only are they quality shoes that stay on your littles' feet, but they come in the most beautiful colors. Available in leather and suede. We love Susan and her team too!!

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR GIRLS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(1) Every little girl can't wait to get their hands on all of the kitchen gadgets that they see mommy use. This wooden baking mixer set will have you wanting to play with your kids' kitchen gadgets! Adorable. We love the durability and classic gesture of wooden toys here at Love & Lion.

(2) Such a creative take on the classic memory game. Love the idea of putting family members' faces on here!

(3) We are over the moon for this Oh Joy Pixie Dust camera from Twig Creative. Why can't our Canons be this cute?

(4) Pottery Barn Kids anywhere chairs... enough said. We are swooning over the Sherpa!

(5) This is on Amara's Gift list! A new take on the ole "fort". We love the colors and patterns on all of the Land of Nod playhomes.

(6) Get your little ready for spring with some stylish boots just made for puddle splashing. Great in the snow also with the fleece lining socks.

(7) Meslissa and Doug never ceases to amaze us! Our kids already love "getting mail", and this is the perfect gift! Again, wooden toys baby!!

(8) Top off her little holiday outfit with this fab headband. Sure to sparkle!!

(9) A scooter that grows with your toddler/little girl. Comes in such fun colors too.

(10) Take these on the go for restaurants or leave them at home on the dishwasher for endless entertainment. These wooden magnets are so lovely, and come in beautiful finishes.

Happy Shopping!

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