simple shui | gift well #3

surrounded by thousands of ideas, last minute gift shopping can feel like a never ending drift from one possibility to another.

this is when i quite relish the simplicity of a bundled gift. it’s satisfying like a complete sentence. a few modest items, when huddled together by a singular thought, sings *i had this idea blossom and thought it all the way through. just.for.you.*

so.

if you are still hopping around, let these ideas percolate…because they might just unfold some BRIGHT LARGE smiles.

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GIFT 1

after reading an everlasting meal by tamar adler, i became a convert to her basic vinaigrette. and i haven’t looked back.

not once.

in fact, i can confidently boast this is one {and probably the only} recipe i know by heart.

plus, it’s healthy + easy + deliciously fresh every time. and everyone could use a win like that in their repertoire!

my thought? gift this recipe + its basic ingredients with salad servers or a bowl + some nifty napkins, and you’ll assemble quite a crate of LOVE.

RECIPE:

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

juice of ½ lemon

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic

½ cup olive oil

put the salt + mustard + lemon + vinegar in a bowl. smash the garlic and add to the bowl. you’ll remove the garlic before dressing the lettuce. give it all a quick whisk. let it sit for 5 minutes. mix in the olive oil. remove the garlic clove, and dress the lettuce by drizzling with the vinaigrette and mixing.

side note: she includes shallots in her recipe, but we never buy them. so, feel free to add one, if you fancy. also, i eyeball my measurements and it’s never gone sideways on me. i tend to make this before i figure out what’s for dinner which means the garlic sits until the veryvery last minute. so, you know, run wild and free because you can’t mess this recipe up.

as for the shui magic here, our personal chi has the most moxie when we take care of our bodies. and this dressing definitely does a body good.

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GIFT 2:

mary oliver says the instructions for living a good life are {1} pay attention. {2} be astonished. {3} tell about it.

what fragrance she wafts with her words.

when we etch together anything that invites life to come closer is a beautifully rich present. a basic journal + set of pens are twice as nice when paired with a candle and maybe a light blanket to curl into one’s self for a spell of solace.

and candles happen to keep us anchored in a space which is one reason they’re considered shui magic for helping us hold focus + nourish our intentions so we can set the world aflame.

***

GIFT 3:

easily a favorite discovery this year was my kimono. aside from a sparkling grin, i wear it with everything — a tank + cutoffs, a basic tee + jeans, or over my pjs. it’s flowing, graceful comfort.

if sensual is the gift you’d like to wrap with a bow, pair it with this LOVE potion. and if you are really feeling the call of the wild, add in a deep red nail polish as a nod to 2015’s color of the year.

besides, a little bit of LOVE anywhere, any time of year with a slash of scarlet is always a good thing.

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GIFT 4:

it started with a birthday years ago. i imagined capturing life with my new camera in hand. instead, the lovelies did, and i am SO happy it developed this way. they float freely through the year, whimsically remembering every-so-often to grab the polaroid. and just like that, an ordinary day takes on this timeless quality. the photos become bookmarks + wall décor + conversation starters + little treats to send with friends. . .

bottom line: a few rolls of film + an assortment of sharpies {for writing down noteworthy deets} paired with this camera is so creatively restorative. kick up the wattage by including a daily month’s worth of prompts.

happy photos are a lovely way to layer our space with good vibes so this is a gift sure to provide plenty of joyful mileage.

***

GIFT 5:

i saved my very favorite for last. and it’s expiration actually isn’t until the last day of december so if you couldn’t hustle the perfect christmas gift in time, this will save the day. it is ridiculously inexpensive but oh-so-much FUN!

in shui, oranges represent fortune. prosperity. happiness.

champagne or anything fizzy speaks to celebration. good times. crisp new intentions. and like the bubbles suggest, it’s about rocketing with possibility!

firecrackers chase out lingering bad vibes or residual energy from the past year. so, light them up!up!up! and with a pop or two, they clear the air!

i LOVE the electric feel + giggles of hope that rush in with the new year’s tide. it’s a moment where everything feels full of rock and roll and wishing stars. and this bundle of ingredients is a mega-watt gift to say OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW for twenty-fifteen in the best possible way! and here’s the most delicious part — it is all meant to be used + enjoyed immediately! {translation: zero possibility of ever becoming clutter.}

to be spectacular doesn’t mean something must be elaborate or expensive. it simply ought to suggest thoughtfulness. think of what would fill your loved one with wonder and delight, and that is a pitch perfect guideline. tease out a few things to pair it with, and you will multiply their jubilation tenfold. and that feeling makes for a very happy holiday.

xo