Holiday Gift Guide

In a minimalist lifestyle, you question every purchase and try to only buy things that serve multiple purposes. If it is going to take up room in your life, it needs to do more than just collect dust.

During the holidays, you want to encourage the same values by giving a gift you know can be useful, but not something as mundane as a pair of socks or gloves. You also want to give gifts that would be something you yourself would love to have. And as amazing as handmade gifts are, not everyone has the time or creative endeavors to create such gifts.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for the gift giver that wants to give purposeful gifts, all under $30.

1. Paddywax Tobacco Vanilla Candle $24 from Urban Outfitters

I have never met a scented candle from Paddywax Candles I didn't like. But of the many assorted varieties I have had the pleasure of buying, the Tobacco Vanilla from their French Apothecary Collection is my favorite. Hands down. Maybe it's the tobacco scent that reminds me of the pipes my father used to smoke, or the vanilla scent that reminds me of baking. Maybe it's the new blue glass bottles, or a combination of all three. Either way, there's just something about a flickering candle that brings warmth to any home.

2. Acca Cappa Beech Wood Comb $28 from Anthropologie

If you've read my previous posts, then you know I am passionate about living plastic-free. Which is why I get excited when I find a plastic-free alternative to a plastic item in my home. This comb is not only beautiful, but it's natural wood and is smooth enough that it does not snag your hair. It is beautifully crafted and can be a gift for men and women.

3. Rosebud Multi-purpose Oil $28 from Urban Outfitters

This oil has changed my life. Not only is it multi-use, meaning you can use it on skin or hair to moisturize, but it has the most feminine and beautiful scent (rose, peony and bergamot) that lingers longer than any spray perfume. It comes in a glass bottle, which makes this plastic-free gal giddy, and has beautiful dried petals that float in the oil. Because of how few drops you need and the size of the bottle, I can see it lasting for quite some time.

4. Barr-Co Solid Perfume $16 from K. Hall Designs

As mentioned in my last item, I have found that the scent of spray perfumes do not last. What has worked for me are oils and solid perfumes that absorb into the skin for a longer lasting scent. If you have not heard of Barr-Co, it is an eco-friendly company that does not use plastics and instead uses glass bottles and packaging that can be repurposed once the product runs out. In the case of this solid perfume, the tin container could be reused as a change or safety pin holder. This particular perfume is scented with milk, oatmeal, vanilla and vetiver. I find that the scent lingers on the skin longer than a spray but isn't greasy on skin.

Easy, Tiger Co.

Maybe you've seen the vintage neon green van around town or the matching vintage greeting card machine at Quay Coffee. Maybe you've seen the stackable "Coffee Snob" coffee mugs at Thou Mayest or the "Best at Life" shirts at Westside Storey. Maybe you didn't realize that behind each of those products is a little start-up company out of Kansas City called Easy, Tiger.

My husband Mike Sayre is writer and co-founder and along with designer Melanie Bridges. As someone that has followed their journey and seen the space before renovations, I can tell you things have come a long way. I spent some time photographing the finished space and am so excited to finally share them with you.

The company's success at finely crafted sarcasm started out with greeting cards and eventually expanded to everything from trophies to beer glasses. This growth led to the need for a space that could work as a retail store, an office, a shipping dock and a garage that could house the company van. They found that space in a former wood shop at the bottom of the 12th street bridge in the West Bottoms district of Kansas City and opened for the first time last weekend after several months of renovations.

The space is furnished with vintage finds which is a theme for Easy, Tiger since the company started out with refurbishing vintage candy machines and a vintage Dodge van that become a delivery vehicle. The Easy, Tiger van and one of the greeting card machines are part of the new space along with their glassware, journals, prints, shirts and cork board maps available for purchase.

As far as hours of operation for the retail space, they plan to be open during the week and on First Friday weekends. Be on the lookout for the sidewalk open sign out front or follow them on Instagram @easytigerco for updates on hours.

For information on where to find Easy, Tiger merchandise or to order online, visit: https://cardsforawesomepeople.com/

Autumn Memories

1. All the albinos

2. Autumn observations

3. A whiter shade of pale.

4. Watching the leaves change.

5. Tiger stripes

6. Arrow's pinecone garland 

Belger Crane Yard Studios - A Photo Journey

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop at Belger Crane Yard Clay and Red Star Studios where I was able to photograph and document the beautiful space that many local Kansas City clay artists consider their second home.

This hidden gem sits at the end of a dead-end road next to an old crane yard. The upper level is the home of owners Dick and Evelyn Belger who renovated the building between 2010 and 2013. The multi-level industrial brick building seems unassuming until you enter the glass double doors found down a gravel alley. Just inside the main entrance is a 10,000 square foot gallery (featuring work by industrial designers, sculptors and illustrators) surrounded by windows with a view of downtown Kansas City.

As you exit the gallery, you find yourself inside the studio where artists rent space to work and take part in maintaining the studio. Walking down the isles you see rows of rented shelves that are lined with the artists work in different styles, stages and processes and rolling racks with greenware ready to fire. It's also likely you  will see artists in residence working in their booths deep in concentration.

Just outside the studio and accessible to the public is their retail store where you can purchase several types of clay, kilns, glazes, sponges and scrapers.

The studio does take donations for things like plastic liquid soap dispensers for glazes and Rubbermaid tubs to keep clay from drying out. If you are interested in donating items, be sure to like their Facebook page where they frequently post when in need of a particular item.

If you are interested in visiting the space, they are open for First Friday events and offer date night and student classes.

To see a schedule of events or for more information and directions, visit: http://redstarstudios.org