My Favorite Things

Cue Julie Andrews and raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

When Melissa from 320 Sycamore invited me to join with a group of bloggers sharing their favorite things….

….I was so excited.

You see….you don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to write this post.  I’ll find something amazing or useful or one-of-a-kind that I can’t live without and I want to tell you all about it.

But then I plunge into the next project…..

….and I forget.

Seriously.

And today on this cold chilly Wednesday….I’ve finally put the list together.

So without further fanfare (or warm woolen mittens) here is a list of some of my favorite things for the house.

my favorite things

1.  Scentsicles

One of the best things about Christmas is the smell of a real Christmas tree.

I found these last year and they transformed my artificial trees.

These are tiny little scented sticks that you hang on your artificial tree and it smells just like you went to the forest and cut down your tree.

I used about two packages on each tree.  The scent was really strong at first and faded after a while so you may want to purchase a few extras for right before a party or later in December.

light socket dimmer

 

2.  Screw-in Socket Dimmer

This is the best way to create atmosphere in your home.

I use this with my table lamps.  I simply screw it into a standard light and then the light bulb screws into it.

Then I can dim the light on any table lamp.

I can dim certain lamps or make other ones brighter to adjust the mood in a room.

Between You and Me

3.  I Hope You’ll Dance Sign

This sign was given to me my Between You and Me almost two years ago.

The song has special meaning for me and the lyrics are so beautiful.

It makes me truly believe that anything is possible.

And it is the number 2 thing (behind the blue and white curtains in the guest bedroom) that people e-mail me about on the blog so I had to include it on the list.

favorite things7

4.  Wax seal stamp

This one is totally old school….but I just re-discovered it.

Wax seals are so Downton Abbey and so easy to use.

You can find them at any craft store.  I melt the wax and just press the seal into the wax.

You can thank me later when you totally impress all your relatives with sealed Christmas cards this year.

RL15.Cover.FOR PRINT.indd

5.  Reloved Magazine

This magazine is from the UK.  I found it when the edicor asked to feature a few of my projects.

It has such a British feel to it and the projects are so unique and I think you can get it here in the states at a local bookstore.

So many great upcycling ideas and simple DIY’s.

Almost as much inspiration as Pinterest. 🙂

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6.  Faux wood paper

I’ve used this paper for everything.  It looks so much like wood it’s hard to tell the difference.

I’ve lined the back of bookcases with it and this year….I’m wrapping all my presents.

And the best part?  

It’s from the hobby section of the store so it’s inexpensive and really wide for great coverage.

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7.  Wood wick candle in Ember

O candle how I love you….let me count the ways.

It sounds like a fire when it burns.

It smells like winter.

It comes in this jar with an adorable leather tag.

And the color matches my kitchen perfectly.

h and m

8.  Christmas Tree Mat

I just ordered this one from h&m and put it under the Christmas tree last night.

If you haven’t seen the Christmas decor over there….run.

Well….finish reading this post and then run over there to check it out.

The collection is clever and vintage and so affordable.

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9.  Stonewear Battering Bowl Measuring Cup Set

I’m collecting these.

And I just ordered a set from my friend Laura’s new shop.

It’s the best of both worlds.  Decorations you can actually use.

I think they would make the cutest gift, too, if you attached your favorite recipe.

 

And now….help a favorite thing blogger out.

I feel like the list isn’t complete until I hear from you. 🙂

What’s your favorite thing?

 

PS  Be sure and stop by the My Sweet Savannah to see her list of favorite things.

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PPS  My friend Jessica from Four Generations One Roof just opened her Joss and Main sale.

So many fun things.  You can stop by here to check it out.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Shelley @ Calypso in the Country Shelley @ Calypso in the Country

    I am excited to try that light dimmer! We always buy a real tree so I don't have to worry about trying to get that real tree scent. But I do have to worry about cleaning up all those needles! Love your list - those are always so much fun to read! Cheers! Shelley

  2. Image for Kim Kim

    One of my favorite things are Nora Fleming platters and minis. Just change the mini on the platter for every season. Yesterday I changed my platters with an up-side-down elf, snowman, snow covered pinecone and a stocking. I love how there is a mini for every occasion. Check them out!

    1. Image for Thistle Wood Thistle Wood

      Kim, I ordered some of those for my mother and sisters! Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for the heads up! karianne

  3. Image for Michael @ Crafty Dad.com Michael @ Crafty Dad.com

    Karianne - Right now, my favorite thing is ... snow tires. The weather has been downright frightful here in my neck of the woods. Driving to and from work is much easier with the proper tires. : ) Hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday my friend! --Michael

  4. Image for Erin Kaven Erin Kaven

    Went to the H&M link (found it on my own after discovering the whoops) and bought the tree skirt. I know you guys usually get a credit for a link and purchase so wanted to let you know since the link didn't work you might still get some credit. My Favorite Things always is one of your articles!

  5. Image for Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree

    I just discovered the scentsicles this year and I agree with you, they are fantastic! I didn't know about the dimmers, that is a great idea, I am going to have to get myself some of those. My favorite things...such a difficult decision. I have this wonderful candle that is so fragrant, even when it is not burning, it smells so good. I also have a pair of beautiful vintage pictures of Paris I love so much. They are not of the Eiffel tower, or anything so blatantly Parisian, but they are unique, and I have never seen them before or since. I think you have inspired me to do a favorite things blog post.

  6. Image for Beverly Beverly

    Wow, do I love, love, love those cups.♥♥♥ One of my favorite things is Southern Lady magazine. Over the years, I have dropped all my other subscriptions, but I can't ever let this one go.

  7. Image for Nancy Sharp Nancy Sharp

    My new favorite thing this year is reading blogs like yours. It has rejuvenated my creative juices. My favorite Christmas thing is sitting beside my decorated Christmas tree with the fireplace going. Living in Florida that is a rare and special treat.

  8. Image for Kris Kris

    Dimmers for lamps! Genius! I knitted my first mitten yesterday ... no, it wasn't "warm woolen", it's an acrylic blend, but warm clothing right now ranks right up there as a "favorite thing".

  9. Image for Christine Christine

    KariAnne, I can't thank you enough for the links to buy the dimmer for my lamps and the wooden wick candle! Oh and the fir scenter thingies for the tree! Thank you! thank you! Christine

  10. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    Well, it certainly is difficult picking one thing out so I'll go for several: the wax seal, I love candles and ones that crackle and smell like a fire? Wow!! Also the dimmer - I like setting a soft mood. But my day just doesn't seem complete unless I read what Miz KariAnne is up to :-)

  11. Image for tara tara

    Your kindness. That's my favorite thing today. You didn't have to give us a shout out, but you did. THANK YOU! I say all the time that you have been {hands down!!!} one of the most amazing blogger that we've advertised with to date! I've had 12 people email today about ordering it. If you EVER want a sign, I'm your girl. Just tell me, and I'll ship it out.

  12. Image for Sandy R Sandy R

    We have similar tastes....so I love everything you posted, but my very favorite is the "screw in socket dimmer". I will be ordering several of those!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! GREAT BLOG!

  13. Image for Nancy Carr Nancy Carr

    Great article and wonderful list of items. The measuring bowls are sold out though! My favorite thing is a blue heart-shaped Le Creuset cast iron baking dish which I can also use on top of the stove. I love blue and I love hearts and I love a lot of things. It makes the best rice ever. Once the rice starts to boil I just turn the burner off and come back later and the rice is done. I must get some of the dimmer things you wrote about. Where did you get them? Blessings

  14. Image for Gwen Gwen

    My favorite "thing"? A swimming pool. I'm now disabled and cannot swim alone so I've only gone once the past summer and once summer before. But when I could I swam and swam for fun. I learned in a canal in CA!!! Where the canal went from underground to above ground and it gave me a boost to feel like a Mermaid. Alas, as a newcomer child to CA my Dad's cousin about DIED!!! She said she about ripped her toe off as a kid from the glass in the bottom!! So slippery the side, my sweet Dad pulled my sis and I out using a broom handle...but I'd learned to swim

  15. Image for Lourdes Lourdes

    My favorite thing is honestly to read your blog...Love your humor, style of writing and oh your home decorating gift is like you are reading my mind! Thank you for countless hours of enjoyment! I get to "get away from it all" when I read your blog and look at all the beautiful pictures you post! You are so inspiring - thanks to you, I have already started painting a few small pieces of furniture around the house. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for one of my favorite things.... Thistlewood Farms blog!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

  16. Image for Bluwatergal Bluwatergal

    My mom just said she wants "scentsicles" for her tree. What? Woah there!! My mom? The person that complains about decorating for Christmas every year?? She won't admit it, but I think she is secretly reading blogs now and yours must be on her list! We may convert her yet :-) Bwg ~~~

  17. Image for melissa @ 320 sycamore melissa @ 320 sycamore

    I love seeing your favorites!! You sold me on the scentsicles -- I've seen them, but was wondering if they were really worth it? I got my first woodwick last year as a gift and I love the crackling. Thanks again for joining us -- Happy Thanksgiving!!

Comments are closed.