Paint A Masterpiece Yourself – Modern “Paint-By-Numbers” Kits

Dan Robbins first introduced the pop culture paintings in 1951 at the American International Toy Show in New York. In 1951 Palmer Paint introduced the Craft Master brand of paint-by-number kits. In three years they sold over 12 million kits.

Paint by number paintings allowed anyone to create a painting with minimal artistic talent. These do-it-yourself kits can be ideal gifts. These paintings require detail and precision, and something that a person has created themselves will be appreciated more, than any store bought gift.

Cottage for a Collector – Country Living

DIY Paint By Numbers Kit Van Gogh Portrait of Doctor Gachet -$18.99 On Ebay

Paintapic allows you to turn your favorite photo into a custom “paint-by-number” kit complete with brushes, paints and real canvas. Vintage fun, with modern twist, Paintapic aims to bring the classic American past-time, Paint-by-numbers, into the digital age. We even partnered with Palmer Paints, the manufacturer of the of the original Paint-by-number kits back in the ’70s

Home Of Jewelry Designer Mish Tworkowski- ELLE DECOR

Dremel 120-Volt Saw-Max Tool Kit $99 On Amazon

Allows users to tackle a wide variety of projects that involve quick but precise cutting—such as building bookshelves, installing wainscoting, cutting holes in flooring or drywall, fitting home gutters, and a plethora of other tasks. Includes various cutting wheels which have the ability to make straight, plunge, and flush cuts and are able to cut through wood, plastic, metal, tile, plastic, and laminates. Also included are a dust extraction port, trigger lock-out, and variable-depth guide.

Induction Cooktop By Electrolux $139 – $2K On Amazon

Induction cooking is 70% more efficient than gas and 20% more efficient than electric cooktops. Boil water in 90 seconds with this portable cook top.  

Answer the door, even when you are not at home.  Perfect for security purposes, or when you take a vacation.  These video systems is like having a peephole on your smart phone.  They let you see and speak to whoever is ringing.  Sort through a selection of video doorbells on Amazon

Chromecast works with devices you already own, including Android tablets and smartphones, iPhones, iPads, Chrome for Mac, and Chrome for Windows.  Watch HBO GO, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Watch ESPN, Crunchyroll, MLS, Crackle, Rdio, MLB.TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music and a growing number of other apps.

Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player $29 On Amazon

Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope $49 Amazon

Keychain Breathalyzer $29 Amazon

“HERO4 Silver captures 1080p60 and 720p120 video with lifelike clarity, plus 12MP photos at a staggering 30 frames per second. New experience-enhancing features include HiLight Tag, which lets you mark key moments for easy playback, editing and sharing, and QuikCapture, which allows you to power on the camera and start recording with the press of a single button. Waterproof to 131 feet (40 meters), HERO4 Silver combines versatility and pro-quality capture with the convenience of a touch display.”

GoPro HERO4 SILVER $399 Amazon

SONOS PLAY:1 Compact Wireless Speaker for Streaming Music $199 Amazon

Tile for iOS, Place or stick Tiles on up to 8 different items (like your keys) so you find them when they go missing $25 Amazon

Food Cycler Kitchen Composter, $499 On Amazon

• Compact, odorless, composts in under 3 hours
• Quietly reduces kitchen waste by up to 90%
• No venting, draining, or additives required

The Food Cycler Kitchen Composter is the only in-home composting unit that can reduce food waste by up to 90% in under three hours. Outdoor alternatives are bulky, messy, and require constant maintenance. With this unit, simply deposit your food waste in the bucket, seal the lid, and press the power buttonParrot MiniDrone, Take aerial shots like selfies from the sky with the embedded vertical mini-camera. FreeFlight 3 app offers an intuitive control from your smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth® Smart and is free $149 Amazon

This Hi-Speed USB 3.0 4-Port Hub with 5V/2.5A power adapter provides four downstream USB ports for Plug-and-Play connectivity to your USB 1.1, 2.0, and 3.0 devices. A perfect lightweight travel tool, this compact hub tucks easily into the pocket of your laptop bag-  $18 On Amazon

MobileWasher – Hand Operating Washing Machine – Perfect for Camping, Dorms, Emergencies and more $17 On Amazon

Drop Stop, prevents keys, phones, change, jewelry, makeup, bottle caps, pens, gum, and more from falling down The Carmuda Triangle. Use it or lose it. $21 On Amazon

Doggie Doorbell On Amazon

The Doggie Doorbell is also a great tool for potty training. Once you puppy learns to ring the doorbell to go out, you can be assured that you would hear him from anywhere in the house.. Dogs scratch and damage doors to be let in or out. It is frustrating for us and our dogs. Pebble Smart Doggie Doorbell transforms this common and vexing problem to a fun training opportunity. It is easy to install and no wiring or tools are required. With the built-in treat holder, dogs can be trained easily to ring the Doggie Doorbell. It is a new way for our dogs to communicate their needs to us. It is a fun way to train our dogs and have a great bonding time with them.

Buy Grease Monkey Wipes From Amazon

Grease Monkey Wipes are made in the USA using a citrus formula that is 100% non-toxic (no harsh chemicals) and enhanced with Lanolin, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera. Recommended for use by cyclists, hikers, back country campers, mechanics, parents, and motorists.

• Grease Monkey Wipes on Shark Tank – Full Version

• AfterShark: Grease Monkey Wipes

• Grease Monkey Wipes Shark Tank Appearance

Commission A Portrait From Artist Julia Condon

It actually flies as a kite, but can look dreamy hanging from the ceiling in a child’s bedroom.  These sell for $40 at hapticlab.com

Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids $2.99 Amazon

Nerf N-Strike Elite: Strongarm Blaster $12.99 Amazon

Spirograph Deluxe Design Set $38 On Amazon

Anki DRIVE Starter Kit Smart Robot Car Racing Game $307 Amazon

Telestrations 12 Player – Party Pack $38 Amazon

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Kit $21 Amazon

Melissa & Doug 60-Piece Standard Unit Blocks $54 On Amazon

Melissa & Doug Architectural Unit Block Set $47 Amazon

Dutch Blitz $9 On Amazon

Five Crowns $9 On Amazon

Sequence Game $14 Amazon

Fisher-Price Travel Doodler Pro, Green $10 Amazon

Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike $155 Amazon

Razor Dirt Quad Electric Four-Wheeled Off-Road Vehicle $274 Amazon

Franklin Sports Table Tennis To Go (Multi-color) $21 Amazon

Franklin Sports Shoot Again Basketball $58 Amazon

SKLZ Star Kick Solo Soccer Trainer $9 On Amazon

8-Feet Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure Combo $159 Amazon

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer $229 Amazon

Mobo Total Tot Disney Planes- Dusty: The Roll-to-Ride Three Wheeled Cruiser $181 Amazon

K’nex 70 Model Building Set, 13419, 705 piece  $56 On Amazon

Zing Air Hunterz Z-Curve Bow $22 On Amazon

littleBits Electronics Deluxe Kit $199 Amazon

Ravensburger Science X Fueling Future Cars – Science Activity Kit $44 On Amazon

Educational Insights Design & Drill Activity Center $36 On Amazon

Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! $31 On Amazon

4M Tin Can Robot $19 On Amazon

 

Any Table Can Be Turned Into A Ping Pong Table- Table Tennis Conversion Tops On Amazon

Discover and connect with your neighborhood this year through nextdoor.com

Zodiac Art Seen On Minted

Buy pretty boxes that can be re-used instead of wrapping paper- Pink Boxes On Amazon

ChordBuddy – Guitar Learning System $39 On Amazon

ReadeREST Original Stainless Steel Twin Pack- Keeps your glasses, readers, sunglasses, earbud wires and name badge safe! $17 Amazon

Water balloon fights are fun! With these little tools, getting ready for the water balloon fight can be just as fun! The easy filler connects right to your garden hose and has a spout small enough for a water balloon. The knotting tool makes balloon tying easy and fast! Don’t spend all day preparing for your water balloon fight. Get these tools and get in the game! This package includes filler, knotting tool, and 50 water balloons. Tie – Not $3.56 Amazon

FIBER FIX – Super Adhesive Tape – 3 Rolls: 1″, 2″ & 4″ – 100x Strength of Duct Tape: Fix & Repair: Automotive, Plumbing, Pipe & Hose, Emergency, DIY $22 On Amazon

First Defense Nasal Screens, 7-Sets Per Pack- Helps alleviate respiratory suffering by comfortably filtering inhaled air and removing airborne germs, allergens and/or noxious particles $13 On Amazon  

Chord Buddy Guitar Learning System with Clip-on Chromatic Tuner – Start playing from the minute you attach the Chord Buddy to your guitar. Includes a True Tune TT-05 chromatic tuner! $49 On Amazon

Mission Belt Men’s Leather Ratchet Belt $36 Amazon

Scratch Free Scrub Daddy (Pack of 4) $15 On Amazon

easyGOpro 7.5″ Voted Most Ergonomic Toilet Stool and Elimination Aid for Easier Bowel Movements $27 Amazon

Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation, White $139 On Amazon

Battery Tender 021-0123 Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger $23 Amazon

Sunforce 82156 60 LED Solar Motion Light $35 Amazon

642 Things to Write Journal $9 Amazon

Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal $11 Amazon

Living Basix LB100 Jet Fry Oil-Free Fryer (Combines infrared and convection technologies to evenly “fry” foods such as French fries, chicken nuggets, onion rings and more without using oil) $144 Amazon

Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard Care Gloss and Conditioner with Organic Leatherwood Beeswax and Essential Plant Oils- $13 Amazon

The 2 Bits Beard Oil 3 Pack, Promotes Hair Growth, Reduces Beard Itch, Prevents Facial Dandruff, Beard Conditioner $39 Amazon

Honest Amish – Heavy Duty Beard Balm – 2 Ounce – Beard Conditioner $17 Amazon

Ball® FreshTECH Automatic Jam & Jelly Maker (by Jarden Home Brands) $74 Amazon

Blue Rhino GAD860SP LP Gas Outdoor Firebowl with Slate/Marble Mantel $439 Amazon

Custom Bobblehead – Price Varies On Amazon

LEVO Deluxe iPad Floor Stand for all iPads Galaxy Xoom Nook and Other eBooks and Tablets $159 Amazon

Custom 2 Initial Monogram Steak Branding Iron $64 Amazon

EZY Tidy Storage Bag – Nursery Storage and Organization Made Easy! $39 Amazon

HSI Professional Flat Hair Straightener $39 Amazon

OZ Naturals – THE BEST Vitamin C Serum For Your Face $21 Amazon

Bed Head Deep Waver $27 Amazon

“AirBedz Lite” Full Size Short 6-6.5-Feet and Full Size Long 8-Feet PVC Truck Bed Air Mattress with DC Corded Pump $97 On Amazon

Extend-A-Truck 944 Truck Bed Extender $85 Amazon

Backroadz Truck Tent $159.17 – $203.01 Amazon

Dee Zee DZ86972 Heavyweight Bed Mat $59 Amazon

Pet Car Seat – Lookout Car Seat $70 Amazon

Man Up!: 367 Classic Skills for the Modern Guy $9 Amazon

Adorable Handmade Knitted Toddler Clothes From GeraBloga In Lithuania

Blue baby Sweater- here

Are you looking for a classic hand knitted sweater for your own toddler or a perfect baby gift? Look through GeraBloga’s Etsy page to find handmade, classic knits for that baby boy or girl. She is located in Kaunas, Lithuania, ….but don’t let the overseas throw you off. GeraBloga has ready to ship items, along with the option for custom sizes. Check out her page here.

Apply This Technique To Improve Your Marriage

This unique 3-Year Journal is designed for 2 People. This journal keepsake book prompts you with one question a day. After a year, you can go back and see how your responses change over time. If you are looking for ways to draw closer to learning more about your husband, fiance , or boyfriend… this could be a great tool to bring you together every day into a meaningful conversation.

The journal includes enough room for two people to jot down a one- or two-sentence response.

Some of the questions include:

Where would you like to travel with your partner?

What does your partner’s laugh sound like?

What is your top priority today?

75% people on Amazon rate this 5 out of 5 stars. This journal sells for $12 dollars

By S.Kahlon, “Only two weeks in, this journal has become much more than “a fun little exercise.” It is something that I look forward to doing every morning when I wake up. It has become a part of my daily routine, and I can’t wait to answer the questions day after day. My boyfriend most definitely feels the same way. Not only is it fun, this journal has been the beginning of a lot of great conversations in our relationship. Even the silliest questions, (ie “What’s the softest thing you are wearing today?”) are a cause for self reflection and discussion, since I get to wear my PJs (I work from home), and my boyfriend’s softest thing are his socks (poor sucker goes into a corporate office day after day). More serious questions have led to conversations about race (we are an interracial couple), culture, body image, etc.”

By Leahbelle ” My grandmother recently got in a new relationship, so I gave it to her and they both love filing it out.”

ByJ. Winckler “My husband and I started using this (12 years married) and it’s quite fun and educational. Great conversation starters and it only takes a minute each day to write”

Large Cat Cave Bed- Handmade 100% Wool $55 Amazon (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Pet Collar In Blue, Green Brown and Black – $9 On Ebay

Cat luxuries has been an ever growing market over the years. You might not have found a cat or dog sweater 20 years ago in stores, but today there is a large industry based around pampered pets. Everything from pet apparel, to pet jewelry and everything between is marketed heavily.

Paris Hilton, catapulted the luxury pet industry by appearing in hundreds of magazines with her toy dog. Hilton’s love for dogs led her to create an apparel line for dogs called Little Lily by Paris Hilton, with some of the proceeds going to benefit animal rescue. Paris Hilton’s pups have mansion of their own. costing a whopping $325,000. Such extravagance doesn’t sit well with the many people in the U.S. struggling to hold on to their homes. Who spends that amount of money on their pets? You would be surprised!

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to pamper your pets, when you can buy a new collar, a lush bed, or a fun cat hat for under 20 dollars. Here are some ideas for your little fur babies that don’t cost too much money:

Give Cat Nip As A Gift To Your Cats

If you’re a cat owner, you’re probably familiar with catnip, a perennial herb completely irresistible to cats. Catnip has the unique ability to hypnotize cats into a state of bliss that humans can only stand back and chuckle at. Although catnip is available at most stores, the plant is so easy to keep that you might want to consider growing and harvesting it yourself.

Buy Seeds or Starter Plants- You can start growing your own catnip by purchasing either seeds or starter plants. If you’re starting out with seeds, gently press seeds into several small soil-filled pots. Once you notice that your seeds are beginning to sprout, remove the plastic wrap and place the pots somewhere where they will receive at least six hours of full sunlight. Starter plants can be planted outdoors right away in the spring. Catnip reaches heights of three to four feet or more and can spread rather quickly. Find a spot that receives full sun and plant seedlings about 12 to 16″ apart.

Consider buying Marley’s Cat Grass I POUND ( 20,000) Seeds- Sold On Amazon for $13

Harvesting Catnip- Once you’re plants have reached heights of 10 to 12″, you can begin to harvest them. Cut the stems at their bases, never removing more than half of the plant’s stems at one time. Fresh leaves can be given to your cats, or you can dry them by tying the stems up in bunches and hanging them upside down in a dark area such as a basement cellar or pantry.

Prymal Lion Mane Cat Hat. Turn Your Cat Into a Ferocious Lion! $12 On Amazon

Namsan Puppy Dog Pet Doggie Cats $10 on Amazon

IMAX 87458 Benjamin Truck Pet Bed $119 On Amazon

Cat Toys From Smart Cat

Cats in Hats: 30 Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns for Your Kitty- $12 On Amazon

Cute Pink Cathead Type Covered Dog Cat Pet Bed Pet House $36 On Ebay

Luxury Spoiled Cute Stainless Supplies On Ebay

Cat or Dog Name Tag Disc From Enind’s Emporium On Ebay

(Ernest Bieler (1863-1948) – Portrait of Edouard Rod, 1909)

10 Commandments For Pet Owners

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God’s critters.

Shockingly Cool Replica ( Boyfriend/Husband ) Gifts

Antique Replica Trojan War Armor From $59 – $125 From EC World Imports On Ebay

If you are looking for some interesting ways to dress up your husbands office walls? Why not go with replics armor that looks very much like the originals? It is hard to believe that you can buy some of these guns (which don’t actually work….) between $40 and $150 each. These collections could look really sharp in a living room, or hallway. Check out some of the selections on ebay under the word “replica”

Denix Kentucky Long Replica Rifle $152

Denix Western Miniature Lever Action Replica Rifle $21.59,

Double Barrel Coach Gun Replica Shotgun $116,

Denix Charleville American Revolutionary War Rifle Replica $167

From Fun Guns And Toys On Ebay

Wouldn’t these look great as a gallery wall in your husbands man cave?

Gun Replicas From Fun Guns And Toys On Ebay

This Replica Civil War Paper Currency would look terrific framed and hung in your husbands office. At only $13 dollars…this would be a very inexpensive way to dress up his walls. From Fun Guns And Toys On Ebay

Display a set of three collections of old keys in wood boxed trays and hang them on the wall.

Get some ideas from this set On Ebay

Seasonal Gift Ideas

Finding a unique gift for that special someone can be a daunting task. Where do you begin? Here are some of my favorite ideas from magazines that I have saved from a few years back.

Some of the best gift ideas are homemade. Martha Stewart gives potted begonia plants for her family gifts. She uses a wooden lid as a base, fills it with shredded craft paper, and wraps it in clear cellophane which is held up with a twig. She then finishes it off with a bow. This gift can be a very thoughtful and affordable gift. Give a special tree, or a seasonal potted plant for a gift that can be remembered for years to come.

Food gifts are another idea that you cannot go wrong with. Give your family a sampling of the latest gourmet food that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Consider gourmet cheese, jams, jellies and sweet spreads, special oils and vinegars for salads. Consider giving special flavored seasoning spices and gourmet rubs. Everyone loves snack dips and spreads, along with special breads and baking mixes.

Martha’s Gift Ideas List

The Gift Of Tea

Crown & Crumpet is “a room with tea and wit”. This tea salon is located in Ghirardelli Square in the heart of old San Francisco. Crown & Crumpet reflects an atmosphere that infuses the idea of the “afternoon tea” tradition with a dose of humor.

The space has been architecturally designed by renowned English architect and designer This really unique tea room is filled with teas from Lupicia, Harney and Sons, Tea Palace from London, Palais du Thé from Paris, and Lindsay’s Teas, among others.

Ladurée Covent Garden in London

Marie Agneau Blog posted photos behind the Ladurée Covent Garden, a space in the heart of London. The Ladurée Covent Garden is one of the most elegant places of London to have a cup of tea with the ladies. Brightly painted walls gives a whimsical reminder of light conversation and smiles. Beautiful painted panels adds to the old fashioned charm of tea and crumpets.

1, The Market Covent Garden
London WC2E 8RA, England
Tel : +44 (0)20 7240 0706

Buy The Complete Wedgwood Harlequin Cuckoo Tea Set On Amazon

Wedgwood Harlequin Cuckoo Tea Story Teacup and Saucer, Pink

Wedgwood Harlequin Cuckoo Tea Story Teacup and Saucer, Peach

Auction Spotlight: Jayne Wrightsman’s London Duplex Emily Evans Eeerdmans Blog

Set of 12 Gold Plated High Quality Demitasse – Tea Party Spoons $24

Bigelow Classic Tea Chest$32

8 Flavor Tea Chest $39

See All Tea Chests On Amazon

Charming, dipped vintage cake servers ($60) by Ladies & Gentleman would make a unique gift for the baker/newlywed/vintage collector in your life. The cake servers are available in three colors: white, mint, and charcoal.

The Set Table, The Art of Small Gatherings by Hannah Shuckburgh. Hannah Shuckburgh includes some interesting background and information on everything table related from the types of different plates to flower arranging and special lighting. The book has a down home country feel.