Monday, April 26, 2010

If you ever saw this uniquely created pedestal bowl at your local T.J.Maxx store, would you think to fill it with bright colored purple and yellow pansies and give it as a birthday gift to your friend?



A few weeks ago, my friend did. What a simple, yet beautiful gift! It looks so good sitting on my wicker table on the porch. An idea to remember. It was wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a bright pink bow.


I have always liked the products that I've tried from the Casswell-Massey Co. Recently, I found these three bars of Freesia soap for 6.99, at our local T.J. Maxx store. I knew they would make some perfect little gifts.


I bought them, wrapped them in coordinating sheer ribbons, and added a butterfly sticker on each. They will provide some tiny gifts for the times I want to remember someone in my life. I need gifts sometimes when I visit the retirement home, or as a thinking of you reminder for a friend.




They were working in their garden, and they picked some of their flowers to make an arrangement. My Aunt and dear friend bought them at the little roadside stand, just for me. They make my kitchen smell so good! I can almost sense the time and the care these two ladies put into tending their gardens. Another summer of roadside bouquets...lucky for me and those living in nearby.




Three good smelling, waterless, anti-bacterial hand cleaners that I found on the shelves of T.J. Maxx, for 4.99.
Wrapped them each individually in clear cellophane, tied with sheer ribbons, and added a butterfly sticker. Adding to my collection of simple, ready to give gifts.
I have been trained on the importance of keeping one's hands clean by my daughter. I think this would be a worthwhile little gift to give a friend, so they can keep the germs at bay.





It is fun to think out of the box in regards to little gifts, that serve as reminders of care and friendship. Now, I have my shelf replenished. I will tie tags with my written messages on each one.
Cost...less than a card and stamp, but either one will do the job.




Do you need a simple, quick dinner for some evening? I tried this one this evening. The prep time was only a few minutes, because of the crockpot. I used shredded cheese instead of sliced cheese. I used what I have on hand.
I will definitely make them again.



I used hot dog rolls instead of hoagie rolls. I wish that I would have had whole wheat rolls, but this was fine.
Also, I usually butter the rolls lightly, and broil before serving sandwiches like this. Tonight time was limited.
~
I continue to learn so much from my blog visits, when they are possible.
For all the posts that you so lovingly create, for all the times you sit down to blog and the mind goes blank, and for all the times you open up and share your heart...thank you!
I consider it a privilege to step into your lives and your homes via blogland.



13 comments:

Stacey said...

Such great ideas Judy. I would never think to have those gifts actually wrapped and ready to go. You are a smart woman!

Anonymous said...

Judy you have taught me so much about the art of gift giving. I just love the way you put things together. Now you have me out looking for things in a whole different way. The other day I bought a tiny carton of pansies and they are sitting in a little dish by my coffee pot :>) Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas and for being you ♥

Kathleen said...

I LOVE T.J. Maxx!

What creative and clever ideas (as usual). I still chuckle to envision you capturing photos of these amazing "finds" and goodies - - Sort of a cross between Martha Stewart and Julia Childs ... only MUCH more practical.

What a refreshing pause is your blog home, my friend. Ahhhhh

Hugs,
Kathleen

Anonymous said...

A model gift giver for sure. What wonderful ideas, so simple but so feminine and refreshing. Thanks for your kind comment. I love those pansies and they do make nice gifts. Have done those but not in such cute ideas.
QMM

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

The sweet comment you left on my blog brought tears to my eyes. Thank-you so much :)

I love the way you wrapped your gifts. The butterfly is the little touch that makes them look extra special. Great idea!

I make meatball subs with bbq sauce in the crockpot and my hubby loves them. I love them because they're so easy!

The baby bunny on your last post was sooooo cute!! I was gushing about it. My 10 year old son rolled his eyes at me. lol

Rach said...

Cute soaps. The meal looks YUMMY!

Tracy said...

I love your wonderful gift ideas, as always. You know how to make anything more special!

Following another idea you shared, bought some cute dishtowels this weekend. I plan to make mini loaves of bread for my friends who are Moms and I'll wrap them in the dishtowels and pretty ribbon for Mother's Day. = ) Thanks for always sharing such great and thoughtful ideas for gift-giving.

Oh and those flowers!? Gorgeous!

My son would love that meatball sandwich. Maybe I'll have to try and have those next time he and Breezy are home. = )

Lovella ♥ said...

Wonderful little ideas. I recently purchased kitchen soap and small details to wrap around them for hostess gifts too. I get my best ideas from blog land and from wonderful gifts I've been given too.

Judy said...

I have picked up so many neat gift-giving ideas over here...and for that I thank you!

I'm smiling about the meatball sub recipe...since I know there will also be one posted on the MGCC blog shortly. I have never made them...but now I plan to!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I just love TJ Maxx ~ and mine is dangerously close by!

Crickit said...

I love all of your gift ideas. You do think out of the box and you have fantastic ideas! Thank you for showing us how we can have fun and cute little gifts on hand for those who mean so much to us! :)

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Now those are "sussies" that I would enjoy receiving! It is a lovely idea to give flowers that are in plant form that can later be slipped into the garden. Yes...TJ Maxx and Marshalls and Ross: dangerous place to go if you are trying to downsize your possessions.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

The bowl planted with pansies is sooo pretty! What a lovely idea! What sweet ideas you have in this post!

Manuela

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