Brenda Baker Productions

Today, I've left it all to the last minute: the wrapping, the groceries, the baking. This is when it gets real, people. Maybe you have a few things to wrap today, too? If so, here's a little wrapping inspiration from DJ Wrapper BB (with a little OCD). First of all, you don't need to amass a lot of gift wrap. Storing too many rolls takes space (we're short on space so that's always a challenge) and then you run the risk of mucking them up. I like my gift wrap to be pristine. Just choose a few favorites. Oh, and by the way, I prefer to actually wrap gifts in boxes. I rarely use gift bags unless the item is a really weird shape or if I'm in a pinch. Second--and perhaps most importantly--beautiful ribbon is a must. I tend to have lots of ribbon on hand in a variety of colors for year-round wrapping. I love Paper Source satin ribbon. Have fun with your wrapping. Even though I always leave it to the last minute, I like the wrapping better than the shoppi...

It's the little things that make life sweet, so I am sharing a super easy idea for you to try for yourself. Our niece is flying in from Arizona and we'll be hitting the road to our family reunion today. With all that travel, I thought she might need a little treat to keep her going! (I know I do.) Neatly line up 8-10 good, old-fashioned PixyStix in a clear bag. Mine is gusseted, but it doesn't need to be for these nice, slim candies. Cut one or two rectangular pieces of fun paper to fold over the top; layer to your heart's content. Today I grabbed a piece of old sheet music and a scrap of patterned paper. Here's the fun part: affix a brad, a flower, a button, a charm, a tiny photo, stamp it, monogram it with letter stickers--whatever! So many possibilities. I'm in a hurry (because I haven't packed yet) so I affixed one of my October Afternoon Cakewalk brads that already had a cute tag attached. I inked the edge a tiny bit, but that's all I had to do! ...