Diane's Vintage Zest!: gift idea

Spicy Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing

A spicy spin on my Cornbread Stuffing that EVERYONE loves!

Sweet Potato Souffle for Thanksgiving

One of my most popular recipes EVER, and just in time for Thanksgiving!

DIY Painted Photo Backdrops

Super easy backdrops for your photo, plus a few tips!

Golden Sweet Corn Bread Mini Muffins

A sweet spin on traditional cornbread!

Easy Sweet Potato Pie (without a crust!)

The easiest (and healthiest) pumpkin pie recipe ever!

Showing posts with label gift idea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift idea. Show all posts

Gift Guide: For Him!


This holiday season is flying by so quickly, that I cannot believe we are just two weeks away from 2017! Before that, I put together yet another Gift Guide of presents for all the men in your life, which I updated from last year's, with some help of course.  :)  You will find plenty of fun things to add to your shopping list, and afterwards make sure to take a peek at this year's Gift Guide for Her to inspire your own wishlist!

Happy browsing!


Gift Guide for Him on Diane's Vintage Zest! #giftguide #holiday #shopping #presents #gifts #men



Look and Feel Fresh

Gift Guide: For Her!


Can you believe it's already nearly November, which means the holiday season is in full swing!  Last year, my Gift Guides were so popular that I decided to do them all over again!  I wanted to be able to include a "Gift Guide for Her" this year, even though I basically had four gift guides revolving around a girl like me: a Travel Bug, Crafty Gal, Tech Geek, and Home Chef!

Well, this guide is chock full of pretty and practical items for you or the girl in your life.  I included gorgeous items to wear, self-care items that smell heavenly, and adorable things for around the house that I have had my eye on.  Enjoy looking through the guide, and I hope you find something to add to your list!


Gift Guide For Her on Diane's Vintage Zest!


To Wear

Gift Guide: for Home Chefs


Welcome to my tenth gift guide of the season, for all of the home chefs and kitchen dabblers out there!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other nine gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, Kids, Dogs, Everyone, the Home, Tech Geeks, Crafty Gals, and The Edible Gift Guide!)

The room where most probably spend the most time in could arguably be the kitchen, because who doesn't love eating and making delicious treats?  Then, why not outfit your favorite room with some awesome appliances, pretty serving pieces, and a complete library of cookbooks!  Hopefully you can find something new to add to your shopping list.  :)

Let's get to the guide!


Cooking Appliances & Tools

Gift Guide for Home Chefs on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall #giftguide


  • 8 inch Chef Knife Crimson Series High Carbon German Steel With G10 Ergonomic Handle, $65.95 :  I personally use this knife for all kinds of chopping.  The ergonomic handle is both functional and pretty!
  • Tagine, $99.96 :  I bought this tagine a few years ago, and it serves as an elegant serving dish as well!
  • Automatic Stirrer, $59.95 :  You mean you don't have to spend all your time by the stove stirring and stirring?  It's SUCH a lifesaver for people like me who sometimes forget to keep an eye on all the burners.  :)
  • Adjustable Pastry wheel, $21.95 :  Not only is this pastry wheel a useful tool, it's adjustable with interchangeable discs!
  • Kitchen scale, $12.14 :  Every home cook needs a kitchen scale.  :)
  • Kitchen Torch, $27.99 :  Use this to make my easy S'mores Mini Donuts!
  • Draining sieve, $29.95 :  This tool is so useful for draining quickly, without having to take out (and wash) a colander.
  • Salt & Pepper shakers, $27.97 :  You can adjust the coarseness of your salt and pepper with these grinders.
  • Butter warmer, $9.99 :  Need that butter warmed through?  These may help.  :)
  • Measuring cups, $24.90 :  I love the cheekiness of these measuring cups from 1/4 cup of kisses to 1 cup of love!  :)
  • Food Mill, $49.95 :  Food mills are such a helpful kitchen tool, streamlining so many of my kitchen jobs!
  • 5-in-1 Grill, $74.99 :  This grill also functions as a waffle maker, griddler, and panini press.  It's definitely on my wishlist!  :)



Ingredients & Serving Pieces

Gift Guide for Home Chefs on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall #giftguide

Stress-Free Holiday Gifting with Fragrance Gift Sets

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GiftingAMemory #CollectiveBias 

Stress-Free Holiday Gifting with Fragrance Gift Sets on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #ad #GiftingAMemory


This year, I feel like the holidays have been impossibly busy, and I am doing my best to make sure that everything is as stress-free as possible.  One thing that I plan to do is make my holiday shopping list as streamlined as possible but still make sure I give thoughtful presents too!  One way I'm doing this is with COTY Holiday Gift Sets, because there are so many options to fit everyone from my niece, to my boyfriend, and everyone in between!


In particular for my boyfriend, I knew that I was going to get him a fragrance right away for the holidays.  For one thing, he's a guy who likes to "suit up."  He can kick back with the best of them, but when he's in professional mode, he has his whole set-up on lock-down: tailored suit, pocket square, and a manly fragrance.  It's pretty dashing if you ask me.  :)

In fact, his scent is one of the first things I remember for our first date.  We had texted, talked on the phone for hours, and I had met up with his friends and him, but we hadn't spent any time alone together yet.  Maybe it's crazy, but we decided to go to a beer festival TWO HOURS away from where I lived.  When he picked me up, I remember stepping into his car, and it had the scent that I now associate with him, in the good way for sure.  :)  It was easily the longest first date I've ever been on, which turned out to be a very good thing!


Stress-Free Holiday Gifting with Fragrance Gift Sets on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #ad #GiftingAMemory
Yes, I removed the sticker before giving it to him.  :)

The Edible Gift Guide!


Welcome to my ninth gift guide of the season, and it's chock full of delicious, edible presents!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other eight gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, Kids, Dogs, Everyone, the Home, Tech Geeks, and Crafty Gals!)

Since I am a huge foodie, one of my favorite kinds of gifts to receive for the holidays is food!  I did dedicate a whole other blog to places that I eat...  A lot of my picks are of the sweet variety, but I do have a wide variety of edibles on my list.  I included a few favorite shops from Shop Small Saturday and a few other items that you'll want to add to your shopping list!

Let's get to the guide!


Edible Gift Guide on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall #food #gifts #presents #holiday #giftguide

Gift Guide: for Crafty Gals!


Welcome to my eighth gift guide of the season, for your favorite creative, crafty person!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other seven gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, Kids, Dogs, Everyone, the Home, and Tech Geeks!)

I share a few crafts on Vintage Zest from time to time, and I always have a long list of projects that I want to do, skills to learn, and supplies to buy.  Lucky for me, I have friends and family that feed my insane addiction creative passions by gifting me supplies from time to time.

For this Gift Guide, I decided to put together a list of items that almost any creative person would love, from knitters to paper crafters.  Some of these items I have personal experience with, and others, I just want for myself!  Also, I included a few favorite shops from Shop Small Saturday and a few other items that you'll want to add to your shopping list!

Let's get to the guide!



Paper Crafting

Gift Guide: for Crafty Gals on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #holiday #gift #presents

  • Hand-Lettering for Everyone, $10.65 :  I am super jelly of people with pretty writing, so now that I own this book, I'm definitely upping my skills soon!
  • Washi tape, $12.79 for 6 :  A crafty gal can never have too much washi tape.  :)
  • Silhouette Mint, $94.99 :  I want this ASAP!  I already have a looong list of all the stamps I want to make!
  • Silhouette starter kit, $219 :  One of my favorite crafting supplies of all time.  Get this starter bundle kit for a great price!
  • Coloring Flower Mandalas  |  Coloring Ocean Mandalas  |  Coloring Dream Mandalas, $5.39  |  $8.92  |  $7.66 :  These "coloring books for adults" are ALL the rage, and I have all three of these!
  • Paper Jewelry, $29.74 :  Upcycle paper into jewelry with this instructional book.  Two of my faves in one: being eco-friendly and pretty accessories.  :)
  • Photo cube printer, $99.99 :  Make personalized cards in a snap with this printer that print out your favorite photos!
  • 100 Amazing Animal Snowflakes, $15.22 :  Make intricate snowflakes with the help of this helpful instructional book.


The Fiber Arts

Gift Guide: for Crafty Gals on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #holiday #gift #presents

Gift Guide: For Tech Geeks


Welcome to my seventh gift guide of the season, and this one is for the technology buff (or tech geek) in your life!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other six gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, Kids, Dogs, Everyone, and the Home!)

This may not be your typical "Technology Gift Guide" post with all the fancy bells and whistles.  Yes, there are some big ticket items, but I'm also including great affordable stocking stuffer ideas and a lot of items that are for technology as well.  You'll see what I mean!  As always, I have included a couple of favorite shops from Shop Small Saturday and lots of other items that you'll want to add to your shopping list!

Let's get to the guide!


Say Cheese!

Gift Guide for Tech Geeks on Diane's Vintage Zest!

  • Sony Digital Camera, $548 :  This is the updated version of my camera, and people ALWAYS ask what I'm using both on social media and in real life.  Here it is!
  • Camera bag, $47.99 :  I love a pretty camera bag, and this is one is gorgeous!  It's so cute, I would use it as my purse and even my boyfriend wouldn't mind carrying it around as well.
  • Camera Strap, $19.89 :  There are so many pretty straps, and I adore this print most of all.  Too cute!
  • Camera light, $28.99 :  I own this light, and it's amazing for low-light situations when I'm out at media events.  Get one, or even a couple!
  • 5-in-1 collapsible reflector, $18.50 :  This isn't a set of 5 reflectors, it's actually 5 in 1!  It's pretty ingenious if you ask me.  :)
  • Instax Instant Camera, $69.95 :  Remember shaking it like a Polaroid picture?  (Sing it, Outkast!)  This pink camera is a way to relive the nostalgia with instant photos, shaking optional.
  • Instax Neo Classic Instant Camera, $133.88 :  Just in case the pink version is too cutesy, this one looks like an old-school film camera but you have your pictures in just a few minutes!



Hello?  Phone-y Gifts  ;)

Gift Guide for Tech Geeks on Diane's Vintage Zest!

Gift Guide for the Home


Welcome to my sixth gift guide of the season, with more than 25 presents for the home!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other five gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, Kids, Dogs, and Everyone!)

If you are looking for a few items to add to your shopping list for a gracious hostess, something for your own home, or a few holiday decorations, this list is for you!  As usual, I have included a few favorite shops from Shop Small Saturday and a few other fun finds.

Let's get to the guide!



Home Decor & Furniture

Gift Guide for the Home on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall #home #homedecor





Pretty Decor

Gift Guide for the Home on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall #home #homedecor

Gift Guide for Everyone!


Welcome to my fifth gift guide of the season, and this one is for just about everyone on your list!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other four gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, Kids, and Dogs)

You know the person who is difficult to shop for?  Your friendly neighbor, the dependable coworker, or your awesome babysitter?  Well, I have a few ideas in this gift guide for the person on your list that you want to give some a little special to, this holiday season.  I included a few favorite shops from Shop Small Saturday and a few other items that you'll want to add to your shopping list!

Let's get to the guide!


Gift Guide for Everyone: Neighbors, Coworkers, and More!

Gift Guide for Dogs


Welcome to my fourth gift guide of the season, and it's for man's best friend: your adorable puppy dog!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other three gift guides for Travel Bugs, Men, and Kids)

While I was putting together the rest of my gift guides, I ended up with a few fun items that would be perfect for your furry friend!  Even though I don't have a pup of my own, any dog's would be wagging after receiving one of these for the holidays.  I included a favorite shop from Shop Small Saturday and some upcoming features as well!

Let's get to the guide!


Gift Guide for Dogs on Diane's Vintage Zest  #giftguide #pets #dogs

Mason Jar M&M'S® Chocolate Oatmeal Pies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MemoriesInTheBaking #CollectiveBias 

Mason Jar M&M's Chocolate Oatmeal Pies on Diane's Vintage Zest! #ad #MemoriesInTheBaking #recipe #dessert


Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend, and now that it's all done... it's time to cook more!  Just kidding.  :)

Honestly though, between my friends, my family, and my man's friends & family, we have so many holiday celebrations this month.  Since I am the resident baker, I came up with the recipe for these delicious M&M'S® Chocolate Oatmeal Pies baked in Mason jars, just in time for the holidays!


Mason Jar M&M's Chocolate Oatmeal Pies on Diane's Vintage Zest! #ad #MemoriesInTheBaking #recipe #dessert


First of all, if you have ever had an oatmeal pie, this is a chocolatey delicious twist on the traditional variety.  If you have never tried one, well let me take a minute to describe it to you.  There is no top crust to the pie, but the mix of oatmeal and coconut turns crunchy and golden delicious.  It is almost like biting into a chewy macaroon!

Inside, the M&M'S®, maple syrup, and coconut swirl together and you feel like you are eating a rich caramel or dulce de leche, with a hint of chocolate.  Basically, it is one of those desserts that have people rolling their eyes in the back of their heads with the first bite.  :)


Mason Jar M&M's Chocolate Oatmeal Pies on Diane's Vintage Zest! #ad #MemoriesInTheBaking #recipe #dessert


Not only is it delicious, it is ridiculously quick and simple.  You don't have to be a professional baker to make it, at all!  This is one of those recipes that is so kid-friendly, even my eleven-year-old niece can whip this up on her own.  This year, I might have her "teach" the five-year-old how to bake it.  I'm imagining the tiny aprons right now... :D

To reiterate, this recipe super simple: it requires one bowl, no fancy equipment, and it takes only a matter of minutes to prep before throwing it in the oven.  Also, I make it even quicker by using a store-bought crust, because the hero here is the filling.  I think I could line the pie tin with sardines and people would still eat it!

Okay, so I have covered the fact that this is delicious (check) and you can see that it is gorgeous (check).  Not so convinced that it is as easy as I say?  I have step-by-step recipe photos below!


Mason Jar M&M's Chocolate Oatmeal Pies on Diane's Vintage Zest! #ad #MemoriesInTheBaking #recipe #dessert


Lastly, I would say that the hardest part of the recipe is buying the ingredients (as I sometimes do), but this time at my local Target, it was super simple!  They even had special baking center display that stocked just about all of my holiday baking ingredients.  So after your one-stop-shopping trip at Target, you'll be ready to whip this up in no time!

Make sure to buy the Quaker® Oats, old fashioned variety, because it stands up much better to the long baking time.  Lastly, the M&M'S® Holiday Baking Minis make this just a bit more festive with the red and green, don't you think?  I found mine in the seasonal aisle along with the food gifts and candy canes.

To the recipe!


Mason Jar M&M's Chocolate Oatmeal Pies on Diane's Vintage Zest! #ad #MemoriesInTheBaking #recipe #dessert




Mason Jar M&M'S Chocolate Oatmeal Pies
Inspired by this recipe
Makes nine 4-oz. pies

Gift Guide for the Kids


Welcome to my third gift guide of the season, and it's for all the children in your life, from the itty bitty babies to the big kids!  (Psst...  Check out these links if you missed my other two gift guides for Travel Bugs and For Men!)

So many of my family and friends are having kids recently, that I am constantly on the lookout for a gift for children of all ages.  You know me, I have to gift something completely unique and special, that no one else knows about.  Lucky for you, today I have curated a collection of amazing gifts that will be your little one's favorite present in the bunch!  Once again, it includes many of my favorites from Shop Small Saturday and some upcoming features as well!

Let's get to the guide!


Gift Guide for the Kids on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall

Cute Clothing




Gift Guide for the Kids on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #shopsmall


Tiny Toys

Gift Guide: For Him!


Welcome to my second gift guide this year, and it's all about the men!  I hope you enjoyed the first one for travel bugs, because I enjoyed putting it together for you.  I admit that this time, I had just a bit of help from my man with some of these gifts.  For the most part, I picked out items myself and got a stamp of approval, so I know there will be something that the guy in your life would love to receive!

Like the previous gift guide, I included a bunch of Shop Small Saturday Showcase features, as well as a few that I hope to write about in the future!  All in all, I handpicked thirty items to add to your holiday shopping list.

Now, let's get to the gift guide!


Looking Fresh

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him on Diane's Vintage Zest!

  1. Full year of blades from Dollar Shave Club starting from $36 : Busy men will appreciate not having to remember to by razors when they show up at his door every month!
  2. Uppercut Deluxe Pomade $17.94 : Date nights will be a lot more stylish with this pomade.
  3. Herschel Supply Co. Men's Chapter Travel Kit $25 : Every man needs a place to stash their products on the guy. Find the right pattern to match your man's style!
  4. Phrenology of a Gentleman shirt from Maiden Voyage Clothing Co. $28 : All of Maiden Voyage Clothing Co.'s illustrated shirts are fantastic. Check them out!
  5. Ship's Wheel Brass Lapel Pin from Wertz All-Natural $24 : Add a little touch of class to any suit with this lapel pin.
  6. Mini Leather Keychain from Montrose Leather Works $15 : Use this hand-crafted leather keychain with a built-in clip for function with great design.
  7. Exotic Wenge Wood Cigar Case and Flask Combo from Wood Brain $105 : A beautiful and unique gift that is sure to catch anyone's eye. There are a few other wood options, as well as other hand-crafted items, perfect for a gift!
  8. Kenneth Cole Reaction Briefcase $110.49 : Need a place to tuck away your pomade and cigar case above? Try out this bag!



For the Bachelor Pad

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him on Diane's Vintage Zest!

DIY Gift Idea: Raspberry Vanilla Honey

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HoneyForHolidays #CollectiveBias

DIY Raspberry Vanilla Honey gifts on Vintage Zest #ad #HoneyforHolidays #easy #recipe


This year, I will be sharing a ton of ideas on what to give your friends and loved ones this holiday season.  Since I am a DIY-kind-of-girl, I am especially excited to both give and receive gifts that are lovingly made by hand.  If you think that making gifts from scratch has to be difficult and time-consuming, then I've found the perfect thing to try making yourself: Raspberry Vanilla Honey!

It is a simple recipe that requires three ingredients, just a few pieces of equipment, and practically no time at all.  I was inspired by the gorgeous Don Victor Honey, which has a beautiful golden color and comes with my absolute favorite way to enjoy honey... in the honeycomb!  The final gift is a lovely reddish color and I chose to include a few raspberries and a portion of a vanilla pod, just so the recipient sees what the honey is infused with before diving in.  Yum!


DIY Raspberry Vanilla Honey gifts on Vintage Zest #ad #HoneyforHolidays #easy #recipe


I found my jar of honey in the Hispanic Foods aisle of my local Walmart, and it is super eye-catching on display!  I noticed that there are no labels on the jar, so you can see the delicious honeycomb.  I challenge you NOT to drool right there in the store... :)



DIY Raspberry Vanilla Honey gifts on Vintage Zest #ad #HoneyforHolidays #easy #recipe


Now, let's get to the recipe!


Raspberry Vanilla Honey
A Vintage Zest original recipe

Gift Guide: for Travel Bugs


Welcome to my first Gift Guide for the 2015 Holiday Season!  I have several more planned for upcoming weeks, so you're guaranteed to find something useful for your shopping list!

If you have been a reader since the beginning of Vintage Zest, you will know how much of a travel bug I am.  So far, I've taken you through the U.S. (New York, Nashville, Las Vegas, New Orleans), Europe (England, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland), the Philippines, and Australia!

Now that my feet have been planted for a bit, I put together a gift guide for the travel aficionado in your life.  I have included some items that I personally use in my travels, plus I've pulled items from my wishlist (hint hint, friends and family).  Also, I'm happy to say that there are some amazing finds from some past Shop Small Saturday Showcase features as well!

Let's take a look!


Gift Guide: for Travel Bugs on Vintage Zest #travel #holiday #gift #shopping


Hitting the Road

Here are a few items to make sure you hit the road (or the skies) in style!
  1. Karma WiFi mobile hotspot $149 : I always need WiFi, so on the road this is a lifesaver!
  2. Trakdot Luggage tracker $62.50 : Make sure you don't lose your bags with this nifty gadget.
  3. p.o.p. Tasters from p.o.p. Candy $25 : I always bring something yummy to eat (much better than salted peanuts), and the little tasters are the perfect size for popping into a carry-on!
  4. Ezra Kimono from Reverie $48 : This is a three-in-one garment, which is great not only for its multiple purposes.  It also looks chic and won't show wrinkles!
  5. VIM & VIGR Compression Socks $34.95 : Compression socks are a must when you're travelling, but they can look cute too!  Personally, I have the nautical stripes version, but they're all super cute.  :)
  6. Vintage Swiss Army Breadbag from ReclamationDept $76 : I heart all of their bags, but I chose this one because it is especially rugged and weather-proof!
  7. Sennheiser folding headphones $74.99 : I actually own these in both black and white... because I like to match the device I'm working on.  Don't judge!
  8. Globe Watch Necklace from Rewind Jewelry $120 : I own two pieces of theirs, but this one actually tells time!  Cute and functional!
  9. PowerSkin Battery pack $49.99 : This has saved not just my behind, but a lot of family, friends, and even an occasional stranger at the airport. I have the bright pink version, but you can choose from several different colors.



Gift Guide: for Travel Bugs on Vintage Zest #travel #holiday #gift #shopping


Good Old-fashioned Paper!

For all of you that miss thumbing through a book and sending postcards home, I have some great ideas!

Nature Skin Shop feature!


On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a lovely one to share with you!  I met Terri from Nature Skin Shop in the midst of all the food vendors at Artisanal L.A., and the scents of her pretty products were still able to stand out from the crowd!  Not to mention, she was as cute as a button, in a lovely flower dress that matched her equally lovely bath and beauty items.  :)

I absolutely love her gorgeous products, and because she is so multi-talented, all of the beautiful photos you see below are hers!  Take a look and read through the interview, then tell me you don't want to try every single one of her items.  I dare you!


Nature Skin Shop feature on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!  #bath #beauty #natural

********************


Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am a jack of all trades with a short attention span. I like to be creative in many different ways. I am a wannabe artist! Running a soap company gives me the opportunity to move through many projects throughout the day from scent blending, recipe development, web design, and designing and marketing. My background is in photography, web design and Photoshop.


Where did the name of your store come from?

The name of my store originated from the fact that all my products are all natural, and I wanted my store to reflect that with in the name!


Nature Skin Shop feature on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!  #bath #beauty #natural




Why did you start making goods for Nature Skin Shop?

I’m also a cosmetics junkie! This has lead me to where I am today.


What is your favorite item?

My favorite item is my cleansing conditioner because it is formulated for hair just like mine, which is dry and damaged from being addicted to dying my hair from one color to another.


What is your most popular item?

Denise's Doodles feature & promo!


On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a delicious treat in store for you.  As you know, I love going to all of the shows and when Artisanal L.A. comes around, you better come hungry!  I didn't know this at my first one, and even though I was at the end of the show and waddling around with a full belly, I ran into Denise's Doodles and couldn't help but taste a few of the sweet treats.

At home, I tried a few different items and loved them all!  I'll let you know my favorites at the bottom of the post, so stay tuned for that...  Oh!  And also at the bottom of the post, check out the generous 20% off promo on all of their items, just for my readers!

Now, let's meet the team behind Denise's Doodles!


Denise's Doodles feature on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!  #dessert #cookies

********************

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Hi, I’m Denise! My husband and I started Denise’s Doodles back in 2011. I’m the baker and he’s the business.

I have extensive experience in the retail baking industry, having worked for Mrs. Field's Cookies and Ghirardelli Chocolate. Most importantly, I have a serious love affair with all things sweet! I love baking. I have been baking cookies and brownies for my friends and family for years. It brings great joy to my heart when people enjoy the treats I bake for them. In my book, dessert always comes first.


Where did the name of your store come from?

We thought of other names with snickerdoodles or cookies, but when one imagines having a store, there is no better name than your own.


Denise's Doodles feature on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!  #dessert #cookies


Why did you start making goods for Denise’s Doodles?

I wanted to make a sweet treat for my husband, who does not have a sweet tooth, like I do. I pulled out a classic recipe for snickerdoodles that I’ve had for years. He had no idea what a snickerdoodle was, but he loved it! After he brought them to work and everyone kept asking for more, we knew we were onto something. The final test was placing a plate of cookies on the table at a party, walking away, then noticing that they were gone in 15 minutes, and some partygoers had three or four apiece. This is when we knew it was time to mobilize for world snickerdoodle domination!


What is your favorite item?

Nora Floral Studio feature, promo & GIVEAWAY!


On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase feature, I have a shop to feature that everyone will want to take note of... because it's perfect for Mother's Day!  I first met the lovely Nora from Nora Floral Studio at Artisanal L.A. and fell in love with her ceramic, geometric designs.  The shapes and colors that she uses are so interesting, and I absolutely love how both floral arrangements and succulents look like in her creations.

Definitely take note of any gifts that you would like to purchase for mom, yourself, or someone special because Nora is generously giving a 10% discount to all of my readers!  Not only that, she is also giving one of my lucky readers a matte white Double Triangle planters in the giveaway!  Enter to win at the end of the post and as always, enjoy all of the beautiful pictures and enjoy learning more about Nora Floral Studio!


Nora Floral Studio feature & GIVEAWAY on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!


Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am originally from East Texas. I have a BFA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from Art Center College of Design, I have been a practicing sculptor for over 10 years and have exhibited in the United States and Europe. I began Nora Floral Studio 2 years ago. My favorite colors are pink and grey, my favorite flowers are the ranunculus and anemone, my favorite succulent variety is the Echeveria.


Where did the name of your store come from?

When I started doing this all my friends told me that since my name rhymes with flora that the name of my business should be "Nora Flora" but that to me seemed to rhyme too much so I made it "Nora Floral Studio" the studio part reflects the studio practice that is involved with the slip cast ceramic production.


Nora Floral Studio feature & GIVEAWAY on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!


Why did you start making goods for Nora Floral Studio?

My studio practice was always very labor intensive, and after the downturn in the economy and the birth of my son I needed to find a way to enhance my income. It was a process to figure out how to combine my love and aptitude for making objects and something that the world needs. I had learned slip casting years ago in a sculpture class, slip casting is a process where you pour liquid porcelain into plaster molds to get your clay form.  I started taking floral design classes and in the meantime cut up some of my old sculptures in progress and made molds of the pieces. It seemed obvious to use this process to make planters and vases for the succulent and floral designs I was into.


What is your favorite item?

Perfect Gifts for Your High School Grad!




Somehow, summer is upon us and that means it's time for graduation!  Having such a huge family, it is always a challenge to find something unique to give as a present.  However, I have a lovely gift guide for you today which was put together by my lovely friend Mary, a total expert in all things tech and school supplies-related.  Absolutely everything on the list is beautiful, functional, and guaranteed to be a great gift.

They'll be sure to love these items during their last "free" summer or during the school year.  Now, let's get to the picks!


Perfect Gifts for Your High School Grad! on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #DROIDTurbo #CleverGirls

Olive Heights Trading Co. feature & GIVEAWAY!


This week on Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have something just for the big kids.  :)  When I first found Olive Heights Trading Co. at Artisanal L.A. last year, one of their bottles of bitters ended up being one of the only items we bought that day.  Usually, I try lots of samples, file away all the business info, and figure out what to buy from the online shops later, but this just couldn't wait!  All of the items were interesting, but the Moroccan Orange Bitters came home with me that day.  :)

Actually, if you are interested in trying it for yourself, the awesome owners and of Olive Heights Trading Co., Benjamin and Scott, are giving away a gift set of Moroccan Orange, Basil Rosemary and Padre Pio Molé Bitters to one of my lucky readers!  But first, check out the interview where you'll find out the amazing inspiration for the Padre Pio Molé Bitters and more interesting tidbits!


Olive Heights Trading Co. feature & GIVEAWAY! on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Our company was founded in 2013 by veteran bartenders Benjamin Carpenter and Scott Winnie with the vision and guidance of longtime friend and business analyst Skyler Champion. Our aim was simple; to produce quality artisanal bitters while only using organic ingredients from the finest domestic and international sources.


Where did the name of your store come from?

Olive Heights is the neighborhood in Pasadena where we founded the company in an attic apartment of a historic Craftsman home.


Olive Heights Trading Co. feature & GIVEAWAY! on Shop Small Saturday Showcase at Diane's Vintage Zest!


Why did you start making goods for Olive Heights?

Ben had recently become head bartender of Green Street Restaurant in Pasadena. His owner and bar manager, Michael and Alison Hawkins had approached him about buying bitters for the bar and Ben asked for the opportunity to make them himself. A couple of weeks later, they hosted a bitters tasting for him and enjoyed them so much that they encouraged him to start a company and offered to be his first account.


What is your favorite item?

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