Dan Conradt: There’s no better present than a hug from Mom | Columns | Wrapping Tissue Paper

“Songs for Christmas” began as a collection of Christmas albums indie musician Sufjan Stevens created every year as gifts for friends and family. Featuring traditional Christmas carols, Christian hymns and slightly apocalyptic original songs, the first five volumes were released as a CD box set in 2006. It’s been re-released this year for the first time on vinyl, along with Stevens’ previously unreleased song “Lonely Man of Winter.”

Class starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, on the lawn at Mountain Shadows, 5445 East Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley. Every Thursday, a different instructor will lead a relaxing session.

Instead of a metal or wood headboard, use black washi tape to create a geometric cityscape. A headboard, if you don’t have one, will instantly anchor the entire bedroom space.

Reusable packaging may even be part of your holiday tradition already. Consider the Christmas stocking, a gift-holding receptacle you take out year after year to store goodies.

Working with Conscious Commerce and True Botanicals on a “give greater” initiative that harnesses the purchasing power of a holiday splurge, Wilde partnered with a lineup of ethically minded luxury brands to curate a selection of presents that give back. Here, you’ll find a slew of gifts from brands committed to honesty, integrity, and transparency—from the supply chain, to the impact on consumers, the environment, and their employees.

wears a buttoned Chanel blazer, black skinny pants, opened toed heels and a quilted Chanel crossbody to Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program Luncheon in N.Y.C. 

Simplicity done well really works. And it’s hard to beat natural foliage and candles. You’ll find visually appealing foliage like holly and ivy growing in many public parks and hedgerows where you can gather for free. You may also be tempted to take some clippings from a neighbour’s garden but ask first before you bring out the secateurs. Eucalyptus, pictured, is another popular foliage, and is now being grown in Co Wicklow. It has the added advantage of having a beguiling scent and can be bought in any good florists. Add natural beeswax candles and you have a bewitching smelling space. Co Offaly-based Beeswax Candlemakers trawl second-hand shops and antique shops for candelabra to show off their tall, 12-inch, €10, or classic 7-inch, designs which you can buy at the upcoming Dublin Flea or online. beeswaxcandlemakers.com

What can be recycled?: Some wrapping paper is recyclable, according to the Kitsap County Solid Waste Division. Non-shiny paper gift wrap, tags and cards can be recycled. The waste folks ask that you keep it flat as opposed to balling it up (as most of us do.) 

However, residents should not should not place bows and ribbons, as well as wrapping paper that is metallic, has glitter or velvety flocking on it, into the mixed paper container at the recycling drop-off sites, the release stated. Those materials hinder the marketability of the mixed paper.

One of the first celebs I mixed cocktails for was Kate Moss when I was bartending in a club in Camden about 11 years ago. I can’t recall what she was drinking but let’s just say it was a lively bash.

Yes, it’s the week of the fourth of July. But there is way more to do in the Valley than just go watch a fireworks show. This week you can get geeky at Rocket’s Rad ’80s Party, eat your heart out at Mesa Feastival Forest, or go see local queens Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine at Battle of the Bitches. For more things to do, visit Phoenix New Times’ calendar.

I love sharing great and crafty ideas when they come to me. I wanted to come up with something easy, with no mess that would allow my kids to be creative when it’s time to decorate some pumpkins next month. We did a trial this morning and here they are. We had the best time! I highly recommend it. I got the washi tape from paper source and amazon. Give a try! #holidayjunkie #toddlermom #momlifeisthebestlife