Uluwehi Blog
DIY Gift Bags
Gift Packaging is one of BIG WASTE culprits during the holiday season. Itʻs estimated that we use more than 4.6 million pounds of paper in the US alone! And sadly – most wrapping materials are not recyclable or compostable…
An easy solution is to [1] Use what you have or [2] Purchase compostable paper
– – and if you need a GIFT BAG, make your own!
I found an easy tutorial several years ago, and it has made my gift-wrapping SO MUCH EASIER. Iʻve used it to package cookies (shown here) and to wrap awkward-shaped items. Keep scrolling for the simple steps!
All you need for this project is paper of your choice (I used brown paint-cover paper from Home Depot – a huge roll that Iʻve used for years now!), tape (I like washi tape), string or ribbon, a stapler or hole punch, and any needed internal packaging – like the parchment paper pictured that I used to wrap my cookie inside the bag.
STEP 1:
Determine the width of paper needed for the broadest part of the item you are gifting. Cut a little more generously than you think you need (I learned this the hard way!).
STEP 2:
Find the center of your paper and fold each side towards the center until the two side edges overlap slightly in the middle.
STEP 3:
Use your tape (glue would also work!) to seal the seam. You should have created a “tube” of paper.
STEP 4:
I think determining the appropriate size for the bagʻs base is the most difficult step. Measure the base of the item you are gifting (the part that will rest in the bottom of the bag), and folda bit more than that length up from the bottom of your paper tube.
STEP 5:
Keeping the last fold creased, press each corner of the open end in towards the middle. Make sure the same side that overlapped when you taped the long seam overlaps here as well. You should have a diamond shape, with a long horizontal seam down the middle.
STEP 6:
Fold the point at each end of the seam to meet (and slightly overlap) in the middle of the diamond, creating a new six-sided shape.
STEP 7:
Apply tape to all of the seams on the base of your gift bag. I like to creat an “X” shape for a bit more stability.
STEP 8:
Use your hand to reach inside the other, still open end to unfold your completed bag – – ready to insert your gift!
STEP 9:
Complete your packaging by determining appropriate casing (I used parchment paper to help slide my cookies in the bag), then fold the top edge over. I have stapled that top fold or I will use a single hole punch to create holes to tie it closed. Add twine, string, or ribbon and a tag as desired!
If youʻd like to see these steps in action – I have a short video reel on Instagram.
And that is all! Once you make your first one – – this project will be something you can do as easily as wrapping a basic box. Iʻve used the same method to create simple plant pot covers (also for a gift!) and it works for LARGE items as well as small cookies.
I canʻt wait to hear from you if you try this method, or if you have your own DIY Gift Bag method!
Now – I need to go find this cookie recipe…
xo.
Danielle
Gift Ideas: Yoga Love
If you read my Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers post, be prepared for a similar level of commitment to a specific niche in this one. lol
These are all products I have personally used and loved or am lusting after, and I have recommended several of them to others who have loved the impact in their yoga practice as well.
I fell in love with yoga about 10 years ago. I was a total amateur, but I dreamed of practicing more seriously and even of becoming a yoga teacher. Today, I have completed yoga training and have my own dedicated practice – – although I still consider myself a yogi (there is so much to learn!).
It doesnʻt matter whether someone is a dedicated yogi or a total beginner, each of these items are appropriate for anyone.
As always – if you can find what you need locally, I always encourage that! If you are more limited like we are in Hawaiʻi, I hope these links will help you too. **Reminder that links may be affiliate link, sometimes providing me with a small commission if you purchase something through the link.
1. Cork Yoga Block & Yoga Strap Set – something that I began to understand in yoga training is that using props can actually help you to SINK DEEPER into a pose. There are so many ways to use blocks and straps – whether offering your body more support for stabilization and stillness or assisting it to extend and stretch (GENTLY!). Iʻll share some tips for how I like to use blocks on Instagram – – so be sure to follow me at @Uluwehilifestyles there! Also – these are CORK block, which are more sustainable (meaning more likely to decompose at end of life & less toxins) than other blocks. They are also heavier and (to me) more stable.
2. Yoga Deck – this deck offers an illustration and description of a single pose on each card. Itʻs a great way to learn the names and positioning of individual poses, and you can even use them to help you plan out your own asana flow. This is the one item that may be best given to someone who is at more of a beginner yogi level.
3. Yoga Blanket – you can never have enough yoga blankets! Unfortunately, I currently have only ONE, because due to their weight (yoga blankets should weigh 5+ pounds) shipping costs to Hawaiʻi are ridiculous. The weight offers enough bulk to use for support. It is recommended to sit on the edge of a blanket for every seated pose to tilt the pelvis forward and help the hips to release. Blankets are also used to support the neck and limbs in prone poses, and they are fabulous as comforting full body covers during Shavasana or Yoga Nidra.
4. Rubber Travel Yoga Mat – I searched high and low for a naturally-made, toxin-free yoga mat. This rubber mat is one that other yogis alway comment on and ask where I found it! It is light-weight (only 2 pounds!) and actually folds, which maintains itʻs shape better than rolling. It also has great grip, which is great for someone like me who sweats a lot during workouts. And – this might be weird – I love the smell of the rubber, especially compared to other mats Iʻve used! The other sustainable mat option I would recommend would be a Yoga Rug, like these beautiful herb-infused mats that I drool over…
5. Yoga Wheel – a yoga wheel is on my wish list! BUT – I really would prefer to have one made with sustainable materials (wood & cork). This is currently the closest option to that available on Amazon, and it has great reviews. Yoga wheels can help provide support in basic backbends (we all need more spinal flexion!), or more advanced yogis can use it to challenge themselves to access more balance.
6. Yoga of the Subtle Body Book – anyone who loves yoga likely also reads about yoga. Whether itʻs the Yoga Sutras or a book on Yoga Anatomy – there is never a shortage of more to learn! This book is still my absolute favorite book to understand why Yoga is so impactful. It is beautifully written AND beautifully narrated if you prefer the audiobook. I learned so much just about the connected structure of my body that I still reference back to frequently.
7. Yoga Bolster – I bought my bolster immediately after one of my teachers told us that she healed a back injury with just a few days of restorative poses with her bolster. This yoga prop is definitely not just for injuries though! Again, it provides an opportunity to sink deeper into the pose. If you have ever attended a Restorative Yoga class – – you know exactly what I am talking about. And in todayʻs environment, more and more people ARE taking online yoga classes from home. So your yogi friend would love this gift! Multiple colors are available.
8. Inversion Bench – while I am a yogi and have completed yoga teacher training – – I still SUCK at being upside down. I wonʻt do any full inversions both due to fear and actual lack of skill (but itʻs still a goal!), and that is actually quite common. This bench can provide enough support to get someone past their initial fear, OR it can help those who already do invert to continue to develop their skills and embrace more challenging poses. This is a more specific gift, but I wanted to include it – just in case!
From the above ideas, the Yoga Card Deck, the book, and the blanket are probably “smaller” items that you could combine together or with any of the other gifts. Other add-ons could include a water bottle (I love my glass Lifefactory bottle!), a workout towel, a tote, or an eye-pillow.
I am curious! What is your favorite thing (or NOT favorite thing) about Yoga?
Happy shopping!
xo,
Danielle
Gift Ideas: Creativity & Fun
This collection of my favorite things are centered around specific interests or fun activities. I think some of my choices might be unique to my taste, but there are usually other colors/designs available and I can give my very satisfied customer review for each of these purchases!
Ideas are just that. It might be perfect for what you are looking for – – or it may be a starting place to inspire the ideal find. Let me know if my suggestions help you!
I was actually inspired to purchase several of these items by other people who shared them during the Pandemic Lockdowns when I was needing some creative distraction and new acitivities at home. Others were gifts that I have given to others, and I was really happy with the quality at the time.
Let me tell you about each of them… (as always – links may be affiliate links, meaning I may recieve a small commission if you purchase something after using my link)
1. Photo Portfolio – several of my siblings have become serious about photography as adults. When my brother started offering photo shoots, I decided to give him a professional-style portfolio to display his best work. It could become something that he shows his clients, or he could just keep it for his own memories. I am not knowledgable about photography – – but I thought it was great quality and he seemed pretty happy with it!
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2. Paint By Number – if you enjoyed paint-by-number as a child, did you know there are also adult versions?! I did NOT know that. Or at least I didnʻt know I could find pictures that I actually liked! If you are like me and not quite confident enough in your artistry skills to paint a blank canvas – – or just sometimes enjoy something creative that allows your brain to just relax itʻs focus – – this is for you! I enjoyed my first painting so much during Lockdown that I bought a second one and also gave one to several friends. I purchased the canvas without the frame, and then bought a cheap framed canvas from Ross Stores to use to hang it.
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3. Prayer Necklace – I think this necklace is so sweet! Itʻs like a locket, but you insert a prayer or thought/affirmation you want to carry with you rather than a photo. It is a tiny barrel shape with a hinged lid. I gifted this to a friend who had shared some things on her heart, and she cried when she opened it.
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4. Kantha Quilt – do you know how hard it is to find blankets (at affordable prices) that arenʻt made with synthetic materials? Last winter I finally reverted to online options and was very happy to find this cotton, hand-made quilt from India. It is super comfortable, and gave a much-needed pop of color in my very neutrally decorated home. I would gift this with a book and candle to someone who needs some extra cozy or relaxation.
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5. Cotton Patchwork Blanket – yes, I know! I shared TWO similar blankets… However – I use them very differently! I actually ordered this blanket first, but when I arrived I decided that it was the perfect picnic blanket. If this inspires you for a gift, maybe include a small charcuterie kit and a fun drink for a ready-made picnic.
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6. Canvas Backpack – this was a somewhat recent purchase for myself to use when hiking. Again – I prefer items that are made with more natural than synthetic materials. I was very pleased with the quality, and it actually is not designed to be a hiking backpack and will fit a laptop and quite a bit of other content. Gift this to your favorite student.
~
7. Botanical Puzzle – did you revive your puzzle collection during these past few years like I did? I saw someone share a photo of this puzzle on Instagram and simply HAD to have it for myself! Itʻs a little more commitment than I usually prefer at 1,000 pieces (300 – 500 pieces are my sweet spot), but itʻs so pretty that it was totally worth it! This is the perfect gift for your other plant-obsessed friends, or there are hundreds of other options to choose from.
I almost didnʻt share this collection because it feels a bit “random.” But we often just need ONE gift idea for someone rather than an entire list to choose from, so I hope you were inspired.
Several of these items were part of activities that I found to help me through the first year of the Pandemic.
What new things did you try – – or what old interests did you revive – – when you were stuck at home?
Tell us in the comments!
Meanwhile – happy shopping!
xo
Danielle
Gift Ideas: Home Spa
Everyone loves (and needs!) a gift encouraging more time spent caring for themselves.
These recommendations can be combined and easily supplemented to be packaged for a specific EXPERIENCE – – which what a SPA is all about!
Iʻll add suggestions at the end for how to package these items together to create something extra special. But letʻs start with what I love about each of these… **Reminder that Amazon links are “affiliate links” – – meaning I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase something after using my link.
1. Rosehip Oil – this is considered one of the most beneficial oils for all skin types. I like this larger, affordable option to be able to use anywhere on my body and take advantage of the moisturizing as well as gentle exfoliating benefits. It reduces inflammation & hyperpigmentation and protects from sun damage. Basically a staple skincare oil!
2. Sisal Cloth – I always intend to dry brush my skin before I shower, but then forget until after Iʻm under the water! This cloth is perfect to still give me some lymphatic stimulation and gentle all-over exfoliation, rather than miss out all-together. Plus – the loose weave allows it to dry completely between uses!
3. Rose Quartz Guasha & Roller Set – are you familiar with guasha? This massage tool originates from ancient China and should be part of everyoneʻs toolkit! Iʻve gifted this several time. I love that guasha are traditionally made from stones that also have health benefits – including both energetic/emotional and physical (Rose Quartz brings comfort & grounding as the element of “unconditional love” and is also known to improve circulation and skin tone and promote elimination of toxins). The roller is a bonus that feels AMAZING on your face! TIP: try placing the roller in your icebox for about 30 minutes before using. Youʻre Welcome.
4. Sibin Bianstone Guasha Set – when one of my Ayurveda student sisters brought this guasha set to class, I knew I needed it in my life as well… The four different shapes allow you to rejuvenate tight fascia anywhere on your body, and this particular stone is considered to be the optimum stone for guasha as it contains over 40 minerals and is know for cleansing aura and balancing energy. I keep two of these next to my bed to use before I fall asleep. Consistent use will show visible results! Message me for my favorite guasha tutorial accounts on Instagram.
5. Bee Natural Cuticle & Nail Oil – my nails have always been weak (working on this!), so my cuticles constantly struggle as well. This is my favorite oil yet to use before bed or after a mani/pedi. The scent is light and pleasant and the oil is silky and luxurious and absorbs quickly.
6. Glass Nail File Set – speaking of nails… I was so happy to find this more sustainable option for nail care! No more disposable or short-life nail files and buffers, because this set does it all! And the pieces are so pretty! They come in a metal case for storage, and you just clean them after each use.
7. Organic Turkish Towel – I feel like Turkish towels represent a new level of luxury for many people. I love their aesthetic AND their practicality as effective towels that take up less space and dry quickly. Although they can be slightly pricey, it was worth it to me to finally upgrade my beach towel (after almost 20 years!), and I would honestly consider investing in these if I needed to replace my bathroom towels. They are the perfect “blanket” size and would reduce my concerns about mustiness in my poorly ventilated bathroom.
I hope you were already inspired by some of these recommendations! Remember that I said I would probably combine some of these to package up a themed gift around this concept of HOME SPA. Here are some of my ideas – – but remember to always make your gifts fit what you need!
GLOWING SKIN GIFT SET
>> I would combine the ROSEHIP OIL, SISAL CLOTH, ROSE QUARTZ GUASHA, & TURKISH TOWEL with DIY salt scrub mix! You can make salt scrub mix by combining a cup of your favorite salts (Epsom, Himalayan, Paʻakai [Hawaiian Sea Salt], etc) with about 20 drops of an essential oil of your choice (I like Lavender, Myrrh, Roman Chamomile, Geranium…). I also like to add dried florals like Lavender or Hibiscus. Add a label and instructions to mix a teaspoon of salts with Rosehip Oil for a HOME SPA EXPERIENCE. Place everything in a small basket that is filled with shredded paper (I use packing paper) and tie it up in a bow with a big fabric ribbon (check Costco for fabric ribbon during the holidays).
HANDS & FEET REJUVENATION GIFT SET
>> Use a basket again and add in the CUTICLE & NAIL OIL and GLASS NAIL FILE SET with the ROSEHIP OIL and Salt Scrub Mix. Add a box of their favorite tea and maybe a book to enjoy for extended relaxation.
REST & RELAX GIFT SET
>> Gift either the ROSE QUARTZ GUASHA set or the SIBIN BIANSTONE GUASHA set with the ROSEHIP OIL. You can also include an essential oil to add extra skin & tissue healing benefits, such as Geranium, Sandalwood, Helichrysum, Myrrh, etc. (TIP: some of those suggested oils can be a bit more pricey, but you can stay in budget by creating your own blend in an empty, cleaned bottle and adding some of the Rosehip oil to fill it up. The diluted blend will still be effective.) Add in a non-toxic candle and maybe an Eye Pillow to your package if youʻd like to add to the experience.
What did you think of these themed gift ideas?
Have you ever received or given an epic/favorite gift that goes along with this “HOME SPA” theme?
Share in the comments so we can all be inspired – – and let me know if these ideas have inspired you!
Happy Gift Shopping…
xo
Danielle
Gift Ideas: Coffee Lovers {and tea}
If you know someone who is all about that PERFECT CUP – – this post is for you…
I love planning out and giving the “perfect gift.” But I donʻt always have all the perfect inspiration right away.
I appreciate gift guides that I find on the internet – – but I DONʻT appreciate unrealistic budgets or unrelatable suggestions that most of the guides include. So I made my own gift guides.
My themes will be a bit narrow, because I chose to share products that I either personally use and love, have gifted to others, or would love to gift (to myself or others).
If you are still working on your Christmas Shopping List – – keep checking back over the next week or so to see if anything inspires you. NOTE: Amazon links are affiliate link, meaning I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase something through my link.
Todayʻs GIFT GUIDE THEME is all about COFFEE LOVERS!
[and I have a favorite tea included too]
I love each of these items for different reasons. Mostly because they each contribute to my ideal brew, but also because they are all more sustainable choices. And like most sustainable, conscious options, they each contribute to a more sensory-delighting experience that also can bring me more into the PRESENT MOMENT.
1. Coffee Grinder – if you havenʻt switched to grinding your own beans, this is the time to do it! It makes a huge difference in freshness of taste, but it is also another ritual to take part in. This grinder isnʻt actually one Iʻve used, as mine is older and no longer sold. But the high reviews for this one makes it my top option for the inevitable replacement. I recommend gifting this grinder with my next favorite…
2. Ruta Maya Organic Coffee – I still DREAM about this coffee, which I found once at a Costco on the mainland. I usually find Costcoʻs organic coffee options (when they arenʻt packaged by big-name coffee shop brands) to be great quality. But these beans were extra amazing… This isnʻt a Costco-level price, but gifting does usually allow for some level of splurge, right?
3. Stovetop Coffee Maker – I switched to plastic-free, sustainable coffee brewing with my Chemex years ago. But as much as I love pour-over, it is also time-consuming for someone like me who wants my drink “lava-hot” (as my friend describes it). So when I discovered this stovetop coffee pot, I was beyond happy! It looks like a giant espresso pot. In fact, just order the smallest size to be able to brew espresso too! I have the 6-cup pot living on my stovetop. It brews in less than 10 minutes, and then keeping it on low heat until I pour my second cup keeps it at the perfect lava-temperature.
4. Milk Frother – I was gifted with a similar milk frother several years ago, and IT HAS CHANGED ME. I am now unapologetically a high-maintenance coffee snob. I mean – I was already a coffee snob. But I wasnʻt high-maintenance! I used to just add a little cream to my coffee, and loved it. But now – Iʻm just not satisfied unless the milk is HOT and FROTHY. I also switched to whole milk since it froths better, and Iʻve gradually increased the amount I add until my now average of 1/3rd cup. Also – I pour my coffee on top of my froth, and I have a compulsion to see how high over the rim of the mug the froth will rise… GIFT THIS MILK FROTHER WITH A WARNING.
5. Chemex Pour-Over Carafe – pour-over coffee is perfect for those who love to make their morning cup a ritual. There is a serious science to making the perfect pour-over cup. I still love my Chemex, but my lava-hot determination required time spent on warming the carafe before I even started my coffee. And I am not enough of a morning person for that every day. However – I love having a sustainable option that can double as a mindfulness practice. And it does make a fabulous brew! Choose your preferred size, and donʻt forget to include pour-over coffee filters – – either paper or reusable cloth.
6. Black Currant Tea – ok. I know this isnʻt coffee. But hear me out…. This Harney & Sons tea is my favorite black tea of all times. And I think it is the perfect flavor for coffee lovers to enjoy. This is a loose-leaf tea, so you may want to add on a strainer. The flavor is smooth, with hints of berries and vanilla as well as that dark, earthy base note of a great black tea.
7. Gooseneck Kettle – this kettle is considered vital in the science of pour-over brewing… Itʻs all about the flow and rhythm of the pour, which you absolutely cannot achieve with a regular kettleʻs mouth. I love my tiny kettle (this exact one!). It takes up minimal space on my stovetop and is all I use for heating water. Gooseneck kettles are typically smaller than other kettles, so they boil very quickly – – which is another plus in my book!
Well – Iʻd say I have thoroughly shared my love of coffee.
I hope you are inspired with the perfect gift for the coffee-lover on your Christmas list! (or maybe for yourself!)
Are you a coffee-lover as well? What did I miss in this guide? Share your favorite coffee gift – to give or receive – in the comments!
Happy Shopping!
xo
Danielle