Birthday gifts
A little post of what I got for my birthday this year. Perhaps because of pinterest, I’ve gotten gifts for both Christmas and my birthday that I really wanted. What a treat! This year, sweet family sent me money before we left for Rome so I was able to pick out a few things there. That was really fun. The candles and tea kettle have been on my list to splurge on for a long time.
I’ve become a bit of a beeswax candle fanatic. It’s unfortunate because they are so much more expensive than the plastic-y ones, but I really do buy the hype that they emit negative ions, clean up your air, etc. A room just feels better after a beeswax candle has been lit. These were from Terrain on sale, but more affordable ones can be found here.
Leather sandals from Rome. I hate telling people I got these in Italy when they ask where they are from–so typical! Why isn’t there a shop selling great simple stuff like this here? (mention in the comments if you have found a good US source!)
Something I pinned that Joe bought for me. A bright hardy enamel teapot for the stove. From Poketo, the most fun web store.
Two gifts pictured here.
1/ a brass signet ring I bought in Rome. I talked with the artist in Italian for a long time, and I have almost no idea what he was telling me. He was very Eat, Pray, Love; by which I mean he had longish curly dark hair and seemed to only work two days a week. I bought it in the Monti neighborhood, where I also had delicious coffee and gelato and admired great hanging walls of ivy. Yes, brass does leave traces of green on my skin sometimes, but I really love the color.
2/ a letterpress drawer repurposed as a drawer for my jewelry. For now it is out of Lux’s reach! This is the first letterpress drawer we’ve bought that has those letters sketched inside, I guess it really was used to store type, ha. Joe and I are always trying to come up with more uses for these drawers, but in reality there aren’t too many useful ones.
Little slippers bought in Rome from a lady in her tiny shop near where we stayed. I thought she told me they were 60 euro and I was sad. But then I realized she said twenty-five. My Italian has really taken a turn. : ) They are the type of thing I would love to learn to make for myself, but until then…
It’s fascinating how different the things you aspire after from year to year are. I hope I can keep up this type of post and track my changing acquisitional interests. What did you ask for this year?
9 Comments
Jacki
Just caught up on your blog. Perfect as always. I was delighted to see that yellow beetle bracelet in your new jewelry drawer. I have the same one although the clasp is broken and it is in my bag ready to go to the jewelry doctor.
Rachael Ringenberg
Thank you! I love that bracelet. It’s already been restrung once (they changed the blue thread to yellow, I want to change it back). Lux likes the beetle too. You’re going to just love in eight months or so when Lulu gets into dressing up. It’s the best! (and also the worst, for the good jewelry) Welcome back!
Jacki
Ps. There is the best little shoe store a few blocks from me that has perfect leather sandals among other things. I checked though and they don’t have a website. Bummer.
http://nymag.com/listings/stores/eric-girl-on-seventh
Rachael Ringenberg
Good for them!
melissa martin
yup, i want that tea kettle.
Jessica Clare
Everlane- they make tees, bags and now, sandals that look just like yours, starting tomorrow. Great ethical practices too.
https://www.everlane.com/collections/summer-sandal?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Members%20-%20Female&utm_campaign=Sandal%20Teaser
Rachael Ringenberg
Just looked at those! A good one.
susie wales
Rachael, I have a letterpress drawer for jewelry, too! Where do you keep it? I am trying to decide if I should hang mine on the wall or just keep it on my dresser.
Rachael Ringenberg
Joe bought drawer sliders (what are they called?) to turn it into a drawer from Home Depot. We installed it above some of my other drawers. Previously I had one tray that was cut into quarters, and that one just fit into my dresser.