Welcome back Readers!  First off, my heartfelt thanks to those of you that have written, sharing your concern during my absence.  I’ve missed you and am glad to be back once again sharing OMG Worthy food, fashion, décor and travel inspiration.

When my dear uncle took ill, I immediately went to Florida to care for him. Although he never had children, he always treated me and my siblings as his own.

In summary, my uncle’s mild dementia had spiraled into full-blown Alzheimer’s Disease.  Once the doctors told me he could no longer live alone, I had to scramble for a plan of action.  Caring for a loved one living close by is challenging enough; caring for him 1,000 miles away was out of the question.

I moved my uncle to a lovely memory care facility near me. Taking him away from his home, friends and familiar surroundings was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Getting him settled and the appropriate medical care took months.

We’ve come a long way on this difficult journey. One thing that I learned along the way should be applied to our everyday living. I read the book Creating Moments of Joy.  The gist of it is about giving joy, even if it will soon be forgotten. An Alzheimer’s patient may not remember the moment, but what matters is that they enjoyed it. When I can bring joy to my uncle, the smile on his face is priceless.

How else can we create moments of joy in other people’s lives? Sometimes it is the simplest of things that we can do or say.

As I turn the chapter on this difficult year, I am looking forward to resuming my blog.

Happy holidays and may the new year bring you and your loved ones many moments of joy.

xo

Elaine

Just a quick note to explain my radio silence.  I unexpectedly had to go out-of-town to care for an ill relative.  I have had to put my writing on hold for a few weeks.

I look forward to returning to continue sharing OMG Worthy food, fashion, decor and travel inspiration.

xo

Elaine

This post is full of non-traditional Christmas gift wrap inspiration.  You can easily turn neutral packaging into a festive gift for the holidays with these easy ideas.

In fact, if you are short on storage space, just purchase neutral paper that you can accessorize according to the occasion.  It can become your signature look.

Non-Traditional Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

No need to run to the store for some Christmas gift wrap paper.  This post will show you how to use what you may already have on hand.

Add a Festive Ornament to Plain Gift Wrap

Plain gift wrap instantly turns festive with an ornament attached to the ribbon.

via Boxwood Clippings

via How to Decorate

Pinecones Add a Winter Flair

There is no rule that your Christmas gifts need to be wrapped in red or green.  I love this masculine brown paper and stunning bow.  The pinecones make it holiday appropriate.

via Sortature

Versatile White Paper

These packages were wrapped in white freezer paper!  White is so versatile.  Love the faux fruit added to the bows.

via Southern Inspirations

DIY Gift Bag for Odd Size Gifts

When you have an odd size gift, you can make a gift bag out of wrapping paper to accomodate the special size.  Click on the link for an easy tutorial.

via Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body

Brown Craft Boxes

Craft boxes are great for gifts anytime of the year.  The bow and gift tags can make them holiday appropriate.

via The Cottage Market

Non-Traditional Colors

Pink is a nice substitute for red paper.  I love the pink and green color combo.

via This Next

Brown Bags Turned Into Gift Bags

Don’t throw out those brown bags!  A simple hole punch and pretty ribbon is all you need to create this attractive gift bag.

via Ginger & Blonde

Fresh herbs add a pop of color to these brown lunch bags turned gift bags.  You can also use cut evergreens.

via Source Unknown

Brown Craft Paper

Brown craft paper would be boring on its own but not when you pair it with these glitter-dipped gift tags.  They are so easy to make as you will see in the tutorial found on the link.

via The Thinking Closet

For more gift wrap inspiration, visit these posts.

Recycle Christmas Cards Into Pretty Gift Tags

OMG Worthy Reads, Week 12

OMG Worthy Reads, Week 20

OMG Worthy Reads, Week 105

Wrap Your Bridal Shower Gift in Style