Busy, Busy holly days

We've been running around enjoying the holidays. Here are some snaps:

Seeing Santa

Holiday concerts wearing our Sunday best.

Selling items in time for the holidays

A last-minute gift for mom, lover of many things including Strawberries. I (HEART Cath Kidston MAKE)!

Lots of applique.

Off to finish some pj bottoms while kids are in school/play date. merry, merry

I did it!!

This is me at a table. Smiley for a variety of reasons.



I signed up for a craft show. I made things, showed up, and sold things. Phewww...All my nights working toward this event caught up with me. I crashed.

Overall, great success. Next step is etsy land (there is no problem with link, just a blank shop that is not open for business...yet). Need to re-charge, instead of plowing through. Hoping to get items up in the new year.

So off to enjoy the December festivities with our friends and family.

Hopping towards the Holidays

I heard my first Christmas song yesterday. Too early by my standards. I am trying to get an enjoyable early start on holiday shopping so I can enjoy December instead of my usual frazzle trying to get last minute things done.

Angela from The Artists' House started A Crafty Holiday blog - a hop of sharing the handmade love as we think, plan, and enjoy the holidays. I've enjoyed looking at everyone's wish lists of handmade items. Joining this group has been inspiring and motivating. It takes a few more moments to pause and actually think about what people in my life would like what. It makes the gift-giving a bit special, instead of standard gifts for the sake of giving. I want my family's gifts to me an extension of our thoughts - I am thankful for having you in my life. What better way than discovering a talented individual who, although you don't know personally, spent their precious time, creating something for your someone. with love, of course. I don't think it gets better than that, really.

My virtual shopping list:

For my husband -
To add to his growing Kennedy collection, a JFK print by squibb.

For my son -
A giant checkerboard set from porchswingafghans for game night on the porch. I'm drooling over the detail in this afghan.

For my daughter -
Who dreams about the 'croissant moon' while adoring her Hello Kitty friend. A sweet necklace to remember this stage in her world by LillyEllen.

A few items for me, should anyone ask.
 - A poppy embroidered bracelet by irenagasha.

 - Doesn't everyone need a Tweet's Tea Time Ring by Doodlebirdie.

- And, to bring green into my office until I tackle making my own terrarium, this Small tree terrarium garden by NYCterrariums.

with an addition of these sweet mushrooms by SerenityMosaics, of course.

While taking time and starting my holiday wishing and shopping, I've noticed:
 - I'm enjoying shopping (this soming from one who prides herself on making it to the mall 1x a year)
 - Inspiration from such talented individuals.
 - remembering why we give gifts
 - I really do love the holidays and feel like a kid again.

I've enjoyed sharing the holiday, handmade love. The momentum continues with Emily Myer’s Blog tomorrow. And, if you missed any posts prior to, here's the listing.

Here's to you making your own handmade holiday. Share the love...

A new mama right out our window

Looking out the window, we saw this robin cozy on her nest as the wind was horrendous. We saw a couple little beaks. what a mother's day it was.

Our Elf

Our kids are the ideal audience for Elf on a Shelf. Last year, I found this little guy in TJMaxx. We told the kids that this elf is a direct helper to Santa. He (or she?) watches them and then reports back on what he saw. Next morning, you can find Elf in another spot. With so many things to do and buy, I'm glad we've added this guy into our holiday tradition. O & V wonder where he's positioned himself to watch our family's chaos.

Cyber Planning

Ok. I did a bit of cyber shopping, during lunch of course. Now I've got a few gift ideas pulled together. Gathering ideas, then the reality of what can actually get done before the holiday.

• For Viv and Anna: Tu-tu T-shirt from Joy's Hope.
• For Diane: Ruffle Necklace from Happy Together. I've some great fabrics stashed for this.
• For me: creating a version of Boden's Rosy Skirt with yo-yo's
• Gift exchange for Mary and perhaps others - cup sleeve w/ photo by The Object Project. love it!

Holiday Weekend Closing

We had a great holiday. Lots of eating, rest, as well as visiting with friends and families. Most of all, we were able to be home and just be cozy.


Any outfit goes with Cookie Monster slippers.



Mr. O had a fever and cough for a good portion of the week. We did find out he had perforated his ear drum, our poor little kitten. Once he had the medicine, he was so much better. He even created his own Indian headdress.

We lit our fireplace for the first time. The glow sets the tone making us believe everything is okay in our little world. A long weekend of thanks for simple pleasures.

Turkey Trot

I typically have Wednesdays off so I've been hanging out with O and V today, getting ready for Turkey Day. Lots of lounging and playing including baking pies - Pumpkin and the Martha Stewart Prize winning pie -English Toffee and Pecan and creating this bird. Yes, it is a turkey and it stands in front of my cookbooks for inspiration. This turkey will have friends after the kids create tommorow.

I've been working on a skirt - trying to understand basic structure principles. So rather than cleaning and setting the table, I'm putting the final touches on this skirt.



This skirt is made from re-purposed fabric (used to be one of my 'wrap around' skirts) trimmed in ribbon and tulle. I need to fine-tune my hand sewing. When I tried it on Viv, she said she looked like a princess. She always does.

Probably should focus on the other stuff since the reality of hosting Thanksgiving dinner is starting to hit me. My mom is bringing the bird and others are bringing other menu items.Have I told you how much I love a holiday with such great, comfort food?

I am grateful for many things especially family. We look forward to celebrating in our new home.