shhhhhh

I did something bad today.  I hung Christmas Curtains..  well winter ones at least.  I found 2 flannel sheets at Amvets and they were Snowflakes.  One was red snow flakes and the other was blue.  Sheets!!!  So up they went today. Being flannel.. I didn't bother sewing the bottom.  So up they went and the Fall stuff came down.  BUT THAT IS IT!! Really.. Until Friday.. Really.. ok. except the snowman sugar bowl in the kitchen. BUT THATS IT!!

spice it up! Holiday Gift Idea #4

I didn't find Penzeys on Elmwood until a few months ago.  I needed some new spices and boy, was I impressed.

The store smells wonderful first off.  And the selection was overwhelming, but in a good way.  The staff was more than helpful and there is even a little station for kids to color at while you shop.

They do offer some gift sets already prepackaged.  But go nuts!  You can make your own sets up in either the pretty glass jars or in the bags.  To be honest, its really not that expensive.  For the amount that you get, they do last quite awhile and if you store them correctly, they won't get stale.

I need to go back and get some good Vanilla for Christmas this year.

etsy local shopping - Holiday Gift Idea #3

I hate shopping at the malls for Christmas presents.  I'm rushed, I'm tired and I can't carry my coffee and my bags and my purse at the same time.  I will do short specific spurts to the mall ONLY IF I REALLY HAVE TO!.  I prefer to hit the Elmwood Village or shop online.

One of my favorite sites on etsy is a local shop - elm studios.  I remember like 2 years back at a craft show I saw the beautiful little containers.  So sweet and personal.  The work of Erin Lynne Meissner is always on my list of things to look at on etsy.

The breathe bowl is probably my favorite.  Here's a shot of it (no, I don't own it.. I covet it.  I need to remember to do that every so often - the shot is from her etsy site.. go there. really.  you'll love it)

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again, in no way I am connected to the artists.  I'm simply tossing out different ideas for the holidays.  If I mention it, it must be good.  everyone should create. and i applaud these artists for doing what I can not.  with that, I'm going to snuggle up in my flannel sheets and read a book.  yes,  a real book.  with pages and a spine and ink.  

martha Holiday Gift Idea #2

I hate Martha Stewart but at the same time, I love the stuff she and her staff come up with.  I suppose I hate her because I should have thought of the stuff first and I can't seem to get around to making the items I so covet.

I'm on the hunt for little things I can make with the kiddo for Christmas - little gifts or ornaments she can give to family and friends.  I saw this Pipe Cleaner Snowflake that would be awesome for her.

I took her new book out from the Library and I love it!

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia Of Sewing And Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques For Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, And Printing, Plus 150 Inspired Projects From A To Z

I have been flipping through this book and it would make a wonderful addition to any sewer or crafter's collection.  She explains the basics and provides some neat tips.  I do love the section on the Japanese embroidered linens.  Nothing in it overly complicated or things you just wouldn't use.  She covers Aprons, Curtains, dolls, stuffed animals, how to Applique, making sheets for your bed.... you get the idea?

Now, I think I need to go sew something.

pottery junkie - Holiday Gift Ideas #1

This is part of my pottery addiction.  Only 4 pieces are missing.  I adore handmade pottery and I am fortunate to know several potterers.  

The newest addition is the Polish Pottery - the white and blue.  I won them at a basket raffle and boy was I lucky.  I used it last night and I couldn't have been happier.

The bowl on the top left was made by a local artist.  The Cup on the left was made by Dancing Pig Pottery and the little green/blue mug on the right was made by Hughes Pottery  

I adore these pieces and I really do use the mugs every day. So if you are thinking of getting something for the Holidays this year, why not consider hand made pottery.  They are unique and very well made. Don't hide them in a china cabinet...USE THEM!!

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Note: These are not endorsement  at all.  I was not paid or contacted by these wonderful artists.  I just simply adore their work and a wanted to share some different Gift ideas for the Holidays.  Enjoy!

Christmas Giveaway 2008

My favorite time of year! Christmas Giveaway 2008 by 5 Minutes for Mom is underway. Wish me Luck!!

Christmas saga begins

Thus starts the hell known as Christmas.... Lets begin.

1) Yesterday, it was close to 45 degrees and rain. Yeah, that puts you in the Christmas mood (pic to come)

2) Last minute shopping all around... next year, we start in July. I'm not kidding.

3) The washing machine is broke. It won't spin. Shit.

4) I have a cold.

5) I get woken up at 5 am "mom, i had a bad dream". No wonder, its windy as hell out there and would freak me out too. Consolation - Dr. Who dream... (sorry honey)

6) I wake up again at 8 am to a blizzard lite. Wind, snow.. bleh. At least we get a white Christmas (thats is a plus... I hate green Christmases)

On the upside - the food is all made for today, the presents are wrapped and I only have to finish 4 gifts (all to be given after Christmas - yes Sam, that means you). On the downside, I have to get the washing machine fixed.. bye bye $200.... damn.

Its only 9 am on Christmas eve and well, I give up. Breakfast, shower, head out and be at mom's house by 3 pm or so. Where is my coffee????

How many days??

So here is the plan for the next week and a half (deep breath)....
Tonite - give in to the fact I do not have the time to make Truffles for Investiture . Sad as it sounds, I just don't have the time. So, I will plan out the baking for Sunday tonite.

Thursday - Pick up plants from school, work and then watch the kids (I love the kids.. I hope Lex makes me Soup!)

Friday - Get stuff together for Saturday and stop feeling like shit (stupid cold). Ship Val's gift and get Mom's present

Saturday - Relax at Investiture (ha!). Maybe I can sneak out and get his stocking stuff after Dinner (please be done by 6:30!!)

Sunday - while Hubby is out Shopping, Erin and I will get Baking stuff and start making some Placzek and cookies.

Monday - Work lots and finish the X-mas presents

Tuesday - all day meeting and food is provided (remember to bring said Placzek).

Wednesday - Work lots more

Thursday - 1pm and 6 pm - SCHOOL PLAY... BRING VIDEO CAMERA!!

Friday - Bake 24 mini Placzeks and a few more big ones..

Saturday - freak out and get/make food for Xmas Eve

Sunday - get stuff together for Xmas Eve

Monday - Freak out more and have a drink FINALLY

Tuesday - Watch my Kid scream with delight at what Santa brought

Wednesday - Dentist appt for the kid then DO NOTHING BUT PLAY TILL JAN 2nd!!


is it over yet?