creative links for Christmas.

My decorating has come to a standstill. No matter. It will get done. So much to do, so much to do! In the meantime, here are a few cute and fun projects to help jump-start your Christmas:

This is a very sweet idea...very clever!

I would love to start making some of these.

Chocolate chip cookie dough fudge...might just have to try making some and giving it out for Christmas.

Here is a very creative way in which to display your favorite photographs. I think this is going to go on my "to-try" list!

If I can find a little extra time, I just might be able to try some of these ideas....ha, ha, ha! There is NO way, before Christmas! Maybe after...

miscellany. Fabulous!

My camera went kaput...I am now reduced to pulling up a photo of the dog and embellishing it. It seems I have more shots of the dog than anything else. She's just so easy and will sit pretty for a cookie.

Today was an A+ day. I didn't work. This was the first day in a month (other than Sundays), that I've had off. Not counting Thanksgiving...work would have been easier than that! It was so nice to not have anywhere to be, anything to do. The whole day was mine. Christmas is, of course, on my list of "to-do." So I "did." Oh, I still have a great deal of stuff to do, but still, it was great just puttering around town and being loose and fancy free.

You know those chickens Wal-Mart sells? I bought one and made chicken and dumplings from this recipe. It was very delicious! I added a few herbs and spices, but the guys ate it up and really, that's the only barometer a mom needs to know that her dinner was pretty darn good!

Hair clips. Reindeer clips. I made a bunch and they're pretty darn cute! I'd love to take a photo of them and post it, but my camera isn't working. I dragged out some Christmas decorations...I love Christmas! I figure that if I decorate a little bit every day, I should be all decorated by the end of the week. Minus the tree, but I'm hoping we'll get that covered next weekend.

And that, my friends, was my day off. I have sewing and cleaning and more shopping...but right now, today, I am content just taking my day one minute at a time.

groovin' time!

I'm officially in the Christmas spirit. I waited until the first day of Advent to get my "holiday on." Out came the musical snowman and he is rather charming, don't you agree? In the spirit of getting back to blogging and ready for Christmas, I thought I'd post a little holiday cheer. You know, to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Play it again, Snowman!

Hey, I'm not a complete slouch! I have been able to sew a few things up this past month. The Christmas fabric this year is pretty darn cute and I couldn't resist making some little girls' skirts to sell at Avonlea for Christmas. Once I cut into the fabric and put it on the machine, I felt relaxed and content, ignoring the pile of clothes that were begging to be ironed. And the kitchen floor that screamed to be washed. With all the other little things that have been wanting my attention.

The day-after Thanksgiving...truly a relaxing and peaceful day. I chose to spend it doing a little laundry, ironing a few things, working on my blog banner all in the comfort of my black yoga pants and t-shirt. Though I'm working tomorrow (and though bitter at first, am now over it), I don't plan on doing too much tomorrow, either! I had thought about pulling a few Christmas decorations out today, to get me revved up for Christmas, but I think it more prudent to let the ol' engine idle for a day or two!

Here's wishing you a fine start to your Christmas season. May your days be merry and bright! This is my favorite time of year and I fully intend to enjoy every second of it!

time to let you know where I have been!

This is a first for me...no photo of a dog, skirt, or family member. No boat, no sky, nor silly photo of something that has caught my fancy.

When my world was narrow, I always found something to write about. Not sure if any of it was worth reading, but I sure enjoyed expressing myself. Funny, how as my world broadened, I didn't feel the creative bug biting. I have so much more to talk about now, but am either too busy to write, too tired to write, or just uninspired. And that makes me sad. Because I have always loved my blog. It doesn't really matter if anyone reads it or not, it's just always been a place to express myself.

The director of the CPC where I work, has been out sick since the last week of October. I enjoy my job and don't find it difficult to get up and go to work, but working 6 days a week is taking its toll. I've let a lot of things slide around the house and that includes this blog. The kitchen floor needs washing, some major cleaning needs to be done and I have sewing that I really want to do. And changing the header on this blog and posting photos and posts are on the top of my list.

Thanksgiving is next week...how did it creep up so soon? The upside is, I'll be off work from Noon on Wednesday thru Sunday. Yippee! I'm thinking I might be able to squeeze some blog redesign in, maybe a few posts and finish some little-girl skirts. Oh, and there's decorating for Christmas! I think I can do this...

I'm looking forward to my comeback...I really hope you all are still nearby, ready to read my silly blog. See you soon, hugs to you!

clean herd.

Clean elephants, that's what the world needs...made from baby washcloths.

Have you ever seen albino elephants? Here ya go! Here are two!

I made this herd last night, while we watched T.V. They're really not too difficult to make...but the ears! The ears are definitely maddening.

I'm hoping with a little more practice, the ears won't be such a challenge.

Here's Pinky. Wouldn't you know that she turned out to be the cutest of them all?! She even looks kind of prissy, the way she's standing.

You're wondering what one does with these, aren't you?

You use them as accents on baby gifts or diaper cakes. And you can take the washcloths apart and use them on baby!

If you're interested in the pattern, go here. She has all kinds of washcloth creations and I happen to have my eye on a few more patterns. It seems I started off with the most challenging, but hey! The next project should be easier, right?

At least that's what I'm hoping!