We're Back...

It was the most perfect Christmas; one filled with family, friends, and a lot of love.

My Beautiful Holiday Memories...

-The cozy, dimly lit rooms of Grandma and Grandpa's house in the evening

-Sharing a bed with Cub in my old room.

-My brother's face when he walked into his party and we all yelled, "Surprise!"

-The crisp, chilly, nights walking up the driveway with Cub, hand in hand.

-Sitting up late crocheting a beret for myself...My grandmother telling me,

"I will stay up with you until you finish. This way, you will always

think of me when you wear it..."

-My Grandmother giving each of her grandchildren and great-grandchild something

special that belonged to her this Christmas.

-The beautiful music my brother played for our family all Christmas day.

-Cub's new silver dress with the big bow in the back.

-A meaningful visit with a special someone...

I am feeling renewed and very blessed after a wonderful holiday spent in Long Island. Now, it's time to rest-up and reflect on the days ahead...And get back to crafting!

Can't wait to make these.

In the Wee Hours...

...the VERY last present was finished and wrapped.

And just a few hours later...The biggest blessing I was ever given-

I get to spend Christmas morning with my angel.

What could be better than witnessing her pure joy when she opened the gifts under the tree?

I feel like the luckiest woman alive.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Merry Christmas, Everyone!
God bless you all. xo
May your day be filled with peace and joy.

All The Rage...

Salted Caramels.

According to a zillion sources they are the "it" candy of 2009.

Yes, I'm jumping on the bandwagon because they look so good and any sweet/salty

combo is BIG in my book.

This mouth-watering photo and the recipe I'll be using for these babies tomorrow can be found right over here.

But they are seriously everywhere. Although the recipe looks fairly simple, I heard they are a bit tricky. Wish me luck.

This will be my Christmas Eve challenge, along with the Gingerbread Men we bake each year for Santa.

Hope everyone is enjoying the excitement.

I know we are!

xoxo

Cuckoo For Cowls...

Now that I'm truly in the homestretch of my holiday gift-making- I'm setting-up some projects for that delicious 11-day vacation I will be sailing into shortly!

You think the Yorkshire Cowl would have satisfied my craving for a cowl? Nope!

Look at this cutie I found tonight. So excited. I'm loving the twisty look, too.

!

I've been on the search for the perfect beret and I think I finally found one I like.

I'm thinking Winter White for this.

...Just thought I'd share and keep it all in one place!
Can you tell I've been obsessed lately?

Twinkle In The Snow

The beautiful snowfall inspired me to make these ornaments last night. I have been eyeing all of the yummy tutorials. But I think this one is nicest for the holidays.

It had been a loooong day and I couldn't bring myself to work on any of the other WIPs I need to finish before Friday. So, a couple of loved ones will receive one of these. I wish I would have made a bunch sooner. They would look so lovely tied to presents.

A lengthy phone conversation with a favorite person afforded me enough time to finally make myself a Yorkshire Cowl. Yipee!!! I wore it out yesterday and was asked where I bought it twice. Hee, hee!

I LOVE HANDMADE.

I love this cowl.

Want one in all those yummy colors.

So easy to make and so warm and snuggly.

A special girl in our lives will receive one of these in the color of her choice, too!

I'm so overtired, it's not funny. But I'm having a blast with it all.

Later on, I'll get to relax at the 5:45 showing of Princess and the Frog.

Happy Sunday to you!

Lil' Booties!

After crocheting many, many, gifts this season, these by far were the most fun for me!

They whip-up fast and are just so cute. We couldn't wait to see what they will look like on Winter Baby when she arrives. For now, Baby Jenny and Mia have warm tootsies...but only for six more days!

I'm thankful for the snow, which is already coming down.
It will force me to stay in without feeling guilty. This way, I can work on finishing the last of my gifts and baking oatmeal cookies.
Caramel-making will have to be put on hold.
I forgot the wax paper.
I'm blaming it on what I now call, Elf Brain!

Happy Days, All!

Thrifty Holiday Fun

One of the best things about going to make a donation at our local Salvation Army is running through the store afterwards looking for treasures. Tonight, we did pretty well: a lovely vintage white cotton dress for my girl, a vintage puffy-shouldered jacket that ties at the waist for moi, and these two adorable holiday finds...

A Little Luvkin votive candle holder, circa 1978. I actually remember these!

Who can resist a puckering Santa? He's so sweet.

And because you never know what you're going to pull out of a deep cardboard box filled with random Christmas-y stuff....

Looky, looky!

This is just perfect considering I've dubbed this a "very crocheted Christmas!"

I've made what feels like a gazillion scarves,wrist-warmers, potholders, washcloths, etc. Actually, not that many...but it's all pretty time consuming, so it feels that way!

Hope you're having fun preparing for the holidays and/or enjoying the present one.
Blessings and happiness to you all!
These are sweet days, aren't they?