jane's apron

last minute

 

Just like in real life, I have way more to share here than I seem to have time for.  And just like everybody else, I'm doing lots of last-minute things, making my lists, checking them twice, tossing out ideas that aren't going to happen. Still have to go see Santa (this afternoon), still have to get those brownies kits to teachers (done...see photo above).  Still reading all of my favorite blogs.  Still a stack of holiday movies to watch.  The crazy days before Christmas are always my favorite...it's the time that everybody seems to relax a little and lessens their grip on holiday perfection.  

I'm happy to say that we didn't go near any stores this weekend.  I did, however, order from Amazon five separate times on Friday...far from perfectly organized around here...but having fun and looking forward to what the week brings.   

 

a warm wreath

 

If I told the whole story of how I made this wreath it would be a lot of "and then", "and then", "and then"s.  The short version is I walked the aisles of Michael's for several hours and then came home with only a foam wreath.  And then I made the wreath using only things I already had plenty of at home...pretty yarns, scraps of a favorite tapestry fabric, green glitter globes ripped from an ornament I never liked, several hat pins recently found in a train case, and a big vintage button.  

 

My partner for the Year of Color Holiday Wreath Swap is Kathy at red thread art.   Kathy and I were on the same page about wanting a "winter" wreath that we could keep up for the whole season.  I think the wreath I made is warm and cozy...like a pretty winter sweater.  

Hoping for a little winter weather around here this weekend.  Snow would be nice.  Snow, making cookies (for the dogs too), maybe some more crochet, a ballet for Ellen and me, movies, trying not to stress too much about all the other stuff.  

 

rolo turtles

 

If you've ever made Rolo Turtles then you know how good they are.  If you haven't?  Be prepared to be addicted like the rest of us.  This is not my quote (and now I can't find it) but I love it...Rolo turtles "satisfy my sweet tooth, my salty tongue, and my fat ass".  

Rolo Turtles

Hershey's Rolo candy

small pretzels (I like the square pretzels from Snyder's because they are buttery and are the perfect shape)

pecan halves

Place pretzels on a baking sheet, top each one with an unwrapped Rolo, and bake at 350 for 5 minutes (just enough time to soften the candy but not melt it). Remove from the oven and press one pecan onto the top of each candy.  Let cool completely.  

The little Easy Bake Oven is an ornament that I thrifted last year...has a spot for a mini-light to fit in the back. The Easy Bake Oven...best toy ever.  

 

wish lists

 

My kids make wish lists for Christmas.  They are pretty elaborate with drawings and fancy lettering...sometimes a ranking like "really want" or something.  So I cut out a picture from the latest Anthropolgie catalog and made a one-item "Mom's Wish List".  It didn't go over so well...a butter dish? what's a butter dish? why do you need a butter dish?

But you guys understand, right?  

 

crocheted christmas

 

Um, yeah...it's my mantel again.  Dressed up for Christmas this time.  But it's the wreath I wanted to talk about...  

I wanted to try one of those cool yarn-wrapped wreaths. For me, the yarn had to be way thicker to bring the effort to a sane level.  I had an almost full skein of thick yarn and a ginormous crochet hook.  I chain stitched the whole thing and wrapped it around a foam wreath.  I LOVE this wreath...it's so simple and so cozy.  If you have the supplies around the house (and don't we all?), give it a try...right now...you'll be done before you know it.  

 

There are still a few weeks to go but I'm going to go out on a limb and proclaim my newly-thrifted crocheted blanket the score of the year.  It's the same pattern as the scarf I made and is in perfect condition...and the prettiest color.  And it fits so well in my granny chic living room with my thrifted pillows.   

 

 

pink trees

 

Vintage aprons have been pretty scarce at the thrift store but I did find a couple of holiday aprons at the one (and only) estate sale I went to this year.  This one is a new favorite...pink gingham, pink rick rack, pink cross stitched trees...with white pom pom stars.  

I re-did my apron shelf for the holidays.  A little red, green...and pink.  

 

  

etsy for penny

 

Penny needed a new harness...a cute one.  I found one on etsy at little paws apparel.

 

Penny needed a pad for her little kennel...a cute one.  I found one on etsy at kirsten loves dinner.  

See the personalized "PENNY" label?  See the motion-blur on Penny's tail?  I'm 47 years-old and probably should never ever squeal like a girl but it's a little hard not to...come on, a label that says Penny?...a tiny coat with flowers?  

christmas for kids

 

I always think of things I want to "do" for Christmas and that got me thinking.  What am I NOT going to do?  Most of them are pretty easy...I'm not going to any malls (except for a last-day-of-school trip to see Santa), I'm not putting up the tree until St. Nicholas Day, I'm 98% sure I'm not sending Christmas cards.  This got me thinking again.  Why does everything start with "I"?  Why am "I" in charge of Christmas?  And then it hit me...I'm going to put my kids in charge.  

I bought the coolest yellow/gold mini-lights at Lowe's and am letting the boys put them where they want in the yard. My daughter will like to put the ornaments on the Christmas tree.  I'm going to let the kids decide what cookies they want to make and what they'd like for dinner on Christmas Eve and/or Day.  This is a little hard for a controlling mom like me but I'm liking the idea already.   

Anything you're not doing for Christmas?

 

good leftovers

 

The big clipboards are gone but...

 

...this cute avon-lady bag came home from the craft show.  

I have lots of good leftovers for my etsy shop and will be updating it today.  I'm also reducing the price on all of my notecards and am tucking a pocket mirror in each order.   Simple holiday shopping makes me happy and etsy is the best...hope you find something! 

pie and other things

 

The potatoes are ready for Big Martha's Mashed Potatoes. The apples have been roasted for Roasted Applesauce. The pie crust is in the fridge for Pecan Pie.  

I love to read recipes, love to look at recipe books, love to collect vintage recipes.  You too?  You'll love a post from Liz at Mabel's House...it's very good.

Wishing everyone a happy and pie-filled Thanksgiving.