Getting Back on Track

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 After some much needed down time over Christmas break , we are trying to get back to a routine.  Christmas is such a beautiful time and I always look forward to every minute of it.  This year I was determined to not over-do things and run myself ragged.  But here's the thing:   Apparently I was ragged before I realized it.  I feel like I did a nose-dive on Christmas Day and am just now recovering.  Not kidding.  I didn't do tons of baking or write out an extensive menu.  I didn't plan elaborate gifts to be made for neighbors and Hubby's colleagues.  I kept it simple.  I was proud of myself.  We didn't even travel to see family.  That's not to say I didn't do any baking or gift making, because you know that I did.  But I think there have been a number of contributing factors leading up to my nose-dive.  I can assure you that I am taking my vitamins, watching everything I eat and am trying to get more sleep.  I'm also trying to be sure I work in a few minutes of quiet time to read or journal about things that are important to me. 

 

I'm not much of a resolutions kind of girl.  I believe in making changes as I go through life, no matter what day it is.  With that said, there is something about the first day of the year that makes a perfect jumping off point.  So I do have a number of things I want to remain mindful about as this new year proceeds.  I want to enjoy my kids every day, try to live a little more true to who I am, to keep journaling, continue to be as creative as possible, and keep taking care of our health to mention a few.

 

So as the afternoon sun casts wintry shadows across the Hearth Room, we listen to our music assignment while we do our artwork and study great white sharks.  What is it about boys and dangerous animals?  Never mind,  I know the answer to that question.  We have piles of good books waiting for our attention and a basket of yarn teasing me across the room as I ponder what changes I want to make to our routines.   And I really need to buy some curtains, but that means I have to commit to a paint color first!  Decisions, decisions. 

 

I look  back over the last couple of weeks and remember the sweet moments of little hands and ribbon, squeals of delight, requests for just-one-more-cookie, handmade ornaments, (yep, I've been to Hopscotch Lane),  kitties playing in boxes, and icy, sugar coated mornings to explore outdoors.  It was all so good, even if I felt bad. 

 

So Happy 2013 to you!  I wish for a year full of hope with dreams in our hearts.  I wish for good health and happy times and so much creative inspiration we all burst with joy!

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 



A Merry, Mindful Christmas Eve

 

 

 

Well, that special time is upon us.  We all knew it was coming and we worked hard on our lists of to-do's and what-to-makes and tried our best to get it all done. 

 

I've tried to be mindful of making it a more balanced  time this year.  Less rushing, less frivolous details, more time for calm and meaning. 

 

But no matter how I try to plan or stay ahead, I always seem to add more as I go along. 

 One thing done = 2 projects added. 

 

It's been good though.  I've enjoyed slower days with the Little People.  I've enjoyed making some gifts with them.  We've had fun making some ornaments and I finally made this very simple Farmhouse Chic Christmas Rose Wreath.  It actually turned out simpler than planned, but again, that's what I've been going for this year.  I think it's worked. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Of course, with every little thing we do, my heart still breaks for all of those innocent lives lost in Connecticut, as well as the families affected.  As I try to be mindful of the  time spent with my little family, and as I continue to worry about and pray for my sweet grandparents, I can't help but include them in my thoughts and prayers as well. 

I also can't help but be reminded of the song lyrics, "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men..."

Wishing you a peaceful and Merry Christmas.

xoxo

 

 

 



Swap Ornament Love 2

 

Oh, joy, joy, joy!

 

My second secret swap ornament package arrived and I was more than thrilled to tear it open and see what handcrafted goody was tucked inside!  Of course, I didn't actually 'tear' it open...  I was very careful.

 

This sweet little package came from Kate at Sunny Day Reverie. 

 

This beautiful, fabric snowflake sparkles with little pearls and shiny beads.  I love to see it glimmer on my little tree in the Hearth Room.  I think it's going to be very happy here.  I know I'm happy to have it here.  Snowflakes are one of my favorite things!

 

Thank you, Kate!  Thank you so much for your handmade goodness!

 

And now that I have seen your sweet blog and that honey ice cream, I can't wait to come visit again!

 

xoxo

 

 

 



Granny Tree Skirt Only Better!

 

 

Hi there!  Well, I made it back with the old Granny Tree Skirt again, which can only mean that we are getting along fine.  It does lay flat (on a carpeted surface) and after I stared at it, somewhat unimpressed for a good bit, I decided it was NOT complete after all. 

 

This sweet bit of granny just needed a little something extra.  I mean, it is  Christmas after all.  So Granny needed to dress for the occasion.  That may seem silly, to want an old rustic looking granny square anything to take on a more Dressed Up appearance.

 

But I think that little chunky picot edge did it right.  I don't think it made Granny look at all pretentious, just more interesting.  And maybe feminine...

 

The pattern calls for a border of half-double crochet around the whole thing and then a row of slip stitch around.  I did one row (the red) in half-double, then went back around for a second row of half-double in the off-white.  I used the same color to make the picot edging.  My picot was a *chain 4, sc in first ch, skip one, sc in next.  Repeat from *. 

 

I tried again to capture those jewel tone colors and to show how the picot edging turned out.  I also tried to show it's size by laying it in front of the fireplace.  It fits nicely under a full sized tree, and folded in half, it makes a good size to place under the skinny tree here in the Hearth Room.   

 

Ah, I'm glad it's done.  Now it already occurs to me how much trouble I will have packing it away at the end of the season.  If only I could find a way to wear it!  Ha!

 

Hope you are having a lovely day!  Maybe the sun is shining where you are.  It certainly isn't here!  It's one of those cozy days for tea, books and crochet.

 

xo

 

 

 

 

 

 



Swap Ornament Love 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who doesn't love a little airmail?  I have to admit it is so exciting to receive something special from far away!  I was so happy to open this little package, knowing a handmade goodie was waiting inside.

 

I'm talking about the ornament I received from Ornament Swap 2012, of course. 

 

This amazing ornament was made by Peta from Just Crafting My Day Away.  You can see more about how she made this on her blog.  And once you are there looking at her gorgeous stars you will definitely want to stay and visit around her other posts.  She has a wonderful blog full of happy colors and good things.  I can't wait to go visit again myself!

 

So, I'm absolutely in LOVE with this beauty of an ornament and and it seems very happy hanging on the Hearth Room's Christmas tree. 

 

Now I need to make a little note to attach to it so I will always remember whose hands made this and  from where it came. 

 

Handmade is special.  And I'm so thankful for this neat blogging community that shares their goodies with the world.  It's such a fun and amazing way to connect with others.  And that's what made it possible for me to have this sweet star from Australia sitting in my Hearth Room. 

 

I'm grateful.

 

Thanks, Peta...  And thanks, Christina, for making this swap possible!

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Granny Tree Skirt Comes Together

 

 

 

Good golly, this tree skirt is finally getting itself together!  Well, I'm getting it together...  Sort of.

 

None to soon, I have to add.

 

I can't say "Ta-Dah!"  It's really not complete yet.  I've pieced it together and made one round of border, but have another round to go.  It's really wonky and needs a pull or a pinch here and there.  But I HAD to throw the wonky thing down under a tree at least to see what it's going to be like!  Had to get a feel for it, you know?

 

It's made of left over acrylics (although I did have to break down and pick up a green and lavender).  It's a fun, easy, FREE pattern over at Red Heart. 

 

Now if I can get mine to play nice and lay flat and look as stunningly gorgeous as the one on their site, I'll be back with a better picture!  Not to mention I'm sure my hubby would be happy to see me use the actual camera to take a picture now and then and let up on my Hipstamatic craze. 

 

If not, you will know I am enjoying my perfectly wonky tree skirt creation in silence and we will just move right on to the Farmhouse Chic Christmas Rose Wreath. 

 

Love and Wonkiness to you all!

xoxo

 

 

 

 



Thank you, Nancy

 

 

This is what I was gifted through the virtual Tea Party on Splitcoast.  It's all about enjoying a 'cuppa' with your crafty friends via the net and it's been a really fabulous way to connect with people you enjoy that are just too far away.

 

I love to do paper crafting, although I'm not so great at it.  So it's loads of fun for me to see everyone else's creativity with ink and paper.  Nancy made me a beautiful tea box, filled with teas.  A lot of time and thought went into this sweet project and I'm so glad to have it on my kitchen counter.  She also sent a nice bag of coffee that I can't wait to try.  I was equally thrilled to see a candy bar, but as I was taking the pictures of my goodies the candy seemed to start moving...

 

Thank you, Nancy, for a wonderful Tea Party gift!  I hope you enjoyed the 'cuppa' and chatting with friends. 

 

Now I am motivated to do some paper crafting of my own with all the sweet notions she sent me. 

Right after I finish that tree skirt!