ready again !

okay ive been a bad bad blogger. but i'm not sure that anyone reads this anyways, so I'm sure its okay. :o)

I'm going to start out with a meme from sew mama sew...

Gifts

Do you have a favorite gift that you love to give? I just love to give things to people that make them happy... my mom loves a gift certificate to her favorite store, another "go to" gift I've discovered are fleece pullovers! I've bought three for gifts this year already!




If you’re making gifts this year, what are you making? (Post photos if you have some!)
I "plan" to make three pairs of the Fiber Trends felted slippers, some little aprons for our nieces, some oven mitts, and some pincushions. **and rice bags, tutorial from sew mama sew.. everyone needs one of those for those aches and pains!
Also... baked goods for my bosses and sweet mailman.



Do you have any good stories about handcrafted gifts you’ve given or received?
Everyone who knows me, knows I am crafty... and most of them appreciate it. Its always nice to know that the gift you put part of yourself into is appreciated. But sometimes I hold back from giving handmade gifts simply because I don't think they will be appreciated by some people...
I think its really great to give a gift to someone who can use it over and over and they will always remember that you made it especially for them.


Do you have any great gift compilation ideas (a grouping of gifts just perfect for certain recipients?)
Well, hand knit dishcloths work well as a gift for anyone! and who doesn't love holiday baked goods?
i think girls always love beauty products.. i.e. bath and body works, etc. so if you go with that idea, you can create something to come into play and relate to those items well. like a hand knit loofah, or a bathroom door organizer (amy butler, i think?!) or even some hand embroidered towels!


Name one thing on your personal wish list.
I'd like a few sewing notions, Denyse Schmidt quilting book, last minute quilted and patchwork gifts, gift cards :o), and an insulated vest with fur from old navy!


Do you make and sell things that would make fantastic gifts? I have just started making things like purses, lots of knitted things--hats, purses, baby bibs, baby hats... I am working on a gift for a new baby, so hopefully its well received.

Traditions

What is your favorite family holiday tradition? Getting dressed up, and going to church at night. There is just something magical about christmas and night time and then going to church to celebrate it all--add some fat fluffy snowflakes and what a great time!


Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up? Well I still spend the holidays with my family... I've been married for just over a year but I do plan on creating some traditions when we start our family. We were both raised in very different families, so we are still working on "blending" our traditions together.


What do you love most about the holiday season? Its magical! I love sitting in my living room, pine scented candle burning, with just the tree lights on.. it makes my heart sooo happy!

What do you like least about the holiday season? it goes by too fast and the whole retail aspect of it. i think we need to get back the simple things.

Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year? my grandparents. they have been gone for awhile now, but I'll always think about to the great holiday memories spent at their house. it was just always so special with them.. they had a fireplace and we would sleep on the floor in the living room and try to catch a glimpse of santa! they always played along with it and its such a good memory to think back on. they even hired a santa to come to their house once! so much fun!!


What is your favorite holiday food? i am in love with baked goods--cookies, apple pie, carmel, fudge! yumm! I love white turkey meat, stove top stuffing, and mashed potatoes with loads of butter! so maybe its a good thing the holiday season isn't longer. :)

Do you have a great recipe to share? one thing my mom always made was hidden valley ranch crackers.. they are really quick to make and a tasty snack! quite addictive too I might add.

1 package Ranch dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
5 cups oyster crackers

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the dressing mix, dill weed, vegetable oil, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Add oyster crackers, and toss to coat. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring gently after 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to cool before serving.

And enjoy!!!

I just saw this on allrecipes.com and it looks pretty tasty! too bad I'm the only one who will consider eating veggies in my house. :o)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roasted-Garlic-Cauliflower/Detail.aspx


This post has helped me get more excited for the holiday season!!! I'm going to go plan my holiday baking and start getting things in order so I can enjoy this time before its over.

oh yeah... I saw these holiday coasters today on flickr.. ahh loveee!

and these! looking at them makes me want to have a baby so I would have some cute little feet to put them on!! wonder if dh would agree... :o)

**edited to add update... My blog was featured on sew mama sew. I am sitting here at working, in front of my computer, grinning from ear to ear. Well, its not that big of a deal, but it is to me!!!!! Anyways, haven't started on the aprons yet... almost done with a rice bag, but duh! i went to walmart to get velcro + rice and i got sidetracked and forgot the rice. argh! so im off to walmart again tonight to grab that... have tomorrow off and planning a whole lotta craftin' + holiday baking. will post pics. promise!