Life is what happens . . .

So. Didn't get the pajama pants or robes or blankets done. (surprised?)

My plan was to spend two Fridays ago getting a few Christmas projects knocked off my list. But Colin stayed home sick. So instead we spent the day making applesauce, snuggling, doing laundry, reading books. I squeezed in some time in the late evening to whip out a couple of quick flannel pillowcases though. I've been sewing for several years and have never made a pillowcase! Why? Soooo fun and easy. I'm hooked.

The change in my plans had me a little frustrated at first. Not just because I couldn't get done what I had planned, but because I had specifically and decidedly swore to myself that I was going to get it done. To stop my cycle of procrastination.

But, sometimes life is what happens instead. So I took some time. Slowed down. Got some other things done. And am back on track this week. I did take the time to pick up some supplies for a couple other projects - so that I'm ready, when I'm ready.

This weekend, there wasn't time either - since my uncle was in town staying with us - and my husbands band - Boots N Shorts had their CD release party

I found the time to be talked into doing something drastic (for me!) with my hair though.

GAH!

I know. That was just over a week ago. So it has faded quite a bit into a nice strawberry, coppery kind of shade.

I had bought a darker auburn dye to go over it because it was sooo intense and very "Look at me!"

It's been about a week, and it's faded nicely and I like the strawberry copper it's faded to. I don't know how to maintain this shade though - I've heard red is really hard to keep up. So we'll see.

It was not a color I would have chosen for myself. It's not a color I loved at first.

But, it was kind of a big deal for me. Yeah me - who used to switch hair colors on a practically monthly basis. Who went florescent pink in high school. Who used bleach - like actual Clorox - on my hair.

Since the birth of my youngest son, I've changed a little I think. I've matured. Grown up. Gotten a real job (sort of).  I've stopped taking risks - in even the safest of things - like hair color. For the last 6 years I haven't strayed too far extreme on either side of blond or brunette. For 6 years I've worn it long, usually straight, and parted down the middle.

Doing this shook things up a bit. It was refreshing. It was freeing. It was really, really nice to not feel so - muddy - anymore. It wasn't anything big. Just hair. Just a normal shade - a little bright. Very red. But normal. It was just - something - to do it though. I wouldn't have, if I hadn't been slightly coerced by my friend and husband. But I'm glad I did. Even if I don't keep it, it was fun to try. 

My plan (yeah, yeah, yeah) is to have some gift projects to share later this week! Hope your weekends were good ones and your holiday planning is moving along (better than mine!)

Weekend Scenes

Stacking wood, exploring the hills behind our house, getting in a little bit of fresh air and some sunshine while we still can. And even a little bit of sewing (I'll share this week!)

 

I took 3 pictures along the path at little clearings - each at a different spot and time. And every one came out with this blue spot on the bottom - only the clearing/view pics did - I wonder what caused that, anyone know?

 

Gratitude Friday

Haven't done one of these in a while, and I'm needing it.


Today I am grateful for:

A cozy, warm home during the first real snow of the year.

My Husband. It's been a rough month - so many colds and coughs and fevers. So glad I have a partner in all this.

Help. From many sources, places and people.

This home, and this opportunity. Not one day goes by that I don't feel so lucky and blessed and grateful to be here.


Enjoy your weekend!

Handmade Holidays - Ready, Set, Go!

So. As I mentioned, I procrastinate. Lots. And it's not happening this year. No way.

I figure if I can come up with a plan or mini goals or, I dunno, something -then maybe I can stay on task

I might round out my goals more as the days go on - but I need to start somewhere, yeah?

Mini goal for this week: Fleece pajama bottoms the boys (and The Husband).

Just freaking do it goal: Fleece blankets for the boys.

These are super easy projects to kick off the countdown. I don't want to be stressing in the last couple weeks till Christmas. I want to be relaxing. And drinking eggnog. And enjoying my family. I don't want a last minute rush and flurry of plastic (toys and wrappers and credit - oh my!)

Speaking of no plastic (or paper . . .) if you've been following my tumblr you may have seen this already - but I came across this cool site on how to wrap all sorts of presents in cloth: Furoshiki. They also sell the cloth, but um, I'm thinking it wouldn't be too difficult to cut some fabric on my own.

Alright. I should be reporting back next week with this weekends goals finished. Yell at me if I don't :D

Handmade Holidays

I hate rushing Christmas. I complain when stores pull out the displays earlier and earlier every year. Decorations before Thanksgiving?! No.Thank.You.

For the last few years, I've said I was going mostly handmade for Christmas. Then I don't. Because, well, I'm famous for my procrastination. But also, when you refuse to think of Christmas until a month before - time has a way of flying away. I've done a few handmade things. Lap quilts. Kitchen themed baskets. A small wall hanging. But this year, I want to do more. I'm sick of plastic. I'm sick of consumerism (though I admit, every year I get caught up in the rush and sales and excitement).

The Husband and I have already talked about it (I know! Before Thanksgiving!!) We are determined to make more this year. Now, really, I should have started right around January 1st of last year. But November 1st will have to do.

I'll be logging my inspirations over at my tumblr: A Ribbon at a Time and I hope to be posting my completions here on a semi-regular basis. I hope you'll follow along and also share your holiday journeys.

Happy November!

And so it begins, the road into "Holiday Season'!

Have you started making plans for Thanksgiving? Thought about Christmas yet?

We're doing Thanksgiving at my mothers house this year. I was sort of hoping we'd have it here again, since it's our first real holiday in our first house. But, she wanted it there. And so it is. Last year was my first attempt at cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, or a turkey at all, and it went surprisingly well. I actually really enjoyed it.

And Christmas, how I hate to rush it, but we've begun. We're pledging a handmade Christmas this year.

Evans home sick again today. Seems like every week one of us has something new. No flu yet, but we've been full of the sick for about a month. Which is odd, because we rarely get more than a mild cold or cough. I'm hoping we're just getting a whole winters full of colds and sickies out of the way now :D

All Hallows Eve - Weekend Scenes

What a busy, exhausting, fabulous weekend!

 

 

 

 

Hope your weekend was a good one!