This and That

First off, Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends! I have been busy baking all day today so far. I have two gluten free/dairy free apple pies, two gluten free/dairy free pumpkin pies and Cranberry sauce all done!
We are having our dinner tomorrow night, boy do I love this time of year! Cooler weather, beautiful colors, yummy flavours, amazing scents and the overwhelming beauty of Autumn and all her splendor.

In the next few weeks here I plan on getting my rear in gear at the sewing machine, so many things to do and get going on. Pilllow cases, Christmas presents (can't say what on here since people who will be getting some read on here!!lol). Also, in the works are the million and one crafts I am going to try and tackle as well...lol. First on the sewing front though, is skirts for myself and Breanna. I really would like some warm wool skirts (since I don't have a wee one in diapers anymore, I can upcycle old wool sweaters for other projects) and Breanna LOVES and I mean LOVES skirts, so I thought I would make her a bunch of simple elastic waist skirts. Oh and I also need to get my window valance made too! I came across some mexican themed cloth napkins at a thrift shop and I thought they would make a perfect window valance. I love the deep reds and earthy colors they have.


26 sleeps until we begin to decorate for Christmas/Yule!! And 19 sleeps until Breanna's 4th Birthday...yes, FOURTH birthday. I know, I feel the same way. How does that happen so quickly?


Um, what else?!?!? Nothing yet from hunting trips. My freezer is weeping....lol. Oh well, I am sure the perfect animal will show itself to Bill and Robert for us to feed our bellies with.

Oh, we went and did Autumn pics last weekend. They turned out perfect, now I just have to go through and pick the best ones for our wall motif. I will post some up here after I am all done.

Oh, aaaaaand!!! I am so freakin' excited!!! There was a contest over at *Boho Girl* the other week, and I WON!!! Oh-my-gosh, I am still so crazy stoked over it...lol...I won a $50 credit over at Boho Chic Etsy Shoppe! Let me tell you, I could've easily spent a small fortune over there and I will be back because there are so many gorgeous, original, splendid, incredible, magical trinkets there!! For now, I chose the Boho Girl Necklace and I will be saving up for This and this and this.... like I said, I could easily spend a small fortune. Funny enough, I have never considered myself a 'Jewelry' type person, but when I know someone has put their love and energy into something and it's original...I don't know, it changes my view! :)

Here's some random pics of recent:

This is what I inscribed on the floor before we put down the new laminate floor

Chaos while doing the floor

Snowflakes dancing on my Borage the other day

Our new fridge and new floor!

*~*~NINE~*~* more sleeps!!!!!

Until Christmas Eve that is! We count down until Christmas Eve, because that is when the magic starts! From first thing in the morning until the next evening...yay!!

Today is Arts 'n' Craefts day if you are following the Keltelven Traditions, as I said earlier we are very loosely following along. I like the concept of slowing down and taking time to concentrate on the time of year and taking time to re-connect with nature and loved ones.
The one craft that I would love to get into is felting. I LOVE LOVE LOVE how adorable and simple the creations look. This is something I really want to look at getting into this new year. If you already are into it and have the supplies, here's a wonderfully adorable craft to check out and do to tie in with the season and today's tradition!

Needled Gnome Nativity by Em

This evening is grocery shopping, need to get some more supplies to finish up my baking. Actually, to BEGIN my baking...lol. I have not done a single thing regarding Christmas baking. That will change come this weekend! Here's the list. Everything will be Gluten Free and Dairy Free.
*Cinnamon Rings* (these are a staple for Christmas Morning!)
*Sugar Cookies*
*Shortbread Cookies*
*Candy Cane Fudge Brownies*
*Cinnamon Buns*
*Chocolate Chip Cookies*
*Pumpkin Pie*(for Christmas Day dinner)
*Apple Pie*( for Christmas day dinner)
*Yule Log*(for Christmas Eve dinner)
*Bits 'n' Bites* (the one time we allow cereal..lol)
I will try very hard to post recipes and ingredients for the above. My goal this year was to make snacks that EVERYONE can enjoy. Of course there is an increase in sugar, but that is certainly allowed this time of year, I am just trying to use things like Maple Syrup and honey or cane as much as possible as well as Stevia. However, there will certainly be brown sugar and icing sugar in some things..lol

Also on Sunday it's Alyssa's 13th birthday!! She has chosen Candy Cane Brownies instead of a cake for her Birthday..I won't argue with THAT!!

Well, that's a quick update for now. I plan on adding some back posting to include Alex's birthday and we also had Bill's company Christmas party last weekend so I need to post a pic for that.

Merry Christmas!

Just another day

It is beautiful outside today, a gentle breeze and bright sunshine. I am listening and watching the kids laugh and chase each other around the park enjoying every second of it.  Playing games, chasing games no doubt! Tag is always a big hit around here...who could tire of endless rounds of Frozen Tag?!?!?

I have an annoying headache and random body aches, so what better thing to do than sip on tea and blog!!

We officially are fully decorated for Christmas! A bit earlier than normal with reagrds to the tree, but it couldn't be helped this year.  My mom bought us one as our family christmas present this year! What a perfect Christmas present I think!!
Now the fun can begin with our Christmas gift making!! I am soooo excited to get going on that! I do still need to buy a few things to make or help make the gifts, but mostly everything is handmade this year!!

Well, I have a gaggle of children that are heading this way, most likely in search of a drink and snack and then possibly some handheld microscopes to search for creepy things living in our backyard or perhaps a pixie or two!!!
Here's some pics of the last week or so...notcie the abrupt change in holidays!!lol I take down and start decorating for Christmas early the morning of the 1st of November! Normally though, Bill leaves for work in the morning with a Fall theme surrounding his house and comes home to Christmas...lol...it's pretty funny!!
Although the tree is a family affair, no one can miss that. I LOVE LOVE LOVE family traditions and can't get enough of them. They build such a sense of togetherness and unity in a family.

here's the promised pics:

Give handmade this year

For more info on this head over to Crunchy chicken .
I LOVE to give handmade for Christmas, I also like to give consumable items as well to cut down on waste. This year my plans include

• bath salts
• warm bags made with rice(awesome warmed and put on stiff muscles!)
• yummy treats to eat
• blankets for the kiddo's and possibly Pj's

I will add to this list as I go along since I am still just in the planning stages.
What are your plans? Make it a goal this year to either make some or all of your presents or even buy handmade stuff if you're not creatively inclined! 


I will keep updating this as time goes on! have fun with it!!