Reflections on Thanksgiving

It amazes me how quickly I can lose sight of how blessed I truly am.  Thanksgiving has given me a chance to step back and reflect.  Something that I would have done, but given the fact that I came down with a nasty GI bug that had made its way through the family, I had even more time to reflect. 

First, I am thankful for the fact that my body waited until after my two nights at work (Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving night) and Andy's 17 year class reunion to come down with the sickness.  It is weird how the body sometimes knows when the opportune times are to be sick, and this time mine listened! The bad thing is that my parents both came down with it too.  It was not a happy Saturday at the parent's house, but we did get to spend time together -- sleeping on the couches and running to the bathrooms!

Second -- I am so thankful for my husband and family.  My husband tolerates me working off shifts and holidays and gets to wrangle the kids during these things.  He also quickly scooped them up Saturday morning and entertained them all day Saturday and part of the day Sunday.  If you know our kids, you know that can be a long time without help being that our kids tend to be strong-willed and bull-headed.  Good qualities for later in life, but right now, it can be frustrating!!!!  Also -- my family tolerates my obsession for crafts and allows me the time to make those crafts.  So wonderful!

Third -- I am thankful for my jobs.  Both allow me to do what I enjoy -- taking care of patients and making quality improvements in an outpatient setting.  In these times, not everyone can say they are able to do what they enjoy. 

There is so much more I am thankful for, but I don't want to start rambling in some caffiene and food deprived state, so I will end now.  What did you realize you are thankful for this weekend?

Quick sewing project

So, my sister's birthday was in October. I actually got a reprieve on her gift because I knew she was coming back to PA in November. I really didn't think about her gift until a week or do ago but it wasn't hard to figure what to get her because she loves to entertain. Make her an apron and pair it with a new cookbook for entertaining!

I started searching the internet for a basic apron pattern and I found this one. 

It was actually an easy pattern to make.  It only required 1/2 yard of each of 2 coordinating fabrics.  I decided to go with fabrics that were a little Christmas-y in nature being that the holidays are coming up (plus, I think you have figured out by now that I have a bit of an obsession with Christmas).  Long story short, she seemed to really enjoy the apron and the cookbook.  So, if you are looking for a quick, handmade gift, an apron is always a good choice for those in your life that love to cook and entertain!!!

Please excuse the picture.  It was a quick shot taken with my phone prior to leaving to see my sister and give her the gift.  I'm still working on the organization and preparation/planning to not be rushed at the last minute, though I have to say I did finish the apron the day before we were going to be visiting, I just didn't think about taking the pictures!

The smell of fall...

So, I was driving to work tonight, windows down (thank you Indian Summer and 60 degree temperatures at 6:00 at night!) and it started to rain just a little. Then, this aroma entered the vehicle. It automatically relaxed me and put a smile on my face. It was the smell of fall. Rain mixed with fallen leaves with a hint of fireplace smoke thrown in for good measure. It is a smell that can’t be replicated or described if you don’t live in Western Pennsylvania or anywhere that experiences a true change of seasons. The smell is just – awesome. No other way to describe it.

Then I started thinking – the smell of fall, how wonderful of a gift would that be for someone who doesn’t live in Western Pennsylvania, or someone who used to and doesn’t get to experience seasons any more. So, then the wheels in my brain started turning. How do I turn the smell of fall in to a gift?

So far, I’ve got nothing. I thought about wet leaves in a Mason Jar with holes punched in the lid, but then I realized it would start to mold and get all yucky and that is definitely not the smell I am looking for. And, I really haven’t been able to come up with anything else...

What I have come up with is that I am so thankful I live in an area that I am able to experience this – as well as 68 degree weather and snow in the same week. I encourage anyone that hasn’t been here or that doesn’t know what I’m talking about to come to Western Pennsylvania to experience it. I know this isn’t a handmade gift per say, but bringing someone here to experience the smell of fall actually kind of is – a gift handmade by God!

Newly finished ideas

So, I have the joy of having a niece and nephew that have birthdays 2 days apart. They both turned 2 this year and I was racking my brain as to what to get them. Being the parent of a two year old myself, I knew that toys probably weren't needed. Clothes aren't always needed either.

So I thought and thought. I asked my husband his opinion and didn't get much of a response. So then it dawned on me. Pajamas! Who doesn't need pajamas? I know my kids always do.

So, being my crafty minded self, I thought, I can make pajama pants. Which I did using the pattern I mentioned a few weeks ago. Then I thought to myself, what can I make to go with the pajamas?

And then, by some stroke of genius, the idea popped in to my head -- what about a pillowcase and blanket? Surprisingly enough, a pillowcase was not that hard to do. I found basic inspiration from a few different sites but then put the fabric together in my own way. Do you think I could have taken pictures for a tutorial? Of course not. I do plan on making more though, so consider this notice of coming attractions.

The blanket I made was just a yard of flannel backed by a yard of fleece that I sewed right sides together then turned and topstitched. Easy peasy and it makes a perfect blanket for snuggling while watching a movie or to just throw in the car

I did manage to take a few pictures!

Kid in a candy store

That is how I felt at Wal-Mart on Monday at midnight. One of the joys of working night shift is that I tend to shop at odd hours. Monday night was one of them. I arrived around 10pm and the Halloween items had been collected to put on sale and something magical was happening. The Christmas trees were being built in the entry ways and the shelves were starting to be stocked with holiday gift items.

I texted my husband and told him I might be a while, to which he responded with laughter (if he only knew how hard it was not to buy little things to add to my handmade gift ideas!) I was able to refrain from buying too much - only a room spray actually.

Which then got me thinking. Why haven't I been buying room spray since having kids? I have been trying to find safe places to burn my candles which usually doesn't happen. This then leads to unburned candles or candles that are only burned a few times.

But now that I have found room spray, my house can smell like Christmas safely! Plus, it just feels more classy using room spray instead of air freshener. And who doesn't want to be classy?

Pants 'n 'at.

Ok, so I guess you only understand the title if you have a firm grasp of Pittsburghese...

We have pants!  Now, I know what you're thinking -- 'Really -- pants?  I would hope that you have always had pants' and yes, we have.  What I'm so excited about is that I finished 3 pair of fleece pants.  One pair for a birthday gift and matching pants for E and D for Christmas morning.  The pictures show the finished pair in brown and the cut out version of the matching ones for the kids.

Now I know, matching outfits -- really?  I was hesitant at first to think about having them match,but any more, what one has, the other one wants.  So, I thought matching pants would be perfect.  I also found a really cute idea (on Pinterest of course) to make a cute Christmas tree on a shirt using ribbon.  I thought this would be how I can make the outfit unique for each of them. 

The pattern that I have used is WONDERFUL.  It almost takes longer to cut the pants out than it does to sew them up.  I just bought some cute fleece at the store.  I really think I am going to make lots of these pants for the kiddos.  Especially because D is so tall, I can make the pants long enough for him to wear for a while.  Plus, he can pick out some fun fabrics which means he might actually wear them!  A link to the pattern can be found here.  The wonderful thing about this pattern is that it is printable and has sizes 3 months up to 5T. 

Now, I just need to find an adult fleece pant pattern and then we could all have matching pants!!!!!  BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Off to the grocery store

In an effort to be more frugal, we have been trying to make coffee at home an not go to various establishments to purchase pre-made coffee for the cost of a gallon of gas.  We have been doing really well, but my one weakness is flavored creamer.  I can't drink coffee without it and we usually have at least 2 bottles in the fridge. 

Well, on my trip to the grocery store this week, I forgot to grab some.  So, much to my chagrin, darling hubby used the last of the creamer this morning and I can't have my coffee.  One thing I forgot to mention is that I CAN'T FUNCTION WITHOUT AT LEAST ONE CUP OF COFFEE IN THE MORNING. 

Now that I have that out of my system, I decided to scour the Internet to see if any homemade coffee creamer recipes exist.  And, but of course, they do!  I found a great website that not only has great recipes for creamer, but a wonderful idea for the holidays.  Deliciously Organic has wonderful creamer recipes that sound yummy all year long! 

She also has a wonderful entertaining idea -- a coffee bar!  That immediately got me thinking about having family and friends over after a fun day playing in the leaves or snow.  Hot chocolate could be made for the kids, and the adults could enjoy different coffees and creamers to warm up with.  Or, if your family celebrates Christmas morning with a brunch like mine does, flavored creamers would be a great addition to the breakfast menu! 

Now, I have to pull myself together enough to head to the store to get the ingredients for the creamer.  Darn you coffee addiction!

Fall is in the air

This past weekend, the kids and I had the best time partaking in an annual family tradition.  Each year, my mom and her siblings (and all family members that are available) get together and make applebutter.  If you have never tried it, I HIGHLY recommend it.  Think applesauce on steroids with lots more cinnamon and goodness baked in. 

We make the applebutter traditionally -- cooking it in a copper kettle that has been used by the family for many moons over an open fire.  Everyone has to take their turn stirring the applebutter which is a constant process because if the stirring stops, the applebutter could stick and burn.  Also, there is the silver dollar that is put in to the pot to help keep the applebutter from sticking and then the wooden paddle used to stir the applebutter. 

The process starts the night before when the sisters (and sister-in-law) get together and peel the apples -- usually with the help of the husbands.  This year, I believe there were 6 bushels of apples, but when different family members were asked, that number ranged from 4 bushels to almost 20 bushels (story telling is a huge part of the process too).  The applebutter goes on around 8 am and then the rest of the family starts to arrive. 

It isn't planned, but it works out perfectly that different families arrive at different times, almost as if to take over when the previous stirring shift is starting to get tired.  More and more food starts to arrive, lots of laughter is heard and the applebutter cooking takes a back seat to the family time and fellowship that is occurring.  Then an amazing thing happens -- the applebutter is done.  All of the hard work has come to fruition almost in an instant though looking at the watch, over 7 hours has gone by.  The canning crew takes their places -- which is funny because it is usually the same people in the same places every year with a few substitutions here and there depending on who can make it and who can't. 

The jars are filled, some blisters are formed -- though no one really minds.  And then the day is over.  Everyone takes their pre-ordered amount (or as close to it depending on how much applebutter is actually made) and then we go our separate ways.  It is amazing that this is the one time of year that we get to see each other in some cases, but we pick up right where we left off from the previous year.  It is so heartwarming to see -- and to watch as the younger generations get involved (which is funny because I am realizing I am not only part of the younger generation, but that my younger generation is also learning from the experience). 

Overall, I believe we made 58 pints and 50 half pints this year.  Not as much as some years passed, but plenty for what everyone had requested.  And, not only do I have the memories and experiences from this year, but I also have some great Christmas gifts for neighbors and co-workers -- all made by hand!

Well....

I haven't had a chance to sit down at the sewing machine yet to start my holiday crafting.  I did however, have the chance to try something that might get us through Thanksgiving without having to buy laundry detergent.  I know, the little things in life.

I have been reading about making our own laundry detergent for a while.  What had been holding me back was that I couldn't readily find all of the main ingredients, namely Fels-Naptha and Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda. Well, about a month ago I found the Fels-Naptha at Wal-Mart.  Yippee.  Especially since it was only 97 cents per bar.  AWESOME. 

So, that just lef the Super Washing Soda.  I bit the bullet and ordered from a wonderful site.  Alice.com.  This site is wondeful for ordering non-perishable items.  They never charge shipping, and my order arrived in approximately 2 business days.  Plus, the offer online coupons that are automatically deducted from the item when ordered.

So, back to the laundry detergent.  I received the Super Washing Soda which meant there wasn't anything stopping me from making the laundry detergent.  I used the Duggar Family laundry detergent recipe.  It didn't take long to make, and the biggest problem in my house was finding a 5 gallon bucket to pour everything in. 

According to the recipe, I should get approximately 640 loads of laundry.  That's a lot of laundry!  With only 97 cents for the Fels-Naptha, 2.50 for the Borax, 2.99 for the Super Washing Soda (and the last two only used small amounts from the package which means I can make more from that initial investment), I have less in the ingredients than I would in purchasing pre-made laundry detergent and I am getting more loads!  BONUS! 

Now all I have to do is let it cool, add some essential oil to make it smell nice and try it out.  Yippee!

Perfect example of how to make a Christmas notebook

So, while browsing my new found time sucking addiction Pinterest, I came across a wonderful site that has printable downloads to organize Christmas.  HOW AWESOME IS THAT??

So, I had to share. http://christmas.yourway.net/christmas-planning-ebook-printables/ is a great resource if you need to be even more neat and organized than just using a regular notebook.  Had I found this site prior to starting my notebook, I probably would have printed these out, made a binder and then organized everything from there.  But being that I have already started my notebook, and I am too lazy, er too eco-concious to use more paper to re-write things I have already organized, I will not be doing so.  But, I highly recommend checking this site out and exploring the printable downloads offered to help organize your holidays!

Mandi, the author, also has a lot more categories than I had ever thought of for organizing Christmas this year.  Things like a black Friday shopping list printable, decor inventory list printable and many others.  Check it out!!!

Ureka!!!!

I have found it.  Atleast, I think I have found it.  Finding a fall craft is harder than I thought it would be!!  There are lots of Halloween crafts, or strictly pumpkin crafts, but nothing that was really grabbing my attention as something that I want to try to make for Thanksgiving. 

Then, the clouds parted, and a bright light bulb appeared over my head.  Well, not literally because that would have been pretty darn remarkable.  But I digress.  An APRON.  How fitting is making an apron for Thanksgiving???  I think its pretty darn genious, but then again, it is my idea so I am a little partial to it. 

So, I set out to find a nice, *cough*easy*cough* apron pattern to make for Thanksgiving.  Even though I will not be part of the Thanksgiving festivities with the family, I will be doing some baking to send to dinner as well as making food to take to work.  Thanks to Freeneedle, I found this pattern -- apron pattern which is one that I might try.  I also found this one hostess apron.  I haven't decided which one to try, though I think I like the second one a little better.  Less fabric, a little easier without the ruffle. 

Now, off to do some fabric shopping online :)

Love the cold weather.

So, the weather here in Pittsburgh has been on the cool side for the past few days, which has inspired both my thoughts on the holidays and my productivity in the kitchen.  I am not, nor will I ever be, known as someone who is good in the kitchen.  The words domestically challenged come to mind when I usually think about my kitchen endeavours.  But, I have managed to find a few things that I can make, and that I make well.

The first seems to be soup.  Especially soup that you can make in the crockpot.  Being that it is cooler, and I am trying to stock the freezer a bit, I decided to try a few new soup recipes.  The first is a nice, basic vegetable soup.  This soup was not done in the crock pot, but it did turn out nicely.  I went with this basic recipe http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-plans/soup-diet-basic-recipe-1007 but I doctored it a little.  I added some canned veggies that I had and I used different kinds of canned tomatoes.  I love trying the new flavored canned diced tomatoes because it adds some subtle flavor without having to put a lot of seasoning in to the soup.  The nice things about this recipe too is that variations are included, and the basic soup if made according to the recipe, has so few calories, but it is so filling!!! 

Another soup recipe that I love is a Paula Deen recipe for Taco Soup found here http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/taco-soup-recipe/index.html.  This soup again is great because it utilizes lots of things that can be kept on hand and it tastes great.  Especially when you add taco chips, cheese and sour cream!

Both of these recipes are easy (or I wouldn't make them!) and they make lots so they can stock the freezer! 

The second thing I love making in cold weather is things with pumpkin.  Two favorites are pumpkin bread and pumpkin pound cake.  The nice thing about baking breads such as pumpkin or banana is that they can be frozen and pulled out at a later date, say DURING THE HOLIDAYS, when company may stop over, or you need a quick hostess gift!  Just wrap in a nice fabric napking, tie with some raffia and include a copy of the recipe and voila!!!

Now being that I worked last night, I didn't get a chance to make my fall to-make list.  No fears -- the list is coming!!!

my challenge to....myself

Even though I have only been writing this blog for two days, the ideas for Christmas 2011 have been floating around in my head for almost a month.  I just can't explain it.  Maybe its the cooler weather that has thoughts of sugar plum fairies dancing through my head, or maybe it was that we recently moved things around in the basement and I saw some Christmas decorations and other things I had bought for Christmas.  I am just really excited!!

That is why I have decided to challenge myself.  Not to get everything done by the end of the month, or to see how early I can get my Christmas cookies baked, but to put the brakes on, slow down and make sure that I enjoy the time and holidays leading up to Christmas.  I need to stop going full-force Christmas and remember there are a few things that happen before Christmas arrives.  The first being Halloween, but the more important being Thanksgiving. 

Maybe I'm not excited about Thanksgiving because I already know I will be working this year, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be teaching the kids things about being thankful and encouraging my family to be excited about Thanksgiving.  We have been so blessed and have so much to be thankful for.  I need to make sure that I don't lose sight of that! 

So, to make sure I don't get too ahead of myself, my goal this week is to make a small craft to-make list for Thanksgiving.  Whether the crafts are trial runs for things I want to make for Christmas or something hubby can take to Thanksgiving dinner (while I am sleeping), it doesn't matter.  Tomorrow, I will be posting the to-make list along with links.  Then comes the real fun!

And don't worry -- I will still have Christmas in the back of my mind and I'm sure I will be adding to the Christmas notebook!

It starts...

For some reason, I am really looking forward to Christmas this year.  I am not known for being organized, nor am I known for thinking and planning ahead.  But this year, there is something inside me that is driving a desire to be completely organized and early in completing things for Christmas.  And, so far, I am enjoying it -- which is why I have decided to start this blog.  It gives me a chance to prove that for once in my life, I am being organized and getting things done early.  And it gives you a chance to see how completely neurotic I can be, and to probably stress myself out!  Sounds like fun doesn't it?

The first thing I have decided to do to help in my obsessive compulsive Christmas behavior is Christmas notebook.  In this notebook I have started our Christmas card list, list of who we are giving to this year, possible gift ideas for listed people and my Christmas cookie list.  I'm sure the notebook will grow, but these were the basics that I wanted to start planning for now. 

The notebook doesn't need to be anything fancy, just something to write in to keep all thoughts and ideas Christmas together.  I actually found mine for 20 cents at Target (love the end of back to school season sales!).  You may want to include other sections such as traditions you have or want to start with your family, or a holiday timeline so that you know who you will be celebrating with and when.  Or even menus if you are the family that is hosting everyone.  Like I said, just make it somewhere you can put all of your Christmas thoughts and plans together instead of making (and losing) multiple to do lists!

Well, that is my tip of the day.  Feel free to follow along and see what other things I can get in to before Christmas this year!