Baby Its Cold Outside

It has been bitter cold here the last couple of days. I woke up to find these ice crystals on the inside of our last single pane window! While they are beautiful they sure are a testament to the need for updating this last and final window. I did a bit of research on it last year and hope to actually get to replacing it this summer. I think it is a project I can tackle on my own. For now, I'll briefly enjoy the ice crystals from the warmth of INSIDE!

Feeling Domestic

Nothing like some frigid weather to drive even me to the the kitchen. Truth be told, cooking is not my favorite activity. When my husband found me I was existing on cans of corn and green beans. No cooking. No dishes. I gave two new recipes a try today. Cranberry Thumb Prints that I found to be slightly disappointing and Butternut squash soup.

The soup was very tasty and easy. If you are lucky enough to have some squash still in storage, give it a try. Recipes abound on the internet!

Pornography for Gardeners

In the dead of winter when the seed catalogs begin to arrive; my faith that spring will come is renewed. I often get a twinkle in my eye and tell people my porn magazines have begun to arrive! After the alarm has subsided from their faces I let them know I am talking about seed catalogs. Let me tell you, pouring over the content of at least half a dozen of these gems daily is a much needed crutch for the long days of winter! Circling, crossing out, mapping, calculating, and comparing can fill many obsessive hours!

So, run don't walk to the mailbox every day and cuddle up with your catalogs nightly. After all you will need to place your order in about 2-3 weeks especially if you plan an early start for things like cabbage or brussel sprouts!

Resolutions

Maybe this year I will organize my scraps in some creative way. Or not.

Maybe I will finally find a way to keep all these miscellaneous ribbons and notions in their place.

Maybe I will just learn to be neater.

Naw. I think I would rather teach myself how to use this first:

What do you resolve to do or not to do this year?

Holidays

I am planning on saying even less over the course of the next week as I launch into the holidays but I wanted to wish you all a very pleasant holiday how ever it is that you choose to spend it!

Top 10 Gifts for Gardeners

Sorry for the unannounced hiatus! I have been diligently studying grading, drainage and storm water management for one of my LA licensing exams! I am happy to say that is over and I am moving on to Holiday cheer! Here's my top 10 well actually top 13 gardener gifts!

Sloggers garden boots
Diggers garden trowel
Seed gift certificates: Seeds of Change
Mandarins: S&J Mandarin Farms
Heat mats for starting seeds
Special items you have preserved and are willing to share
Share some of your own seed stores
Nursery gift certificates
Watering can...vintage is nice!
Garden Journal
Bypass Pruners
Herb trees
Book: Four Season Gardening

Top Make it Gift List

I am a lister by nature. I have whole sketchbooks of lists. They are like documentaries of my life in list form! Since it is the gifting season, I am going to share with you my list of favorite gifts to make. Maybe you will be inspired for the gift giving season! The majority of these you can find patterns or ideas for from many of the talented crafters on the internet. As I love to say "Google It!"

Grocery Bags
Scarf: knitted, sewn, crocheted
Pillowcases(kids love em)
Quilted wall hanging
Purse/bags Amy Butler has some of my favs but the possibilities are endless
Lap Quilts
Place mats/napkins
Covered/decorated journals
Monogrammed card set/thank you notes etc.
Kitchen Aprons
Digital Device Cover(haven't made one yet but love the idea)
Pajama Pants