The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, VII

I never used to mind wrapping presents at Christmastime when I worked retail in another lifetime.  It was easy…rolls of pretty paper, handy tape dispensers, and perfect-height counters.  Four kids later, I had lost the love of wrapping at Christmas.  Why?  I didn’t have the right set up.  Not a problem anymore.

Like knitting or spinning, or woodwork, proper tools make all the difference!  I love my tape dispenser and easy paper cutter.  An array of beautiful, fresh paper helps too!

Hope your preparations are going smoothly…

It’s a wrap.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, VI

One of the great things about having kids is getting to read and watch children’s holiday stories.

I love these books…the illustrations in “Christmas”, the committed to memory “Twas the Night” and who can resist a good “Snowmen” escapade.  (When the kids were younger I actually built a surprise snowman in the back yard and he changed clothes.) Did you know there are hidden pictures on each page of the Snowmen series?

I love cuddling up to watch a classic Christmas movie too!  My favorite oldie would have to be “The Year without a Santa Claus” and the new standard, “Polar Express!”

All aboard…tickets please tickets…

What’s your favorite?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, V

Holidays are all about family traditions.  I love that about families.

I am fortunate enough to be part of another family’s tradition.  A year ago, I met a nice lady who was thrilled to welcome her new daughter-in-law into their family.  Every family member had the same Christmas stocking made years ago by a loving grandmother.  She thought that Theona should have one too.

From Tony’s stocking I was able to deconstruct the stocking, chart the motifs and tediously count rows.  And on Christmas morning, Theona found her stocking hanging by the chimney with care.

Along came baby Anthony on Thanksgiving.  And a family tradition lives on!

Do you have any favorite family traditions?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, IV

For many knitters, Christmas means gift knitting and I am no exception.  Also no exception in the “Way Behind” category.  (I have even decided that teachers love Happy New Year gifts.) But what I love is a satisfying one-skein project.

A few are ready for the gifting…

and some not.  I am loving this Artyarns Cashmere 5 that will become a gift for You Know Who!

I love it so much I may have to splurge for myself after Christmas!

Is all your gift knitting done? What was your favorite knit this season? How about your favorite knitted gift?

Happy Monday Before Christmas!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, III

Isn’t it fun to watch all the Christmas cards arrive?  I love looking at all the pictures of kids from year to year!  This year, the cards are getting more and more complex and creative.  My kids love looking at the daily haul of cards too!

But who can resist the occasional surprise package in that arrives?  Mine was the first official package under the tree.  Maybe as I wrap the extended family gifts this week, I’ll place them under the tree.  It looks so festive and now that the kids are older, we should manage to get by without re-wrapping!

Off to finish addressing the cards…yup, last minute EVERY year!

Only 6 more sleeps till Christmas. Are you ready?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, II

The holiday season brings with it my favorite seasonal coffee flavor.  A girl can’t live on French Vanilla alone.

Do you have a favorite seasonal beverage?

Stay warm!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Or so Andy Williams says.  I believe him.

I have a holiday short story for you amidst the gift buying and knitting.

Once upon a time there was a Gingerbread House.

And then there wasn’t.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the days this month!

A Quick Meal

It’s undeniably getting to be a busier time of year.
I offer you a yummy kid-friendly recipe for the season of parties or more importantly, gift knitting. 

You don’t even need to grocery shop for this one, only 3 easy ingredients!

Narraganset Chicken
Boneless chicken breasts
Ken’s Creamy Italian dressing
Pepperidge Farm Herbed Stuffing mix – readily available and keeps forever!

1. Marinate chicken (the longer the better, I do a full day)
2. Coat marinated chicken breasts in crushed stuffing mix
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes.

Enjoy and go knit! 

Let me know how you like it!

Show and Tell Time

This gallery contains 4 photos.

I really was quite good.  It could have been worse. Much.  A convention center full of yarny goodness makes for lots of fun. Some fibery type souveniers stowed away in my bags. Yarns from Blue Moon Fiber Arts (BFL Sport … Continue reading →

The CowlVest

This gallery contains 11 photos.

I got it in my head, after seeing this vest on my knitting buddy Cynthia, that I had to have it. NOW.  Berroco designed Ninebark Cowl knit with Lustra. It was in my queue since last winter when it appeared on … Continue reading →