Last Minute Ideas

Today I finished wrapping gifts, made my grocery list for Christmas dinner, and even had some time to sit down and read for leisure and write in my journal.  It's been a slow, relaxing month--the first time I remember December being so pleasant since I was a kid.

If you're still in a frenzy wrapping presents, I have a last minute idea for a special accent.  This one goes out to my dad the "Bow Man."  Tough guy that he is, he can grow a mean flower garden, antique shop till he drops, and put together fun handmade bows for the holidays.  My mom wraps, my dad adds the bows.  This idea arose as I realized I was out of the bows I was reusing from previous holidays.  Looking into my box of wrapping paper, colorful tissue, and other accoutrements I realized I could made a funky bow out of some kraft paper.  I basically cut thin strips of it, bunched them together, then used a flat thumbtack to press the whole bow into the package (a la the type of bows that have a little plastic "pokey thing" you stick into the gift...do they still make those?)  You can also curl the ends with an open pair of scissors like you would regular curling ribbon.  Try it with it heavier paper.  Et Voila!  Instant decoration (and cheap!)

Last night I finished Vera's handmade gift, a "knitted helmet" as the pattern calls it, which I think sounds too much like my child is some sort of crash tester who needs extra protection.  I call it a balaclava.  If you've knit socks before, this is even easier.  I'm hoping it will solve the problem of keeping both her head and neck covered...and it's even harder to remove than a hat that ties under the chin.  I used some scrap yarn in gray, which should go well with her pink/black winter coat.

The broccoli sprouts have also popped out this week and now I have a lovely carpet of greens.  I should be able to harvest them in a day or two.