happy new year

I took a picture of the beautiful frost on the window this morning to share with you. To me, the colours, the light, and the sparkle all look very reminiscent of New Year's decorations and party dresses. Frost patterns are some of my favourites of Nature's patterns. Along with leaf veins, sand ripples, seashell spirals, snowflakes, pine cone ridges... okay, so there are many.

I'm taking a wee moment in the midst of a relaxing and fun holiday to wish you the very best of new years. I hope that 2013 begins (and continues) with you feeling hopeful, inspired, content, and grateful.


Take care, and I'll see you in 2013!

merry christmas

last minute Christmas making

There's been all kinds of last minute making of gifts going on at our house over the past couple of days. The boys made some birdseed ornaments to hang outside, and some extras to give to friends.

I made some spoon oil for gifts (and a little bit to keep!)

And some lavender sachets, and some rose petal ones, using the rose petals I dried this summer. The colour has faded, but the scent is still lovely.

 I also made these cocoa butter lotion bars, with a touch of peppermint for a chocolate mint experience. They're so smooth and lovely!

 And, of course, some little soaps. I posted this picture a few days ago, but it's worth a repost.

It snowed the night before last, and as soon as Thomas saw it, he started making plans. "I need to shovel the street! I need to shovel! I need to shovel! Can I go outside? Can I go outside?" So he and Adam went out for a bit, and his sweet little cheeks were rosy for quite awhile after they came in.

Merry Christmas Eve!

(P.S. Most of these things take very little time to make, so if you're in a pinch and realize you forgot something, there's still a wee bit of time!)

around the house

I think that things are ready for Christmas in our little house. The last purchased gifts arrived in today's mail (phew!) and I just have a few fun little things left to make. We have a handful of cards left to deliver, which we'll probably do over the weekend when we go for a drive to see the lights and decorations. The last grocery trip was done today, and I don't think we have any remaining commitments, other than hanging out, playing, and eating well. It sounds good to me - I feel like I need a break from the regular routine.

Phillip has been writing up a storm lately. He's spelling everything out loud (seldom making mistakes) and loves to copy. I love finding his little notes around the house.

I hope that you have a peaceful, relaxing weekend with the ones you love.