Handmade Christmas

Winter is upon me here in Ohio; seven inches the week before Thanksgiving is quite the way to start off the Holiday season. How was every one's Turkey Day? Mine was filled with family and food.

Getting to the Library to update my blog seems to be getting tougher and tougher, so I apologize if my posts are few and far between for now; please keep coming back! The Library's computers sound like Harrier jets taking off and forget putting up a picture, that may crash the whole system or take 35 minutes to load.

So for now you'll have to listen to me ramble!

Don't you love my new layout? It's courtesy of LeeLou Blogs, check her out she has the cutest stuff for all you out there in blog world!

And now we come to Christmas, a season that people either love or hate. I personally love the season, the hustle and bustle, giving from your heart and celebrating with loved ones.

This year Josh and I are doing things a little differently. We'll be having a Handmade Christmas.

That's right, not a single of our gifts will be "store bought". I've been turning out knitted items like a Taiwanese sweat shop and Etsy is going to love us by the time we're through!

I suggest you try the same. Handmade gifts are more sentimental and personal. They are better from the environment, and they support the local economy.

Try looking around for a local winery or chocolate shop, make some peppermint soap, or scour the vintage shop down the street for a sweet sweater you can embellish yourself for Mom. I promise you'll have fun and the receivers of your gifts will cherish them forever.

Please let me know what you all have been up too?!?! I feel so out of the loop! Cheers til then, I'm off to brave the snow storm!

Let's Cuddle

I have a *minor* obsession with blankets and throws. I have about 15 of various knits, materials, and weights. I have bed throws, lap blankets, and some for outside by the fire.

Blanket via Etsy from Forest of Ice

Vintage wool throws from famed brands like Beacon and Hudson Bay can be found on Ebay or in antique stores. Etsy also has a nice selection of hand-knit throws and afghans that can become family heirlooms. Heck, you can even take a class and make one yourself!


Fall is crisp and chilly, the perfect time to add to your blanket collection and cuddle up on the couch with some of these beauties!

Chunky Hand-Knit Throw from Pottery Barn


These, also from PB, are a Soy/Cotton Blend
Love the Grays and Blues

Blankets available via Pottery Barn

For a more classic wool blanket try Pendleton,which carries Classic, Merino and Lambswool throws. I love the Merino Wool Throw in Mackeller Tartan (left) and the Pine Hill Plaid Lambswool Throw (right). Pendleton is a quality product, so expect to pay upwards of $100 for a blanket.


Woolrich is also a classic choice for camp throws and Hudson Bay blankets.
For a more feminine touch, I love the sweetness of this Cord and Coil Throw from Anthropologie or this Pink and Brown stripped combo from Pottery Barn Teen.

Finding the perfect blanket is like finding a soulmate, once you discover it you'll never want to stop cuddling together on those cold, windy nights.

Tea Time

Today was an ultra-dreary day in Ohio. The weather was rainy and grey, sadly beautiful. I stayed in bed way-late (you don't wanna know how late), curled up with my Hanker love, and the newest Death Cab For Cutie album. I'm beginning to formulate ideas for a little homemade business and today was a perfect brainstorming day.

(Photo for purchase from Marissa Bowers)

The gloominess however, wouldn't have been complete without that perfect cup of tea in my favorite mug. A slight cold has me drinking Throat Coat. I love its licorice undertones and all around earthy flavor.

Naturally, the Throat Coat distracted me and I found myself searching Etsy and the like for the perfect cup of leaves. Tea For All Reasons has so many yummy sounding blends, along with a nice selection of sample packs. I love the look of this Autumn Harvest blend...hmm wonder why?Her prices are super reasonable to boot! Tea Noir has yummy blends too, I'd love to try the Backwoods and Caramel Apple. Sleepy Bath tea from Healing House is one of many teas they offer to cure a plethora of ailments.

Of course, the perfect tea wouldn't be complete without the perfect tea cup. This vintage cup and saucer set is in near perfect condition from Jens Closet; I can see my mother dressing her whole table to match these. I myself am more of a mug gal; my favorite mug is a Autumn leaf motif from Ohio local, Liberty Pottery. But this little number from JD Wolfe Pottery has my heart skipping a beat; it's that perfect balance of girly and rustic.

I came across this recycled tea infuser necklace too from Found and Made, isn't it adorable?

All the tea searching made me happy and warm, on such a gloomy day. What are your favorite teas? What does your favorite mug look like? Leave me some comments, I love to hear from you! Now I'm off to make one more cup before bed; tomorrow is cleaning day and hopefully a bit sunnier. Sweet sugary dreams!

Warm and Fuzzy

Fall fashion leaves me with that 'oh-so-good' warm and fuzzy feeling. Slipping into a Knit Sweater is better than PJ's. Peep toes, Tweeds, and Chunky Scarves beckon me to leave the house!

Being fashion forward can be inexpensive too; I love perusing the local Village Discount Thrift Store to find hand knit sweaters, scarves and vintage heels that don't need breaking in.

So what are the must haves for this season?

1. I think every gal should have a great bag. I'm a fan of the bag-so-big-i-can-fit-in-my-kitchen-sink. I love Morelle's signature Truffle Bag; it comes in an bevvy of colors, but the Orange Truffle is definitely my Fall Fave. (photo courtesy of Morelle)

2. Cute boots are next. Tall boots, Skinny Boots, Ankle boots, just get some dang boots! I prefer a Riding style boot. These Corn Maze boots from Anthropologie knock my socks off. Martin and Osa also has super cute Buckle Boots. If coughing up $200 plus for a pair of shoes makes your cringe, try Target. I picked up these adorable Kinsey Boots last week, on sale!

3. Next, don yourself in a cute knit frock. Whether a sweater dress or hand knit cardigan, you'll stay warm and cozy all Autumn long. I love this patterned Merona dress. Or this Chunky Little number from Anthropologie. If you can't find the perfect frock, try a wrap. I love DColby's Cape Cod Wrap. (photo courtesy of DColby).

4. Make sure you keep warm outside. Grab a cute plaid coat like this one or this one. Twist a scarf around your neck or, hop on over to my friend Chelsea's at The Vintage Chair and read her post on Cloches. (In fact bookmark her while you're there, she'll keep you and your home looking bright and fun).

5. And of course, don't forget to accessorize. I love the whimsy of this Button Necklace. Speaking of, whimsy is the middle name of Ashley over at A.N. Original Jewelry; you can find something for every occasion in her Etsy shop.

So now I feel like I have to run out and scour the stores for these fabulous finds, don't you? With the cool weather around the bend, I hope we all find what we need (OK, and want too) at cool prices! Happy Hunting!