Is this masculine? Josh says it's not. Damn. It's hard to make gifts for guys. I thought this would work for a manly toiletries bag, but Josh says maybe, maybe, if it was 1.5 times longer. 
Do you know what this is? No, it's not a $300 Le Creuset Dutch oven. It's a $60 knock off. I have been craving one of these cast iron, enamel coated beauties forever, and even more so since reading this recipe. But there was no way I was going to spend several hundred dollars on a pot. Especially one made of such cheap materials. Cast iron cookware is inexpensive. Likewise enamel coated camping goods. So why should it cost the earth to put the two materials together?
Flannel blankies and burp cloths have become my go-to gift to make for new mamas. These ones are for a colleague of Josh's.
Last year I made a lot of "criss-cross" coasters for teacher/colleague Christmas gifts. This year I might continue the theme. I'm liking this reversible, wipe-clean version, covered with 16 gauge vinyl.
Dog leashes, in both morning and evening colours. Into the Christmas Boutique they go.
While doing the weekly housework this morning, I determined to Do Something about the mess of chargers and cords that hang about on the kitchen divider. Inspired by this, I whipped up my own version using a cardboard lid and fabric, applied quickly (and pretty roughly!) with spray adhesive. To stop the cords slipping back out, I made an elastic "mouth", attached with brads. It works! Now I'll make me a prettier, neater one. Well, not now. Maybe after Christmas :-)
My darling sister and I celebrate Sisters' Day on September 17 each year. We picked that date because it was a little distant from other family celebrations, though a few years ago another anniversary emerged the week before. It's turned out to be particularly nice to celebrate our appreciation of each other so soon after the other, sadder day. This year sister sent me this, and I love it! It's made by Michelle from Canberra, Australia, and you can get your own from her Etsy store.
We're back. Zaca Lake was all I hoped it would be; beautiful, peaceful, a place to just BE. Unfortunately, Josh was very unsettled by all the flies which spoiled his enjoyment. (I'm Australian; I'm used to flies.) Apparently they only arrive in late summer, so next time (oh yes, there will be a next time) we'll go earlier or later in the year.
