News from the Nest, December 5

Good Morning, friends.

This time last week, I was bragging about my very relaxed Thanksgiving holiday. I was patting myself on the back how I just spent time with my daughter and didn’t worry about ‘getting things done.’

Well, I made up for that delightfully languorous break this week!

I’ve had yards of fabric and pillow forms sitting in our master bedroom for most of this year that I’ve intended to use for a bed skirt and euro shams. This was the year I was finally going to tackle the hodgepodge that was our bedroom and master bath. In the three years we’ve lived here, the space kept getting moved down the list of ‘rooms that need to be addressed.’

So, I decided that the week we were decorating the house and having dinner guests, I would also sew the bed skirt. And because there is really nothing going on this time of the year, I also decided to paint two work tables in my office that I use for photography backdrops.

I’m exhausted, but checking a few things off my list feels good.

For the bed skirt, I used this pattern. I turned and burned and was able to get it done in six hours, from start to finish. And what of the Euro Shams? Well, I may finally have reached the pillow saturation point on the bed and am rethinking them. I love the fabric, but I’m having a pillow self-intervention.

new on the blog

Please don’t ask me how, but I also created four new sets of printable gift tags this past week! It was one of those ‘one thing leads to another’ situations.

I used a paper punch for all these tags, but you don’t need to. You could just as easily cut the rectangles out with scissors or a paper cutter.

• I know that many of you are making gifts for Christmas this year because our list of Handmade Gifts is viral right now. For those making gifts, here are four printable gift tags to attach to your gifts.

• Our dog treats recipes are also ALWAYS popular, so it was only fitting that I made a few gift tags for those of you who like to bake and give dog treats to your four-legged neighbors and friends.

• These gift tags will be perfect if you give some of your knit creations to friends and family this year.

• And the tags that started this whole dive down the gift tag rabbit hole; if you are baking and cooking gifts to give to neighbors, friends, and family, you’ll love these little tags to attach to your yummy treats.

cookie recipes

Consider some of these options if you want to add a few new recipes to your Christmas cookie repertoire.

• If you are looking for a quick AND delicious cookie, you can’t beat these Amaretti cookies. I can make two dozen, start to finish, in less than an hour. They are also great cookies for shipping as they aren’t fragile. I’ll be mailing some to my son this week.

• For a fancier cookie, consider these delicate Spiced Linzer Cookies. These gorgeous treats are filled with pear caramel, elevating them to something special.
• And I love everything about these mini chocolate tarts! First of all, they are mini! Meaning I can assuage my need for an after-dinner sweet without the guilt. Then, I can make all the parts of the dessert ahead of time, assembling them as needed. And the combination of chocolate and cranberry curd is a match made in heaven. But most importantly, just take a look at these gorgeous treats! They will be the star of your dessert table!

• Review these tips for successful cookie baking!

some handy printables for you

• If you are giving some of your knitted or crocheted creations as gifts this year, make sure to tuck in one of these care tags for the recipient. Note the fiber content and care instructions for them.
• Given all the baking going on, you may find this Measurements Equivalents Chart as handy as I do. I have mine laminated and keep it inside my cupboard door, where I refer to it multiple times a week.

more gift lists and ideas

• My brother is quite the cook. Our conversations frequently focus on what is being prepared for dinner in our homes. If you have a guy who likes to cook on your gift list, check out some of my brother’s ideas as great gifts for Foodie Guys.
• Did you know a Wine Enthusiast is also known as an Oenophile? Here are some gift ideas for the Oenophiles on your list.
• What about those with wanderlust? If you have someone who loves to travel on your gift list, check out these great gift ideas for travelers.

Well, I’m feeling the need for a long winter nap! But before that, I am going to bake some Amaretti and Pizzelles to send to my baby boy all the way across the country in San Diego!

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!