News from the Nest, November 28
Hello, lovelies!
And just like that, the calendar has changed from Fall to Christmas!
For my friends in the U.S., hope you’ve recovered from the Turkey/Stuffing/Mashed Potatoes/Pumpkin Pie hangover! Because I didn’t cook for the first time in MANY years, we had no leftovers…which is a good and a bad thing.
And because I didn’t cook, we had the most relaxing holiday. Our daughter was home, and other than going out for Thanksgiving dinner, I haven’t been in a car since Wednesday! We’ve spent the last four days slowly decorating, walking the dogs, watching Dead To Me, football, basketball, and soccer, and eating cookies! These Molasses Crinkle Cookies are non-negotiable when decorating the house for Christmas.
Side Note: Has anyone else noticed that over time Christmas ornament hangers have become so flaccid and flimsy as to be basically aluminum foil? Truly, the ‘new’ hangers are totally useless. I pine for the ornament hangers of old and truly get excited when an ornament still has its old one. Any suggestions? I’m not a big fan of the curly-cue ones but think they may be my best option.
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new on the blog
By the skin of my teeth, I finally published the Embroidered Christmas Tree Pattern…yesterday! Phew! It seems to do nothing but eat cookies, walk dogs, watch tv, and decorate is not conducive to a productive blog! Who knew!?
Anyway, for a relatively quick gift or decorating project (two-three hours, start to finish depending on distractions), these Embroidered Christmas Trees are really lovely. It will be a very inexpensive project if you keep scraps of fabric and stuffing around the house. I bought the velvet, but other than that, I used what I had in the home.
I’m using them as adornment on gifts and will hang some from my mantel garland. I filled one with aroma beads scented with a Christmas essential oil that my daughter wants to take with her.
Table of Contents
what you’re loving
Like an aging actress or actor who gets a starring role on Broadway, this post on how to make an Ornament Garland is getting some renewed love! I wrote this post seven years ago, right after I started blogging. I cringe a little at the photos, but I am also am reminded how much I loved the front porch on our old home!
cyber monday deals that caught my eye
- If you or someone on your gift list has been pining for Staub cookware, some colors of their 5-qt Deep Oven Cookware are 60% off!
- The All-Clad 11″ Non-Stick Square Griddle pan is $50…60% off the regular price.
- These darling gloves are 20% off with free shipping. They also have dogs, bunnies, and more designs.
some Christmas projects
- These iron labels for gift-giving bags are perfect for food gifts and reducing paper waste. There are six labels to choose from, three designs in addition to the ones shown below.
- If you are giving cash, gift certificates, or coupons for Christmas this year, tuck your gift into one of these printables for gift envelopes. For some great ideas for gift certificates and coupon gifts, check out this post on Gifts that Save the Recipient Money.
- It’s not too late to make a gift wrap cart to corral and organize all your Christmas wrapping paper. Turn on your sound and watch the little video I directed, acted in, and produced! Steven Spielberg, watch out!
Christmas knit projects
You still have time to make a few knitted gifts for this Christmas, but don’t dilly-dally!
- These little knit gnomes are a fun gift worked entirely on double-pointed needles. If you need a DPN tutorial or refresher, I’ve got you covered here.
- Without exaggeration, you could start and finish one of these chunky knit stockings in a day. Lots of instructional videos to walk you through the process.
- This knit Christmas pillow will take you a bit longer, but you still have time.
in the kitchen
- I don’t know why we only treat ourselves to these Roasted Rosemary Walnuts at Christmas time! There’s nothing uniquely ‘Christmas’ about them. Be that as it may, they do make great gifts!
- Putting together a jar of mulling spices is so easy, but it really is a very appreciated gift!
- How can I not share some Christmas Cookie recipes today? Let the baking begin. In addition to the Molasses Crinkles I share earlier, these Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Cookies are always made in our home. We don’t know what makes them uniquely ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’, but that’s the name my Grandma has on her recipe card, so we’re going with it.
- And you guys, could these Gingerbread Button Cookies be the cutest cookie you’ve ever seen?
Well, my friends. I am signing off for the day.
Having our daughter home has been absolutely a delight, and my heart is full. But, she, along with her 75-lb crazy-train Golden Retriever and nutcase bunny, come through our home like a tornado. I will spend the rest of the day restoring the order that I need to function.
I hope your day is wonderful!
