I have been doing a little sewing, honestly. My life is just a bit busy these days, with my job at the clothing shop, trying to make my little Christmas gifts, the decorating, and of course the Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, you have heard plenty about my cosmetics bags construction and my decorating, and the other subjects don't seem blog worthy.
On Friday, Thelma and I are going to have our Mocha Trails reveal, so be sure to check back then. Here is a sneak peek at what I have constructed so far. That is the containment border. I found the perfect outer border fabric, just wait 'til you see!
I also am getting the final border on my September class project, Route 44. I had set that aside for a couple of months after struggling to get my blocks to come together perfectly. Here is a little preview.
I had totally planned to finish it up today before I went to work, but I got a phone call from a certain Irish Lass (who I am praying will be my daughter in law one day), and then I had to go to work. All is well in Dublin, but they have had quite a lot of snow and the poor girl has to slog through it when she walks to work. Gosh I like that girl. I am going to have to go to Ireland at least twice a year to see her when my son moves over there. Oh, and him too!
I know the rest of you must be busy too, with all the projects and baking and house guests that seem to all happen at once in December. What would you give up if you could? To make things smoother and less stressful this time of year?
I can tell you what I gave up, the second my children became adults: Holiday Baking.
As you know if you read yesterday's post, I tried to scale back on the decorating, but that isn't working for me. Sometimes you just can't tell if giving something up is going to be a relief or a big mistake. So, do tell, what have you done to make getting through the holidays easier?
58 responses to “Two Projects Almost Done!”
I also gave up the Holiday Baking. I make one batch of butter cookies each December for my DH and that is it. I used to have the dining room table full of goodies when the children were at home. So then I would have all the children in our neighborhood there coming in. They all grew up at my house. But now there is just the two of use here and I dont do much. Your decorations look wonderful and cant wait to see the quilts on Friday.
I also gave up the Holiday Baking. I make one batch of butter cookies each December for my DH and that is it. I used to have the dining room table full of goodies when the children were at home. So then I would have all the children in our neighborhood there coming in. They all grew up at my house. But now there is just the two of use here and I dont do much. Your decorations look wonderful and cant wait to see the quilts on Friday.
Uhm, I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but I seem to get my panties in a wad when things aren’t perfect, like packages wrapped as if they should be on the cover of a magazine, every ornament in it’s perfect spot on the trees, well you get the picture. My new mantra is “good is good enough”….and it doesn’t come easy to me, but really I’m the only one who notices the perfectly hung ornaments and perfectly wrapped presents, so why commit so much time to getting everything just right.
Also, two years ago I stopped decorating our 9 pine trees in the yard with lights. At the time it was to save electricity costs, and I missed coming home to my outside Christmas trees, and the neighbors missed them too, but it was such a time and money saver, I’m never decorating them again!!
Guess I better get those borders on Mocha Trail today!!
Uhm, I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but I seem to get my panties in a wad when things aren’t perfect, like packages wrapped as if they should be on the cover of a magazine, every ornament in it’s perfect spot on the trees, well you get the picture. My new mantra is “good is good enough”….and it doesn’t come easy to me, but really I’m the only one who notices the perfectly hung ornaments and perfectly wrapped presents, so why commit so much time to getting everything just right.
Also, two years ago I stopped decorating our 9 pine trees in the yard with lights. At the time it was to save electricity costs, and I missed coming home to my outside Christmas trees, and the neighbors missed them too, but it was such a time and money saver, I’m never decorating them again!!
Guess I better get those borders on Mocha Trail today!!
Ah, I, too have learned that “good is better than perfect” and have given myself permission to use a smaller tree (due to cats) and to bake less (due to waistlines).
Love the quilts and cannot wait to see the reveal! Isn’t finding the perfect border fabric just delightful?!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Irish Lass to become your DIL. Might the happy couple choose to live here?
Hugs!
Ah, I, too have learned that “good is better than perfect” and have given myself permission to use a smaller tree (due to cats) and to bake less (due to waistlines).
Love the quilts and cannot wait to see the reveal! Isn’t finding the perfect border fabric just delightful?!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Irish Lass to become your DIL. Might the happy couple choose to live here?
Hugs!
I gave up the gift giving……the “children” would rather have “cash in hand”…I wish I could give up the cooking. I wish…I wish…I love to cook fattening, buttery, lard filled, sugary things…with maybe a few heart healthy meals thrown in….. Just in case I am sent to food hell.
I gave up the gift giving……the “children” would rather have “cash in hand”…I wish I could give up the cooking. I wish…I wish…I love to cook fattening, buttery, lard filled, sugary things…with maybe a few heart healthy meals thrown in….. Just in case I am sent to food hell.
I have actually given up most of the decorating and baking. Our family is huge (7 kids, spouses, 15 grands) that we can’t all fit in one spot anymore (we have a small place now) so I rent a room and pool at a local motel for our Christmas get together. I used to bake dozens of kinds of cookies…. and with age and expanding waistlines I no longer do that either! It works for us, but I really miss the olden days!
And I’m waiting for the big reveal! Looks beautiful from what I can see. And I’m still making cosmetic bags…..found a charm pack of Figgy Pudding and cutting the 5 inch squares makes 2 1/2 inch strips you know, so I’m digging for matching linings and making a bunch of small bags. Still fun!
I have actually given up most of the decorating and baking. Our family is huge (7 kids, spouses, 15 grands) that we can’t all fit in one spot anymore (we have a small place now) so I rent a room and pool at a local motel for our Christmas get together. I used to bake dozens of kinds of cookies…. and with age and expanding waistlines I no longer do that either! It works for us, but I really miss the olden days!
And I’m waiting for the big reveal! Looks beautiful from what I can see. And I’m still making cosmetic bags…..found a charm pack of Figgy Pudding and cutting the 5 inch squares makes 2 1/2 inch strips you know, so I’m digging for matching linings and making a bunch of small bags. Still fun!
what would I give up . . . MY JOB !! I would love to have Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb OFF . . . someday !!
what have I given up since the kids all left . . . mostly baking . . . now I just do 2 batches of their favorites . . . and the rest come from the Italian bakery !!
what would I give up . . . MY JOB !! I would love to have Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb OFF . . . someday !!
what have I given up since the kids all left . . . mostly baking . . . now I just do 2 batches of their favorites . . . and the rest come from the Italian bakery !!
I gave up baking years ago – I was the only one eating it. I would give up decorating, except I already don’t do much. To me, it’s all about time with friends and family, so I’d give up whatever got in the way of that.
I gave up baking years ago – I was the only one eating it. I would give up decorating, except I already don’t do much. To me, it’s all about time with friends and family, so I’d give up whatever got in the way of that.
I never did much holiday Baking. I baked the same amount every other time of the year. There was more baking done over Easter.
This year we are TRYING to cut out gift giving. Yeah. Shocker. This has not gone over well with ANYONE except my sister who is determined to see it happen. I have found it a bit liberating not to have to plan and think about what to give everyone but truth is that I don’t see this ‘sticking’. We decided to bring my parents and brother to Texas for the holidays and that is suppose to be the ‘present’ but to not have SOMETHING to open on Xmas day is more stressful than shopping. I think my sister went to the extreme to cut it out all together because we don’t know how to stick to a budget. 🙁
Love the quilts. Can’t wait for the great reveal!
I never did much holiday Baking. I baked the same amount every other time of the year. There was more baking done over Easter.
This year we are TRYING to cut out gift giving. Yeah. Shocker. This has not gone over well with ANYONE except my sister who is determined to see it happen. I have found it a bit liberating not to have to plan and think about what to give everyone but truth is that I don’t see this ‘sticking’. We decided to bring my parents and brother to Texas for the holidays and that is suppose to be the ‘present’ but to not have SOMETHING to open on Xmas day is more stressful than shopping. I think my sister went to the extreme to cut it out all together because we don’t know how to stick to a budget. 🙁
Love the quilts. Can’t wait for the great reveal!
I think I would give up the gift wrapping. I just love packages that are beautifully but boy wrapping all of the presents takes sooo long. Is your son moving to Ireland?
I think I would give up the gift wrapping. I just love packages that are beautifully but boy wrapping all of the presents takes sooo long. Is your son moving to Ireland?
If I could give up cleaning I would!!!! I would have time to make those gifts I have piled up in my sewing room to make and have time to bake – and still go to work! I think this weekend I’ll sew and next weekend….. I’ll sew some more!
I’m dreaming of a clean Christmas……..just like the ones I used to know…….
(sing along!!!….)
If I could give up cleaning I would!!!! I would have time to make those gifts I have piled up in my sewing room to make and have time to bake – and still go to work! I think this weekend I’ll sew and next weekend….. I’ll sew some more!
I’m dreaming of a clean Christmas……..just like the ones I used to know…….
(sing along!!!….)
That’s a hard one because the holidays are a crazy busy time any way you slice it! I tried this year to work a little less in Dec., so I’m not traveling quite as much. Oh, I’m still working a lot but cut back on a few days here and there. I def. see in my pocket book. That was the trade off, so I’m just keeping a closer eye on my spending. I would rather have more time with my family
That’s a hard one because the holidays are a crazy busy time any way you slice it! I tried this year to work a little less in Dec., so I’m not traveling quite as much. Oh, I’m still working a lot but cut back on a few days here and there. I def. see in my pocket book. That was the trade off, so I’m just keeping a closer eye on my spending. I would rather have more time with my family
Wow…I love your simplified decorating from last post; most likely because I’ve never been good at that stuff. Have you ever thought of decorating or staging professionally? I’d hire you in a flash! I give up NOTHING over the holidays, I mean, it’s Christmas, not Lent! I love the baking, decorating, etc. and I just do what I can; no supermom stuff. One thing I hope you don’t give up…this blog. I love to read it…Thank you.
Wow…I love your simplified decorating from last post; most likely because I’ve never been good at that stuff. Have you ever thought of decorating or staging professionally? I’d hire you in a flash! I give up NOTHING over the holidays, I mean, it’s Christmas, not Lent! I love the baking, decorating, etc. and I just do what I can; no supermom stuff. One thing I hope you don’t give up…this blog. I love to read it…Thank you.
I gave up TV years ago and I get more done than you can imagine. I’m not a huge decorator. I decorate the living area but the bedrooms and bath are not decorated. I also gave up outdoor lighting. My DH isn’t as young or limber as he once was so you get the picture. I love to bake and still make favorite treats. You can’t come to Grandma’s house and not get a cookie.
Marge
I gave up TV years ago and I get more done than you can imagine. I’m not a huge decorator. I decorate the living area but the bedrooms and bath are not decorated. I also gave up outdoor lighting. My DH isn’t as young or limber as he once was so you get the picture. I love to bake and still make favorite treats. You can’t come to Grandma’s house and not get a cookie.
Marge
I love both quilts! We just have one at home now, so I’ve not really given anything up…but have scaled down the baking and decorating! I gave away several of my Christmas decorations earlier this year to my daughters who both live away from home…and that felt great!
I love both quilts! We just have one at home now, so I’ve not really given anything up…but have scaled down the baking and decorating! I gave away several of my Christmas decorations earlier this year to my daughters who both live away from home…and that felt great!
I’ve pretty much given up holiday baking too, but mostly for dietary reasons. I’m seriously considering giving up work for the month of December next year and just wallowing in holiday stuff.
I’ve pretty much given up holiday baking too, but mostly for dietary reasons. I’m seriously considering giving up work for the month of December next year and just wallowing in holiday stuff.
We’ve given up on a lot of the holiday shopping….trying to find the “perfect” gift for the older kids is too time consuming. Cash is what they want, and while I used to think that was so impersonal, I now embrace the idea and it saves a lot of headaches, and time. I’ve also cut waaaay back on the holiday baking. There’s just my DH and I at home, and we don’t need it. But I’ve asked him what means Christmas to him as far as goodies go, and I bake his two favorites. That’s it. Yay!
We’ve given up on a lot of the holiday shopping….trying to find the “perfect” gift for the older kids is too time consuming. Cash is what they want, and while I used to think that was so impersonal, I now embrace the idea and it saves a lot of headaches, and time. I’ve also cut waaaay back on the holiday baking. There’s just my DH and I at home, and we don’t need it. But I’ve asked him what means Christmas to him as far as goodies go, and I bake his two favorites. That’s it. Yay!
I am an over-the-top kinda gal at Christmas. I haven’t given anything up! I still decorate 3 full size trees, plus table top trees, bake, shop, yes I do it all. I have given up trying to do it all in one month now, and have given myself permission to start in November! I had my trees up way before Thanksgiving, have got 3 batches of cookie dough already in the freezer, and I have most of my shopping done already. I am ready to sit back and enjoy the holidays now, which I have never been able to do before. I think this will be my new tradition from now on…start early!!
I am an over-the-top kinda gal at Christmas. I haven’t given anything up! I still decorate 3 full size trees, plus table top trees, bake, shop, yes I do it all. I have given up trying to do it all in one month now, and have given myself permission to start in November! I had my trees up way before Thanksgiving, have got 3 batches of cookie dough already in the freezer, and I have most of my shopping done already. I am ready to sit back and enjoy the holidays now, which I have never been able to do before. I think this will be my new tradition from now on…start early!!
It’s just not christmas if I haven’t made short bread, short bread cookies, nanaimo bars, fudge, nuts and bolts….and its just me in the house. I brought a tin to work today! I’ve scaled back on the shopping, trying to find the ‘perfect’ gift for everyone! Dad got a kindle, sis got chocolates, I’m done. Called off all the gift exchanges with g.f.’s. Now we get together for appies and wine, that’s a better present for all of us!
It’s just not christmas if I haven’t made short bread, short bread cookies, nanaimo bars, fudge, nuts and bolts….and its just me in the house. I brought a tin to work today! I’ve scaled back on the shopping, trying to find the ‘perfect’ gift for everyone! Dad got a kindle, sis got chocolates, I’m done. Called off all the gift exchanges with g.f.’s. Now we get together for appies and wine, that’s a better present for all of us!
I am looking forward to the big reveal! Your quilts are gorgeous… and can’t wait to see Thelma’s too! I feel overwhelmed even before the Christmas crunch starts… but I can’t give up baking!
I really enjoyed everyone’s comments the other day about their Kindle vs. ? pros and cons. It was very informative! Thanks for starting that dialog!
I am looking forward to the big reveal! Your quilts are gorgeous… and can’t wait to see Thelma’s too! I feel overwhelmed even before the Christmas crunch starts… but I can’t give up baking!
I really enjoyed everyone’s comments the other day about their Kindle vs. ? pros and cons. It was very informative! Thanks for starting that dialog!
I gave up Christmas shopping in the month of December. My goal is always to have the shopping done by the beginning of October. Occasionally, I will find a great gift that I must buy after that, but for the most part I am done by October. That has been a huge stress reliever for me. Now the holidays are just pure fun!
Love the Mocha Trails quilt!
I gave up Christmas shopping in the month of December. My goal is always to have the shopping done by the beginning of October. Occasionally, I will find a great gift that I must buy after that, but for the most part I am done by October. That has been a huge stress reliever for me. Now the holidays are just pure fun!
Love the Mocha Trails quilt!
I can hardly wait to see the finished quilts tomorrow! I would love to be able to bake everything that my heart desires for Christmas, but just don’t have the time for more than a couple batches of cookies. Sharon’s comment made me look up what a Nanaimo bar was — and I’m definitely going to try them! They sound sinfully delicious! Gift shopping for my kids is definitely easier now that they are older – cash is all they want.
I can hardly wait to see the finished quilts tomorrow! I would love to be able to bake everything that my heart desires for Christmas, but just don’t have the time for more than a couple batches of cookies. Sharon’s comment made me look up what a Nanaimo bar was — and I’m definitely going to try them! They sound sinfully delicious! Gift shopping for my kids is definitely easier now that they are older – cash is all they want.
I gave up the Mall; actually I go only once if at all – I do most of my shopping on line – love that Amazon and the free shipping! And go to small local stores for stocking stuffers and little things. I have cut way back on baking but with a 7 year old granddaughter coming over she wants to bake with me so I see that increasing a bit! I’ll bet your Irish lady is a sweetiepie! Good luck to her and your son!
I gave up the Mall; actually I go only once if at all – I do most of my shopping on line – love that Amazon and the free shipping! And go to small local stores for stocking stuffers and little things. I have cut way back on baking but with a 7 year old granddaughter coming over she wants to bake with me so I see that increasing a bit! I’ll bet your Irish lady is a sweetiepie! Good luck to her and your son!
Virtually no cooking is going on in my home…I’m sewing, doing laundry, mopping floors, vacuuming up dog hair. Everything else has gone to the way side.
Poor husband has started rebeliing. So, I’ve JUST finished mopping kitchen floor and I’m off to store to buy groceries to cook tonight. ;0
Virtually no cooking is going on in my home…I’m sewing, doing laundry, mopping floors, vacuuming up dog hair. Everything else has gone to the way side.
Poor husband has started rebeliing. So, I’ve JUST finished mopping kitchen floor and I’m off to store to buy groceries to cook tonight. ;0
I’ve given up doing Christmas cards this year and am only making 2 types of Christmas cookies. I want to enjoy Christmas this year – not be all stressed about it. Nicole, I love your Route 44 quilt – the colours are just beautiful!
I’ve given up doing Christmas cards this year and am only making 2 types of Christmas cookies. I want to enjoy Christmas this year – not be all stressed about it. Nicole, I love your Route 44 quilt – the colours are just beautiful!
I like to do the holiday baking, but I haven’t actually started yet. One year when I was particularly stressed about Christmas, I asked my family to each give me one Christmas tradition they really wanted to have, and I wouldn’t do the rest. So they did, and I just did those things. Everybody was much happier, and nobody missed all that extra stuff that always stressed me out. And each person got to have their “favorite” tradition. I plan to keep doing it that way this year, too.
I like to do the holiday baking, but I haven’t actually started yet. One year when I was particularly stressed about Christmas, I asked my family to each give me one Christmas tradition they really wanted to have, and I wouldn’t do the rest. So they did, and I just did those things. Everybody was much happier, and nobody missed all that extra stuff that always stressed me out. And each person got to have their “favorite” tradition. I plan to keep doing it that way this year, too.
I have given up baking which I hate to do, gift giving because everyone in the family has plenty, and decorating. I put up a nativity scene. Then I am free to enjoy a few treats here and there, visit and enjoy people, and enjoy Christmas festivities and programs. On quiet days, there is time for quilting.
I have given up baking which I hate to do, gift giving because everyone in the family has plenty, and decorating. I put up a nativity scene. Then I am free to enjoy a few treats here and there, visit and enjoy people, and enjoy Christmas festivities and programs. On quiet days, there is time for quilting.
Like Cheryl, I would love to give up my job. If I could do that I would be happy to be shopping, baking and decorating. Sigh, that is my dream…personal peace during Christmas.
Like Cheryl, I would love to give up my job. If I could do that I would be happy to be shopping, baking and decorating. Sigh, that is my dream…personal peace during Christmas.
Both quilts are lovely and how fun it will be for your big reveal!!
So much that I do now is a mental game. I make sure I’m enjoying what I am doing. I don’t burden myself with a lot of “have to-do’s”. I make sure to take time out for others who are not as fortunate as I.
Both quilts are lovely and how fun it will be for your big reveal!!
So much that I do now is a mental game. I make sure I’m enjoying what I am doing. I don’t burden myself with a lot of “have to-do’s”. I make sure to take time out for others who are not as fortunate as I.
Boy, love the quilts – I love the “bubble” fabric!
I have scaled down on many, many things and that makes it less stressful. I was always putting up two trees and it was for me, the hubby and son really didn’t care and would b*#ch the entire time of putting it up – not worth it. I do one tree with my fav ornaments. Someday I may do two again (family room and living room) when I don’t work full-time and can take my time to do them. I also scaled back the cookie baking – I am the sweet tooth in the house and could stand to loose at least 1/3 of a person…so we make a couple favs and that’s it.
I also cut back on gifts a few years ago and several on my list and my family decided to donate $$ to a charity in the other’s name – less time spent finding gifts and does good for those less fortunate.
I try to remain focused on spending time with friends and family, doing things with my son and husband that we love to do and taking time for myself!
Boy, love the quilts – I love the “bubble” fabric!
I have scaled down on many, many things and that makes it less stressful. I was always putting up two trees and it was for me, the hubby and son really didn’t care and would b*#ch the entire time of putting it up – not worth it. I do one tree with my fav ornaments. Someday I may do two again (family room and living room) when I don’t work full-time and can take my time to do them. I also scaled back the cookie baking – I am the sweet tooth in the house and could stand to loose at least 1/3 of a person…so we make a couple favs and that’s it.
I also cut back on gifts a few years ago and several on my list and my family decided to donate $$ to a charity in the other’s name – less time spent finding gifts and does good for those less fortunate.
I try to remain focused on spending time with friends and family, doing things with my son and husband that we love to do and taking time for myself!