Apron winner!

The lucky winner of the apron I made for the Sew Mama Sew giveaway is comment #50:

Katie said...
Thanks for the chance!

Thanks everyone for all the holiday traditions and blog love. Wishing you the very merriest of holidays.

Holiday Giveaway Day!

In my family we have a Christmas tradition called the Giving Tree. Each year we'd write down on little slips of paper something that we would do or make for each family member. When we were younger there was a lot of bed-making, and letting-you-play-with-my-toys type gifts. But today, as part of the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day, I'm extending our family's Giving Tree tradition to the blogosphere and giving away a handmade apron!

What's up for grabs? I'm giving away the pink apron pictured above on the left. It's made with fabric from Amy Butler's Daisy Chain collection and trimmed with green grosgrain ribbon.

Close-up of the pocket

And close-up of the top trim

Entering the giveaway is easy! Leave a comment and tell me a family tradition that helps you keep the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

• Giveaway is open December 13 - December 17
• Leave a comment to this post to enter.
• Be sure to leave your email address in the comments so that I can contact you.
• One entry per person.
• Winner will be chosen by a random number generator.
• The apron will be mailed by December 20th (And I will ship internationally).

Click on over to the Sew Mama Sew blog to see an amazing list of more giveaways from some very talented people!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year!



Are you counting down the days? I love this time of year. As a kid, we had a million advent calendars around the house so that everyone had a turn each day to be a part of the countdown. Now, I just want to hold onto each day and make it last a little longer. A month is not long enough for me to get my fill of Christmas music in the car, sparkling lights outside, and yummy Christmas-y food. But what I love most of all is the reason we celebrate.

We had a big nativity exhibition at our church last weekend, and as I walked around looking at the displays, I was struck again by how beautiful the Nativity story is. I love that there is a place for everyone at the manger, and that every individual in the story offers us a gift--teaching us the kind of people we can be.

Mary believes in seemingly impossible things and understands in a very personal way that she matters to her Heavenly Father. And she takes time to ponder the miracles in her life.

Joseph humbly accepts a life that he probably never planned on, but trusts that the Lord has a bigger plan. And he doesn't just go along grudgingly--he gives his whole heart to his family and does all that he can to protect them, teach them, love them.

The shepherds go about their everyday life and work, and then when something miraculous happens (angels!!), they rush to find the hope they have been waiting for their entire lives. And they don't stop there--once they've seen the Christ child themselves, they go out to share that joy with others.

The angels declare to all that will hear that joy and hope and peace are real. And when you know that, you can't help but sing!

The wise men bring their best gifts to the child--not thinking about what will look good to everyone else, or what's the "it" gift to give. They bring gifts to show that they understand who this baby really is and give Him gifts for a king.

In several of the Nativity scenes I saw, the Christ child wasn't lying in the manger, but sitting upright with his arms stretched out. I love that image because it is what Christmas feels like to me--our Savior reminding us that He came for us and that we have a place where He is.

I Ate This Today...

...inadvertently, of course.

Here's the story:

A group of chefs from Dijon, France were at the museum to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit of medieval tomb sculpture from Burgundy. They set up this amazing tasting. The first thing I laid eyes on was a yummy-looking panini. (And I never say no to a panini.) As I'm just about to crunch into the crusty, buttery bread, I hear a French voice say "escargot."

I'm sure he's not talking to me.

*crunch*

Because that's French for...

*chew*

No...right?

*swallow*

Because this spinach/mushroom/cheese panini is delicious. Mushrooms, right?

*gulp*

Wrong. Those "mushrooms" were indeed...well, escargot. I'm going to stick to the French because in English, it still makes my stomach turn a little. But, here's the deal, it really was yummy. I won't knowingly eat it again, but I think as long as a food isn't scary looking or smelling, your brain can convince you that it's something else!

After that, I was a little more cautious in choosing what I'd eat, and I ended it with an amazing hazelnut chocolate bite of goodness. Whew!

My Dream House

Well, July certainly flew by. Highlight of the month was definitely family vacation in southern Utah. We hiked, we fished, we made s'mores over the camp fire. But before we could do all this crazy outdoor, mountain stuff, we spent a quiet(er) Sunday together. You would think with six kids in the house, "quiet" and "Sunday" don't go together, but we managed to keep it together. My ten year old niece spent most of the day drawing floor plans for each of us. She'd take our orders like a waitress and then deliver these incredible, detailed drawings.

Here's mine:

My wish list included 4 bedrooms, a sewing room, a library, and a flower garden. (I think I scored a bonus swimming pool for the backyard.) Look how organized the Sewing Room is:

There's storage for fabric, patterns...check out that awesome sewing machine...and three display tables for all my projects. I wish I could have this room right now. I don't know that she'll be accepting orders outside of the family any time soon, but I'd be happy to put in a good word for you!

Bag Lady

What happened to June? My weekends have gone by in a blur, and I don't really remember doing anything fantastic, but I have managed to make a few more things with my friend the Singer. This time...handbags! The one above is the Saturday Market Bag by Heather Bailey (in a couple of her fabrics). I don't really love how the handles turned out, but the rest sure is cute. The sides open up to make it even roomier. I already carry around too much stuff anyway, so I try not to expand.

This one I made for my sister-in-law Julie. I thought it would be a cute, easy summer beach-y type bag. It's the Lickety Split Bag pattern from Made by Rae. Super easy and reversible. I made it in just a few hours (honestly!). My favorite part is how the handles tie. I have my eye on this pattern by Amy Butler next. But that might not happen for SEVERAL more weekends!

When I grow up...

...I want to be a summer camp teacher! This is what I'm living, breathing, thinking, dreaming about all the time now it seems--summer camp 24/7. My first camp started on Monday and we've been learning all about the art of picture books. It's been messy and fun and silly and the best way to spend my mornings. My favorite project so far? Making marbleized paper with shaving cream and food coloring. Amazing I tell you...except that I think I now smell like a boy. I used the directions here.

A little workplace humor

I came in to work one morning last week to find this totally awesome treasure posted on my bulletin board. Upon closer inspection, we discovered similar pics hidden everywhere in the office. My friend Amanda happened upon a catalog that shall remain nameless and couldn't resist sharing the joy with us all. I can't help but wonder if these photo shoots were staged with "The Office" in mind, or if these people are just really excited to be a part of the funning-up-the-office advertising world. Because you know, all you really need to boost morale is a NEON TOTE BAG!!

And doesn't this make you wonder...what's in that bag??!!

Wishing you all a fun day at the office...

Cowgirl Up

I was at a get-together this weekend with some girlfriends, and it was some good ole Texan fun. Our theme was "cowgirls night out" and it was quite a showing of cute plaid and pigtails.

The best part of the evening was when we awarded prizes. The Biggest Winner got an apron that looked like the Texas flag. And the Biggest Loser got ... wait for it ... a Bumpit and a can of hairspray (for Texas hair of course). I think we got our workout for the day just from laughing. Alyssa was a good sport, and tried it on for us--testing whether or not the magical Bumpit (as seen on TV) can make your hair go from "flat to fabulous." We were suspicious of its durability, so we made her do jumping jacks with her super tall hair. Now if only we can get her to wear it to church!

Baby shower by mail

One of my dearest friends is having her first baby (a girl) at the end of this month. We met each other in Boston where we shared all kinds of laughs, tears, and everything in between. Another great friend decided to organize a baby shower by mail from "the Boston gang" for our mutual friend since we are all scattered across the USA now and can't actually be at a shower all together.

On the appointed day, we all paid a visit to our local post offices and sent off packages to our mom-to-be friend. She emailed us earlier this week that she went out to the mailbox one day and thought that the mail carrier must have missed their house for a few days because there were so many boxes piled up! How fun is that? I think it's one of the best ideas ever. And extra bonus...no cheesy shower games.

For my little bit, I made two burpcloths; a knock-off, homemade version of a Taggies blanket; and found a sweet flowery, pink number at Target.

Project Runway wannabe

About a month ago, I signed up to take a sewing class at my new favorite fabric shop, Citycraft. I took an entire semester of sewing 101 many moons ago at the BYU, but alas, I don't think the know-how has stuck with me. I can follow a pattern fairly well, but I don't remember all the insider's tricks that make sewing clothing easier. (On a side note, I'm always dismayed when I realize all the things I used to know how to do, but no longer remember. Trigonometry? Balancing chemical equations? Making a button-down collared shirt? Where has all that knowledge gone?).

The class was fantastic. We met for two Wednesday evenings and at the end, everyone had a top to take home! Even more importantly, it is something I will actually wear! (I've made several skirts over the past few years that just hung in my closet, so this is a huge accomplishment). The pattern is the Schoolhouse Tunic by Sew Liberated. The sleeves tried my patience but otherwise, the project was definitely do-able. I also found that taking a class and having an instructor was super motivating and made sewing that much more fun. I might even finally get to work on an Amy Butler pattern that has been sitting around for ages!

You'll have to see it to believe it

Yes ladies and gentlemen, here is photographic, historical evidence that as a child I had a moment where I was apparently ok with "messy." My friends like to give me a hard time that I love organization a little too much, but I've come to accept (maybe even embrace) this about myself. And it's not like I can't do messy if I must...I taught preschool and summer camp, after all. It's just that organizing things and putting things in order gives me way more pleasure than getting my hands all dirty. That's all.

This photo was taken one day after my 4th birthday. Please note my lovely hair ribbon and stylin' smock. And I can't help but giggle a little at the expression on my 4 year-old face...it's as if I'm thinking "ok I've done the finger painting thing, now it's time to do something about these hands!"

It's a cruel, cruel place...

Yes, it is a cruel, cruel place I live in that gives me this on the first day of spring:

Let me just highlight a few things in this photo. That white stuff on the trees? Beautiful blossoms that popped up about two weeks ago. That white stuff on my balcony? SNOW! grrr....

Now if this were Boston, I'd think it was par for the course, but Texas?? I had such higher hopes for you my friend. And now you've gone and dashed them on the very day that should be ushering in warm breezes and signs of things growing. I feel like I should lean out the window every now and then and give the tree a pep talk--"hang in there! Don't retreat back into winter hibernation. Give it a day and we'll probably be back to warmer times. Hold on blossoms, don't fall off!"

I think what makes it all too much to bear is that this entire week has been one beautiful day after another. Friday it was in the 70s! It was just enough time for my internal clock to pack winter away until next year and shake out spring for its moment in the spotlight. I can't go back now.

Leah's Year in Books

I've never been good about keeping track of the books I read. I did have my moments each summer when I was kid, but in that case, I was keeping track so that I could win pet rocks and ice cream for the library's summer reading program. Last year, I decided just for the heck of it, I'd keep a tally going. In 2009 I clocked in with 79 books. Hopefully that doesn't make me sound like all I do is read. I promise I do other things too. But books are my friends. And I pretty much go everywhere with one...because you never know when you'll be stuck in line at the Post Office or waiting for a hair appointment and wish you had a book with you.

Feeling all scientific, I looked at the list and tried to see what it says about me. No surprises really.I still usually find myself in the Young Adult section rather than the grown-up section.

And I am a fiction kind of girl.

I read books that made me laugh, cry, groan, and want to tear my hair out. Most I read by choice. Some I read for work or for review. Eight books were re-reads. (Yes, I can read a book again and again if I love it). For any who care, here are my recommendations.

Books I Loved:

• Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
• Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Books I Hated and Wish I Could Have Those Hours of My Life Back:

• The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Books Like Nothing Else I've Read Before (in a good way):

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
• Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Books that Made Me Want to Cook More:

• Too Many Cooks by Emily Franklin

Books that Made Me Laugh Out Loud:

• A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenowith
• Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Books that Made Me Cry:

• The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
• The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale (this one could be in the Laugh category too!)
  

Books with Achingly Beautiful Writing:

• So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger
• Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

Books that Inspire Me to Change the World:

• New World Kids by Susan Marcus and Susie Monday

And there you have it. Sorry I'm too lazy to link to every single one of these, but I have faith that you can find them if you really want to. Time to get back to a cozy afternoon on the sofa with a book! (The Help by Kathryn Stockett).

Olympic Memory Lane

I happened upon this video on another blog, and in just 30 seconds had dissolved into a puddle of tears. It took me right down memory lane. I remember when Dan Jansen got his gold medal. I was a sophomore at BYU, and his story just caught my heart. I even cut out a newspaper (remember those?) story about him and taped it to the fridge in our off-campus apartment. At the time, I think it was the story of not giving up even when your dreams seem to have come crashing down around you that I needed to hear. Today, it's seeing him with his daughter Jane that gets me. The human spirit is a powerful thing, you know? Even in tragedy, we can somehow pick ourselves up and continue on. That's what I love about the Olympics--the personal stories of men and women not just in competition, but in life.

This might play better straight from YouTube, so go right here. I promise it's worth it!

Just in time...

Back in November, I discovered the cutest Christmasy fabric ever. Love at first sight, I tell you. This of course, was around the same time that I was trying to make all kinds of Christmas felt decorations and gifts, sewing aprons, trying to win cookie competitions at work (didn't win, BTW), and making Christmas cards. That fabric just sat in the corner, calling my name and wishing to be put to use. Poor thing didn't stand a chance.

This past weekend I had a bonus snow day and finally finished my Christmas quilt. Just in time for Valentine's Day, maybe? Or super ahead of schedule for Christmas 2010?


The fabric is Funky Christmas by Michael Miller, and I got it at SewLoveFabric's Etsy shop.

Valentine's Pops

I tried to channel Bakerella and made cake pops for Valentine's Day. Mine weren't even close in the "beautiful" category, but I think they tasted pretty good. For some reason, I thought that the candy coating would hide any flaws in the cake ball (kind of like the bakery version of Spanx). But no, the chocolate just served to highlight the fact that my pops were not perfectly spherical.


These were the first casualties, as I discovered that you cannot in fact dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate. I quickly mastered the pour, twist, tap, twist, twist method of getting the chocolate onto the cake ball.

By the time I got the hang of it, it was clear that my pops would probably be more at home on the Island of Misfit Toys, but it's the thought that counts, right? Happy Valentine's Day!

Snow Day in Dallas

Here's a sight you don't see everyday here in the Big D. The weather forecasters made a big deal Wednesday night of the coming storm, but we've been on high alert before and then seen nothing. So I really was surprised when I woke up Thursday morning to this view from my window. Real snow...that stays around! I even had to break out the ole ice scraper (it doesn't get much use).

It snowed ALL day long, which is practically unheard of here in Dallas. A friend I work with said she had never in her whole life seen snow like this. I might not have been as enamored with the snow as everyone else (too many miserable days of shoveling it in Boston), but I will say it was a pretty snow, blanketing everything with big, fat flakes.

This morning I woke up and the snow had stopped, but the ice had set in. Which means a snow day! Most of the DFW area is hunkering down at home. I know it doesn't compare at all to the Snowmageddon (my favorite nickname) my East coast friends have been enduring, but for now I think it's kind of fun. Just as long as I don't have to break out the shovel....

Oh to be Emma

Or at least dress like her! PBS Masterpiece has a new version of Jane Austen's Emma that's playing on Sunday nights, and the first installment was this past week. I curled up on the sofa with a cozy blanket, and got lost in the world of 19th century England. I've always been a sucker for the Jane Austen-period clothing, but this version outdoes them all. I L-O-V-E the dresses. I want to wear them all. But I especially am loving Emma's dresses. She wears one that is the color above (maybe even the same dress?) but with a green sash, and I love the contrast. And then in the winter scenes, she wears the most beautiful red coat. On the PBS website, there's a behind-the-scenes video about how the director purposefully wanted a really rich palette for the show. You can see it here. And if you missed the first part of the show, you can watch it here.

Now contrast all that loveliness to this horrid discovery:

AAGH, my eyes!! Yes folks, your eyes do not betray you. That is a pair of DENIM LEGGINGS. From Anthropologie no less. (My sister-in-law alerted me to this terrible news). Seriously? I just don't think denim + skin-tight clothing should go together. Ever.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day 2009

Christmas Eve

The traditional Hanson family Christmas Eve!