December 17, 2012

bits of home this holiday season

these days we are staying close to home, enjoying the warmth of family & this magical season. i want 
to share with you a few bits of our home & the simple pleasures we so much enjoy this time of year.

i have found so much pleasure in knitting this year- more so than ever really. almost-completed knitted hats, cowls, coffee cup cozies & an assortment of other hand knits wait on the needles until a spare moment comes when i can finish them just in time for various gift exchanges. i hope to share some of my projects with you after the holidays!

this book is one of my absolute favorites, gifted to me by a dear friend. stephanie tourles does such a good job of making you feel comfortable in the kitchen with a handful of natural ingredients. i’ve successfully made several recipes & plan to work on a few more to tuck into stockings & add to holiday baskets. 

dreaming of soapmaking & hoping santa slips a few soapmaking supplies under the tree. looking forward to oatmeal blends & handmade lavender soaps, but challenging myself to remain thankful for what i do have & can create right now.

absolutely loving my handmade envelope wallet by sarah of miss money bags. i nervously messaged her several months back with a request to trade one of her wallets for a bundle of my photography. she warmly said yes & soon sent a little package with this beauty inside. it is perfect for managing our spending throughout the year, but i especially love how useful it has been during the holidays. luke & i set aside a specific amount of cash for gifts & i have tucked it away in the “gifts” envelope until that special something for a sweet someone catches my eye. i just love that we can support vibrant artists during this gifting season.

i recently received a holiday package from my dear friend, jess, & her family. inside was beautifully wrapped jar of winter tea. it is absolutely delicious & has been so comforting during the chilly mornings & evenings. 
loving the thoughtfulness & creativity of this season. how are you finding warmth & comfort this season?
love,
natalie