Hand-Died Quilts

 

I have a bit of a weakness for textile art. People like Anni Albers absolutely blow my mind. I've sketched out and dreamed of making a quilt for years. But I know my limitations. Besides the fact that I have no idea how to sew, I'm way to antsy to finish a project like that. (I still have a needlepoint I started making in 1987 that sits in my dresser only partially done). It amazes me when people possess the quilt-making skill -- and I think these hand-dyed ones by kimem are really beautiful. (via Freckle Farm)

Gingerbread Hexen Haus

Somehow, we've gotten ourselves into making a gingerbread house every year. Unlike other people I know, I take the super easy way out and just buy a kit. It's been a similar version for several years, so I was super excited when I saw Hexen Haus version at Trader Joe's this year. The boys may not have loved it as much since it doesn't come with an overabundance of candy (we had to even add some of our own Phineas and Ferb fruit snacks to supplement), but I think the Hansel & Gretel and witch figures make up for it. They are pretty great.

Cherry Beer

Fun plans for the weekend? We are spending it at home, organizing and fixing things around the house. At least, that's the plan. (It's so hard to get motivated....) We are also getting together with some friends Saturday night, and I cannot wait. Here's a little bottle of somethin' somethin' we enjoyed last weekend. A bottle of Wisconsin Belgium Red we picked up during our New Glarus Brewery tour back in September.

Art by C: Monster Bird

Complete with two belly buttons (you may be mistaking one to be a mouth), lots of arms, and ten mouths (those are not wings).

Wish List 2

I'm sorry, but putting all the things I really like on a wish list was fun. And surprise, surprise, I found more to add. Now, I hope you all know that this is just meant for kicks. Brian, this means you too-- we've gotten enough for ourselves already. Plus, those of you who know me, know I really do not buy many things for myself. And while I do strongly believe in buying less for more versus more for less, many of these items are not something I'd consider being in my budget. But that doesn't mean I don't like looking. So, here it goes. Wish list number two.

This painting (or any really), by Paul Ferney

These boots from J. Crew.

This necklace by Gabriela Artigas.

(I already own one of her pieces and wear it all the time - I adore it.)

A subscription to this magazine.

Art by H: Coil Vase

I'm not sure coil vases are H's forté, but he's so proud of it, and I sure do love it.

Watching the Snow Plow Go By

This photograph of C was taken over the weekend, the morning after our first snow.

Wish List

 

I know, who asked, right? But here are some of the things I would love for Christmas. 

This locket.

 

This wrap (in my dreams!)

These cords ... in grey or red (I already have the blue ones).

 

These boots. (I really do need a new pair of winter boots).

These shoes.

 This pullover.

This scarf.

This egg caddy.

I'd also love a new pair of jeans, ankle boots and tall boots, while we are at it.

I'm in Love with a House, It's as Simple as That

Does anybody else get Elle Decor? I'm sorry, but did you see the featured house? Oh. My. Gosh. I think it may be one of my favorite places ever. Wood ceilings. Giant fireplaces. A covered porch with cozy blankets. Amazing guest quarters. Really? It's too much. I've been carrying this magazine around with me for days just gazing at these ten pages. It's perfect. (Rusty and Mary Lynn Turner residence in Ketchum, Idaho -- interior design by M. Elle Design, architecture by ForestStudio)

St. Nicholas

Last night, St. Nicholas made a stop by our house. He really doesn't visit a lot of families in the Chicago area so we were very lucky he made the visit. The boys woke up to stockings filled with little toys, candy sticks and chocolate coins. Not a bad way to start the day.

Santa Brunch

Over the weekend, we trekked up to Wisconsin for our 9th Santa Brunch. Such a fun thing for the kids to look forward to. Except for C. He was nervous the entire morning, which put him in quite a bad mood. Unlike last year when he was the first to hop on the big guy's lap, he wouldn't go at all. But we had a great time with my family, and the kids were really into the magic show. It's hard to believe this was my niece's last year. Now it's just our kids! At least for a couple years before they are too old too. (Past Santa Brunch's can be seen here: 2009, 2008, 2007)

Look Who's Back

Magic the Elf has made an appearance in our house again! The boys were so excited, and highly anticipating his visit on December 1st. The first thing they did was write their Christmas lists, and give them to Magic so he could take them to the North Pole. I'm sure there will be more added, but as of today, this is what they are wishing for this Christmas:

C:
A real bunny rabbit (this was on his list last year too...)
Another race track
A remote control train
A big blue Nerf gun
More Kung Zhu tracks
Pillow pet

H:
A Nintendo D.S.I - "my D.S. broke"
A new game for our Wii
A Lego set (police)
Spy net
Hedbanz (a game)
This is for Storm: a new collar (1 ft. and 9 in)
Something C forgot: Creepy Crawlers

Art by C: Spongebob Squarepants

His favorite!

Chinese Checkers

This is a Chinese Checkers set my parents have at their house. I remember really liking this game when I was younger, and H seems to have caught the bug too. I completely creamed him over Thanksgiving. Ok, so maybe I only won by two points. But still...