Christmas Ideas

Just wanted to share a few quick things with you during this "most wonderful time of the year" (which happens to be playing on the satelite radio as I type):

Scarves:
This is a cool no-knit scarf that I learned how to make. So I made a few for gifts this year. I learned that the thicker the yarn, the better. These are nice to give as homemade gifts to friends who like to change up their wardrobe with a scarf. I even made a couple for myself. You can find the directions to make your own here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/good-thing/no-knit-scarf





(Sorry to be so indulgent here with all the pictures of myself. I couldn't help myself because Bryant, the 8 year old, took all these for me. Actually, he took about 75 pictures, but I won't bore you with all of them. He was funny, telling me how to pose, what expression and so forth. I mean, he was REALLY getting into being the photographer for a change. When he was finally satisfied with the many pictures he took, he said, "Don't worry Mom, you're still the mother of all photographers." He thought that was the most brilliant thing he'd ever come up with. So I'm posting these pics out of parental pride. That's my boy, the aspiring photographer!)



This is me cracking up at Bry, the passionate photographer.


Beginer Topiaries:
Next, I made several beginer Rosemary topiaries that I wanted to share how to do. I made 10 and will give a few away as gifts this year. The others, I plan to nurture all year and give them as full topiaries next Christmas. They are very hardy plants that love even the harsh Arizona sun. I enjoy the process and it's a labor of love. Plus they smell lovely and look so darn cute once they've grown into full globe topiaries.
You can find the directions for these at: http://www.papagenos.com/blog/template_permalink.asp?id=140

Here is how you begin by stripping the single stem and putting a straight stake for support:


It's fun to use different pots:


I like to give them to friends in a pot that matches their personality or style:


Remember to rotate the pot so it will grow straight up. Otherwise it will get fuller on one side and start to lean towards the side that receives the most light. This is the desired final product:


Using Christmas Cards:
Lastly, I'm collecting all my Christmas cards this year and keeping them in a stack to use as book marks. My plan is to rotate through them and pray for the families and friends each time I use their card. This is a good way to remember to pray for the ones I love. I try to pray for my loved ones anyway, but this will serve as a good reminder. Just a thought, I thought I'd share.