Reflections on a crafty year

Before Christmas I had a really fun time sewing presents for my girlfriends.  I turned out quite a few of these super cute grocery bags for my lovely friends and I really loved spending the time to make them.

In 2011 I really surprised myself with how much I enjoyed making and crafting.  I received such a huge amount of pleasure from making something with my own hands and most of the time, giving that special something to someone else.  Developing my skills and enjoying the making process is one of my 2011 highlights and is something that will continue for me in 2012.

I already have two 2012 projects on the go! I'm making a special something for a cheeky almost 1 year old and I've also cast on a second pair of fingerless gloves, like the ones below (as I've had a special request from the previous recipient's younger sister!)

I'm planning on making 2012 a year where I continue to make, give and learn, cos it's just so much darn fun ;)

Family and the Holiday Season

Maybe the most dysfunctional Christmas family story!

This week I read this blog post from Gretchen Rubin of, The Happiness Project.  It provides some simple but really practical and sensible advice on dealing with difficult relatives over the holiday period. 

While she's thinking about Thanksgiving, which is approaching quickly, I thought the advice was pretty spot on for some family tension that often plays out for us over Christmas.

Check out her blog post for yourself, I'm sure that there's something that you can take away for your family this holiday season:
http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2011/11/9-tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-relatives-over-the-holidays.html

This year, we're spending the holidays in Adelaide with my family; all 3 of us... husband, M dog and me! Should be an interesting 8 hour toad trip with M dog in tow!