Design over function

In the DIY world that is blog land, I see a lot of tutorials to make gorgeous stuff that really have no function. I enjoy reading about it, but not like I'd waste time, money, or supplies to recreate it.
It's when you have to use these things in everyday life that you get frustrated. Case in point:

The concept is great. Picture menu, neat inserts with great descriptions, horrible!!
The rivets and laminating have sharp edges and you can't fully open it to figure out what to eat. It's too distracting.

Wrapping presents

I used to think that the wrapping was the gift. In fact, often times, the wrapping was more costly than the actual value of the gift!

Gifts from me were always too pretty to open, so my friends would find ways to preserve as much of the elements as possible. I loved using Kraft paper, beautiful handmade tissue papers, cellophane, gold leafing, mini ornaments, chiffon ribbons, rhinestones, etc. I could incorporate almost anything into the wrapping of a gift.

Now that the majority of my gifts go to kids, or folks that whip out sharp pocket knives to slice through all the "fluff", I just don't feel like putting in the effort. Not that I don't care about wrapping, just that unless you're turning a significant age, getting married, or having a kid, don't expect more than commercial wrapping paper or a gift bag stuffed with coordinating tissue. Also, if it's a time when everyone is receiving gifts, you can bet all your gifts will have a theme so I don't have to stop wrapping just to label it.




Can you tell which are for Ella? Yeah, and the rest of Ryan's gifts are wrapped in silver paper. Ha!

Chocolate covered honeycomb

I was introduced to Violet Crumble as it was losing its presence in the US. If you've never had it, it's light, crispy, and delicious!

For some time there was a substitute, the Canadian version, Crunchie. But those have disappeared from shelves, too.

But guess what? You can still find comparable confections to satisfy the craving... in milk AND dark chocolate versions!

Holiday shopping

I usually don't shop at malls in December, but this year a few people were SO difficult to get the right gift.

I'm surprised how *not* busy the malls are. Ella didn't have to wait too long to ride the train.




Even the food courts have empty tables.

More bags for gifts

I really love making bags! I like making Ella's clothes, but the idea of a bag that can be used multiple times without needing to be laundered gives it a utility factor. Although, I'm pretty sure Ella has used her pajama pants that I've made her over 10 times already. ;)




So I decided to make a more neutral bag for my friend's son. Although I considered making it more "boyish", he's still an infant and she would get way more use out of it.




The bag fits a PBK bento box and a Thermos Foogo. The bag isn't insulated, but I figure it'd be more for dry snacks and the Foogo itself is great* at keeping drinks cold for hours!

I adjusted the measurements from the last bag, since this box was wider and shallower, and to accommodate the drink.




Regardless of size, I just love the bag itself for its finished look. It makes me look like an awesome sewer!

*Not a product endorsement, just speaking from experience.