Christmas Prep

Hello Everyone!

I hope your holiday season is going well. Mine has been Busy with a capital B. Work has been nuts. Lots of great changes happening at school for many of our students, but it has taken a lot of work on the part of teachers and staff to help these changes go smoothly. I also am welcoming several new students and prepping for the dreaded IEP season. Along with all this, I have also been getting ready for Christmas. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping, and planning. I am a little overwhelmed to say the least. I often have to make a mental effort to stop, breathe, and just enjoy this time of year. Honestly, things have been pretty great. Just really looking forward to some time off to clear my head and work on some things I've been wanting to do.

I love creating things. I thought it was pretty smart on my part to make most of my gifts this year since I love sewing, painting, and making things. Save some money, make some meaningful gifts. You may remember from my previous post here, that Paul and I have been trying to move towards a simplified life. I find making my gifts helps me to really focus on the people in my life and what they would really like to receive. Yeah, it was a good idea, until I started running out of time. I'm being a little dramatic, but I definitely thought I would get more done than I have. Thankfully I don't have too much extra work on my plate right now, so I've been lucky enough to come home and just work on my projects. I don't want to share too many of the things I am making right now since I don't want to friends and family to get a pre-Christmas peek. I am really looking forward to sharing my different creations in the coming months.

I have, however, been making my rice packs for my little business. I never realized how much people are interested in my rice packs, but orders are going great. I'm just working on balancing them with everything else I'm making. I figured I'd share a little peek into what goes into creating a rice pack.

Example of one of my recent orders. I have finally perfected my measurements.

I love making rice packs. They are fairly easy to make (you didn't hear that here) and I use them all the time. I don't just use them for aches and pains, which they are great for, I also use them for those cold winter mornings when the car is freezing. Throw it in the microwave for a minute and you're hands are nice and toasty!

The hardest part for me when I'm making my rice packs (and any sewing projects really) is measuring and cutting. I am a HUGE perfectionist. It's really sad. This year I also am working on drying my own lavender to add to the packs. They smell so good!

All measured up and set to sew

I always have my sewing buddy during any of my sewing projects. I swear anytime my sewing machine and cutting mat come out Eli is right in my lap. I appreciate the love, but it's so hard to get anything done. I have a very technical, precise tool to get my rice in the bag. Anyway, I love making them and most importantly I love how happy they make other people. I probably have 3 different ones floating around our house. 

Enjoy your holiday season and remember your time is the best gift you can give anyone!