SOCK MONKEY MANIA!

I think mania is an overstatement since I only actually made one...but I PLANNED to make more. This is my first real foray in the art of sewing, uh, actual things. I ordered the Original Rockford Red Heel socks from Joann.com, and the package comes with the pattern for the monkey. I have to say, it was pretty easy, even for a sewing spaz like me. I even learned a new hand sewing stitch, called Double Fold Hidden Secrets, or something equally strange. This little lady went to Lydia for Christmas. Violet might get one for her birthday, IF we decide to lift the lifetime ban on any new toys that placed on our house shortly after opening the 967th present this year.

And yes, the Sock Monkey is chilling in the Nativity Scene. She's down with the baby Jesus okay?

Have a Very Sanitary Christmas

This year I scrubbed my brain to come up with a gift for my co-workers (teammates? fellow teachers?), and I decided to roll with the times and get hip. Whats a hotter topic than Swine Flu, eh? It's everywhere you look- someone around you is telling you to wash your hands, cough into your elbow, NOT lick doorknobs. I thought since we all work with those sticky, walking germ sanctuaries called children I would make something useful- sanitizing spray. I did a little research about recipes and found pretty much all the variations were a combo of water, white vinegar, and essential oils with anti-bacterial properties. I went with Tea Tree oil, lemon grass, and a splash of lavender and mint. The smell was pretty, but also pretty potent. I attached an adorable picture of V, and wa-la- almost instant gifts for all my office-mates!

And a Germ free New Year!