Now back to our regularly scheduled program

Whew.  That was quite a break.  I never intended to be gone for that long, but it first it was the holidays and then I went on vacation and before I knew it, it was March!  

We've got a bit of catching up to do.  While I was away, this blog turned 7 and I turned 36.  It was a quiet celebration for both of us.  Oh, and my hand-me-down camera went kaput so I've been relegated to Instagram, which is actually a lot of fun.

Here's what I've been up to for almost 3 months.

 Christmas at home

 Edible gifts

 Handmade gifts

 My birthday, here.

 Homemade bread.

Kings County Distillery

 Singlecut Brewery

 The prettiest beach

Fancy drinks

 Queens speakeasy

Follow me on Instagram: rebacrea

Handmade Holiday

Well, that time is upon us.  I leave work today for NJ to spend some time with loved ones and then I'm on vacation for a whole week!  Woot!

 

This year's holiday continues to be a scaled down one.  A few years ago, my immediate family (brothers, mom and dad, and sister in law) decided that we would all draw a name and buy one gift instead of five.  It was the best decision we ever made and tell that anyone who will listen to me.  It somehow makes the whole gift-giving process 100% more relaxed and exciting.  (Who am I going to get this year?!  Who got me?!)  Trust me, if you haven't already, suggest the idea to your family.  They just might heave a huge sigh of relief!

 

I do like to make homemade gifts for a few special people and I turned to the old reliable recipes I've been using for a while now.  This one, this and this.  So easy!  My favorite part is finding cute packaging.  The best find this year? 1/2 lb. coffee bags at the Container Store.  39 cents!  And they look so fancy.  

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday.  This year, especially, there feels like there is a lot to reflect upon.  Make sure you tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and keep the spirit of the season in your heart.

See you next year!

 

I wanted to share with everyone a new discovery that is currently making me very, very happy.

This is a bath product line that I found through one of the many, many blogs that I read. I'm ashamed to say that I forget which one, or I would give them credit where credit is due.

The Bubble Roome bath products meet two very important requirements for me. (Well, many more than two, but you get the idea.) They're handmade and paraben and sulfate free AND they're locally made. In addition to that they work like a dream and have really, really cute packaging that I love to look at in my bathroom. (Makes me feel so *fancy*).
Though I have to warn you, the brown sugar scrub is addictive.

I just wanted to share a little something with you all before I head back to NJ for Christmas.

These are buttons commissioned by Ms. Blue Garter for her February Lady Sweater. They look huge here, but they're only 1" in diameter. Made from fabric from my grandmother's stash, so I guess it can be considered vintage, 'cause it's probably really old! The fabric is a little sheer so the shine of the button shell comes through.

They should be arriving on your coast any moment now, Sarah! I hope you like them!!!

With Thanksgiving just past, I know I've got Christmas shopping on the brain.

Every year, in an attempt to have a less commercial holiday, I try to make as many of my gifts as possible. This year, however, I've been busier than normal and so I've needed a little help to check off everyone on my list. This is where etsy comes in.

If I can't make handmade, than I'll buy handmade. Or some of the amazing vintage finds that have been so carefully culled.

These are just a few of my favorites, which I hope to inspire you towards a homey-er, handmade holiday.

Christmas Mosaic
Originally uploaded by Needleworks, Inc.

I figure it's safe to post some pictures of my handmade holiday gifts. There are a few that are missing because they aren't finished yet!! But I'm not seeing the recipients until later this month, so I have a grace period.

Here's wishing everyone the happiest, warmest holiday season and nothing but love and good cheer for the new year!!! Thank you for all the lovely comments and support you've given to my humble blog all year long! Merry Christmas!