Down Time

Wow - 5 days off is enough for me to completely let go of work. I felt like I got to focus on life at home over the long weekend, which was a breath of fresh air. Although I have to admit that it was uncomfortable on Friday to lounge most of the day because SB and I are so used to going-going-going (feeling full of turkey and mashed potatoes and pie didn't help, either). Fortunately, on Saturday we found the balance of doing and being with our extra time off. It is going to be nice to go back to work actually feeling ready/rested.

Thanksgiving was lovely. So much food. Great company. The pies I made turned out well. Woohoo! The only thing I missed was my niece and nephew, but we went to see them this weekend so I got my chubby baby fix. ;) Here are a few pictures...

Cricket is not much of a helper when it comes to cleaning!

We were able to fit everyone around one table (10 people).

Apple pie. Also made a sweet potato pie. LOVE pie.

A few photos of what is still to come...

Making a skirt! Darts and all.
NO idea whatsoever if it will turn out.

Started exercising indoors via the CyclOps

Yes, while I generally despise biking (despite living with an avid cyclist), I am making an attempt to get exercising again using the most accessible option available - SB's indoor trainer. It costs nothing and I don't even have to leave the house. I can even watch TV while I exercise which, for good or ill, is an incentive (and a distraction to keep me pedaling). So far so good - two days in a row and highly enjoying episodes of last season's Great British Baking Show. Highly recommend (indoor training and the Great British Baking Show).

One other note for any cycling fans - SB and I are regular watchers of a weekly YouTube show called the GCN (global cycling network) Show. The hosts are hilarious and they cover a wide range of topics in cycling in a mere 20 minutes every Tuesday. They have hundreds of other YouTube videos as well - you can subscribe to their channel to stay abreast of all of their goofy and interesting activities. Click here to view the most recent episode of the GCN show. Strangely enough, while I don't yet enjoy the act of cycling I have come to LOVE the sport.

Cold Season

After an unseasonably warm autumn, the cold season has finally arrived. With it came one heck of a cold virus to our household. I got sick on Halloween, didn't go to work for a week, and am still in the process of recovering from a lingering sinus infection. SB managed to elude the bug for a week, but it caught up with him last weekend; fortunately he managed to power through his work week and has recuperated surprisingly quickly.

Since feeling better I've started a few new craft projects. I have been motivated by that familiar nesting feeling that I always get in November and December thanks to the beginning of winter and the holiday season. This is the first year we have space for holiday decorations so, naturally, I want to make a few seasonal items! Did I mention that we are hosting 8-12 people for Thanksgiving this year? I thought a banner was in order...

fabric pendant banner with felt lettering - it still needs to be assembled. I will share pictures when finished!

Here is another project that I started. It was inspired by an embroiderer I follow on Instagram, although I changed the design a fair amount. I'm still plan to add a few more stars - maybe in silver floss.

SB paid me the highest compliment on both of these projects when
he told me that they remind him of a Wes Anderson movie! 

Once these projects are complete, my goal is to make a skirt in December and perhaps even a dress in time for New Year's Eve... more to come soon.