Monday, December 15, 2008

Holiday traditions make me happy

Back in high school, my girlfriends and I started an annual holiday party. It's always potluck, with a gift exchange and a craft activity (with the exception of one super lazy year while we were all in college when we just ordered pizza and watched Crocodile Hunter).

I am incredibly proud to announce that this Saturday we had our 10th annual party! We kind of rock. Despite all attending different colleges and now being spread out in different cities, we've managed to keep it together.

Here was my gift for the exchange - a toolbelt apron (tutorial to follow in the near future) stamped with one of my linocuts and some of the meal planning/grocery shopping notepads I've been making. (This trio of hand creams was part of the gift I got for the gift exchange and I've been LOVING it).

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Here is the apron in action. You knew I was going to pose in it before I gave it away.

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For the craft this year, Kris taught us to make pomanders. Mine is now proudly hanging over my dining room table.

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I totally phoned it in this year and purchased desserts from TJs so I have no fun recipes to share today. When you see tomorrow's post, you'll know why I was too busy to be whipping out homemade pies.
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21 comments:

  1. MicaelaDecember 15, 2008 at 7:17 AM

    you girls are fabulous!!! Wish I belonged in your circle cos your apron-making skills are mad! :) how awesome!

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  2. Cupcakes and CashmereDecember 15, 2008 at 7:23 AM

    that apron is simply precious and i love your linocuts you chose!

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  3. AnonymousDecember 15, 2008 at 7:52 AM

    that apron is lovely! I will happily be awaiting the tutorial :)
    What a fun tradition to enjoy with friends-that's amazing that you've kept it going for so long!

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  4. JackieDecember 15, 2008 at 8:52 AM

    How fun! Your apron is great, the spatula and whisk linocut you made is just adorable.

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  5. AnonymousDecember 15, 2008 at 8:55 AM

    It was so great to see you and have fun with the other girls this weekend! I agree with Kris that you need to start your own craft business because that apron and the notepads were so cute and creative!!

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  6. Kristin @ Petal and ThornDecember 15, 2008 at 9:14 AM

    I am so mad that Stacie stole the apron and notepads from me! Your pomander turned out gorgeous. I think it was the best party yet. We're now talking about making a springtime tea party tradition, where big flowery hats are a must. Are you game?

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  7. pve designDecember 15, 2008 at 9:16 AM

    you totally rock in my book! forming friendships and then making them part of a holiday tradition are something to be very proud up!
    I love aprons and your handy apron rocks!

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  8. JuliaDecember 15, 2008 at 9:48 AM

    I love that apron and your pomander! How clever you girls are :)

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  9. east side brideDecember 15, 2008 at 10:38 AM

    I don't think I've ever seen a *real* pomander. Blows the crappy paper ones out of the water... Yikes.

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  10. AnonymousDecember 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM

    10th annual? That's AMAZING! Congrats to you guys for keeping it together that long.

    Can't wait for the apron tutorial, and are those YOUR red shoes and black lace in the pomander photo?

    Thanks for stopping by today! I love the gifts in shoes tradition too---I know it's for sure done in Germany (where supposed Saint Nick leaves the gifts), and I think also in Scandinavian countries like Sweden too. In those latter places I think it happens on the 13th of December, which is called 'Santa Lucia Day' there. And pathetically, I know this from playing with my historical American Girl doll year after year...

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  11. JoslynDecember 15, 2008 at 1:46 PM

    what an awesome tradition...i'm suck a sucker for holiday traditions!

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  12. blue mossDecember 15, 2008 at 2:12 PM

    it's so great to stay together for 10 years....happy for your group!

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  13. Sara ChristineDecember 15, 2008 at 3:42 PM

    What a sassy little apron! And a lovely tradition too. :)

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  14. JoyceDecember 15, 2008 at 3:58 PM

    This so nice no matter how busy everyones schedule is all the girls get together!!

    Dear Santa- For Christmas, I want one of Rachel's tool aprons! Are you taking orders!! I love it!!!

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  15. Mrs.FrenchDecember 15, 2008 at 11:37 PM

    I really hope you get an apron like this for yourself... too sweet...looking forward to the photos my dear...xo t

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  16. CatherineDecember 16, 2008 at 2:20 AM

    Sounds like so much fun and such a great idea at this time of year. Your apron is fantastic! So cute.

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  17. summerDecember 16, 2008 at 8:54 AM

    I am in awe.
    That apron...
    I need it.

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  18. LynneDecember 16, 2008 at 3:35 PM

    What an amazing group of friends. I'm so jealous. Love the apron.

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  19. AnonymousDecember 17, 2008 at 7:34 AM

    I can't wait to make one! Also, how did you "make" the notepads? I love your gift.

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  20. kristinaDecember 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM

    you are insanely creative. so cute.

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  21. AmandaDecember 18, 2008 at 9:16 AM

    I can't decide whether I'm insanely jealous, or whether I'm just happy these things exist in the universe. Ok, I've decided: I'm jealous.

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