Homemade Holiday

This year I opted to make many of my friends' and family's gifts. A lot of thought, time, and love went into them (as well as the careful wrapping), and I think they turned out quite well.

1. Keep Calm and Craft On with vintage frame for Phoebe

2. Knitted leaf hair clip for Rachel and Emily

3. Knitted Ravenclaw scarf for Kaylie

4. Knitted lace necklace for Tori and Dahlya

5. Knitted slippers and tie for Domenico

6. The Help quote for Mom

7. Painted quote board for Kate and Domenico

The final product!

Christmas baking

Yesterday, Mom, Emily, and I made the season's first batch of cookies. We baked Russian Tea Cakes and Jan Hagels (my personal favorite).

Jan Hagel Cookies:

1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg, separated
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbl. water
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease jelly roll pan (15.5 x 10.5 x 1 inch). Mix butter, sugar, and egg yolk. Blend flour and cinnamon. Stir into butter mixture. Pat into pan. Beat water and egg white until frothy; brush over dough. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake 20-25 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cut immediately into finger-like strips.

Lighting the zoo

The other day, my family, Domenico, and I attended Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo. It is one of my favorite holiday traditions and truly gets me in the Christmas spirit. It doesn't get much better than cacti strung with lights, in my opinion.

5 years

Today, Domenico and I are celebrating our 5th anniversary. It is pretty exciting. We've had some good times since 2006, and I hope there are more to come.

Sophomore year.

Francois Dillinger and Sheeni Saunders from Youth in Revolt (Sadies)

Schuster and Pillsbury.

Prom.

I made Domenico a little anniversary gift that is cute and still functional.

I hope everyone else has love and happiness in their lives right now. Celebrate it!