Friday, December 28, 2018

Nifty gifties

Since I enjoy what others share, I'm overcoming my awkwardness about "showing off" gifts to share my highlights from this Christmas season.

A close friend got me this Carhartt sweatshirt and embellished it. When I put it on Christmas night, it was so soft and cozy that I didn't want to take it off!

Besides making the gate and nest-boxes, my guys have me great, useful gifts. My work-issued FitBit died (several of them, actually; I went through all the ones no longer being used), so I asked for a new one. Rick got that for me and Brian got me a 32oz. HydroFlask:
I'm not sure anyone knows me better than some blogpals, or shows more love. Who else would know how much fiber/spinning and yarn/knitting, and sheep and horses and chickens mean to me?




Sisters are pretty special, too. My sister turned me to on to Penzeys Spices this year, which was a blessing in and of itself, and then gifted me some. She also got me a handthrown mug and saucer, perfect for work.


A dear friend who has seen me through thick and thin for over 20 years gave me a most appropriate plaque:

After work on Wednesday, I stopped by a favorite shop and scored some Christmas gifts for next year, plus a new ornament for myself (getting a little use until we take down our Christmas tree):
I was also inspired by these star ornaments made out of cabled fabric:
I'm going to keep my eyes open for cabled sweaters at second-hand stores to make some for myself!

Finally, the award for best new recipe goes to . . . Rosemary Slices.
A friend gave me this recipe probably a year ago. It was finally pressed into use this season because I wanted several distinct tastes for my cookie trays (which never got assembled). I have four rosemary bushes that need serious pruning, but I hate the thought of throwing away 'food.' I think I may be making a LOT of these buttery treats from now on!

That's a wrap for Christmas 2018 from . . .

10 comments:

Michelle said...

First comment.

Retired Knitter said...

What lovely well thought out gifts! That sweatshirt looks especially comfortable. And I love the horses on it. You really did get some wonderful gifts this year. Merry Christmas, Michelle, and a great New Year!

Theresa said...

Those carport sweatshirts are wonderful things. Gene loves the few he has. I find hoodie sweatshirts too confining around my neck and Dandy loves to pull on the hoods but I have a zip up one I have worn to death. I'm on my second fitbit. Such a wonderful gift! That bump of Beloved should be a wonderful spin.

MillersBend said...

Your gifts look like such blessings, I love the nag cup that would be me, lol Have a wonderful day

Leigh said...

Michelle, what wonderful gifts! You are blessed indeed!

Jeanne said...

You got some really great gifties!! Lucky, and blessed you are!! I especially like that hoodie, with it's short zipper, and the horses appliqued on!

I love Penzey's Spices, too!

How do I get that recipe??

Michelle said...

Thanks, Elaine!

The quarter-zipper makes all the different in the wearability for me, Theresa. Not a fan of hoods, but will use them on rare occasion. This is my first Carhartt; Brian has one that he loves (without the zip). And I'm SURE I'll love spinning the Beloved!

Welcome and thanks for commenting, MillersBend!

Thanks, Leigh; I agree. :-)

Ask and you shall receive, Jeanne.
ROSEMARY SLICES
1/2 c. butter, soft
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 c flourw1/4 c. chopped fresh rosemary; 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 c. pinenuts, optional (I substituted sliced almonds)

Mix well and roll dough into logs, then wrap and chill for at least two hours. Cut into 1/4-1/3" slices and bake on parchment paper (I just used pan spray) for ~12 minutes; watch for browning. Cool on pan for a minute before removing to cooling rack. Store in airtight container.

Michelle said...

Oven temp is 350 degrees for the cookies!

Jeanne said...

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing the recipe! My daughter has several rosemary plants. We are definitely going to try this one. We may have to experiment to see which plant gives the best flavor. We'll do as you did, and exchange the almonds for the pine nuts.

A :-) said...

Penzey's is a lifesaver for me - they have so many great salt-free blends. My favorite is Mural of Flavor!

Happy New Year, my friend :-) I wish for you all good things.