John Freida Luxurious Volume Hair Spray at Walgreens

John Freida Luxurious Volume hair spray is clearanced priced at $3.59 at Walgreens. Use the $3.00 off coupon found at Walgreens on-line to get this product for just 59 cents (plus tax). There is also a version of this item that comes with a trial size package of shampoo attached. What a great stocking stuffer!

They Might Be Giants kid's album

Caught the band, "They Might Be Giants" on ABC's Sunday Morning show promoting their kid's album. Catchy tunes and very danceable...for kids and adults. Once upon a time, this band wrote songs for teens and gen x-ers like "Bird House in Your Soul" and they've turned their talents towards tots. This is the band's third children's album. I highly recommend taking a listen to these talented musicians newest venture.

Warming Gift

Yesterday's mail brought a gift from a dear friend in Washington State. She knits and sews and does all matter of cooking and crafts. This very talented lady sent me fingerless gloves. Some of you may know that my hands have a tendency to be cold. More like ice. Never mind that I keep my house at 62 degrees during the day and lower the temperature at night. Throw another sweater on is my mantra. But what to do with cold hands. These gloves are the perfect solution. It's amazing what an additional garment can do for body temperature. I might even try to crochet a pair ;)

Another Hat

Here's another crocheted wool hat. The best way to describe it is a skullcap. It fits snug, has style and offers little protection from the elements. Something a teenager would love.

Sweet Holiday Topiaries

Love this topiary made from marshmallows courtesy of the "Steven and Chris" show on CBC. Want to learn how to make one for your very own? Click HERE for instructions. So elegant for a holiday table.

Wool Hat

This is the first hat I had to create in pieces and weave together. The blue hat I made was done in a circle, continuous crocheting. The design was more of a challenge. It looks so cute.

Christmas Centerpiece

I am all about reusing materials and going natural whenever possible. This centerpiece is a great example of combining both beliefs.

The local MSU extension office was having a holiday lunch yesterday. Several participants were able to select from conifer trimmings and various other trimmed plant material to make swags and centerpieces for the party. They decorated their creations with bows and findings then voted for the best/favorite of the bunch.

I was at the office when they were clearing the room of the evergreen boughs and got a few juniper, pine and dogwood branches. All you have to do is tie the greenery with wire and add decorations and voila - instant centerpiece. How affordable and eco-friendly. MSU Extension is filled with lots of ideas like this plus tips on feeding your family healthy foods on a budget. They truly are a valuable resource for Michigan residents.

Puppy Loves Yarn

My puppy is use to me knitting or crocheting. She never pays me any mind when I begin working with needlecraft. That is until yesterday.

I was given a couple skeins of acrylic yarn and began crocheting a project. Puppy decided to attack the yarn. She jumped onto the couch and gave it a sniff then grabbed the bundle and ran. She left a trail with the single strand of yarn looping into each room. The dog has never done this before. I had to pry the fibers from her mouth. Was she trying to floss her teeth? Unfettered, she mounted another onslaught to get the yarn. She was almost cat-like in her determination to capture the skein.

My only reason for her behavior is that her toys are made from acrylic material and she thought it was a toy. I usually knit or crochet with natural fibers like cotton or wool and this is the first time, and probably last, that I used an artificial fiber.

When she goes after the yarn, it is the funniest thing. I'll try to get the yarn pounce on video.

Winter Painting with Help from Puppy

Above my fireplace is a painting that just doesn't fit the snowy winter landscape in Michigan. Yesterday, I decided to paint a impressionist view of the season complete with a few snowflakes. Because the painting was large, I used the kitchen floor to apply the first layer of white pigment onto the board. Puppy decided to help. She walked on the wet paint not once, but twice! (for which she was scolded). You would think after I had washed her paws off the first time she would have learned. I guess I should have named her "Picasso" or "Kadinsky". The second photo shows a close-up of her paw prints.

Suitcase Chair by REcreate

I love when designer's repurpose furniture. When they find new ways to use something we believe has only one purpose. Take a look at this suitcase chair by REcreate. This designer really thought outside of the box when she came up with this creation. Check out the rest of REcreate's products here.

Crocheted Purse and iPod Holder

So adorable! I made a small shoulder bag with an attached ipod holder out of wool. It's my design of the day. I need to get more yarn.

Crochet Project - Hat or Purse?

My sister just taught me how to double crochet. Armed with that information, I attempted to make a hat using double and single crochet stitches with cotton yarn. The photo of the project doesn't do the piece justice.

As a hat, it's similar to a cloche'. Tight fitting to the head with a flounce around the edges. I crocheted a side piece to attach to the main portion of the hat to add drama and an eye-catching glance area.

Then I had a thought, if I turn the hat upside down and added a strap or handles, I could have a purse. What's your opinion on my needlework: hat or purse?