Jenna Lou Loves You

What a week.

Whew... what a week!! We had an absolutely lovely and lazy Thanksgiving. Most of the food was prepped the day before so Thanksgiving was smooth sailing. We had a nice BIG meal at noon and spent the rest of the afternoon taking naps, watching the game, and chatting away.

 

We didn't do any Black Friday shopping. I was thinking about it, but really I'm not ready to get up at 4 am for some mass produced sales.... I did that one time two years ago and it just brings up nightmares to think about it. I did however manage to peek into our neighborhood thrift store. They just redid the whole place and it was really quite nice. Clean and organized.... but not too clean... just right so you can dig a little, but not get grossed out. I found a set of six mugs that I couldn't turn down. After all they would be just perfect for my tea party. I'm not sure who made these... The only mark I could find was "Japan" on the bottom side, so I can't imagine that they are too special... but they are absolutely darling to sip from.

And... inside you'll find some homemade caramel. mmmmm.... I'd never made caramel or any candy for that matter, but after stumbling upon Martha's recipe for Gingerbread Caramel I decided now is as good of a time as any to get started. It was a bit hard as I don't have a candy thermometer, and they stuck REALLY badly to the paper, and I didn't boil them long enough so they are a bit gooey.... but they are a HUGE hit with the family!! The flavor is spot on and they just melt away in your mouth. I'll definitly be making more of these after I pick up a candy thermometer and some better wax paper.  Maybe they'd be good as some yummy Christmas treats to add to gifts too.

I'm sorry to say that I'll be a bit absent around here this week. I'm preparing myself for No-Coast on Friday/Saturday. There is a TON of work to do yet, so I'll see you on the other side with the extras from the show.

xoxo,
Jennalou

PS. A HUGE thanks and hugs to all who bought a pattern!! All the patterns that sold have been shipped and I can't wait to see how they all turn out :D If you haven't picked up one for yourself yet, so worries... there are lots more in the store.

Holiday Ornament Swap

This is my first year participating in the Holiday Ornament Swap put on by Kathleen of cake & pie and Nicole of freshly blended.

I decided to do some recycled sweater mitten ornaments. The sweater was picked up at my local thirft shop for a couple bucks and I felted it at home. Then to give it an extra touch I embroidered the first initial of each girl onto a little piece of felt. Each mitten is strung with a bit of vintage ric rac to hang it on the tree. I went with some untraditional colors, green and hot pink, and now I'm thinking of decorating my entire house for the holidays like this. I'll have to convince the boyfriend of it, but I think hot pink and dark green are swell for Christmas.

Yey for the Holiday Ornament Swap! I had so much fun making these little lovelies and hope all you girls in swap group 23 love 'em.

xoxo,
Jennalou

P.S. The Fiona patterns are READY TO GO!! They will be available in the shop today!! WHOOO!

 

Tea Time

There something I really love about tea. Ever since discovering this most delicious tea at the Renegade Craft Fair, and getting the Le Creuset Teakettle for my birthday (in white of course),  I've become somewhat of an addict. For breakfast, lunch, after dinner... anytime is really the perfect tea time.

Yesterday as I was cruising the thrift store scene I ran across the cutest little cups I've seen in all my life. These dainty little patchwork cups only hold about 1 Cup of liquid, which isn't much, but I still couldn't resist them for only .25 each. Then, as I was dreaming of all the fun I would have if my friends were into tea parties, I stumbled into this set of 4 sunshine yellow cups. They also are a bit on the small side, but in a really pretty and frilly perfect tea party way.

So now I'm gathering all the necessities of the perfect tea party with no one to attend. If only I had lived in the days where on sunny weekend afternoons the girls slip into their powdered sugar dresses with long white gloves and join me for a party in the garden. If only... I'm such a dreamer.

p.s. Thanks for all your comments about the scarf :D You all are too darn sweet.

xoxo,
Jennalou