January Wrap Up

While getting back into a routine is good after the holidays, it sure is a challenge! I think it takes the whole month of January to get back into the swing of things. It’s been a tough winter so far with super cold weather and a fair bit of snow. Spring seems so far off.

We were at least able to get outside one day a few weeks ago to make a snowman and let Carter try out his new snowball thrower/maker that my mom gave him. As soon as we built the snowman, Carter of course wanted to “smash him down”. Ahhh boys!

Carter-Snowman

 

Carter-Snowball

We celebrated my husband’s birthday this past weekend. It was quite a bit more laid back than the big “40 Rocks” 40th birthday party we threw for him last year but we still enjoyed dinner with good friends and some family time. Todd is a much better cook than I am, so he did most of the cooking for his birthday dinner making steak, lobster and risotto. I’m one lucky girl!

birthday-dinner

I did manage to make chocolate lava cakes from scratch. My pictures didn’t turn out that well, but they sure tasted amazing!

chocolate-lava-cake

I had a lot more on my to do list this month than I was able to accomplish, but at least I was able to finally get some posts up for my handmade Christmas gifts. I have to admit that one thing keeping me from getting things done is my new found addiction with the TV show Downton Abbey. I resisted for a long time and decided on a whim to start watching it. I use Amazon Prime, so the first three seasons are available for free. Darn you Amazon, you are not helping me be productive! 🙂

This Metal Stamped Leather Wrap Bracelet is my favorite handmade gift from this holiday season. I need to find some time to make one for myself.

Leather Wrap Bracelet with Metal Stamped Kids Birth Dates

One of my most popular posts this month was the Handwritten Recipe Tea Towels. I love that you all loved these, and many of you said it reminded you of your mom’s and grandma’s recipes! I’m still trying to figure out what went wrong when I attempted to do it as a freezer paper transfer. Oh well, maybe somethings aren’t meant to be!

handwritten recipes on tea towels | Sometimes-Homemade.com

I promised (warned) you previously, that the glass etching bug had bitten me, so these Monogram Etched Mason Jar Mugs were just the project to tide me over for a while. If you’re looking for a quick and simple gift idea, personalized glasses are a big hit.

DIY Etched Mason Jar Mugs

Our bar stools got a much needed makeover with new stain and a new seat cover.

Bar Stool Makeover Restain + Recover - before and after

I made some super hero capes in support of the Capes For Kids program. Check out how you can “craft for good”.

Super Hero Cape - Capes for Kids Program

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and for once I’m ahead of the game. These Ninja Valentines were inexpensive and very little effort. Carter is excited to give them to his friends.

ninja-7

I’ve been trying to get back into a more regular fitness routine. I’m back to going to kickboxing and I’m trying to increase my steps by using my Fitbit as motivation. I’d like to resurrect the Does This Blog Make Me Look Fat series to track my progress, but maybe only monthly vs weekly.

I hope January was good to you. Thanks for reading!