So much snow fell today and when it stopped briefly this afternoon we had a treat just outside our back window as the view was simply breathtaking.

I cannot believe Christmas is only 5 days away. I am not as ready for it this year as I normally like to be. All the issues with the kids’ health and whatnot have taken a toll on me. I am trying to get over a particularly nasty cold as I type this. I had wanted to post a few things about some of my handmade gifts that I will be giving this year but as I look at the calendar I am realizing I have all but run out of time. Instead I think I might pay a visit to some posts I have previously written that are appropriate for this time of year and weather.

Some recipes worth revisiting:

• Spicy-Herb Roasted Nuts
• Mulling Mix for Apple Cider
• Hot Buttered Rum
• Ginger, Lemon, and Honey Tea

I do believe this will probably be my last post this week (maybe even for this year) seeing that the big holiday is so close to being here. I want to wish all my readers a wonderful Christmas and a safe and merry New Year.

gifts for a 4 year old girl

I had so much fun yesterday posting some of the gifts I found for my kids on Etsy. I decided to do another post but this time on gift ideas for a four year old girl. I could go crazy buying things for my daughter on Etsy! The items below are just a few I found that I know she would love and so I am sure other little girls will too.  (Oh, and in case you are wondering, no I am not affiliated with these sellers or Etsy in anyway. I am just having fun!)

Top, left to right: Maggie Doll; Star Wand; Felt Tea Party

Bottom, left to right: Wooden String Beads; Fairy Felt Playmat; Modeling Beeswax

Happy Etsy Shopping!

I have been slightly panicked over the holidays rapidly approaching. I do not feel ready for them at all this year with everything that has been/is going on with the kids and their health. I did some online shopping the other day on Etsy and was able to get a few gifts for the little ones. I am actually really excited about what I have found so far and thought I might share them with my readers. I am trying to stick with homemade gifts again this year. We really enjoyed doing this last year so I am continuing it this year.

For the baby I found some great handmade wooden toys. The first is by Little Sapling Toys. I know he is going to love these!

Next I purchased this cute little wooden car for him which is made by Mama Made Them.

I also purchased this bath set for the baby and 4 year old to share which is also by Mama Made Them.

Finally, I purchased this pattern for a crocheted newsboy hat which is sold by Aukies Designer Headwear. The goal is to whip it out for my daughter. I hope I can pull it off!

I am eyeing a few other handmade gifts for my 2 older boys. I will try to share those in another post. Etsy can be addicting and I am fighting to stay within our pathetic budget. It’s a tight year for us and with 4 kids…. well, Christmas can be steep even when you are trying not to spend a lot!

How is the gift giving season going for everyone else? Know of any great and unusual gifts for a 12 and 16 year old?