these days...

 are looking a little like this....

a bit of merrymaking of sorts:

it's snowy and blowy outside.

(the view out my craft room window).

so on these snowy and blowy days (which we seem to be having a lot of)

 it's good to bake. i made these cookies the other day.

 (except i couldn't find any candy cane kisses.. so i used hugs).

 christmas countdown/advent calendar for the lovelies.

 as a kid i always loved the countdown chain.. i used to get incredibly excited to tear off a link each day. the calendar is a bit more elaborate than that... each day the lovelies will open the little pocket and find a treat inside along with a fun family activity to do. for example, picnic dinner by the tree, make hot chocolate and read the polar express, bake christmas cookies, treasure hunt for a new christmas book. i whipped this up last minute out of toilet paper tubes.

gift preparations.

 owl making marathon

 i love these guys.. especially this time of year... they are  perfect for the tree.

for a similar pattern go here.