Christmastime 2013

We went back to the Mirage in Las Vegas again this year. I had a week off scheduled, and both of us desperately needed a change of scene. The trip was our main Christmas gift to each other. The pricing was amazing at about $80 per night including the resort fee and also a buffet. I was surprised at the assortment and quality of the food...that being said, I had sushi every day.

We also had some amazing evening meals at the Sin City outposts of celebrity chefs Mario Battali and Tom Colicchio (Top Chef). I found Mario's place a bit meh considering the money that we spent, although DH liked it. I liked Tom's restaurant better--an upscale steakhouse with great food, attractive decor, and an interesting soundtrack. Unfortunately, Onde was dark for the week and it's traditionally been one of our favorites. Next time.

I also treated myself to a massage, oh yes! A bit of a splurge but so worth it! A good knead for my stiff muscles...

I got very brave on the day after Christmas with a trip to the Fashion Show. That place is quite a location for window shopping since they have every store. It's almost too much to take in. I braved Macy's shoe sale and got a wonderful pair of Aerosole loafers in blue suede and a pair of teal suede and black leather D'Orsay flats. My feet aren't handling heels well lately so I've been stocking up on flats for now. 

Yes, I know Macy's is just about everywhere now, but I guarantee you that neither location in Albuquerque has shoes like these (and the 1000s of others at the sale).

I am hoping to gain some sewing mojo now that the new year is coming. I made some adjustments to my TNT Kwik Sew 2565 T Shirt this month and cut out a new version on Sunday. I've made this pattern so many times that it should be a fast project to make. The fabric isfr

I've been cutting out some new patterns too! JillyBe's version of Vogue 8962 encouraged me to get going with mine. I also enjoyed Barbara's Vogue 8961, so will need to give that one a try since it's also in the pattern stash.

A Non Sewing Project for the Holidays

Tomorrow, the Albuquerque ASG Chapter is having a little get together instead of our usual meeting, we're having a cookie exchange and community service project for Comunitario Enlace. It is an organization that provides services to women and children experiencing domestic violence. 

I wanted to provide something nice but practical, so I decided to make scarves. I had a large remnant of animal print fleece from Joann's that I decided to use. I cut 6 inch wide strips across the width of the fabric, then trimmed the selvedges off each end and cut fringe. I think they came out cute:

  

I got seven out of the yardage I had. It helped to have a rotary cutter and large mat for this, but not necessary. It was easier to use shears for the fringe.

Of course, the dimensions could be changed for a wider scarf, more or less fringe, etc. Whatever you like. The result is a nice little gift. 

Now off to start figuring out what cookies to make...