Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!













I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas! I spent mine surrounded by my wonderful family. I always enjoy being able to see my family and catch up with good people over good food. Today was amazing and now I'm sitting here watching the Sound of Music with my Grandma and cousin, Mikaela.

Have an amazing Christmas night everyone!

Monday, December 23, 2013

DIY Holiday Teabag


If you're like me, then you enjoy the little things that give the holiday season its magic. I'm a sucker for anything small and handmade when it comes to gifts. So for those of you still in search for something cheap, small, and easy to make here is an idea for you!

Things you will need.


1 5x5 piece of fabric
1 gift tag
1 ball of cotton string
Needle
Scissors
Some kind of ribbon/string
2 teaspoons of looseleaf tea*
1 deposable tea filter*

*I found these items at Teavana


1) Take the teabag and fill it with about 2 teaspoons of looseleaf tea. Feel free to fill it with more if you want to make a stronger batch. 


2) Fold the teabag in half and begin to sew it together. Start at the bottom corner.


3)Pull the needle and thread to about the half-way through the bag. Continue doing this until you reach the middle of the top of the bag.


4) Pull the needle through the tag.


5) Bring the needle back through the same hole it came through.

6) Continue to stitch the teabag until you have sewn every corner shut.


It should look something like this.


Now that you're finished with your teabag it's time to wrap it up!

7) Place the bag diagonally in the center of the square of fabric.


8) Take all four corners of the corner together around the tag of the teabag.


9) Tie the corners together with some kind of string.


And there you have it! A handmade teabag to share with your families and friends for the holidays!

If anyone has any questions about the tutorial please feel free to send me an email at salvesenalex@yahoo.com!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Christmas Party!


I was reunited with these goobers last night. Last night we had our annual Christmas party at Lexii's. It has been a (3-year) tradition of ours to get together right before Christmas to hang out, decorate gingerbread-people, and exchange gifts for Secret Santa. It always gets pretty cheesy - complete with awkward family photos. It's always such a relief to be reunited after such a long time away from each other at college. Last night was no exception.  

My gingerbread amputee.




Of course, Peter got a new bow tie!




Only slightly excited about my giant box of tea from Teavana.


So many cute, cozy gifts going around!






Saturday, December 21, 2013

Happy Winter Solstice!


Happy Winter Solstice! 

I know it has been a while since my last post, but I must admit that with work and finals - life got the best of me. Not to worry though, I'm off for three weeks and itching to take some photos. 

Although today is noted for being the shortest day of sunlight of the year, I managed to get a lot done. I quite typically find myself with the winter blues at this time of the year, even thought Christmas is just around the bend. This year however I have managed to stay positive, keeping myself busy and happy. It is especially important during this time of the year to remember what you have and what truly makes you happy. For me, my family, my friends, art, and sunshine are what make me the happiest. I try to surround myself with these things as much as I can during these frigid months.

I spent my morning drinking tea, eating oatmeal with figs, and putting the finishing touches on a few handmade gifts for the girls at work. Then in the afternoon, my Dad and I went and got ourselves a Christmas tree. It has been quite a few years since we had a Christmas tree in the house. We're hosting Christmas with our family this year so we figured that it was about time that we got one. 







Here is our tree! A little short and a bit round around the middle, but a Christmas tree nonetheless!

Happy Winter Solstice!

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Thanksgiving


I hope that everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! I know I did. My Dad came home from sea this past Wednesday so he was able to be there for all of our Thanksgiving activities. It was a pretty low-key holiday; we spent the day at my aunt's house in Lincoln, Massachusetts among a family and friends. It was certainly one of the coldest Thanksgiving days that I have experienced in a while, but the house smelt like home cooking and warmth. I am always thankful to be surrounded by my family, seeing as our family seems to have shrunk such an enormous amount in the past few years. It is a comfort to know that I am not alone, especially during the holidays. 

Always be reminded of the things that make you feel thankful to be living.