Loving handmade, handcrafted gifts for the kids. So, I’m sharing these links with you.

1) For the little “rock star”, wooden teething and grasping toy by littlealouette

2) How about for the superheroes in your life? A Superhero cape for your crusader by Susipants

 3) Made with Rubberwood and Organic Cotton, “I Love My Planet toys” are fun and safe for children. Check out the rubberwood Giraffe at Peaceful Parlour.

4) Cooking Time play set from Studio Wren – super cute!

5) A cute “So Handsome Tie T-shirt” by We Choose Joy

What are some of your favorite buys this season? Or are you making a lot of your gifts this year?

Here are some gift ideas for the foodie in your life, or for yourself! These food books live on our bookshelves with the exception of the children’s book and Ruhlman’s Twenty. That’s on my wish list – maybe Santa will leave it under the tree for me. Click on the images for more information. What’s on your “to-read” list?

Remember this project? My daughter and I made about 300. Time to string these up.

I wonder how many people out there are like me – great ideas, just a little slow on the follow-through because 1) I keep thinking up more ideas, 2) I try to stay active with this kids and hubby, and 3) I actually need to sleep.

As for some of my summer projects that didn’t get done, I’m determined to finish them (like a chair I pulled from someone’s curbside trash, and bookcases for my daughter, the t-shirt quilt, reorganizing my office…yikes). What are your summer projects that didn’t get done? I’d love to hear from the internet universe. Maybe we can cheer each other on to the “finish line”.

Ever take on a project that you think will be a piece of cake, but then it takes longer than you initially estimated? Happens to almost everyone I know. Happens to me all the time, but it’s always worth it. I’ve been busy crafting for a cause…

I delivered sixteen pillowcases tonight to children at a hospital in Chicago. I met all but three of the patients… a few were very young, others very much teenagers, some needed more help than others. In every patient, I saw a child who didn’t or would not be going home for the holidays. I met parents who spend countless hours by their child’s side.

Not knowing what to expect from my visit, I was overwhelmed exiting the building and a little teary-eyed.  I was happy to have been able to spread a little Christmas cheer, but it was just so humbling.

What’s your small gesture this season, your little random act of kindness?

I was super excited to get these goodies from the offices of Martha Stewart Living via Craft Critique. If you’re getting ready for the holidays and looking for ways to wrap or package your baked goods, please take a look at my review on Craft Critique! Leave a comment at their site and you just might win your own set of treat bags and boxes!