Wordless Wednesday: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa

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Merry Christmas!

7 Quick Takes: Christmas Decorations

Jesus is coming!  (Yes, our Kings arrive a bit early.)

1. Let's start the tour with our Christmas tree.  Catherine (age three) and I got into an argument, er, disagreement over whether or not it was "strange" that we have an angel instead of a star at the place of honor.  She insisted that trees have stars.  I tried to take it to Pinterest to prove that lots of people have angels on their trees, but almost every single tree that came up when I searched "christmas trees with toppers" was a star or a bow.  So, Dear Reader, what is on top of your Christmas tree?

2. I love having pretty cabinets with pretty garlands and lights.  They make me happy.

3. This Santa is awesome.

4. I love these glittery snowflakes.  (My husband dutifully puts up with them.)

5. I picked up this festive red tablecloth and chair set for 90% off after my first Christmas as a married woman.  We finally have enough space that they don't completely overwhelm the room.

Why yes, those are art supplies.  We get lots of mileage out of crayons, markers, and paper in this house!

6. You can't have Christmas decorations without some fake poinsettias, right?

7. I love wreaths.  This one doesn't look too bad, even though I pretty much stuff it into a box and pile other decorations on top of it every year.  (We put the more distressed wreath outside on our front door.)

PS: We even have icicle lights on our porch!  But it's morning, so I can't really get a good picture of them right now.

For more Quick Takes visit Jen! 

5 Super Quick Last Minute Crochet Gifts

Craftsy Gift Card Sale

This post contains affiliate links.

Right now you can Gift Any Craftsy Class and save big while you're doing it! Want to give someone a Craftsy class, but not sure which one to pick? With our "Gift Any Class" cards, you can buy a loved one any Craftsy class of their choosing for $30! It has never been easier to give the gift of crafting fun! Gift 1 Craftsy class for $30 (save up to $30) Gift 2 Craftsy classes for $55 (save up to $65) Gift 3 Craftsy classes for $75 (save up to $105) Features • Gifted classes never expire • Give one, two, or three Craftsy classes • Deliver on any date (up to three months in advance) Giving handmade gifts? Use the super cute gift tag below from Craftsy on your gifts this year and let your friends and family know their gift was handmade with love! *Please note that you must register in order to print the Gift Tag below. Craftsy: Handmade with Love Gift Tag Be sure to check out 5 Super Quick Last Minute Crochet Gifts!

5 Super Quick Last Minute Crochet Gifts

Do you crochet?  Do you still need some gifts for people on your list?  These projects don't take long at all and are sure to put a smile on the recipient's face! 

Crocheted Rose Brooch Pattern

(Pattern included in blog post.)

All Seasons Crochet Infinity Scarf

(Pattern included in blog post.)

Crochet Flower Necklace

(Link to free pattern.)

The Orange Hat

(Link to free pattern in blog post.)

Double Strand Infinity Scarf

(Link to free pattern in blog post.)

Submitted to many of the Crafty Links and to DIY Home Sweet Home.

WIPS

Today is the last day to enter to win The Knit & Crochet Notebook! 

I haven't been working on too much knitting or crocheting this past week.  I've been working on a rather large and must remain secret until next month sewing project.  I just realized about an hour ago that I made a completely ridiculous mistake that means quite a bit of ripping out.  (And I simply cannot find my seam ripper!  Why, oh why, was it not packed in the boxed labeled "Sewing Supplies"?)

While searching for my seam ripper I came across another old WIP that I need to finish, my silver capelet.  Post Christmas craziness I will have to finish this one!

Well, I am giving up on finding my seam ripper, so I have a lovely afternoon of seam ripping with a pin and scissors ahead of me.  My goal is to finish this project by this evening so that I can wrap Christmas presents! 

(Oh, did you see my first ever completed knitting project?  Check out my super cute daughter modeling her scarf!)

I just put this little compilation together!

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Kindle Paperwhite Prize Package Giveaway (Ends 12/31) US

If you've ever been to my house it doesn't take long to realize that my family loves books!  (That's just what you get when a Philosopher marries an English Major.)  Happily, our three year old is already on board with being a bibliophile too!  She was actually in tears the other day because she doesn't know how to read yet.  (I love that girl!)

However, despite the fact that I love the feel and smell of a good book my Kindle is one of my most used and treasured objects.  (Unfortunately, I still have morning sickness and reading without pictures tends to be a trigger . . . )  I like it so much that it even made it into my blog header!

Since I love my Kindle so much I thought that my readers would appreciate the opportunity to win one!

The Best in Indie Book Gifts

To check out the list of the Best in Indie Book Gifts be sure to read past the giveaway entry form.  

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Very Lucky Reader Will Win a Kindle Paperwhite prize package complete with:

• Kindle Paperwhite
• $50 Amazon Gift Card
• One copy of each book included in the holiday gift guide

To enter, just complete the options included below on the GiveawayTools form. Be sure to come back each day for additional entries, such as daily tweets! This giveaway is open to US Readers, 18+ years of age, begins Monday, December 16th and will end on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 11:59pm. 

Good Luck!

For more great giveaways go {HERE}.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Prizes will be provided by Children Teaching Mama and Reader Spoils. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment. This blog did not receive any compensation for this post. This giveaway is not affiliated in any way with any social media -- Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc..

7 Quick Takes

1. Do you knit or crochet?  Do you know someone who does?  Then check out {this giveaway}!  (Ends December 18, 2013.)

2. I had intended to get my Christmas cards out early this year. (Did you see one of the outtakes from our photo shoot?  It's priceless.)  We moved and I thought that would help with all the "What's your new address?" messages. It hasn't quite happened yet.  If I can get them out by Monday I will call it a mild success.  (Not that I mind the messages, I just feel bad making other people try to track me down.)

3. You have to check out this article: Amazing Macro-Photography of Individual Snowflakes.  Seriously.

Source

4. Just so you know, watching a movie like "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" while pregnant will leave you in tears for almost an hour.

5. Random plug here . . . I love followers and I love following new people.  If you add me via GFC or Bloglovin' let me know in the comments and I'll gladly return the favor!

6. I have been in awe of the towers and castles that Catherine has been constructing lately.  She went from building fairly simple towers (like these) to quite intricate and complex masterpieces.

7. On a related note to the above, I hadn't thought of myself as being "anti-flashy toy" but I am really coming round to that mentality.  Sometimes simplicity is best.  How about you?  Do you like all the noises and lights on "flashy toys" or do you prefer the more "simple toys"?

For more Quick Takes visit {Jen}!

Craftsy Pre-Christmas Sale!

The following contains my affiliate links!  Thank you for your support!

Have you found the perfect present for the crafter in your life yet? Here's a great idea for you! Stuff their stockings with fabric and yarn from Craftsy!  (I know I wouldn't mind receiving some awesome fabric and yarn!)

From December 13th through 16th, designer yarn is on sale up to 80% off and designer fabric is up to 65% off. Order by 12/16 to guarantee delivery by 12/24. 

Sorry, this is only for US residents. Hurry over to Craftsy! This sale expires on 12/16/13 at Midnight (MT).


Craftsy 80% Off Yarn Flash Sale through 12/16Craftsy 65% Off Fabric Flash Sale through 12/16

My Version of the Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf

If you like this post, I'd love if you'd follow me!

I have completed my first knitting project! Yes, it has mistakes, but I am very happy with it!  Even better, Catherine loves it.  That's a win for Mommy! 

If you read Friday's Quick Takes you probably already saw the above picture of Catherine modeling her new scarf.  It was just too cute not to share again.  

I don't know what it is about this particular yarn, but getting the color to photograph properly has been super difficult.  The pictures with Catherine are truest.  

 

Project Notes:

Pattern: Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf by The Purl Bee (Ravelry)

Yarn: Mystery skein from my stash.

Needles: Size 7

Started: October

Finished: Before Thanksgiving

Pattern Difficulty: Easy (Perfect for a beginner like me!) 

I was worried about casting off too tightly, when I was googling how to cast off that seemed to be a re-occurring newbie mistake, but I think I might have been overly cautious and gone too loose.  

Before I go, here's one more goofy shot of my Sweetie Pie.  

Check out this unique giveaway for a Knit & Crochet Notebook!  (Ends 12/18/13)

I love to share my projects at various parties like these.  

More the Merrier Monday, Hookin On Hump Day

Works In Progress (WIPS)

Before I say anything about (some of) my current projects, I'd love to invite you all to enter a giveaway that I'm hosting.  The winner will receive a copy of The Knit & Crochet Notebook: Project Planner and Organizer.  I highly recommend this notebook for anyone who knits or crochets.  

{Go here to enter!}

Now for the things that are keeping me busy! I am working on a big project right now, but I can't share it until next month.  I'm pretty excited about it.

Meanwhile, I found some of my previous WIPS that got forgotten in our big move.  This pink lacy scarf with violets on the edge is so close to completion.  I think I started crocheting this one over a year ago . . . I really should take an hour or two and finish it!

I'm still working on knitting my purple cowl, although I am tempted to unravel it and start again.  I am not super happy with the starting edge and think that I could do better.  This Homespun yarn is so difficult to photograph!  What do you think?  Should I start over or keep going?

I also started to crochet another hat.  I just find them so relaxing to make while sitting on the couch.  (Unfortunately, with this never ending morning sickness I sit on the couch a lot.)  Catherine wants it to be her Christmas hat.  I have some Christmas yarn somewhere, so maybe a nice red flower or something would make it festive enough to be called a Christmas Hat.

I found this lovely baby yarn in my stash. (I'm still unpacking my crafting supplies and finding all sorts of goodies!)  I'm wondering if 450 yards would be enough to knit a shrug for Catherine.  Do you know of any easy and pretty shrug patterns for a little girl? (She's roughly a 4T.)

(If she were still a baby I would try my hand at this adorable Seamless Yoked Sweater, which Heather of Mama's Notebooks pointed out to me!)

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

****Don't forget, check out this giveaway!****

I love followers and I love following new people!  If you follow me on GFC or Bloglovin' leave a comment letting me know and I'll gladly return the favor!

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Card Photo Outtake

Share your own family friendly Wordless Wednesday posts!

The Knit & Crochet Notebook from Mama's Notebooks Review & Giveaway

I received a copy of The Knit & Crochet Notebook: Project Planner and Organizer for the purpose of this review.  

Hi.  My name is Rachel and I have project ADD.

I will be the first to admit it.  I rarely, perhaps never, have only one project going at a time.  (Currently I have a cowl, a hat, a scarf, a capelet, and a few other projects on the hooks or needles.)  So, when Heather asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing her The Knit & Crochet Notebook: Project Planner and Organizer I gave her a resounding yes! 

Here is the official product description from the Mama's Notebook blog:

This notebook will help you to organize your thoughts, customizations, and designs for knit and crochet projects. It features project pages for each project, an easy-reference table of contents at the beginning to help you keep track of individual projects, a hook and needle tracker, a project wish list, a guide to easy measuring with charts to keep measurements for the people you make things for, and a standard yarn weight reference—all in one notebook! This spiral bound notebook is easy to flip through and has graph paper to help you with your designs.

The first thing that I noticed as I took my book out of it's envelope (other than it's cute) is that it is a great size.  There are just over eighty pages, but it still tucks easily and neatly into a yarn tote or basket.  This is great because then it can always be at your fingertips!  

Inside there are lots of pages for project notes as well as some handy reference pages.  (Reference pages include: How to Measure, a Measurement Chart, and a Standard Yarn Weight Reference.)  Below is a page from mine that shows my favorite kid's crochet hat pattern.  This is a pattern that I use often and have tweaked in my own special way from time to time.  (This is the pattern I used to make The Orange Hat!)

This notebook is definitely something that I will use and refer back to for years!  I would recommend it to anyone who crochets or knits -- especially if they tend to have multiple projects going at once! 

Heather has generously offered to supply one lucky reader with their own copy of The Knit & Crochet Notebook!  

PS: Right now she is offering free shipping!  Go {here} for all of the details.  (Ends December 15, 2013.)

Enter this giveaway on the Rafflecopter below.  

Giveaway ends December 18, 2013 at 11:59 EST. Open to US only. Must be 18 + to enter. Facebook and other social media is in no way affiliated with this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Religious Christmas Coloring Pages for Preschoolers

These are all free printables available at other websites.  Enjoy!

Holy Family in the Stable

Holy Family

Baby Jesus in Manger

We Three Kings

Nativity Scene

Jesse Tree Advent Calendar 

Joy to the World Angel

Precious Moments Nativity  

Silent Night Shepherd

Come All Ye Faithful  

Be sure to check out the 10 December Coloring Pages for Preschoolers too! 

7 Quick Takes

1. It's Friday already!?

2. I finished Catherine's Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf just in time for our pre-Thanksgiving ice and snow storm.  (I'll do a full post on it next week.)

3. While the rest of the blog-world is sharing Christmas crafts, this week I shared a Reversible Bucket Hat I made this past spring.  I'm special.

4. Happy St. Nick's Day!

5.  While browsing Pinterest, I came across this picture of St. Nick that I really like:

Source

6. Facebook is now admitting that they want brands (including bloggers) to pay in order to be seen.  While not surprising, they are a business after all, it is annoying.  The suggested price, PER STATUS UPDATE, that they want from me is $60.  Yeah, no thanks. So, if there are some blogs that you really like AND you follow them on Facebook be sure to interact (like, share, comment) with their status updates and photos -- otherwise you probably won't see them much (if at all) in the near future.  (I'm here!)

7. I'd love if you'd enter {this giveaway} and make sure that you say you entered on my blog! (It's for a $100 Amazon Gift Card!)  Thanks so much!

For more Quick Takes be sure to visit Jen!