Best Hair Day. EVERRRR!!!

Awesome hair days are like true loves, they come around veeeeery rarely...or maybe that's just in my case. I always see those women that have perfect hair all day, everyday. You know those types, the ones who never have a hair out of place and who appear to have someone following them around doing touch-ups and carting a fan to blow their hair in the most perfect way whenever necessary? Yeah. And then there are the women like me, who shower, blow-dry, fight my way out of my own lion's mane enough to wrangle the straightener through my hair, just for it to finally calm down, look normal, than appear to have been deflated from all volume within 2 hours. Grrrr. That's why I was literally doing a happy hair day dance when I found this new product from L'Oreal.

I already absolutely loooove L'Oreal products, but I feel like there should be a drumroll for this post, this stuff is so amazeballs (I mean, the ads do say it will "Change the life of your hair"...and they aren't lying!!). I am constantly changing my shampoo, conditioner, make-up...I have a serious case of maybe-there's-something-better-out-there-itis when it comes to my beauty products, so I was uber psyched when I tried this and absolutely fell in love after the first use. I wanted to give it a run for one week before reporting in, and man, I gotta tell ya, I am SOLD.

Introducing L'Oreal Advanced Haircare.

I ran across this haircare line while shopping at Shaw's, which I don't do often. After careful research (and ladies, you know this means reading the back of every damn bottle to see what "miracles" the product will do for your mane) I figured there couldn't be any harm in giving it a try, plus is smelled amazing, so in the basket it went. Since I am all about my red hair (which usually fades in, like, 2.5 seconds), I chose the Color Vibrancy line, which has a fresh, slightly fruity scent, is packed with Anti-Oxidents, and promises to provide up to 8 weeks of color vibrancy with UV Filters and Arginine-K Complex, which penetrates the hair fiber from root to core to tip for healthier hair.

So...the real story behind all this technical talk? I. Am. In. LOVE. My hair, after 1 wash with this Color Vibrancy system, was shiny, soft and had noticably brighter color, so noticable that my husband asked if I had had my hair dyed. My second love it or hate it test: styling. It took me 10 minutes to dry my hair. 10 freakin minutes!!! Anyone who has thick, unruly hair knows that this in and of itself is a miracle. A seriously awesome miracle. Once it was dry, I straightened just the ends of my hair to make it a tad more sleek and looked like I had just had a professional blow-out done. Volume, shine, vibrant color...is this really MY hair?!?!? The answer, after 1 week of use, is YES!!!

And, L'Oreal's Advanced Haircare offers 4 other lines: 

• Total Repair 5: Transforms your weak, limp, lifeless, dull, straw-like hair with the power of Ceramides.
• Triple Resist: Reduces hair fall due to breakage 64% with the power of Arginine.
• Power Moisture: Gives your hair 10x the hydration and ultimate softness with the power of Hyaluronic.
• Smooth Intense: Provides an amazing 72 hours of ultra-polished frizz control with Oleo-Keratin.

With so many different options, there's bound to be the perfect one for every kind of hair nightmare out there, and, if you check out L'Oreal's website right now, you can find your targeted solution and get a coupon to use when purchasing your products! A hair-miracle in a bottle AND money off? Woohoo!!!

So what are you waiting for?? Go grab some and have your best hair day...everrrr!!! And hey, if you try out one of the other Advanced Haircare lines, comment below and tell me all your pros and cons!!!

~KG

In light of such a tragedy...why not be someone's angel?

It's Thankful Thursday again. I think this past week has given everyone in America a reason to stop and think about everything they are thankful for. Which is why this week's featured Thankful Thursday charity - The Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund - was an absolute no brainer.

After such a tragic event, there is a great need to lend a hand, to comfort those dealing with loss, to help however you can. While we cannot take away the pain of those who lost a loved one so thoughtlessly, we can certainly help by donating towards a fund that will provide counseling for the survivors, pay for funeral expenses for the victims, create a scholarship fund for the school's students and fund a memorial. 

How can you help?

To make a monetary donation to the Sandy Hook Elementary School Victim Relief Fun, visit the Donations page online here.  

If you have crafted goods that could be used in fundraising efforts, please send them to:

Newtown Board of Education Building
2 Trade Street
Newtown, CT 06470

If you would like to send letters of condolences, pictures from children, care packages, etc, the Newtown Post Office has dedicated a PO Box at:

Messages of Condolence for Newtown
PO Box 3700
Newtown, CT 06470

If you are an individual, group or business who is collecting donations for Sandy Hook Elementary School, they have made the following statement in response to requests for use of their name, logo, etc:

"During these times, formality cannot overrule generosity. Our only request is this: You may use our logo in its form on the web, provided that you first provide a memo via email to newtownmemorialfund@gmail.com stating your intention and contact phone/address information."

The Newtown Memorial Fund website contains a lot of helpful information, from donations to volunteering opportunities and several different groups running fundraisers. If you have questions on how you can help the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, I urge you to read through the site and find a way to make a difference. I don't have much this Christmas, but I took the time to donate just $5 today and am also making a care package of items to send to the Victim Relief Fund as well. What can you do to help?


~KG

I scream, you scream, we all scream...for ICE CREAM!!!

Rain, rain, go away...
Hey, at least it's Two-fer Tuesday at Coldstone Creamery today!!!

Yeah, I have a wicked craving for some kickass ice cream today. What about it?

My co-worker and I used to visit Coldstone every Two-fer Tuesday (we obviously wanted to support our local business, duh!!) and it crossed my mind this morning. I began to crave ice cream like crazy then thought...ooooh....buy one get one!!! I've GOT to share, cause who doesn't love free ice cream!?

So (you're very welcome from you most favorite rowdy girl) go ahead and check your local Coldstone Creamery for their weekday specials to see if you can buy one, get one free, then make your own amazeballs creation or try one of Coldstone's Signature concoctions! YUM!!!

From handmade (and even chocolate dipped and sprinkle-coated) waffle bowls to hand spun shakes, healthy options and delectably creamy ice cream, Coldstone is a fun, unique place to visit where the ice cream is amazing and the employees even sing to you! I mean, their sizes are called Like It, Love It and Gotta Have It, that should tell ya everything you need to know about the ice cream party that will be happening in your mouth after one bite!!

If you haven't visited one yet, be sure to check Coldstone's store locator and visit one soon! I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Photo credit to coldstonecreamery.com

 

~KG

A mini tropical vacation...for your mouth!!!!

What tastes like creamy cheesecake infused with rum and coconut and topped with decadent crushed cookie...aaaand only has 75 calories per serving?

Skinny Tropical Pudding Cups!!!!

Ummm...yeah. They're practically the perfect food. They're sweet, crunchy, tart and tropical, take like 5 minutes to whip up and have only 75 freakin' calories per serving!!! So yeah, I said practically perfect!!! Honestly, the only thing that could make them more perfect is if they made themselves! With today's snowy, grey, stay-bundled-up-inside kinda weather, I thought it would be the perfect day to unleash this decadent, tropical dessert recipe into your little brains.

 

I first found the recipe on the Eat Yourself Skinny blog when researching low fat and low calorie desserts for Thanksgiving and thought, "God, that looks and sounds amazing!", then filed the recipe away and promptly forgot about it. When I came across it this morning, I figured it was a sign.

It was so easy to throw together I almost forgot I was cooking. Seriously. This is the kind of dessert you make that convinces people that you spent the entire day preparing it (and that they just blew their entire day's worth of calories and fat eating it) but it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is fat free and low calorie!

Ok...okaaaaay...get to the part where I tell you how to make it already, right?

Skinny Tropical Pudding Cups

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Fat-Free Milk (or whatever kind is your fave)
1 small packet of Sugar-Free, Fat-Free Cheesecake* instant pudding mix
1 tsp Coconut extract
1/2 tsp Rum extract
2 tbsp Lime juice
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, not drained
1 cup Fat-Free Whipped Topping
2 White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies, crushed

Make It Up:

Whisk milk and pudding mix together in a large bowl until smooth. Add the Coconut and Rum extracts, lime juice and crushed pineapple (not drained) and stir well. Carefully fold in the whipped topping and mix until smooth and a uniform color.

Divide the mixture into 8 small cups, cover and refridgerate for at least 30 minutes. (If your cups do not have individual containers, try placing the cups on a cookie sheet and using one large sheet of Press N" Seal to cover them quickly and easily!)

Serve well-chilled with a sprinkle of crushed cookie to top each cup. Kick back, relax and enjoy your mini tropical vacation!!

 

 

*The original recipe called for Sugar-Free, Fat-Free Vanilla pudding, but I got the itch to tweak the recipe (as I always do!!!) and decided to sub in Sugar-Free, Fat-Free Cheesecake pudding instead. I looooved the results. I thought it gave it a slightly creamier taste and texture, not to mention my love for cheesecake. Feel free to sub in whatever pudding flavors you think might enhance the tropical goodness of this decadent dessert. White Chocolate, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Cheesecake...the sky's the limit, just make sure it's instant! The more you try out...the more you get to sample! ;)

The Stats:

Servings:            8
Serving Size:     1/2 cup
Calories:            75
Fat:                    1.5 g
Carbs:                14.5 g
Fiber:                  0.1 g
Protein:              .9 g
WW Points:        2 pts

~KG

Innocence Lost...A moment of silence for those involved in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Photo credit to evilsunday.com

 

The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School...see the story here.

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the familes with anyone involved in the horrific shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in Connecticut. They are reporting 27 people dead so far, 18 of which are children. I cannot imagine the pain these families must be in. Let's all collect our most supportive thoughts and prayers to send their way.

 

To the families affected, may you find peace somehow tonight with the support and love of family and friends, and may your babies rest in peace.

~KG

Play Santa this year and help spread some Christmas cheer!!!

With Christmas less than two weeks away (already!!!) I am SO excited to share this Thankful Thursday's feature charity: the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation!

Photo credit to toysfortots.org

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Topsham, Maine started off this year with requests to help provide toys to almost 9,000 children in central Maine. Local businesses, such as the Masons of the Governor's King Lodge in Dunstan, Maine and The Dancing Trees in Oxford, Maine, have stepped up to help Toys for Tots fill the requests and put smiles on so many faces this Christmas.

It's SO easy to donate!!!

Have a new, unwrapped toy you would like to donate to Toys for Tots? Visit any one of these locations that has partnered with Toys for Tots as toy drop locations, making it easier and more convenient for you to donate just in time for Christmas. The following Androscoggin County locations are accepting new, unwrapped toy donations until end of business tomorrow, Friday, December 14th:

AAA Northern New England

600 Center Street, Auburn ME - Shaw's Plaza
Drop-off between: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Contact: Ray Labbe

Sun Tan City

624 Turner Street, Auburn
Drop-off between: 9:00am - 9:00pm
Contact: Cally Jandreau

Big Lots

730 Center Street, Auburn, ME
Drop-off between: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Contact: Doug Curtis

Joker's Family Fun

550 Center Street, Auburn, ME - Auburn Mall
Drop-off between: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Contact: Jeff Mitchell

Grease Lightning/Cheveron

826 Minot Ave, Auburn, ME
Drop-off between: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Contact: Travis Deems

Ruby Tuesday

649 Turner Street, Auburn, ME
Drop-off between: 11:00am - 10:00pm
Contact: Kristel Drew

Can't make it to one of those locations by tomorrow? No problem! 

Contact the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Topsham, Maine:

1st Sgt Tym Bunnell
(207) 877-1946

Or visit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation's informational donation page to find out more.

You can donate more than toys...

Volunteering your time can make such a huge difference to so many people. If you're interested in donating your time by volunteering for Toys for Tots, visit their Volunteer link to submit your information and a member of the Toys for Tots team will contact you!

Interested in donating online? Your online donations will still go to help put smiles on the faces of children in Central Maine. Simply visit the Toys for Tots Donation page for more information!

It takes just a few minutes to donate a toy to put a smile on a child's face this Christmas!! Play Santa and give the gift of happiness by visiting Toys for Tots drop-off locations or by visiting them online. So simple...yet so rewarding!! Merry Christmas to you!!

Photo credit to youwall.com

 

~KG

The easiest damn BBQ Pulled Pork. Ever.

Have a crock pot and, like, 5 minutes? Then you've got an amazing, home-cooked meal in a flash! (You can even get it going before heading to work. Helloooo multi-tasking!)

I looove cooking. But I also love a seriously simple recipe. Not only does it make me look like Super Wife (yeah, I totally wish I had a kickass Super Wife outfit, ha!) cause I get the whole house in order, my blog written, errands done and still have an amazing meal ready when my hubby walks in from work. Little does he know how insanely simple my recipe for BBQ Pulled Pork is. I mean, this thing is seriously simple, full of protein, packed with flavor and low in fat and calories. What more could you really ask for from a recipe?!

I found, through research and much (tasty) experimentation, that a fresh portion of Natural Pork Boston Butt Roast is the best to use for a juicy, tender pulled pork. I also tested about a billion (ok, maybe not a billion, but it seemed like a lot!!!) of different BBQ sauces. Many of the thicker sauces did not absorb into the pork as well, producing a drier meat in the end, so I settled on Stubb's Hickory Bourbon BBQ sauce. It is a slightly thinner sauce that has a sweet, smoky flavor with just a little kick to it, and with the minced garlic and onion, the flavor in the pulled pork is amazing. (Not to mention how delicious your house smells while it's simmering all day!) If you have your own favorite BBQ sauce, be sure to try using that when making this recipe if you prefer!

 

 

Hickory Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork

What you'll need:

A Crock Pot

A large package of fresh Boston Butt Roast

1 small white onion, diced OR onion powder to taste

2 tsp minced garlic

2 jars of Stubb's Hickory Bourbon BBQ sauce (or your favorite kind of BBQ sauce)

To prepare: (pay attention...this is the reeeeal hard part, LOL)

In the morning before work, plug in your Crock Pot and pour in one bottle of Stubb's Hickory Bourbon BBQ sauce (or whatever your favorite kind is).

Carefully add the Boston Butt Roast to the Crock Pot and pour the second bottle of BBQ sauce.

Turn your Crock Pot on High if someone will be around halfway through to stir the meat. Cover. Halfway through cooking (about 3-4 hours in), stir the meat and sauce well and add the minced garlic and onion or onion powder. Turn the heat on your Crock Pot to Low.

If there will be no one will be around until after work, turn the Crock Pot on low, add the minced garlic and onion and stir well. Cover.

This pulled pork only gets more tender the longer it cooks, so you are all set to leave it cooking for up to 8 or 9 hours. When you are ready to serve, turn off the Crock Pot, prepare your sides, then use tongs or forks to rip the meat apart. Serve and enjoy!!

~KG

Laaaaaazy Sunday...

I totally <3 lazy Sundays.

:

That inevitable part of life: Change.

Change. It happens to everyone. Some people fight it, some accept it, and some deny it whole-heartedly even while it's happening. My hubby and I see it coming, detest it, but realize we really don't have a choice, then talk about it like craaaazy. I've always loved that about us. Our communication skills may not be perfect all the time, but when it counts we can talk for hours,  discussing every angle, trying to prepare. 

Together. 

That is the important piece in the equation.  I would never get as far alone as I do with him by my side. I try harder, push myself further, believe in myself and in us, and it seems to give us the strength to overcome the obstacles that get thrown our way so often. 

So yeah, Change, I see ya comin',  but I've got my hubby by my side, so bring it on.

~KG

Live...and let love.

I was always raised to live and let live, to treat others how you want to be treated, you know, the usual "mommy rules" that you grow up with. The "Golden Rules" as my mother used to call them. When the question about legalizing gay marriage first started coming up I remember wondering, "Why is this even a question? If these people love each other enough to want to be married, who are we to tell them they can't?".

I watched as the subject of gay marriage was brought up time and again, usually received with negativity, and didn't ever say much. I have never really been big on politics and hate elections, not because of the changes that may happen, but because of all the negative press and hatred that seems to pour out of people when politics and election issues are brought up. Finally, one night just before the election at my parents house, I blurted out the fact that I planned to vote for gay marriage. The silence in the room was tangible, but I felt somehow...better. Suddenly, it was about being true to how I really felt, what I believed to be right in my heart.

That was four years ago, the first time I ever voted, and a day I was proud to walk out of that voting booth knowing I had stuck to my values and beliefs. I was so proud and excited for the couples in Maine this November when it finally passed!

So this morning when my husband turned on the news, I almost burned his breakfast when I heard them discussing the fact that the city hall in Portland will open at 12:01am on December 29th to hand out marriage licenses and perform weddings. I was instantly filled with pride that people were finally able to open their minds and their hearts and accept the fact that love doesn't have to look a certain way anymore. There is no tradition in love. Love is love, same sex or not, and those couples deserve the same right to be married and enjoy their spouse for the rest of their lives as I do. My husband has been my best friend, one of my biggest supporters and my partner in crime in absolutely everything for the past 12 and a half years and I could never imagine my life if I had been told I could not marry the man that I love as much as myself.

So on December 29th, I'll be toasting to all the new, happy, same-sex marriages that will happen that night, the chance at a future with their new spouse, and to all the same-sex couples that now have the right to love freely as well all do! This life is too short and too crazy to do anything but live and let live...or in this case...let love.

stuffqueerpeopleneedtoknow.wordpress.com

 

Cheers to all the excited couples awaiting their special day! Love like there's no tomorrow, and get ready for a lifetime together with not only your partner, but your spouse!

~KG

Thankful Thursday - Walking, donating and volunteering for a GREAT cause: The Relay for Life

Thankful Thursday has rolled around again, bringing us one week closer to Christmas, and bringing us to our second featured Thankful Thursday charity: The Relay for Life.

Photo credit to unionvilletimes.com 

I had my first experience with the Relay for Life my senior year in high school. I had joined the Key Club and the Relay was one of their larger fundraising events. Not having any idea what the event was even about, I collected my funds, grabbed my tent and headed to the site to get set up. I wasn’t prepared for the outpouring of support, hope and love that took place that night. The temperature dropped rapidly, but no matter how freezing it got outside, there was always at least one group walking around the track, chattering happily with smiles on their faces. It didn’t matter that they were freezing, it was nothing compared to dealing with having cancer.

At every job I have had since then, I have tried my best to initiate some kind of fundraising or charity work. I feel that there is always time, and always a way, to donate somehow. It doesn’t always mean you need to give a monetary donation. Sometimes just a few hours out of your day spent volunteering your time can make a bigger difference in someone’s life than you could ever imagine.

So, what is the Relay for Life?

Well, quite simply, it is an organized overnight walk where teams of people set up tents around the track and take turns walking around the track throughout the night. The monies raised are given to the American Cancer Society to help fund cancer research and important support programs for those dealing with or recovering from cancer, such as:

The Hope Lodge:

The Hope Lodge offers a comfortable, inviting place for cancer patients and their caregivers to stay if their best option for treatment ends up being in a city far from their home. By removing the stress of having someplace to stay during treatment, patients can focus more on healing and can find solace in a private room or connect with others while at the Lodge. Learn more about the Hope Lodge here.

The Road to Recovery:

While undergoing treatment, patients may have to go to several appointments, but may be unable to drive themselves or may not have their own transportation. The Road to Recovery program connects cancer patients with volunteers who donate their time and use of their cars to bring patients to and from their treatments. Learn more about the Road to Recovery program here.

Look Good...Feel Better:

Look Good...Feel Better is a free, national public service for cancer patients that helps women undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments learn about improving their appearance with hands-on training with makeup, wigs, turbans and scarfs so they will better understand how to manage the appearance side effects of their treatments. What an awesome program helping the women undergoing treatments show their inner beauty on the outside. Learn more about Look Good...Feel Better here.

The Reach to Recovery:

A program that has been helping breast cancer patients, both male and female, cope with their cancer experience for over 40 years, the Reach to Recovery program connects those fighting breast cancer an opportunity to speak with volunteers who can help them cope, manage and understand their diagnosis, options and treatments. All volunteers in the Reach to Recovery program are breast cancer survivors, which offers patients an opportunity to discuss their cancer experience with someone who has gone through it before. Learn more about the Reach to Recovery program here.

 

What happens at the Relay for Life?

The event is kicked off with a Survivors Lap, which allows all the cancer survivors to take the first lap around the track lined with supporters and participants cheering them on.

Later in the evening once it is dark there is a Luminaria Ceremony. Luminarias are available to purchase at the event and are set up all around the track. Each one is dedicated to someone fighting cancer or someone who has lost their battle with cancer and is lit at the beginning of the ceremony. As the participants walk around the track, the names of those people the luminarias are dedicated to are read aloud for all to hear. Possibly the most amazing, touching part of the entire event, the Luminaria Ceremony is the only time the track is quiet, but filled with a tangible sense of hope and memories...hope for those still battling and memories of those who lost their battle.

 

 

              Photo credit to greaterlongbeach.com

 

                                         Photo credit to leusd.ems.schoolfusion.us

 



Once the Luminaria Ceremony is complete, the teams continue to walk around the track, usually in shifts, for the entire night, then pack up when the event is complete in the morning. It is amazing the people you will meet, the stories you will hear, and the hope that will fill every fiber of your being when you leave. Definitely worth every moment spent volunteering, fundraising and even freezing while walking the track.

 

Wanna get involved?? Great!!

You can simply donate to the American Cancer Society by visiting their Donations page, which offers an opportunity to donate to participants, teams and events, dedicate luminarias, donate by cash or check, or set up matching gifts or planned giving.

Want to get in on the Relay instead. You can find an event, team or participant in your area by visit their Find an Event page or, if you would prefer to start your own team, whether through your workplace, school or group of friends, you can visit their Sign Up/Volunteer page and learn how to start a new team, join an existing team and become a committee member or volunteer.

Have your own team but need some awesome fundraising ideas? Visit the Get Fundraising Ideas page and check out fundraising options for your team or event!

The Relay for Life is my favorite charity, but everyone should find a charity that they are passionate about. Every day is a chance to do even better than yesterday, so why not make today the day you find your charity passion and start making a difference? I promise, it will be the best gift you give yourself this holiday season when you see how great you feel by giving back!!

~KG

It's the little things in life....

Wordless Wednesday...

 

~KG

Share something infectious today...

YOUR SMILE!!! I know, I knoooow. Why are we smiling...it's only Tuesday?? BUT, with so many disgusting colds, flus and otherwise being shared (ick!!!), not to mention the ba-humbuggy people out there right now, it's nice to share something that isn't totally gross or negative.   
 
Plus, helloooo, it takes WAY more muscles to frown (and you don't want the nasty wrinkles from all that frowning, do ya?). The smile on your face could put a smile on the faces of 10 people you see today and could be the thing that changes someone's whole day. So, think of something you're thankful for and get out there and smile at someone! You can do it!!!!
 

Photo credit to http://funnypicturesimages.com

 ~KG

From cozy sweater to perfect lil bag in a flash: The Recycled Sweater Bag

When I first came across this idea for repurposing old sweaters to make a Recycled Sweater Bag on Perched on A Whim's amazing blog I was soooo psyched to try it out. Then I thought, how damn cute would that be if I made it with a colorful lining?! Sooooo...after rummaging through my closet in search of cute, colorful fabric and a good old sweater to try out my idea on, I settled in and went to town sewing.

How freakin' easy was this?! SO damn easy! Now, not only do I want to run around stealing everyone's sweaters to make sweater bags out of, I totally have a new favorite homemade gift to make for people. With Christmas coming up, this is an ingenious new discovery (especially for my broke ass!!) Did I mention I am absolutely in LOVE with these things??

Recycled Sweater Bag

So, how do you create your own? First things first, find any old, too big, too small (and too cute!!) sweaters you have lying around. If you have any old shirts, they make a perfect lining material for the inside of the purse. If not, hit up your local fabric store and shop the clearance bins or the fabric ends for your lining.

Now, (I know you may cringe at this next step. I sure did!!) Cut the sleeves and neck off of the sweater.

 

 

*Handy tip: If you're jonesing for a pocket in your sweater bag, find an old pair of jeans, cut off the back pockets close to the seam and sew it onto the liner fabric before attaching the liner to the sweater! Insta-pocket!!!

 



Now, cut the side seam and open up the sweater and lie it on a flat surface, removing any wrinkles.

 

Carefully lay your liner fabric over the inside of the sweater and pin in place around all 4 sides.

 

Sew the liner in place, then fold the sweater in half so the outsides are touching. Sew the open side seam and bottom of the sweater, making round corners on each of the bottom sides of the sweater. Next, fold each cut edge around the sleeve and neck areas in toward the liner about 1" and sew along the edges. This will create more sturdy handles and make sure your sweater bag won't fray at the edges, making it more durable!

 

 

Last step: (yeah, you can totally do a victory dance! Woot Woot!) Turn the sweater inside out and you have a perfect, cozy, cute sweater bag to pack full of all your goodies or to give as a memorable gift this Christmas!

 



 

Christmas is the perfect time of year to discover your crafty side. What perfectly handy crafts do you love to give out as gifts?

 

~KG