But baby it's cold outside!

[old sweaters made into new warm mittens}

Long Johns

Have I told you how much I LOVE my long johns? Mad City is not the warmest city and during our 5 months of winter, my long johns become my best friends.

The most important part of my long johns is the brand. Hanna Anderson (www.hannaandersson.com)... the one and only. For all you non-believers out there, you must trust me! You have never really had a pair of long johns until you've owned a pair of Hannas. They are thick, comfortable, durable cotton that don't shrink or stretch too much.

I own 7 pairs and have had all of them for 5-12 years. None of them look more than a year old. Trust me, these are the real deal. If you are short like me, order the largest kids size (160cm) and you'll save some money!

In my opinion the stripe ones are the best. I own blue/green, turquoise/blue, lght pink/drk pink, red/green, and orange/blue. There are also some really cute patterns. I have swedish horses, and some skiers as well.

Now off to shovel, with a base layer of long johns!

hanna andersson

this is my new favorite color combo. did i mention they come out with new colors each year?!

Oh, if I could craft all day...

{ so much better than a star}

www.oncewed.com

{I'd need a bigger house}

by Cathy Callahan

{ I imagine Addie would LOVE these}

http://mayamade.blogspot.com

{ so easy! i may have to start this one soon}

http://papiervalise.typepad.com

Traditions

I love traditions. They go deep in my family. Not a holiday passes without some tradition to follow. Many may find these annoying or a bother to keep up. Not me. I find great comfort in following traditions my family has managed to keep over the years. It makes me reflect on my childhood and so many memories of my family. I especially think of my grandparents... GO & GO (Grandma Olson and Grandpa Olson). They were the best at keeping with tradition and always were around to join in. I miss them so, especially as this holiday season rolls around. This is part of my way of always keeping them close.

Some of my favorite Christmas traditions...

-Swedish Pepparkakor in a new Carl Larson tin from the Swedish Store(which Addie LOVES).. thanks Mom!

-Cookie Baking with the ladies (the guys help eat the burnt cookies... GO was especially good at this!). I am excited for everyone to come bake a TON of cookies at my place this year!

-Hanging the ornaments I received as a child.

- Receiving an amaryllis from my Aunt Nancy & Uncle Dale. Oh the anticipation of such a beautiful bloom!

-Cardamom coffee cake

-Hanna Anderson Long Underwear (if you don't have a pair, you should seriously invest!)

-English and Swedish Supper on Christmas

Addie enjoying her first birthday breakfast... a tradition of course!

What are some of YOUR favorite traditions?

trash reinvented

something to replace my 4ft. vase

my muse

The treats of life

Of course Alex & Addie. i am blessed to have them in my life.

the celebration of birthdays. a way of reflecting on the year.

warm, soothing coffee. my new daily addiction.

spontaneous dance breaks when Alex gets home and the giggles that flow from Addie.

Wednesday morning Encounter. so good to dig deep into the word.

my new zest for meal planning. so many food combinations to try.

community on our block that dates back 30+ years. we call them the Golden Gang.

stepping in to our heated home.

daily dose of blog posts on the Internet and the inspiration that follows.

a husband that keeps me laughing with his joking around.

Kleenex. a necessity for a one year old.

meeting Thursdays with life group. those ladies are real, thought provoking, and funny to chat with.

my Mom and the crafting bug she's given me.

never having to leave home to return a movie. Netflix.

holidays filled with Olson family traditions.

Starbucks luring me in with their holiday flavors. pumpkin spice latte is my favorite.

i know i shouldn't use them, but q-tips are hard to quit.

the continual refinement through relationships in my life.

deep connection and history i have with my sisters.

a holiday to reflect and remember. thanksgiving.

unemployment. love love love spending my days with Addie.

big or small, vacations are always great. can't wait for one this weekend.

very convenient to have a walking partner down the block with a kid the same age as my babe.

x. sorry i've got nothing.

the color mustard yellow. a fall favorite.

free zoo. a Madison mother's escape.