I know. It's barely August and here I am already thinking about the holidays. Well, I sorta have to. Since I am making a good portion of (read - ALL-) of the Christmas presents that are going to be handed out this year, I need to get a full head start, so that come November I'm not panicking with only a few things done. This year I'm thinking some cross-stitches (I found a great book at the local library that has some designs from Ed Hardy!), a few purses/bags made from old jeans, some felties, and other found objects that can be turned into art/crafts. Since our budget has become drastically reduced with my becoming a SAHM, I have to be really thoughtful about what I am going to be spending our money on. Unfortunately, mostly that will only be on the house and living expenses...Christmas presents and the like are going to have to be produced using alternative methods. Luckily, I'm handy with a needle and a sewing machine and I have a TON of imagination, so I'm thinking that I will be OK when it comes to creating fun things for family and friends. Now, I just have to make my lists, gather the supplies from around the house, and get started! Thankfully, due to my non-idle hands, I've already got some things underway.