I spent time in my studio and I actually made something.  I had an idea in my head and needed a gift for my girlfriend who had her birthday on January 2nd.  Since I had not been creative for so long I was concerned that it would come out terrible and then I would need to rush out and buy something that isn't personal or from the heart...which I detest doing.  You might know that old feeling of not doing something "perfect".  Well, I have been working for a really long time to get over that feeling.  After all...nothing is "perfect" and therefore that excuse just doesn't have any merit.  Relax...and create!  Handmade is the best after all.
This is the little lavender sachet I made her.  She loves snowmen and I thought this would make her smile.  It did and she loved it.  It felt so good to create what I had in my mind and have it come out as cute as I had imagined.  Now, of course, I have lots of ideas from this and will be planning on making additional gifts throughout the year. 
My gift cupboard is pretty bare after the holidays.  I am one of those types who shop and make all year long and keep a cupboard of gifts for recipients.  Actually my cupboard is fairly small so I also have a dresser with the drawers to fill with gifts to give.  It works especially well for me...that is if I label the specific gifts with the name of the person I am giving it to.  :o)  Do you keep a special place where you store gifts throughout the year?  Do you forget you have a gift for someone and then find it much later on?
Our weather is unseasonably warm and we have no rain or snow so far.  You have probably seen how dry Tahoe ski resorts are and the lack of snow for skiers and boarders.  It is almost 200% less snow pack than this time last year.  Oh dear...we may need snow and rain for our water table and economic base.  Mr. C has had to fill our pond with our well water because it got so low.  He ran the hose for two days and just got it to the lowest level we keep it filled.  I would welcome rain.
Wonderful week to each of you as you pursue your New Year goals and resolutions.
I am off to play...

More Christmas in August. These are snowmen ornaments for the elementary school holiday sale in December. I find being prepared can never be too soon as time slips by so quickly.