Bear Earflap Hat

My friend from high school is having a baby girl, and I made this hat for her. I made it a little bigger than a newborn size, but it will be perfect for next winter and maybe the one after that, too!

I wasn't able to go to her baby shower, so I mailed the gift to her. I started the hat one day last week after work, and I stayed up until 2AM finishing it. There's nothing like being a procrastinator. I should have known better than starting it the day before I had to mail it.


I know Melissa's baby girl will look precious in this hat, and I think it will keep her head and ears warm.

If you want to crochet this hat, you can get the pattern from this etsy shop.

Sweet N' Spicy Brown Sugar Scrub

I made several of these sugar scrubs for Christmas gifts. I tried some out as I was making it, and it left my hands feeling so soft. It smells delicious, too! It reminds me of those scrubs at Bath and Body Works, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. The only thing I may try differently next time is using something other than almond oil. I had a hard time finding it in the grocery store, and it was almost $7 for an 8.45-ounce bottle. I may try peanut oil unless anyone has any other suggestions.

Want to make one of these for yourself? You'll need the following:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated white sugar
3/4 cup almond oil (or more)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 (16-ounce) glass container with lid (I got mine at World Market)
1 Cinnamon stick

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all ingredients until thoroughly blended. Be sure to break up any lumps from the brown sugar or from the spices. Spoon into the glass container and secure with lid. Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in circular motions onto your skin. Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The scrub will tighten on your skin.

Source: Domino Sugar

Girly Sock Monkey Hat

Meet Maggie! She is the precious daughter of a dear friend of mine (hi, Alison). Her birthday was in November, and had this hat in mind for her. In order to get a picture of her, I had to bribe her with juice.

I bought the pattern from the Sock Monkey Kook store on etsy. It came together pretty quickly, and I was so happy with the finished hat.

Above is a picture of miss. sock monkey about to be wrapped up for the birthday girl.

Mr. Monkey loved the hat!