If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to save money - even when it come to gifts. I hate having to be cheap, because most of the time I really like the recipient of the gift. (It would be different if I didn't like the recipient - don't you agree?) So, I decided to make some things by hand this year to help the budget a little. I think it shows people that I love them, because I'm willing to spend time and effort on their gift even if I don't spend a lot.
I got one of my favorite ideas from my
Mother-in-law: REAL VANILLA!! You need 1 bottle of Myer's Dark Rum and 4-6 vanilla beans. Place the bean in the rum; store in the dark for about 6 months and
voilà, you have real vanilla. Here comes the handmade part: I knit a cover for the bottle that is both festive and function, because it has to be stored in the dark. Don't forget to add a tag with directions! I know this is a little late for this year, but there are plenty of occasions for gift giving, not just Christmas.
Mother-in-law: REAL VANILLA!! You need 1 bottle of Myer's Dark Rum and 4-6 vanilla beans. Place the bean in the rum; store in the dark for about 6 months and voilà, you have real vanilla. Here comes the handmade part: I knit a cover for the bottle that is both festive and function, because it has to be stored in the dark. Don't forget to add a tag with directions! 
enough time off work to make traveling for the Holidays worth while. Nevertheless, we have had a lot of fun just the two us of. We've been cooking a lot, watching movies till our brains rot and playing chess - I knew I shouldn't have gotten that for him for Christmas...
