One thing I like to do is keep my own herbal tea bags with me.  These tins work great for keeping little things like tea bags safe in my purse.  However, I hadn’t thought of using felt to make them more beautiful, as well as functional.  Another project to add to my list!  I also plan to cover and line a tin with felt, then label it “My Treasures” as a gift for my niece.  You could also use a lined tin to keep jewelry when on a trip.

My goal is to only give homemade gifts for holidays and birthdays this year.  Planning ahead is not one of my strong suits, so I’ve already been caught once not having time to put something together for a good friend’s birthday.  Today I put reminders in my calendar program, so I can keep on track this fall when I will have several gift-giving occasions.

I actually have several projects I’m working on this week.  My husband and boys are off at youth camp, so I’m enjoying a quiet house!  Although it is refreshing to not have to prepare meals, and to be able to leisurely sip my tea while watching the chickens, I’m glad my guys are only gone a few days.  I love being a wife and mother, so I feel a little lost without them here!

I’m hoping to write on my blog quite a bit this week as I tackle some of the items on my list.  Sewing projects are definitely in the plans, as is getting my Aladdin Lamp functioning.  Of course, I’ll also be making time to do some reading and maybe even a little napping

If you’d like to read more of my thoughts on recycling vs upcycling, head over to the “Oh My Aching Debts” blog.  I was honored to write a guest post while Cindy spends time with her mom following the death of her father.  I’m sure she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult season.