I'm going to be honest and say that blogging has been kind of a chore for me lately. I go though stages. Sometimes, I'll feel completely inspired to create posts and share life. And then there will be times like this where it just feels like a challenge to think of anything to post. But despite that, it's not all that hard to put up the multitude of pictures I've been snapping this month, so at least you're getting a monthly update of my life! The beginning of the month was filled with a lot as I received my Christmas card designs and was working on putting together orders. And this last half of November, I've been dedicating time to more Christmas projects and gift planning! I'm getting pretty excited for what December has in store and the brisk weather we're having this week is giving me the winter thrills. 

From the top: // 1. Receiving any mail is fun, but when it's a box of cards that I designed, it's even more fun! You can purchase these in my shop in packs of 4 or 8. // 2. It's been gradual with the Christmas decorating, but slowly bits of festivity can be seen around our space. That Kinfolk issue has always been my favourite. // 3. This shot turned out blurry because I forgot my manual focus was on, but it still turned out to be one of my favourites. Uncle M and Asher reading Asher's favourite book, "Where's Dave?" (not recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months). // 4. The second instalment of holiday decor. You may remember my register makeover from last year. // 5. I've never been much good at sketching out my ideas. But I always have a million of them. So I'm practicing actually using my sketchbook to record everything floating in my head. // 6. A little embroidery project I'm working on (for spring, of all things!). Embroidery still continues to be one of my favourite things. See next picture. // 7. Our home starts to look a little more Scandinavian during the Christmas season. Find instructions for making your own cozy cottage pillow. // 8. Mary, Joseph and Jesus nestled among the air plant and cactus. Isn't that an accurate representation of Bethlehem? // 9. A pretty typical November evening- my projects strewn all over the floor while M works on report cards and we watch episodes of Gilmore Girls (my choice) or 30 Rock (his choice). // 10. Christmas candle chemistry. One of the best afternoons I've spent this whole month.

Now onto my project list for December. This includes lots of sweet baking and crafts galore! What does your December hold? 

You may have seen this floating around if you follow me on Facebook, but I was working hard last week to get this little something ready for launch. I am so excited over my brand new website! I've been wanting this for over a year now, but it's taken quite a bit of work to get things in order and start to build a portfolio. I'm thrilled to say that after many hours of toil and a bit of investment, it's finally ready.  I don't have everything up on the site yet, but there is a small amount of work to look at. I feel so professional- my own domain! I don't know if I ever dreamed that I would have a website so quickly. 

As of right now, I still plan on keeping this blog space for a while longer. Eventually, I want to have everything under the site umbrella, but I surprised myself with how attached I am to this particular blog! Tales from Bottomley Cottage has been through so much already since I started it in 2009 and I'm hesitant to abandon it. It kind of feels like a part of me...an extension of who I am and how far I've come. Maybe I'm making it into more than it is, but either way, for now I'll continue to blog here. 

But please, head on over to the site: www.jennihaikonen.com to check it out! I'd be honoured to have you look around. And if you have questions or comments, I'd also love to hear them. You can comment under this post or send me a line at my email. 

Last week was a busy one and I haven't had time to update until now, but here are a few of the things that are happening around the internet town. 

My cards are in! They look beautiful (I must say) and they are going really fast! I've already sold almost half of them. If you are looking to buy, I would suggest doing that soon. Canada Post can take their sweet time and I want to make sure everyone gets them in time to be able to send them out again before Christmas! Here's the link- choose the amount you would like in the drop down menu. 

If you are looking for another great site to buy the cards from, Paper Crush has added my cards to her shop on Great.ly. She's added all kinds of great Christmas goodies and has included my deer card and cottage card.  

Another Etsy shop item I added this week was a download for printable gift tags. These make the perfect adornment to any holiday present and feature branches, leaves, berries and candles. All elements of a cozy Christmas! And for only $3.50, they are as inexpensive as your daily latte :) What a bargain! 

Now, after a few days of resting and relaxing, I'm off to do more work. Or perhaps nap. I already know which one is going to win...