December, 2014 | Darling Fig

When the weather turns colder, it becomes essential to have some good indoor activities on tap for the kids (and adults, for that matter). Particularly when temperatures dip to “no exposed skin” levels and/or you have a family member fighting off a cold – which seems to be most of the winter months – it’s nice to stay hunkered down inside. When you can combine an activity with getting other items checked off your to-do list, all the better! These orange clove pomanders are simple enough to do with the kids (even Ella, at age 3, loved it) and result in great holiday décor, such as a centerpiece when grouped together. They also can serve as simple but pretty gifts to give to teachers, party hosts, and co-workers (anyone else find Secret Santa gift-giving extremely challenging?). The materials and the steps are simple, and are included below.

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We were treated to a gloriously warm day this weekend – compared to the temperatures of late, that is – so we headed for a walk downtown to do a little shopping for Small Business Saturday. We were at my parents for the holiday weekend, who live in a small town, so were in perfect walking distance to some favorite neighborhood shops. A special gift store in town was always my favorite for stuffed animals when I was little, so it was just the place to go for a special treat for the kids. My outfit was basic (as that is all I really pack for trips back home) – a classic navy cable knit sweater, pants and boots in the same color, and a peek of color and pattern with the polka dot yellow long sleeve tee. The outfit was updated a bit, thanks to the faux leather trimmed side zipper on the sweater and the floppy hat. I’ve been in search of such a hat for a while, and love this one from J Crew. It comes in more than one size (I have a bit of a big noggin) and it has the floppy brim without being over the top.

December 2014 archive

Orange Clove Pomanders

Navy With a Peek of Polka Dot