New Songs for the New Year

A few months ago I was forced to admit that I don't really listen to much music these days. I've been won over by podcasts and I'm kind of obsessed. I even have specific podcasts I listen to when doing certain activities.

Driving to work = Stuff You Should Know, Stuff You Missed in History Class
Cooking = This American Life
Dishes = NPR Pop Culture
Sewing = To The Best of Our Knowledge

It's not all set in stone but I would never waste TAL on doing the dishes. The water is much too noisy to hear my Ira.

So when it came time to assemble the annual mix cd that Molly and I make, I had a little digging to do. Luckily, it wasn't too hard to pick out 6 amazing tracks.

Every year Molly and I make a mix of new songs for the new year. It started four years ago with just me choosing the tracks. Last year we settled into a new routine where we each choose 6 songs and put them together to make a 12 track mix.

What first began as "New Songs for the New Year" has now become "New Songs for the New New New New Year." To make it a bit easier, I'll just call it "New Songs for the New Year 2012."

Photo from the Library of Congress

This year we've decided to share our mix so you can listen along with us. I selected songs 1-6, Molly 7-12. You can listen online here.

We hope you enjoy it!

(And even though I just admitted my podcast addiction, anyone have any new recommendations?)

Sleeping Masks

I had been thinking about making sleep masks for about three years now. Last week the day finally came.

It was really just a matter of tracing a sleep mask I already had (from a long haul flight). I looked over a tutorial (that I can't seem to find) to make sure there weren't any little tricks I was missing. But nope, it was really that easy. The masks are reversible and I made sure to use especially soft material.

I wrapped the masks up and gave them to Hannah for her birthday. Everyone likes a good night's sleep.

Pink and Purple

Last night we had a little pre-birthday party for a friend. The theme was shades of purple and pink.

I had been dying to make these floral party hats for a few months and this seemed like the perfect occasion. I couldn't find any thin wire (or wire at all) so I had to settle for plant ties. Not ideal but it got the job done.

I also made a few banners by sewing strips of paper together. I also made a banner with paint chips and I especially liked the way it turned out.

Molly cooked up a few delicious salads and I especially liked this one.

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

Three Pouches

When I was digging around for craft supplies to make Christmas gifts, I pulled out what I thought to be the last of my zipper stash. I quickly sewed up three pouches for three friends. I didn't mean for them to be so square, but oh well.

I think I spotted Molly's in her bag the other day. So that's a good sign. I've discovered a few more zippers since then... so I guess I'll be making a few more!

I used this tutorial again.