It's official....they're now married!
The wedding party...in all seriousness...
See...totally official and some seriousness....
And a lot of fun!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Oz Vest*
Project: Oz Vest
Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash in someshade of blue that I can't seem to remember.
*I'm not sure what it was about this project, but to say it was hell is truly an understatement. It looks so easy and quick, and maybe it is, but for me, it was freakin' miserable. I had to restart the damn thing about 4 times because I kept messing it up and getting off the pattern repetition. I managed to sew the vest together all crooked and twisted. It took quite a bit of time to figure out how to get it undone due to my super skills of weaving ends in. There was a lot of hard work that went into this sweater. And even some blood, sweat and tears. And quite a bit of profanity. But this fu$#^&*% sweater is done. Thank God.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Easter Treats
I love Easter. I always have. I'm not sure why, I've never been able to pin point why its do dear to me. Maybe it's the all the spring flowers that are beginning to come up in my favorite shades of yellow, pink and purple. Maybe its the promise that spring is really just around the corner. Or maybe its just another excuse to eat chocolate and other good food with family and friends. Whatever the reason, I hope your Easter was a lovely one!
Some Easter Flowers
Our friends Jon, Sara and their dog Tug look for the beers the Easter Bunny left in our yard.
The Hubby was the big winner finding most of the beers.
For dessert I tried something new, a raspberry blackberry custard. The thing I loved about this dessert was the fact that is was made in the blender!
Isn't sweet how Martha watches me?!
Friday, April 02, 2010
No, I’m not going crazy, it’s for the tourists
In my last post I mentioned our road trip through the Olympic Peninsula. Well, if you’ve read any of the Twilight books you no doubt know, that’s the stomping ground of vampires and werewolves, at least according to Stephanie Meyer.
You have to give credit to the small town of Forks for trying to make a few bucks off of these books. Everywhere in the town is some sort of Twilight sign; hotels welcoming Twilighters, specials for Bella Burgers, etc. You can also visit not one, but two Dazzled by Twilight stores in town (if you’ve been to Forks you know how small it is so to have two of these stores is pretty amazing.)
Even Jacob’s stomping ground of La Push is in on the frenzy. La Push is even smaller than Forks mind you. As you enter the town, the little restaurant has a Pepsi banner that reads “No Vampires Beyond This Point.” You can also grab a coffee a Jacob’s Java. The town store is decorated in Team Jacob mania. Edward need not apply.
But the thing that had me doing a double take is the fact that as you drive into a town there is a house and separate garage that was painted red, complete with an old trailer in front. At first I thought, no….that couldn’t be. That place looks just like the scene of Jacob’s house in New Moon. As we drove out of town I looked again. This time I realized I wasn’t crazy, it was painted and designed to look like Jacob’s house. I knew this for sure because the Twilight Tour bus full of people was pulling in the driveway.
*For you Twilighters out there, I apologize for the lack of pictures of all of this stuff. I wanted to stop and take some but the hubby just shook his head and kept on driving. He claims to be on Team Mike Newton.
You have to give credit to the small town of Forks for trying to make a few bucks off of these books. Everywhere in the town is some sort of Twilight sign; hotels welcoming Twilighters, specials for Bella Burgers, etc. You can also visit not one, but two Dazzled by Twilight stores in town (if you’ve been to Forks you know how small it is so to have two of these stores is pretty amazing.)
Even Jacob’s stomping ground of La Push is in on the frenzy. La Push is even smaller than Forks mind you. As you enter the town, the little restaurant has a Pepsi banner that reads “No Vampires Beyond This Point.” You can also grab a coffee a Jacob’s Java. The town store is decorated in Team Jacob mania. Edward need not apply.
But the thing that had me doing a double take is the fact that as you drive into a town there is a house and separate garage that was painted red, complete with an old trailer in front. At first I thought, no….that couldn’t be. That place looks just like the scene of Jacob’s house in New Moon. As we drove out of town I looked again. This time I realized I wasn’t crazy, it was painted and designed to look like Jacob’s house. I knew this for sure because the Twilight Tour bus full of people was pulling in the driveway.
*For you Twilighters out there, I apologize for the lack of pictures of all of this stuff. I wanted to stop and take some but the hubby just shook his head and kept on driving. He claims to be on Team Mike Newton.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Weekend Get-A-Way
This past weekend the hubby and I took a little road trip to the Olympic Peninsula. We had lovely weather on Saturday and drove along the coast. We are so lucky that within a few hours of our house we can drive to the beach through and old growth rainforest.
We stayed at the Lake Quinault Lodge. It’s charming, beautiful and pretty much perfect. With no t.v.’s, cell service or internet access it was just what we needed to unwind. This is the place where folks hang out with other guests in a big lobby complete with a fireplace, over stuffed leather couches, games and a bar. Once again, it was perfect.
Sunday greeted us with the typical spring rainforest weather (wind, clouds and rain). Not being the uber serious hikers, we opted for drives instead of hikes. We continued to drive along the coast up to the Sul Duc Hot Springs Resort. We were in our own cabin which was a nice treat after enjoying the hot springs.
Monday we woke to snow in the mountains, fog and possible some of the worst sleet/hail I’ve seen in awhile, once again scraping our hiking plans. It did make for some pretty scenery however.
While we weren’t able to do a lot of the hikes that we wanted to try, we’ll be heading back for sure since it was such a lovely vacation!
The beach at La Push with a big storm blowing in.
The Hubby sitting at the base of the worlds largest Cedar tree. It was really freakin' big.
We stayed at the Lake Quinault Lodge. It’s charming, beautiful and pretty much perfect. With no t.v.’s, cell service or internet access it was just what we needed to unwind. This is the place where folks hang out with other guests in a big lobby complete with a fireplace, over stuffed leather couches, games and a bar. Once again, it was perfect.
Getting a little reading time in and enjoying the rare spring sunshine.
My gin & tonic and my view.....ahhhhhh.....
Sunday greeted us with the typical spring rainforest weather (wind, clouds and rain). Not being the uber serious hikers, we opted for drives instead of hikes. We continued to drive along the coast up to the Sul Duc Hot Springs Resort. We were in our own cabin which was a nice treat after enjoying the hot springs.
Monday we woke to snow in the mountains, fog and possible some of the worst sleet/hail I’ve seen in awhile, once again scraping our hiking plans. It did make for some pretty scenery however.
While we weren’t able to do a lot of the hikes that we wanted to try, we’ll be heading back for sure since it was such a lovely vacation!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A sunny spring afternoon
The first signs of life are beginning to creep up in the garden. Two rows of lettuce that we planted from seed are popping up. I'm quite excited as I've never planted lettuce from seed before. I truly believe lettuce is the gateway drug to gardening.
Today also had some unseasonable warm spring temps and sunshine. I was able to duck out of work early and hit Alki Beach for a run. When people find out I live in West Seattle, sometimes they smirk and ask why I'd want to live over there? Gee...I wonder why?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Fourteen, or 10
My knitting mojo has been a little out of whack lately. Ok, that's not true. It's been totally out of whack. I've either just not felt like knitting or when I do pick up a project I manage to screw something up, swear a bit, rip it out then sadly, repeat the process. I hasn't been pretty around here.
So imagine my delight when Erin walked into PurlyGirls the other night sporting a lovely new scarf. It was so pretty, soft and just plain perfect. I knew I had to have one of my own. She said it was an easy project that took her only an hour to make. Translation: it would take me about 3-4 hours as Erin is an uber fast knitter.
Now it's done and I love it.
So imagine my delight when Erin walked into PurlyGirls the other night sporting a lovely new scarf. It was so pretty, soft and just plain perfect. I knew I had to have one of my own. She said it was an easy project that took her only an hour to make. Translation: it would take me about 3-4 hours as Erin is an uber fast knitter.
I bought some lovely new pink/purple yarn because one needs a dash of a little color around Seattle in March. I decided I'd cast on for this mindless, short, easy knit on a Friday night after a hectic day of work. Two hours later, after endless trying and retrying to start, I texted Rebecca to see if she knew anything about this damn pattern (mind you, it was after 10 but this was a knitting emergency so I knew she wouldn't care). About an hour later we both gave up. While the pattern seemed simple enough, his (the pattern designer) directions for a brioche rib were totally different from what the internet explained to do. Thus our frustration. I ended up going to a LYS for a little in person helped. Once it all became clear what the hell he was explaining, the scarf pretty much took no time at all.
Now it's done and I love it.
And I'm sure now that I have this warm and cozy new scarf, spring will arrive and the cold and gray will go away. But honestly, that will be o.k. with me as well.
Pattern: Fourteen (But I only cast on 10 stitches)
Yarn: Chunky Malibrego
More details can be found on my Raverly site.
Monday, March 08, 2010
A little happy dance in my cubicle
The other day at work I was doing a little research for a story when I stumbled upon this:
HOW TO USE A TOMATO TO TELL YOUR LIFE STORY
with Matthew Amster-Burton and Molly Wizenberg
It's a writing class at 826 Seattle. I've taken several of their classes before and I've loved them all. But this one is by Molly Wizenberg, of My Homemade Life and one of my favorite authors and bloggers.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I did a little happy dance in my cubicle when I signed up for the class! It's tomorrow night so stay tuned for details.
HOW TO USE A TOMATO TO TELL YOUR LIFE STORY
with Matthew Amster-Burton and Molly Wizenberg
It's a writing class at 826 Seattle. I've taken several of their classes before and I've loved them all. But this one is by Molly Wizenberg, of My Homemade Life and one of my favorite authors and bloggers.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I did a little happy dance in my cubicle when I signed up for the class! It's tomorrow night so stay tuned for details.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Auntie Meg's Brag Blog Entry
The babies I've been knitting for have finally started growing into some of their gifts from Auntie Meg. They are too cute not to share (and I'm referring to the babies and the knitted goodies of course!)
Here's Diya on her six month b-day sporting the dress from Natural Knits for Mom's and Babies.
See...she really does like it!
Here's Macie with her hat from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. At the time we didn't know if Macie was a boy or girl so I went with the sporty option and added a stripe instead of the bow. Her dad thought it'd be a boy for sure, but big sis Cameron wanted a little sister. I should have listened to Cameron and went with the bow, but I think the stripe is pretty sporty and hip.
Macie thinks so too. Gesh, what does dad know?
P.S. Due to an error on Clearwire's part, the internet at our house has been down for a few days. Fingers crossed it gets fixed before the weekend. I'm very behind on my blogging and keeping up with my favorite blogs! I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff these days, but it's pretty freakin' annoying!
Friday, February 26, 2010
I'm leavin' on a jet plane
My bags are packed.
My boarding pass is printed and ready to go.
And most importanly, a quicky, easy weekend knitting project is ready to be cast on once I get through security and make my way to the over priced airport bar. But it's a Friday and it's been a long week so there is a gin and tonic with my name on it.
I'm off to Boise this weekend for a quick visit with family and friends. Hopefully some good knitting will be done in the process!
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend as well!
My boarding pass is printed and ready to go.
And most importanly, a quicky, easy weekend knitting project is ready to be cast on once I get through security and make my way to the over priced airport bar. But it's a Friday and it's been a long week so there is a gin and tonic with my name on it.
I'm off to Boise this weekend for a quick visit with family and friends. Hopefully some good knitting will be done in the process!
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend as well!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ice Cream for breakfast
Yes, you read that correctly, ice cream for breakfast. And I’m not talking the eat-it-straight-out-a-carton-because-there’s-nothing-else-to-eat kind of ice cream for breakfast.
I’m talking the Molly Moon’s way of ice cream for breakfast. Molly Moon’s is this fabulous homemade ice cream shop in Wallingford and Capitol Hill. Every winter they offer their sweet treat on top of steaming bowl of steel-cut oatmeal. You can have any scoop of ice cream they offer: balsamic vinegar & strawberry, maple bacon, or my personal favorite salted caramel.
Once you get your bowl of oatmeal and ice cream, you can help yourself to their toppings bar: chunks of chocolate (not sprinkles or shavings, I mean chunks of chocolate), cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins and all sorts of nuts.
The best thing about this treat (well, one of the best because really there are so many ways this is delightful) is that there are often time no lines for their breakfast special. As anyone has driven, walked or bussed by a Molly Moon’s location on the weekends or evenings, there’s always a line down the block. This isn’t your normal ice cream people.
Their winter breakfast special runs through March. Now you don’t need to wait for summertime to have some ice cream. And plus, with the oatmeal, it’s really a health breakfast. Ok, that may be a stretch, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
I’m talking the Molly Moon’s way of ice cream for breakfast. Molly Moon’s is this fabulous homemade ice cream shop in Wallingford and Capitol Hill. Every winter they offer their sweet treat on top of steaming bowl of steel-cut oatmeal. You can have any scoop of ice cream they offer: balsamic vinegar & strawberry, maple bacon, or my personal favorite salted caramel.
(note the chocolate chunks in my dish)
Once you get your bowl of oatmeal and ice cream, you can help yourself to their toppings bar: chunks of chocolate (not sprinkles or shavings, I mean chunks of chocolate), cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins and all sorts of nuts.
The best thing about this treat (well, one of the best because really there are so many ways this is delightful) is that there are often time no lines for their breakfast special. As anyone has driven, walked or bussed by a Molly Moon’s location on the weekends or evenings, there’s always a line down the block. This isn’t your normal ice cream people.
Their winter breakfast special runs through March. Now you don’t need to wait for summertime to have some ice cream. And plus, with the oatmeal, it’s really a health breakfast. Ok, that may be a stretch, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Some of my favorite things
The wind and rain has returned to Seattle. Gone are the recent unseasonably warm sunny days we’ve had recently. It was just what I needed to help snap me out of my February funk.
(I snapped this pic on my camera phone while out for a walk along Alki on Sunday morning. The snow capped mountains in the background are the Olympics.)
So as I reach once again for the rain coat (really, this is Seattle so it’s never that far away), I’m going to try and think about some of the things that have made me happy these past few, warm sunny days. I thought I’d share them with you:
500 Days of Summer – I recently saw this movie. And I loved it! Seriously loved it. It was such a good story of love, friendship, heartbreak and the hope that there is love out there. I’ll admit it left me crushin’ a bit on Joseph Gordon-Levit.
The Guernsey Literary and Sweet Potato Pie Society – I’m about halfway through this book and I feel like I’m right there on Guernsey with the crew. I don’t think I want this book to end.
Seeing a movie by myself – I don’t get to do this often but I recently had the opportunity when the hubby was out of town. I love going to the movies by myself because I can watch whatever I want. And I don’t have to share my movie popcorn with anyone. In case you’re wondering, I saw New Moon (and loved it!)
Roasted Vegetables – I haven’t been doing a lot cooking lately (the hubby is doing it for a while these days) but I recently tried a new recipe for roasted butternut squash, onion and garlic. When they were done roasting the recipe called for squeezing half of an orange over the veggies. I can’t even begin to describe how good it tasted. I ate the hunks of butternut squash and onion with my hand as I stood over the stove, it was that good.
So there you go. A few things that are making me happy as we slip back into the gloomy dark days of late spring. What makes you happy these days?
(I snapped this pic on my camera phone while out for a walk along Alki on Sunday morning. The snow capped mountains in the background are the Olympics.)
So as I reach once again for the rain coat (really, this is Seattle so it’s never that far away), I’m going to try and think about some of the things that have made me happy these past few, warm sunny days. I thought I’d share them with you:
500 Days of Summer – I recently saw this movie. And I loved it! Seriously loved it. It was such a good story of love, friendship, heartbreak and the hope that there is love out there. I’ll admit it left me crushin’ a bit on Joseph Gordon-Levit.
The Guernsey Literary and Sweet Potato Pie Society – I’m about halfway through this book and I feel like I’m right there on Guernsey with the crew. I don’t think I want this book to end.
Seeing a movie by myself – I don’t get to do this often but I recently had the opportunity when the hubby was out of town. I love going to the movies by myself because I can watch whatever I want. And I don’t have to share my movie popcorn with anyone. In case you’re wondering, I saw New Moon (and loved it!)
Roasted Vegetables – I haven’t been doing a lot cooking lately (the hubby is doing it for a while these days) but I recently tried a new recipe for roasted butternut squash, onion and garlic. When they were done roasting the recipe called for squeezing half of an orange over the veggies. I can’t even begin to describe how good it tasted. I ate the hunks of butternut squash and onion with my hand as I stood over the stove, it was that good.
So there you go. A few things that are making me happy as we slip back into the gloomy dark days of late spring. What makes you happy these days?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Shot through the heart - since the 4th grade
It all started simple enough. A good song on the radio. Sung by a cute guy with great hair (it was the 80's afterall). And that was pretty much all it took to get me hooked. I was a Bon Jovi fan for life.
Friday night was the opening night for their U.S. tour. And the hubby, my friend Darcy and I went. It was fabulous. I cheered, I sang, I danced, it was great!
It was like Bon Jovi was singing right to me. Me, and several hundred other women who've loved him over the years as well.
Friday night was the opening night for their U.S. tour. And the hubby, my friend Darcy and I went. It was fabulous. I cheered, I sang, I danced, it was great!
It was like Bon Jovi was singing right to me. Me, and several hundred other women who've loved him over the years as well.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Livin' on a Prayer
That's right baby, it's here. Opening night of Bon Jovi's U.S. World Tour here in Seattle. And I will be there.
What's that? Wish you could be there too? Well, thanks to the generosity of Bon Jovi, and modern technology, you can. The first three songs of Friday's concert will be streamed live.
Enjoy. Because I will.
Oh, and expect a follow report on the concert this weekend.
What's that? Wish you could be there too? Well, thanks to the generosity of Bon Jovi, and modern technology, you can. The first three songs of Friday's concert will be streamed live.
Enjoy. Because I will.
Oh, and expect a follow report on the concert this weekend.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Moral of the story: There is safety in numbers
This past weekend a few friends and I headed to Tacoma for the Madrona Fiber Arts Festival. It was a gray, rainy February day but we were all looking forward to a little knitting, a little yarn shopping and hanging out with friends.
After a quick trip around the market place, I was pretty proud of myself for showing some serious restraint. I had a shopping plan. I wanted to pick up some Socks that Rock to make another clapotis. I have one, but I don't love and I don't wear it. I want to love it. And I want to wear it. I've learned a lot from my last one so I'm going to make another one.
After we all purchased a few things, it was time for lunch. We hopped on the light rail and headed into town for some beer, burgers and knitting. It was fun. Our waitress was just learning to knit so she was thrilled we were all sitting at her table.
Back at the retreat, we visited with more friends, chatted about books, podcast, movies and just generally enjoyed a rainy Saturday without thinking about things that needed to be cleaned, cooked or whatever back home. But then it was time to load up and head back to Seattle. Before that, however, Katie decided she needed one more trip to market place to check on some yarn. Not wanting to abandon our friend, we all decided to accompany her.
And that's when it happened. In less than 5 minutes into the marketplace, we all split up, ran around and fell down. A lot. We all fell onto lots of piles of soft, lovely yarn with our credit cards slipping through the card machines as we went down. And then we got up, laughed and ran to another booth where the same thing happened.
When it was all said and done, we decided there was safety in numbers. But it sure was fun to split up. Now, to go play with my new yarn.
After a quick trip around the market place, I was pretty proud of myself for showing some serious restraint. I had a shopping plan. I wanted to pick up some Socks that Rock to make another clapotis. I have one, but I don't love and I don't wear it. I want to love it. And I want to wear it. I've learned a lot from my last one so I'm going to make another one.
After we all purchased a few things, it was time for lunch. We hopped on the light rail and headed into town for some beer, burgers and knitting. It was fun. Our waitress was just learning to knit so she was thrilled we were all sitting at her table.
Back at the retreat, we visited with more friends, chatted about books, podcast, movies and just generally enjoyed a rainy Saturday without thinking about things that needed to be cleaned, cooked or whatever back home. But then it was time to load up and head back to Seattle. Before that, however, Katie decided she needed one more trip to market place to check on some yarn. Not wanting to abandon our friend, we all decided to accompany her.
And that's when it happened. In less than 5 minutes into the marketplace, we all split up, ran around and fell down. A lot. We all fell onto lots of piles of soft, lovely yarn with our credit cards slipping through the card machines as we went down. And then we got up, laughed and ran to another booth where the same thing happened.
(So pretty. I was drawn to lots of pinks and reds for some reason. They were all very Meg like colors.)
When it was all said and done, we decided there was safety in numbers. But it sure was fun to split up. Now, to go play with my new yarn.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Nothing says I love you like handknit socks
The first sock for the Hubby took me nearly a year to knit. I was bored with it. There were lots of other knitting projects that kept pushing these socks to the bottom of the knitting bag. But then, I decided, enough was enough. I was tired of always looking at them. I wanted them done. So I set a deadline and then knit like a mad woman on a mission. A mission for handknit socks for Valentine's Day. And it worked.
Yarn: I started these things so freakin' long ago I don't remember.
I've been working on these socks for so long that the first one actually went to France with me last March. Here it is at the beach in Nice. I'm happy to report I wasn't the only woman knitting at the beach that day. Just more proof that I could easily live in France.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February Blahs....
I was hoping to avoid these this year. But I'm pretty sure the February Blahs have set it. I seem to be doing a lot of hibernating lately. No blogging, no surfing my favorite blogs, just a lot of taking it easy. Which is nice and all, but I'd like to be a little more productive and creative.
So I'm hoping Saturday's trip to Tacoma for the Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat will help! I'm not signed up for any classes but I'm ready to buy some yarn and be inspired by all the creative knitters who will be there!
I can't wait for a little show and tell!
P.S. Another reason I've been anti-the blog lately is because I'm frantically trying to knit up the hubby's socks for his Valentine's Day gift. Yes, those socks. The socks that I started nearly a year ago! Oh, and I'm still sucked into the Twilight series.
So I'm hoping Saturday's trip to Tacoma for the Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat will help! I'm not signed up for any classes but I'm ready to buy some yarn and be inspired by all the creative knitters who will be there!
I can't wait for a little show and tell!
P.S. Another reason I've been anti-the blog lately is because I'm frantically trying to knit up the hubby's socks for his Valentine's Day gift. Yes, those socks. The socks that I started nearly a year ago! Oh, and I'm still sucked into the Twilight series.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Oh Boy!
I decided that 2009 was the year of the girl. Last year I whipped up projects for Emery, Sloane, Macie and Diya. Soren was the token male of the group.
And so far, 2010 is shaping up to be year of the boy. Taylor arrived not long ago. My coworker will have her baby boy in mid-April. A dear friend is having her second baby. And while it's too early to find out if she's having a boy or a girl, she does already have an adorable little boy! And my stalker, er, I mean friend from Purly Girls, Abby just announced she too is having a boy!
Now it's time to start looking for some adorable boy projects. I've got some ideas, but if you have any sugesstions, I'd love to hear them!
And so far, 2010 is shaping up to be year of the boy. Taylor arrived not long ago. My coworker will have her baby boy in mid-April. A dear friend is having her second baby. And while it's too early to find out if she's having a boy or a girl, she does already have an adorable little boy! And my stalker, er, I mean friend from Purly Girls, Abby just announced she too is having a boy!
Now it's time to start looking for some adorable boy projects. I've got some ideas, but if you have any sugesstions, I'd love to hear them!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Sucked in
I have a confession. I’ve recently started reading the Twilight series. And while they aren’t works of literary genius, they are quite addicting. I don’t remember the last time I blew through 500 plus pages in a weekend.
(This picture is completly and totally ripped off from Sara's site & her Twlight entry)
I will say this: my inner 15 year-old-girl is so loving it! While she can’t decide if she’s on Team Jacob or Team Edward (it flips pretty much with each chapter), one thing is for sure, neither of them are quite like Gilbert*. And my inner 15 year-old-girl will always be on Team Gilbert.
(*You get bonus points if you know what I’m referring too. That is anyone, except Sara!)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Stolen Hand Knit Items
Stealing stuff is no good.
But stealing hand knit items, well, I'm sure there's a special place in hell for people who steal hand knit items.
My sister recently had some items, we'll say liberated, from her possession. Among them, a pair of hand knit fingerless gloves my mom worked very hard to make for her. They were super cute and she loved them.
I seriously hope, whoever owns them now, is at least wearing them. And I hope they are still wearing them when they are arrested and booked for stealing. I'm sure the cops will appreciate the fact that the perps fingers will be easily accessible for the finger printing portion of the booking process.
But stealing hand knit items, well, I'm sure there's a special place in hell for people who steal hand knit items.
My sister recently had some items, we'll say liberated, from her possession. Among them, a pair of hand knit fingerless gloves my mom worked very hard to make for her. They were super cute and she loved them.
I seriously hope, whoever owns them now, is at least wearing them. And I hope they are still wearing them when they are arrested and booked for stealing. I'm sure the cops will appreciate the fact that the perps fingers will be easily accessible for the finger printing portion of the booking process.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ishbel: First Finished project of 2010
Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock
Colorway: Stonechat
More pictures can be found on my flickr site or ravelry site.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The return of the sun
I snapped this picture the other morning while waiting at the bus stop:
The sun was rising over the Cascade Mountains and reflecting in such a lovely way on the clouds. My camera phone seriously does not do this image justice at all. But as I enjoyed the colors on clouds it made me so happy to see the sun returning to the Pacific Northwest. The bus ride over the West Seattle bridge was so beautiful that morning, with the view of Mt. Rainier and the Duwamish River on one side and Elliot Bay and the Seattle skyline on the other side.
I wish I could have snapped a few more pictures, but mornings like that make me feel good to take that ride into work.
Welcome back sun. I hope you're hear to stay for a while. We missed you.
Monday, January 18, 2010
A take on the Market Tote
I found some time in the sewing room today and after sifting through patterns and fabric I finally found a project that I could whip up in the afternoon. Sort of.
I made a modified version of Amy Butler's Market Tote*. I didn't have any home decorator fabric, but I had plenty of lovely cotton fabric so I pulled out some for the exterior and the lining. I also added a pocket with a little trim just because. I also didn't have enough fabric for the really long handles to run the length of the bag so I modified those as well. In my book, as long as handles can swing over your shoulder without cutting into your armpit, they'll work.
*I find it slightly ironic and funny that I've declared 2010 the year of clearing the clutter - especially my bag obsession. And what do I go and make for my first sewing project of the year? Yeah, a bag. Guess I need to take another bag to Goodwill or consignment!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Homemade Life: my book report
I decided to treat myself to Molly Wizenburg’s book A Homemade Life. I can honestly say it’s one of the best treats I’ve bought myself in a long, long while.
To say I loved this book is a bit of an understatement. Molly’s* writing is so clear and conversational, I felt like we were great friends and she was simply telling me about her day.
I believe Molly and I could actually be friends if we met in real life and here’s why:
1. We both live in Seattle, thus making the friendship geographically feasible.
2. We both have a slight obsession with Paris, to say the least (as I write this I am listening to French music).
3. We both love to cook, bake and eat.
4. We both love chocolate – dearly.
5. And she shares my belief that goat cheese pretty much makes any dish freakin’ rock.
I’ve recommended this book to pretty much everyone I know. If you haven’t read this yet, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The chapters are short and sweet and end with a recipe that leaves you with a bit of a hungry rumble going on in your tummy.
And it’ll make you want to call your dad just to say hi and tell him you love him.
All of those things my friends, are very good.
*On an somewhat unrelated noted, Rebecca sent me an email today about a soup cooking class next week, I had ready decided to sign up before I got to the bottom of the email and discovered the class is going to be held at Molly’s restaurant Delancey. I did a little dance of joy in my cubicle. Slightly stalkerish I know.
To say I loved this book is a bit of an understatement. Molly’s* writing is so clear and conversational, I felt like we were great friends and she was simply telling me about her day.
I believe Molly and I could actually be friends if we met in real life and here’s why:
1. We both live in Seattle, thus making the friendship geographically feasible.
2. We both have a slight obsession with Paris, to say the least (as I write this I am listening to French music).
3. We both love to cook, bake and eat.
4. We both love chocolate – dearly.
5. And she shares my belief that goat cheese pretty much makes any dish freakin’ rock.
I’ve recommended this book to pretty much everyone I know. If you haven’t read this yet, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The chapters are short and sweet and end with a recipe that leaves you with a bit of a hungry rumble going on in your tummy.
And it’ll make you want to call your dad just to say hi and tell him you love him.
All of those things my friends, are very good.
*On an somewhat unrelated noted, Rebecca sent me an email today about a soup cooking class next week, I had ready decided to sign up before I got to the bottom of the email and discovered the class is going to be held at Molly’s restaurant Delancey. I did a little dance of joy in my cubicle. Slightly stalkerish I know.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Red Onion, Potato and Goat Cheese Pizza
Potato Pizza. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I'm crazy. Finally lost it. Well, you're not alone with that thought. But you're dead wrong.
There's this fabulous pizza place in town called Serious Pie. It's got some delicious, serious pizza. My favorite of which is the Yukon Gold Potato pizza. I've taken several out of town guests there for lunch and then made them try the pizza. They are all skeptical at first, but I make them try one bite. Then they usually admit it's fabulous, or they don't like it and I eat it all myself. Either way, I'm pretty happy.
So imagine my delight when I was flipping through a Cooking Light magazine and found a potato, onion and goat cheese pizza. I ripped it right out and decided this was going to be a staple in my kitchen before I ever made it.
If you're looking for a different type of pizza, I promise this won't disappoint.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Fruit...beware....
For Christmas my sister gave me the book jam it, pickle, cure it. She also gave me a bunch of fun jars (plus some other fun goodies!) The book has a bunch of really great recipies for jams, pickles, meats, cheeses and crackers. I think this will keep me quite busy and hopefully quite full through out the seasons!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Ishbel
I've cast on my Ishbel by Ysolda. It's beautiful and I love it. Practically everyone else in my knitting group was knitting one or had knit one and I so longed to have one as well. So I ran out and bought some fabulous yarn.
It's sock yarn from Malabrigo in stonecraft.
There are more pictures of my project on my Ravelry page and flickr site.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
2009: Projects in Pictures
Here's a few of the projects I worked on in 2009. From baby hats to jam to baby dresses, quilts, sweaters and a few little projects for me (hat, started a sweater and made myself socks). Oh, and I learned how to make creme brule. A pretty productive year if I do say so!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Looking back*
It doesn’t seem like we’ve come to the end of a decade, but it’s all about 2010 now. And I thought I’d look back at the decade that has been the most meaningful to me. I can’t really remember everything but here are some of the highlights, and sadly, a few lowlights.
2000: While everyone I knew was out partying like it was 1999, I was in the Fox 12 News room in Nampa, Idaho waiting for whatever Y2K would bring us. If the world was going to meltdown, computer crash, ATM’s stop working, I was going to be there to report about it. Well, as you recall, it was a pretty uneventful night. The rest of the year was pretty much the same, but if I recall, a few friends and I had some pretty fun times!
2001: Of course this year is seared into all of our memories. 9/11 changed a lot. Even in Boise, Idaho. The economic impact from the attacks reached to the television world and the show I produced was cut, I was moved to part time back on the main news show I had started on. While I felt this was a setback in my career, a funny little thing happened along the way. Now that I was back on the night shift, I began a real friendship with the woman who had earlier replaced me on the main new show. She had been moved to reporter/anchor.
2002: This was the year that things began to change. One night after work, my new friend said, hey let’s go out for a drink. I of course, said sure! Then she added, my fiancé is going to meet us out and he might bring a friend, is that ok? Sure why not! And you guessed it, that friend of a friend would later become The Hubby. The year ended on a very sad note with the passing of my dear college friend Brian Ellis. He lost his life long battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Every time I go back to visit my old stomping grounds of the University of Idaho I think of him and all the fun we had there. I cheer extra loud at our football games to make up for the loss of his voice, but I know he’s cheering on from Heaven.
2003: A pretty good year, treasuring friends and having fun with the Boyfriend.
2004: This is one of the most impactful years of my life. After being with the TV station at a job I loved, it came to an abrupt and somewhat painful end on July 1 (I remember that date clearly because it was day one of the Golden Birthday Month, I was turning 29 on July 29th. Ironic I know.) It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. After spending a fun summer hanging out with my friends, hiking, going to our place in Cascade, Idaho, and of course doing a lot of knitting, I took a leap of faith in myself, my boyfriend and our relationship and I moved with him to Seattle, Washington that fall. It was a place I had been to twice briefly and where I knew no one and didn’t have a job. Shortly after we moved, I got a job offer from the Fox station in Seattle, but it wasn’t the job I wanted. After a lot of soul searching, I turned it down, hoping it wasn’t the end of my TV career. The fall brought new adventures as we explored our new city. Oh, and I found a knitting group online and decided to just show up and see what happened. I still show up every Monday night. Monday is now one of the best days of the week for me.
2005: This was the year I turned 30, took my first trip to Europe with a visit to London, Bath, Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France. And it won’t be my last. We were world travelers this year with a fall trip to visit family in the Grand Cayman Islands. Seriously, this is the place to have family to visit!
2006: On my birthday, the Boyfriend became the Fiancé. It was a great birthday as I had already planned the event. My friends were meeting up at the Fremont Outdoor Film Festival for a sing along showing of Grease. It was a great night. This is the year that I found my current job, back in TV, doing what I love, only at a much, much better schedule than working nights/holidays/weekends like a traditional TV station. I am very thankful for it and feel like I should enjoy my holidays for my TV friends still working/living that lifestyle! This was also the first year that I'd participate in my first triathlon! It was challenging event and I loved every minute of it. I went on to do event for the next three years.
2007: On June 16, the Fiancé became the Hubby. It was beautiful wedding and all of our family and friends made the trip to Seattle to celebrate with us. Then we spent a week and a half in Nassau, Bahamas on the beach. Not a bad way to celebrate the beginning of our adventure.
2008: The first year of marriage was a great one. A few trips here and there. We went back to NYC for a surprise trip for the In-laws wedding anniversary. Turned out it was the very same weekend Sara (now living in Washington, D.C.) was in town. It was great to meet up with her and spend a day in NYC together. Unfortunately, it was a sad visit, as our college friend Jen(and Sara and April’s college roommate) had lost her very long and very brave battle with breast cancer that very same weekend.
2009: Started with a fabulous once in a lifetime trip with my mom and sister to France! We rented an apartment in Paris and took in the sights and lifestyle. We visited Arles, Aux en Provence, and Nice. It was a trip like no other. A trip we will all cherish forever. My dad was sure we’d come back not speaking to each other, and while there were squabbles along the way, there was a lot of fun, laughter, wine and crème brulee. Shortly after my return, the Hubby and I found what would become our first house on Easter Sunday. By Memorial Weekend it was officially ours and we were in by the Fourth of July. The summer and fall sped by with gardening work, trips to the Oregon Coast, Priest Lake, Idaho, Cascade, Idaho, Boise, Idaho and then back to Post Falls, Idaho. Twice. It’s been a busy year. A busy decade for that matter. But a great year and decade.
I can’t wait for what 2010 has in store for us!
For my house to yours, I hope you had happy holidays and here’s to a wonderful 2010!
*I’m pretty sure these events happened in these years, but no promises! It was a long time ago!
2000: While everyone I knew was out partying like it was 1999, I was in the Fox 12 News room in Nampa, Idaho waiting for whatever Y2K would bring us. If the world was going to meltdown, computer crash, ATM’s stop working, I was going to be there to report about it. Well, as you recall, it was a pretty uneventful night. The rest of the year was pretty much the same, but if I recall, a few friends and I had some pretty fun times!
2001: Of course this year is seared into all of our memories. 9/11 changed a lot. Even in Boise, Idaho. The economic impact from the attacks reached to the television world and the show I produced was cut, I was moved to part time back on the main news show I had started on. While I felt this was a setback in my career, a funny little thing happened along the way. Now that I was back on the night shift, I began a real friendship with the woman who had earlier replaced me on the main new show. She had been moved to reporter/anchor.
2002: This was the year that things began to change. One night after work, my new friend said, hey let’s go out for a drink. I of course, said sure! Then she added, my fiancé is going to meet us out and he might bring a friend, is that ok? Sure why not! And you guessed it, that friend of a friend would later become The Hubby. The year ended on a very sad note with the passing of my dear college friend Brian Ellis. He lost his life long battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Every time I go back to visit my old stomping grounds of the University of Idaho I think of him and all the fun we had there. I cheer extra loud at our football games to make up for the loss of his voice, but I know he’s cheering on from Heaven.
2003: A pretty good year, treasuring friends and having fun with the Boyfriend.
2004: This is one of the most impactful years of my life. After being with the TV station at a job I loved, it came to an abrupt and somewhat painful end on July 1 (I remember that date clearly because it was day one of the Golden Birthday Month, I was turning 29 on July 29th. Ironic I know.) It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. After spending a fun summer hanging out with my friends, hiking, going to our place in Cascade, Idaho, and of course doing a lot of knitting, I took a leap of faith in myself, my boyfriend and our relationship and I moved with him to Seattle, Washington that fall. It was a place I had been to twice briefly and where I knew no one and didn’t have a job. Shortly after we moved, I got a job offer from the Fox station in Seattle, but it wasn’t the job I wanted. After a lot of soul searching, I turned it down, hoping it wasn’t the end of my TV career. The fall brought new adventures as we explored our new city. Oh, and I found a knitting group online and decided to just show up and see what happened. I still show up every Monday night. Monday is now one of the best days of the week for me.
2005: This was the year I turned 30, took my first trip to Europe with a visit to London, Bath, Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France. And it won’t be my last. We were world travelers this year with a fall trip to visit family in the Grand Cayman Islands. Seriously, this is the place to have family to visit!
2006: On my birthday, the Boyfriend became the Fiancé. It was a great birthday as I had already planned the event. My friends were meeting up at the Fremont Outdoor Film Festival for a sing along showing of Grease. It was a great night. This is the year that I found my current job, back in TV, doing what I love, only at a much, much better schedule than working nights/holidays/weekends like a traditional TV station. I am very thankful for it and feel like I should enjoy my holidays for my TV friends still working/living that lifestyle! This was also the first year that I'd participate in my first triathlon! It was challenging event and I loved every minute of it. I went on to do event for the next three years.
2007: On June 16, the Fiancé became the Hubby. It was beautiful wedding and all of our family and friends made the trip to Seattle to celebrate with us. Then we spent a week and a half in Nassau, Bahamas on the beach. Not a bad way to celebrate the beginning of our adventure.
2008: The first year of marriage was a great one. A few trips here and there. We went back to NYC for a surprise trip for the In-laws wedding anniversary. Turned out it was the very same weekend Sara (now living in Washington, D.C.) was in town. It was great to meet up with her and spend a day in NYC together. Unfortunately, it was a sad visit, as our college friend Jen(and Sara and April’s college roommate) had lost her very long and very brave battle with breast cancer that very same weekend.
2009: Started with a fabulous once in a lifetime trip with my mom and sister to France! We rented an apartment in Paris and took in the sights and lifestyle. We visited Arles, Aux en Provence, and Nice. It was a trip like no other. A trip we will all cherish forever. My dad was sure we’d come back not speaking to each other, and while there were squabbles along the way, there was a lot of fun, laughter, wine and crème brulee. Shortly after my return, the Hubby and I found what would become our first house on Easter Sunday. By Memorial Weekend it was officially ours and we were in by the Fourth of July. The summer and fall sped by with gardening work, trips to the Oregon Coast, Priest Lake, Idaho, Cascade, Idaho, Boise, Idaho and then back to Post Falls, Idaho. Twice. It’s been a busy year. A busy decade for that matter. But a great year and decade.
I can’t wait for what 2010 has in store for us!
For my house to yours, I hope you had happy holidays and here’s to a wonderful 2010!
*I’m pretty sure these events happened in these years, but no promises! It was a long time ago!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)