Fill in the Blank Friday?

Well, it's been 2 weeks in a row, so let me not fall out of rhythm here.

Fill in the blank friday, hosted by the little things we do!

1. My absolute favorite movie of all time is I'll get back to you on this. It will need some serious pondering. That is quite a lot of pressure for one movie.

2. My favorite movie as a child was Drop Dead Fred. My brother and I watched this over and over and over and over. Too bad Mom didn't know what it was about and pretty much forbid us to watch it until she knew what it was about. A girl with an imaginary friend (Drop Dead Fred) grows up... and he comes back. I bet we could still recite every line from it together and laugh the whole time.

3. The best movie quote ever is from I'll get back to you here too...

4. My favorite actress is I don't know that I have one. Sandra Bullock definitely rocks and can do no wrong for me. Too bad she had a scummy husband who didn't appreciate her. But we won't get into that.

5. The movie I could watch over and over is One Fine Day. Especially when it's raining. I have watched this movie over and over and over. I just love it. For no reason in particular. Or the Breakfast Club. The real one. Not the made for TV edit out all the good parts version.

6. My favorite movie genre is Romantic Comedy Or "Teen" movies. You know the ones, like made for TV movies that are on Disney and the Family Channel. I don't know what it is but they suck me in every time! It's kind fo embarrassing but I love Wish Upon a Star, the Au Pair series, Sydney White.... hmmmm I'll stop myself now before I can't lift the veil of SHAME.

7. A movie I'd like to watch this weekend is The Time Traveler's Wife. Just came in from Netflix so I'm ready to bawl my eyes out and get emotional.

Location, Location, Location

I am participating in knit & crochet blog week, sponsored by Mimi at Eskimiknits.com

Where do you like to indulge in your craft? Is your favourite arm chair your little knitting cubby area, or do you prefer to ‘knit in public’? Do you like to crochet in the great outdoors, perhaps, or knit in the bath, or at the pub?

I've got 2 favorite places. Let's start at home shall we?

There is this chair. Actually it's more like a throne... or a bed. Or a burrow. This chair is affectionately known as the "coma chair" because it is where 6 out of 7 days I find myself. In a coma, passed out. Now you wonder why I would think such a chair would be a fabulous place to knit. Because this chair is the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in in my entire life. Every night I'll burrow myself in the corner and sprawl out. There is plenty of space for needles, yarn, pattern, and cat. Cat is very important otherwise she will end up on my lap... or my shoulder which makes knitting very difficult. Anyways, my projects pile up to the right side of the chair and I can reach down and grab any one that I want and knit until I fall into a coma. Happens every time! Oh and did I mention is has a big ottoman in front of it? So you can lounge freely and kick your legs up. Mine always end up being covered by a blanket and aforementioned cat as well. But it's comfortable. and it's home :)

Now let's talk about where I go when I want to knit away from home. I'm sure you have no idea what place I'm going to mention. While I haven't worked up the courage to knit in a pub or a train, I do knit in the car and on planes, and I go to the park across the street on nice days during lunch to knit, but my absolute favorite place is Lambikins Hideaway!

Gosh, Christina should start paying me for all the publicity I give her! I'll happily accept Malabrigo, Noro, Sprout, Amy Butler Fabric..... just throwing it out there! (totally kidding Chris! maybe.)

Anyways, back to what I affectionately refer to as "the shop" anyone who knows me knows exactly where I'm going when I'm headed to "the shop". It's seriously my home away from home. Every week I'm there on Monday. No question. I have to see my knit night ladies. It's great girl time and just relaxing to be out of the house and enjoying what we love best. Then on any other given week I'll be there for hours on Saturday, and maybe a few hours Sunday, and definitely a few hours when I'm off work. It's my happy place and I swear that I've not found a shop out there that feels the same. It really feels like "home" maybe because it is in a house shaped building, has stairs and rooms just like a house, a cute coffee table, and a big dining room table where we can knit. Not to mention the fireplace and huge barka loungers and couches she has upstairs (where we have been known to go up around 8pm on Mondays to watch Dancing with the Stars!) I love Lambikins. And I'm sure I talk about it enough that you all do too! If you are ever in the Cincinnati area you should definitely stop by! Even better, she also has an online shop, and you can even order gift cards. hint hint. go there. buy me one. or five. thanks!

(Photo taken from Lambikins site. Chris if this is not okay, let me know)

Click the Lambikins logo to go directly to the website!

You can also find them on Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook!

ETA: How could I forget! They are also on Ravelry! Duh!

A New Skill

I am participating in knit & crochet blog week, sponsored by Mimi at Eskimiknits.com

Is there a skill related to your hobby that you hope to learn one day? maybe you’re a crocheter who’d also like to knit? Maybe you’d like to learn to knit continental, knit backwards, try cables or attempt stranded colourwork.

Well, considering that I started out as a crocheter and became enamored with knit, I'd say I'm good in that venue. In terms of knitting, I don't fear much. I see cables, lace, colorwork, felting, etc. and I think to myself- hey! I can do that! I'm pretty self sufficient when it comes to learning as well. Give me a book or a few pictures or an online tutorial and set me on my way. I would love to be able to learn continental style and be comfortable knitting an entire garment or project in it. And entrelec. I've never done entrelec before and seeing Genevieve start a blanket the other day in this technique has intrigued me.

Or maybe I'd love to be able to have enough self control to only start a new project when I've finished another one, or buy new yarn when I've used my stash and need a new project. that's a skill right?

but let's be honest here. That will NEVER happen!

Timeout

That's what I need.

I'm taking a break from knicroblo week for the day. I'll catch up soon though, I promise.

I'm just breaking down. I think I'm terribly stressed (though I don't FEEL incredibly stressed) and it's wearing me down. My body is revolting on me. I've had an eye twitch since yesterday around 10:30am. Thought perhaps a good night's sleep would help. But what do you know, I wake up and it's twitching.

I just need to take deep breaths and remember that only 2 more days of work then off for a week for vacation. But then that adds whole new levels of stress imagining myself in a bathing suit frying under the Nevada sun. I'll get over it. I swear.

But take a few deep breaths for me and send some zen my way.

The next 2 days are pretty stressful and if i can survive I'll definitely be enjoying that sweet sweet reward of rest and relaxation next week.

One Great Knitter

I am participating in knit & crochet blog week, sponsored by Mimi at Eskimiknits.com

Write about a knitter whose work (whether because of project choice, photography, styling, scale of projects, stash, etc) you enjoy. If they have an enjoyable blog, you might find it a good opportunity to send a smile their way.

Wow, pretty much anyone that picks up needles and yarn (or hooks and yarn) is one great knitter (or crocheter) in my opinion! I don't think you need to have patterns published and books hit the best seller list in order to be great. To break this out I think I'll pick great knitters (in my opinion) based on the categories that Mimi listed in the topic.

Project Choice: My Knit Night/Lambikins Ladies (Mindy, Christina, Donna, Leslie, Tonia, Genevieve, Hallie, Ahna, Kathy, Lesley, Amy, and I'm sure I'm forgetting many many more. If I forgot you, my apologies! let me know! I'll add you and your link to the list!) These ladies inspire me to challenge myself and introduce me to new patterns, designers, and yarns. They also enable me. My wallet doesn't like them much. But I still do!

Photography: Mimi (Eskimimi on Ravelry) takes the most vibrant wonderful photos I've seen. And she was gracious enough to post a tutorial on her blog. It really works. I used it at home and so simple with great results!

Styling: A new knitter that I found recently is Lynne. I loved her v-neck Hey Teach cardi and when I saw her projects page I just had to message her to let her know how awesome I thought it was. I then discovered she had a blog. Not only does she knit fabulous wearables... she sews them too! I only wish I had her styling ability. From tunics to sweaters to dresses... she's flat out amazing!

Scale of Projects: Genevieve. She may not make California King sized blankets but she probably could in about 2 weeks! This girl, let me tell you. She is lightning fast when it comes to knitting and it's a good thing because she has a list a mile long and she happily knits every stitch and crosses each project off with a smile. I think the count as of Monday night alone was something like 8 baby projects to knit this summer BEFORE she can knit for her own dumpling she is expecting in the fall. And I thought a 13 day lace binge was a serious undertaking!

Stash: Joyce (Joidell on Ravelry) I think she walks the fine line of hoarding and stashing but she does it fabulously :) From yarn to fabric to books to sewing machines, she is a stash queen and I bow before her. I also appreciate the stash since I got 2 great skeins and 3 fabulous books during a recent destash of hers. I would have had more if I wouldn't have been 2 hours late to the sale! Christina (MyYarn2Knit on Ravelry and Owner of Lambikins Hideaway) would come in a VERY close 2nd. I saw recent pics of her stash and the 400+ skeins of sock yarn almost sent me into palpitations.

I hope you get a chance to check out some of the links I've included. Even if you aren't a crafter. Maybe you'll be inspired anyway. The above is just a small sampling of many of the great knitters out there.

If you have other knitter or crocheter designer/blog recommendations that I should definitely check out- send them my way! My blogroll and pattern binder are always ready for more!

Book It Update

First off- Welcome! to all the new readers visiting for knit and crochet blog week! I hope you stick around. 2buckeyes is pretty much a hodge podge mashup of anything and everything that is captivating me at the time. Mostly it's fiber related, but there is some home construction, niece and nephew cuteness, lots of pictures, and a little bit of vinegar for good measure.

(you can follow me over there on the right >>>>>>>)

I'm happy to report that after only 6 days since my last Reading List Update, I have managed to finish a book!

Brings my grand total for 2010 to... drumroll please... 5!

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen

I thought it was a delightful read. Right up my alley. A bit of magic, some family turmoil, and mysterious and strong heroines at the center of the story. I started reading and even with putting it down many times for errand running and working, it was still a quick read. It makes me wish I had an enchanted garden... and a temperamental Apple Tree :)

Read an excerpt here. I'd definitely recommend it!

I'll be starting Sarah Addison Allen's 2nd Book The Sugar Queen tonight.

Recommendations are always appreciated!

An Inspirational Pattern

I am participating in knit & crochet blog week, sponsored by Mimi at Eskimiknits.com

Blog about a pattern or project which you aspire to. Whether it happens to be because the skills needed are ones which you have not yet acquired, or just because it seems like a huge undertaking of time and dedication, most people feel they still have something to aspire to in their craft. If you don’t feel like you have any left of the mountain of learning yet to climb, say so!

From the moment I laid eyes on Sylvi I was in love.


From the knee length seed stitch, to the cabled vines, to the textured petals, all the way up to the tip of the hood. Sylvi is beautiful. And what a challenge! The investment would be great. But the end result? It just screams beauty to me.

I hope to some day be able to get to the level where I could knit up this lovely piece of artwork in a half way decent amount of time, without guilt over the $$ spent on yarn (Sylvi would need the best. Simply the best. and nothing less) and challenge myself to embrace the stitches and cables and sleeves! (Sleeves scare me, well- not really scare me, but I avoid them like the plague. You can ask my sleeveless hoodie sweater that has been waiting for sleeves since Fall.)

I will get to you eventually Sylvi. I am still a new knitter, only 1.5 years under my belt so rest assured we will meet someday.

For now I will contemplate colors and fibers and drool over all the fabulous Sylvi's that have made it into the world so far.

In gold, by Roxer


In green, by yarnmonster


Some day...

Some day.

Starting Out

I am participating in knit & crochet blog week, sponsored by Mimi at Eskimiknits.com

How and when did you begin knitting/crocheting? was it a skill passed down through generations of your family, or something you learned from Knitting For Dummies? What or who made you pick up the needles/hook for the first time? Was it the celebrity knitting ‘trend’ or your great aunt Hilda?

I wish I could say that my love of fiber was a trait passed down through many many generations but sadly I may be the first in my lineage to really embrace the craft and devote myself to it. I have always been very artsy and crafty. I loved sewing in high school and I was always doodling or coloring or scrapbooking. My Mama does have a bit of craftiness in her (she sews like a wild demon) and my Mom always did have an eye for decorating and putting things together. But sadly neither has experienced the same love and passion I have for fiber.

I started crocheting back in 2006. When I really wanted to learn to make a granny square. (exactly why? I'm not so sure) I asked my 2nd Mom Vickie to please please please please teach me. (I think I get my craftiness from her. Must have been osmosis or something) Once I learned the difference between single, double, and triple stitches I was pretty much all set. Sadly though, I was busy with transitioning from College to Real Life and my craft fell by the wayside. I did manage to create 2 wonky granny square baby blankets for my niece and nephew but I didn't really pick it back up until April 2008.


I was enamored with all things crochet. I stumbled upon Ravelry in August 2008 and I discovered a fabulous fiber community I never even knew existed! I devoured the forums and joined groups and swaps and fed my addiction. I found free patterns and tips and new yarn and projects and I just had to make them all! After crocheting my heart out making scarves, and hats, and bags, blankets and granny squares galore I wanted to take a hand at knitting. Now I'm pretty self sufficient when it comes to teaching myself things so I took hold of this new challenge with plenty of frustration but an equal amount of determintation.I applied myself and learned to cast on, knit, and purl in the fall of 2008 with the help of Ravelry and online tutorials and printouts. By Christmas I had knit my first dishcloth and the true obsession had begun. I wanted to learn every technique and knit anything and everything I could imagine.



My hobby was solidified on January 31st 2009. I went to (my home away from home) Lambikins Hideaway for the very first time and experienced what I believe to be the greatest LYS atmosphere ever. It is very intimidating going to a new place to ask questions when you feel out of place. But my fears were for nothing. I met my first enabler (Hi Mary!) bought my first skein of Sock Yarn (Trekking XXL and almost had a hernia over the price tag- but still had to have it. Guess I was a true fiber lover from the beginning) I loved the shop so much I went for my first knit night on 2/1/09 and I've gone almost every Monday since...



I know this hobby will never fall by the wayside again. I hope to be able to teach anyone and everyone to appreciate and enjoy this hobby. The Mr. is supportive of my habit, provided I do not make anything that I require HIM to wear. He just doesn't "get it" but he supports be anyway. Why make a pair of socks that according to him cost roughly $14,000 when you can go buy them? It's the enjoyment of the hobby. I likened it to him paying $30 to go play outside when he golfs. He can go to the park for free and swing his clubs... but instead he pays to go to a course and enjoy the experience. He didn't quite buy it, but I think he knows I'm right :)

I know knit/crochet is sometimes (okay most of the time) seen as an old-fashionedhobby. But you know what? Jaclyn told me I'm an "Old Soul" and I'm okay with it.

I embrace it.

I love it.


Plus I've gotten some pretty cute accessories along the way :)

Weekends...

They seem to get shorter and shorter don't they?

Perhaps they are flying by even quicker considering they are the only time I've gotten to see the Mr. for the last 3 weeks. Work travel stinks. But at least we were still semi-productive this weekend.

First up- WE DID IT! WE BOUGHT A COUCH! (Yes it is the same couch we were looking at last month but just never went and bought it. Stupid, I know. But what matters now is it is done!)

Here's the pic from the website but in reality the couch is a much darker brown leather. (Did I say leather?! YES! I did!)

We got the configuration above. changing 3 things. Take out the little cup holder thingie on the left side, remove the armless chair next to it, then put the armless chair where the recliner on the right is. Essentially it is Recliner, corner, armless chair, chaise lounge. It is going to fit perfectly in the room, look great with the dark furniture, and it's super duper comfy! Too bad we have to wait until June for it to come in :(

ETA: Found a picture that better represents the color (click any pictures for a larger view):

We did a little bit of shopping and the rest of the time was spent at home. I was itching to get into my sewing machine. I did sew 1 pillow but I bought the wrong zipper foot so that proved to be a hot mess. They are on hold till I can find the right one that goes with my machine. So I set off to make a quilt instead! My first real quilt! and it didn't take too long at all. The hardest part was placing the blocks in a way that I liked them. I even had the Mr. subbing and flipping blocks so I could make changes from far away. All that is left is the binding and the backing.

No batik patterns are "touching" each other. Diagonal was okay, but not touching. I'm a weirdo like that. I really enjoyed this pattern and will definitely be making it again. And only 6 fat quarters were needed for the top so it's a very cost effective project as well!

Fill in the Blank Friday?

So I'll give it a shot today again since I don't really have much to say about yesterday.

1. One song that always takes me back to my youth is well, let's see... that would depend on what you consider "youth". If we are talking College it would be Faithfully or Livin' on a Prayer or Crazy game of Poker. If we are talking high school it would be anything N*Sync or Destiny's Child. If we are talking waaay back when- Ice Ice Baby. (Still <3>

2. My first concert ever was N*Sync. With Angie and Katie. We sat to the right of the stage and all I remember are those weird creepy girls that conned the bouncers into letting them on stage. We thought they were dirty. But we were kind of jealous too.

3. If I could create my dream music festival I'd want these bands to be there: Madonna, Journey, TBDBITL (Props if you know who this is!) Bon Jovi, and many more.

4. The best make-out/"boot knocking" song ever is um, I digress.

5. The best concert I've ever been to was Well, I'm not a seasoned concert go-er but the George Strait Music Festival was great. Lots of good people watching and great music.

6. A memorable musical moment for me was Geez, I didn't realize this entire thing was going to be about music! Um, rocking out like a crazy fool to Avril Lavigne's Sk8r Boi in 2002 while playing a game of beer pong at friends house... thus giving me the nickname Sk8r Boi for the rest of my life. And then repeating said performance on 10/6/07- In my wedding dress.

7. The song on my iPod that's getting the most play these days is Ohio by Neil Young. Because Mr. Buckeye plays it every. single. time. that we play pool and he has control of the i-pod. We really need to update our playlist!

And I tried taking a picture of how my table usually during Spring-But I had a little interference.

This is actually a pretty good angle for her... her head doesn't look so tiny and her belly doesn't look so massive.

(but we don't talk about it much, she's pretty self conscious)

(and I've NEVER seen her on the table before. But apparently I wasn't giving her enough attention and she demands it. She's a diva. I should have named her Naomi... and then hid all the cell phones)

Bookworm? Not quite...

So it's no secret that I love the read. But I've noticed that I've spent less and less time doing so.

Back in 2008 I read 30 books. (I finished New Moon and Eclipse before the end of the year)
Last year I read 26 books.

This year thus far I'm at a measley 4 books. Seriously? 4? That's it?! Perhaps it is because I haven't found a new series that I can pour myself into. Each year I've had at least 1 series. 2008 was all about Sophie Kinsella and the Shopaholic series. Last year it was Harry Potter and Stephanie Plum. This year it's.... ? I've got nothing!

Perhaps I've just devoted more time to knitting? I'm not sure. I'm definitely always on the hunt for a good book. I love getting recommendations but if the cover and first few sentences don't grab my attention (especially if I've never read that author before) then it's back on the shelf you go. I don't really have much patience to try and "get in" to the story. I'm kind of like Project Runway. You're In. Or you're Out. That's it.

Here is my pipsqeak list for 2010. I need to add more to this. Like soon.

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs

I am highly anticipating the newest memoir by one, Ms. Jen Lancaster. That for sure will be at the top of my list once it is released next month. And sure I've still got a few books at home that I haven't read but nothing strikes my fancy right now. I've got My Sister's Keeper (I've had this book since my Sophomore year in college and never made it through more than 4 chapters... sad, I know.) Middlesex, Bringing Down the House... and others. But alas, I still have nothing to read.

Any recommendations? I'm on the waiting list for The Help at the library. I've heard amazing wonderful things about it and the fact that I'm number 192739201 on the wait list speaks volumes as well.

What's the best book you've read recently? How about the best book ever?

Take a look at my reading lists from the last 2 years... what would you recommend for me?

(And Britt- I tried the Extremely Loud book... I made it through 5 pages before I put it down. Shameful. Yes I know.)

Gleek

I had a lovely night of knitting last night. I just can't even tell you how relaxing it is to just plop down on the couch with my needles and yarn and just have no cares in the world. The back of the cardigan is progressing nicely. I'm about 7 inches in. But it's all stockinette stitch so it can be painfully boring. Luckily I only have a couple more inches and I can get into the lace. At this rate I may have it done by June! Wouldn't that be exciting? I would share photos but it's just plain boring knitting right now and nothing too intriguing so I'll leave you in suspense.

And can I mention how totally awesome Glee is? I just can't get enough of that show. I thought last night's Madonna episode was just brilliant. I almost wasn't singing along. Almost. I'm so glad Glee is back for a while. I can't take another really long hiatus!

I did buy buttons for my super secret project so hopefully I can get that completely sewn together and cross that officially off my list!

But I just can't tell yet!

Happy Hump Day Ya'll!

Home away from home

Seriously- I've been at Lambikins Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and I'll probably go back today because I realise now that I need to get another ball of Cool Wool yarn for the new project I'm working in. My gauge is smaller than the pattern showed so I'm making 2 sizes larger in order to get the actual size I need. I tell you what, knitting is fun. But it can be complicated. Involving lots of math and numbers and conversions. Luckily, that's what I have Christina and Donna for. They do all the hard stuff for me and then tell me what numbers to use.

So hopefully, if all goes well, I will end up with a fabulous Springy/Summery cardigan that looks similar to this:

Hey Teach from Knitty Summer 08

But after looking through Ravelry projects I'm absolutely loving the v-neck version. So I think I may adjust and modify to this:

Just a cute cardi that will work for the office with some nice slacks or skirt and can also go great with jeans!

The color i've chosen is a brown/taupe-y cotton and wool blend. Similar to the top picture.

Wish me luck that I can whip through this in time to wear this season!

Fabric Monster

So Christina over at Lambikins Hideaway had a spring cleaning event this weekend. Of course she tried to get me in trouble by expanding my stash! But luckily I was good- for the most part.

I managed to only buy 4 skeins of yarn, a pack of velcro, 8 fat quarters, and another 1.5 yds of fabric... on the first day.

But then I had to go back on Sunday. And of course, my wallet magically opened up and more stuff made it into my bag. 4 more fat quarters, 2 yds of tear-ease so I could transfer a few patterns, 2 yds of lightweight interfacing, 4 balls of Sundance cotton, oh and 7 skeins of Cool Wool for a new springy/summer cardigan thing I'm apparently making. Like I don't have enough projects already? But we all know I'm ADD when it comes to projects so of course I was happy to take it on.

So I got home last night and set up a cutting station for myself. I didn't end up cutting as much as I wanted but I did cut 3 more blocks for my block of the month quilt, the pillow fabric, and the wallie pattern on Tear Ease. I was slightly distracted by Jacob Black's inability to keep a shirt on to keep going. (Yes, I set up the station in front of the TV- Duh!)

So I suppose ya'll want to see the fabric goods right???

My lovely little cutting station:


Damage from Spring Cleaning sale... (all except the black star fabric- that's quilt block fabric!)


Awesome Amy Butler August Fields Home Decor fabric. 30% off!
These will become pillow covers for the living room. I love them!


Fat Quarter awesomeness. I have plans for these guys :)


Wonderful Batik fabrics that will become a "Yellow Brick Road" Quilt

I'll share the yarn goods later this week!

Happy Monday ya'll!

---------------------------------------------------------

Ahem, Steph- I'm one of the RESTRAINED ones! It was hard but there was self control you have no idea! I saw multiple people buying literally hundreds of yards of fabric and bags and bags of yarn. It's an illness but it comes with the territory and we are all in support of each other in the fiber and fabric community :) Deals like this make us go crazy. (I mean seriously 30% off EVERYTHING and even more on other things!)

And let's not forget that Lambikins is my happy place- of course I need to bring some more happy home with me every now and then!

Fill in the Blank Friday?

So Britt loves to participate and I'm willing to participate just this once... or amybe more than once. Who knows with me right??

So let's get started:

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The first thing I do in the morning is snooze my alarm for about an hour. I can never manage to get by with just 1 snooze. It's a problem. I know.

2. Every night before bed I fall asleep in the coma chair in the living room. Every night. Seriously. Again, a problem I suppose.

3. My favorite thing to do when I'm having a bad day is complain? binge-eat? cry? I don't think favorite thing and bad day have anything to do with each other. Though I do enjoy going to Lambikins and oogling all the pretties when I'm having an off day, actually any day.

4. Something that makes me cringe is seeing someone get hurt in extreme sports or breaking bones. I can't help but watch but cringe at the same time. X games anyone?

5. Social situations are acceptable pretty much anytime. As long as I'm having a good hair day.

6. I like to collect ... well, I don't collect. I hoard. No not really.

7. Weekends are for errand running, grocery shopping, and enjoying free time not working!

I haz a hotdog!

So that moodiness continued for most of the day yesterday. Especially considering I walked in the door at approx 7:00pm. But alas, we will chalk it up to a bad day. Though I still have questions. And I hope to get answers.

But on a lighter note Today is friday!

And guess what- I got my hotdog! Remember me mentioning Jaclyn and her brother Joey?

Well, I had to have one of these adorable necklaces for a good cause. Jaclyn has raised over $100 for Autism Speaks this month so far and she is still ready for more! 25% of all purchases from her etsy shop during the month of April will be donated to Autism Speaks. And $5 from every Joey's hot dog goes right to Autism Speaks as well!



Not a hot dog person? Check her shop out anyway for some beautiful jewelry and help support a great cause. Click my photo above to go directly to Jaclyn's Joey's Hot Dog section- and take a look around the shop!

(And that hotdog, totally put a smile on my face even after a terrible horrible no good very bad day. Thank you Jacy! I picked red because I wear quite a bit of red... and I like ketchup on my hotdogs. and relish- but there was no green bead option :) )

Moody

I was in a fine mood till about an hour ago.

I'll spare my down in the dumpy emotions and not lash out at you innocent readers.

On a positive note, I shredded again last night, that's 3 days in a row :) and I'm ready to cast off another secret project and hopefully get all the finishing work done tonight.

Another sad note- Ugly Betty is over. And I'm sad :(

Food Revolution

So this week I have embarked on a Food Revolution if you will :)

In a last ditch effort to redistribute the spare tire around my waist I've taken to eating many fruits and veggies to rid my body of toxins. Plus, I'm not going to waste those fruits and veggies I picked up on Sunday!

Monday's breakfast consisted of egg omelet and clementines- with a glass of milk. Yes, the omelet had a little bit of cheese but c'mon. It was just a little bit. Moderation. See? I'm already getting better!

Monday's lunch consisted of a turkey, swiss, grey poupon, lettuce sammich on multigrain sandwich thin (Sidenote- these things rock! I've never had them before but I don't miss the bread!) Along with grapes, carrots, light ranch, and some tomatoes.

The lunches I've had the rest of this week have mimicked this- only with some pretzel sticks thrown in.

And that brings me to last night's dinner. Remember me saying I bought leeks? Well, I used them last night. In the BLT pasta. They were super easy to cook and I'll definitely use them again. Mild onion flavor is spot on. The pasta itself was okay but I halved the recipe and sort of eye-balled it but I think I used the same amount of mustard in the cheese sauce so it was a little dijon-y for me but I ate it. And the grape tomatoes, leeks, bacon was so tasty! I should have left that normal and just halved the sauce and pasta! I also used Cheddar cheese instead of Gruyere. I'd probably make it again with a few adjustments.

And I've almost got Secret Project finished but since I've not shared a bit of knitting in a while here is a new pair of socks I started last week. (They are much further now but no pic yet)

Happy Hump Day everyone!

ETA: To answer Mandy's question- I always have place settings and centerpiece on the table. I put the paper plates on top just for the pics :) (Our everyday dishes are the white china at the bottom. I don't use the green ones- there are only 2 and they grace my table from April-August!)

Back to work

OY, This morning did not work out as I had planned. I had high expectations, setting my alarm for 5:30 and final alarm for 6 so that I could get up and shred and then shower and be on my merry way to work. Well, the 5:30 went off- I shut that down. 6 went off, snoooooze, 6:15 came and went... snooooze. until finally I said whatever and slept till my normal 7:00 time.

Where is my motivation? Apparently it loves snuggling under goosedown comforters at 6:30am with me.

I did go back out yesterday and ran around the block. If I'm being honest it was run walk walk walk run walk run. But I did it. and I'm happy with that.

I'll shred when I get home- and maybe a stroll around the block. I figure it doesn't matter so much how hard I'm throwing my body to the pavement this first week, what matters if that I haul my arse off the couch away from reality tv and get some fresh air and move my body.

I did manage to pack my lunch last night- hooray!

I'm currently eating my apple and peanut butter (with a side of Bear Naked granola for good measure) and I'll be enjoying a turkey sandwich, grapes, pretzels for lunch followed with a snack of 2 Cuties around 4ish.

I may attempt the BLT pasta tonight. We will see how adventurous I feel later.

Ah well. Back to work I go.

Vacation countdown- 22 days. I can lose 22 lbs right? (nah, I keeed. I'd be happy with 20!)

Okay really. Let's try for 10.

Monday Monday

Well, it's my last furlough day till May so I'm just lazing about this morning watching the Today Show. That's one of the things that I hate most about going to work- that I can't watch every day.

I went to the grocery store yesterday and planned some meals for the week. I'll be on vacation in 3 weeks and I always wait till the last minute before I freak out and have to clean myself up in very little time. For the first time in, maybe forever, I bought 90% of my items on the outside perimeter of the store.

Some produce included in my purchases:
Apples
Mandarin Orange Cuties
Mushrooms
Leeks
Vine Tomatoes
Grape Tomatoes
Onion
Shallots
Lettuce
Spinach
Grapes
Carrots

I refuse to let any go to waste so yes, I'll be cooking with Leeks this week. I've never had a leek. I don't even know what it tastes like. But I have a BLT (Bacon Leek Tomato) Pasta recipe I wanted to try so I've got to figure out what to do with the other 2 leeks. I'll also be trying out some turkey burgers with some fresh ground turkey I bought. Lunch packing for tomorrow-Friday will consist of sandwichs, carrots, fruit, pretzels.

Well, it's almost 9 so I'm off to eat a quick breakfast and then take a walk/run around the block. (it's about 3/4 a mile I think but it has the most awful 2 hills you've seen in your life. They suck so bad that I'm sucking wind within the first 20 feet of running up them.)

Lets just hope I don't pass out and then get sunburned this early in the morning.

That would be bad.

UPDATE: Slight change in plans. I decided to let Jillian Michaels kick my @ss for 30 minutes instead of running. 30 day shred day 1 complete. I must go buy some smaller weights. How embarrassing that I can't use my lightest 8 lb weights for more than 4 reps without crying and setting them back on the ground so I can just lift air instead.

Breakfast: 1 egg omelet with a leetle bit of cheddar cheese (I'll try tomato and leek tomorrow Liz!) and 2 mandarin orange cuties- I love those things! oh and a cup of milk.

Too bad all I want is a bag of chips and a chocolate bar. But I refuse. It's only 3 weeks.

Just because

I just think she's a doll.

and she is shrinking by the minute! Before long I'll be able to rest my chin on the top of her head- Wait a minute, I already can. She was standing straight and I was slouching up there :)

I Love My Mama!

(and just to clear it up, that's pronounced meh-maw. kthx!)

PS- Our new washing machine is being delivered today!

Columbus Easter in Review

Anna and Maya ready to go!

What can we say? He loves green! (and insisted on wearing the headphones!)

Kids with their loot

A little swing time with my BFF Emme :)


I made a trifle... and a first time attempt at Rainbow Cupcakes.

This one was reversed but they were excellent!

3 Generations

Happy Birthday

I miss you every day Papa.

It'll never really get any easier.

But I think of today last year and I have happy tears.

Bags Wallets and Sunshine!

So yesterday was productive if you consider I made (and finished!) a few things. I know I said I wanted to go outside but I got close. My Mama wants to trade sewing machines because she claims hers doens't work (I think it's just because she has a brand new one and I have the circa 1990's machine and she is scared of new technology :) ) Alas, I spent yesterday sewing. And what do you know, the machine is fine. Looks like I'm getting a new sewing machine. I can't say no to Mama- and she wants my machine!

Anywho, I opened all the windows and screen door and set up the machine. I sat listening to the birds and feeling the wind all day. And while doing that I whipped up these 2 little gifts for Mariah's Birthday.

It's a little Ditty Bag. 2 handles that are 2 lengths and they slip into each other to make for cute forearm carrying! It was my first time using the pattern and it was easy and turned out adorable! I found a cute purple and white diamond print for the bag and fun apple dot print for the lining.





and another Wallie. I realise I haven't shared the first one I made but I will eventually. Anyway, this cute Wallie has 3 pockets for cards, change, etc. It even fits a phone or a deck of cards!




Oh and what is that?!?!



It's my socks!!!! My first ever PAIR of socks! and they are finished! and they fit! and I'm so excited to be a cool kid like Mindy and Hallie who wear their handknit socks all the time! YAYAYAYAYA!!!!!!!

Yes, I realise I'm excited about socks. But seriously, I started those babies on August 10, 2009. And they are completely wearable now. This is a big deal!

Happy Easter Weekend to you all!

I love Hotdogs

And so does my friend Jaclyn's younger brother Joey.

Jacy is a fabulous jewelry designer and Etsy seller.

Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month? No? Well, now you do.

One in 110 children today is diagnosed with autism. One in 70 of them are boys.

So how does Jaclyn, Hot Dogs, Joey, Jewelry, and Autism Awareness Month fit together?

Joey has Autism, and he loves his hotdogs. So Jaclyn created these adorable Joey's Hot Dog necklaces for her Etsy Shop just in time for Autism Awareness Month!

During the month of April, Jaclyn is donating 25% of all her shop sales to Autism Speaks. And those adorable Joey's Hot Dog necklaces? $5 of each necklace sold will go directly to them as well. Click on the photo to go directly to Jaclyn's Etsy Shop!

Jaclyn wrote a lovely blog post about her brother. Click here to read it

Yawn

No, we weren't recovering for an extra 3 days there. It was just way too busy at work for me to do anything but work! But thankfully, the end of the month/end of the quarter is finished and I'm off for the next 2 days.

I wish I had a plan for what I was going to do but alas I don't. I'm sure there will be some hardcore netflix watching, (watched Bridget Jones yesterday and Willy Wonka is currently in the background) some knitting, maybe a little bit of cleaning, and hopefully some outside time. I really hope for outside time, I just have to peel my lazy behind off the couch and make myself go out there. I could really use some sun. I've turned this unusual shade- it's a combination of glass and chalk. I'm kinda see-thru but definitely still opaque.

Here's some cuteness to get you through today.

My fabulous nephew Cade gives us a rousing rendition of the ABC's.



ah yes, and Emme calling for me in the background. Weeshie Weeshie! makes me smile every time I hear it!