Minestrone Soup

Cathartic...

2012-01-20T09:39:00.001-05:00

Linda Carter: I bet she never had to pick up socks or figure out for the umpteenth time what was for dinner.

I had a really interesting visit with my nutritionist, Paula, this morning. I've been feeling in a slump, very discouraged by weight, lack of energy, etc. It started me thinking about how I always feel guilty about taking "me" time. Like I'm not worth the effort to get in shape, eat better. I'm worth it. And how I'm starting to resent PC when he takes a whole day to watch football and I spend the whole day meal planning. Sure, I do my share of knitting, and sitting... and he has been known to cook a meal and run the vacuum, but why on earth do I feel like I need to do it all?

(*note to PC: this is NOT about you, it's about me and perception and stress and pressure. NOT you.)

Anyway. So, I'm hear to say "I'm not Wonder Woman." I cannot do it all. I can't .

I can't work 50+ hours per week.
I can't be the perfect girlfriend.
I can't be the perfect housekeeper.
I can't be the personal chef.
I can't keep it all together with the bills.
I can't knit 25 baby sweaters b/c I feel stupid giving a gift card.
I can't keep up with the laundry.
I can't find time to head to the gym.
I can't find the strength to trust that this lifestyle change will work.

With help and support, what can I do?

I can make an hour each day for me to go to the gym/walk/pilates/spinning class.
I can make an hour each day to knit.
I can ask for help with meals and housekeeping.
I can stop making excuses for not asking for help.
I can find room in the budget for some "help" with the house.
I can have 2012 be the year I only knit what I want-- no 'orders'
I can have the courage to say "this is me, and only me... I cannot be anyone else."
I can insist on sharing responsibilities, both at home and at work.
I can make my dietary changes stick.
I can make healthy meals for myself and PC.
I can take charge of my life and LIVE!

What can't /can you do?

Brr... 10 on Tuesday

2012-01-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

I have a HUGE long, photo-heavy, post about my weekend (it was Ah-Mazing) for you, but it needs to wait until tomorrow. Yes, woe is you. I'm even working on a tutorial of sorts for you all. With photos. Hello-another woe.

Until then, I have 10 things to do when it's too cold to go outside.

Knit. Surprise! Knitting is my favorite thing to do when you can't leave the house!
Movie-a-thon. So far in our (omg- 6?) 6 years of happily unwedded cohabitation, PC and I have had a Lord of the Rings weekend, a Star Wars weekend, a Pillars of the Earth (Showtime, all 12 episodes, in one weekend) weekend, a Harry Potter weekend (to catch PC up before the 1st last movie) and we'll be having an Indiana Jones one soon... and a season 1 of Game of Thrones.
cook. Yup--- those are the days for roasting veggies, cooking giant hunks of meat, simmering a soup...
clean. If you are trapped in the house, you will see how gross it is... cleaning helps.
nap. PC naps, I don't. On occasion, I have napped on a snow day... it's the only time I feel like it's a good thing to do.
"not nap." (wink, wink... nudge, nudge). You know, the OTHER thing you can do in the room with the bed that is NOT napping. We have no kids and I think this might be harder to do with other people trapped in the house with you.
read a book. I have a nook color, so as long as i have wifi--- i'm in endless books (and endless debt. Hello bn.com-linked credit card!) and PC, well...he has a book habit like i have a yarn habit. Just sayin'.
Scrabble. Or cards. Or any game. We like Scrabble and cards. Rummy 500 to be exact.
Call friends. My friend, Dora, is great to chat with on the phone... and well, by the time I'm up to HERE with PC (day 2 of a snowed-in weekend), she's at the same point with her hubby. We commiserate. :)
Think ahead for some blog ideas... this was #1 on my list this Sunday!

Animal crackers in my soup....

2012-01-10T09:25:00.002-05:00

Photo credit: www.eatthinkandbemerry.wordpress.com

Carole challenged us to come up with our 10 favorite soups. This is a significant challenge for me because, well, I love soup. Not just like soup, I love soup. Soup is my favorite food. It's good, cold in the summer, hot in the winter. Soup fills you up. Soup warms you up. Soup makes you feel loved. Soup is, for me, the perfect dinner. Or lunch. And I've been known to eat it for breakfast.

It's cheap, it can be healthy and if you have guests show up, well, you just another another cup of water to the pot.

Ten on Tuesday's Top 10 Soups:

French Onion Soup. Soup Onion gratin. Very specifically, I love all french onion soup, but the 99 Restaurant does french onion soup the best. And, this place called "le central" in San Francisco, between Union Square and the financial district. Delish.
Roasted tomato gratin soup at Sel de la terre. Oh, how i dream of this soup... I would eat vats of this soup.
Minestrone Soup. Not surprised are you? My sister-in-law, Jess, makes the best minestrone soup. It's hearty, it's packed with veggies and it's made with love.
Pasta fagiole (macaroni and bean)--- I like the Progresso one. Yup, canned, loaded with salt, but oh my... delicious.
Ring'O'Noodle. The Lipton packaged stuff in the envelope. When I'm down, sick or just having a crappy day, this soup can make me good again. It likes a grilled cheese accompaniment, but it stands alone just fine.
Kielbasa, kale and bean. I just made this last week for dinner. PC's not a soup fan (he doesn't think it's 'food' and therefore there has to be something else with the soup), but he loved this. My recipe was a bit salty but i know how to fix it for next time. Parmesano Reggiano rind, cannellini beans, kielbasa, healthy kale,...what's not to love?
Soup at Hands--- i love them all. Each is under 100 calories, and i keep 3 in my desk at work at all times. Forgot your lunch? Got it. Need a snack and don't (shouldn't) want cookies? Got it. Running late and didn't eat breakfast? Got it.
Good ole chicken noodle. My mom used to make it with the birds' nests (if you grew up near or as an Italian, you know the birds' nests), so each bowl got it's own nest. All white meat chicken, sweet carrots... yum.
Carrot ginger soup. I have a great recipe that I adore, but I need to put it away for a while. It's 2lbs of carrots, 1 small potato, 2 inches of fresh ginger (minced), 6 cups veggie stock. Cook for 45 minutes.
Lentil soup. (in my lunch today!) I make mine with carrots, celery, onion, tomato paste, and red lentils.

my four quilts

2012-01-04T10:03:00.001-05:00

I had several comments asking "which four quilts?"

1. Bear Paw Quilt (moda bake shop). I love this quilt. I'm hoping to use up some of my "autumn" fabrics for this one. With stark white background. And lots of meandering quilting.

2. Jelly Roll star quilt. This might be the first one I make. It's for my bed.

3. Zig Zag quilt from purl bee. Simple, yes, but I'd love to do some awesome shadow quilting in the "white space" (though mine might be black. Yup. BLACK.)

4. Irish Chain. *sigh* gorgeous, right?

My ambition is high and not all will be bed sized (we love a good snugglin' quilt in this house!) and not all are for me... :)

10 on Tuesday: 2012

2012-01-03T11:16:00.003-05:00

Carole made a comment that she doesn't "do resolutions" but that she does goals... I like that. I'm pretty good at resolutions, but not great at keeping them. Some big things happened in 2011, some good, some bad... and it had me thinking from October (my 34th birthday), that some things need to change. Some of it you'll see on the blog, some I'll allude to (and if I feel it would help me, share with you all) and some, well... some you have to know me "in real life" to be in the loop.

But, here are 10 things I want to do in 2012:
1. knit more socks.
2. knit myself 2 sweaters
3. lose weight. A significant amount of weight... like three digits worth. Eating better and believing that it can actually work would help out.
4. get moving... swimming, pilates, kicking things at my trainer... by December 31, 2012, I want to be physically active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
5. save money... yup, here comes a yarn diet. (note: no one can have a baby between now and December--- I don't keep baby friendly yarn in stock)
6. reduce the stash by 60%
7. make 4 quilts-- I already know which 4 I want to make too.
8. Be a better friend... when my life gets out of control, i shut down and internalize... and I need my friends more than ever!
9. Shake it... take a zumba class, or use the wii or kinect dance games.
10. buy a kayak and start paddling!!!

New year, resolute.

2012-01-01T19:29:00.001-05:00

Day one of 2012 will be a quiet post, as 2011 ended terribly, so we are quietly welcoming the new year, not unlike not wanting to wake a sleeping giant.

What you see here is a new sweater for PC. Navy blue berrocco vintage, us 7 bamboo needles....an EZ seamless hybrid.

10 on Tuesday... the Final Push

2011-12-20T09:42:00.001-05:00

Today's 10 is "10 things to get done by the weekend"--- timely b/c this weekend is solstice, Christmas and Hanukkah. My list looks fairly tame considering that for the past 2.5 weeks, I've been running to and from a hospital. My mom got very sick, it complicated her COPD and we are in the midst of a very long exacerbation, currently at rehab, but started December on a ventilator and with prayers. Needless to say, my normal, exuberant Christmas spirit went right out the window. Even now, we have the tree up and decorated, some of the decor done, but honestly? I kind of just want to get through the weekend (and perhaps a 1 day pass for my mom on Christmas Day, so my brother and SIL can bring up the only grandkid for a few hours to see his Nana). PC and I host Christmas dinner, so there is that to attend to, but he's handling 90% of that task. And, friends? PC has been a godsend through this. As happily unmarried as we are, you know that you have a true partner in life when he's taking care of everything in the house, so when you get home at 10pm from the ICU, you can eat, cry and sleep.

But, for now... I still have a wee list of things to get done:

1. buy asparagus and Brussels sprouts for dinner

2. clean the bathroom and kitchen. Again.

3. finish wrapping... i have one gift left to wrap. Oh, no... three. Whoops

4. pick up a gift for my dad from my mom (and a few card options too)-- yup, she's a sneaky Santa even when sick.

5. make dinner plans with friends for next week (Sylvie, this is you)

6. buy thank you cards

7. find something for my brother's kind of girlfriend (??)--- i never know what to get her, and she's sorta kinda still with him.... it's all very complicated.

8. get my second wreath up on the door

9. make fudge. two small batches, unlike the 12 or so I normally do.

10. finish up a thousand and one little things at work.

The hostess with the mostest

2011-12-13T08:24:00.000-05:00

I love giving hostess gifts... so easy and so thoughtful. After dining in friends' homes a number of times, I don't usually bother (so many friends stop being "company" after a few years), but it is nice to have as you approach the holiday party season.

My mom taught me that a hostess gift should be "what it is: a gift for the woman who did all the darn work!" So... here are some of my ideas:

Flowers. In a vase, even a cheap one. (Never make a host/hostess hunt for a vase when they are mid-meal prep).
Plant. No vase needed and can perhaps be transplanted to the yard.
Candle--- go with pretty and unscented unless you know them really well. And their allergies. Soy candles are great.
Hand towels or dish towels. A nice dish cloth or hand towel (embroidered, or having a design) is a nice gift and always handy!
box of chocolates. I always add a note "for you to enjoy later," so they don't feel the need to share it with us.
seasonal or themed notepads, sticky notes, etc.
a favorite coffee or tea--- make sure the coffee is already ground.
an ornament for their Christmas tree (this is pretty easy this time of year)
a coffee table book or a book for the hostess to read
a centerpiece--- who couldn't use a nice holiday centerpiece

Also, my top few things to avoid bringing the hostess:

A bottle of wine. yes, it's traditional, but if the hostess has already paired the wine with the meal, she may feel pressured to open your bottle, even if it doesn't complement the meal. If you bring wine, insist it's "for you, for later."
cookies/dessert: unless asked to bring something. As the girl hosting a cookie swap on Friday, the last thing I need in my house is more sweets.
salad, side dish, etc... you may think your helping, but parties & dinners are usually pre-planned when it comes to food, so again, unless you are asked (or it's a potluck)...

As the hostess, let's review a few things about receiving a hostess gift.

Acknowledge the gift.
Say thank you!
Set is aside.
open it later.

Ten for Tuesday, Holiday edition

2011-12-06T08:45:00.001-05:00

Holiday edition and holiday traditions. My family has a bunch of holiday traditions, many that haven't been done since we were kids, but I remember them...

this is the exact nativity and creche that my mom had when we were growing up

1. Dan and I buy our tree from the local Catholic Church, Our Lady's in Newton. I've never bought a tree from an organization that wasn't benefiting from the sale and I probably never will. Even this one, the attached high school, Trinity, rents the space to the tree seller, so they get the rent each year. The tree can be no higher than the top of my hand when i put my arm up. Otherwise, the topper will never get up there.
2. Making fudge. Nana J's secret recipe... and it's delish.
3. Sending cards. My SIL has the right idea- if they send an e-card, they are off the Christmas list.
4. Christmas eve at my parents. Everyone laughing and raising hell, drinking a little too much, eating WAY too much.
5. Meatballs and sauce on Christmas eve at my mom's... everyone's got a piece of bread dunked in there throughout the day... just waiting for it to be 'done'.
6. Opening stockings and presents on Christmas eve... what can I say, we're Norweigan!
7. Finding the LifeSavers storybooks and Tootsie Roll trees in our stockings... like we're still 5. And we hide them immediately to prevent theft.
8. Blue-tin cookies... you are a definite north-shore-er if you know the blue-tin cookies
9. Midnight Mass. It's poetic and mystical and soothing to me. Our church has the holy spirit knock on the door and the congregation invites the spirit into our church and our lives. It moves me.
10. My cookie swap... it's silly, but fun and everyone has a great time.

Advent Calendar for Jackson Robert

2011-12-05T13:07:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago (pre-Thanksgiving), I started discussing Advent calendars with my sister-in-law. Yep, that sister-in-law, the one who loves anything I make for the buggy one and is also very crafty herself (can't wait to smell her new cinnamon wreath--- she says the house smells like Christmas now). I wanted it to be different, personalized... definitely say "made for Jack by someone who really loves the snot out of him." But it needed to be quick! Advent was impending! I hadn't a lot of time!

So, I dropped my knitting needles and grabbed the felt, scissors and embroidery needle and off I went. To my chair, in the living room, drinking hot tea and cutting, assembling, adorning mittens.

Love these little mittens, #25 is the only white one and the only one with red letters. The rest are gold.

Each mitten is a pocket for a toy, ornament or candy. I used the dimensions from creating his 2010 mittens (see here) and made his own hands the mittens! I used a quick running stitch in a contrasting color to create a hand-made cozy feeling. And, every few mittens, I'd trim with the pinking shears. Each mitten has a date (1-25), all hand embroidered with embroidery floss.

At the corner of each mitten, I strung them with embroidery floss and tied in 3-7 small jingle bells, so it makes noise as he runs down the stairs :)

And, here they are hung over the doors of my china cupboard. 25 little mittens just waiting to delight and surprise one special little boy.

The verdict? He loves it!

little hiatus

2011-11-29T07:38:00.001-05:00

My short hiatus got pretty long. The sore throat/cold thing turned into double ear infections, sinus infection and strep throat. Which PC got too. The week of Thanksgiving. So, our Thanksgiving week was, let's say "interesting." I had some unexpected time out of the office (which is never good because my office is pretty unforgiving when you use the time off they give you. More about this later.) and it resulted in very little knitting. Last Tuesday, I slept for 19 hours. No knitting there.

Thanksgiving was pretty good, but I still can't hear out of my left ear. I've got to see if I can get into the doctor on Saturday.

The 10 on Tuesday is "ten favorite musicals." Hmm.. i've never been a HUGE fan of them.

1. Legally Blonde, the Musical. I saw this a few weeks ago for a Girls' Night Out and it was great!
2. Christmas Carol, but ONLY by the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, MA. Anything else is just not good. (David Coffee as Scrooge is BRILLIANT)

3. The Who's Tommy. I remember liking that one, but the crack-whore scared me.
4. Wizard of Oz... is this a musical? Or a movie with songs?
5. Lion King--- PC took me one year and it was pretty awesome.

6. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreancoat

7. Hair
8. Rent
9. Sweeney Todd
10. Le Cage

Blogging cop out

2011-11-17T22:52:00.001-05:00

Head cold. Sore throat. Send lozenges and tea.

Be back tomorrow.

The Un-Diet

2011-11-16T10:35:00.001-05:00

I've been un-dieting for about 3 months now and it's finally clicking. Yes, I'm still watching my carb intake,but that's going to be a life long process, so it's now become a habit. The act of flipping over every product in the grocery to see the carb/serving grams has led me to this: people, we eat a TON of sugar.

My un-diet is very much mental. I'm not feeling deprived, my cravings are lower and I'm feeling better (and sleeping more!) each day. I can go to a restaurant. Or eat a fiber festival. Or work a conference (thank you, Whole Foods Whey protein & shaker bottles). Nothing is off-limits. NOTHING. I can eat cake. I can eat cookies. I can eat meat. (though, I've reduced my meat-based protein intake to once per day)

Today, I'm sharing with you a few things that are getting me on-board with the diet. As you know, this blog is my dumping ground for my life...we'll get back to knitting tomorrow.

1. My nutritionist. Honestly, if you had told me a year ago that I would look forward to hauling up 3 flights of stairs to see Paula (at MetroWest Nutrition in Newton) every few weeks, I would have called you a crack monkey. Every experience I've ever had with a nutritionist has been "this is a small apple. This is a medium apple. They are different." Seriously? I've been on Weight Watchers, TOPS, jenny craig, nutrisystem, Atkins, South Beach and you think I don't know a small apple? I've never NOT weighed my food.

Paula's different. She's encouraging, full of ideas and really wants you to succeed. And she doesn't let you get away with anything. Don't like broccoli? Find something else. Set limits. Be strong. She talks about having a "bank of self control" and to identify who's trying to rob the bank! Like the well-meaning co-worker who offers to pick up take-out. Every. Day. Or the relative who pushes the chocolate pie toward you after you've said no. (Or the wretched people at Stop & Shop who comment on our produce-laden grocery cart and tell me all about Nutrisystem and packaged foods. Okay, maybe that's just b/c I hate people who try to publicly humiliate me.) We're working through some of my food issues and she's helped me be more aware of me, my body and my health. Thanks, Paula!!!

2. My endocrinologist. Dude, he's awesome. Every lb gone gets a high-five. Every minute decrease in hA1C gets a "way to go." And, he hates the treadmill too, but he does it. Every night. And he tells you : he hates it, but he does it and he has to work at eating healthy and staying in shape. He's a great doctor, has helped me truly believe that I can and WILL beat PCOS. He's current on all the research, loves the ideas my nutrionist has and is dedicated to working with me, not against me.

www.myfitnesspal.com or download the app

3. MyFitnessPal. A kick-ass app for my android phone that is also a website. I can scan the barcodes of food to enter them. The database is extensive and my nutritionist can log in to see my diary. You can learn more at their site, but wow... has this made tracking and eating so.much.easier.

See? Kicking things!

4. Steve, from BlackBelt Fitness. Steve's a fairly non-traditional trainer... more like a nicer weekly version of the trainers from Biggest Loser. We do a lot of martial-arts based workouts and I get to kick him. Well, the pads, but seriously? How good does it feel to kick something after work on Thursday? Amazing! Lots of stretching, weight stuff and cardio... it doesn't get boring and I've never had to run on the treadmill. A weekly personal trainer? Well, someone must be made of money right? Nope. Steve's reasonable and you can buy packages that reduce the cost as well. Both PC and I see him and we agree: Steve's pretty great.

Siggi's is the lowest carb, fewest ingredient yogurt I can find. No HFCS, no aspartame..just milk, agave, vegetable rennet and good "bugs"

5. New foods. New food choices are keeping me going. Last week, I roasted brussels sprouts. I never liked them, now I love them! And tonight, we're having seared endive with our dinner. We're boosting our options at home, getting creative and embracing new recipes. PC's been grilling up a storm too... which is nice because grilling reduces the oil that we use for our foods.

So, keep an eye on the weight loss ticker in the corner there. It's going to be moving and I hope to hear you cheering me on!!

Cranberry Heaven

2011-11-15T09:05:00.001-05:00

depending on where you live, this is what you think of when you think "cranberry"

Massachusetts is a HUGE cranberry producer (2nd only to Wisconsin). Growing up here, cranberries (fresh ones) are so common in the grocery store that I was amazed when a friend (who grew up in France) went bananas over them in the produce department 6 years ago. "imagine," she said," Fresh cranberries!" And until PC's grampa passed away, he had a cousin (Cousin Richard) who lived next to a cranberry bog and "liberated" cranberries and sent them up in a giant box. If you wanted cranberries, you just grabbed a scoop at Grampa's. Just one more reason to miss him very much (he was pretty damn awesome).

But, here in MA, this is what we think of!Industry! Jobs! Bogs...
(Raise your hand if you have ever taken a school bus to a cranberry bog...)

So what to do with all those riches?
1. Make cranberry sauce. Every Massachusetts elementary schooler knows how to do this (you learn at Plimoth Plantation after you go see the very unimpressive Plymoth Rock): water, sugar, berries: boil, cool and squish.
2. Cranberry muffins. Take you favorite blueberry muffin mix, add cranberries instead.
3. Cranberry-Onion relish. PC's aunt makes a good one... so good, I beg for leftovers at Thanksgiving. And eat about 2 cups of it on my mashed potatoes that day. :)
4. Cranberry pancakes. I had these one weekend in Maine while at the NETA Spa, Sit and Spin event. Delish.
5. Cranberry cocktail. I buy it in the store and I dilute it with sparkling water. Not only does it taste great, cranberries are great for your kidneys and bladder. And will quickly stave off a UTI.
6. Cranberry ginger ale. Add some crushed cranberries to a glass of ginger ale. Yum. Add some gin and you have an adult beverage. Leave out the gin and the kids table looks pretty darn fancy.
7. Cranberry scones. I don't make these, I just get them at the Celtic Corner bakery in West Newton. To.die.for.
8. Fight cancer. Tons of antioxidants are in these wee, bitter and sour berries... so, adding them to your diet can help you prevent cancer.
9. Put it on your face. Cranberry oil is supposed to be good for your skin.
10. best of all... in the can, with ring "impressions" and all... as a yummy low-calorie snack.

A knitter's delight

2011-11-13T23:48:00.001-05:00

Is three little girls running around a kitchen yelling meow! Meow! All the while, wearing their handknit cat hats! And hearing that a certain tres chic 14 year old still carries the first purse you knit her. When she was 2. She keeps it in her purse, filled with her essentials. Yup, love my family.

Blog fail

2011-11-12T08:49:00.001-05:00

I missed yesterday. Whoops. Two blog updates today to make up for it.

First, its darn cold here today, so warm socks are a must! And, I have noticed that I'm down to a few precious pair.

Tell me: what is your favorite sock pattern?

Pumpkin gone too far

2011-11-10T22:39:00.001-05:00

I'm a sparkling water addict. Since Ive recently tried to really cut out the soda, seltzer and sparkling water are my new bff. And we know I love all things pumpkin, right? Not this.

Pumpkin spice and egg nog water? Gross. The granny smith flavor was pretty awesome, but egg nog????

Hats

2011-11-09T22:56:00.001-05:00

Twins' hats are under way. One purple, one pink. Mitten mice are awaiting pink noses and tails (mitten strings).

Using helloyarn's tortoro pattern as the base and converting to a cat.

Tuesday's 10

2011-11-08T10:51:00.002-05:00

Carole proposed a timely subject as we enter the holiday (or as I say: germ swapping) season: Ten Ways to Care for a Cold.

the common cold virus; quite pretty, considering

Advil Cold & Sinus. The good stuff. The pseudoephedrine loaded cold medicine.
Good tissues. With aloe. Your nose is so nice to you the rest of the year, it deserves an upgrade to the good tissues.
Slow down. Ha! PC is killing himself laughing right now, because I don't slow down when i'm sick. I should, but I don't. But I do think you should.
Tea. Lots of tea.
Grilled cheese sandwiches. Peanut butter & Fluff on Saltines alongside Campbell's chicken and rice soup. Scientifically proven to make you feel better.
Nyquil. The nighttime-sniffling-sneezing-stuffyhead-medicine-that-helps-you-sleep. 'nuff said.
Water. Water. Water. Colds love a dehydrated body...so, fill up on cool water.
Quilts. Get on the couch and grab one. Snuggle. Add cat if needed.
Pajama pants. When you have a cold, there is no reason to wear real pants. Get up and shower , but change into clean pajama pants.
Steam shower... nothing like the feeling of the steam working its way through your nasal passages.

and one more ... Elderberry tincture. Once someone near me at work starts to sneeze, I make myself some elderberry tea here at work and grab the lysol. :)

In which Pumpkin speaks her mind

2011-11-07T10:06:00.001-05:00

Hello, Pumpkin here. I have to blog for the Lady Who Carries Me ( let's call her Momma today because she has.something called jury duty. She says its a pain the ass, so I think it's like going to the vet. Very pokey.

I wanted to show you that I, too, love sheep. Not only for their delicious yarns, but for their ability to keep me warm. Take the yarn. Momma brought more home this weekend even though she's not done playing with the ones she has. You know she's done when it's wet.

My sheep is a very warm sheep. She is a little shy, and doesn't sat much, but momma and the Man Who Feeds Me must heat up her food, because she comes back from the Food Place and is all warm. My food is never warm.

Sometimes momma needs to snuggle the sheep, but I am sure glad I am NOT that sheep, because she squishes her! sheep never complains, but I'm glad momma doesn't squish me. The hugs are bad enough.

Alpacas, Sheep, Goats and... a whole lotta people

2011-11-06T21:59:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, after a night of birthday debauchary at a co-worker's 50th birthday bash, I headed off to pick up my friend Dora in Hudson. Switching to her car, nursing some dehydration (beer, laughing and dancing can really make you dry), we headed to Springfield, MA.

One end of the market

What's in Springfield? Besides the Basketball Hall of Fame? New England Fiber Festival. Started last year (or was it two years ago?), this little indoor festival has greatly expanded... so much so that it takes up one of the Big E (Eastern States Exposition-- kind of like a state fair,but our N.E. states are kinda small, so we group them all together) fairgrounds.

Aisle after aisle of vendors, all hawking yarn, fiber, spinning wheels, spindles, and much much more. We saw at least 8 kinds of spinning wheels, more spindles than you can shake a stick at (mostly at Amy- Spunky Eclectic's booth) and oodles of sock yarn. If you are a sock yarn ho, this is where you need to be. MILES of it.

After catching up with friends and chatting while walking, we had a yummy and relatively healthy lunch (grilled chicken wrap with blue cheese, crumbles, cranberries and pecans) with a questionably
healthy snack (cheese fries), we headed back to finish off the shopping. I started to feel like this:

the other end of the market

It's a LOT of people.

I left with enough sock yarn from Dorchester Farms for two pair, and a shawl kit from Judy's booth. And a few patterns. Not much more. I've been pretty underwhelmed with what I see in the booths, mostly because I know how much I have in my stash at home.

All in all, a great day with great friends. This is a festival I can see myself going back to, but i'll be honest, I miss the "outside"-ness of an actual sheep fair. And it was a nice trip to Springfield. In my part of the state, the Snowtober storm didn't really impact us ---some crappy slush is all we got. But, my friends to the west? Hammered. So many trees down, so many STILL without power, but what great stories of compassion and fellowship: neighbor helping neighbor. Say a little prayer of thanks for the hard working line crews and tree trimmers. We saw them still hard at work on Saturday, clearing the roads to make them safe and passable.

Mouse mittens will be appearing here soon. Pattern is being written for them soon.

G'night. :)

Dedication

2011-11-06T00:28:00.001-04:00

Serious dedication to your craft. My first thought? I hope it's superwash.

More on the New England Fiber Fest tomorrow, including the goodies.

College and Snowflakes

2011-11-04T09:13:00.001-04:00

Saint Anselm College, Mancheseter NH- winter

I went here (see above) for college. It's a good college; I received an excellent education and I don't regret for a moment that I went there. I made some great friends, learned more about myself and my abilities than I thought possible and found my faith there. It was not cheap. It was not free. And it did not let everyone in. I received a scholarship for some of my tuition because throughout high school, I was a hard worker and knew that I wanted to go to college. As the youngest of three, college was not a given. Paying for it was certainly going to come down to me (mom & dad helped, alot. More than they should have, realistically), and I'm still paying it. I wore the same jeans for 4 years, I had the meal plan, cigarettes and a keg party ($3 for a cup) were my budgeted items. I saved all summer for book money. I walked and bummed rides to my jobs when I couldn't swing gas. I had jobs.

Where is this conversation going? I was in Boston earlier in the week for work and drove past the Occupy Boston movement and saw the following scene: a student, with a bullhorn, in $100 sneakers (PC's a sneaker junkie-- i know these were not cheapo kicks, definitely a Bodega buy), a $200 NorthFace jacket, D&G sunglasses ... yelling "College is a RIGHT, not for the rich and white." Note: I think this young man was white.

I get it. I do. College costs a small fortune today. So does rent, milk, bread, gasoline and haircuts. But, college is not a right. College is a privilege; if you are smart, capable and interested in learning, you should be in college. How many of my fellow students did I see that were partying away their parents money? Too many. Did I think they deserved to be there? No. My college roomie, Mandi, had a great sign in our room: $20,000. It was a daily reminder to us about why we were there and the price we were paying.

Also, what happened to skilled labor and learning a trade? PC started college and left, knowing that his interest level (and capacity at the time to stay in school) was a waste of his money and his parents'. So he left. He worked a lot of jobs, but he made ends meet, he lived on his own and now, he's "skilled labor" and a supervisor. Why did we make it a bad thing if Susie wants to be a hairdresser and Bobby wants to be a plumber?

It all comes down to each child being a "special snowflake." I don't want to seem harsh (and I'm not a parent, so feel free to come down on my non-mommyness, you wouldn't be the first), but not everyone should go to college. Our society needs people to mow lawns, fix plumbing, build houses, cut hair, pave roads, drive buses, and carry the mail. We need to recognize the good, honest hard work that goes into working a trade.

My message to our friend at Occupy Boston? You are not the special snowflake your mom told you that you are. And google the Bill of Rights.

...with the knitting

2011-11-03T12:05:00.002-04:00

In the famous words of Oz (and PC): ignore the man behind the curtain.

That's PC, holding up Livvie's new hat. It's the Temple Cats pattern, gifted to me by a friend, in Cascade 220 Superwash (Sue: toss right into the washer and dryer, but it'd prefer to lie flat to dry). It's hot pink and baby pink and it's perfect for that 4 year old in your life who loves cats.

I have to admit, the braided band makes me giggle. I love it, but braids are one of those things that are 0% intuitive to me when knitting. They never look like they are supposed to until after you've knit a bit beyond them. This is unfortunate because if you don't like the look, it's ripping out good knitting to get to bad.

The yarn. Cascade 220 Superwash gives me fits. I *love* it, but it's not the same gauge as regular Cascade 220, I don't care what they tell me. I knit this hat on US7 and it needs a good blocking over a vase or bowl to even out the colorwork a bit, but I would highly suggest a US6.

So much of my holiday life is 'knitting' but not this year. A few special hats for a few special kids, some non-holiday mittens (hang on, Jack--- I'm perfecting the dino hat and dino mittens for you this year!), and everything else is coming from a shop. Nice shops, but shops nonetheless. It's not that I don't think people will appreciate them (seriously: my SIL's reaction to handknits needs to make youtube... it makes any knitter proud), but the time. Some of the fam & friends will get handknits but some will not.

More tomorrow... I'm thinking we'll discuss something a little lighthearted and something a little politico-- like something I like to call the Snowflake People. :)

...in which I wow you...

2011-11-02T09:41:00.001-04:00

...with my ability to blog every.single.blasted.day of November. Yup, it's gonna get "real" around here! And, on the subject of change... be aware that I have purchased a website, am investigating a move to wordpress and have no bloody idea of what I am doing. Like my mom said, 3 hours into getting us lost on a routine trip home from camp... "it'll be fine. Think of it as an adventure. And don't tell your father."

Today, well, today I am going to tell you that I was damn near late for work because I was listening to Tom Brokaw on the radio. He's pitching his new book and I'm heading to B&N asap to grab it. His new book touches on some rather unpopular ideas and I'm surprised at just how conservative Mr. Brokaw is, but I like it.

On the knitting & sewing front: ugh. Bags are yet to be completed. The concussion has led to 4 days of non-stop headaches and I've just been unable to deal with the noise that the sewing machine generates. But, tonight... tonight I sew.

Knitting: continues... Olivia's hat & mittens are done, off to make some for Tori & Brooke, Olivia's little sisters (twins!). I guess the famous cat hat (pattern to be listed on the side bar for download by Thanksgiving) and mouse mittens (also to be a download) have caused a bit of girl-on-girl fighting at my cousin's house, so to each sister goes a cat-hat. I'm hand delivering these because then I get a smooch from Olivia, who gives the best hugs, and I get to see my favorite cousin, Sue.

Photos tomorrow, if I can catch the light in the morning.

NaBloPoMo--- yup, one post a day for a month. Be sure to let me know when you get sick of me.

"Tell me about yourself..."

2011-11-01T09:33:00.003-04:00

Top 10 Interview Questions.

As someone who has had *ahem* jobs, and therefore a LOT of interviews, I consider myself an expert in this, actually. And I have helped coach a few friends through the interview process. 3rd career calling?

The usual suspects:
1. Tell me about yourself. It's not really a question, but a directive, and it's usually what everyone screws up. This is the point in the interview that you let everything fly out that they aren't allowed to ask you: I'm Sally, married, 3 kids, etc... Nope this should be your "elevator pitch": I'm a hard working, diligent widget maker, with a proven track record of applying continual improvement processes in widget making for 15 years.
2. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Has anyone ever said "I'm lazy and take really long lunch breaks" when asked this one? I work too hard and love my job too much. I'm pretty terrible at time management, so I tend to be honest and tell them time management is something that I continually work to improve (note: i don't tell them the starting point, do I?)
3. Describe how you got here in 10 steps or less. Okay, so this gets to a particular type of interview that I normally encounter: logic and reasoning. This actually tells you a lot about how someone thinks and if they can break down their thought process into constituent steps. Good for scientists, not really needed for dock workers.
4. What motivates you? Money. What motivates you?

And now a few of my faves from interviews I've been on....
5. If you could be a small kitchen appliance, which would you be?
...Kitchen Aid mixer b/c I like to stir things up?
6. What quality do you most admire about your pet?
... her ability to sleep 20 hours a day?
7. Can you name the hierarchy of our R&D team?
2nd question... hadn't met anyone yet!
8. We may require that you work overnight, weekends, or holidays without notice... how flexible are you?
umm... well... no notice? None at all?
9. Explain why you should replace me in this position?
1.5 hours into the interview, I found out she had been let go and was staying on for two weeks to find her replacement.
10. Create a fictional product within our product line and pitch it to me.
last question from a start-up company that interviewed me at Starbucks. No product line. No business plan.

I've fallen...

2011-10-28T09:35:00.001-04:00

Ugh. Flew down the back steps this morning, all ten of them, and landed on my head. Bump is forming, and the ankle is being heated, per doc suggestion. Concussion is pretty much a guarantee.

Ch-ch-changes!

2011-10-26T08:01:00.000-04:00

There will be some changes around here soon. Don't worry, nothing too dramatic, but I'm working with a graphic designer tomorrow to determine a new logo & establish a brand for Minestrone Soup. My little reusable ziplock bags (I call them Eco-Zips) are going up for sale at several craft shows and have spread like wildfire via word-of-mouth (mostly my SIL, who's basically been hawking them at the local playground without knowing it-- having a 3 year old who seeks out his snack bag, can open & close it himself and it has awesome dinos on it? Sold to the mommies and nannies at the park!). So, there will be a little link on the right directly people for purchasing them. I'll have a BUNCH with me at the New England Fiber Festival next weekend too: about 80 to be exact... $4 each. (camera phone being pushy, so no photos today. Woe.)

Also, I've been working on some new mitten patterns, those links will be going up on the side there too. The #s are being worked on and I'm hoping to get some test knitters soon. Photos by Thanksgiving.

So... changes. It's a good thing.

Ten On Tuesday: Dressin' Up

2011-10-25T13:42:00.001-04:00

The 10 best Halloween costumes I've ever seen? Hmm....

Daschunds as hot dogs. I hate costumes on dogs, but this one cracks me up!
Couple dressed as elderly husband & wife, cross-dressed
our friends have passed around an infant Yoda costume, which is adorable.
I made my brother, J, a dog costume once that was pretty outstanding... he won 1st place at two parties that year!
I love me a chubby baby as a pumpkin, a lobster or any other creature!
I was once a bag of jelly beans: balloons stuffed into a clear plastic trash bag.
My mom dressed me and my brothers as the California Raisins once, also, involved trash bags
My best friend, Sylvie, dresses her baby up in a dragon costume (first her oldest: he wore it twice , and her newest, he'll be in it on Monday!)--- but the costume is SO big and the baby's so small, it's known to friends as the "dragon-eating-the-baby" costume. :)
a sweet little Indian girl came to our door last year as "Jasmin" from Alladin...I oohed and ahhed over her costume, but she set me straight: it wasn't a costume, it was "what my mom made me wear to my cousin's wedding." lol... well, that's one wedding outfit that did double duty!
and lastly, I loved the year my brother was mailbox. My mom made him look like a real USPS mailbox... :)

Remember, if you are trick'or'treating in my neighborhood on Halloween: No Costume, No Candy. As PC said to one kid last year "if you are in a dark hoodie, carrying a sack in the middle of the night, i'm going to assume you are robbing me, not looking for a kit kat!"

When life gives you apples....

2011-10-24T10:19:00.003-04:00

Make applesauce. My applesauce recipe is not fancy. It's not super sweet. It doesn't require a lot of work, but it is delicious. And freezes very well.

Kate's Caramel Apple...Sauce.
8 medium apples, skins on, cored and cubed
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
7 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup water
Add everything to a stock pot and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Cool to room temperature and pulverize in a food processor. Makes 8 1-cup servings, at 98 calories per serving.

I eat it cold, hot, with pork chops, with a spoon...

Putting my money where my mouth is

2011-10-20T10:35:00.001-04:00

My 17 year old self

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

My 17 year old self would be hard-pressed to recognize me these days, but just in case time-travel does happen, somewhere, somehow, let's discuss what she ought to know.

Dear 17-year old Mini,

1. You're gorgeous and have a kick-ass body. Love it. Ignore the high school boys. Own your body and love it. Oh, and stay active... it's the key to those great legs.

2. Look up. Stop looking at your books and homework. Look. Up. At the world. This is a great time, if you let it be. ( you get into college, it's great and you do fine... lighten up)

3. Challenge and push your parents. Mom & Dad are great, but they think you are strong and fragile all at once. Grow up a little and show them what you are made of.

4. Yell less. Listen more. Yup, even to Mom.

5. Hug Nana alot. Don't roll your eyes and try to hurry her along. Enjoy her. Hug her. You are going to miss her.

6. Start having coffee with Grampy. (you are going to do this after college, so start now) He loves you and has a lot to teach you. You are going to miss him too.

7. Don't drink white russians with Heather Goodwin. You will throw up, you will be sick and her dad will know. Oh, and you will both have to clean the driveway.

8. Take chances. Being afraid is something you come by naturally, but it doesn't have to own you. You spend a lot of time between 31-34 learning not be.

9. Take typing senior year. It will prove invaluable in your life.

10. He's not "the one" and you won't remember his last name when you're 34... don't waste senior year on a guy who doesn't like you back. (the "one" really, really likes you. ALOT. In fact, he loves you. And he's a great kisser.)

10 ways to eat pumpkin

2011-10-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

She is NOT amused.

No, not that Pumpkin, but pumpkin.

The large orange member of the squash family that we carve up, dice up, puree and spice to our hearts content. The ubiquitous image of October, fall and Halloween. Anyone who has met me knows: I love all things pumpkin. Even so much that I didn't want our cat at the shelter, until Dan said her name was already Pumpkin. Then it was fate. And then she jumped in my arms. Game over. Sign us up.

So, it's no surprise that I like to EAT pumpkin. And I'm happy to share with you my favorite ways to do so...

Pumpkin beer. Oh, the varieties... our house is lovin' Harpoon's UFO unfiltered Pumpkin Ale, but i'm a die-hard fan of Cambridge Brewing Company's Pumpkin beer. (available at the bar, in the restaurant, in growlers "to-go" and now, your local Boston area packie).
my alternative to too sweet pumpkin pie: pumpkin fluff pie
Pumpkin risotto. I had this for lunch today--- yummm.....
Pumpkin Latte (nonfat, 2 Sweet & Low, please!) at Dunkin' Donuts
Green Mountain coffee company, Pumpkin Spice coffee. Available at Mobil gas stations... and i'm usually a Mobil girl during October just for the damn coffee.
pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. PC's mom makes the BEST pumpkin chocolate chip cookies EVER. And, I usually get a dozen for my birthday, which I flat out refuse to share, but none so far this year. :(
Edy's Slow Churned Pumpkin Ice Cream. Or go to Christina's in Cambridge and order the following: 2 scoops Pumpkin, 1 scoop Burnt Sugar. OMG. To quote Rachel Zoe: "I die." or Soc's in Saugus. Add chocolate jimmies for some flair. And don't call the sprinkles.
Thai Spiced Pumpkin soup.
toasted pumpkin seeds... with salt.

Winner: Martita!

2011-10-17T11:31:00.001-04:00

OMG: this never published on Saturday morning!!! :( Sorry....

Martita... you won! Send me your addy via email: kskaare (at) gmail (dot) com and I will send you an awesome prize!

Everyone else... send me your addresses too! I have "booby" prizes for all of us who just couldn't get to Rhinebeck this year!

Rhinebeck: Unbound

2011-10-12T09:25:00.001-04:00

I'm not heading to Rhinebeck this weekend, for so many reasons, but the first being : crowds. Have I ever discussed with you my distaste for crowds? I can handle SPA, I can handle the guild retreat, but Rhinebeck? Well, it needs a full 2 days, with me getting there when the gates open because I need to be in and out of those barns immediately and before The People arrive. The People who push. Shove. Maneuver. Snatch. Pull. Stop in the middle.

Reason #2? Money. Quilting supplies have been creeping in on my yarn budget. And I'm trying to stick with my budget.

Reason #3... space. I'm out of yarn storage. Yup. I've hit capacity. And now I have to knit it all. That's a LOT of knitting. I'm trying to finish 2 sweaters (adult) before Christmas, 3 kids sweaters, and 4 pair mittens and 2 scarves. Wish me luck. :)

Reason #4... time. I've been traveling for work, traveling for personal and really ready to have a weekend where i'm staying put. But, of course that means I've planned a day out with a girlfriend to go shopping.

So, why aren't you heading to Rhinebeck? I'll draw a winner on Saturday morning... and there will be a nice prize.

:)

Ten things...

2011-10-11T08:57:00.001-04:00

10 things I did last weekend...

1. Turned 34. Never done that before.
2. Slept in a tent for 2 nights (first night was hovering around freezing).
3. Sat by a campfire with my honey.
4. Drank a pumpkin beer, a gray lady beer, and a Leinekugel Oktoberfest beer.
5. Went to the Fryeburg Fair in Fryeburg, Maine.
6. Rode a ferris wheel.
7. Smooched PC at the top (we always do that... don't you?)
8. Watched a chariot race.
9. Started a stranded mitten and knit on a scarf.
10. Finished 3 books.

Yup, I turned 34 over the weekend. It's a bit bittersweet... I feel ahead of and behind my contemporaries all at once.

10 things I do every day

2011-09-27T09:01:00.003-04:00

Well, I do a lot of things every day, so let's see what I can come up with that might just surprise you. See Jessalu and Carole for some other great ideas for this 10 on Tuesday topic.

Fight my alarm/phone. Yup. Every dang morning. If I'm on vacation, I'm up at 5a.m., but for work? 7 am.
Pack a lunch. This is for workdays, but I pack my lunch every.single.day. It's not always a sexy lunch, but it's saves me $5-8 per day. And it's healthier. And I have a weird hang-up about eating salad outside of my house.
Make my bed. I don't know why, but it makes me feel better to come home to a made bed. So, every morning, I re-tuck the sheets, straighten the coverlet and fluff the pillows.
Hold my cat. She likes to be held and carried around, so I indulge her while sniffing her head. Her head smells like rain and I don't know why.
Tell PC "no fighting, no biting; be nice to the guys at work!" and "have a wonderful day!" before he leaves for the plant. He's a boss now, so this has actually gotten funnier as he got promoted.
Answer over 300 emails. Yup. I average 300 email replies per day and 25 phone calls. Needless to say, I am RARELY on the computer at home. or the phone.
Sing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I have no idea why, but it's on permanent loop in my head, and I sing a part of it OUT LOUD every day. It's like a pleasant version of Tourette's.
Pray. I do this every day, silently, for compassion, tolerance and humility.
Cook. I cook 99% of the work nights for PC and I. And whatever we're having for dinner is lunch the next day. It's really, really hard to have a new exciting something to put on the table every night.
Wash my hair. I'm a compulsive hair washer. I hate unwashed hair on my head... it makes me itchy.

Sunday afternoon

2011-09-25T16:07:00.001-04:00

The yarn: Noro Silk Garden
Colorway: 337
Needles: us 7, bamboo
Pattern: Molly from classic elite
The place: l'aroma cafe, Newton Ma.
The people: my friend Dora and I, the football widows.

Ruffled, stripes and silk...oh my!

2011-09-24T19:42:00.001-04:00

I'm knitting. A lot lately, actually. I cast on for this scarf and the next thing i know, eight inches are done. Magic? Perhaps. Getting close to Christmas? Yup, that is probably it. I have two of these to knit this fall, so I better get a move on.

Empowering Young Women

2011-09-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

This t-shirt was pulled by J.C. Penny, but really? It never should have made the shelves.

My high school guidance counselor, when I asked her for college advice, gave me college info on nursing schools and teacher colleges. When I told her I wanted to be a biologist, she corrected me and said "biology teacher." No. A biologist. She looked at me and said "Why? You'll never get married if you're a biologist, teachers have good schedules for raising families." I graduated college in 1995, not 1895. This "educator" looked past my goals & aspirations and straight at my ovaries and mammary glands.

I'm watching the young women on my street grow up : from playing baby dolls & teddy bear tea parties on the front steps, to a Justin Beiber fan club in a refrigerator box, to their first dances and the boys walking behind them to the bus stop... with a lot of giggling involved. I listen and hear their comments "school's hard." And "I think I'm in the wrong Math." What message are they getting at school? The three of them, for all appearances, are nice young women, with good communication skills (I could use a lot less "umms" but hey: they are 13) and are quite smart. Are they being championed in the classroom? Or has reality tv and being celebritized for being "not smart" winning out? Do you think Snooki aced her math quizzes? Or do you think someone gave up on her?

Just a rambling from the brain of Mini. I'm knitting. I'll take some photos tonight or tomorrow. My first experience knitting with Noro Silk Garden, and yes... I've already had a knot. *grr*

Top 10 Headlines for 1977

2011-09-20T13:37:00.003-04:00

In 1977... ( I was born October 9)

Elvis died, so did Groucho Marx, Charlie Chaplin and Bing Crosby
The Bruins lost to Montreal in the Stanley Cup
The Yankees won the World Series
Star Wars came out in movie theaters: so did Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind (a much better movie, in my opinion)
The Apple II computer came out (with a color screen!!)
Jimmy Carter (the peanut farmer) was President (inaugurated in 1977) and grants amnesty to draft dodgers from the Vietnam Conflict (did immigration from Canada increase as well?)
Son of Sam serial killer is killing couples in NYC (on orders from a dog) and subsequently captured in NYC
Inflation hits 11% (wow)
the Love Boat airs (I only remember it as re-runs)
the U.S. Department of Energy is created

Ten on Tuesday

2011-09-13T09:02:00.002-04:00

I'm always looking for ways to save a buck, so Carole's ten on Tuesday was just the "umph" I needed to break the blogging break!

Ten Things I Buy Each Week:

1. Groceries. A cop-out yes, but PC and I shop once a week and it's NOT cheap!

2. Manicures. Yup. I'm that girl. Mine costs $12 + $3 tip and includes a shoulder & neck massage. It's my 1/2 hour of me time every Saturday morning

3. Dunkin' coffee. Every day on the way home from work, PC or I stop and pick up the Dunkin's. It's a VERY expensive habit (not Starbucks expensive, but it's getting there!) as it runs us $42 a week, minimum...

4. ebooks... I read ALOT. And really quickly, so I am constantly on the "shop" option of my nook color.

5. Gas. I have a short commute (roundtrip, less than 10miles), but i'm the primary driver in the family and my commute involves 12 stop lights in either direction, so it's not great on the mpgs).

6. pastry & coffee... my Sunday knitting buddy and I meet at a cafe and well, it has yummy pastry.

7. Nutrition services & trainer: I swap out the weeks I pay for them, but they are both less than $50 and are essential to my well being.

8. McDonald's diet coke. For some God-only-knows reason, diet coke from McDonald's tastes the best.

9. Lunch. I only buy once a week and I'm trying to break this habit.

10.... I can't think of a #10, so leave your #10 here! :)

Knitting...

2011-08-03T08:49:00.003-04:00

I've been cheating on knitting. I should hang my head in shame and just be out with it. I've, I've... been quilting. Yup. And a little fabric stash has begun. I think I know the root of the problem I've been having with knitting: lack of challenge and I needed a new tactile experience.

the fabrics are Moda Charm Pack in "dogwood" and Kona white solid.

An innocent baby quilt for the girl twin in a new set of twins within our extended "family" of friends that are family. The boy twin's quilt is being laid out this weekend.

I perfected my points meeting, creating and installing a prairie point border (which I love--- how sweet is that?), and FMQ (free motion quilting) on the outer border.

the fabric is Keepsake Quilting's 2 1/2 inch strips in "not Christmas".

The above is my mom's bday quilt (which was Sunday, btw... quilting and knitting are the same in that you overestimate easily what you can accomplish in a week!)-- she loves it. Last night, PC helped me lay out the backing, batting and top. I'm pin-basting it tonight and then beginning the quilting.

Will I stop knitting? No. But for right now, quilting is pretty fun and I'm enjoying the process. It's not quite as portable as knitting, so once football season hits and my friend Dora & I revive the "football widow club" for Sunday knitting, the needles will be clicking away.

to knit in public or to not knit in public?

2011-08-01T12:01:00.002-04:00

This was in the Washington Post over the weekend and got me thinking. I don't knit at church, concerts (it's usually rock, so dancing and grooving don't mix w/ knitting) or at parties. I do knit if I'm alone in public, waiting for a friend to arrive. Or at the doctor's office. Or on public transit.

How about you? Where do you knit?

DEAR MISS MANNERS:Over the years I have noticed people knitting in public and have had no particular problem with it. However, I am a bit put off by those who knit in church or at an event such as a recital or concert.

Is it acceptable to knit at a church, synagogue or other religious service? And what about a concert or recital? I recently attended a piano and violin recital in a small venue where someone was knitting in the third row. Surely it was evident to the performers. And if such knitting is not appropriate, how should the knitters be approached, or prevented?

GENTLE READER: Please do not -- repeat, not -- make a hostile approach to knitters. Have you not noticed that they are armed with long, pointy sticks?

Of all the multitaskers who could annoy you, Miss Manners would not have guessed that knitters would top the list. There is a centuries-long history of ladies quietly doing needlework while remaining alert to what was going on around them.

But perhaps your complaint is that they are not quiet. If the clicking of needles is what bothers you, you could appeal to the authorities at church or concert hall that as they ban texting, it is only fair to ban activities that create similar noise. And if they don’t already ban texting, you might start by asking that they do before going after those comparatively unobtrusive knitters.

10 on Tuesday

2011-07-26T07:08:00.003-04:00

So, I'm back... just in time for a 10 on Tuesday. I do have more blog fodder for later in the week. Like my friend Carole, I spend a good amount of time in my car each week and bumper stickers are one way to pass the time.

top 10 bumper stickers:

1. Motorcycles are Everywhere. My brother, J, drives a motorcycle (less now) and I'm always afraid someone won't see him.

2. My kid can beat up your honor student. Every parent deserves to be proud, no?

3. My dog is smarter than your honor student. Every parent.

4. the Darwin-fish (the Jesus fish w/ feet).

5. Friends don't let Friends knit ugly.

6. 1.20.2013. A fine political statement. Hangs above my cube at work and most of liberal cubemates don't know the significance of that date.

7. Make Beer, Not War. 'Nuff said.

8. Brake for Moose. We drive a lot in NH/Maine and it's a nice reminder to keep your eyes on the road!

9. Hang up and Drive. I *heart* my bluetooth installed on my visor.

10. Proud to be an American. I am. :)

A very special 3rd birthday

2011-06-28T07:27:00.001-04:00

A very special little girl in our life turned 3 last week. We fondly remember the call from the hospital, the rush to get there, walking into the NICU and watching her look right at us, as if to say "I've been wanting to meet you too!" Hard to believe its been three years!

Noodle: we love you and you always have a room in our home

I made her a quilt for her new big girl bed :

All about ME.

2011-06-21T10:51:00.003-04:00

1600 calories. That's the dietary goal set by the nutritionist last week. Seems like a lot, right? well, not considering my BMR (basal metabolic rate, and the # of calories per day to keep me "as is" is 2893) is 2104. So, by losing 1293 calories per day, I will have a calorie deficit of 9051 over 7 days which is 2.5 lb (3500 calories in 1lb) per week.

Totally do-able.

Why now? Well, a recent medical appointment showed that my PCOS is being actively managed by my medicine, so I'm in "prime shape to lose some weight" according to my endocrinologist. So, I say: bring it on.

Hopefully this summer, you'll meet my nutritionist (Paula) and my trainer (Steve) through the blog. Paula is part therapist (why we eat) and dietitian (what we eat); Steve is a kung-fu trainer who lets me kick things. I forget I'm training when I'm in his studio-- instead, I'm being active, focusing on perfecting my kicks & balance. And, funny... my core gets a work out and I'm drenched in sweat when I leave. :)

And, I'm returning to yoga and my daily power walk. New power walk goal: 2 miles in under 45 minutes.

Oh, and PC went hiking boot shopping with me, and we picked up some trekking poles, so expect some photos from our weekend adventures soon! (and, yes... i'll do anything for new shoes....ha ha ha)

So, what are YOU doing for YOU today?

Our Song...

2011-06-14T12:14:00.002-04:00

Ten on Tuesday was inspired by Dale & Carole's 14th anniversary today (woohoo! *clink*clink* -- time for a smooch!)... :)

top 10 love songs:

1. The Best is Yet to Come (PC & Mini's song...)

2. I try... Macy Gray. Well, this one's a bit personal, but trust me: it's a love song. :)

3. Home....Michael Buble. It's on my mp3 and I listen to it every night when i'm away from PC when I travel. And, each time he picks me up at the airport, my stomach does this little flip.

4. Always on My Mind.... Elvis Presley

5. Buy Me A Rose.... Kenny Rogers. This one reminds me of my parents (hard working dad, mom who just wants him home more) and me & PC, who brings me flowers for no good reason and tells me each day that I'm the most beautiful woman.

5. Remember When... Alan Jackson. Coming from a family of very long marriages, this reminds me why it's worth waiting for the love of you life. favorite line: "remember when 30 seemed so old?"

6. You're Still the One... Orleans. 9 years as of August 16! *insert twirling around the kitchen here*

7. Angel Eyes... Jeff Healy Band

8. Kiss Me Each Morning for a Million Years... the Casinos

9. Say Nothing At All.... Alison Krauss. For those of you who know PC, he's not loud, he doesn't say much... for my quiet man.

10. How Do you Fall in Love...., Alabama. because love is not perfect, it's not always kind, it's not always the guy you think, and it kinda sneaks up on you. And, like everyone says: you'll look and look for it, but you'll know it when you find it. Love you, PC.

Philadelphia

2011-06-06T16:49:00.002-04:00

I'm in Philadelphia. Again. I know I've really never discussed what I do for a living, because I'd really like to keep my personal and business relationships separate. This job, though... it's really become a part of who I am. Or is it that I've just found a job that shows the best parts of me? Either way, I do love what I do. And where I get to go. Like Olde City in Philadelphia.

The job? I'm a life science conference producer. Nope, not a meeting planner; that's a different role. My job is to identify topics, research KOLs (key opinion leaders) and brilliant scientists, and put together a program of presentations that other scientists will love. And pay to attend. This means: Philadelphia. At least this week. Best thing about the travel? New restaurants and king sized hotel beds.

This is B, our meeting planner for this event. Yes, she has a full name (a real name), but for the sake of the blog, let's call her B. Last night's dinner of 2 producers, one manager/producer and a meeting planner was full of giggles and forks crossing the "invisible line" (that line around your plate that says "do not eat my food"). For the record: getting to the point where your colleagues say "oh, you have to try my fish!" is a real treat. This is a great team for this event and well, you're never really working when your working alongside friends. (B was being a goofball in the photo, but she's going to love telling her hubster, S, that she "made the blog." Check! one more thing off her bucket list.) Restaurant: Cuba Libre (on Market & 2nd street.. YUM.)

(right side, according to YK)

Know what else this job is good for? Knitting. I'm exhausted when I'm done at the end of the day, but knitting a few rows settles me down and gets me ready for bed. This is the English Ribbed Pullover from Yankee Knitter. I love the Yankee Knitter; timeless sweaters, beautifully written patterns (in that no nonsense way about us New Englanders) and the numbers always work out. In fact, you'd have to try really hard to make an ugly sweater from one of their patterns.

But, I have a dilemma with this one (*gasp*). I kind of like the wrong side better. So tell me... can I make the wrong side the right side? Or should I trust in YK and proceed as directed?

(wrong side, according to YK, but oh-so-right in my eyes)

Thoughts?

Farm stand

2011-05-23T09:02:00.002-04:00

Well, not a real farm stand, but perhaps the start of one? Last year's adventure in gardening ended up with me only having male zucchini plants, 2 peppers and no cucumbers,but a metric ton of herbs.

year 2: we got serious. Yup, that rinky-dink raised bed is mine. All mine! It's in the midst of a HUGE garden my landlady has been cultivating since the 1950s. And, yes, she laughs at me. But then, she pulls my weeds, picks bugs off my plants and brings me tomatoes. :)

Planted: zucchini (4), cucumbers (5), peppers (4), thai basil, sweet basil, strawberries (in hanging pots) and lettuce seed is going in this weekend.

Mary Mary quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells
And pretty maids all in a row.

Wow

2011-05-13T14:55:00.001-04:00

As an unmarried, childless couple, this is not how our living room looks on a typical Friday around lunch. But today. Today is different. My very best friend is in the midst of labor for her second son. Not wanting to risk a chaotic situation with her first son, he came for a visit with Auntie Mini and PC.(whom he adores).
Soon, a new member of the planet, but now just 2yo bliss.

Embarrassing moment of the day

2011-05-12T09:20:00.000-04:00

So far today, I've had one embarrassing moment: getting stuck in my yoga class. I wasn't locked in the room or anything, I got my leg stuck in one position and couldn't un-do it. Yup, that whackadoo panicking in the YMCA auditorium this morning was me.

Skills. I got 'em. (see, Mr. President, I'm a poet too... where's my invite to your house?)

In knitting news, I'm working on socks for my mom. Mom *loves* the stretchy cotton socks that I have knit her. Guess who hates knitting with the stretchy cotton? Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

But, she's my mom; she birthed me for 72 hours and managed not to lose me too often when I was younger, so I knit. With horrendous stretchy cotton. The one and only upside to this project? My mom wants anklets, or "wee socks" as PC calls them (God bless him, he thinks my feet are tiny and petite. Size 9. Nope, not telling him any different. And neither will you. Got it?). Wee socks take about 1 night to knit each sock.

Sharin asked me via FB this morning: what's for lunch? Lunch today is kind of boring: lemon parsley chicken (thank you Whole Foods!) and green beans.

Breakfast... well, breakfast is different:

What you don't eat chicken breasts with ajvar and green beans for breakfast? This is a 'typical' South Beach Phase 1 meal: to be eaten whenever you like. And the ajvar.... oh yum. I buy it at Trader Joe's as "roasted red pepper spread with eggplant and garlic." That's a mouthful. Ajvar. (Eye-var) Maybe my garden will yield some of the ingredients to make my own (with my shiny new food processor, bought on sale at BB&B, with a coupon and a rebate. Take that Extreme Couponers!)

Well, must work for a few more hours and then head off to see the new trainer at the YMCA for a fitness evaluation. I wanted to start couch to 5K and aim for 1.6k (1 mile) but when I inquired, they thought I should have an evaluation at the gym. *sigh* I'm sure its for the best.

By the by: does anyone LOVE their scale? We need a new one, and we have uneven floors, so recommendations are appreciated! Digital vs. analog?

Downward cat...

2011-05-11T08:30:00.002-04:00

I think in yoga class, downward cat would look something like this:

(reclining PC is also another yoga move, but it's anti-flow)

This week, I'm trying yoga. Yup. Me, the anti-chakra girl, has been to two yogilates (yoga/Pilates) classes this week. Oh, and I'm heading to my 3rd tomorrow. Did I mention it's at 6am? Yup, my tush got right out of bed this morning at 5:40 and I was in class by 5:57 (YMCA is about 4 blocks away, but I still drive over). So, let's talk about yoga class....

Things I didn't know then that I do know now:

you can do yoga with shoes on (srsly?)
not everything is on the floor
there is more than one way to each pose
you don't have to be a pretzel
bad co-worker vibes go away when nice yoga instructor says "you are perfect and beautiful"
I am REALLY good at standing on one leg (who'd thought that?)
breathing is hard
I hold my breath when I exercise... this causes headaches and makes everything 100% more difficult
yoga is fun & hard, Pilates is hard & fun

I've always used this blog as my personal diary, so if it moves a bit far afield of knitting for the next few weeks, my apologies. I'm focusing on getting my physical & emotional self back on-line and it is taking a lot of my energy. Knitting: not so much. I'm doing some, but not a lot. I predict a bit of an uptick soon, so please standby.

If you've been following along the progress bar at the top, you'll see that my dietary changes have been effective. An old family friend, Sharin (you're not old, but you've known me since birth) commented that she liked my salad-a-day. So next week is Chicken Week (sorry PC)--- I know 500 things to do with a simple chicken breast that can have you eating chicken breasts every day for 5 days and never feel like you're eating chicken breasts. In June, we'll do cold salads. :)

10 things for Throwing a Party

2011-05-10T08:23:00.002-04:00

The ten on Tuesday this week is interesting, b/c I was just thinking that it's been awhile since Dan & I had a party.

1. Shop early and think plastic. Yup: disposable is NOT my first choice for anything besides dental floss, but for parties, it works. We keep paper plates, napkins & cutlery in the house for both camping and parties.

2. Know your location. Is it in the house? Do you have enough chairs? Outside--- got a plan B for rain? Plan B can simply be a tent.

3. Know your people. Is this a drinking crowd? Kids? Beverage choices are key here-- as is keeping an eye on your guests.

4. Make ahead. I like to make the cookies, desserts, etc ahead of time and keep in the fridge/freezer. Also, a few days before, get what you can ahead of time.

5. keep people employed. :) I get deli trays, veggie platters, sandwich platters, etc. It's someone's job to do it and they will do MUCH better than you will.

6. When in doubt: order out. Our friends did this for their 3 year old's party last year: pizza delivery. 10 pizzas delivered: happy kids, happy adults, one very chillaxed mama. (that's you, Laura!)

7. Mingle. Introduce your friend Sally to your friend Bob and his wife. You can't talk to all of your guests at once, but you can introduce them to someone else, interesting, of course, to talk to.

8. Accept help. I struggle with this one. But, now I know, when my SIL says "can I make something?" I say yes. Same with my bff's Sylvie & Mari. They are all phenomenal cooks and I take them up on it.

9. Pre-feed the cat. I know it sounds silly, but if you have pets, be mindful of them during the party. Give them safe space to do their thing.

10. Relax---it's a party! No one is going to notice/comment on if you forgot to dust the lightbulbs or if your couches look tatty (ahem: sound familiar?). And if they do, do you really want them at a party? :)

That lady

2011-05-09T07:53:00.001-04:00

That lady who feeds me.is super busy again. But we did have everyone here for something called brunch this weekend. That lady said it was a lot of work.

That guy said she should share recipes with you, but I will have to ask.:...it might take awhile. She always says "Pumpkin, no!" In the kitchen. Meanwhile, look at my cute pic.... and get ready for another recipe week. Mmmmm... chicken.

Salad day five

2011-05-06T17:36:00.001-04:00

A simple Greek salad no olives no walking today but I am on again for tomorrow!

Day four....

2011-05-05T09:08:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I've made it to day 4 of salad week. I'm not always a stick-to-it kinda girl, y'know? But, it's inspired me in all kinds of ways: I've cooked dinner every night this week. That doesn't sound really great right? But, I tend to rely heavily on our crockpot, as with two working adults in the house, it's often two starving adults coming home and wanting dinner. The crockpot lets me start dinner in the a.m. ( I leave after PC) and not have to "deal" with it until I get home. I still love my crockpot, and it'll be used this weekend for my famous sugar-free pulled pork for Mom Day brunch.

So far this week, I've made:

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi
Seared Scallops with couscous, asparagus and a soy-garlic sauce
Marinated flank steak

Yum, right? Well, I've also been reconnecting with old friends and doing something I haven't done in ages: talking on the phone. Do you remember the last time you just gabbed on the phone? I've missed it. I'm a talker. I love chatting on the phone, while sipping a cup of tea and knitting. It's like having a knit night without the need for pants.

This (below): is a scarf in progress in an "ink" color from The Woolen Rabbit (*heart* Kim)---it's a traveling woman scarf. Yup, another one. And, it's going to be blocked this week b/c it's for my mom this weekend! Tomorrow, i'll have a wee sock for you. Anklets!

And, now for all of you following along with the salad week: Thursday's salad.

Ingredients: romaine (the end of the bag!), cranberries, almonds and mustard chicken (from Whole Foods); Dressing: homemade mustard vinaigrette.

My secret sometimes? I love Whole Foods prepared foods section. When I'm feeling lazy and want take out? I head to Whole Foods-- for less than $8, they will make you a dinner. And their dinners? Enough for lunch AND dinner. And, I can make dinner for me, and a different dinner for PC. I know, right? I tend to skip the lasagna and such and head straight for the chicken & turkey. They make a perfect roast herbed turkey. You get two HUGE slices plus 2 sides. It can get pricey, of course (they don't call it whole paycheck for nothing), but if you are smart and be realistic about the portions, it's cheaper than take-out. Healthier too. (I mean, who delivers brussel sprouts? Or quinoa salad?)

Tomorrow's salad is up in the air, so I'm asking for suggestions. Tell me what to put on my salad! And, tonight's dinner is Kung Pao Chicken.

So, what do we think? Are we lovin' the daily blogging? I'm adding it to my to-do list after "walk 1.2 miles in under 25 minutes" each day. Yup, i'm still at it.

Salad day three

2011-05-04T12:40:00.002-04:00

Denny: I didn't forget! I just forgot the photo, so please excuse my messy desk shot.

Ingredients: romaine (I got the three-pack this week, can you tell?), southwest seasoned flank steak, cranberries, Red Dragon cheese

Dressing: homemade balsamic... so tangy!

And, for my knitting peeps: a cute sweater for a friend's baby-to-be. It's a boy, so I thought froggy greens would be a great start to this future frog-catching-baseball-throwing-hot-dog-afficianado. :) (yes, Stacey- it's for you!) I need to add buttons and mail it this weekend.

Yarn: Cascade 220 sport, about 1/2 a skein each

Needles: US 8

Pattern: the blueberry sweater (rav link)

Week of salad: day two, soldiering on

2011-05-03T08:50:00.002-04:00

Well, unlike Osama Bin Laden, I can eat a meal today (seriously, no matter what political side you fall on, it is a kick-ass week for the US military). Today's salad is called "American classic." (you'll see why)

Ingredients:romaine lettuce, flank steak (seasoned w/ Penzey's Arizona Dreaming & lime juice), cucumbers, blue cheese and cranberries. (ahem: cranberry=red, cheese=blue & white... yup, I'm corny like that)

Dressing: homemade balsamic vinaigrette (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard)

**notes on salad dressing:

make your own. It takes less than 2 minutes and the freshness will liven the salad without needing more than 2 tbsp
add it to the side of the bowl and lightly toss. Don't dump it on the top--- this is how you get soggy salad
KISS- keep it simple, silly: a base of vinegar & olive oil or safflower oil with: lemon, lime, italian seasoning, mustard, herbs de provence, rosemary & garlic--- find something that makes your heart sing.

And because I haven't shown you any knitting (tomorrow for an update), here's a cute cat picture. She looks sweet, innocent and snuggly here, right? Well, this morning she was loud, puking and bit me. But, after PC left for work and I was making my salad, she was there, underfoot in the kitchen: begging. Begging for what? Lettuce. Yup, my weird human-like cat wanted lettuce. She ate 3 pieces in 2 seconds.

PC and I are putting in a raised bed next weekend (God help us: construction) and have some ideas for planting: green beans, wax beans (we are green bean people- 2-3 nights per week!), lettuce, zucchini, peppers. I'm going to try strawberries in a hanging basket on a shepherd's hook and the lettuce in a vertical tower in the corner of the garden.

This one's for Denny

2011-05-02T09:33:00.002-04:00

my college friend, Denny, asked me via FB to share my salad-a-day recipes this week. That's right. Every day this week, I'm going to eat a salad for lunch and I'm going to post both a photo and the recipe. Why? To keep me motivated and interested in the process of eating better. And, I'm exhausted with my boring salads (even though, honestly, the best salad was yesterday made by Sylvie's hubby, Alec: yummy and healthy).

The dressing:

2tbsp sesame seeds

1 tbsp hot sesame oil

1 tsp crushed hot pepper

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey (or sugar free maple syrup, which I did this a.m.)

2 tbsp hot water

2 tbsp soy sauce (not shown)

The salad:

5 cups chopped romaine

2 small cucumbers, burpless

1/2 radish

1/4 cup chopped mint leaves

3 ounces grilled flank steak (marinated in lime juice, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, salt, sesame oil, and 4 cloves of garlic---all else: equal parts, but double lime juice)

The result: amazing!

Today, I'm walking after dinner instead of before work b/c I was super tired this a.m. and wanted nothing but s-l-e-e-p, which is a good sign that I'm losing weight and my metabolism is kicking in. I've been on the right "schedule" (10pm-6am or 11pm-7am) for 3 nights now- hooray!

Tools for the job

2011-04-28T07:32:00.001-04:00

Sometimes its all about the tools, knitting is like that. You all know that some needles are meant for speed, some to slow you down, some pointy for lace and its p7tog maneuvers, and clickers for counting and markers for guidance.

Meet my 5:15 am wake up call tools. Yup, walking sneakers. Ive always worn cross trainers or running shoes, but I decided to trust New Balance and get walking specific kicks. And you know what? Sometimes the right tools help. Day 4, 1.2 miles in 23 minutes and jeans that button just a bit easier.

My second tool? PC. He's been my secondary alarm each day, reminding me that I need to get up and do this for my health.

South Beach Shuffle

2011-04-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've restarted on the South Beach shuffle (see the reason for walking: PCOS and weight gain), with a steady Phase 1.5 planned until July 16 (then we leave for vacation). So, if I can manage no grains, but fruit, veggies and protein until then, let's see how I do. I'm limiting my fruit intake to 2 servings per day (max).

Tuesday's lunch was one for the recipe file: Curried Beef. :)

Ingredients:

· 2 lbs stew beef (or any other cheap cut of beef in 2 inch cubes, example: this would be good with round steak)
· 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
· 3 tbsp curry powder ( I use 4, 2 hot, 2 sweet)
· 2tsp onion powder (or 1 whole chopped onion)
· 2 chicken bouillon cubes (or 1 tsp of Penzey's chicken stock paste)
· 1 tsp salt
· 2 tsp black pepper
· 1 tsp smoked paprika
· 2 tsp ground ginger
· ½ bag frozen peas

Directions:

Spray insert of crock pot w/ non-stick spray.
2. Combine tomato sauce through ginger from ingredient list and whisk together
3. Add to slow cooker with stew beef
4. Cook on low for 8 hours (high for 4), add frozen peas, stir in and cook for an additional 40 minutes on high.

ten on tuesday

2011-04-26T08:35:00.002-04:00

10 ways to save at the grocery store:

1. go with a list. I spend WAY too much when I go without one. I take PC with me to the store, but I've noticed I spend less without him there. I tend to peruse the meats aisle, etc. more carefully.

2. Store brands, if possible. We don't eat canned veggies (well, I do, but only for breakfast and that's another post), but we do eat frozen, so I stock up when it's 10/$10 sales... usually by buying 2-3 bags.

3. beans. We eat bean-heavy meals once a week. Wait, that's wrong. I make a bean-heavy meal once a week: we eat for at least 3-4 additional meals.

4. limit ziplock bags. We use tupperware for lot of things, like lunches, and I prefer to use glass reusables, so our "plastic" dollars go further.

5. Buy meats in bulk. I buy everything meat related in bulk. If bottom round roasts are on sales for less than $1.99/lb, I will buy the biggest one and cut it into 2-3 smaller roasts. Simply wrap in butcher paper and freeze.

6. Skip the boneless skinless chicken breasts (unless on sale- Stop & Shop is really good for this). I know they are healthier, but it's cheaper and tastier to buy bone-in chicken and remove the skin yourself. Result? Delish chicken, less cost per meal. We also eat a lot of chicken thighs and drumsticks; simply buy in bulk and split into "meal sizes" and freeze (for this, I use ziplock bags).

7. skip the 100 calorie packs. When I was single (or even pre-move in with PC), I used to get home with my groceries and divvy up the servings. Yup, into little snack bags with 1 serving per bag. Then I'd put the bags back into the original container. If you wanted Cheezits at my mom's house, you would reach into the box and get an individual serving.

8. Use coupons and store cards to add up the savings.

9. Shop the flyer. Know what's on sale and for how long. If it's not there, get a rain check. I think the rain check is the most under-utilized component of a grocery store.

10. Bring your bags! Not only is it environmentally responsible, but now most stores give a $0.05-$0.10 per bag credit. A big 2 week shopping order with 10 bags? That's $0.50-$1.00 off your order, just for not using flimsy plastic bags. Win-win.

Today was day 2 of walking. Today hurt more, anyone tell me why? Still did my 1.2 miles.. 24 minutes. My healthy lunch of the day: curried beef with peas, salad, green beans and 2 pieces of Kavli... yum.

Left, Right...

2011-04-25T06:00:00.004-04:00

It's not much, but it's a start. Sandy (and some excess Easter candy enjoyment) inspired me to start a walking program this morning. Our neighborhood is easily walkable and very safe; this morning's walk took me just over 24 minutes and 1.1 miles. My goal is to walk this route this week and each week add one more block to my "loop."

As some of you know, I've battled PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) for years (before it had a name!) and part of this is a pre-diabetic state called insulin resistance. Well, in order to get that pre-diabetes from turning into diabetes, I've got to shed some weight. And, my 2 year old nephew showed me yesterday that Auntie's a bit slow in the "run" department. He and I have a date at the zoo this summer and I'd like to NOT get winded when we venture from Christopher the lion to the monkey house.

Mom's sick

2011-04-15T21:44:00.001-04:00

Pumpkin here, well, I prefer to be called P'kin but mom and dad say I'm going through a " phase". Like when they threw out my catnip.

Anyway...mom is sick which means its been quiet here. And messy. Yup, just me and PC in charge of it all. So I thought I would show how cool I am by blogging for mom. And telling you to send me cookies.

And maybe you could help me. Which photo should I use for my match.com profile?

a) Direct. This is who I am
B) playful and flirty
C) coy but knows what she wants kinda girl?

Let me know! Oh and if you could not tell mom, that would be totally cool...she will think its a phase, like getting my microchip bedazzled.

Peace, love and catnip,
P'kin out.

ten on tuesday

2011-04-12T09:19:00.002-04:00

Top 10 Snacks

1. popcorn. I could live on hot, buttered popcorn. Or cheesey popcorn. Or caramel corn... or spicy popcorn....

2. cucumbers with salt. LOVE.

3. Pepperoni & cheese on crackers. Pepperoni must be Carando brand, cheese must be extra sharp cheddar and I love me a Sociable or Triscuit. I buy presliced 'roni now, but I have a fondness for the hard stick you had to cut (that was MY job as a kid) and the thin, papery skin of the pepperoni.

4. Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbert.... anything cold and scoopable. I've tried full fat, low fat, fat free, sugar free, all natural, tofu, rice, soy...

5. hummus and veggies

6. nachos... I make the best nachos!

7. pretzels. Especially pretzel rods, for some unknown reason, but I remember getting 2 of them in my lunch as a kid and thinking it was the BEST part of the day (besides my assemble-yourself tuna fish sandwich kit from my mom--- more about this later)

8. peanut butter and apples. LOVE.

9. pudding. Jello sugar free, fat free pudding. it's a south beach "must have"

10. ice pops. The ones in the tube? it's pure sugar and probably caused my pre-diabetic state, but I love them. I have been known to have to limit myself to 20 per day. Yup, it's a problem!

First Five get something "crafty"

2011-04-07T13:24:00.001-04:00

The idea?
Create something for the first 5 people who comment on this post and send it to them until the end of 2011.
It can be whatever you want it to be - something sewed, something painted, something felted, a photography, just anything you like.

Are you in?

Project planning

2011-04-05T07:58:00.001-04:00

This is not a great project to plan, but its needed... a chemotherapy cap. Yup, the project that means so much but hurts so much to knit. A friend' s sister-in-law has stage 4 breast cancer. A very stylish woman, fighting hard, needs a chic hat, no?

Some knitting math required: reducing the smallest size by 26 stitches to accommodate a gauge change ( thicker yarn than the required dk weight).

Yarn is Sublime cashmere merino silk in a chi- chi gray. Very on trend.

Think good thoughts with me while I knit this cap.

Travelling woman

2011-04-01T15:46:00.001-04:00

This knit single handedly brought back my knitting mojo. I love.the end result and knitting it was pure pleasure.

Sock yarn, cormo blend
Size 6 bamboo needles
Total time: 2.5 days ( about 12 hours)

Sunny Florida

2011-03-30T16:57:00.001-04:00

Wow. Just wow.

Because someone

2011-03-29T07:16:00.001-04:00

....will inevitably say that they are jealous of my travel for work. It's not all hotel room knitting and fancy dinners.( last night was a so/so burrito, today's lunch is boxed )

This was this morning at 6 a.m. Protein shake and my laptop....woohoo. room service is too much here and the breakfast options in the resort are very heavy on the pastries. Whole Foods whether protein powder, vanilla, and two skim milks from the gift shop make a tummy start to my day!

In the land of the giant mouse

2011-03-28T20:30:00.001-04:00

I've landed in Orlando for a conference this week. Despite current thought, there is more than just Disney down here, but really? That mouse is everywhere: airport, resort, cab, coffee shop tonight.

And unlike most of my work travel, this conference is not one I'm working, I'm attending! I still have all my real work to do, networking... but tonight, I knit.

Yup, another travelling woman, for a friend turning 40. Blue silk blend.from the.Woolen Rabbit (Kim, do you know the color?)

Sick Sunday

2011-03-27T14:43:00.001-04:00

PC's been sick for the past few days (a virus that needs to.run its course). Today was Pumpkin's turn...hip, the cat has a cold. She's lethargic, sneezy, and snoring up a storm.

Me? I'm enjoying the napping family as nice knitting time.

Welcome back Mojo!

2011-03-26T20:04:00.001-04:00

My mini mojo went missing for awhile...all of it. Knitting. Blogging. Living. I have NOT been in a good place. But, the mojo is back. All thanks to a skein of sock yarn and a travelling woman. On, and a new smartphone for better mobile Blogging.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I had to knit some baby gifts, but it was torture...I had to force myself to sit down and really work on it. But this shawlette has renewed my mojo and every stitch is a treat. It is for a friend at work who has been giving me some good karma. This will make her smile and she deserves to smile.

Knit night

2011-03-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

It went from teaching one co-worker to knit to a bonafide knit night!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Friday Rundow

2011-02-18T07:18:00.004-05:00

i've been at work more times past 7pm than i care to count this week
i may have to stay late again tonight
next week, i travel San Francisco
some people love NY, I love SF.
PC's joining me at the end of my trip.
PC's never been to California
don't worry: Pumpkin's going to her grandparents for a few days. (she loves it there: they have stairs!)
i'm exhausted with my breakfast options lately. Since I'm on South Beach (or was until that pizza at 8pm last night- ugh) and am tired of eggs or greek yogurt. Give me some ideas!
i get to "borrow" an assistant at work next week and i have no idea what to have her do.
i'm a bit of a control freak.
i'm ahead on 2 projects, way behind on 1.
i'm having work nightmares this week that I forgot to put someone on the programs.

*sigh*

the winner is....

2011-02-17T08:32:00.001-05:00

ZUZU!!

email me at kskaare (at) gmail (dot) com w/ your addy so I can send your prize!

On a side note: my guild is hosting the one, the only: LUCY NEATBY in April and we have some spaces left in some of the classes. We have now opened it to non-guild members, so click here to get more info and to sign up!

If you haven't taken one of Lucy's classes, this will be eye-opening! And if you have, you know what a good time they can be!

10 on Tuesday: no-knit version

2011-02-15T08:53:00.002-05:00

Top 10 non-knitting blogs.

1. The Pioneer Woman. Who doesn't read Ree Drummond at this point? Hell, she's even on the morning shows every now and again. I love, love, love her "cowgirl" food.

2. The Lettered Cottage. Layla & Kevin... what a great couple. Working hard to keep it real (I can't imagine that their two professions make a LOT of money, but they trust in God and a budget).

3. The Nester. I giggle every time I see something else she's drilling to the wall or painting. Mostly b/c she's in a rental and wow: "if only I could...." is my dream sentence around this rental.

4. Young House Love. I'm not sure what's going to happen when they finish this house, but I'm thinking these two have a future at HGTV. Or writing a parenting book on how to not let your kid fall into a paint bucket.

5. Apartment Therapy. I think my favorite piece might be the scavenger. I don't know what they are typing into craigslist, but I always end up with dirty couches offered up for too much money from bed-ridden student meccas (like Brighton) or Ikea bookcases. From 5th floor walk-ups.

6. Well-Heeled Finance Blog. I like her. She's funny and practical and has made me think about my money in a whole new way.

7. Fabulously Broke. Also, another personal finance blogger who makes me think.

8. Boston Gal's Open Wallet. This used to be better. I don't know if she just got more comfortable with her finances or she's just not into it like she was before (i'm hoping there's some love keeping her too busy), but she's good. A downside? Her net wealth (that she publishes) makes me feel insecure.

9. Robin Abrahams. Miss Manners, from the Boston Globe. She's funny and smart-mouthed and I adore her. and she takes pics of her outfits. Who, in Boston, does that? I love that!

10. Kalyn's Kitchen. My go-to source of South Beach diet recipes. Kalyn's personable, and very nice--- she and I had an email conversation that involved me breaking down b/c I thought it was just.all.too.much and she said "we all fail sometimes, but you need to keep trying." I thought: she writes this food blog. She can't fail. But, she does. And she makes it work. And that makes me want to make it work.

What have you learned about me?

I like to look into people's houses. Even when i'm out driving, i like peeking at windows. :)
I'm concerned about and taking charge of my personal finance.
I'm slightly obsessed with etiquette ( I am. There are some things you should NOT do in public).
I'm on South Beach. *sigh*

Happy Valentine's Day Contest

2011-02-14T07:49:00.002-05:00

photo/graphic credit: xkcd:http://xkcd.com/223/

Happy Valentine's Day! Yup, the day of love, amour, smooches, roses, winks, nudges and chocolate filled I-love-yous.

PC and I celebrated all weekend, starting off Friday night with dinner with my nephew, my "other" Valentine. He's 2 and he's awesome. Saturday morning, a trip to Dunkin' (a tradition in our house and how awesome is it that we can WALK to a Dunks?) means someone has to walk past our favorite florist. They were happy to see him. So was the shop dog, Benny. These two ladies at Busy Bee love PC... y'see, he's always buying me flowers. He likes how happy they make me and he likes the smell of fresh flowers in the house. Win-Win. Saturday, I went shopping and ran some errands while he watched soccer and kept an eye on the couch. Saturday night was dinner for two at Atasca.

Let's start with a few things about Atasca. 1) it's always gotten good reviews, until recently. and 2) it was on my Boston/Cambridge to-dine list. Well, Saturday night was a flop. The food was so-so, the service was okay (once she realized we wanted a full meal experience: start with a drink, appetizer...she was more friendly) but s-l-o-w. The owner had friends in the restaurant (seated next to us) and instead of perhaps, hustling along the service or checking on customers (I overheard a few complaints that were going unnoticed), he was too busy sitting and chatting.

In addition, I have determined that people do not know how to behave in public anymore. I must be getting old... a woman (about my age) was there with her husband and friends: she was getting drunk and we pretty much heard the entire conversation. And, then there were the people with the cameras. I do not come from a generation that photo-documents everything from their morning pee to the application of night cream.

On the way to the car, we decided we might need a do-over.

Sunday was a trip to the Fiber Loft (first time!) to see the Berroco trunk show and meeting Andra Asras, a designer hosting a tea. I walked out $120 poorer, but with 7 buttons, 2 skeins of coordinating yarn for a project you'll see on Wednesday, and some baby yarns for baby shower gifts, as well as sock yarn for my PC.... who'd like the "next pair to be a bit higher." Funny, a few years ago, he was anti-handknit socks. Oh, and one of those Cha-Cha scarves. Yup. I said it. I'm going to knit with a novelty yarn. I haven't done it since the fun fur hat project. It's wool (mostly) and it'll look cute on my mom. Enough said.

Sunday night was dinner at "our place" : Legal Seafoods. We love the Chestnut Hill location and they didn't disappoint last night: clam chowder & caesar salad for me, seafood casserole & butternut squash for him. A few things to know about Legal: there are secrets, items not on the menu that you can get, if you know to ask. It's fun, like a secret club. If you can name 1 thing that you can get at Legal that is not on the menu (or a secret item at any other restaurant, to be fair), post it in the comments. Wednesday, i'll hand out prizes.

a whale of a good time

2011-02-10T09:11:00.002-05:00

(photo credit: hannah haworth: http://hannahhaworth.com/blog/)

I will never complain about how big & heavy a sweater project is again. Ever.

damn.
wow.

buzzzzz

2011-02-09T08:16:00.003-05:00

that's the buzz of a crazy-busy worker bee (me!) who's been swamped at the office. A trip to the Left Coast (San Francisco) is coming up and I've got more deadlines than I can count. So, I'm leaving you until later this week for a knitting update. (sorry!)

Instead, my favorite commercial ever.

10 on Tuesday: the sleepy edition

2011-02-01T08:19:00.002-05:00

10 things on my beside table. Nope that's not mine up there. I wish...it's Pottery Barn and it's my ideal beside table.

1. glasses. I'm blind and they are the last thing off at night and the first thing on in the morning.

2. Watch and promise ring. Same as glasses.

3. Perfume. This is where I keep my collection of 3 perfumes: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, L'Eau D'Issey by Issey Miyake, and Happy by Clinique.

4. Jewelry box. (my beside table is small dresser)

5. cell phone (it's my alarm)

6. lamp.

7. moisturizer (see last week's ten on tuesday for brand info)

8. wooden tulips that my grampy made for me.

and b/c mine is a dresser (and I'm desperate for 9-10)... inside, top drawer....

9. knitting stuff

10. sheep heating pad (it's shaped like a sheep, it's not for warming up sheep....)

racing...

2011-01-31T14:02:00.003-05:00

...to finish my January socks before my lunch w/ Tracey tomorrow. Think I can knit a heel and an entire foot tonight? Cooking & cleaning might suffer, but the knit will go on!

And in lieu of knitting photos... how about an LOL cat to make you smile? This is for all the Boston knitters.... I love my wool socks, but this Wednesday snowstorm stuff is gettin' old...

Looking for a man in a yellow hat....

2011-01-28T11:52:00.006-05:00

Next weekend, we'll celebrate my nephew's 2nd birthday (which was 1/24). It's hard to believe he's been on the planet this long, but I have to say, he's a pretty awesome little kid. He plays h-a-r-d and is so curious. No wonder his favorite thing in the whole wide world is:

And my sister-in-law has established Curious George as the theme for his party! How cool is that for a room full of 2 year olds?! Being the wonderful Auntie that I am (insert applause here), I decided that he needs to "look the part" at his party. Behold the Curious George sweater:

It's a basic boys' sweater from Ann Budd's handy book of sweaters (drop sleeve), knit at the smallest size.

Details:
Size: 26 inch chest (2-4 year old size)

Yarns: Cascade 220 Superwash (blue), Berroco Vintage (browns, whites)

Needles: US 7

method: Intarsia (*shudder*)--- my skills improved on this project, but I chose to embroider the eyes and mouth.

And this past week, the birthday boy was visiting his maternal grandparents in Florida and was arriving home sans mittens. My sis-in-law has been having quite the time getting 1) mittens that fit, 2) mittens that stay on, 3) mittens that he doesn't immediately rip off, and 4) mittens that don't interrupt Very Important Toddler Play (this kid takes his snow play seriously!). Entire Auntie again:

Some leftovers in the stash from his dino hat resulted in a quick little mitten set (w/ string to eliminate LMS (lost mitten syndrome)). I chose a twisted rib (extra long- 2 inches!) to keep the cuff snug and a two-color pattern to make them doubly warm and add interest. The final product is 5 inches in circumference. and... direct from a facebook post: "Mittens were a success. He don't love having them on but at least he kept them. The size is perfect. Thanks again."

10 on Tuesday: girlie edition

2011-01-25T08:52:00.002-05:00

Top Ten Beauty Products? Oh, this is one for me... I'm a beauty product grrl.

1. Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish face cleanser. A must have. Wash with it twice a day and you get clear, firmer skin and who doesn't want that?

2. Neutrogena Fast Absorbing Hand Cream. This is a must for New England winters... quick, fast drying, non-oily hand cream that you can rub in and immediately knit after. Yeah. It's that good. I'm on my 1st tube of 2011; it's always in my purse, in my travel "go" bag, and one on my desk.

3. Neutrogena Body Wrap Treatment. Yes, there is some brand loyalty here, but the bigger issue? Brand loyalty due to two things: a) good for sensitive skin & noses, b) well-priced.

4. Burt's Bees lip balm. I wear every day, under lipstick, over lipstick, instead of lipstick.

5. Oil of Olay moisturizer. Yup, the sensitive skin version of the pink lotion my mom & my nana both put on every morning and every night after washing their faces. In my family, it's a family "secret" that most of us use it and we all have fabulously soft skin. I used to steal my mom's when I was little because I thought it was make-up. *giggle*

6. Essie nail polish. I get a mani every two weeks (silk wrapped because I have messed up nail beds that lift instead of curve) and a pedi once a month. I am loathe to leave the house is my nails are a wreck (yes, I'm the same girl who camps in the woods for weeks on end, but guess what I do the day before we leave? Yup- mani/pedi).

7. Secret Clinical Strength Deoderant. This has saved my life and my shirts. 'Nuff said.

8. Aveda foot cream. Pricey, but totally worth it. PC says it smells horrible, but it goes on my heels every night because if not? I could shred the sheets with my dry cracked feet.

9. Almay Smart Shade foundation: fights wrinkles and no more guessing about if you are a "light buff 02" or a "medium buff 02?" while in CVS? I'm all about this. I wear very little make-up and this helps me feel "done" without making me feel like I'm wearing grease paint.

10. Vitamins! I take a multi-vitamin (prenatal for the folic acid & extra calcium), Vitamin D (3000mg), a Viactiv chew, and "fish sticks" (omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil) every day. No one product will do as much for your skin as eating right and vitamins!

tale of wee mittens

2011-01-24T08:39:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, like every other Sunday during football season, I met my friend Dora for some knitting (first we had lunch: yummy open faced prime rib sandwich for her, pastrami for me: yum!).

(That's Dora, seaming together her adorable butter-yellow bolero 3/4 sleeve jacket). Also seen, my mitten... sans thumb.

Close up of mitten detail: simple twisted rib cuff (2 inches long to keep the snow out!), followed by a two color vertical stripe pattern.

Finished and ready to be mailed! I crocheted the mitten string this morning, and packed them up and headed in the bitter cold to the post office.

Last weekend, I went on my annual retreat for my guild and while gabbing, gossiping, learning about vacuums, eating, drinking, laughing, gambling and refilling my heart with the power of knitters, I made this hat. It's Clotilde from Alison Green Will. and it's too big. It's destined to be re-knit, but since there is nothing wrong with it besides my gauge (it's off my a miniscule amount, like 1/8, it's going to be a gift. I loved the pattern though, so I'm stalking my stash for the right wee bit of dk yarn...

Now this item was also finished that weekend: my quiviot cowl. With beads. I love it. 1 ounce, 218 yards and 4 pattern repeats... on Size 3 needles... it's decadent, it's amazing, it's warm and I love it! Thanks again for the yarn PC! (he gave it to me Christmas 2009!)

Sock club and more..

2011-01-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

As you can see; my sock club has begun. I'm 70% through the 1st one: basic sock, 72 stitch leg, 66 stitch foot, slip stitch heel, triangle toe....on US 1 dpns. The yarn is Lisa Souza's Yarn! In gendarme colorway.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

10 on Tuesday: game night

2011-01-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

10 favorite games from childhood:

1. Sorry! There were 3 siblings, all within about a year or two of each other: this was the perfect board game from age 5-10.

2. Chutes and Ladders. Simple, easy to play, didn't take more than an hour.

3. Gin Rummy. We camped (alot!) and card games were the ultimate in entertainment for us.

4. Cribbage. Yup, we learned addition quickly when learning this game.

5. Gin. I still remember the first time I beat my dad in a game of gin.

6. Scrabble. As kids, we were all big readers, so this was a fun one... showing off your spelling words via the Scrabble board. (PC and I still play this, alot... if you ever want to play scrabble, come to our house: we have 4 versions!)

7. Trivial Pursuit. I loved this game! I am the queen of useless knowledge, so it came in handy, but oh, what fun.

8. Plinko: it involved not dropping a marble while removing sticks from a tube.

9. Boggle. (see Scrabble)

10. yahtzee!

Knit night deluxe

2011-01-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

So, I'm home from San Francisco and I'm in Maine!!! At the York Harbor Inn, on my guild's annual knitting retreat. Tonight was a 3 course gourmet dinner (see the smiley faces of my tablemates?? Hi Jen, Jen, and Mari!!) followed by some wine (thanks Sharon...yum) & knitting. The yarn above is kathmandu dk and the pattern is Alison Green Will's Clotilde...and it's a lovely knit. Hopefully a finished knit tomorrow :)

Oh, and if anyone wants to pop in and check on PC, tell him 1 night of pizza is enough and to stop making my pillows hot.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

10 on Tuesday

2011-01-11T15:41:00.001-05:00

10 ways to get more organized.

I'm still in San Francisco (about to stretch my legs and wander to Artfibers. yes, you should be jealous, but I was on a conference call at 5am Pacific time this morning, so it's time for me to stretch)... i'm hoping to get home Thursday morning via the redeye, but let's see what happens in Boston tonight & tomorrow, right?

1. calendars. day planners. outlook calendars.... write it down. I stay organized by keeping a daily journal (a day planner) and keeping an online calendar (bonus: my online work calendar syncs to my google calendar, which is my personal one).

2. make lists. I make a lot of lists, but usually deviate from them. For 2011, I said I'm starting to shop with a list and some cash: and no more. it's an effort to be more organized, waste less and save more($$).

3. Donate. Donate clothes, odd household items (those college kids need kitsch for their apartments, it might as well be yours), and anything else in good usable condition to local organizations. Oh, and shoes.. donate shoes. i hate doing it, but I need to 'cull the herd' of shoes when I get home.

4. Use any system that works for YOU. The Container Store (*heart*) will tell you that this way or that is the best, but honestly, if you buy stuff to stay organized and it's just not the way you function, it's really just more clutter.... right?

5. Post its, scrap paper & pens should be handy to you at any given time. In your purse, your kitchen, the bedroom... perhaps the loo, but that's not how i roll, but then again: see #4.

6. Sort mail. Mail is a huge headache in chez Mini y PC; i deal with it by ignoring it, but it just stacks up. PC assumes that if it doesn't have his name on it, it's not his... but I do argue that he is, as a rent paying household member, a "resident" and should deal with the ads once in a while.

7. Recycle. Yup: it's organizing at its easiest. Newton has single-stream recycling now and having the "one bin" saves a lot of headaches.

8. Purge. Yarn. Clothes. Shoes. Accessories. Purses. Books. CDs.... one day when you have some down time, look at a stack/pile/group of whatever and say 'I'll go through the one stack/pile/group" and nothing else. Move into "want, need, donate, trash" (yes, I added a new category: PC says I don't "need" shoes or yarn or purses or accessories, but I want them). Spend an hour. Be brutal. Be honest.

9. Buy.Less.Stuff. Easy, right? Not really,but it's an effort we're making at our house b/c we'd like to own a home. And we don't want to move a lot of crap.

10. make it a daily thing: don't wait until it's too much to do, do a little everyday.

Rice 'A Roni...

2011-01-10T00:23:00.001-05:00

Greetings from San Francisco! Yes, that's a laptop, work stuff and knitting..all on my hotel room desk. All work, a little play on this trip. :) Actually, I'm covering for a colleague who had her 1st baby last week. Mini's karma points are adding up. Unfortunately, not for my United flight: 2 scream-y babies and no bathrooms. Yup: all 3 potties were "out of order" within 15 minutes of reaching cruising altitude. That's a LOT of people running for the restrooms at the San Fran airport.

The sock you see is a little 2011 experiment I am trying with my friend, Tracey. We are taking a clue from the Yarn Harlot herself and attacking our sock yarn stashes: 2011 Kate & Tracey Sock Yarn Club. :) Every month, we'll knit a pair of socks from stash. Every OTHER month, we knit from each other's stash :) Cool right? Feel free to join in: grab a friend and swap sock stash yarn in Feb, April, June, August, October, & December. By New Year's Eve 2011, you'll have 12 pair of socks and a nice dent in two sets of stash!

I've also cast on for a hat, but I need to email the designer, I think I'm reading the pattern wrong. :(

10 on Tuesday

2011-01-04T08:25:00.001-05:00

So, this week's 10 on Tuesday is for things we can't live without. Oh, and they can't be people. They must be things. Believe it or not, this was tough for me... I have lived without a lot and I've lived with a lot... this requires some really deep thinking.

*deeply thinking...*

*navel gazing...*

Got it!

1. My car. I love my Subaru, I do... but I absolutely 100% require a car to live. Stressed out? Long drive. Need some quality time w/ a friend; hop in the car. Camping vacation? Get.in.the.car and let's roll out. I am unnaturally attached to my car, and PC knows I am obnoxious when other people drive it.

2. My Coach purses. (wow... #2 and I'm starting to feel *slightly* superficial) Coach bags are comfy, stylish and rugged. Oh, and timeless. I'm currently rocking a nice hobo style from PC,which he so nicely purchased for my birthday. My goal is to carry it every day until my next birthday. :) This is tough b/c I have a LOT of bags.

3. cell phone. Ugh. I love & hate this device all at the same time. It has email (work & home), phone, GPS, facebook, twitter, games.... all in one little black case. I'm a cell phone whore, too... i've been eyeing the new Android phones but haven 't pulled the trigger b/c I am pretending to have self control.

4. my knitting bag. It's Lexie Barnes (Lady B) and I love it. I can carry up to 5 small projects or 2 really big ones and it's perfect and did I mention that I love it?

5. My new Bartlett Yarns wool blanket. Srsly? House on fire, that puppy's coming with me. It's warm, it's made from sheep from my brother's girlfriend's mom's farm... I love it.

6. my kitchen island. This is the hub of our house. PC sits there and talks to me while I make dinner. Sometimes he's the sous chef, sometimes he's the peanut gallery. Friends sit here to chat and it's my fave place for a cup of tea and a magazine. I do need to cushion the stools though.

7. My bed. PC & I have a super comfy bed...even though last night we realized it might be dipping in the middle (note to self; lose weight). It's where we laugh, love, and lay our heads to sleep each night.

8. my "Queen of Fucking Everything" mug from Christmas 2009. 'Nuff said.

9. my coffee warmer thing on my desk at work. Sylvie gave it to me b/c she knows I can keep a cup of coffee going all day long. This keeps it hot.

10. .... I know we can't list people, so I'll say the tv... it's a source of entertainment and information. And we watch a LOT of it.

11.... PC. I can't imagine my life without you. *smooch*

ten on Tuesday

2010-12-28T10:21:00.001-05:00

This week's topic is 10 Intentions for the New Year....

Very timely, isn't it? I'm all about resolutions, making lists, organizing my world...and then promptly forgetting where I put the list, creating excuses for not being resolute and finding myself searching through the piles of stuff around the house and screaming at PC that I can't find anything. So, resolutions have not worked out so much for me. Intentions, on the other hand, I can get behind.

(these are in no particular order)

get fit. PC brought me a Wii Fit Plus and I have a YMCA membership, so I should be the most fit individual in my suburb, but I am not. In fact, my BMI (a la the Wii) last night frightened me so badly that I woke up this morning, decidedly not hungry. Being fit will let me play tennis longer, swim farther and finally be able to get a bicycle. I want a bicycle for Christmas one of these years (a cruiser, with a basket),so that's my goal. I also want to roller skate. PC & I live near the Charles River (oh, about 6 houses away) and there's this great path that goes from our house to the Hatch Shell.... I want to bike it or roll it.
eat & cook healthier. I have every healthy cookbook known to man and I cook the same things over & over. With PC doing a Weight Watchers diet and me following South Beach, it's not easy to make yummy dinners that satisfy us both (PC loves his carbs too). But, I have to do it. No more chinese take out each week. No more pizza. My insides are revolting against me and I feel better when I'm eating lower-carb.
Focus more at work. I lose focus at work sometimes and I'm working on getting more aligned with my work. It's a long term goal, but one I can get behind.
Manage finances better. This one's hard, but I'm going to do it. I need to sit down and budget my money. I need to take some risks and some safer options for my money and head out into the world. I will not turn 34 in 2011 without having some of my money work for me. A house will not buy itself. Some necessary steps will be taken this week.
be a more considerate partner. Sometimes I forget how good PC is to me and how lucky I am. I need to be more considerate of his feelings.
work on my relationships: I need to reconnect with an old friend, badly, and I need to re-establish a friendship with someone I lost touch with.
get involved in more community outreach. I find myself with too much time on my hands sometimes and I used to channel that energy & time into helping others. Now I sit & eat ice cream. (see #1 and #2)
blog 3 times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Fridays.
publish 1 pattern per month on my blog (and get Trek to teach me how to upload them on the sidebar,etc).
knit from my self-appointed sock club each month. I'm taking a page from the yarnharlot's book and running with it: I have a LOT of sock yarn and I'm going to knit 1 pair per month. With my travel schedule, this should be easy :)

How about you?

...the day after...

2010-12-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

So many toys, I just needed a nap! Mom & Dad are recovering from hosting dinner for all my grandparents ( and a surprise visit from my aunt in England! She has a dog, but I like her anyway), so I thought I'd blog.

Hope Santa brought you lots of toys ... I got a new climby thing! I love it. It has a hidey hole. I keep my toys in it...they are safe there. I stole mom's ack talking thing and took a photo for you. Don't I look great?

Well, gotta go knock ornaments off the tree...

Pumpkin. (meow)

P.s. Wait til you see what mom knit this weekend...

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

2010-12-14T08:10:00.003-05:00

Ten on Tuesday list....

10 things on my to do list:
1. Buy a Christmas tree. We are supposed to do this tonight, but PC's still under the weather (and he's the one who hauls it in, let's be honest, so I'm at his mercy).

2. Decorate said tree. (and thanks to lovely Kim, my Christmas tradition is not ruined...more on that later!)
3. Finish brother's slipper socks.... I need to finish sewing the soles on, but I'm at an impasse... PC tried them on and didn't love how they feel. I might need to rip and reknit this weekend.
4. Create & plan a holiday dinner for 10, including 1 vegetarian who has crossed the "pond" for the holidays (PC's sister), and I don't want to feed her just side dishes. (I've been told by other vegetarians it's rude to just assume they'll just eat extra veggies)
5. address & send holiday cards... all 30 of them. This might be a job for tonight. I have to make up the sheet of address labels for our return address (makes my life easier!).
6. wrap gifts... somethings are getting out of control and I need to start wrapping so I know what I have!
7. go to the Container store to get small boxes and large boxes for kids gifts... I love what we bought, but I don't love that they didn't come with boxes. and kids need to rip wrapping paper, not open a bag.
8. make sure Santa is feeling okay--- we may need a 2nd run to CVS for cough drops, etc.
9. make fudge... I need to do this tonight too. It needs to set for 2 days and I have some co-workers who have been discussing this fudge since September. Including one boss who is reminding me that she's leaving for Ireland this weekend and fudge needs to be consumed pre-take off. :)
10. Finish knitting my quiviot cowl: PC and I have a deal: I'll finish my cowl by Christmas eve, he'll start his beer.

laugh out loud funny

2010-12-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

'Cause Fridays need a little "sumpthin" to get you to 5 o'clock... :)

Busy weekend, Busy Mini

2010-12-01T08:22:00.003-05:00

Do you remember these mittens? Yep, the ones for my SIL.... well, she mentioned to me recently that she's buying a new coat. This coat is going to be black, from Lands' End and well, it certainly didn't come with a hat. Now, this SIL is the one who LOVES a handknit. Loves them. And has received many: cabled mittens, a scarf, a bag, a sweater. In return, she has provided me with a great nephew. I think it's a fair trade :)

Well, the Fiddlehead mittens are for her Christmas gift. But her head is cold NOW. So, what to do? Make her a fiddlehead hat, of course. And, now the mittens will be a BIG surprise because she's totally not expecting the matching mittens, right?

Don't stress out trying to work out this pattern. i'm going to do it for you this weekend. You'll need to buy the Fiddlehead mitten pattern to get the chart, but you can download the pdf instructions from me for free.

And since when I was making the hat, I was flipping out about running out of yarn for the hat, I bought two more skeins... 1 gray, 1 purple. And never used them.

My mom 's jacket is purple.... so, she's getting post-holiday mittens & matching hat. I'm reversing the colors from my SIL's... mom's will be purple background, gray accent.

And, I have a mitten fail. I have a coworker who would be a great mitten recipient, but only really sticks to basic colors; I thought a gray mitten with a pop of color would be nice. The "fail" is that the mitten is much to small. I cast on 38 stitches at 4spi, but looks like I need to rip back to the ribbing and increase the stitch count with an increase round. (I prefer the ribbing to be 1) tighter gauge and 2) smaller # of stitches: keeps the wind out). This will be a pdf download here on the site as well. And, I'll need some mitten testers after Christmas: let me know if you are interested.

Info: 200yds (100yds of each color) chunky weight wool and US7 & US8 needles, stitch markers.

Oh, and did you see my bag? That's a Stitched by JessaLu original BIG BOX BAG.(Psst.... i heard a rumor that there will be Rudolph bags being made.) Yup, she makes them. You have to be "in the know" and well,... you are now. :) I got two: owls and gnomes. The gnomes will make their debut soon; they are holding the Kathmandu Aran sweater I am working on for PC. It's a top down raglan using the Incredible, Custom Fit Top-Down Raglan Sweater Design

You, too, can knit a scarf!

2010-11-29T11:07:00.002-05:00

Flipping through the Macy's circular yesterday, while eating my late lunch, I stopped dead in my tracks.

I know the world is alive with handknits & chunky cables (go to Pottery Barn and witness the poorly constructed over-priced acrylic (ick!) throw blankets & pillows on every.single.surface).

Didn't see what stopped me dead? Here's a close up.

And, what threw me for more of a loop? The price:

$20 for about 240 yds of acrylic blend with plastic needles. And do you see a cable needle in there? Hmm... unless Martha's planning on teaching you how to cable without a needle on the back of that 3 inch X 3 inch wrapper, you're going to need some new tools.

I'm happy to see mainstream companies embracing the knitting, I am, but this made me giggle a little.

Happy Cyber Monday!

Pfffttt at Dear Prudence

2010-11-24T08:15:00.001-05:00

So, this question to Dear Prudence is odd, yes, but Prudie's reply is something else. (on the record, I think it's a bit nuts to knit socks for every member of a pre-school class... finger puppets: yes, small toys: yes... but socks?)

Everyone who has a relative who begs for handknit socks, raise your hand.

Yup. I thought so. I just felt a huge draft of wind as all your hands shot up.

I'm guessing Prudie is 1) not a good knitter, if one at all and 2) not getting another handknit anything from any knitting friends anytime soon...

Q. Help! Advice on Gift-Giving: I am a knitter who is knitting socks for my son's preschool class. I intend to give these socks as Christmas gifts this year. I am keeping them a secret as I would like them to be surprises. The only one who knows is the teacher as I needed her help getting the kids' feet sizes. My question revolves around the note I am going to include with the socks. Of course it will include washing and drying instructions (cold water and low heat); however, I am stumped about how to ask for the socks back if the kids don't like them, so they can be redistributed. Now, I don't really want the socks back for my own son; I would like the socks to go to someone who'd actually wear them. What would you do in this instance?

A: In this instance, I would stop with the socks and knit a sweater for my own child. While many people enjoy handmade scarves, there's a reason people stopped wearing lumpy, itchy, droopy handmade socks as soon as industrial looms were invented. It's sweet of you to want to make gifts for the entire class, but you're investing way too much time in a gift that won't be appreciated. If you want to do something handmade, maybe you should bake some treats. Or you could offer to come in and do a knitting lesson for the kids. Unless you're making socks they can hang by the fireplace for Christmas, no one wants handmade socks in their Christmas stocking.

10 on Tuesday: Turkey Style. :)

2010-11-23T10:54:00.001-05:00

10 things to Love about Thanksgiving:

1. I don't have to cook. I love cooking, I do, but I cook (and PC) for Christmas and that's quite enough holiday cooking for me. PC's aunts cook.

2. High School football. Yeah, i know? Weird, I don't particularly enjoy football but the high school games on Thanksgiving remind me of my cheerleading days (grades 3-12) and it's always fun.

3. Gravy. I love gravy on mashed potatoes, my turkey... pretty much everywhere.

4. PC's aunt Paula's cranberry relish... it's delish. She makes it just for me now. :P

5. Family... we go to PC's family for the "bird" and try to catch up with my family for the "pie." This year that gets trickier b/c my family will be in NH while PC's is in Massachusetts. I miss my family on Thanksgiving when we don't get to see them; and I hate racing around trying to get there in time for dessert. Growing up, it was always a crazy day in our family: we'd have grandparents, god parents, cousins, 2nd cousins...everyone stopping in for some turkey, a slice of pie, a cup of coffee.... and the wood stove burning after the table was cleared.

6. Traditions: new & old. PC's family doesn't have too many Thanksgiving traditions that I can see except his dad carves the bird and they (used to) rotate houses for this holiday, but now this is my tradition too... so new to me, but old to him!

7. saying grace. Growing up, we said grace at the table every night. Nowadays, the holidays is the only time we say grace (or with our friends) are the holidays. I think of it as a time to slow down and remind ourselves to be thankful for the people in our lives and the blessing of having food to put on the table. Once you had your 1st Communion, you could say grace at the holidays. Ours was fairly basic, but it stands the test of time.

8. Thanksgiving dishes. I know... I should hate it right? But, it always was the "girl" time in my house... and I learned a lot about being a (future) wife, (future) mom & woman in that kitchen. In PC's family, this chore appears to be detested,but I enjoy it.

9. my mom's paper turkey. it's from my brother Rob's 1st Thanksgiving (the other 2 of us didn't have 1st Thanksgivings, I guess) and it was put on our table every year. And every year, Jon & I tried to knock it over with a roll.

10. Piantadosi rolls. If you grew up in the Melrose/Malden/Everett/Medford area.. you know these rolls. And if you had a ma like mine, you got them from the factory on the outlet days, when you could grab them off the racks as they came off the production line... still hot. :)

11. Chocolate pudding pie. My grandfather & my dad wouldn't sit down unless they knew it was already in the house. And, I have to admit, it's my favorite too!

So, from my family to yours: a moment of grace:

Bless us, O' Lord, for these gifts which we are about to receive through your bounty. And bless us, always, with family and friends. Through Christ's name we pray, Amen.