Dawdler 101

Thank You Cards in the Making

2011-01-30T21:01:00.000-06:00

My Christmas thank yous have been completed and sent off. I forgot to get a picture of mine. :(

The little superhero's are in the making...snowflake stamps from empty thread spools.

And had some fun editing photos again...

Baby Booties

2011-01-29T20:46:00.000-06:00

One of my students had a baby brother just arrive. To welcome the little fellow, I knitted up a pair of these baby booties designed by Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer. How fun! I believe this pattern might be a newborn-baby-booties go-to pattern. Thanks, Caroline! (And for fun...editing photos...I love doing that!)

Big Ol' Thick Scarf

2010-12-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

For my birthday, my mom gave me the needed supplies and pattern to knit myself a scarf. That was ten months ago. I'm happy I finally made some time to make this for myself.

It was fun! It's warm. And I like that it has pockets. Thanks, Mom!

Heck Yeah!

2010-12-02T21:02:00.000-06:00

I got a message in my Ravlery account requesting permission to use my photo on the Ravlery page. Great stuff!

I Have Been Knitting A Bit

2010-12-01T23:15:00.000-06:00

I wish to be knitting much more. Time just gets wrapped up in other things. Somewhere, I read a phrase that said, "I knit so that I don't kill you." (Paraphrased of course.) I absolutely love that and seem to find some truth in that. I long to knit more and more...

Pants to Skirt - My New Favorite Thing!

2010-11-29T22:00:00.000-06:00

I have always had a problem with pants. My legs are too short, the pants come too long. The bottoms end up always getting so ratty from dragging on the ground...and while that's "cool" for a while, it ends up creating raggedy high-waters I can't stand wearing. But the jeans are still good. So, I'm back to one of my new favorite things. Changing my pants into skirts.

My first graders were totally excited about it, because it was a skirt AND jeans! (I have 10 girls and 4 boys...therefore lots of girl power...these boys have become extremely tolerable to girls and a great gain of respect for women...at least they lead me to believe that.) A mom commented that it was cute.

I really like wearing it.

SUCCESS!!!

Thanksgiving and Grandparents' Day

2010-11-23T23:15:00.001-06:00

At the school where I teach they last day of school before the 5-day Thanksgving break is Grandparents' Day. We serve and each a Thanksgiving meal with our students and their grandparents (lots of other fun involved, too...like a chapel service, talent show, room visits, book fair...). We made our grandparents some gifts. A felt tic-tac-toe board and a candy filled turkey. Exciting!

Home-sewn Costumes Rock!

2010-10-30T13:35:00.001-05:00

Another successful year with the boy's Halloween costume! Last year -- a vampire. This year, I have myself a Batman. And he looks mighty fine! I also made a costume for myself.

I'm hoping to submit entries into Joann's Costume Contest to win me a prize!

Happy Halloween, everybody!

Much Be-Lated Birthday Gift Thank Yous

2010-10-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

Uh...yep, it's been quite some time since I've been on here. So long that my little pirate doesn't quite seem to be a pirate any longer, but a superhero. His birthday party was in May. We got around to making the thank you cards earlier in September...and well...I'm still carrying them around in my purse waiting for a moment to relax enough to get them in envelopes, addressed, stamped and mailed. It's October now. What is wrong with me?

For starters I found this cute car stamp (since it was a Cars birthday).

I sliced and diced the "Just Married" part off of the license plate.

My little superhero did the stamping. A great job, indeed!

I wrote "Thank you!" And he colored away.

He loves coloring. See his concentration...tongue action!

2010 Dishcloth

2010-08-13T22:29:00.001-05:00

This was great fun to knit.

2010, I'm Ready for You by Kris Knits

Antique Projector - So cool!

2010-08-13T22:26:00.000-05:00

So...the reason I've been absent so much and for so long is because I'm now teaching 1st grade. It's been totally fun!

I have missed my blogging therapy. So, I'm trying to catch up on some of that.

Digging through the shelves and cupboards has left me in complete awe.

I found this projector...which I find to be entirely neat.

New ArtFire Items

2010-08-02T00:15:00.002-05:00

I spent my evening with some quality time on my ArtFire account. Here are some pics of the newest additions.

Blank Floral Cards - Set of 3

Blank Floral Postcards - Set of 4

I handmade the paper from paper pulp I made using my junk mail. Then, I took a Styrofoam plate and made a unique flower print. Next, I added purple ink. They're probably not archival (no telling what junk mail is archival and what isn't)...but, they'll certainly be cool to mail to a friend or family member!

(I added some polar bear postcard stamps on the postcard set...for good measure!)

Should I make a tutorial on the process? Would you like to know how to make your own paper, and a print from a Styrofoam plate?

And I added more magnets. This stuff (including the cards) has been made for quite some time. I just have only finally gotten around to getting it posted.

I Want, I Want, I Want!!!

2010-07-31T22:42:00.000-05:00

Paige Baker is hosting a neat giveaway on her blog. I want to win one of these three items of the ten items being given away.

Wish me luck, and I'll wish you luck (but not as much luck as I'll wish myself).

Knitted Hats - Fun Colors!

2010-07-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

I got myself a couple of orders and have followed through with them. Now, to get them to their rightful owners...and safely and surely. Sometimes this part is tough...even when the post office is involved (that's actually when it gets scary.)

Dwindling Stash = A Bag

2010-07-30T23:54:00.000-05:00

I don't really have a lot in my stash (what's pictured isn't all of it, but maybe close to a third of it...so...not much...but enough to provide great entertainment).

I gave this morsbag pattern a try...

...and with some minor adaptations, I really love it. I didn't add the tag, because I had no way of doing that and was sort of in a crunch for time. (It definitely took me longer than 30 minutes...but that's the fun about dawdling, right?!)

I really liked the approach the pattern had to the handles.

And strengthening them was fun, too. I discovered a way to make it look "perfect," without having to pick up and raise the needle. Math pays off.

I sewed a triangle on the corners, because I thought it would be more functional that way (this is one of the changes I made to the pattern).

And it turned out pretty nice, if I say so myself. I just might make more!

100th Post: Giveaway Winner

2010-07-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

Remember I was hosting a giveaway?

So...I definitely forgot what day it was. Really? Is it July 30 already? But that's okay I got a little side tracked, there is still a lucky winner! The lucky winner for the giveaway is Trisha B over at Squishy Crafts.

Congratulations, Trisha! I'm totally excited for you. I think the bracelets are going to look great with your new pink hair. :)

And for anybody who is interested in ordering one, I still have a couple of both the April Rain and May Flowers bracelets for sale on my ArtFire.

Baby Hat with Ear Flaps

2010-07-23T13:29:00.001-05:00

Remember, I had been working on a baby hat? Well, third time really was a charm in this case.

I love how it turned out.

Home to Sleep Only

2010-07-20T23:11:00.002-05:00

For almost a week now, we've only been in our home half of those nights to sleep only. It's the princess' last week here...so it's cram time. Swimming, swimming, more swimming, getting nails done, swimming, more swimming, and she wants to learn golf...so that might be thrown onto the list.

Looks like not only will we be missing her, but so will the new kittens.

In between all that swimming I'm trying to get a hat knitted, but it's not going as planned...maybe third time is a charm...

But, the little pirate has been getting me super excited with his drawings. "Look, Mommy! It's Larry!!!" It's Larry the Cucumber (one of the Veggie Tales' Pirates Who Don't Do Anything) that got him hooked to piratsy.

(I promise he did this all on his own without any help.)

Baby Mittens

2010-07-15T23:02:00.002-05:00

Pattern from Malin Knits.

Raw(e) Desserts - For Real Raw!

2010-07-15T01:06:00.000-05:00

My raw(e) photo this week. Topic: Desserts. We eat a lot of berries as dessert. Sometimes drizzled with homemade chocolate syrup, and sometimes plucked right from the bush to be eaten on the spot.

Coloring

2010-07-14T14:25:00.001-05:00

These are my ultimate favorite markers.

I got them when I lived in Germany, and am unsure if they can be purchased in the states. I don't know what I'm going to do when they dry up (although, they seem to be lasting forever, because I haven't been to Germany in almost 10 years).

I was using them for the lettering on this picture I drew of my husband (Janel's Journal Prompt #3).

The little pirate is fascinated with them as well.

His Journal Prompt #3 (a person he loves) ends up being Aang: The Last Airbender...that's what he said anyway.

Thread Stash

2010-07-13T08:40:00.001-05:00

I want to win some thread. You can enter to win some new Amy Butler & Kaffe Fassett Thread from Sew, Mama, Sew! Deadline: Thursday, July 15. So hurry up and do it! Or don't, and leave me with a larger chance of winning.

This giveaway has left me with an interesting option to post my thread stash on my blog, here, and answer some questions about my thread stash. Something I probably wouldn't have done otherwise. So, that's cool!

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
The colors in my stash are because I matched them with fabric for projects I've done in the past.

Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?
No, I do not always match the color perfectly to my project. I haven't bought any thread in a long while, as I want to use what I have, so I try to find a color from my stash that matches or looks fine with a current project.

Do you ever use contrasting thread?
I'm not really sure what this means. Perhaps it is asking, "Do you ever use white thread when using black fabric?" In that case, yes...see answer above.

Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?
I try to use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread, but as my stash is dwindling, I sometimes have a different color on the bobbin. Or if it's just a quick thing and the thread isn't even showing, due to laziness, I might just throw some thread on the machine, not really paying attention to the colors.

What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?
I seem to have found that I typically can't go wrong on any project by using cream colored thread, or black.

Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
I absolutely do not have tips or suggestions about choosing thread. I most likely need tips and suggestions more than giving them.

Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
Sure thing. Here is a picture of my thread "collection!" For hard core sewers and seamstresses, I bet my collection and storage sets with them in all the wrong ways. :) I would love for my husband to build me a neat little spool stand, but he's busy, and this works for me right now.

Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?
If my budget allowed, most likely. There was one time when I had some extra money, and I bought one of those color changing threads because I felt I couldn't live without it. It went a long way and I ended up making neat notebooks for my step-daughter's class with it. And using it for several other projects. It's all used up now. If I have any extra money on me these days...I purchase an iced chai...my momma impulses surpass any creative impulses.

Do you “invest” in thread?
I'm pretty sure my pictures shows you that I don't "invest" in thread...no matter what "invest" means in this question.

What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)
I think it's made up of a bunch of nylon or polyester...those are the cheap ones, right? Elastic thread! That sounds awesome.

New Kittens

2010-07-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of our new kittens. My husband is the director of Camp McFadden (still one week of summer camp...registration is still open). He found these kittens in the barn on Monday. They kept getting thinner and thinner as the week went along, so he brought them home on Friday. They have beefed up quite a bit in the past couple of days.

Another Dishcloth

2010-07-11T16:25:00.001-05:00

Pattern from TwistedLoops

Relaxing Day

2010-07-07T23:11:00.001-05:00

The little pirate and I basically chilled out all day.

We made waffles for breakfast. With berries and real maple syrup (not that stuff made from corn syrup, but the real deal that costs something like $7/bottle...so yum).

We made mushroom burgers and wheat crackers for lunch, with cantaloupe.

We made hummus to go along with our fresh garden vegetables for dinner.

In between then, I knitted a dishcloth.

The little pirate drew all over himself (his chin, legs and arms were covered in green pen).

And we played in the rain.

They Are So Cute!

2010-07-07T12:19:00.001-05:00

I can't resist putting this picture on my blog. Did a photo shoot the other day with a friend and her kiddos. Her daughter is just adorable! But, really...so is her son.

Mellow Mondays

2010-07-05T15:20:00.002-05:00

I've been...

making coasters and...

beaded bracelets.

The little pirate has been...

building block towers and...

crashing them. He's also been...

painting.

The little princess has been...

at camp. She loves it and can't get enough of it.

It must be in the blood, because.my husband (her dad) is a camp director...

4th of July

2010-07-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, USA!

Kids and Knitting Keeping Me Occupied -- A Photo Entry (with captions)

2010-07-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

Thank You Very Nooch dishcloth for Becca.

The Little Pirate added eyelashes to his octopus...and called it "Mommy." Nobody taught him this. Adding eyelashes to women must be an innate thing for children.

The Little Pirate is known to only sleep in his bed or in his car seat. So...the fact that he curled up, covered up completely, and slept for at least two hours is definitely photo worthy.

Stitch markers.

The little princess' beaded bracelet. Great project for older kids while little ones are napping and I'm making stitch markers. I just had her string it onto an elastic cord, and double knotted it when she was done.

The little princess' sprinkler fun.

The little pirate's sprinkler fun.

Kitty's sprinkler fun.

More stitch markers.

Same stitch markers as above...but packaged.

Dishcloth for a swap. "Back to School" pattern from Star at Keep On Knitting In The Free World.

Knitted headband. Pattern from Persnickety Knitter.

The little princess making her own patterns...totally awesome! And as you might have guessed...the little pirate was using the pre-made template...for the ship.

A dust rag...

...to fit a Swiffer duster. Pattern from Sarah Burton, aka verdigrisknits, on Ravlery.

A wittle red wishy washy fishy tawashi. Pattern by Rhonda White.

3D Infinity and Beyond Water Slide.

Knitted mouse cat toy. Only took three tries, but I'm pleased.

The little pirate's first karate uniform at his first lesson. I might be biased...but he's really good for his age. I guess watching all the Veggie Tales Pirates Who Don't Do Anything DVDs paid off. Ha!

Noisy cat toy. Fun!

100th Post: Giveaways Are Fun!

2010-06-29T22:43:00.003-05:00

*** Giveaway is closed***

My 100th post came sooner than expected. And has also prevented me from blogging, because I wanted this to be a special one. A giveaway!!!

My May bracelets are done. I'm much happier with the snaps. Much, much, much happier.

And while I know it is no longer April or May, that's what I'm giving away.
One April Rain bracelet and one May Flowers bracelet, as a set.

(This photo features three of the May Flower bracelets with one of the April Rain bracelets.)

Or...I guess the May Flowers one doesn't have to be a bracelet...

Leave a comment with your e-mail for your chance to win a set of the April Rain and May Flowers. You can write your e-mail like this if you're worried about spammers. ---> dawdler101(at)gmail(dot)com

Deadline: Sunday, July 25, 2010, 11:59 CT -- National Threading the Needle Day

If there are problems with posting comments, you can e-mail me directly (at the address example above) to enter to win.

Speaking of giveaways...Kim, over at Kim-Anh Nguyen, is hosting a giveaway, too. Hers is definitely more awesome than mine. It's her first one! Be sure to check it out. She's an amazing illustrator and is giving away two packs of her drawings to two different winners. TWO packs! Go check it out...after entering to win mine!

Finder's Keepers, I Guess!

2010-06-18T21:07:00.002-05:00

Made a visit to the library today. The little pirate insisted on watching Astro Boy (it's playing at our local theater for free June 29, but he couldn't wait...and is smart enough to know that he would find it at the library...what a stinker).

Soo...anyway...I started parking way out in the parking lots with the hope that it will help me become more fit, because I have to walk further. You know what...the other advantage to this (other than extra exercise), is that it makes for the easiest and quickest getaway from just about any parking lot!

But, today, the main advantage was this find.

Perhaps I am wrong in keeping it...but after all, there were no cars around where I was parked, because nobody parks in the boonies, so I figured whoever it belongs to is surely not in the library at that given time. Perhaps somebody will notice me wearing it when I'm at the library and be brave enough to speak up so they can claim it back. And I might be able to post this picture around for somebody to claim it that way, too. I will however, study it carefully and use it as inspiration for a bracelet I make in my future. It's too cool!

Potholder Pass - Received

2010-06-16T16:06:00.002-05:00

I got a special surprise in the mail. Aren't those mushrooms cute?! They're so happy!

I participated in Potholder Pass 3, over at During Quiet Time, and focused so much on making and sending mine, that I forgot I was getting some in the mail, too.

I was so fortunate to get a couple of potholders and a tea towel adorned in the same fabrics/colors from Miesmama.

These have been so great to have in the kitchen. Miesmama's color choices were perfect!

(By the way, those are some homemade buns on the stove - made with olive oil instead of butter. Our slamon burgers were delicious on them for dinner last night, and the leftover buns taste great dipped in my favorite hummus recipe for lunch today!)

I also have been having fun checking out Miesmama's blog! Swapping sure does have plenty of advantages! :) Thanks, Becky!

May Flowers Bracelet

2010-06-16T00:56:00.000-05:00

Slow and steady wins the race. I know I have the slow part down...not entirely sure I understand the "steady" part. It is not May...but nevertheless, I'm working on the May bracelet. Determined. And not quite there yet.

I wanted snaps...I thought I had snaps. And I finally found snaps...after I put these clasps on...which I knew I needed to immediately remove. Yuck. This is not a clasp situation...

Chocolate Chip Scones

2010-06-14T23:10:00.001-05:00

How I started my day...and ended my day. I thought they were pretty delicious. They use applesauce in place of the butter (our applesauce happened to be homemade with cinnamon...extra yummy). It is sort of weird how I had all the ingredients necessary to make this...we really have no food in the house (pickles, pretzels, and peanuts for lunch). I am always amazed how we can end up making some yummy treat like this, even when grocery shopping needed to be done days ago. Simply amazing! God gave us this day our daily bread...yet again!

Chocolate Chip Scones

My Little Pirate

2010-06-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

...still doing piratey things.

April Rain Bracelet - Finished

2010-06-12T23:26:00.002-05:00

I was able to make four of them. They sure were great fun to make.

I fished out all of my clear, white, and blue beads in my glass gem bead stash. Then, strung them on this blue-gray yarn (I bought it in Germany almost 10 years ago). Did a couple rows in a rib pattern, then did garter stitch for 14 rows and while listening to the end of a book on "tape," placed a bead every time I heard "the," and finished it off with a couple of rows in rib pattern. Each one is unique (I made four)! The crazy thing is, that I placed the final bead on the final bracelet when my book ended. And the even crazier thing is that every day I worked on these, it rained. So weird!

You might find one in my shop...if they haven't been purchased yet! :)

I still had some yarn left over. So, I made another wooden beaded bracelet set. (I still have leftover yarn...so maybe I'll make more sets in these colors.)

April Rain Bracelet - Attempt #1

2010-06-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

It's June...but I'm determined to get my April and May bracelet(s) completed. Here is my first attempt at April Rain. I ended up not liking the binding of edges for this, and have ripped it out and am in the process of reworking it...in the round.

Happy Chocolate Ice Cream Day!

2010-06-07T15:50:00.004-05:00

It's Chocolate Ice Cream Day! I had to run some errands and the little pirate was with me. I told him if he behaved and followed directions we would get some chocolate ice cream.

Originally, I wanted to take him to Braum's. But, I also wanted to eat ice cream outside, and still had one more stop...and thought it would be more cost effective to buy a tub of ice cream than to buy ice cream cones...turns out the stop I went to didn't have chocolate ice cream...and I didn't want to settle for anything other than that...and the little pirate was way past his ends wits with running errands. So, we got some chocolate milk, came home, put it in the ice cream maker with a cup of white milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla...

...watched a Big Bird movie while we waited. Then, added mini chocolate chips the last 5 minutes, scooped it out, and sprinkled it with chocolate sprinkles.

Finger-licking good!

Golden Package! -- Nooch In The Mail

2010-06-07T15:23:00.002-05:00

Becca, over at Adorable Optimism wrote about how she did a little vegan experimentation...to the point of buying nutritional yeast. (Macaroni & "Cheese" made using nutritional yeast featured below from chooseveg.com.)

Which she in turn found that she just hated, no matter what she tried using it in. She challenged her readers to give her some recipes to change her mind, and I suggested sprinkling it on popcorn (because a friend told me about that, and my son and I seemed to enjoy that well enough). Well, one thing led to another and she no longer has her nutritional yeast (aka "nooch), and I do! We are REAL bloggers now! :) Thanks, Becca! This was a fun package to receive. I love the special touch of a flower drawn on the front! Cute, cute!

If you look at my floor in just the right light and angle, it sparkles...and that's not because I mopped it...it's because she made my opening-the-package experience more special by including glitter and confetti!

The cutest little card (notice the glitter...everywhere)! Fun times! (The card is made by Hallmark, by the way. It's super cute...one of those tri-folds that doesn't need an envelope...I love those.)

It looks as if Becca spent some quality time punching out the confetti. Frogs and lizards! Too cute.

I had to keep it!

And embellish the lid of the container it's stored in!

Dawdling is great fun, I tell ya! :)

So...now I'm going to try my best to keep you updated with what I make using the nutritional yeast and provide a bit of feedback. Keep posted! :)

Potholder Pass

2010-06-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

I signed up to be a part of the Potholder Pass: Round 3 over at During Quiet Time (isn't that an awesome blog name). I was suppose to have my two potholders sent off to my secret partner by the end of May. But, that didn't happen, and I feel badly about it. But, I finished them now, and am pretty happy with my end results. I never made potholders before (the potholder in the top photo even has a pocket to slide the hand into for convenience grabbing and more protection when using the oven).

(There is a reason I am not showing the backside to the one pictured in the bottom photo...it would definitely show that I need a little more help in putting the binding on...if that strip of fabric around the outer edge is even called binding?)

While I was working on them, my husband asked, is that how you make a quilt...and I answered, "Well...I think it's the same concept as making a quilt...if I were making a quilt, I would use these same techniques...and this is how I make a quilt...just not sure if it's the way a quilt is suppose to be made." Then, I probably chuckled with glee from all the fun I was having making these!

Thank you, Amy, for letting me have this opportunity. I had a blast!

And thank you to my potholder pass partner receiving my potholders...for being open minded to me never having made potholders before and not following a pattern to do so. Also, for being patient with me mailing these out four days after the date I was suppose to send them. (You don't know who you are at this moment...but you will soon know who you are.)

New Yarn, Flower Fun!

2010-06-01T21:42:00.001-05:00

Here's another little project using my new fun yarn I posted about last week. I'm not sure yet...but I think knitting flowers is my new favorite thing to knit!

Shhh! Don't tell the Library.

2010-06-01T14:02:00.005-05:00

About a month ago, I bought a cassette player (new from the store). I did this for a number of reasons.

1. So that I could listen to books while dawdling.

2. Because our car doesn't have a tape player.

3. Because our library has LOADS of books on cassette for adults and also children...thus meaning my little pirate could listen to more books being read to him while looking at the book during our 30 minute round trip drives for every time we go into town...which lately has been almost daily (the library has only a few CDs for children).

4. The cassette player came with a microphone, and I could then record family and friends reading the little pirate's favorite stories so that he could listen to them any time he wanted.

5. It came with an adapter to plug into an outlet...so I didn't have to spend money on batteries (and our car has an adapter for the cigarette lighter so we can plug things in).

Well...the silly thing broke 30 pages before the end of the first book I was listening to on it. Grr!

Oh well...I found the book at a book store and finished the end of the book in about 10 minutes while sipping on an iced chai. And I returned the cassette player and got a new bra and underwear in it's place...and still have money left over. Crazy! (My husband laughed at me...and I don't blame him...I find it kind of funny myself.)

My dad saved the tape and it's been returned to the library.
Never again...

Headband On!

2010-05-31T20:50:00.001-05:00

By popular demand, I am posting a pic with the headband on. I love my readers! :)

Sweetie Pies

2010-05-30T21:35:00.000-05:00

Knitted Headband

2010-05-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

I've been at it! Here's a headband I made for a gift. And...I totally love the Basketweave Headband pattern for it over at Carissa Knits. I just might make some for myself! I haven't worn a headband in forever. Yay for headbands!

Tribble/Scrubbie

2010-05-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist posting this pic...this is a raw photo; I didn't tinker with it in any photo editing program. My camera is just that cheap! But...I totally love it!

I Want to Read! (Really! I do!)

2010-05-30T16:21:00.002-05:00

I love going to the library. Actually, the whole family does, including the hubby! I'm in a couple of book clubs, and The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is one of the books I'm to be reading. I also discovered that I really like Jodi Picoult, and found House Rules on the New Shelf (my favorite shelf in the library right now, because there is always a perfect variety...I come home with all kinds of interesting stuff). But...I rarely get through them cover to cover like I wish I could. Perhaps, it's because I'm too busy making these beaded bookmarks! Cause...this is my most recent one (didn't I just post about one I made...)!

Gemstone Stitch Markers

2010-05-30T16:05:00.001-05:00

I found these neat beads and made a set of stitch markers for a gift. And I thought they were so awesome that I made another set to put on my ArtFire account. I love the colors...but I may be partial to that turquoise color from being raised in New Mexico.

A Bookmark and a Key Chain

2010-05-30T15:39:00.001-05:00

Remember that new yarn...well, here are a couple of projects using it! A fern lace bookmark -- pattern from Beep Beep. And a key chain using the thumb part of these Andalus Mittens (I used the new yarn with a purple yarn)-- pattern by Hedda Knits, found on Ravelry.

Beaded Bookmarks

2010-05-28T10:52:00.001-05:00

These are so simple and fun to make!

They are great gifts, too.

Mickey Mouse is on my iPod Touch???

2010-05-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

I came around the corner and the little pirate had gotten a hold of my iPod. "Mommy! I'm watching Mickey Mouse!"

I seriously had no idea Mickey Mouse was on my iPod...kids these days seriously creep me out with how they can navigate all this tech stuff. Insane -- in a good way...for now! My brother says he's smart. And my mom says she didn't know her iPod could do so many things until she watched him use hers. Cool, cool!

Now he's watching Bubblefish. I didn't know fish could burp!

Homemade Natural Deodorant Update 2

2010-05-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

Real quick: So...duh to me...I should have stored the product in plastic...because now it's fairly solid in that plastic little tube and initially I couldn't get it out this morning...not even to try to dig some out with my finger -- clear glass obviously radiates a lot more heat than cloudy plastic. But...perhaps it's still a good thing...I banged it on the counter upside down a few times to shove the product to the top...it is actually a nice texture to squeeze a pea size ball into my hand for application (sort of like a toothpaste texture). It is now being stored upside down.

And my husband just might even give it a try! He gave me his empty deodorant stick today...yay...time to go wash and fill it up and see how it works...and how he likes/dislikes it.

Homemade Natural Deodorant Update

2010-05-27T11:15:00.002-05:00

So...I woke up stink-free this morning! That certainly is a rare thing in the summertime. I'm overjoyed! Our upstairs gets incredibly warm in summer...the heat just goes up there and stays up there (nice in winter, not so nice in summer). As you can imagine, the coconut oil used to make this deodorant (coconut oil, cornstarch and baking soda) becomes liquidy and separated in the heat. I found a fix for that.

I found this little bottle that I had left over from something in the past and put some of the well-mixed deodorant in there. Then, I put the jar in the refrigerator for safe keeping (and it'll probably then take on a more solid form, too...but putting deodorant on in the kitchen...kind of weirds me out).

Now, I can just shake this little bottle, squeeze a pea size out into each hand and apply on the pits! Awesome! :) I love being so inventive...and stink-free!

Oh! And I forgot to mention...any leftover product on my hand...I can just rub the rest into my hands like lotion...or on my little pirate's sweaty stinky feet...I wonder if that would work! :)

New Yarn! New Fun!

2010-05-26T23:20:00.000-05:00

Homemade Hygiene Products

2010-05-26T22:44:00.005-05:00

I made some homemade natural deodorant (coconut oil, cornstarch and baking soda...I added some essential oils though, but those aren't necessary) and prepared my showers with no-poo hair care.

The best thing about it is that I didn't have to go out and buy containers or ingredients to make these "products;" I had everything on hand. I'm so incredibly excited! And I probably can't put it into words like Amy does over at Angry Chicken.

But, I can say, that I definitely haven't smelled bad for the past half day since I used my new homemade deodorant. And if this were any other day, as some of you can probably testify, I would stink horribly...even though I put on my natural deodorant bought from the store. Thanks, Hubby, for putting up with my stink. I don't know how you did it! But, I think that little problem is solved...indefinitely. Hopefully, indefinitely. I'm so relieved that I think I've finally found something that will actually work, is environmentally friendly, and isn't prone to giving women breast cancer. I feel so ALIVE and not so afraid to get too close to people now. (I truly am sorry to any of you out there who had to put up with my stinky armpits! It sure is a bit embarrassing...but in the long run...I preferred to stink even after applying an over-the-counter natural deodorant opposed to using a product that research shows could lead to breast cancer...I'm trying to avoid breast cancer like the plague.)

Lovely Colors

2010-05-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

I love the colors of this kitchen towel. I want to use it as inspiration for a future project.

Sharpie Contest

2010-05-23T22:00:00.001-05:00

In middle school I got in trouble for drawing on myself. I was told I'd get ink poisoning, which could lead to death.* So, instead of drawing on myself, I drew on my shoes, and on my folders and binders. I drew on my desk, but quickly stopped doing that, because the teachers disliked the "graffiti" and I disliked having to wash away my doodles. So, instead of drawing on the desk, I drew on my spelling tests. In high school, I got in trouble for alternating a t-shirt with scissors and safety pins. But, easily got away with drawing on my jeans with Sharpie...as long as it wasn't on my skin or other people's property, I could get away with drawing just about anywhere. And Sharpie's became a huge part of my life, because they write on just about anything and can be removed from most surfaces with nail polish remover. They come in so many sizes, shapes, and colors these days, too. My supply is slowly running out, so when I came across this contest, I thought, "Perfect! Perhaps I have a chance to reload!"

My entry: Doodled fingernails, coated with clearish nail polish.

My little pirate who is currently laying in bed with color (courtesy of himself) all over his face, hands, arms, and legs says, "Your fingers are so pretty."

* As a parent now...I think I am slowly realizing that my parents told me anything they didn't like or didn't want me to do would end up killing me somehow. I believed them...and probably still do for the most part.

Raw(e) - This Week

2010-05-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

I took this photo over the weekend, and have been dying to get it posted here for this week's Raw(e) at Sailor and Co.

I'm starting to get "orders" for hats, which has been really exciting. One of my mom-friends is having a baby girl soon and requested to have a little red hat so she can attach a big flower to it. She really emphasized the small part...but I think I went too small. It barely fit a grapefruit. And in the photo, that is a three-year old pirate palming it. Hehe...yeah...I'm pretty sure that it's too small for a newborn.

I can't remember how small or big baby heads are. :( So...I'm making another one a bit bigger, and I think I'm right on target now. If you know somebody who has a baby or even a baby doll with a head the size of a grapefruit, get in touch...this one pictured could be yours! :)

Having Fun at Oma & Opa's House

2010-05-20T18:31:00.000-05:00

We're on vacation this week for a big birthday bash! In the meantime, we're keeping quite entertained.

Fruit Trees?

2010-05-13T23:02:00.000-05:00

I think we have an apple tree! I'm no expert...but this little thing sure does look like an itty bitty apple in the making.

I took a closer look at all of our trees...we definitely have a few mulberry trees (but I'm totally grossed out to even try those...looks like the birds licked all of them). And I think there are pear trees, too! Yum...I hope! The trees need desperate pruning, so who knows how yuck the fruit is going to be.

Ravelry Mitten Exchange Group Game

2010-05-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

I'm playing BINGO with my Ravelry Mitten Exchange Group. Ravelry is awesome! If you're knitter or crocheter...come find me!!! :)

I feel inclined to host a game of some sort on my blog...hmmm...what game could we play?

The Little Pirate Mini Photo Shoot

2010-05-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

The little pirate got a hold of the camera. I managed to smile just in time for one.

I'm carrying my box of markers in attempt to make something really cool using the rain. (It didn't turn out so cool...I'm not even going to bother blogging about it.

Apparently, the little pirate was interested in what I was doing. But, really...what I was doing was so lame and disappointing.

Beaded Rings

2010-05-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

I made these stitch markers just the other day.

My cousin saw them and wondered if the round one was a ring. I suppose it could be! So...I was busy this weekend making some beaded rings in her favorite colors, purple and black.

And I treated myself to one for Mother's Day!

I probably should be pulling weeds out of my garden instead...

Spiral For a Notepad

2010-05-08T18:40:00.000-05:00

Over a month ago I sent this picture to my good friend over at Dos Gatos Design.

I told her how wonky and unstable the spiral on the notepad was. (Some neat little shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico makes and sells these. You would think they would put a sticker with their name on the inside...but, no. However, they are kind enough to put instructions on how to refill...something that is only too logical for me to do without instructions. Oh well! My husband says the world doesn't revolve around me, so I guess I'll just let it go...and the makers of these awesome license plate notepads will go unnamed.)

About a month ago, I got this in the mail.

AWESOME!!! But, as you may or may not know...I was so unruly busy during April, that I only just now, today, got around to trying out the spiral.

And viola! It's a perfect fit and perfectly sturdy! I especially like the way she curled the end of the wire. :) Nice touch!

Stitch Marker Making Obsession

2010-05-08T18:15:00.000-05:00

So...I think I found a new obsession (which isn't very difficult for me to do). I'm just very intrigued by so many things, that it's hard for me to fine tune.

I made some more stitch markers. Fun stuff!

A Nasty Pan

2010-05-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

I got this pan in a packet of 30+ kitchen pieces when I moved away for college. I still use most of those pieces to this day. But this pan...it just won't come clean anymore (I've washed it 4 times, 2 by hand and 2 in the dishwasher, and it seems that food is still flaking off of it...grosses me out).

I'm fine just chucking it...but maybe there is something I can do with it - home recycle, or something like that. A birdbath? A water dish for the dog? Wait...we don't have a dog. A water dish for the...squirrels, possums, field mice...(I would mention the cat, but he just likes drinking out of the toilet...nasty cat)? A make-shift bell hanging outside the door (along with a stick) to help call in the boys and girls for dinner time?

What do you think? I'd love to hear your ideas for this! What would you do with it?

Quick, Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea & Free Printable

2010-05-07T23:36:00.005-05:00

Supplies

- double sided tape (or glue...or whatever works)
- cool foam, in your choice of colors
- scissors
- photo or drawing
- magnet

Instructions

1. With one color of cool foam, cut out a flower shape. (You know! It doesn't even have to be cool foam. It could be construction paper, or magazine pages...or whatever is flat and colorful!)
2. With another color of cool foam, cut out 3 large tongue depressor shapes.
3. Put double-sided tape on the tongue depressor shapes and let your child place them on the back...in whatever way he/she wants to.

My little pirate decided to line them up. But, it's quite okay of your child has those long shapes going every which direction!
4. Color the front side.

5. Put double-sided tape on the back of the photo/drawing, allow child to place it on the front of the flower, wherever his/her little heart desires.

6. My little pirate inserted a step here. Color some more. (In a friendly and calm voice, I said, "Stay away from the picture; color only on the yellow and green." Then, made sure he agreed, which he did...even when sporadically poking dots onto the flower.)

7. Put double-sided tape on the back of a business size magnet you ripped off from a company (or..I mean peel the backing off of a business size magnet, cut to size), and let your child place it on the back.
8. Wrap and give to Mother's Day people. :) For their fridge...or wherever it "sticks."

Variation
For Mother's Day people that live out of town (i.e. grandmas), make a printable one you can e-mail to them, so they can print, cut and place from their own home.

SUPER Last-Minute -- Freebie

You can click here to download and print this pdf from your own home and just tape/paste your own photo or drawing over the white area! (Should I be copyrighting my free printable?)

Fruit-And-Nut Energy Bars

2010-05-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

A tasty and healthy mid-morning snack. These were not only fun to make, but absolutely delicious to eat. I'm brainstorming another way to wrap and store. Any ideas? So far, my brain is sort of stuck on rolling them in little balls or disks about half the size of these, and wrapping them in wax paper like we find salt water taffy.

Recipes were found in this month's Disney Family Fun magazine. Click here!

Raw(e) Running - For Lift-Off

2010-05-06T00:32:00.002-05:00

The little pirate (who has many disguises, after all), got an awesome cape and mask for his birthday from his favorite cousin in the whole wide world.

He's off to save the world...or just getting a running start so he can fly.

Find out more about Raw(e) photos by clicking here.

Yes, I know, April came and went! :)

2010-05-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

Holy cow! What a month!

Well, I think I'm finally back on the map. April was probably one of the nuttiest months of my life. I don't even know where to begin with the multiple reasons as to why I have been absent from my blog for that long. But, in short, I did a lot of substitute teaching and The Highlight: I quit my managing position at an online school, and am now looking forward to teaching 1st grade! I am totally in love with my "new" life.

Here are some pictures to prove I was still dawdling. :)

Oh...and before I post the pictures...please, somebody, tell me...do I put the description before or after the photo? I'm always confused and therefore, probably rarely consistent on my posts. Any advice or suggestions are welcome. :)

Knitted bunnies:

Easter:

Little Pirates first day of day care:

Stitchmarkers I made for a stitchmarker swap:

Hat I knitted for a hat swap:

Hat swap package I received:

Beaded bookmarks I made:

Package received for my cat (and me):

Felt adjustable bracelet I made for a swap:

Swap package I received:

Pirates:

Spring sprung:

New swing set (aka new breakfast/lunch/dinner table):

Decorated my parents' 50th birthday party cakes (their birthdays are only two days apart; born the same year):

Popsicles for sharing:

The zoo (side note: The little pirate was all too thrilled when birds sat on his shoulders!):

Set up a pirate tent my mom made for my little pirate:

Birthday Invitations for the little pirate's birthday:

The little pirate's birthday:

Candy cars (with spoilers, even):

Goody bags (hand sewn):

Exhausted:

Cowboy Table Mat

2010-03-23T16:00:00.000-05:00

This year between April and May, my Papa (grandpa on my mom's side) is turning 75, both of my parents are turning 50, and my sister is turning 25. Three generations...a quarter of a century older than the next. Pretty special...and I think it's pretty unique.

So, they're celebrating BIG this year...family reunion big (we've never had one of those on my side of the family)!!! And they're going western!

My aunt and mom have been busy preparing for the big bash. Apparently my cowboy cousins are now walking around without pockets on their jeans. :) Well, that would be funny, anyway. (Supposedly the cowboys no longer needed these jeans...)

I like the belt loop being used to hold the spoon. Clever, clever! :)

Raw(e) Beautiful -- The Little Princess is Coming!

2010-03-22T17:08:00.002-05:00

I hear about those parents who have lost their children and keep their rooms just the way they were when the child was alive, and close the door. We have one of those rooms in our house, only the little girl is still alive. My step-daughter stays with us in the summers, which leaves 10 months of an empty room that basically waits her coming again. We always look forward to the summer with the little princess. The rest of the year we struggle with how to deal with her absence in our home and lives. She's truly a blessing...and there isn't much we can do for her in her situation other than pray.

I was at a meeting this morning where we had the option to decorate flip-flops for ourselves. I couldn't resist, but to make some for the little princess.

We are eagerly waiting for summer (not only for the warmer weather, which all of us deeply desire); time with the little princess makes a life more beautiful!

What's Raw(e)? Click here.

Felt Cover with Pen Pocket for Notepad

2010-03-22T16:40:00.001-05:00

I needed a gift and whipped this up, with a pocket perfect for a bookmarker pen. By the way, I love these flat bookmarker pens (it's safe to say I'm obsessed)!

Lunch Menu Monday - Homemade Tortillas With "Bean Dip"

2010-03-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

We had burritos a couple of days ago. So, I was using up leftovers. I mixed together the rest of the beans with some scoops of sour cream, the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese and some spoon fulls of taco sauce. Then, I heated it all up together in the microwave, stirred and put on a plate with a homemade tortilla...and sliced apples.

Tortilla Ingredients:

2 cups	All-purpose flour (I use 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup wheat flour to make up the total amount of flour)
½ t.	Salt
½ t.	Baking powder
2 T.	Lard
2 T.	Butter
¾ cup	Warm water

Tortilla Directions:

Mix flour, salt, baking powder, lard and butter. Add little water at a time. It shouldn’t be too sticky or too dry. Knead for 2 minutes. Break into 8 to 10 golf ball size balls. Set a warm damp cloth over balls for 20 minutes. Flatten balls first with hands, then roll with rolling pin. Set a pan to medium-high heat and wait until warm. Cook on one side for 8 seconds. Turn and cook for about 1 minute. Flip and cook for another minute.

Raw(e) Distractions -- Unwatered

2010-03-18T15:39:00.001-05:00

Let's just hope that the only thing I kill from being too distracted are things like flowers...even with the water supply right there. I'd hate for my relationships with God and family members to die...even though they're right here (these relationships are probably not as alive as they should be...and here's hoping that they don't get any worse, but only stronger).

You can play, too. Raw(e) is hosted at Sailor & Company.

Here are the rules:

1. NO editing, cropping, sharpening...NO TOUCHING THAT PHOTO

2. Only post 1 photo

3. Don't link up until you have your photo posted

4. Link to your Raw(e) post, not your url (so I don't have to dig for pics)

5. HAVE FUN!!!!

Photo Finds

2010-03-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've cleared the photos from my phone camera. I've run into one too many annoying instances of my phone telling me the space is full and I must delete images in order to make space for more.

Here are some things I've found.

A Bag A Day Project...in Progress

2010-03-18T00:05:00.005-05:00

So...this is really embarrassing...and it's really been bothering me. This is our car on mommy-brain.

I've decided that something needs to be done about it, finally. Just like something needs to be done about the trash on the roadside before entering our neighborhood. Apparently, nobody is working in either of those areas...and it's grossing me out.

I thought about starting this self-project called, A Bag A Day...to fill a plastic bag with trash from the car or trash from the roadside. I started it two days ago...

Results so far:
-- the mess on the floor is now in a large plastic bag
-- the above mentioned bag is sitting by my front door needing to be sorted (please remember the "in progress" part of this post title)
-- there is only grass and dirt on the backseat floor now
-- my husband has a good reason to use his new shop-vac
-- our yard looks more exciting after finding this 2009 4th of July windmill in the backseat
-- it's a nice, and well-needed, 10- to 15-minute walk (round trip) to get to and from the trashy roadside
-- there are a lot of booze drinkers and cigarette smokers that hang out at the roadside before entering our neighborhood...yuck!
-- about a 10ft section of the roadside looks a lot cleaner
-- I think I came across some poison oak or something itchy...but an immediate washing of my full arms when getting back home helped get rid of it
-- I have more of a reason to fill the recycling center bins more often (empty booze containers are the majority of trash found by roadside)
-- I'm teaching my tag-along, little pirate a valuable lesson..."If I EVER catch you throwing trash, or boozing and smoking out here..." (okay...so two valuable lessons)

More Beaded, Knitted Bracelets

2010-03-17T23:36:00.003-05:00

I've been making more bracelets. This yarn is fun!

Rocks Glued to Paper

2010-03-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

This kind of activity gives my little pirate motivation to take his well-needed nap! :)

He comments on something he sees in a book I read to him (i.e. rocks glued to paper and labeled in a Magic School Bus book).
   I say, "Yeah! That's neat! How about you take a nap, then we can find some rocks and glue them on paper when you wake up!"
   He responds, "Okay! I need my blankie." Then, heads up the stairs to his room. Lays down, requests a song, then sleeps.
   When he wakes up...we find rocks outside (even in the rain or snow), and glue them to paper (even if it only was a 2 minute activity).
   He's slept!

Memory Game Complete

2010-03-13T17:00:00.001-06:00

You might remember I was up to something for a birthday present with some fabric I found.
Well, I completed the project...and was rather happy with the results. I'm sad I don't have anymore of that fabric, but am completely on the outlook for something I can use!
I'm contemplating doing embroidery images if I can't find any convenient fabric again.

Some of the "cards."

The back sides were all red.

Instructions.

Packaged.

Convenient for travel.

Wrapped! (Good job on the card, little pirate.)

Ready to be opened.

The "Under 7 Cents" Challenge!

2010-03-12T00:21:00.001-06:00

I was walking the isles of Hobby Lobby's clearance racks (because that's the only place to shop...for real)! And check it out! I got this for 7 cents!

That's right! SEVEN...CENTS! Is that not the best thing ever? I double dog dare you to find something in any franchise store that costs less then seven cents. I will pay you a dollar if you do! :) Leave a link to your proof in the comments for this post. There is no deadline on this challenge...there is, however, just ONE winner!

I'll pay you another dollar...

...if you have as much fun as my little pirate did with what you bought for under 7 cents!

(Who cares if three of the colors were dried up, because one wasn't...and I can now use the other three containers for storage.)

SEVEN CENTS, people! :)

Fabric Memory Game...

2010-03-12T00:07:00.000-06:00

...or call it Concentration, if you prefer!

Either way, I found this fabric, and a little family member's birthday is coming up. I put the two together...and this is what I'm getting...so far!

Removing the Shirt Sleeves

2010-03-12T00:02:00.001-06:00

We went to Disney World for New Years (thanks, Mom and Dad)! It was fun. My little pirate got all these festive shirts to wear for the trip (thanks, Mom and Dad...but, really just Mom)! The only drawback to them is the long-sleeve arms were really weird...either that or my little pirate just has very muscular arms. Just look at the sleeve...just try to tell me it's not abnormal.

At any rate, because the weather is going to be perking up...and because it just seems uncomfortable, I removed the long-sleeve arms. I think this will be much more comfortable, and I think it'll be great attire for gymnastics...or future karate classes - since he's so muscular! ...and because he's a pirate!

Celtic March Bracelet: Double Yarn Knitting

2010-03-11T23:54:00.000-06:00

I'm almost wondering if this Braclet of the Month thing should be Wristband of the Month...

Remember, a while back I was having my first stab at double yarn knitting?

Well, I was really eager to use that technique for the March bracelet...I just didn't expect it to take so long. Because it took so long, I didn't make any extras to be purchased on my ArtFire account. BUT...you can send me a message if you want me to make one for you to purchase. I would sell it to you for $5 (no shipping and handling). That's a pretty good deal, considering it takes FOREVER!

I am completely addicted to double yarn knitting. Absolutely thrilling!

Knitted Hat Giveaway...Enter NOW!

2010-03-11T22:49:00.000-06:00

I knitted this hat...and a special little girl named Sailor now owns it.

Her mommy, Sami, over at Sailor & Company is hosting a giveaway. Click on over there to enter your chance(s) to win one of your very own. Special made by me for you! :)

Crayon Raw(e) Photo

2010-03-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

My raw(e) photo...you can enter, too, at Sailor & Company.

The rules: Don't touch that photo.....no edits at all! Only post one pic. Link to the post, not the URL. :)

I Just Like to Saw!

2010-03-05T18:45:00.000-06:00

So, we live on an acre of land in the country. There are a lot of trees on our property. A lot! And I find them to be too scraggly. I often want to chop down many of them...especially the wild shrubbery and dying trees that can't grow because other trees are hording all their light. There is a small strip of forest in the middle of our property...at least it feels that way!
My little pirate really likes to be outside, so I roam around with him holding my hand saw, hacking away at stray branches. Today, my project was this little area...

...I want to get rid of the other land owners annoying branches in my yard! That way I can get rid of the junk the previous owners left there (we've been in this house for about half a year now...it sure does take a while to settle in). I think it's all just a reason to saw! It's fun!!! And I'll try to keep you posted.
On the other spectrum...it's not so much fun fishing a boy out of cow poop, barbed wire, and peepee pants (because that's what is on the other side of the fence). :( This cannot be good...

Old Shoes & New Shoes

2010-03-05T01:35:00.004-06:00

I'm not a shoe girl. I don't own hundreds of shoes or have several for every occasion. I have the basics...but usually only wear one pair of shoes...my mom sent them to me back in 2007...and they went for walks, grocery shopping, jumped in puddles, stepped in gum, and even had been to church on numerous occasions.

For my birthday, I wanted a new pair of jeans and a new pair of shoes...and I found just that! And I get to enjoy it with my little pirate! We love our matching shoes and I'm sure if he were 10 years older, that will not be cool! So...now's the time! Enjoy life while it is, instead of wishing you had when it was, or hoping for the will be (that might not ever be)!

This is how we dawdle! And we can do that...because I can fit in the largest size in the boys shoes department!

Knitted Baby-Boy Hat With Ear Flaps

2010-03-01T23:50:00.000-06:00

For a good friend who recently had a baby boy.

Lunch Menu Monday - Leftovers With Stars

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cookie cutters can be used in so many ways. Today, I served up leftovers from yesterday's lunch - homemade fried fish and potato casserole. I added the touch of a small star cookie cutter green bell pepper pieces. I used a larger star cookie cutter to shape the potato casserole onto the plate and trimmed it with carrot slices.

Yummy!

Lunch Menu Item Monday - Hummus Wannabe Dip

2010-02-22T16:01:00.000-06:00

So...pre-photos or presentation photos are basically non-existent at this point, because we were too hungry to think about a camera. But, if you click here, then you can see some fun ways to display part of today's menu.

And here's what was leftover from my Hummus Wannabe Dip served with heaps of crackers and vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, bell pepper, and green olives). I guess this could be a snack, too. We ate it with soup and some carrot-based fruit juice for lunch.
Hummus is made with chickpeas or garbanzo beans...neither of which I had in the cupboard today. And since I'm all about use what we have before we purchase, I pulled down the can of butter beans that were hiding in the back of the cupboard. And this is how I made it:

Ingredients:
1 16-oz can of butter beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of butter beans
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:
1. Open and drain butter beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid from the can.
2. Put liquid from can, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt and olive oil in a blender. Blend briefly to mix these ingredients.
3. At your own risk, open top and drop in beans while blender is still going. Continue blending for 3 or so minutes until ingredients are really smooth.
4. Serve immediately...or refrigerate and serve cold, later! DELICIOUS! You and your kids will be asking for more vegetables to eat along with it!

Hmmm....I wonder what other beans would go well with this recipe...!

Knitted Baby-Girl Hat with Tassels

2010-02-21T16:02:00.000-06:00

For a good friend who recently had a baby girl.

Weekend Knitting Flower Washcloth

2010-02-21T01:09:00.002-06:00

...in pictures...black and white at that!

* A special thanks to Aunt Kim for the box of personalized soap, which helped the photos look better!

Knitted Flower Washcloth

2010-02-21T01:00:00.001-06:00

One Crafty Mumma hosted a Washcloth/Dishcloth Create-A-Long. She went on a knitting washcloth frenzy, while inviting others to join her. As a sucker for knitting myself...I wanted to create-a-long. I was a sad participant of only making one in the two weeks she dedicated to hosting this create-a-long.
I used the flower washcloth pattern from Melanie Falick's book, Weekend Knitting. And I had some help, not only in ripping out my gauges...but also in devouring my snack, which just so happened to be part of MY Valentine treat from my sister (don't believe my little pirate if he says it was his...it really wasn't his; I swear).

Nevertheless, I finished the washcloth! Now, I just have no idea what I'm going to do with it...other than hold it to my face so I can try to get a good picture of it!

Ahh...I love knitting!

Lunch Menu Monday - Pirate Ship Sandwich

2010-02-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

This lunch item is not my creation, but I completely fell in love and wanted to share what I came across on Ohdeedoh -- Pirate Ship Sandwich. It would be perfect for a little pirate lover!

Mint Valentine Boxes and Paper Tube

2010-02-12T15:36:00.001-06:00

Ever since I received my February Family Fun magazine, I've been bombarded and jealous of all these people who come up with these nifty Valentine phrases using a play on words. I was sad to not be able to come up with anything on my own, but was getting over it. And I really also had no idea what I was going to do for valentines. I "splurged" and bought a bag of Starlite Mints for Valentine goodies when doing my weekly grocery shopping. Actually, splurging would have been if I bought Hershey chocolate Kisses. I decided to buy the mints because they were only 99 cents for the bag, opposed to the $2+ for the chocolates. Anyway...now to put something together...I snatched some paintings from the fridge that my pirate and I did weeks ago, and made origami gift boxes from them (here's a good origami gift box tutorial...I've been making boxes like this since grade school)...and all of a sudden, just like that...it hit me...

You were 'mint' for me!

...I wrote it on a ribbon and tied it to a closed, mint-stuffed box to give away as a valentine!

Then, I started getting a little carried away and made a paper tube filled with mints...this will be something the little pirate can give to Grandma and Grandpa!

Sandwich Cookies and Heart Noodle Valentine Treats

2010-02-12T14:29:00.001-06:00

So, one of my book clubbers, Elizabeth, who I keep in touch with on Facebook is always up to something celebrating. In fact, just earlier this week, she called herself an "Over-Achiever-Holiday-Celebrator." As you can imagine, V-day is the perfect reason for her to put her celebrating jitters to work! :) Today she posted this, and made Facebook's "top news" list!

You might agree in stating that you wished you were in her daughter's class to receive one of these treats! YUM!!!

Elizabeth says, "I have to give credit to the place I got the tag designs from...I just customized them for what I needed -- The Rubber Punkin. I also got the goodie recipe from Bakerella, and modified it slightly."

Thanks for letting me brag about you on my blog, Elizabeth!

Swimsuit Giveaway

2010-02-11T14:44:00.001-06:00

The Rubber Punkin is hosting a swimsuit giveaway from Panga Swimwear. You have two chances to win...last day for your chance to win is February 26th...so shoot on over there for the details and enter!

www.sunsafeswimwear.biz

Craft Hope's Project 6 - Fetching Knits Fling

2010-02-10T22:51:00.003-06:00

Craft Hope's Project 6 says, "Get your needles and yarn out because it's time to make a scarf."
Fetching Knits says, "Everyone should have a fling at least once in their lives."

So, this is my result (using yarn I had "filed" away). I'm happy with the end product. And excited the Orphan Foundation will be able to get this scarf to a college bound youth "to warm their heart (and neck)."

This Is My Entry To Win!!!

2010-02-08T21:09:00.001-06:00

It seems like you're bound to win a give away at Make It And Love It's blog! She has a new sponsor and a give away going on! This entry ends 11:59pm MDT, Wednesday, February 10...which happens to be Umbrella Day!

Have fun and good luck!