What will $2.25 and 15 Minutes Get You?

Get your minds out of the gutter! What is it with you guys *grin*?

A Cute-as-can-be girl's top that's what! I made 5 of these this morning for Anna. For her size it's a top, for a toddler, a cute spring/summer dress. Completely adjustable and completely easy either way!

Here's what I did: (yes, it's officially a tutorial)

1. Start with two regular bandannas (22" x 22") from the craft or discount store and 1-1/4 yards of coordinating ribbon (about 1" wide) cut into two equal pieces.



2. Fold and press a 1-1/4" (approximately) hem casing on each bandanna. I don't measure OR pin, but feel free.



3. Stitch casing VERY close to original hem line. Be sure to back-tack at the beginning and the end. Repeat for bandanna #2.





4. Thread (test) ribbon through each casing with a large safety pin. Tie off one shoulder side.



5. Adjust gathers around neck and tie off shoulder #2. Pin fit underarm at point where side seam will begin.



6. Remove test ribbon. Sew side seam (right sides together) very close to original hem lines. It need NOT be perfect - this should be easy and the original bandannas are not "perfect" anyway.



7. Press hems open.



8. Thread "actual" ribbon through casing and tie one side. Fit on child and tie side two. Trim excess ribbon. Adjust gathers and admire your work (the sewing's pretty good too huh?).



9. Side/Underarm view



10. Back view



11. Tack edges to ribbon and you are finished!



These are Fast, fun, and easy to make. Anna will be wearing these this spring and even now over her turtle necks. I can think of so many fun things to do. I can't wait to get some orange and white bandannas and make UT tops for Anna and a UT dress for a friend's toddler.

Let me know what you think!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Gift Bin 2008 Begins

These are ready made denim totes embellished with silk kimono scraps. I used a raw edge technique to apply the silk. They were fun to make. I used items I already had on hand. I FINISHED them, AND I really like the turn out. All in all I am very pleased! Off they go into the gift bin.




I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Looooooonnnnngggg Weekend

That's what it feels like and it's wonderful! Casey got off work last Friday and doesn't go back until the 2nd. Yippee! I LOVE it! We're all having fun sitting around in our p.j.'s and playing games all day.

I did run out to the fabric stores with Andrea yesterday and we had a blast! I picked up this:

and Andrea got this:


I see lots of cutie-pies in our future!

Christmas was wonderful - nice and quiet. We played and played and will be doing more of just that all week/weekend. I can't wait!

I've been sewing some as well and it's bliss. I can't wait to finish things up and have photos to share. Soon.

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

Merry Christmas to Me!

Last week my iron met an awful fate - a kitten.

NO! Don't be so morbid. Mac the wondercat just knocked it off the ironing board (it was off and cold) and busted the thermostat dial to bits. WooHoo - Time to get a new iron! I had the last one for nearly 14 years, but it worked and that was good enough for me.

So I searched for a REALLY good iron and found an amazing deal on Amazon (don't you adore Amazon?). I got this...


What's most Fabulous is I got it for $49.99 and FREE shipping!

It's pink and it's wonderful! I love it and I know we'll be best buds for many years to come!

Thanks Wondercat, and Thanks Casey for not making me wait until Christmas!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

New Directions

A Blog about Knitting, Sewing, Crafting, & Life in general with a husband, 2 kids, and 3 dogs. I'm having a ball! That was my tagline above.

When I began this blogging adventure that tagline was fun and comfortable. These days it seems confining and a little overdone - like a fancy pair of shoes that look fantastic, but after an hour you remember why they are in the "way back" of the closet - "Oh yeah, these pinch!" To that end there are changes coming.

This blog was originally focused on knitting, that's where I was 3 years ago. I was managing a yarn shop and completely immersed in a knitting lifestyle. I worked knitting, I blogged knitting, I talked knitting, and I LIVED knitting. My life is different now.

I LOVE knitting and crochet. I also love sewing, and scrapbooking, and homeschooling, and being a wife, and being a mommy, and being a friend, and finding and fulfilling my small role in God's big world. There are times I blog about things not knitting related when I feel it's against the rules (albeit self imposed "rules"); like I strayed from the "THIS IS A KNITTING BLOG" code and "NOW I'LL BE PUNISHED!" I recognize the ludicrous nature of that sentiment, yet it is somehow so very prevalent and even more persistent.

I am officially breaking that mold - Here and Now! This is MY blog and it is filled with the things in my life that I love - ALL the things I love. Why I am only now realizing and acting on this is beyond me, but sometimes God has to drop a piano on your head right...

This inner struggle is in part why I have had the blogging blahs lately. Often I feel like I have nothing interesting to say and maybe sometimes I don't, but I hope you all still hang around. In fact I hope you invite your friends and neighbors. I hope you share with me what is going on in your life - not just the big stuff, but the small stuff too. "Small stuff" is what makes us interesting; it's what connects us all. That's what I want - to feel connected.

The blogging community is vast and often fickle, but it is also good and inspiring; it's where we connect with each other, and ourself. Please keep me in check and don't let me be vast or fickle - I want to be connected (I'd also like to be famous, but only sometimes).

I do love my life and I am having a ball. Thanks for listening to what bounces around in my head.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Unless He Has Studied His A Grippa...

Which I have!




Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti


Thanks Amy - that's fun!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Feel Free...

Please feel free to link to the Meme below. I've had everal requests and am handling it all here. I'll have an actual post later today.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Christmas Meme

My Friend Anna (who LOVES Christmas) sent this to me in email. I figured it's a cheap way to get a blog post in so here goes...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or artificial? Fake


3. When do you put up the tree? A week or so before Christmas


4. When do you take the tree down? A week after New Years


5. Do you like eggnog? Blech! No!


6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cow Girl Outfit - with guns (I was 4)


7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes


8. Hardest person to buy for? Michael - My brother


9. Easiest person to buy for? My Anna girl


10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? um, tis the season to be gracious right?


11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail


12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas (is it wrong that I can't wait this year for Johnny Depp as Sweeny Todd?)


13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? January


14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? From time to time


15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sausage Balls


16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored flashing ones


17. Favorite Christmas song? Drummer Boy (I almost put down "Last Christmas" by Wham, but even I couldn't keep a straight face)


18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Home


19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen –But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all. Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose.


20. Angel on the tree top? Angel


21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? From family Christmas Eve - then Santa comes Christmas Morning


22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The contrived factor of having to buy gifts b/c a day dictates it - oh and the MALL


23. What I love most about Christmas? Vacation Days

Consider yourself tagged!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Slow Death by Cough Drops...

I have allergies. My allergies are neither normal, regular run of the mill pollen, dust, cats allergies, nor epi-pen carrying bee, peanut, strawberry allergies. NO, they fall somewhere in the obscure range of the rest of my life.

I have a sulfa allergy - not too uncommon - but I also have a sulfite hypersensitivity (they are unrelated - weird huh?). I have to read the labels of everything and stay away from common ingredients like wine, shellfish, dried fruit, and now it seems COUGH DROPS! Apparently Ludens Cherry Cough drops are poison to me. They are made of Pectin which is on the "These things will KILL you list" Good to know - NOW!

So many many doses of benedryl and asthma inhaler and lots of very nice naps later I am almost a functioning member of the human race again. I still can't walk up the stairs quickly (lest I cough myself into oblivion), but it also gets me out of housework.

BTW: can't take advil cold & sinus anymore either It's FUN learning things the hard way right?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Cat & Mouse

Literally:





This is Mac. Mac the Wonder Cat - as in "I wonder what he's going to get into next?"

Mac loves "meeces to pieces."

Slow week - I've resorted to pet pictures. Still sick, still waiting to get better.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Imagination and Inspiration

I LOVE Legos. I always had them as a child and (with the exception of stepping on one barefooted) I still think they are one of the greatest imagination toys ever invented. My kids will play with Legos for HOURS - really - and they'll play so well together while they do it - AMAZING!



Toby's latest creation.

Good Mail Day Today:



Gotta love Crafter's Choice. Of course I signed up for the two (one in each email - Casey - they are already paid for) memberships BEFORE I saw Oprah's episode on Hoarding and swore I am NEVER buying another thing - EVER! Did you guys see that? Shock and Awe I tell you - seriously!

I'm still sick so I'm going to pile up in bed with my new books and be inspired.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Hairy Christmas and a Crappy New Year!

Can you say "FUNK" boys and girls? Well the blogless wonder that I've been since - oh - AUGUST knows the word all too well. No single cause for the downturn - lots of things piling up until there is such an emotional mountain of CRAP I can't see daylight. Thanks Andrea for putting up with me and helping me through EVERYDAY - wouldn't make it without you.

New Blog I'm reading, Creative Little Daisy, says it well HERE with a tirade that I found WAY too familiar yet strangely comforting.

After a major meltdown last week (Thanksgiving STILL sucks w/o Mom) the fog is beginning to lift - some. Pair the meltdown with purging about 40 metric-tons of CRAP (really good stuff, but CRAP in my life right now) - mostly from the craftroom - THANK YOU AMY N and AADD - and the light at the end of the tunnel is looking a little less like an oncoming train.

On the other hand - Christmas is completely finished and almost totally wrapped. I have a few giftcards to order from my bank, but that's the last of it. Thank goodness for the internet, Toys R Us, and REALLY good planning. Now will the tree get put up - eh! Eventually.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

I've been working away. Here are a few (there are more, but I lost the light) of the things I've finished in the last 2 months, plus some random yarn shots.




I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I am Grateful

Faith and the freedom to express it
An Incredible Family
Pets 3 dogs and now 2 new kitties
Friends who call every day
Hobbies that I love and are useful
Talent and creativity
A well stocked pantry & deep freeze
Nice clothes to wear
Reliable and PAID for cars to drive
Home and house
Health
TiVo
This place to share my life and make new friends



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

The Hustler...

Situation: Kitty Cat loses baby tooth

Anna (7): "Now the tooth fairy will bring Mac a treat!"

Mommy: "No, the tooth fairy doesn't come for kitties."

Anna: "Can I have it? (the tooth)"

Daddy begins explaining how it will get lost or broken and it's germy, etc.

Mommy: "No, Anna. The tooth fairy will NOT bring you money for Mac's tooth."

Anna: (with impish grin) "Oh."

Daddy: "I can't believe she was trying to hustle the tooth fairy!"

Mommy: "That's MY girl!"

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Hey Laurie!

Test = A-OK!

I hope you're having a great time and I hope you fly home safely.
Love to you!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Calling Maha...

Maha - if you contacted me it must have been trapped by my spam filter. Please contact me again to collect your prizes.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Blogging...

For a Migraine. Better now. On to good stuff!

The Winner Is:

Maha!

Thanks ALL who left comments - I feel like Sally Field "You like me! You REALLY like me!"

Maha send me an email at eemayde_at_gmail_come with your addy, etc. and I'll get your prizes out to you ASAP!

Thanks again all!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

For Andrea:

I'll announce the winner of the contest tonight I promise, but in the meantime if you want to make KILLER Mac & Cheese - here you go!

1 pound elbow macaroni (I like the ones w/ridges to hold more sauce) - cook it al dente
1 T Olive oil
2 T Butter
3 T Flour
1-1/2 C WHOLE milk (don't skimp - use whole)
3 C shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (like Cabot from reg. grocery)
1/2 tsp nutmeg (I barely use a smidge - NOT 1/2 tsp)
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (more or less as desired - I use a little less)
Salt to taste - the cheese is very salty so you won't need much.

Pasta needs to be ready, but still HOT, BEFORE making sauce.

Heat a medium-size dep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, stir in the flour. Gently cook, whisking flour & butter together until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook (2 - 3 minutes). Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit then stir in 2 C of cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg, cayenne, and (I add) black pepper - taste & see if it needs salt. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning it over and over in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and pop it under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and browned.

It's really easy and REALLY good!!!

Thanks Rachael Ray

Dang, now I'm starving!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Still on Track AND A Contest!!!

Hi all! I'm still on track in the August madness I've created for myself. I'm one day (and one skein I need to pick up) away from finishing my Daddy's afghan. I finished one sleeve of a baby sweater and have one more to do and I'm right at half-way finished with my Branching Out scarf.

I measured all of my swatches, started making pattern notes and am heading in the right direction on the sweaters. I stayed out of the craft room today as it's stinking hot and there's no A/C out there - tomorrow = fan.

You've stayed with for this long now the fun stuff:

A Contest!
August 9th is my 2-year blogiversary - really I've been droning on about knitting and crafts for 2 long years. Leave me a comment between now and Midnight on the 9th and I'll put your name in a drawing to win
This:


along with a couple of other surprises. So delurk and leave me a comment for your chance to win FREE STUFF!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

2 More Down...

Bags that is - for a total of 6 so far. I felted the two for me this morning and one turned out great - one needs some work, but it's manageable. I've also finished about 1/3 of the Branching out scarf and washed and dried all of my sweater swatches. Now I need to measure the gauges and make pattern notes - then I'm going to dig in on the sweater making.

I'm picking up more yarn today to finish Daddy's afghan and will be finished with it this week. Then I'll start another and be right on schedule with my Ambitious August. I'll try to get pictures when there is sun.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

And She's Off...

I'm making headway! I finished 4 felted bags today (all but the felting) and I swatched all the sweater yarns for the other projects.

I am well on my way (to the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're coming to take me away HA HA!!!!).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Ambitious August

Do you KNOW me? I can't so anything "small." When I decide on projects I go ALL out and here is my stash to work through for August:



Don't be too alarmed.





OK go ahead and panic momentarily.

NOW - are you still thinking "There's no F** way!" You might be right, but then again...

I have THIS:



Which allows me to churn through st st projects at light speed. I am determined to stash bust and I am determined to give knitted Christmas gifts to my family and friends. August is going to be a BIG month for me.

Some of the yarns pictured are for handknitting/crocheting projects to be finished in August, but most are bound for the Bond.

Here's the Official August List:
10 Felted Tote Bags
6 Handtowels with crocheted edging
"Woody" Sweater for Anna*
"Pea" Sweater for Anna*
"Bill" Sweater for Toby*
"Jay" Sweater for Toby*
Tank Top for Anna
Sierra T-Shirt for Me
Fantasy Naturale T-Shirt for Me
Felted Potholders
Purple Crocheted Afghan for my Aunt
Branching Out Scarf for my Dr. Friend
AND finishing (this week) a couple of WIP that are REALLY close to completion.
*From Debbie Bliss Junior Knits

So, who's taking bets? Think I can do it? Think I'll be stark raving MAD by mid-August? Think I'll finish early and get to add more projects to the list (God forbid I take a break)?

Tell me what you think!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Props!

Guys I've been listening to podcasts like mad (again) and want to send out some links to those I am enjoying most. Some of these are new and lots of fun - I like the new perspectives about life and about knitting/fiberarts in general.

Sharon of She-Knits is fun and funny. I LOVE her "stream-of-consciousness" approach that feels like she's right next to you sharing a coffee. Sharon is a self-proclaimed "felted purse-a-holic" and WOW does she make some pretty bags. Check her out and give her a listen.

Marly of Yarn Thing is completely adorable! She's fun a quirky and exactly the kind of friend you'd love to bop around to yarn shops with. Her sweet laughter always makes me feel good. Give her a listen as well - tell me what you think.

Jenny & Nicole from Stash n Burn crack me up and also get me stash-diving (thanks for that). They also make me feel GREAT about using my Bond sweater machine to help me crank through the (rather formidable) stash. WooHoo!

Also - Kelly from Knitpicks is charming and sincere. Kelly also talks about spinning and that's always fun. Hearing her perspective on new yarns and some of the business aspects of yarn reminds me of working in the shop and I LOVE that.

How about giving these guys a listen and letting me know what you think.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

ALERT...

Be advised - the crazies are in full force today!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Convergence

Good Camera
Decent Light
Time
Motivation
Light at end of tunnel no longer looks like oncoming train
=
Photos



Just a few of the things I've made/bought since - oh - April! Been a while - I know.

Everything is still not in there, but it's good enough for now.

The GIANT T.V. hasn't sucked out my brain completely, but playing wii on it is REALLY cool!

BTW - Hang in there friend - You'll be home soon!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Mmmm!

BIG TV GOOD!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Coming Soon to a Friend's House Near You...

Or maybe not so near, but I'm flipping out I'm so excited so I'm telling all of you!

We're getting THIS!!!!




WooHoo! Thank you honey!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Problem!!!!

Completely

Totally

Irrevocably

Addicted

To

HOUSE MD.

Don't send help - I'm watching T.V.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Inside Out Burgers

YES - it's a Rachael Ray thing again.

Here's the deal:
Basically you put all your ingredients INSIDE the burger patty before you cook it.

eg: ground beef, chopped up cheddar cheese, fried bacon (cook it first please - no food poisoning), chopped onion, mustard, salt & pepper all go into the burger patty mixture then you cook it as usual in a NON-STICK skillet - that's important b/c the cheese melts out some and can get sticky!

You can do it with anything.

Ground Turkey or chicken or pork.

Katey's fav were the chicken burgers with Havarti & dill. I left the capers out that day as my guests were not adventurous eaters - it was a success!

Use your imagination and have fun - if you like jalapenos (not me, but if you like them...) try some chopped up and use Monterrey jack cheese. Or use ground chicken with sliced up deli ham and swiss mixed in for a "cordon blue" effect.

It's a great way to get kids to try new things - it's burger after all, but it can also be fun and a little fancier than standard burger fare if you're having guests on game night.

Really it's not more difficult than making a "plain ole hamburger," but you get LOTS of praise - makes me feel like that Rice Crispy Treat commercial lady.

Great - NOW I'm hungry.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menus on Monday

The "OFF" is pervasive - it extends into regular daily life. I am trying to shake it any way possible and schedules and lists help me. I've already got my stock-up grocery lists ready for tomorrow. Anyone who doesn't know about The Grocery Game should check it out. It's fun and it can save tons if you don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed (I'm trying not to).

This Week:
Monday: Tortellini w/sauce, fruit, salad
Tuesday: Steak fried rice w/fruit and ice cream for dessert
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Leftover Madness
Friday: Inside Out Bacon Cheeseburgers, carrot sticks, fries, frozen grapes
Saturday: Crock Pot Chicken, veggie medley, fruit smoothies
Sunday: Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Green Beans, Green Salad, Glazed Carrots & Pineapple Casserole

Knitting is on hiatus. I've been crocheting some dishcloths/washcloths, but can't seem to focus on knitting so I'm giving it a break for now. I even took my infamous LIST off my sidebar and trashed it - it may just be a "giftcard Christmas" after all.

Right now I'm focused on homeschooling, pottery classes for the kids, library trips, museum trips, homecooked meals, and lots and lots of books. When my brain gets totally fried I do word searches or fill-in puzzles and I've been doing lots of those lately - hmmm??? That's ok - I'm finding a new way. No, I'm finding my way back.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Off...

I'm feeling "OFF" lately. I don't know if it's the heat and change of season or just general restlessness, but lately I'm feeling just "OFF." June has been a month filled with very little knitting or crafting at all. I am going to be sewing this weekend for Anna & Toby, but that's out of need more than inspiriation so...

I don't know, maybe just getting in front of the sewing machine and working will help me push through the funk I'm in. We'll see.

I did pick up a book at Barnes & Noble last night. Paid full price for it can you believe it? It's really lots of fun. I like the information in it more than the projects, which are really cute.



If you sew at all - ESPECIALLY if you're a beginner (Stephanie) you should get this book. It's fun and inspired. It's written how I work - knowing what to do and then saying "What if?" or "So what!" to get the results you want.

Here's to a less "FUNK" filled weekend!

Oh guys please keep Stacie in your thoughts and prayers as she's having a rough go right now!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thanks Katey - This is Neat...

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Referred by my friend Katey.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

In Case You're Wondering...

Where I've been.



Here's a clue. Hopefully with the arrival of my new Knitpicks DPNs there will be more knitting progress to report soon. Meanwhile....

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Monday

It's that time again - last week I didn't plan and we ate an embarrassing amount of take-out so we're back on track this week b/c our wallets and waistlines need us to be. Plus if I have to look at another Wendy's baked potato and side salad again I think I might flip out.

Most often I don't cook from recipes, but when I do they are Rachael Ray's. I find them tasty, easy, and best of all QUICK - it IS what she's known for after all. I have many of her cookbooks, but my favorite two - mostly b/c of formatting - are 365 No Repeats and Express Lane Meals. I LOVE them and when we're in a rut (like now) they really help us out.

I write all over the pages with notes about what to buy (other than pantry staples) and any changes I have to make b/c of preferences. I also make notes about which dinners we really enjoy. It's fun and I am so glad that Rachael bears the criticism she receives with "a grain of salt" because her methods and recipes make my life easier and my family's meals more fun.

This week I'm in 365 No Repeats b/c that's what was by the couch when I got hungry and started making a grocery list. If you have Rachael's books I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. If you don't have her books give her recipes from her website a try to check her out. It's easy and fun. Oh and if you want to purchase one of her books I'd try Express Lane Meals first - it's got great recipes and the format and concept of the "Pantry" will revolutionize the way you think about dinner. Express Lane Meals truly makes it easy for the quick stop on the way home from work to be the grocery store instead of the fast food chain.

I know I sound like "This has been a paid advertisement for Rachael Ray Enterprises" It's not I swear (though I wonder if I could arrange it), I just love and appreciate Rachael's efforts and her approach.

Monday: Chicken Salad Croissants, Mandarin Oranges, Carrot Sticks, Chips

Tuesday: Rosemary Corncakes with Prosciutto and Chicken Sausages, Fruit Salad
(#19 in Rachael Ray's 365 No Repeats)

Wednesday: Couple-of-Minute Steaks and Potato Ragout, Peas w/onions, Pineapple Casserole
(#47 in RR 365 No Repeats)

Thursday: Peasant Soup, Crusty Bread, Strawberry Shortcake
(#118 in RR 365 No Repeats)

Friday: Pork Chops with Grainy Mustard, Steamed Veggies, Rice, Peaches
(#111 in RR 365 No Repeats)

Saturday: Chicken Thighs w/Potatoes & peas, Crusty Bread, Spinach Salad, Fresh Cherries, Brownies
(#50 in RR 365 No Repeats)

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

And The Winner Is...

Thank you for all the kind comments and words of encouagement. I had so much fun reading each of them.

Drumroll Please...............

LARISSA WINS!

Larissa send me your address by email emayde_at_gmail_dot_com and I'll send you the sock monkey tote!

Congrats!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Another Contest?

Well YES 'tis true! Not mine, but on Vanessa's Blog. Give her a visit and sign up to win something lovely! Also don't foget to hang out a while - scroll down to see her lovely Clapotis!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

200 And Counting...

It's blogpost 200! I've been trying to come up with something profound to say or reference, but since it's been over a week since my last post and I still have NOTHING I'm resorting to a contest!

That's right - FREE STUFF!!!!

Leave me a comment by end of day Saturday June 2 and on Sunday I'll draw a name for this:



That's right - another sock monkey sock tote!

Maybe now that the pressure is off I can come up with something reasonable to write about for the rest of the week.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Plan Monday

I feel the need in my life lately for more order and less chaos. For a very long time I've felt scattered and like "control" was always just outside my grasp. I realize now that tiny little steps are the key.

Homeschool: We have a new program with day by day instructions and details broken down into the very very simplest to follow manner. I need this - now I can leave the WORK of homeschool up to the program suppliers and just enjoy the education part and enjoy my children while knowing they are not missing anything. PHEW! Stress relief in a notebook - it's good stuff.

Home: My friends know me - they know I spend time with the husband and kids and family and hobbies and pets and that leaves little time for housekeeping. Many customers at the yarn shop would ask me - "How do you do it all?" (esp if they knew I homeschooled the kids). I always replied - "Easy - I don't clean house." Laughs would be had by all, but truth is if we have clean laundry, reasonably clean bathrooms, and a meal to eat - it's a successful week. Now I have found yet another list and a fun website that help me with those baby steps I am capable of and things a brighter and shinier than they used to be. [In my defense, for almost year I had a housekeeper, but then there was a change of circumstance for her and she couldn't help me anymore - now I'll take care of it for a while so...]

Cooking: I LOVE to cook and I'm really good at it. My kitchen is not always "Dinner Friendly" see section "Home" above. Now my kitchen is "Dinner Friendly" more often than not so I can get back to cooking full meals and enjoying time with my family both in the kitchen and at the dinner table.

Considering both cooking and the Organizing Junkie website linked above I'm posting today for Menu Plan Monday (you guys will gently help hold me accountable right?).

This Week:
Monday - Salmon Croquettes, biscuits, green salad, fruit salad (Andrea you're NOT invited *grin*)
Tuesday - Summer Sausage and cabbage, fruit, brownies
Wednesday - Chili dogs, carrot sticks, apples, chips (Mommy's night out)
Thursday - Grilled Halibut, Roasted Corn, salad, peas
Friday - Chicken & Dressing Casserole, Green beans, glazed carrots, strawberry shortcake
Saturday - Make your own Pizza Night, Salad, Ice Cream Sundaes

We'll see how it goes. Thanks for your support guys - you have all helped me get through a very difficult year and I have so much fun talking to you. Truly - thank you!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Field Trip

Today we went to see a dear friend of ours at his place of work. J.J. - just happens to be a fireman. It was very cool and the kids were thrilled (they weren't the only ones). When my Daddy asked me what we were doing this weekend I told him we were going to the fire station to see J.J. & the trucks - Daddy says "Can I go?" I guess once a boy always a boy huh? We had a great time and it was so good to see J.J. again - it's been a while!

Here are some of todays photos:





What took us nearly 10 minutes to get Casey into J.J. & our firefighters do in less than 60 seconds - it's truly inpressive and all that gear is HEAVY!


On the knitting front I've started a sweater over 4 times in the past 24 hours, but I think I've got it right now so... away I go - I'm not undoing it again dang it!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Love/Hate

I'm forming a love/hate relationship with my Mac Mini.



I've been video editing episodes of Knitty Gritty that we pulled down from the hacked TiVo.

I HATE that it takes FOREVER on the Mac - granted I LOVE that it is relatively easy and the software came with the system (really LOVE the "Free"), but it truly takes FOREVER! It takes me 5 - 6 hours to capture, edit, process, and burn 3 episodes of the show. Casey can do it on the PC in about 15 minutes, but the software he has right now is freeware and it stinks up the quality so... Mac it is for now.

I HATE that there are things I cannot find and get to with the Mac menu structure. I come from a PC and programming background and am used to being able to access my core programming - not so with the Mac - it's designed NOT to crash/break, etc and therefore I'm locked out of all of those options. I do LOVE that it is easy to use and I know the kids can't mess it up when they are playing on it.

Mostly what I LOVE about my Mac Mini is that it is very small and VERY silent. In a house that is very loud, both with living and electronic noises - silent is ALWAYS welcome.

I think I'll edit more tomorrow - right now I'm tired of waiting!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

It Could've Been Worse...

Laurie,

I could have posted the chocolate dessert picture.....

Love You!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Excuse Me, Miss?

I think something landed on your head:


That's "Blogless Laurie" and boy am I ever going to pay for posting, but I couldn't (well didn't) resist.


Oh and here is Stephanie giving new meaning to the term "PIG HEADED!"



Wednesdays are supposed to be random right? Can't get any more random than that huh?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

UPDATE: "Beige Alert"

Scruffy Puppy Recovered. Again: Scruffy Puppy was indeed found deep under the couch at approximately 9:45 p.m. EDT. Thank you for your support.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

ATTENTION: "Beige Alert"

Has anyone seen this missing puppy? I'm sure she's around the house or in the car somewhere, but she has a hole and is losing beans fast. If she isn't found soon I fear the worst - a very upset little boy who misses his Scruffy Puppy.

She is 9 years old, about 10" long, and answers to the name "Scruffy Puppy"





If you have any information leading to the recovery of said puppy please inform me immediately!

Thank You!

"Beige Alert Out"

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Well It's About Time!!!

I'm FINALLY finished with the lilac afghan. It's been nearly 3 weeks since I started it and I am glad it's over. I still have a few ends to work in, but other than that - WOOHOO I'm done!

Now I get to work on my in-progress felted bag, Dana's Lacy Shrug and Today I have to quickly make a ribbon shawl for my MIL. The shawl is the most pressing as it's deadline is Sunday - I'll finish it no problem.


My Pokey - taking the afghan for a test drive. The afghan pattern was from Donna Kooler's Colorful Afghans book. I used Caron Simply Soft (14 3-oz skeins) in color orchid. I made the pattern at 160 stitches instead of the 120 it called for.


Spread out on the king-sized bed for scale.


Edge Detail


Hammy Anna! She jumps up onto the bed and said "Mommy take MY picture!" So I did!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe