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