What I Bought

Following the link of a comment left here by Greeting Friends, I found these. Seriously, are her little critters not just the cutest things ever? I am so in love. But, alas, she is all sold out which sent me off to Etsy, in search of felted mice. Which brought me here . She didn't have any of these mice made up but she does sell the pattern, which I absolutely had to have. Look at that sweet little face and the belly! As you know, knitting is really my bag but I dabble in crochet, so I'm hoping this doesn't go right over my head. I'm going to have to make so many of these. And you would not believe how fast I got the pattern. Literally within minutes.
So, wish me luck. I have to knock off a few projects I have on the needles right now and then I'm diving in!

And don't forget about my giveaway, now two posts dow. You have until the 2nd (monday) to enter.

Your Recommendation?

I've finally convinced hubby I need a better camera. Or, perhaps he's not so much convinced but he just can't say no to me. I've got my eye on this one. I love Canon's cameras. The one I have now is Nikon. For what it is I do like it, but it is very limited. I was hoping you, gentle reader, would have a suggestion for me. Or, if you have this one, I would love to hear what you think about it.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway (one post down). And, yes, I am going to remind you in every post between now and next Monday.

I Heart Giveaways CLOSED

As promised I have a giveaway for you today! My first actually. I've been wanting to do one for some time but never could decide on what to give away. So, Patti and I decided to put our goodies together and offer two giveaways, one for each of our blogs.

Here is what you're going to enter to win;

We have split up my washcloth set, she has the pink with the red heart. And we each are giving away one of her Love Spell soaps (3.5 oz). This soap smells so good! It reminds me of a cross between fruity candy and flowers. And, just for fun I am throwing in this sweetheart scrapbooking ribbon and a set of four nesting hearts cookie cutters, to get you in the Valentine spirit.

And here's How to Enter: Simply link back to this post on your own blog and leave me a comment (on this post). You can just mention it or do a whole post. On Monday, Febuary 2nd I will be drawing the winner. Please make sure and leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Good luck!

Show and Tell Sunday

I found this video on Light and Writing's blog. If this doesn't make you smile from ear to ear I don't what will. Below is some of the reactions.




I have also been tagged by the same blogger. I just did this recently but I'll share more.

So, I am to share 8 random things about myself and then tag 8 others.

1.I am terrified of driving in the mountains. I have the feeling that if I look up at them I am going to drive right over the edge, more like being sucked in. It is irrational and perhaps a bit looney but it scares the bejeezus out of me. My hands sweat, my heart pounds....... (frightened just thinking about it).


2.I am a huge fan of Will Smith. I would watch anything he is in. He's just such a nice guy!


3.I grew up to become my mother. I know, every young woman's worst nightmare, right? But I happy and proud to be like my mom.


4.I'm only 28 but have been asked twice if I am my 18 yr old sister's mother. (shudders)


5.I talk in funny voices and accents more than I care to admit. I am usually not even aware that I am doing it. Actually, my sister bet me that I couldn't go one day without doing it.....I lost.


6.I don't like to watch movies very often. I feel like they are too much of a commitment. I prefer to watch sitcoms. They are lighthearted and don't require my attention.


7.I love all three versions of 'Little Women'. My sister and I know large portions of them by heart and we love to talk about which actor/actress we like best for each part, from each version.


8.Had enough yet? Here's the last one. My favorite author is Alice Hoffman. I can not get enough of her books. She introduces magical elements into everyday life and really makes you believe it. Her work is beautiful and poetic, full of magic and mystery. If you've never read her before, please do so as soon as possible.





And now to tag:

1. My mom, Vivian Learning Fiend She is a brand new blogger. She is going to school to become a nurse and had to start a blog for her computer class.

2. Tammy Art and Inspirations

3. Sarah Like It or Lump It

4. Patti Shine Your Hiney Soap Co.

5. Beki Artsy-Crafty Babe

6.Emily Inside a Black Apple

7. Stacey Stacey Winters

8.Beth At the End of this Row

A Lovely Little Giveaway

Grosgrain: The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!! I stumbled upon this sweet giveaway over on Sarah's blog. I adore this blouse! Go, enter now, don't delay!

Speaking of giveaways, I went to Patti's last night to pick up some soap. She and I are collaborating on a giveaway for each of our blogs. They will start up on Monday.

Happy Weekend!

No, Really, What Next?

I am experiencing abit of a creative block today. I have a little red bag in progress using this yarn (yes, more of this yarn). But I ran out last night and can't go get more til Tait comes home from work. I've spent the morning digging through pattern books and trying to revive my mental list of new design ideas (still am not writing this stuff down). Gave up, mopped the floors and then settled on a bunny for my bff's new baby girl.

I am blaming the block on my sweet little ones, though. Tantrums have been at an all time high this week and mommy's nerves are shot! Honestly it feels as though Kaiya is entering the terrible twos all over again. She had a huge meltdown last night, I'm not even sure what it was all about, I just now know it involved much screaming and me wanting to lock myself in the bathroom. Ah, the joys of parenting. I'm so glad the week is over so now I will have back-up.

I did get these listed in the shop yesterday. Hopefully a semi-restful weekend will kick start the creative juices.

Ok, What Next?!

I finished the dress this morning and I am loving how it turned out. I held back with embellishments and decided to keep it simple with just the i-cord band and heart closure. I tried it on Zo-Zo this morning. She loved it and got mad at me for taking it off. But you will have to wait till her birthday to see it on her. Not too much longer, Febuary 15th. And now Kaiya wants one in blue, her favorite color.

We got just the tiniest bit of snow overnight, just enough to dust the ground. But do you really think this stopped my girls from going out to play? I don't think so. As soon as they looked out the window, Kaiya ran to their room and started getting dressed. So there they were, before we even got a chance to eat breakfast or brush our teeth. It was very short lived, however, as my wee North Carolinians aren't used to the snow and did not stay out for more than 5 min.

It's all gone now. Perhaps they will be a little braver next time.

Thrifting and a New Blogger

Kaiya went grocery shopping with me today....err, make that yesterday, yikes! I need to go to bed. Anyway, we got in some much needed Mommy/eldest daughter time. We had lunch, then, before we went to the grocery store, we decided to do a little thrifting at the Salvation Army. It's her favorite place to shop. It's the only place she can pick pretty much whatever she wants. First she'll hit the 10 cent bin (this is where she likes to pick out presents for little sissy if she's not with us) then she's on to the books. A child of my own heart she is quite the book worm and she really stocks up here. Then she's off in search of a new baby doll and I try to steer her towards the ones with hair and clothes. Oh well, they're almost all .25-.50. We found a sweet red rain coat for her that I am dying of envy over. But for me I found this teapot. I am in love with it's shape. It didn't have it's original lid and the one on it was an ill fit. So, I just took it of and for now it's resting spot for my double pointed needles. Form and function! Though, I may later use it as a flower pot.
Also, I just discovered my friend and show buddy, Patti, has just started blogging. Her shop is Shine Your Hiney Soap, and her soaps are heavenly! My fav is Sugar Cookie. Mmmmm..... She has promised me she will make me more even after winter. (And I will hold you to it!)

The Boring Part

This is why I don't do more than one sweater a year. I hate knitting the body, that long, boring expance. I have really enjoyed working on this dress for my Zoe Gail. I know how I want the body but am still undecided about the details. Though, if you will notice the line of eyelets around the middle, I have decided to run an icord? crochet chain? ribbon? all around it. Short sleeves that only need the seed stitch trim, so she can wear it in the spring and summer. It's some more of that great, soft cotton. And just because I love doing raglan tops, fun! Other than that, I have a few ideas but nothing concrete on the embellishments. But first I have to finish this blasted body. At least it's all one piece so I don't have to make another when I finish. No, I think that is the worst thing about sweaters. having to do the second piece. I love the detail work, having to pay attention to it. Like being intimate with the knitting. Fortunately she's only going to be two, so I don't have far to go.

Just Because

I love a man who buys his wife flowers "just because".


The cake turned out great. Very rich and heavy, as I put everything in it but the kitchen sink, but quite tasty. We made him a "Happy Birthday Daddy" sign. The girls loved coloring and stickering it for Daddy. And we made him a bookmark, which they also colored and stickered and I put their picture on the back of. Which made me realize I desperately need to get some pictures of the girls printed. In this picture Zoe had no hair. As we were making the sign, Kaiya leaves the room and comes running back with this... "I want the party to look like this, Mommy!". It's a Danny and the Dinosaur book. So we blew up ballons (or I did, anyway). All I had on hand was water ballons, which don't blow up that easily. We were putting the finishing touches on the sign when we heard him coming up the porch. Kaiya yells "He's here!" and grabs this huge posterboard sign off the table. It's as big as she is. She runs into the living room and holds it up and waits for him to walk in. When he does she screams "Happy Birthday Daddy!". This was his favorite part of the day.

Someone's Birthday and Progress

My hubby turns 27 today. So the girls and I have been making him a cake. We are gluten, diary, egg, etc. free. I couldn't find the perfect cake recipe ( since going gluten free I have mostly relied on cake mixes) so I decided to wing it. I just took it out of the oven. Too soon to tell. But if I don't speak of it tomorrow don't ask! I get a little touchy about my cooking failures. The kiddos enjoyed making Daddy's cake, though, and are looking forward to making him a present after their nap. Actually, Kaiya insists we all make him a present but I really haven't thought that far, so it may be interesting to see what we come up with.

And this is Zoe realizing that, although gluten free cake tastes good, the batter does not.

And I did get around to starting Zoe's birthday dress yesterday. I am happy with the progress.

Roses..Finally

I have been dragging this at all weekend. Remember that I said here , which was Friday, that someone wanted a cuff pattern? Well, I thought, this is a quick and painless one. I'll just knit them up once more and make the necessary notes and sit down to write out the patterns the next day (she only wanted one, but I thought I'd do another pattern combo). And it should have been done days ago but I've been dragging my feet. Too many good ideas at once. Or rather, too many good ideas stockpiled in my poor little brain (honestly, I don't know how I've held onto as many as I have as I never write them down) over the holidays. Now that I have abit of breathing room I'm just dying to get them out.
But, the patterns are done and cozily nestled on their shelf in the shop!

Inspiraton Strikes...

I started wearing glasses when I was in the first grade. When other children would tease me my mother would tell me it was because "they were just jealous". Even then I knew that was poo. So when I got older I switched to contacts which, of course, means I don't see as well as I would if I just sucked it up and wore glasses. But my poor vision does have a plus side. From a distance, I sometimes see things differently than they really are. I have got so many great ideas because I thought something looked (or was) one way. So, I must say my vision is a blessing in a way.
Other than that all great inspiration strikes as soon as my head hits the pillow. I close my eyes and just start to see pictures. I suppose it comes from all the things I have taken in during the day, regrouping in mind and presenting itself to me when my defenses are down. The other night I saw (in my pictures) a sweet little dress I'm going to try to make my Zoe in time for her 2nd birthday the day after Valentine's Day. Last night it was a purse and then I lay there thinking of all the different ways I could make it and figuring out the logistics. The common theme, though, is this yarn. (look up) And in these colors. I can't wait till Valentine' Day! And I just want red and pink everything.
So, how does inspiration strike for you? A time, a place? A person (muse), a movie? Share with me what inspires you!

Bookish

I have always been something of a book nerd, devouring every page that came my way and hording them in my overflowing shevles. After becoming a mommy 3.5 years ago, you have thought I would have less time for my books. But in truth, I had more time than I had in several years. I would read while nursing and putting them to sleep. And Kaiya went through a long period of teething when she would wake up every time I would try to lay her down so I would sit and hold her and read.

But that was before Knitsational. Now when I sit to nurse I am here in front of the computer or have yarn and needles in my hand. And my poor books (and mind) have been neglected. So, I thought I'd start the new year off with a nice stack of books. Considering I could probably count on one hand how many books I read in '08 I'm afraid I might be a little over ambitious, especially since I was planning to be a steady blogger this year, too. But it gives me something to shoot for.

I've decided to start with Living Loving and Learning by Leo Buscaglia. I've read it once before but it's been quite awhile and it's really excellent. A few of them I've already read but a good book is like a friend to visit with.

Oh, and I didn't get a chance to write the patterns up yet but I have 2 new cuffs for the shop.

Coveting

I've been browsing my favorites on Etsy this evening, making a wish list for when I come into enormous wealth (I have alot of favs). So, I thought I'd share some. I have developed a bit of an addiction to hair clips. Hubby bought these for me for Christmas and I treated my self to this and these (What can I say? I'm a child at heart). And now I can't stop thinking about this lovely set.

Are they gorgeous or what?! They are made by Etsy seller ThreadandPetal. I love the full layers of organza and thule, all cozy on those green, velvet alligator clips. Stunning! And nestled inside are three little pearl colored beads. Wow!

I also "must have" this sweet little purse from Atelier de Soyun. I love the colors and I happen to think that frame style purses are just the bee's knees.

Too sweet! It's like, old lady chic. And her shop is just full of these lovelies.

Ok, my sweet Zoe has finally fallen to sleep for the night (let's hope she stays that way). So I'm going to lay her down and get to knittin'! Someone has inquired about a pattern for this so I am going to try to have it in the shop, together with this one, by tomorrow.

A Wee Photo Shoot

I made this bow for Kaiya to wear with her Christmas dress (which I have zero pictures of). But I liked it so much I've decided to add it to the shop. So this morning (before she gets covered with oatmeal and ketchup and remnants of everything else she eats) we had a wee little photo shoot. I was actually quite impressed with her newfound ability to hold still long enough for me to snap a blur-free picture this time. And since little sissie kept hollaring "me. me, me!" beside of me the entire time I shot few of her as well.

Who can resist that smile? The bow headband is now available in the shop.

The Old Dark House

Ok, perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration, but this is how I feel about my house. My house is so lacking in natural sunlight that I feel as though I am living in a tomb. Winter blues? I have it all year long, but, perhaps because it is winter and my little home is receiving even less sunlight, it is, at the moment, driving me to distraction. On both long sides of the house are two covered porches that line more than half of the side. Also there is a very large, sprawling shade tree right in the middle of the front yard. And, not only do I have year long winter blues but any plant that crosses the threshold will surely die. So....
I have been reading tips on maximising the light in your home and have got a few good tips. Full Spectrum light bulbs, mirrors, clean windows, light walls and upholstery...... And I am going to try these (all of these, I'm desperate!), but I was hoping that you, gentle reader would share some tips with me. Have you or do you live in a dark house? Please share your tips with me. I'm ready to bring springtime into this old dark house.

Btw, taking down the tree or porches is not an option.

Sock it to Me!

I found this fabulous giveaway this morning (ok, maybe you don't care so much if you don't knit) on Beth's blog, At the End of This Row... A new blog, for me, and a very nice one I might add. I always love to see what fellow knitters are up to. Her husband made her a pair of these sock blockers for Christmas and she encouraged him to make more. A rather great idea, I think. So he has made some for his shop and she has snagged another for a giveaway! So, hop on over to her blog and enter to win.

A Few Random Things About Me

I was tagged by my dear friend Rachel over at HuggerMugger a couple of weeks ago and am, of course, just now getting around to it.

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 6 facts about yourself on your blog; some random, some weird.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as their links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been "tagged" by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I like to pretend my life is a musical and sing (usually about what's happening at the moment) and dance when you least expect it!

2. I had pink eye over Christmas.

3. Ever since I was pregnant with baby #1 I can not stand any of the characters on King of Queens.

4. I love the "thought" of doing laundry in a laundry mat.

5. I used to have a dangerous obsession with the #5.

6. I make the best ever brussell spouts.

And now to tag...
1. Sandra at My Inspired Heart

2.Erin at Bluebird Baby

3. Wendy at Mother Rising

4. Annie at Over Milkwood

5. Caroline at My Pocket

And for #6. My bff and new blogger Lerin at The first Day of the Rest of My Life

No pressure ladies!

I Smell Good!

I used to strictly be a body wash kind of girl. could not stand that icky residue left all over my body by commercial bar soaps. Not to mention how dry and itchy they leave my skin. But that was until I tried some of the fantastic handmade soaps on Etsy.
I just recieved this pink goddess in the mail today. It is Pink Sugar by OuttaBody. It is a huge 7 ounce bar and is so, so pink. It smells sweet and floral and like cotton candy. And the lather is out of this world! Rich and frothy and creamy and leaves my skin so soft and smelling sweet.
And while I'm on the topic of body treats, Rachel over at HuggerMugger turned me on to this lotion bar from Athena's Olive Tree. My dry, cracked knitter's hands have never felt so good!

Purls of Wisdom

Well, I am back! Bet you didn't even know I had gone anywhere, didja? I was lost in Christmas-ville. Orders and gifts and company and food. And wrapping and lights and carols and anxiously waiting for packages to arrive in the mail. I feel like it kinda swallowed me up this year. Do you ever feel like that around the holidays? Like you're just trying to make it throught to the end so you can breathe a little? This year did that to me. I think it was trying to run the shop and my life at the same time that did it. But I learned heaps and am so ready to take on the new year a little wiser. Oh, and I wanted to share my latest design. I've been dreaming of this necklace for a couple of months but have only had time for what I have to make instead of what I want to make. But now I'm able to work on all sorts of new things. This is my take on the ever classic and elegant string of pearls. But mine is called "String of Purls", of course. Love, love, love the yarn! Soooo soft and silky, Silk Bamboo from Patons. Tonight I'll be working on a new color, Sapphire!