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I'm on a roll (with one skein wonders)

2010-10-20T11:56:00.003-04:00

So, there's been yet another scarf since we last talked stitches. Little gal wanted one of her own, and considering she never makes knit requests (and has rarely been the recipient), how could I refuse. Blocking as we speak...

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But while I was picking up a skein for her, another sneaky little bundle of greyish-teal seemed to jump aboard. Time to take a break from scarves and move onto a hat that I've had my eye on since last Fall's copy of Vogue Knitting. One of these days I'll make it back to a bigger project, but somehow these quick portable patterns seem to best suit my days right now. (I still take moments to daydream and dog ear a couple of sweater patterns for next Fall when the bundle of boyhood starts Kindergarten).

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(The copy that also makes me start contemplating a drastic hair switch-up again...hmmm...I mean it's only taken me a year to grow out the last hasty decision. And I'll have the hat...that one on the left.)

Vogue Knitting, Fall 2009

Fall had arrived on the Island of Sodor...

2010-10-13T13:05:00.007-04:00

...but "Oh no!" tooted Thomas "These leaves are blocking the track."
Luckily Thomas had his die-cast friends nearby to help clear the way.

These are the moments when I am acutely aware of the power of repetitive exposure to children's programming.

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When I brought the trains outside, his jaw dropped for a moment and then he said "Whaa? We play wi' trains OUTSIDE?" Quite possibly the most brilliant idea I've pulled out in weeks. Finding new ways to bring inside play, outside. Making me happy and joyfully blowing his mind.

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Moving Without Purpose (sort of)

2010-10-07T16:31:00.004-04:00

When I have an hour to myself my brain seems trained to zoom towards how many things I can get done. What I can quickly jump into and rush to finish in that precious hour. What I can race through before those extra balls are thrown back into the juggling act. I know this sounds familiar, because everyone I talk to seems to be feeling the same way.

The new month and finally feeling settled back into the school year routine seems like the right time for few little changes. Nothing that will change the world, but maybe reclaim a few moments in the day? Like taking advantage of the gorgeous weather to walk. To end up wherever, and snap pictures of whatever and let go of the things that will find a way of getting done...they always do.

And yes, this is a lovely autumnal way of realizing that the outfits I pulled out of winter storage could fit more comfortably. So maybe with the right playlist a brisk walk is never entirely without purpose after all.

SockScarf-tober

2010-09-30T12:47:00.004-04:00

i will not knit socks i will not knit socks i will not knit socks i will not knit socks...

It happens around this time every year. Ravelry, blogs, mystery knit-alongs...they all start tempting me with the idea of knitting socks. I've fallen victim to Sock-tober for three years running, and I have three single ill-fitting socks to show for it. And here's another little irony - I hate wearing socks.

SO, I vowed when I caught sight of some *swoon*-worthy inspiration back in July that I wouldn't fall into the trap again. I'm sticking with scarves.

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Because, oh how I do love a scarf.

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And the great thing about scarves is that you just pick a stitch and keep going until the yarn runs out. While the air gets a little chillier and the rain comes and goes, you seek out the nearest armchair or the driest patio you can find. You throw on an audiobook, grab a coffee, or just sit and listen to the whirlwind of excitement going on around you (the most likely choice around here). And in no time at all, you've got something to brighten any day.

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No fancy pattern for this - just a trusty stitch dictionary and a rough idea of the width and gauge I wanted. When I have a moment and stop running and around looking all Fall-catalogue I'll try to type something up and give it a name. And then if someone wants to turn it into sock...well go ahead and knock your socks off with it. : )

Slowly Changing

2010-09-27T14:27:00.001-04:00

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This month of September. It's flying by, and given all that's it brought, that's a good thing. Will October bring some space to breathe? I'm hopeful.

In the meantime, it's taken three weeks but

My gal has (for the time being) given up the revolution and is no longer contemplating becoming the world's first grade one drop out.
We have only one more month of a little guy's "I'm two and I will be heard". Yes, I am aware of the fact that there is an equally loud "I'm three and I will be heard" phase. I'm vacationing here in denial a little longer though - they offer cookies there.
We're one week into the first cold of the season. But that's one week closer to it being over. Right?
It's going to be October soon and I almost have my first knit of the season to report. I love it to crazy bits. I'd stop and take a picture today, but it's good to keep a little something to come back and blog about before the month rolls away for good.

Let's just enjoy the slow change shall we.

Stuck on You

2010-09-10T13:30:00.003-04:00

You can shake an apple off an apple tree
Shake-a, shake- sugar,
But you'll never shake me
Uh-uh-uh
No-sir-ee, uh, uh
I'm gonna stick like glue,
Stick because I'm
Stuck on you
(Elvis)

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And I'll say it again - opposite kids. While my gal slowly warms to the new routine, I could barely convince my son to leave after his first hour long visit at his new preschool. He was literally bouncing into the building and didn't even have a moment to spare a goodbye wave (although the giant leaping hug afterwards is so much better anyways).

Any parent who has searched for a daycare or preschool situation will know what I mean about the instant smile when you find the magical place where you know good things are going to happen. I am so excited to see the doors that Tuesday and Thursday mornings will be opening this year.

The best part of yesterday was hearing my little guy describing exactly what he had done in "my cassroom". There was a "big wed fireengen" and "cackers" for snack and "Miss Kewwy red stowy" about a "FROG! ribbit ribbit".

And...ahem...it includes a dance program once a week. It's impossible to look at a burly little two year old boy wearing black ballet slippers without squeaky giggles and a quick *swoon*!

And we've made it to the end of Week One! The weekend is almost here, a big pot of soup is bubbling and there is nothing on the horizon but some deep breathes and recovery time. How sweet a Friday is!

The Back to School Edition

2010-09-07T10:42:00.002-04:00

In the moments when we were excited about going back to school.

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For the recovery after I extracted her from my body and watched her march back into school.

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This September thing is kicking me in the emotional teeth. A big move to the big school grounds. A locker. A full week. Her best friend from preschool joining her (and the slings and arrows of friendship that are bound to return).

As expected, the tears and shaking head and hesitant mumbles of "I don't think I'm ready to do this today Mommy." started before we even headed out the door. The waiting mass upon arrival - not helping "No. They won't crush you. It's gonna be a-ok.".

15 minutes of calmly cajoling and reassuring...diverting...then bargaining...buying a few steps and managing to extract myself from the full body clutch. And the last sight was a completely tear soaked and quietly distraught bundle of fuchsia slowly marching into the unknown. I am fully aware that she'll be smiling and settling into her new surroundings before first break arrives - but it's those 15 minutes that I'm left with for the rest of the day. Six hours to wonder how she's doing and try to remember exactly what it was I used to do when the house wasn't in a summer uproar. Coffee, a healthy splash of Mother's Helper, several rows of knitting along to a good audiobook - seems like a good place to start.

The Toof Teef

2010-08-25T13:16:00.002-04:00

I'm a couple of weeks slow getting over here with our latest 6 year old rite of passage. After weeks (and weeks...and weeks) of gum pain and wiggling and then last minute tears (because 6 years olds get really hungry and eating with a 1/2 attached tooth sucks) Little Gal has finally lost her first baby tooth. However, I'm so slow about getting around to sharing, that even this picture is out of date - so we can now officially make that 'lost two of her baby teeth'.

And with this big event comes the loaded series of choices regarding the toothfairy. Given a certain girl's love of fairies there was no way the ritual lie (and happy imagination fodder) wasn't going to continue. The big question was "So, how much does the tooth fairy leave these days?" My husband voted for a quarter based on his childhood memory (and the fact that it used to buy him a bag of chips and a drink). I told him he was getting old and overruled with $5 - (and yes, I did actually google the phrase "how much does tooth fairy pay" and consensus seems to be in the $2-$5 range - and a parent who leaves iTunes gift cards).

Future playground discussion will either prove that I'm not keeping up with inflation or seriously overestimating the fairy reserves. I decided to leave myself some wiggle room by quickly whipping up a special pouch for the exchange of tooth and reward. The great thing about 6 is that the process is as exciting as the payout.

*I thought about taking pictures along the way for a tutorial, but then it would have taken more than the 15 minutes I had free and really this is such an easy peasy project. If you do want more detailed info though, just drop me a line.

I started with a rectangle of fabric approximately 8" x 5"and used 1/2" seams around the outside and a 1/4" seam for the drawstring top.

With wrong side of material facing you set ribbon or string in place. Fold material over ribbon/string leaving plenty of room for a hem stitch. Fold hem under, finger press and pin in place. Stitch straight hemline (I used a 1/4" seam) being careful not to stitch over ribbon or string. NOTE: You could also stitch without the ribbon/string in place and then draw it through aftewards - I'm just lazy and find it faster this way. Fold fabric in half with right sides together.

Stich an L shape (I used a 1/2" seam) to complete your pouch, leaving the string/ribbon opening unstitched so that you can cinch the pouch closed. I chose to go back around the edges with a zig zag stitch and to trim the corners with an angled snip just to make it cleaner. Turn pouch right-side out and you're ready for a visit from the fairy!

It's Easier Being Green Than You'd Think

2010-08-09T08:50:00.005-04:00

So what does a Canadian city girl know about Tomatillos?

Verde
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Well, she knows that when you mix them with onions, garlic, Jalapeno, cilantro and lime you get a really tasty Salsa Verde.

She knows a local farm that has them in season and ripe at the stand.

She knows that hiding in those fresh earthy smelling husks is a most surprisingly tart and tangy flavour.

She knows enough to keep her fingers away from her eyes until she's got that Jalapeno well and thoroughly out of sight and cleaned away.

And she highly suspects that the final result would taste pretty darn fantastic on her favourite Sometimes-Sunday-Mornings Huevos Rancheros (assuming there is any left by the time the weekend arrives again).

Father's Day Breakfast (has it really been this long since June?)
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Salsa Verde

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely diced
1 qrt tomatillos, chopped
1 (or 2 or 3) Jalapeno, finely diced (you pick your heat)
handful cilantro, coarsely chopped
juice of 1/2 a lime

Cook onion and garlic until translucent. Add tomatillos and Jalapeno. Simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally and mashing after the first 10 minutes. Add cilantro and lime when ready to serve. NOTE: Can be served chunky or pureed slightly.

My Albatross

2010-08-04T13:10:00.005-04:00

Here's the thing about handmade gifts - you have to be prepared for the reaction, and it will seldom be the one you anticipate. I've seen a range, from joyful to luke-warm to no response at all. I suppose it's the same for any gift, but it somehow becomes more personal when it's something you've invested your free time and energy into. A new reaction for me though, is the 'custom order'.

Remember this?

Let me start by saying it was very joyfully received and has found a welcome place. However, a day later it was followed with a message: "You know that thing you made. It's great. What I need is something big enough to cover the whole table. 48" and can you stick an elastic in it so that it tucks underneath."

We'll just skip past the colourful series of thoughts that went through my mind and move on to part where I gracefully take up the challenge. While we're tracking, let's fast-forward even beyond the logistics of sourcing out batting and material wide enough to get started on this ridiculous thing that I was beginning to resent more with each passing effort (since there was no way I'd be making another patchwork - plain Jane and that would be it). So here I am over the past several weeks, finally getting around to cutting this beast and pinning it together (and resenting it more...and more). And after no less than a dozen attempts, the stitching just isn't coming together. Is it because it's unwieldy? Is it because the material isn't designed for quilting and is bunching against the feed dogs? Is it just because the very sight of the big ivory beast sends me spiraling into a whirlwind of frustration?

Whatever the reason, I'm casting this albatross off my neck. Craft time is supposed to be something I enjoy (or at the very least, is spent on something I want to make). I'm going to say what I should have been forthright enough to have said from the very beginning. "Sorry. No custom orders."

A Different View

2010-08-02T15:15:00.002-04:00

We've reached the summer holiday half-way point and are slowly recovering from few days back on Georgian Bay. To call adventures with a two-year old and a routine turned on it's head a vacation seems to be implying a bit too much rest and relaxation. Call it a change of scenery and some time to unplug.

There was the hammock that sadly hung unused (and the book that wasn't cracked open at all).

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But there were also new friends to meet and share secrets with for a day.

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And there were some quiet stops along the way and mysteries to ponder.

Tom Thompson's grave site at Leith Presbyterian Church
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And although I didn't get to sit in that hammock or read that book, I did get to take lots of pictures and visit one of my favourite yarn stores and touch all the precious things.

Riverside Yarns, Owen Sound
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August seems like the perfect time to preempt the Fall temptation to knit socks (which always ends with me finishing one oversized sock) by falling even deeper in love with Scarves. Yarn followed me home and the needles are ready to jump back into action.

Riverside Yarns, Owen Sound
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Summer Happenings

2010-07-22T17:09:00.002-04:00

These summer days of ours swing from chaotic craziness all the way over to delicious pause. In between, a lot of the little things have been laid aside and just aren't getting done (yup, I'm still looking at you 'cleaning'). But on the flip side, some pretty huge things are happening; magical, mysterious things that are so much bigger than the day-to-day.

After procrastinating and avoiding and dreading, potty training is finally underway. (this one just doesn't come with a clear user manual does it!) We had our first "pee pee on the potty" jazz hands on Monday, and Thursday finds me with a little boy who doesn't always make it in time, but is consistently 'calling it' and finding his way to his Cars accesorized Pitstop (he couldn't even be bothered with the training potty). After these few short days, he's even starting to choose the toilet when we he is wearing diapers (a jelly-bean and sticker for success seems to be the deciding factor for success). I know this is going to be an ongoing process...but he's getting it! Bless his (at times frustratingly) independent force of spirit...the boy is getting it fast and I can actually see a glimmer of hope for a diaper-free Fall.

Then there's my word bird, who has flown from 22 Sight Words in Spring, to taking a stab at everything from signs, to bumper stickers and of course her current favourite chapter books.

And when she isn't reading, she's improving her writing by leaps and bounds. Finding surprise notes on the kitchen counter makes my day.

And in the occasional moments of quiet in between, I'm even managing to get through some fun summer fiction of my own (the contagious nature of reading). Funny how summer has become the perfect time for letting things that have been patiently waiting in the background, step into the light.

First Falling

2010-07-15T10:04:00.004-04:00

A making stand-still. I wasn't kidding.
It started with a burst of creative energy and then a quick fizzle as soon as a few things were finished and the busy-ness of late Spring came along. Approaching the middle of July, I can finally start to feel the urge slowly returning. The biggest obstacle now is school break with very very few activities booked and instead, lots of play and swimming and home days and reading and play-dates. The last pause before my gal heads into grade one and full weeks. In case you haven't read between the lines, that translates into lots of my time being spent doing everything other than following that crafty urge (or cleaning for that matter...but I obviously find that part easier to let go of).

Anyways, back to my point. I haven't been knitting. At all.

Settling back into this blog space led me over to Knitty, and I really got inspired by their new concept of First Fall (with Deep Fall to follow in October).

"Starting with this issue, fall begins in July. Because how can you have

a fall sweater ready to wear if you don't start a little ahead of the season?

So welcome to First Fall. We think First Fall is about transition."

(Knitty.com, Issue 32, Inventing New Seasons)

And I fell in love with some of their latest patterns. Mojo levels instantly started rising.

images courtesy of knitty.com

Coquille Shawl: Knitty First Fall 2010

Purlieu: Knitty First Fall 2010

2010-07-13T12:38:00.004-04:00

Did the blogging stop because the making of things did?
Did the making of things stop because the blogging did?
The classic chicken or the egg question.

Several months since my last post, and a multitude of reasons that pulled me away from this space - let's just chalk it up to breathing space and the chasing of life (and two little people that are livelier than I even wake up with the energy to be). The only reason that I'll follow for today, is my reason for coming back...I just like this little corner that waits patiently, drawing me back no matter how far I wander from the very inspiration I'm looking for.

Maybe a different approach? Keeping things small and simple? I'll just take it bit by bit and see if the inspiration starts to shine again.

Taken recently at Ravine Vineyard, St.Davids, Ontario
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That Special Thing

2010-04-06T17:46:00.011-04:00

If you could stop the clocks and step outside of having to do anything else for a few uninterrupted hours - what would you be up to? Here's mine.

Theoretically this would be really fun to do along with the kids. Theoretically.

Realistically, the phrase "I want to paint" usually translates into mama setting things up, getting two kids organized with two different sets of supplies, finally sitting down with my own favourite bits, and then being told "I'm bored. Let's play a game." Despite my early parenting fantasies, my children have a very short attention span when it comes to arts and crafts (believe me...I'm working on building that muscle). They love to do it - it just has to be planned, concentrated and quick on results.

I can see faint glimmers of getting back to some of these special "me time" activities. In the meantime though, I'll settle for taking a brief time out to just daydream about it a little during 15 minutes of making someone else's sweet creation come to life. And luckily it takes infinitely less time to take a picture I love than it does to paint one.

Julia's favourite Princess palette and her fancy Easter nailpolish.

Race Against the Bunny

2010-04-03T18:03:00.006-04:00

One of my goals for 2010 is more handmade gifts. Projects that are fun and functional and a compliment to something bought for special people and occasions throughout the year. I knew that a table topper would be first up and I managed to finish it (with breathing space for a change) for a special someone's birthday/Easter this weekend. Ta Da.

The pattern is adapted from the Pinwheel Cushions included on Amy Butlers Softwares CD (one of the gifts I received for Christmas). Love this package and I've become a huge fan of CD patterns and the ability to browse and print exactly what I want when I want it (along with some great customization and sizing options).

details here

I wish I could say that the fabric was also Amy Butler - but I do love it. The green jumped out at me instantly when I spotted it, and the blue and brown are just a perfectly sweet combination. If it looks familiar, that's because it's the same fabric I've shown for the Patchwork Quilt which I've cut, pieced together and...ummm...set aside (blush). Back to bigger pursuits now that this far more manageable goal has been reached.

Puddle Jumpers (and Pokers)

2010-03-23T13:32:00.003-04:00

April showers are right around the corner. We're dressed. We're trained. We're ready.

gotta.touch.it.gotta.touch.it.gotta.touch.it.

Cause that's what you do when you're a boy who's two.

gotta.jump.in.it.gotta.jump.in.it.gotta.jump.in.it.

Cause that's how you jive when you're a girl who's five.

Sweet Ways to End the March Break

2010-03-19T21:51:00.007-04:00

I'd been hoping to make it to one of the local Maple Syrup festivals over the March Break and we couldn't have asked for better weather - warm, sunny and perfect for free flowing sap. (We saw that +5C and took a few steps further to +16C)

I still remember discovering where maple syrup came from when I was around my daughter's age. I also remember a big tin of syrup that would accompany pancake breakfasts for the better part of each year.

This is one of my favourite pictures from the beautiful Mountsburg Conservation Area. Something about the tones and the rings on the tree is really striking and I keep thinking it would somehow translate really well in embroidery. We'll see.

Something that does translate really well - that lovely sweet drop, along with several thousands more lovely drops - into delicious amber syrup.

Sweet Ways to Start March Break

2010-03-16T14:26:00.014-04:00

Starting the week with a fresh new look and a fresh batch of cookies. Since those four cookies are all gone now, I hope you'll be satisfied with the blog makeover. : )

I know I've mentioned before that I'm not typically the cookie baking sort of mom. I can make cookies. They taste quite delicious if I do say so myself (and I do...between numerous mouthfuls). It's just not the first activity that pops to mind for a fun-filled afternoon. The repeated batches sort of drive me mad for some reason, and after the first dozen I'm usually ready to clean-up and pour a cup of coffee.

All of that said (again!), when I do make cookies with my little gal, I almost always find myself saying "we should do this more often". Making these spring cookies yesterday was no exception (the eggs are on display while the bunnies, chicks and flowers are still hanging out back in the kitchen). There was also one very big difference this time - her interest in making cookies together actually lasted through the entire four dozen process. That's a pretty huge deal, and also made me want to keep at it. So I guess the lessons to be learned: reserve judgment on cookie baking until your assistant is at least 5 years old and make sure to involve lots of sprinkles. The promise of a tea party afterwards doesn't hurt the cause either.

Tulips

2010-03-01T08:18:00.003-05:00

I bought some fresh cut tulips over the weekend. Sometime you just have to treat yourself to a little bit of weekend happy.

They're making me dream of spring...

...even though we're still steadily dealing with winter. *sigh*

I Spy

2010-02-22T09:29:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend, my little gal and I went out on a "picture hunt" (and spontaneous candy run).

While crouched down and fixating on some typical folliage that I'm seeing everywhere right now, she had made her way up a berm and called down "Hey. I found a shell."

A shell? In the middle of winter, in a subdivision, surrounded by trees, across from hayfields? Not likely. I gave her the "Mmm Hmm. That's nice."

But she's a persistent one, my gal. "You wanna see it?"
It's probably a little rock or something. "Yeah sure. In just a minute ok?"

Just a minute later, I stand up expecting her to have brought me the mystery shell-rock. No way. She's waiting at the top of that berm for me, guarding her discovery.
Up I go.
And you know what it was?
It was an empty snail shell.

"Hey! It really is a shell! You just found my shot for the day! That's so cool!"

{she smiles} "Mmm Hmm. That's nice." {and she's off in search of the next discovery}

Pins and Needles

2010-02-19T10:21:00.005-05:00

The day started with vaccines and the quick reminder that a 5 year old facing a needle (even hours before the needle) becomes a cross between an emotional Oscar winner and an ultimate fighting champion. Little Man on the other hand just voiced his displeasure, shot me an accusing pout and then just as quickly moved on at the sight of a few gummi bears (when it comes to needles, 2 isn't so terrible after all).

After the drama and ouchies had passed, the better part of the afternoon was spent twisted and sprawled across the living room floor pinning fabric for my patchwork quilt. This is my second quilt (ever...and in the past 4 months) and I am once again struck by the realization that I love love love the piecework part, and am completely daunted by the giant assembly part. I'm definitely feeling less trepidation this time around, but am blown away by the size. Somehow, this "throw" has grown way bigger in reality than it seemed when I was cutting isolated pieces. It's safe to say that "throw" is as big as I ever wish to go (famous last words - please feel free to stage an intervention if you ever seen the words "quilt" and "king" in this space).

Of Hearts and Their Matters

2010-02-12T13:16:00.007-05:00

Freely given. Easily broken. Patiently mended.

I'm not usually prone to the sentimental side of Valentines (but I'll happily take the excuse for a quiet meal, eaten warm with the company of my sweetie and some uninterrupted conversation...did I mention champagne and chocolates?).

I couldn't resist a bit of cliche and a dose of reflection though, not to mention the collaboration of favourite things (fabric, scissors, embroidery floss and my camera).

Hope you have a sweet weekend planned with your favourite people and pastimes.

P is for...

2010-02-09T17:00:00.004-05:00

Patchwork (Amy Butler's Patchwork Throw to be exact).

Planning in Publisher (it took the better part of an afternoon but was such a helpful roadmap when cutting and prepping).

And P is for lots of lovely pieces, cut, ironed and waiting to be placed.

But as usual, the most important P will be for progress. It should be coming quickly now.

From the Kitchen (iv)

2010-02-05T13:12:00.004-05:00

Today is the final kitchen installment which means I better drum up some new ideas for next week. This little teacup is a single, and every time I come across it in the cupboard it's a reminder to look for some more little singles. My gal is at that age where a proper tea party is an appealing afternoon (for both of us) but the plastic set just doesn't hold the same charm anymore. Hopefully one of these days the thrifting fates will bring me exactly what I'm looking for (admittedly the first key would be getting back out to the sort of places where that could happen)

In the meantime though, here is today's bonus (and a reminder for me when we find those extra pieces). Check out this link for a really quick, sweet and fun craft over at Maya:Made - totally adorable newspaper tea party hats in a pinch.

From the Kitchen (iii)

2010-02-02T16:36:00.005-05:00

Wordless Wednesday (and...ummm...I don't have any to share...sorry)

From the Kitchen (ii)

2010-02-02T12:23:00.003-05:00

This shot was inspired by the mish-mash of utensils on our dinner table each night. My little gal has her cherished sets that keep being replaced and yet still always seems to be missing a piece. Little man covets his sister's set (forbidden), has outgrown his baby fork, but can't yet handle the big stuff. He's getting better with the fork, still leans towards the spoon and has developed a recent obsession with cutting things with plastic knives (mostly playdough). I won't even get into favourite cups, bottles and straws or the diplomacy required when friends come for playdates and we find ourselves with more than one girl and only one pink cup.

The one set that we all enjoy is this wee size cutlery from Ikea (wish I could remember the fancy Swedish name). Perfect for coffee & pastries while being ideal for very little hands and tiny snack size containers of anything.

And since I can't really send you all your own little set, today's bonus tidbit is a book recommendation: Whining and Dining - Mealtime Survival for Picky Eaters and the Families Who Love Them (Eshun Mott and Emma Waverman). The recipes are delicious and truly offer something (if not always everything) to satisfy every member of the family (seriously, I'd make this stuff even if I didn't have kids, plus I'd get to eat it hot). The little quotes and anecdotes are hilarious and make the family chef see some perspective and humour in the daily rejection that goes with feeding lil'uns. I bought this book a few years back and have had really happy results. Although it wasn't the only factor, it was a big part of dinnertime changes in our house (acceptance, riding phases out and enforcing a better routine also counted for a lot). I've been revisiting this book a lot recently as one kiddo has moved way out of the picky years and the second is settling right into them (I'd call him a picky eater, but that would mean he actually has to pick something right?)

From the Kitchen (i)

2010-02-01T16:34:00.005-05:00

With a cold streak in the forecast and an extra school closure day this week, I've wisely decided to follow a kitchen theme for my 'year in pictures' this week. I figure this is also be a great idea to get my bloggin back on track (cop-out? maybe. just smidge)

So for the rest of this week you'll get a picture of some 'treasure' I've dug out of a kitchen cupboard or drawer (slightly frightening) plus the bonus of some related tidbit. What? I'm not entirely sure yet, but hopefully the inspiration will follow.

Today, you get a potato masher AND a recipe for the Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole that made entertaining back in December several steps easier (did I mention freezable!). This casserole is so much richer than the potato action my masher usually sees, but part of what I like about a great recipe for company is the special excuse to indulge a little.

10 potatoes (about 1.75kg) : 250g cream cheese : 1/4 cup butter : 1 cup chopped green onion : 1 cup sour cream :1/2 cup minced fresh parsley : pinch dried marjoram : salt and pepper : 1/2 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs

Boil the peeled and roughly cut potatoes for 20 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool slightly. With potato masher, mash until smooth; blend in cream cheese and butter until melted. Mix in onions, sour cream, parsley, marjoram, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to 8-inch (2L) baking dish; smooth top. Sprinkle with crumbs. (Casserole can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 week. Let thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to baking time.) Bake in 400F (200C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through and top is lightly golden. Makes about 10 servings.

Dear Blog

2010-01-29T12:43:00.007-05:00

I know what you're thinking. It's been awhile. It started with a missed week, that led to two, that led to...well...a month.

There's no easy way to say this so I'll just put it right out there: I've been seeing someone else. My photo-a-day project began as a casual whim, but somehow it's been quickly growing into something a little less casual. I started discovering what all those letters on my camera mean! I found out there's actually a button that let's me control how much flash I'm using. Do you know what this means? I don't have to use the outdoor setting when I'm inside. In fact - I don't even use the presets at all anymore.

I know. It doesn't make you feel any better does it. I've tried to explain this to knitting, cleaning, cooking and running. They didn't take it very well either. : (

Let's make a deal. I'll make sure to schedule some quality time together in February, if you'll let me bring some crafts along (and maybe the occasional batch of cookies?) I can't promise you we'll do it every day, but we'll find a way to make this relationship work.

In the meantime, have a Tootsie Pop. It will make us both feel better.

P2K2 repeat repeat repeat

2010-01-07T08:33:00.003-05:00

until piece measures 30". I'm purling. I'm knitting. Just a few more inches to go. I swear there's really only a few inches left.

28" still? Really?

Today could be the day.

Back to Regular Programming

2010-01-04T12:29:00.008-05:00

Have a good day hon. See you after school kids.

Hear that?

The sound of a quiet house
and the gentle hum of routine resuming.

So good.

What to do first?

A Year for...

2010-01-02T17:51:00.016-05:00

...crossing a finish line
...finding the perfect recipe
...figuring out those setting options on my Nikon
...spending more time playing...really, really playing
...picking up my paintbrushes and watercolours again
...reading that book that's been waiting on my sidetable
...making a better choice when chocolate whispers to me
...casting-on knits and catching up on podcasts
...getting outside...hats/boots/coats/helmets/lotion and all
...big boy underpants and her first reader books
...homemade and simple pleasures

1. Starting Over, 2. Lemon Tart with Meringue, 3. Block Party, 4. Water and Colour, 5. Snow Day 1, 6. On the Cutting Board, 7. Mimimalist Cardigan, 8. 2:365:2010, 9. Minimalist Mess
Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Waiting for Nigiri

2009-12-31T19:30:00.003-05:00

Sushi - En Route
Champagne - Chilling
Kids - Pizza and smiles (on their side of the table)
Twister Hopscotch - Setup and ready for after dinner action

Happy New Years. May 2010 bring joy, happiness, and all of the things you're waiting for!

Flickr Favour! (and something to do with Turkey)

2009-12-27T19:21:00.011-05:00

Before we'd even cleared away the last of the wrapping or finished the turkey leftovers, my brain was already turning to the new year. That first day filled with fresh prospects and the perfect motivation to refocus.

With lots of ideas swirling, one of the constants on my list is a 365/2010 project; a picture a day to keep improving my shots and capture the year. And since blogging and Flickr seem to go hand in hand, I would love your feedback to get 2010 started with a click.

Does anyone have a favourite 365 or Picture a Day Flickr group recommendations? There is such a long and growing list to choose from!
From anyone who's done a 365, what motivation tips and tricks kept you going?
Are you planning to do a 365? I'd love to add you as a contact for inspiration.

And about those turkey leftovers!

Mexican Turkey Hot Pot

In saucepan heat 2 tbsp olive oil; saute 1 diced onion, 1 clove of minced garlic and 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes.

Add 3 peeled and cubed potatoes, 4 cups of turkey or chicken stock and 1 tsp oregano. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes (until potatoes are tender)

Add 1 x 24oz can diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can kernel corn and 2 cups of diced cooked turkey. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Making Do for Merry Making

2009-12-24T12:54:00.005-05:00

One realizes in the 11'th hour (or at the point when one doesn't want to brave another shopping trip) that she didn't actually consider a centerpiece for the table.

Or perhaps, she did consider it, but never ended up finding something that seemed right.

Or perhaps she had originally thought about making a runner to match the tree skirt, but just plain ran out of steam. (Noted for next year of course)

Either way, one realizes that something is missing. At this point, one looks around and gathers what is found at hand.

One puts them together and says "Well there you have it. That will do just fine, thank you very much." And one continues with the list of other things one must attend to.

But not before one wishes you again, happy holidays and the very best of the season's celebrations.

Winter Moons

2009-12-22T18:30:00.010-05:00

A batch of these all-occasion favourites is making the house smell heavenly. They remain my absolute favourite cookies to make.

I was introduced to these little Polish rogaliki cookies at some of my first Easter and Christmas dinners with my husband's family; his Aunt used to make the very best, most perfect little horns. After missing them for several years, I've been trying to bring the tradition back into our own kitchen with the mixing and pinching help of my gal. She calls them little moons, and with a dusting of icing sugar, I think they're the perfect start to the snowy season ahead.

Deck the Walls

2009-12-22T09:39:00.005-05:00

Lots of activity as we get ready for the multiple days of celebrating and hosting ahead. Lots of cleaning, lots of wrapping, lots of Google searches for recipes that I can't place my fingers.

But thanks to the foresight of advanced cooking and freezing a few of my favourite side-dishes, there seemed to be just enough time to throw a few coats of paint onto some walls that have been driving me to distraction for awhile (Yes, a week before Christmas does seem like a perfectly reasonable time to suddenly decide to do something about it! Why do you ask?)

And what better way to start a new year.

Good-bye mellow yellow. Hello Gettysburg Grey.

Farewell faux-finish. It was fun while it lasted, but a decade was really stretching way past your expiry date.

And now the big question of the day. Will that KitchenAid mixer get plugged back into the wall? I have several sticks of butter and a bag of superfine sugar waiting to find out.

Scenes from a Mall

2009-12-16T10:31:00.006-05:00

...that somehow didn't result in shopping.

It did include lots of decorations.

And some twinkly-eyed cheer, complete with Magic Tricks and a reading of a festive favourite story.

A round of Reindeer Hokie Pokie (sp?). Note the 'antlers in' and the 'antlers out' right before the antlers are 'shaken all about'.

And all proceeds going to Sleeping Children Around the World.

Since my daughter has never had any interest in sitting on Santa's lap (actually closer to a shy terror), this was a pretty cool way of fitting a 'no touchy-touchy' Santa scenario into our week. Although after all of that playtime lead-up, she actually did end up having a quick cuddle with the big guy after all (while her brother ran around terrorizing the reindeer and a small stuffed hedgehog).

Tuesday - Plan of Attack

2009-12-15T08:58:00.008-05:00

Make festive cards for teachers.
Banish the mysterious and elusive trailing sticky spot from kitchen floor.
Eat a candy cane (probably the source of the sticky spot - it's amazing to see what a teething 2-year old does with a candy cane).
Organize my mish-mash of holiday menu ideas, recipes and shopping lists into some semblance of a plan (while eating another candy cane).
Contemplate wrapping (and then come up with an excuse to forward it to Thursday's plan attack).

Friends with Gingerbread

2009-12-14T09:35:00.001-05:00

Friends are good.

Friends with kids who your kids love being with, are great.

When that friend happens to a trained pastry chef, you're in for a treat (Guiness gingerbread cake...mmm).

When that same friend opens up her home and has half a dozen gingerbread houses ready to be decorated, you realize just how lucky you truly are.

Things That Make a Good Day

2009-12-09T12:10:00.008-05:00

Hearing the wind rattling around at night while I'm snug in bed.

Waking up to the sound of more slushy snow hitting the panes in the morning, and not having to wake up early and rush into work (two years as a stay-at-home-mom and I still rank that as one of my favourite winter luxuries).

Living in this lovely little notch on the snow belt that let's us enjoy the early winter treat of snow. NOTE: I may modify this opinion as early as January. Just saying.

Starting our day with the Kindergarten's Holiday Sing-and-Craft-Along this morning. (Yes, we have it recorded and I am fully prepared to subject family to the reindeer-hokey-pokey right after the turkey is served in a few weeks).

Having a quiet home-bound afternoon with leftover Chinese takeout, a warm blanket, my knitting and several episodes to catch-up on (it's an impossible habit to break - the show I hated being subjected to as a child and can't resist subjecting others to as an adult).

First Snow

2009-12-08T08:29:00.003-05:00

Those flakes kept flurrying yesterday. It was the last kick I needed to propel me into to full-on December-mode.

Somebody had forgotten all about snow (what with being 1 last year and all).
Needless to say...he was very, very excited by the stuff.

Result

2009-12-07T10:42:00.012-05:00

Ta-da. My first official quilting, finished in time for the first weekend of December and the first flakes of snow spotted fluttering outside today.

A few of the things I've come to appreciate along the way (if not always tips that were followed).

Rotary cutting is extremely addictive. Squares, rectangles, angles...all fun.
Measure twice (three times if a glass of wine is involved). Then cut (or perhaps wait if more than a glass of wine is involved).
An eighth of an inch does matter, which leads me to...
Stars are way easier to make than Christmas Trees (to be read as 'I need to work on lining up my straight pieces').

Trim, iron, trim, iron, trim, iron. Trim trim trim. Iron iron iron.

After spending a good chunk of time making lots of lovely little stars and trees, I have a healthy fear of messing it all up with quilting.
Quilting isn't nearly as scary after the first row is in place. Quilting can also make up for an eighth of an inch where you need it.
Laying a quilt out on the floor for binding is a sure-fire invitation for very cute rolling and lounging bodies. (Wouldn't you?)

It was totally worth forgoing a proper tree skirt for 10 years. I finally have exactly what I wanted and a post complete with cozy home-made rolling and lounging memories.

Progress

2009-12-01T11:12:00.006-05:00

Time to face the reality of quilting - after the fun of making all of those patches, the scary part has arrived.

The tree skirt and I have taken over the kitchen table. More room to move and immediate access to the coffee pot. Proximity to the children also keeps the swearing in check (it doesn't count when it's in my head).

First Frost

2009-12-01T08:23:00.014-05:00

The start of December and the first dusting of white as we tumble towards a new season.

The month that holds the most lists - shopping, mailing, to-dos and wishes. The month that marks the end of one year and sets my mind racing towards the next.

But for the next few weeks I'm going to try to stay focused on three main goals. If I can do that, it'll be a great month.

Keep it simple : Keep perspective : Keep the spirit

Contradictions (Hers)

2009-11-26T17:24:00.002-05:00

As the mother of all contradictions, it seems only fitting that I have an equally contrary 5 year old. After recently reflecting on mine, let me introduce a few of hers.

My belly says it's hungry. (5:55pm)

My belly says it's full. (6:05pm)

Can I have dessert now. (6:10pm)

: : :

I can do it myself.

I'm getting to be a really big kid, aren't I.

Can you do it just for this once. (word for word - she says it the same way every time)

: : :

I know. (when I tell her to finish eating her breakfast)

I know. (when I tell her that breakfast is important)

I knnnooowww. I'm going to. (when I tell her to finish eating her breakfast!)

I don't know. (when I ask her why her Barbies are lying on the floor)

I don't know. (when I ask her what she did at school)

I don't knnnooowww. You read it. (when I ask her to practice her phonics cards)

: : :

Matthew hit me!

Matthew hit me! Punish him.

Matthew hit me again! Send him to the naughty step.

Well, I only hit him a little bit.

Good Without Fault

2009-11-22T14:36:00.010-05:00

(unless you count the fact that it had me up reading until midnight).

I go through blocks of time when I can't seem to find a book selection that holds my attention. Since this seems to happen a lot more frequently in my parenting life, I usually blame it on lack of uninterrupted armchair time and an abundance of chaos. But this book puts all of that into perspective (and the fact that even I read it in only two days speaks volumes). Reading about a course altering left turn and a woman who unexpectedly and suddenly finds herself navigating life with three young children, their hospitalized mother, an absent father and an ornery, shoplifing mother-in-law who can't be trusted to share a room with the baby, pretty makes my day look a holiday. (Yup - pretty much avoided any major spoilers there) Did I mention that she isn't related to any of them!

Without giving anything away, this book is filled from beginning to end with beautifully crafted characters, a descriptive voice, and a story that keeps the reader completely captivated as it unfolds. It's the sort of novel that stirs memories, captures the familiar, paints a scene and asks questions that keep you thinking about it long after it's been put down. One of the reviews I read described it as being as suspenseful as a mystery novel, and that is exactly how it felt; you think about all the possible outcomes and you can't stop reading until you know how it's all going to end.

The big question now - what to read next?

Nightly

2009-11-19T08:33:00.011-05:00

This has become a familiar sight. A familiar corner. A familiar time of day.

A quiet point, when one little boy is tucked into his crib, and one little lady is busy conducting online research and narrowing down her top holiday wish list pick.

Night sewing to meet my goal of finishing a certain tree skirt in the next few weeks. With the exception of the occasional stitch picking and realigning of fabric strips, it has quickly become a favourite time of day (especially when accompanied by this).

Photographic Evidence (and a map)

2009-11-13T10:31:00.005-05:00

At the ages of five and two, you both really enjoy playing together...with the same thing...at the same time...for a little while.
After my first coffee, and about 5 minutes of trial and error, I can actually remember how all of the tracks fit together. Occasionally, I can even figure out how to add a second rail line.
I have enough sense to take a picture to remind us all of points 1 and 2.

Contraditions (Mine)

2009-11-11T15:44:00.016-05:00

Just a few of the conflicting things I've said to my kids in the course of a week. Literal quotes, separated by hours...and occasionally only by minutes. It really is a wonder that they believe a word I say.

Don't touch your brother.

Don't touch your sister.

Give each other a hug.

: : :

Don't touch other people's things without asking. (knitting)

No touchy touchy. (knitting)

Just because it's yours, doesn't mean you get to touch it. (diaper changing)

Don't just leave that there. Pick it up. Even if it's not yours. (you name it)

: : :

You can try it but it's gonna taste gross. (play dough)

Don't put that in your mouth, it's dirty. (most things a 2 year old discovers)

Just have a taste...you'll like it. (Quesadilla)

: : :

It's important to use the proper words for things. (homework)

Don't give up. If you don't know the answer then we'll figure it out together. (10:00am)

It's not a quesadilla. It's a Mexican Pizza Pocket. (Hey - that one worked!)

Go ask Daddy. He'll know the answer. (6:48pm)

2009-11-11T09:44:00.002-05:00

Parapluies (and why subtitles get in the way of multi-tasking)

2009-11-10T12:19:00.012-05:00

After a whirlwind of activity we are back to fully-moderate, completely-passable, sparkling-from-a-distance states of household cleanliness and organization. And most importantly, the laundry (including all that delicious fabric) - 'fin'.

Pay no attention to the trail of toys or food-exploded-upon-shirts that reappeared about 15 minutes after the whirlwind.

And I'm ready to get focused, put some priorities on things and put away a few of those tempting distraction projects for a couple of weeks (to be read as - "Finish those socks and don't touch that Shrug").

And above all else, I will not put this in the DVD player and make a pot of tea (and cookies...of course there would have to be cookies).

Nope. I won't do it. I really really really won't do it.

Unless...well...maybe a few minutes wouldn't hurt.

A Crafty Case of A.D.D.

2009-11-09T12:13:00.015-05:00

My brain is awhirl lately and I have little to show for it besides piles throughout the house and very little cleaning taking place around them. So which one should I tell you about today? (Get ready for a whole lotta linking!)

I could talk about all the squares and rectangles I've cut for the Amy Butler patchwork quilt that I was so excited to begin.

Or I could tell you about the stack of fabric that I just bought an hour ago after seeing this tutorial over at Sew Mama Sew last night. A festive tree skirt that has now pre-empted the patchwork quilt.

Picture a whole lot of white pulling this together.

Then again, I could post about the latest book that frequently has me curled up in a sunny corner daydreaming about a wardrobe overhaul.

Of course, I really should be updating you on the no-longer-such-a-Mystery sock which seems to have stopped in it's track at the 90% mark (and yes, that's just the one sock). But then I would have to confess to cheating on said sock with a certain shrug which I've managed to keep on the down-low up until now.

You can see my predicament; blog-hopping is a dangerous thing. The gal who is usually true to her 'one project at a time' rule has somehow gone way way way off the rails (and I haven't even brought up the baking, decorating, and kids play ideas that are circling in my brain).

So I think I'll just set all of those things off to the side and spend a couple of hours cleaning the house and contemplating some sort of direction for finishing a few things before the end of the year. Then I'll feel completely without guilt when I fall into craft-busting mode for the rest of the week. After all, this November that I'm loving so much is going to be a quick one.

On a November Day

2009-11-03T10:11:00.004-05:00

We're taking a deep breath and taking in this wonderful between-holidays month.

We're filling up on every opportunity to enjoy dry swings and slides.

We're making playdough again. And I'm once again realizing just how handy a blog can be in pinch - like when Julia's teacher sends me home a recipe-less note reminding me that I signed up for playdough making duty. It seems we were doing the exact same thing on a November day last year!

A November day can be a very quietly special thing.

In a tornado situation, call Amy Butler

2009-10-29T08:16:00.013-04:00

“Close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself, there's no place like home.”

Year two of themed family Halloween costumes! (insert squeals of delight from the household majority and a stifled groan from those who will be coerced)

Finding 'wicked witch' and 'cowardly lion' costumes months ago pretty much sealed the deal for the Wizard of Oz. It was also the perfect excuse to try out the apron pattern from this terrific book. Have gingham, will sew.

This is my second In Stitches project and I am completely in awe of Amy Butler. She has a magical gift for designing patterns in such a way that every seam is cleanly enclosed or covered when you're finished - it's like a puzzle that comes together at the end once all the pieces are fit together just right. The trick (for me) is not to question the instructions or let instinct get in the way - just do exactly what the directions tell you to do and a few fold-overs and reverses later you'll be amazed to see where the road has led you.

I'll now get back to work on something for a 5' 11" Flying Monkey (by coercion)

Look Toto! Pleats!

Choo Choo for Two

2009-10-26T16:07:00.005-04:00

Two. Really? Wow. How?

It was a weekend of cake and balloons and giggles with our no longer 'almost' but now official Mr. Two Years Old.

And since he shares his middle name with a certain cheeky little blue engine, the affinity is no surprise. The sight of his favourite character makes him grin from ear to ear every time - so needless to say it was a one track day.

Home @ 5:55

2009-10-20T17:44:00.007-04:00

I've had hit-and-miss baking results with my favourite Ina Garten cookbooks (the mains and sides are always amazing, but the baking is always slightly off - I suspect it's the call for extra-large eggs which I never seem to have in the fridge). But at last I've found the sure-fire-hands-down-without-question-WINNER that has finally broken the spell.

It's quick, it's basic, it's delicious (and yes it asks for extra-Large eggs but since I halved a recipe calling for 3 of them, 2 large worked perfectly).

Telling my husband that we're having ribs for dinner usually guarantees that he'll be home in time for dinner. Telling him that I made Jalapeno and Cheddar Cornbread brought him home five minutes early. Good call since I was already two pieces in at that point - quality control measures of course.

"Mischief Managed"

2009-10-20T09:07:00.018-04:00

I was moments away from morning posting when I grabbed my e-mail.

This morning's newspaper seemed pretty depressing, what with H1N1 and GTA car insurance rates going through the roof. But then I came across this gem which I have to share. If you haven't heard of "yarnbombing" check this out.

Have a good one.

Dad

I think I better start knitting some cushions for the fence I sit on when it come to yarn graffiti. My reaction to this whole idea ranges from "How cool is that!" to "You're not just going to leave that there are you? The forecast is calling for rain."

I don't see pole cozies in my personal future, but admit that a quick search turns up some inspired yarnstorming efforts against the gray urban landscape.

And since discovering Knit the City, I am positively in love with the idea of a knit-adorned London Phonebox.

I wonder if anyone has needles at the ready for the Vancouver Olympics? I mean, we're already pushing the red mittens.

Finding Happy

2009-10-13T09:13:00.007-04:00

Things that are making me happy today:

My new green rainboots.

Socks that match my boots. Finishing Clue #2 (the leg) and moving onto Clue #3 of my Through the Loops Mystery Sock.

Discovering free Amy Butler pattern downloads (I'm probably late to the party on this one, but if you haven't seen these they are such happy designs to daydream with).

Courtesy of AmyButlerDesign.com

Leaves blown into happy little corners.

Finding things to be happy about.

Weekend Finds

2009-10-13T08:50:00.005-04:00

When you take a few back roads in search of the best apple pie you come across the most wonderful things.

1. Fall Finds, 2. Lines 1, 3. Weekend Wheels 1, 4. Shapes, 5. Remaining, 6. Weekend Wheels 2

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Friday Block (BAAAK) Party

2009-10-09T10:28:00.009-04:00

Another rainy Fall day. No complaints here. I keep building and he keeps destroying.

And from the his rapidly growing list of new words, BAAAAK ranks right up there with CA(r)-CA(r), DAH(og)-DAH(og) and choo choo (which is more of a sound than a word). All the really important things in a little boys life.

Hope your Thanksgiving weekend (here in Canada) is full of equally joyful things to be grateful for.

My Bottle Model

2009-10-07T12:40:00.012-04:00

Clue #1 for Through the Loops' mystery sock - Complete! And it should be noted that there was zero head scratching, zero swearing, zero ripping, and a 100% fitting cuff in the end. These are bold statements of a very happy knitting week.

I tried to snap a picture of the cuff on my leg - I really really really tried. Pilates-style-balancing-a-camera-on-my-face-with-a-leg-in-the-air sort of tried. But in the end a bottle model seemed to make more sense.

Kirsten's instructions are so clear, with enough variety to make this a fun but completely non-frustrating knit. I am a little torn by the colourway - it may not end up doing the pattern justice but the bold and happy colours are fitting the bill at the moment. This probably means a pattern to be repeated a few times.

There is something incredibly liberating about not knowing what the pattern you are knitting will look like in the end. There's no analyzing, or comparing - just follow the directions and let things unfold. And having this small accomplishable goal for the week is a pretty wonderful way of seeing something through to completion.

And with another day to wait until Clue #2 gets posted, I think I'll go and uncork my model and grab a very heavy book. Overcast and windy can make for the best Fall afternoons.

Making Change

2009-10-03T09:42:00.009-04:00

When is the right time to introduce allowance? The all-too-regular pleas to visit the toy aisle every time we go to the grocery store have answered that question for us. "Can we just look at the toys" never means "Can we just look at the toys".

We started things off with a reward chart last year, which worked really well at first, but then a bit of a 'credit crunch' occurred; advances on a couple of bigger ticket rewards and then a lapse in best behaviour (not to mention that the bank would often lose track on the sticker count). It was a great way to introduce the concepts around earning and value though.

But now it's time to step things up, because I don't think I hold single-handed responsible for adopting the entire Littlest Pet Shop population.

We started things off by sorting out change and tallying up the piggy bank count (which made me realize that our daughter has become independently change wealthy on a five year old level). And going forward I love the idea encouraging a division between spending, saving and giving. Click here for a great piece on this. There are also so many learning moments to share with money; sorting, denominations, comparing, patterns.

So all Barbies, Polly Pockets and critters take note - there's a new banker in town!

His and Hers

2009-10-02T11:14:00.006-04:00

A set of almost-two-year-old fingers is getting into absolutely everything these days. It's been building for a while with many things simply being moved to higher and higher surfaces. And the latest obsession has been the craft cupboard. That lovely little space that once held the balance between accessible and hidden has been discovered. And although I want both kids to feel free to get creative whenever the mood strikes, they are definitely at two totally different stages when it comes to supplies.

Matthew's ideas for the cupboard are fueled by mischief above all else. This usually starts with the house becoming suspiciously quiet and ends with screams from his sister (whose favourite pencil crayons are being pinched) and shrieks from his mother (who finds him in the corner of another room discovering how to upcap a bottle of glitter glue).

So it's up up and away for some things, and new ways of presenting others. Out of reach for one, just within reach for the other and ready for all.

His (including my latest favourite find from Ikea)

and Hers

Next on the list. Find a higher shelf for the juice boxes...again!

Revisiting

2009-10-01T08:55:00.007-04:00

My sock knitting history is comprised of a single sock (beautiful to look at but a size too big) and an abandoned cuff (a summertime case of knitters ADD).

Monkey Sock - October 2008

But the idea of sock knitting keeps tugging at me; the draw of a vibrant colourway, those tiny DPNs that I so love to knit with, a transportable little knit to accompany Fall drives.

And then yesterday brought this mystery sock KAL into the equation.

Socktoberfest begins. I'm not sure where it's going to take me, but hopefully the month will end with a fitting pair.

Blue and Brown

2009-09-30T09:56:00.003-04:00

Well hello again Fall. You're suddenly here; blue skies breaking out between raindrops and the hinting splashes of red and brown that mark your return.

Your sights and sounds followed me all the way to the fabric store and this combination appeared right on queue. The inspiration for my first patchwork quilt.

Built By Me - Simplicity 3835

2009-09-28T13:34:00.008-04:00

After seeing this simple top popping up time and time again on the "Built By Us" Flickr pool, I knew it was the first Built By Wendy design I wanted to try.

Incredibly quick and straight forward (about 3 hours total time I think) and cursing only occured while I was guiding the elastic through the gathering neck.

With Fall around the corner and given my dislike of working with elastic I had already planned on making the sleeves a little longer and straight.

You can go ahead and picture it layered with a splash of colour, because that's how this crazy September of yo-yo temperatures has me dressing.

Another of these tops is definitely in order and perhaps the dress pattern variation now that I'm sure of the fit. With a success under my belt I'm also anxious to get started on a project from Sew U which I bought back at the beginning of the summer.

If anyone has any favourite Built by Wendy recommendations, tips or successes, I would love to hear about them here or over on Flickr.

Abstract Expressionism

2009-09-23T11:05:00.005-04:00

It may look like random scribbles to the unknowing eye, but this picture is so much more.

This picture means that a certain little boy is lasting a little longer at preschool with each visit.

That the same little boy is sitting at the table and joining in. Could it finally be - he enjoyed his morning? There's a telling absence of watermarks on the paper.

And this budding artist is on a mission to include every colour he can find.

Sure, I could be cooking dinner but...

2009-09-21T17:28:00.010-04:00

...after several days of looking at a batch of Roma tomatoes and a pot of basil, 4:45pm starts to look like a great time to make several jars of bruschetta topping.

So I grabbed that book again and got some water boiling.

After seeing (and SO loving) Julie and Julia with a girlfriend a few weeks ago, I've had an unshakeable craving for bruschetta and a Gimlet. (Not necessarily together and those of you who've also seen and loved J&J know exactly what I'm talking about.) So when I came across the small-batch preserving recipe for Bruschetta-Style Salsa, it was an instant "Must make that!" moment.
And a proclamation was issued across the kitchen: "Chicken strips and french fries tonight kids!" The masses were happy and I am well stocked for any immediate Bruschetta-style needs.

Now about that cocktail.

Getting Ripped

2009-09-17T08:33:00.005-04:00

Thoughts of Fall drew me into the closet recently and out came an old pair of jeans and my trusty seam ripper (I love this little kit that I found out of the blue at Lee Valley).

A while back I bookmarked a few jean skirt tutorials like this one and the one over here. This is such a great way to give new life to an old or ill-fitting pair of jeans, not to mention a project that promises high-success with very little time and effort.

With so many great tutorials available on the web I won't add more to the count, but here are the adjustments I made for my own version.

I cut my jeans around knee length for a great all-season skirt - from t-shirt and flip-flops to chunky sweater and boots. Don't worry about being exact but do make sure you give yourself enough length to begin with - once the seams are out and the skirt comes together you can cut shorter if you like. For my own skirt I decided to leave the bottom edge raw, but obviously leave an extra inch or so if you plan to hem. Then start ripping away at those inner seams.

For the front panel, I cut along the centre of the pant leg so that I could include the seam (from the outer leg) in the centre of the patch. I found that this detail streamlined the skirt and created a nice balance between the DIY look and the original stitching.

At this point be prepared for lots of trying-on and readjusting. These jeans were baggy and distressed to begin with so I found that it took several pinning and repinning efforts to make sure that the overlapping ripped section (formerly the inseam) was sitting flat. Remember to check the side view!

I played around with a panel for the back, but in the end decided to just overlap the ripped section and leave the exposed triangle as a slit. I also used the original seam fold (you'll see what I mean once you take yours apart) as another visual effect by sewing along the inside of the fold and then leaving the edge raw so that it will fray overtime.

And, as the last steps I trimmed and tidyed up the lower edge and added a zigzag stitch (high width, short length so that it created a tight decorative line) about 1/2"-3/4" from the bottom (if you click on the picture below you'll see it better in the zoom). After the first washing it's already frayed (trim to your liking after the first wash or two) but will never fray above the stitch line.

And voila - a new skirt that's as comfortable as an old pair of jeans!

Giving Me The Runaround

2009-09-16T07:54:00.007-04:00

September has us all on the go and despite a nasty head-cold-allergies-burned-out-thingy brewing, today is going to be the mother of all runaround days.

It's all good stuff and we are slowly getting back into a routine. Right now though, that means lots of one hour blocks for starting preschool (day 2 went better and I'm hoping day 3 is the charm), the Kindergarten 'gradual reentry' (a corporate buyout takes less time than this process) and the start of programs (Karate this week!). But those one hour blocks are killing me. Between drop-offs and pick-ups and drop-offs somewhere else, there is barely enough time to do anything before it's back on the road to hit the next block of the day. Throw in lunch, laundry, naps, dinner, (ahem - another batch of Peach Jam) and this week seems to be vanishing quickly.

After this mother of all days though, it should all get easier and easier. I hate to break it to the kiddos, but next week the school schedule finally goes all in and we can finally start heading towards the more relaxing side of Fall. Well - I can anyways (mwah-ha-ha).

Another Small-Batch Weekend

2009-09-13T18:22:00.009-04:00

I dipped into the mason jars again, this time armed with some of Beamsville's best ripe peaches (finally!) and a bottle of Triple Sec.

I'm having solid success with this sure-fire book for jams, spreads and savoury treats. Small-batch preserving lets me enjoy and capture the best of the season without making the process overwhelming (I have limited ambition for an entire day of repeating that sterilizing and processing time over and over again). In fact, this latest recipe was made in the microwave and I managed to fit the 250ml jars right in my regular pasta pot (quick to boil and far less intimidating than my giant canning pot).

So quick and easy, that I might just make a second batch tomorrow; repetition doesn't seem to bother me as much when I've seen the success, had a glass of wine and watched the season finale of True Blood between batches.

Microwave Peach Jam with Orange Liquer

I followed the linked recipe using Triple Sec as my liquer of choice. Since using an inversion microwave which tends to run high, I cooked mine on level 8. It did require an extra 4 minute round on full high to reach the gel stage.

Puddin' Cups

2009-09-10T16:51:00.007-04:00

In these last days before Senior Kindergarten returns to a full schedule (a full day is still over a week away), we've had several last minute home-day requests.

Baking was the latest, and it didn't take much to convince me of the merits of something quick and chocolate-filled.

In this 'last of the summer' moment though, I looked at the pudding, remembered a package of waffle cups, and knew exactly what was needed on top (butterscotch, chocolate, and some leftover pots for the purists - I'm thinking 'breakfast?').

Trick Shots

2009-09-10T09:50:00.006-04:00

Let me start with an update from yesterday. Half an hour after dropping him off...I got a call to come pick up the Little Big Boy. After the first five minutes, he realized I wasn't right coming back...he had strong feelings about that. We'll try again next week and in the meantime I am soaking up the increase in cuddliness which the whole experience has drawn out of him (he's basically keeping me as close as possible in case I get any more funny ideas!)

But on a brighter note, I finally have a finished Tree Jacket off the needles, blocked and ready to share.

And I really did want to post this today (in the absence of any other post topic). Which raises my longstanding issue with self-shots. Here are the obstacles I usually work around at this point:

a) The absence of anyone else over 4' in the house when I want to take the shot.
b) The quick realization that my mirrors need cleaning.
c) Shifting natural light which is again, usually not very cooperative when I happen to be ready to do this stuff (which is why FO pictures are usually in the kitchen, the hub of all activity...and fingerprints)
d) My desire to get a really good shot of the whole sweater, while being close enough to highlight the stitchwork, but without including my face, a double chin, the clutter surrounding me, or the loose strings that still have to be worked into the knit.

Unfortunately, this wasn't a great morning for working around those sort of obstacles. So I bring you the best I've got; with the help of Mosaic Maker and a bit of imagination, I think you'll get the idea.

1. Trick Shot 5, 2. Knitting Trick Shot 1, 3. Knitting Trick Shot 1

I also bring you an outtake and small taste of what I'm talking about (the obstacles, and my loveable appendage).

Pattern: Tree Jacket
Designers: Sarah & Rachel, Zephyr Style
Needles: US 8/5.0mm
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Brown
Details available here on Ravelry

My Little Big Boy

2009-09-08T11:32:00.007-04:00

A big day has arrived. The first morning of preschool today.

You're starting early, but I still can't get my head around what a little big boy you are becoming (way too quickly). Fall baby - get used to being the youngest in the class.

Keep looking just as stinking cute in that backpack. But don't grow into it too quickly ok.

And have lots of fun playing with new toys and mastering more ways to get into mischief. But don't enjoy it too much more than playing with your sister and make sure you save all of the big important 'firsts' for at home.

Have a busy busy morning and come home very very tired. Bring home lots of messy arts and crafts that someone else supervised; don't be surprised if they are just as unimpressed as I am when you try sticking your fist in the paint jar or eating the brushes.

And don't get too upset or lost when I leave you with someone new for the first time. But cry a little bit ok. Yeah - me too little buddy.

The Fruits of Our Labour Day

2009-09-08T08:09:00.008-04:00

1 basic tomato sauce recipe (which we only made 1/20th of)
1 food mill + some volunteer man-hands
1/2 bushel of the sweetest handpicked Roma tomatoes around
1 fragrant pot of fresh basil (which leaves me want to attack a batch of Pesto next)
As many big pots as we could get our hands on (and man-hands to stir the overwhelming contents of big pots)
12 mason jars
Some more really big pots (and those man hands again which seem insensitive to heat and steam)
As much time as it takes to listen to this and this and this (which would be about 3.5 hours)
And man hands to clean-up because at this point a few sets of mini-hands are going to be tired of listening to 'your' music and obsessed with getting back into kitchen because it's the one place you've asked them not to be. At this stage - divide and conquer.

1. Going to Be Saucy, 2. Going in the Saucy, 3. Almost Saucy, 4. Saucy

Field Trip of Dreams

2009-09-04T08:12:00.014-04:00

Well folks, the week didn't make any more sense as it went on (although I did eventually manage to get on top of that calendar situation). And now that Friday has arrived, I don't honestly know what we did with the week? It was busy, it was loud, it was action-packed, but I'm not really convinced that a single thing managed to get finished (including a certain sweater that I was sure would be).

So I'm going to wave the white flag for the day, focus on making it through to the long weekend ahead, and daydream about field trips.

I had a passing thought this morning (somewhere between the shower and my first load of the laundry, and definitely before my first coffee) about a field-trip to here to take one of these and buy some of this and that. New York, here I come. Back in the rat race, I at least had a yearly conference or two to charge my batteries; doesn't Home Management come with the same perks? Oh yeah - lack of an expense account and I am the on-site daycare.

I guess this field trip will have to wait a few more years as well (damn mortgage!). But HOW amazing would that BE!

While I work on coming up with something at least half-as-exciting and within 100km, here are a few shots from one of my favourite Summer '09 field trips - Tobermory, Ontario and one perfect family outing. It was less about what we did and more about needing a sunny afternoon with lots of inspiring sights and sounds.

"A pinch and a punch for the first of the month"

2009-08-31T11:22:00.008-04:00

After several days of being sick, and several months of kids underfoot, this was going to be a post about the excitement and propects that come with the first day of September.

A month to get back to routine, back to school, back to running, back to organizing. A month to attack all of the things that have been set aside with the free-wheeling ebb and flow of summer days.

Today was the day that I woke up early, worked out, made a plan for the day. Today was the day that would start September as I mean to continue.

Then around 10:30 someone told me it was August 31. Wow - starting September a day early is either a testament to just how excited I am OR an indication of just how scattered I've become.

I think I'll spend the afternoon knitting on the back deck. And since I hate posting without a picture let's all 'let it slide'.

The Prodigal Sweater Returns

2009-08-27T08:08:00.014-04:00

Am I going to give up? No way.
Am I going to give up for right now? You bet your $#@.
- Me (Feb. 2008)

Some things just deserve a second chance. An unreserved, open armed, objective second shot.

Tree Jacket: It's been two years since my first attempt at this pattern. It's been a year and a half since it went into hibernation. To be fair, I was knitting while pregnant and then with a newborn so the first chance was distracted at best. Those sort of extreme expansions and contractions (waistline and baby) don't really support the best size selection.

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino: Me and this stash have had a checkered several months together; I've tried casting-on with it no fewer than ten times and with three . different. patterns. "It's not you. It's me. I had no business knitting for myself with the baby's yarn"

Finally, like chocolate and peanut butter, I put the two together and let the magic happen.

The dpns are in action and I should be finishing up the sleeves this week (which would mean finishing this sweater in a record 2 months!). And yes, that's a wine charm being used as a marker. My plastic child-choking-hazzards frequently slip off and I keep meaning to make my way to Etsy and treat myself to a special set. In the meantime, despite the occasional catching, these do the trick and remind me to "stay...hydrated?".

A Return

2009-08-25T12:34:00.005-04:00

Blog breaks are a funny thing - the longer they extend, the harder it seems to return. Harder still to figure out where to begin again. But after several weeks it's time to land and get back into a blogging routine.

Tobermory, Ontario (Summer 2009)

Unplugging and spending time doing and contemplating has been a great celebration of some of the very few summery days we've had all season. And with lots of things on the go and even a few finished objects, it gave me lots of material to get back to posting with.

Summer Holiday

2009-08-04T16:36:00.002-04:00

I'll be taking a blogging holiday for the next few weeks.

Spending a bit of time 'unplugged' while I sift through a whole bunch of ideas and inspirations.

Thinking about 'what next' and hopefully recovering some of the blogging mojo that has recently abandoned me.

Be back soon!

Things to do in a Week

2009-07-27T13:08:00.006-04:00

We are officially catching our breath after...

Summer day-camp spent on the waterfront and exploring some favourite local gardens.

Visiting splash pads here and there on the rare days when we aren't running through raindrops.

Another round of swimming lessons and a 'floaty'-assisted front crawl in the big pool. Very handy if a 'walk-the-plank' Pirate training situation comes up.

Trying very hard to get lost in the occasional maze (and pretending to be very lost just so that a squealing girl can find me).

And a new sock. When a week includes that much running around, some transportable stash-busting is in order.

Morning Notes

2009-07-17T10:24:00.006-04:00

What's better than a morning note? A morning note that comes with fresh brewed coffee.

A man who has a hot cup of coffee waiting for me every single morning. He's a keeper.

And it's also new header Friday. I know, I said the last header was going to be around for a while. I'm a header-hopper and there's nothing to be done about it. I'd promise to keep this new one around for a bit but I don't think either of us would believe it...

Stealing

2009-07-16T13:20:00.011-04:00

By some remarkable alignment of the sun and planets and fate, the house fell silent for three hours yesterday afternoon. Wow!

I was just about to put boy-child down for his afternoon nap when I looked over and found...get ready for it...his big sister asleep on the couch (french fry still dangling from an exhausted pincer grip).

Stolen time is a pretty rare commodity around here (although I seem to be on a lucky streak this week) so of course I started creeping around the house very quickly and quietly doing a bit more stealing. (Am I the only mom that gets all giddy and starts tiptoeing around like a hyperactive pixie in these situations? Didn't think so!)

I started with the last cup of coffee in the pot. Ok, not a technical steal, but actually getting the chance to drink that second cup felt like I'd cracked a safe.

Next, I scurried down to the basement where I raided hubby's tool box. I was originally just going to steal an awl (or two), but when I caught sight of his magnetic-stretchy-picky-uppy-thing (yes, that is absolutely the technical term) I decided to swipe that too. Why not. If he wants to find them again, all he has to do is read my blog (mwah ha ha - they are totally mine now).

And no, I don't randomly go around stealing awls without any apparent crafty purpose. I go around stealing awls with premeditated intent to use them as marking tools. And that's an idea I stole from Wendy Mullin's "Sew U".

"This pointed object, which you can find in any hardware store or handy person's tool kit, can be used to punch holes to mark dart points. It's easy and fast, but be careful not to damage the fabric." p.27

(She said it! Tool kit. I found it.)

See. Stealing. Makes for a perfect afternoon.

Getting Cozy Again

2009-07-15T10:06:00.006-04:00

When I put out the open offer for coffee cozies I didn't know I was going to end up being raised a challenge.

Another sewing project = Temptation
Making something for someone special = Of course the answer is yes!
A challenge = Irresistible

Measurements were taken (and lost...and retaken...and lost again...and resent).

One blissfully quiet afternoon was spent sewing (while boy child was marathon-napping and girl-child was caught-up in a computer-game-induced trance).

And in the end a quilted laptop cozy was created. Since I don't have to hand it over for another week, I'm thinking a few more embellishments might be in order, but I'll save an element of surprise for the in-person reveal. : )

Ch-Ch-Ch-Cherries

2009-07-13T08:42:00.010-04:00

We're heading into the third full week of summer vacation and to my surprise, I'm finding 'no school' and the change in routine to be really relaxing and free.
Summer life - good!

Weather - Still more spring than summer making most days super-comfortable.

Consulting Contracts - At an end giving me an extra four hours a day for summertime play and some long overdue catch-up with a pile of good books.

Kiddos - Have suddenly reached a new level of interaction. They can actually spend chunks of time playing...together...at the same activity. It's amazing (usually short-lived...but amazing no less)!

Knitting - It's been two weeks and I'm still knitting the same pattern. That doesn't sound like much, but it's a pretty big accomplishment considering how many things I've cast-on...and then pulled back apart in recent months. I'm still not ready to tempt fate, but details will make their way here soon.

Lists - Full of wonderful Summer prospects and also getting abandoned for sudden urges...like turning cherries into cake...or finally watching an amazing movie that's been on my list for ages.

Slipping II

2009-07-09T14:43:00.009-04:00

A few posts back I talked about these.

And I can now happily (and with remarkable speed) introduce you to these. The slipcovers are actually a few weekends old at this point - slipping was that quick-like.

It would be terribly impressive if I now told you how easy it was to whip these together on the sewing machine and have two chairs covered in one afternoon. It was be a lie though.

Reality:

It took one significantly-out-of-the-way drive to one significantly-worth-the-trip visit to a warehouse sale.

It took one saleslady patiently opening packages and redressing a display chair at least a dozen times, while hubby and I took turns chasing two children who were bordering on levels of it's-lunchtime-I'm-bored-and-this-isn't-a-toystore.

It took one mix-n-match shelf of final clearance covers and the unexpected discovery of these covers for $20 each. Seriously - frustration and labour aside, I can't even buy material for that price!

Result:

The sight of popsicles, chocolate ice cream and any variety of summer berries near my living room is no longer the cause of terror. My cream coloured chairs are protected and have suddenly become magnets for the kiddos (it's like they've noticed them for the first time? or maybe it's that I've stopped twitching? hmmm?)

I'm not convinced that these were exactly the look I was hoping for. But I remind myself that the lines and form of the chairs underneath will see the light of day again when the time is right. This is also the perfect excuse for some summer pillow projects (a far more enjoyable prospect than the covers were).

We've moved furniture around a bit to hide the fabric bunching that this style of cover causes at the back. As a result I now have my eye on a different set of chairs that suddenly don't seem to work in the room anymore. I think I'm having the equivalent of a home-owners-mid-life-crisis (a little early for both me and the house) and want a 'costs-next-to-nothing-do-over' for every room.

There will very likely be a future trip to the fabric store and post titled Slipping III.

Squeals

2009-07-06T12:52:00.003-04:00

Contemplative pause in the action...followed by...
"Do you think I should go in the sprinkler with my clothes on?"

I'm still not sure if the question was really directed at me, or whether she was just releasing it to see how it sounded outside of her head.

Either way, the carefree squeals were worth the wet clothing.

Clouds and Silver Linings

2009-07-03T08:32:00.009-04:00

We've reached the end of our first, unseasonably cool, rain-soaked week of summer vacation. But cool and rainy hasn't really bothered me.

1. Did you notice the glare of my legs in yesterday's photos? Me and the sun have a complicated relationship involving regular and repeated applications of suntan lotion.

2. No need to run the air conditioner. Ka-ching $$.

3. No need to water the lawn. Ka-ching $$.

4. My favourite. No reservations about heating up the kitchen baking a summer staple.

Angel Food Cake

(enjoyed in The Complete Canadian Living Cookbook)

1 3/4 cups sifted cake-and-pastry flour :: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar :: 11 egg whites (about 1 1/2 cups) :: 1 tbsp lemon juice :: 1 tsp cream of tartar :: 1/2 tsp salt :: 2 tsp vanilla :: 1/2 tsp almond extract

Sift flour with half of the sugar. Set aside
In large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add lemon juice, cream of tartar and salt; beat until soft peaks form. Beat in remaining sugar, 2 tbsp at a time, until stiff glossy peaks form. Sift flour mixture over tip, on-quarter at a time, gently folding in each addition until blended. Fold in vanilla and almond extract. Pour into un-greased 10-inch tube pan and smooth top.

Bake in 350F oven for until cake springs back when lightly touched (40 minutes in my oven).

Psst: These can be frozen for up to 1 month. You never know when when you'll need an Angel.

I topped mine with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and the last of some delicious raspberry sauce I made earlier in the month.

I'm sure the forecast will be turning towards summer soon, but in the meantime I'm enjoying the sweetest of silver linings.

Remake

2009-07-02T09:21:00.006-04:00

Rainy summer days.
Grab something from the back of the closet - turn it into something else.

Too-short-pants. Just right shorts.

A perfectly beach-worn shapeless dress from far too long ago.
Now the perfect tank.

I've got my eyes on a stack of old jeans next.

Ripping Happens (alot)

2009-06-29T13:16:00.006-04:00

Last week I mentioned lack of knitting time. Now it's time for reason #2 behind the absence of knit posting - a string of really bad luck in the gauge department.

Despite swatching, I've been knitting with a sinking feeling that what's on my needles is looking too big. And as much as I was hoping for the best (easier than facing the reality of a whole lot of wasted stockinette) a mid-knit fit check gave me the answer I was afraid of.

There is no way that this...

is ever going to fit like this...

So it's back to the drawing board (aka Ravelry and a stack of magazines), which wouldn't discourage me nearly as much if this wasn't my fourth attempt at knitting something with this same batch of yarn. At this point, I think that a switch-up is in order. Fingers crossed for some success to share in the near future (although it's probably not going to help my gauge issues if I knit with my fingers crossed).

Knit Happens

2009-06-24T10:03:00.006-04:00

I know it's been awhile since knitting made it's last appearance in this space. It still happens around here - I promise. Not as often as I would like it to, but I've sort of become reconciled to fact that there are just a lot of daily demands at this stage of parenting and life. And while we ride this out, knitting should be my 'centering' activity, not something to stress or feel guilt over.

So that said, here are a couple of belated objects, made and sent west to a very sweet gal who I've never met but who frequently makes me smile.

I couldn't be happier with the Fetching gloves (unless of course, I was keeping them for myself) and many many more pairs will be knit. Friends and family - speak up now if you want a pair for Christmas. These ones were made with Bernat Cashmere but I also have a few lone skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino that are always calling to me.

The cowl was made using Mel Clarks Diagonal Ribbed Cowl pattern. Knit with Berroco Peruvia the pattern ended up having a bit of a net effect, but I was really happy with the final look. I fell in love with the colourway as soon as I saw this wool, but in the end I actually found it a bit scritchy (hello non-technical term) to work with on this pattern, and probably not as soft as I would have liked. This project has completely tempted me into the world of cowl knitting and I could easily lose an evening browsing patterns and projects on Ravelry; quite possibly the perfect project theme for the hazy lazy days of summer.

Releasing

2009-06-24T09:53:00.007-04:00

The last day of school. Big stuff. Very exciting, and inspiring and mildly terrifying.

And then there's the plain old 'shake my head and wonder where the last 10 months went' thing. I think I was more emotional at drop-off today then I was back in September - now I have a five year with a whole year of school under her belt. Say what?

I stole some crafty-brilliance from the always amazing Erin and whipped up coffee cup cozies for Julia's teacher and the special ladies who are her extra pairs of hands (we should all be so lucky). With gift cards hidden away inside the cups Julia loved carrying her tray of secrets into the school yard. Erin's tutorial made this such a quick and truly fun little project and they are addictive once the assembly line begins. It's fun to sew something that causes no frustration and lets you walk away with a finished product in one evening.

And since I've been on a roll and releasing handmade goodness to others, I shamefully sent out a very belated package to another special lady. So embarrassingly overdue (especially since it's been ready to go for about 2 months now). 1 part me rarely making it to the post office + 1 part second guessing what I made since I've never actually knit for anyone outside of this house + 1 part plain old lack of 'get er done'. But hopefully she'll like it and maybe the delay will just add to the surprise! (ha ha)

Pattern details to follow. Right now, this post has given me a wicked coffee craving and the urge to go make summer dream lists.

* Oh, and also on my list for today - Search for my camera card which I recently took from the chewing monster and put somewhere so secret that even I can't find it! A 16MB card and my grainy old camera just isn't working for me.

Things to do With Doughnuts

2009-06-19T09:46:00.006-04:00

After morning drop-off I needed a pick-me-up (and an ounce of motivation to make it through to noon - it's already one of those days!).

I was thinking that a 10-pack of Tim Bits would go perfect with my coffee and buy me 15 minutes of quiet time while the doughnut monster gets a treat and spends some quality time with Handy Manny. Lessons in sharing and multi-tasking...right?

I left the room for 2 minutes.

He had other ideas for the doughnuts. Apparently the 'sorting' stage has arrived.

At least I still have the coffee...

Do you?

2009-06-16T12:42:00.003-04:00

Knit?

Have kids? Know kids?

Knit for kids?

Like to knit totally stinkin' cute stuff for kids?

Get excited about totally stinkin' cute free patterns for kid knits?

Visit here immediately.

Totally stinkin' amazing!

Slipping

2009-06-12T15:58:00.008-04:00

Last year we were the lucky recipients of two newly-upholstered, cream-coloured armchairs. They came to us from my parents-in-law and I'm not sure what the whole story was - they loved the chairs and had them refurbished, and then decided they wanted something different afterall. When it ends with me getting two new chairs, I don't ask too many questions.

Cream-coloured chairs. Big, comfortable, curl-up and read in, fun to climb on, cream-coloured chairs.

Cream + 5 year old + toddler + transitional family living space = mother of two living in terror

I am frequently heard saying things like:

"Not near the chair."
"Do NOT touch that chair."
"Step back with the chocolate."
"Juice. Chair. Move. Now."
"Why is that coat lying on the back of that chair."
(yup, even the hubby hears the chair rant)

For the sake of the chair, my nerves and the well-being of my loved ones, I've been giving slipcovers some serious thought lately.

And for the record, I have heard that 'easy slipcover' is an oxymoron, and I contemplate this idea knowing that it's not a 'weekend project'. It's more of a summer project (oh no - thoughts of suntan lotion on the chair just whirled through my mind). Thanks to a Friday field trip I'm armed with 7 meters of white broadcloth and plans for a trial cover (at $2 a meter I can still walk away having only wasted $14 and a big chunk of time).

So this is my open call for tips, tricks and general advice (and failing that, recommendations for a moderately priced upholsterer in the Greater Toronto Area).

NOTE: This is why we have a leather couch. Wipeable.

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-06-08T09:45:00.009-04:00

This weekend was an action-packed finale to the 'week of birthday' (Julia + hubby) and I can feel a huge weight of birthday-busyness-stress evaporating.

This year Julia's party took place at a cooking studio attached to our local grocery superstore (if you've never seen Loblaws then that probably sounds like "What?" but trust me it was awesome!). A dozen kids went from full-scale tornado into quiet and content concentration making mini-pizzas (with the most amazing kid-safe cutting tool ever), fruit salad and...

...individually decorated cakes.

I really wanted to share this part because it is something so easy and fun to recreate at home when a rainy day, holiday, or any 'I need cake' day arrives. We'll definitely be doing this again with lots of other possibilities (lady bugs, cat, purses, spiders)

For the girls: Butterflies
Cut a single layer 9" round cake in half, place the two halves together in reverse.

For the boys: Bats
Cut two triangular sections from the bottom of 9" round cake. Place cutout sections at top to make bat ears.

And now after a few weeks filled with way too much running around, it finally feels like we've reached a bit of gentle coasting until the end of school. I'm taking a deep breathe and savouring the moment while it lasts!

The Good Hurt

2009-06-04T09:24:00.009-04:00

My body is a bundle of stiff, painful muscles this morning and I woke up craving something sweet and light: vanilla yogourt, granola and strawberries. It's a guilt-free reward.

Last night I ran 5K (yes, for those who are counting that is twice in a week....gasp) in my personal best time of 33 minutes and 59 seconds. The forced sprint at the end was intense, no doubt because I had someone 'screaming' in my ear...300 m...250m...200m...don't talk you'll waste energy (I'll let you imagine what I had just said to him)...50 more meters! And that's what a terrific run-leader makes you do. Once you can breathe again and the world stops spinning, you'll even thank them for hurting you.

This week marks 1 year since I went to my first running clinic. Over the winter my runs weren't even close to being as consistent as I'd hoped, but the fact that I keep lacing up and getting back in motion makes me proud. The fact that I feel stronger and faster with every run makes me happy.

I know I've said it before, but if you've even given running or walking a passing thought then this place is an amazing starting point. If I can do it than believe me, anyone can. And by the end of this summer I am determined to do it about 3 minutes and 59 seconds faster than last night!

Five

2009-06-02T09:27:00.012-04:00

1

2

3

5!!!!

Since Julia's birthday party isn't until Saturday, she's decided that this isn't her real birthday (but there's no convincing a mom). It does mean a whole week for capturing another year of birthday pictures though.

Today's Plan: Cupcakes : Hide & Seek : Hot Dogs for dinner

That's what a day looks like when the birthday girl gets to pick. It all sounds good to me.

New Week

2009-06-01T15:28:00.007-04:00

This week is starting out with...

A new banner. There are times when I find myself spending more time tweeking than posting. It's sort of like moving furniture around instead of cleaning. I think this latest look is going to be around for a while though (famous last words).
A 5K run...complete (36 minutes and 40 seconds). If I managed to squeeze these runs in more regularly they would go a lot faster and hurt a lot less. Goals are important.
Some knitting after a very long time and several attempts at patterns that just didn't stick. After a few dozen rows I think it's safe to say that I'm back on a roll.
Lots of plans, lots of lists and lots of shopping. June is a big month around here (which will either help or hinder my slacking blog ways).
From Interweave Knits - Spring 2009