The Season of Reason of a Lifetime...

I woke up this morning... thinking.
Thinking about life, the people in it, the people who are long gone, and those I need to reconnect with. I don't have many people I call friends, but the ones I have are true to the core.

Over coffee, I was talking to my friend who is going through a transformation. No, there is no surgery involved, not that kind of transformation. *giggle*

Ahem... back to the serious sounding thinking voice...

For a while I have watched her get treated like a doormat by people who call themselves her friend. Friends don't set out to make you feel like something you step in just to make themselves feel better about their failing life. Friends don't try to belittle your achievements. Friends will not only stand beside you while you are reaching for the stars, they will toss you on their shoulders so you can be that much closer.

There comes a time to break free from the "ticks" in your life, those who do nothing but slowly and steadily suck away at your life, energy, sanity.

Sometimes the reason is to make you stronger.

Artfully Odd

I was logging in this morning and noticed that yesterday (my birthday) was a "milestone" post... on a few levels. I like 101, it's more than 100... and it's odd. Life is odd. It's perfect for today.

The morning started out routine -

1. Elvis off to work - check
2. coffee perking - check
3. Diva laying in bed sick *WHAT?* I'm starting to think she's allergic to Shrugs house or something, she came home sick yesterday.

At least it's sunny out!

OR NOT!

(forgive the horrid voice, I'm still not feeling 100%)

Happy Birthday to ME!

Amazing ~ I've made it another full rotation of the sun! My friend owns an online radio network and this was waiting for me when I logged on to listen this morning. Thank you Mary!!! ~( UBER RADIO )~

I got to sleep in a bit (which was easy since there was nobody home but the cat) and made myself a pot of coffee and headed out to the store to rent a movie.

Barely home an hour and dishes started when Diva came home from the weekend at Shrugs. Sick. Figures! She needed some "Momma Love" and lunch, then off to sleep she went.

My "Don't Ask Me How Old" Birthday Celebration

Dinner - a bucket of chicken, hm shell & cheese, veggies
Dessert - ICE CREAM CAKE!!!!! (it is MY birthday after all)
Movie - THE HELP

(read the book, it's even better!)

Sitting-On-My-Butt Sunny Saturday

Tomorrow is my birthday but Elvis has to work. Today has been dedicated to me. Thing is... I'm not feeling well. Without fail, every January 29th I am sick. Never anything life threatening, but enough to make a person prefer a pillow over a party. He's in the kitchen making me breakfast and then we will watch movies. (That's the end of the catering for me though, I have to make lunch and cook dinner)

People have asked us why we don't have cable. It's a combination of reasons actually. We did have cable about 8 years ago. We must have asked 4 times if it included Nickelodeon and the Disney channels. Of course, they said yes. Guess what? It didn't. For an additional $xx we could upgrade to a package that had those channels and about 100 more that we would never watch. We kept it for a while, but in the end, we saw no point paying all that so we cut back to the local only package. If there is anything we want to watch on a cable station, there is plenty of ways to see them on the computer, for free. Some channels allow you to view them on their websites, and Hulu is pretty good with what they still have for free, you have to wait a week in some cases, but, it's not like the story will change.

The local library rents out dvd's for free. Granted, most of the choices are old, but that works out when we want to share a movie from our past with Diva. Redbox is also pretty good. For $1, you can rent whatever they have available in the boxes. You can rent in one box and return in the other. They have a selection of recent movies with a sprinkling of older ones.

Today we'll watch 3 of the Redbox movies while I knit more dishcloths.

It's Friday. It's raining. It's payday. It smells amazing out there... which is a good thing since I can't see a damn thing through the fog!

Grocery shopping is on the to-do list and I will get it done fairly early because this is definately a "stay warm and knit" sort of day.

I'm currently knitting a dishcloth - it's simple yet pretty.

CO 31 (or any odd number around there)

10 rows of Knit
9 rows of k1 *p1, k1*
15 rows of Knit
9 rows of k1 *p1, k1)
10 rows of Knit
bind off

Finding Strength DEEP Down

Early Morning

Pass the coffee... no... not that little cup, I'm thinking something closer to an oil tanker!

Diva has a doctor's appointment at 8am, oh joy! I've planned it early so maybe, just maybe, she can go to school after. There is about 15 miles between the two, and the majority of that is on the busy side of the highway. -lovely- Of course, she is hoping to be there all day, or at least long enough to stay home.

Diva tells me over and over how she can't wait to start "Momma Academy" (home-school). Things are falling together on that front - note to self, fill out the paperwork!

It's a warm 35f right now (yes, that's warm compared to what it HAS been). Snow coming Thursday, Friday and Sunday... NOOOooo!!!

It's a good thing I have Phoebe to keep me thinking of warmer things. Who's she you ask? Have you never heard of the "Phamous Phoebe"??? There is a 24/7 live feed to a hummingbirds nest. Yesterday she laid the first egg, talk is that she will have the second one on Thursday. This is the second clutch. I missed the first one a few weeks ago.



Live Video app for Facebook by Ustream

*** Note - the stream is in California, if you don't see anything, it's probably too early, lol

Energize!

I am not usually one to read horoscopes, but a friend of mine reads hers daily and on occasion I will go peek at mine. --

You could power cities with your mental energy today! On the off chance that you're not hooked into the power grid, try instead to do some good for the world at large. You've got all night!

Hmmm... Mental energy seems to be the only sort of energy I am running as of late. I've been trying to harness is for the power of good, what a struggle THAT has been! *giggle*

I have been thinking about everything I need to do this year, and the deadlines some of them have. The majority of things I do ARE for other people. But... is it enough? Is there something more I could be doing? Maybe... most likely... probably... yes.

I'm going to use the day to figure out what else I can be doing. I have to hand it to the person who wrote the horoscopes today... I -do- have a lot of mental energy today.

Nurse Furball Says...

Domestic Goddess and Diva are too sick to blog today.

Introducing... Our Newest Addition

About a month ago I had placed an online order of a major store chain. Apparently someone in the programming department is in trouble because the $90 item selling online for $12.50 was a mistake. I knew that it was too good to be true... but sometimes you just have to try!

Imagine my surprise when I got an apologetic email from the store, offering me a $50 online shopping credit! It only took me a minute to figure out what I would apply it towards.

I am sure I will be posting some pics of culinary creations created in this SOON! Right now, I am GIDDY about getting a $99.99 slow-cooker for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE -- I think it may actually make the food taste better...

On a Stick...

Today I ventured out in to the snow to return the video rentals and on the way home I stopped at the drug store for a few "snowsentials". Snowsentials, you know, the things you like to have when curled up under a blanket on a cold day. While walking through the aisles I saw it... the pan that makes cake -- on a stick!

It is a well known fact that food on a stick is just BETTER. Maybe it doesn't taste any different than it's plated cousins, but, come on... it's food... on a stick!

I don't know if I will actually get around to making them tonight, I was thinking about surprising Diva with one in her lunchbox Monday and I know that "Elvis + snow + snacks = 0" especially if said snack is of the small and sweet variety.

That being said, for your viewing pleasure (a video I did not create, upload, or lay claim to) the ULTIMATE food.... on a stick -- JOSE!

Another Great Voice, Forever Silenced

It is common knowledge that I worship the original Diva's... Eartha, Billie, Etta, Aretha. There is something honest, a DEEP DOWN TO THE BONE sort of connection when I hear them sing.

Etta James sang one of my favorite songs, and one that I sing to Elvis often. In honor of Ms. James, I present for your listening pleasures "At Last".

** note, I did not make this video

It's Freaking Cold IN Here...

So put on all your clothes
With a little bit of brr brr
a little bit of brr brr

I can't begin to tell you how cold it is in the house right now, and the sad part is, we HAVE heat and it IS on! I've never had to turn the heat on ever... until recently. Last year our condo was a constant 80 degrees, not so great for the summer but it was more than welcome come late fall, winter and early spring. The condo association replaced the water heater a few months ago and nothings been the same since. A little birdie in a high tree told me that it wouldn't matter what people turned their dials to, the highest that will come out is 70. Great, wonderful, I would LOVE for it to be 70 in here. Why the heck is it only 64 in here????

It's hot chocolate time. The BIG mugs too, none of that itty bitty teacup stuff today. Elvis and Diva are on their way back from school, stopping at Redbox for some movies. The kettle is already pre-boiling so I can just give it a warm-up when they arrive.

Did I mention... it's snowing?

They said it was suppose to start around midnight, according to my watch, they are 10 hours off. They also said it will be 3" - I hope they are better with accumulations than arrivals! Diva was already wondering if there will be school tomorrow. Everyone is hoping for a snow day Friday. There's something exciting and wonderful about watching the two of them enjoy a snowy day.

I guess having them have fun together in the winter wonderland outside is worth the near frostbite I am dealing with inside.

Say NO to SOPA!

Cluck-off!

With a cluck-cluck here, and a cluck cluck there, here a cluck, there a cluck, in my oven goes the cluck cluck...
Can you guess what dinner will be tonight? If you guessed pork chops, sit down before you hurt yourself...

There is something exciting about cooking chicken. Seriously, I'm not making this up. Chicken is exciting! There are so many ways to prepare it that you could do an entire year of chicken dinners and have no repeats. Hmm... a year of chicken. I could do it, not so sure Elvis could.

Originally I was going to cook dinner in the slow cooker, but, the morning got away from me. Just as well, it's a bit chilly in the condo today and the oven heat will help with that. Now, what shall I do with 3 split chicken breasts? Shhhhh... I'm communicating with the chicken... Quit looking at me like that... I'm a Chicken Whisperer!

Pineapple... bbq sauce... pineapple AND bbq sauce? Are you sure? Oh... onion and garlic powder too? If you insist... in the pretty pan? Absolutely!

TADAH - through the magic of the internet, I am back. I bet you didn't even realize I was gone. Dinner is in the oven and now I can focus on other things... like my third cup of coffee!

Chilly, Chilly, Chili!

No school today! Sometimes I wonder who is more excited about days off, me or Diva. It's cold - beyond cold actually. It's a "wrap yourself in a bunch of blankets and take a nap" 18f. Diva curled up on the sofa next to me with a book. I suspected there wasn't much reading going on when I started hearing snoring...

I was talking to a friend of mine this morning and she gave me a recipe. Perfect for the cold, chilly weather. I won't make it until the weekend (mostly because I don't have a car or canned tomatoes right now) but it sounded like the perfect thing to pass on. I don't know where it came from originally, she got it from a friend, who most likely got it from a friend...

Chunky Veggie Chili

3/4lbs browned ground beef or cooked cubed chicken (I'm going with the chicken)
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced bell pepper
3 cloves of crushed garlic
2 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced carrot
2 1/2 tbs chili powder
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp hot sauce
32 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
28 oz whole tomatoes, chopped
16oz tomato sauce
~ Combine in slow-cooker, cook high for 1 hour and then low for remainder of cooking time

There's Something in My Oven... and it Smells GOOD!

Today I decided to get a bit creative in the kitchen. On the menu was suppose to be mac & cheese with ground meat. *yawn* I knew I had to use the ground meat because I had taken it out the the freezer Saturday morning and it was already thawed.

How to get creative with about 1 cup of "meat mix"...  Meat mix is what I call my OAMC mix. It's not always beef, actually, it's usually never beef - I start out with about 10 pounds of whatever ground meat is $1.99/lb or less. After I have taken the plain meat I need for burgers or specialty dinners, I use the remaining 5 pounds or so and add a bag of diced onions, green peppers, a large can of tomatoes, garlic, whatever spices catch my eye and whatever filler I am using (breadcrumbs, crushed corn flakes, oatmeal, etc). I bag the meat in 1 and 2 cup batches and toss it in the freezer. This batch came from some I made in the early fall. I use it to "beef up" whatever I am making.

Tonight's invention had to use what I had on hand since I don't have a car right now (well, I do have a car, but Elvis has it until his is back from the shop). I also had to make sure that whatever it was, it could be heated in the microwave since Elvis doesn't have a set workday and in really hectic days, dinner is long overdue because he doesn't even stop for lunch. Kissing him hello and telling him dinner will take "about an hour" is not the words he wants to hear. I also wanted to use the dutch oven. I love my dutch oven.

"Tonights Stuff"
1 cup of meat mix (whatever meat you choose, I think mine is turkey)
1 container of cottage cheese
1 cup of rice - uncooked
breadcrumbs
usual suspects of spices (I used salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and parsley)

~ Don't use the rice uncooked, so, if you haven't already boiled or steamed it, make sure you do that first.
~ Brown the ground meat, drain. Add cottage cheese to pan and stir it around a few times to get it mixed around and it will be somewhat "melted". Toss in the cooked rice. (This is where using a dutch oven comes in handy, only 1 pan needed). Cover with breadcrumbs.

Bake at 350 for 30 mins

Unbox Boredom!

I wish I had something exciting to post about today.  The sewing machine is still jammed with what was to be a napkin, the checkerboard scarf is still being worked on, I am almost finished watching all the Keeping up Appearances videos. I already went to the bank, the grocery store and the gas station. The food is put away. Brunch is being eatten as I type this.

See?

I'M BORED!

I don't even have making dinner to look forward to tonight. Elvis is once again taking over the kitchen to make some chicken dish a co-worker was talking about. It must be a "guy thing" secret recipe because he won't tell me what's in it.

Oh, I know! I'll make some Cake Box Cookies!!!

1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick butter, at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (18-ounce) box cake mix
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Beat in the egg. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the cake mix.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up so that you can roll the batter into balls.
Roll the chilled batter into tablespoon sized balls and then roll them in confectioner's sugar.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake 12 minutes.

Keeping up Appearances with Antifriggatriskaidekaphobia

I'm not entirely sure if that was a word before, but it is now. Today is, Friday the 13th (start creepy music now). I never understood why people think there is something scary or evil about the date.

I happen to enjoy Fridays and think that 13 is a rather lucky number. Maybe it's because I have a habit of rooting for the underdog. Maybe it's because I like to be different. Maybe it's because I think the number looks cooler than the others.

Today has been a lazy, yet productive day so far. It's payday (although there is a week missing from his check - waiting to hear back on the manager on that one). The bills have been paid for the month, the car is being fixed (and they found more damage than before, but the insurance is picking up the difference) and we should have it back by the end of next week, the roads are wet, but not icy and I don't have to leave the house today. Sounds like a perfect day to me - lounging around in jammies and knitting. (I know I sound like a slug... sitting around in jammies... but, tell me who wouldn't want to be able to lounge around on a cold winters day!)

I haven't been making much progress on the scarf though, I get a row in here or there but my focus has been on Keeping Up Appearances. I really love that show, there is something about Hyacinth. I'm a lot like her in a lot of ways. Always wanting whats best... not always knowing how to go about it. If you have never seen the British comedy series before, you should. Check your PBS listings, or go to Youtube (you have to start with the first episode).  I can only imagine the look of shock and disgust on Mrs. Bucket (that's BOUQUET to you) with my "common" leisure attire.

Slip-Sliding Away

I woke up this morning, just like all other mornings before this one. Padded in my slippers to the kitchen to start the coffee and noticed that there wasn't enough sugar for a cup. Scrapped the coffee idea until after I drop Diva at school. Turned on the local news and started the kettle for cocoa.

Little did I know, running silently under the newscasters was the school closing and delay listing! Had I seen it, I would have raced to the window to properly prepare for the days outing... ice skates would have worked.
Twenty-five minutes of sliding, mumbling, white-knuckling, and reassuring Diva that all is well and singing along to the radio - we finally made it, 9 miles away.

This is NOT the Retreat I Planned!

I woke up this morning excited about a craft retreat a few of us on FV are doing from today until Saturday. Elvis is working, Diva is at school... I broke out the sewing machine after cutting material to make the fabric napkins I had been dreaming about all week!

I was 3/4 done on the first one when the rebellious machine ATE the napkin. Yes. ATE IT!!! It's jammed in so good that I had no choice but to cut it away and give up. I have no desire to take it apart right now, so I put it away... little strip of fabric peeking out of the well and all.

Back to knitting.

Birds Nest Pendants

I've been plugging away at the checkerboard scarf, about 90 rows in to it, I call that a commitment! Knitting is cheaper than therapy, and let's be honest... who's going to harass a woman holding 2 long, sharp sticks???

Last night I decided to give wires a go. I have been coveting the birds nest pendants friends of mine made. *sigh* Oh how I wanted one. I dug out the beads and some wire. After starting to work on the first one, I realized it was a little thicker than I should have used, but, it just meant a little more work.

My camera is AWFUL. I am checking off the days until I can get to the store and get a new one! (Elvis has my car for the next 2 weeks, thanks to the dipstick who hit him... scroll back to read THAT story)
I tried to get a good picture of the ones I made, but the pics are so grainy, it could be anything.

On Second Thought...

Shortly after taking the photo of the staggering rib scarf, I changed my mind about what I wanted. I was talking to a friend of mine about the scarf I made her last Christmas... she's still talking about how much she liked it.

Well... it made me want to frog the whole thing and start over... So... without further ado (and, I'm not frogging this one, promise)

My Checkerboard Scarf
use 2 strands held together
US13 needles
Cast on 22 and knit a row
Rows 1-5: k6, p5, k5, p5, k1
Rows 6-10: k1, p5, k5, p5, k6
repeat pattern until you get to the length you want
knit 1 row
bind off

Staggering Around

You may want to brace yourself... are you sitting? Okay, good. I am making something for myself. I was digging through Yarn Mountain last night and put my hands on a beautiful purple. It was originally going to be made in to a hat & scarf gift for Diva's cousin. The more I looked at that yarn, the more I ran my fingers down the soft fiber, the more I was convinced - it's meant for ME.

I grabbed the "yarn bowl" out of the cabinet and some off-white and the newly claimed purple, along with US13 needles. I have seen the fancy yarn bowls, and if I was using expensive yarn on a daily basis, it may be something I would consider spending $40+ on... but then again, if I was buying expensive yarn, who would have the money for a bowl with a hole in it. I also have a "yarn cup" that I use for my kitchen cotton (don't tell it that it's just a recycled peanut butter jar, it feels important).

Now... what to make with it. I wanted something useful. If I am going to make something for myself, it needs to be useful. At first, I thought about a hat. It's winter, hats are useful. I then thought about mittens. I decided on a scarf. Not just any scarf mind you, since it will be purple & off-white, I wanted something a little fancier than a garter or rib.

I was walking in to the kitchen when it hit me. Well, to be honest, I tripped. That little moment made me remember I had a pattern on Pinterest that would work. Staggered Rib! It's subtle, but *I* know it's there. I started it this morning and ignore the craptastic resolution of my camera (I plan on getting a new one for my birthday in a few weeks).

I am hoping to have it finished by Thursday... hey, I have other things to do than knitting you know. I just heard the weather, something about a nor'easter hitting by the end of the week!

No UFO's Here!

Before you think I've gone off the deep end, talking about visiting aliens or anything. UFO is knit-speak for unfinished objects. I finished the dishcloths for Mom and I finished a hat for one of Diva's cousins. Yes, I am talking about Christmas 2012 gifts - NOW you may look at me as if I have gone off the deep-end. I also finished the mistake rib scarf for my friend.

I popped in to JoAnn's to get the wire I needed, hopefully I will get to make the birds nest pendant this week. Also, I bought some earring hoops. I was feeling creative, but as of right now, I have NO idea what I am going to do with them.

I am technically calling these NON-ufos... they just need to be sewed off, as soon as I can find that itty bitty bottle with all my needles.

That Art of Stout

I was looking at vintage patterns this morning. I love the look of the clothes but they don't flatter my figure at all. I think that women of the 1950's have been pressed in to some assembly line form or something because there seemed to be only one style of dress. Itty bitty waist.

The ad is from Lane Bryant in 1957 (they have been around forever, and no shocker, even the "stout" model is stick thin! Some things don't change I guess.)

It's no wonder I haven't been able to procure a pattern in my ample size. You simply weren't "fat" in those days. If this is what "stout" looked like back then... I must be orbital!

An "older" friend of mine said "Back in the day, if you were a fat chick..it made the man look good - meant you were content and happy". I can only image how jovial I would be if size = happiness.


So, now back to dream shopping the vintage patterns and comparing them to something modern, preferably from Simplicity. You will know if I manage to devise something.

Duck & Cover - Man in Kitchen!

It's Friday. Elvis is home. He's in my kitchen - again! I know a lot of people would be happy if someone else did all the cooking. I'm not one of those people - I honestly enjoy cooking. I do have to admit, when he cooks, it's usually pretty good. Granted, we have totally different cooking styles - I, am a Domestic Goddess in the kitchen, able to make everything from abalone to zucchini. He, is a man. That usually means that whatever it is, there is bacon involved. Dinner tonight is no exception.

I should have known that he was plotting his kitchen coup when he asked what was for dinner - before I even had my first sip of coffee. I wasn't remotely caffeinated at that time so I missed the subtle hints. It wasn't until he was asking about peppers, onions, carrots, mushrooms and BACON did I know, he was up to something.

Bacon Bomb - From what I can tell, it's weaved bacon with ground pork, peppers, onions, a bunch of other things... and everything is rolled up and shoved in the oven. I know he's basting it with bbq sauce every 30 mins. I'm sorry I can't post a recipe for you, but I have no clue what he's doing in there!

*Sniffle, Sniffle, Cough*

I woke up feeling wonderful. Jumped out of bed and made apple cinnamon muffins for breakfast, which my family ate with difficulty - not because they weren't delicious, but because it's hard to chew with your jaw on the floor. Have I not mentioned before, I am NOT a morning person?

Somewhere between the first and second cup of coffee, it happened. Sniffle, sniffle, cough. I am not going to get sick. I simply will not allow it. Lunch will be another batch of the soup, this time with cilantro. Dinner will be baked potato, onion, pepper, chicken and cilantro casserole.

I know what you are thinking - "What's with all the cilantro?" Elvis went to the store to get the ingredients for his salsa. Yes ladies and gents, Elvis is allowed in my kitchen, on rare occasions, after he submits to request in triplicate. He ended up buying a big bunch but only needs a small amount. I want to use it up before it goes bad. Tossing food = not frugal - not Domestic Goddess approved.

Now, what to do with the extra cilantro, it's going in the salsa, it's going in the soup, it's even going in the casserole - dinner muffins.

I know that look, I've seen you with it before... dinner muffins???

Easy Dinner Muffins

1 c. self-rising flour (bisquick)
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. mayonnaise (nobody tell Elvis, he hates mayo. I take that back, hate is not a strong enough word... loathe)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
3T garlic (love garlic)
cilantro (whatever you have on hand)
~~~~Combine all; mix well and drop in a well greased muffin pan. Bake 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes (or however long your oven takes... mine has been rebelious lately)

Baby, It's BEYOND Cold Outside!

It's FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZING outside! I think even penguins would be complaining - it's THAT cold! Does he look happy to you??? I know you can't see me (and be thankful for the shield of the internet) but I am wearing my fleece jammies and thick slippers. I know, the Domestic Goddess in her finest.

Weather like this makes me think of wrapping my hands around a mug of soup... not just any soup - Stracciatella! Wait, what? You don't know what that is??? Come closer, grab a pen, I'll tell you.

Stracciatella basically means "torn apart". The soup isn't pretty, but it is delicious!

3.5C chicken broth
1/2C cup water
1/4C small pasta (I use soup pasta, you could use any type)
1T parsley
1/2t nutmeg
1/2t garlic (I put it in everything)
2T grated cheese
1 egg, beaten
Bring broth to a boil, stir in pasta and cook until tender (check your pasta directions for time). Reduce heat and stir in parsley, nutmeg, garlic and cheese. Pour the egg in to the simmering soup, slowly, and stir once.

That's it - pretty simple, right? If I am making it for a dinner, I will make garlic sticks for dipping. Not a drop of this soup is ever left behind.

Enjoy!

"She's Crafty"

A friend had said that about me. I suppose it could be taken a FEW different ways -- I am going to assume she means that I am good with arts and crafts. Ya, lets go with that.

Martha Stewart, I am not. I don't even have a room dedicated to my inspirations. (Someday, someday) I do have totes upon totes stacked next to hampers full of things... things other than dirty laundry that is!

I've been trying to go through everything in my "crafting stockpile". Thing is, I don't sew as much as I want to. Why? A few different reasons - 1) I don't have a sewing table, yet and 2) I can't sew a sleeve to save my life. I plan on fixing that this year.

In the meantime, I have planned on a few other sewing projects. Fabric napkins being one of them. They are simple, I have the material already, they don't have sleeves!

When I finally get around (hopefully this weekend) to making them, I will post pics of them. Promise you won't laugh. If you do, at least don't point while you are doing it.

For now, I am working on the knitting. I am currently working on a simple, repeat pattern scarf. It's basically a mistake rib pattern. Simple, simple, simple! I enjoy following a pattern, but there are times that I just want to recline on the sofa, watch tv in my snuggie and not have to worry about missing a stitch in a complicated pattern.

My Mistake Rib Pattern

Use any size needle you want - I use a US-10

cast on 27 (or any multiple of 3 if you want a wider scarf, or using smaller needles)

Knit, Knit, Purl, rinse and repeat.

Bind off when you get to the length you want.

I told you it was easy! It makes for a great frugal gift for someone. Don't let the holidays sneak up on you.

Day 2 - In the kitchen

I am trying to make an entry a day to this little piece of internet that I call mine. Not everything will be fun or educational. A sprinkling of whining here and there where appropriate, which is whenever I, the Domestic Goddess said it is.

Eggnog - just the word brings fond memories of the winter holidays, and about 10 pounds to each hip. So, what to do with about a quart of leftover golden goodness? French Toast! Not just any french toast, deliciously baked to a golden crisp, eggnog french toast!

I am sure there are tons of recipes out there for it, but this is how I make mine (and, it's so simple and yummy, why mess with a good thing?)

2 cups eggnog
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
.5 tsp nutmeg
14 slices of full fiber bread (don't look at me like that, fiber is GOOD for you... fine! Use whatever you want)

Preheat oven to 350 and whisk together the ingredients. Spray 2 cookie sheets and proceed with the french toast making. Bake about 20-30 mins, until golden brown. (Flip after about 10 mins to give both sides a good suntan, I hate "squishy" french toast)

When it's cool I cut them in to sticks for a fast, Diva friendly breakfast and pop them in the freezer.

Now that the tummy is full, back to knitting. I finished the peace symbol and smiley face dish cloths. I got about half done on the heart and realized I needed more white cotton (the only color I don't have a ton of). On to the next project!

Peace, Love & Happiness

Once again, this is the first day of a new year. The neighborhood is about as quiet as my house. Diva and Shrugs went back to his house after a dinner party here last night and Elvis just left for work.

I did a personal year-in-review for 2011, all in all, I am happy with everything that happened. We paid off both cars, booked a cruise for later this year, took Diva on a fantastic vacation, I started knitting more, made scarves for the Special Olympics, got to spend some time with friends, and a lot of hugs and kisses. I love my beautiful and artistic daughter. I love my hard working other-half. Heck, I even like my ex-husband!

I decided that 2012 will be the year of "Peace, Love & Happiness" (I know, the title may have been a give away). The Yule gifts this year will come from one (or more) of those categories. I am also aiming for a 100% Homemade Holiday - since I plan on homeschooling Diva for 6th grade starting in September, I had better get moving!

To start things out, I made the first gift of the year - a peace sign dishcloth. I will make the heart and the smiley face ones later today... as soon as the coffee is done perking. Priorities. Those 3 dishcloths, along with complimentary dish towels, and later some homemade cookies will be given to my Mother.

Reclaiming the condo is also on the to-do list for 2012. We got some things done throughout 2011, but the bigger things still need to be done, such as moving the living room furniture around so the sofa isn't near the draft slider anymore. I am not going to buy anything for the condo, other than what is needed for finishing the remodeling (carpets, molding, spackle & paint) We would like to eventually sell this condo and buying things for this place is low on the list.

We may be heading south this year too, literally. Elvis' mom said she really misses him and would like us to meet at his Grandmothers this spring. It's something we are hoping to do this year, even if it has to wait a few months past that. Diva is excited about getting on a plane and seeing them. She hasn't seen any of them since she was 5. Elvis is just about as excited. He doesn't say it much, but I know he's homesick, and being 900+ miles away from family doesn't help. I'm looking forward to it, mostly because I get to tease Elvis about him having to sleep on the sofa while we are at her house. After almost 9 years of being together, sometimes we may forget that we aren't legally married... but she doesn't.

It's going to be an interesting peaceful, loving and happy year ... OR ELSE!