Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Giftmas

Ok only 5 more days left until Giftmas...so ya'll better get your gift knitting done! I waited til the last minute (of course) and didn't even really start mine until YESTERDAY. *headdesk* sooooo... I'll be knitting up a storm this week.

In other news, my Giftmas shopping is done, all I gotta do now is put up the fake tree and wrap the presents for the rugrats.

OH! AND  my favorite holiday candy was on sale at CVS yesterday...so I even bought myself a little present.

yum. Chocolate covered Cherries.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Chihuahua Hoodie

Ok...here it is. My "pattern" for the Chihuahua Hoodie.

Keep in mind that these are more like general instructions, not a row by row pattern.

Measure your dog (or cat) around the stomach, from groin area (you don't want the sweater to cover that area or you will have a messy puppy/kitty) to front legs, between front legs, around neck and length of neck.


CO 48 (or # of stitches needed for your size in an even number)

k2p2 rib ( in the round) for about 1-1.5 inches keeping a marker at the beginning of the round.

Knit (in the round) for about 5 inches (or number of inches from groin to front legs).

Using the beginning of round marker as the center, place two markers on either side of the center to mark how far apart the front leg holes should be. (For my dog his legs are two inches apart, so I placed a marker an inch from center on each side).

Knit to first marker, and then as you knit the next 10 (or 15 for larger dogs) place the stitches on stitch holder or scrap yarn. Continue knitting around to 1o (or 15) stitches before second marker and repeat. Remove the two extra markers. (Leave the beginning of round marker).

Continue knitting around for about 1.5 inches.

k2p2 rib for 1-1.5 inches

Using beginning of round marker as center, count out a third of the stitches on each side of the center and place a marker.



The "top" third of the stitches will be your hood.

K2P2 to first marker.

Knit across the hood stitches placing a marker in the center, turn work and purl back. Turn and knit, turn and purl back. Move marker up each row.


On the next row Knit first stitch and then kfb in the second stitch. knit across to stitch before center, kfb increase, knit center stitch, and then kfb. Knit across to next to last stitch, kfb, knit last stitch.

Repeat increase row every right side row for about two inches.

Skip 2nd and next to last increases and continue center increases until hood is half as tall as necessary.

Knit knits and purl purls until hood is at the right height.

pick up stitches along sides of hood and k2p2 around hood and neck until neck is long enough. Bind off stitches around neck, and continue k2p2 rib around hood stitches until hood is as deep as necessary. Bind off.

I sewed bottom edges of the hood rib to the neck area to give it a good shape when folded back, but you could add a drawstring around instead by weaving a cord through the ribs.



***This "pattern" is untested so please let me know if I didn't write it clearly enough, or if you find a mistake!***

aannnnnnd.... I'm back!

Had a small hiatus from the regular internetz (btw Cox Communications sucks) buuuut... I'm back!

I received the super fun Mukluks from the great folks at CSN... the review and a giveaway will be coming in a couple days...

Nothing else too terribly exciting has transpired the last few days.

I did however, have a small psychotic break over my inability to knit the other day. All I wanted to do was make something small and easy for myself. Apparently the universe didn't appreciate my selfish goal. I was thwarted in EVERY attempt to make myself a pair of freaking Yoga Socks...so I called it quits...and decided that if I couldn't make something for myself...then I was going to knit the next best thing.... something for my dog.

So after a little patttern browsing on Ravelry for inspiration... I decided to knit a hooded sweater (my first hoodie project) without a pattern!

The hood didn't come out perfectly...but it was pretty good for a first try. Next time I need to make it a little wider and taller so that it can be cinched over his ears to stay on.

I kept notes as I worked, so I'm going to post later today with the basic pattern that I used.

That's all I've got for now folks...so stay tuned!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Knitting myself a Pity party...take 2

Welll.... once again I was foiled in my attempt to knit myself something.

I started the Yoga Socks...only to realize that the pattern wasn't written for someone with 17 inch calves. *headdesk*

So I frogged it. And started over with a larger CO. Then I realized that I the larger CO made the foot part too large.*headdesk* So I frogged it.

Sooo.... I started with a p1k1 rib in the foot with two stitches more CO, and I plan on increasing every third row instead of every 8th row once I get past the ankle area....and hopefully I manage to make this work. *sigh*

Friday, December 10, 2010

Pity Party Knitting...

I haven't knit or crocheted something for myself in....well... I actually can't remember when the last time I made something for myself.

So today I feel crummy. I'm surrounded by this dreadful "holiday" crap and I feel like knitting myself a pity party.

So I turned to my LSG hoars (you'd have to be a an LSG hoar to know what an LSG hoar is) and asked for help picking a pity party project...and I've narrowed it down to a few patterns.

Yoga Socks









Mary Jane slippers 
















Capitan Hat     

















I think I'm just going to put all three patterns in a cup and choose one...because I think I love them all equally.

Pics tomorrow of my Pity Party knitting....

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Sick. Blech. Yuck.

I hate getting sick.

I hate the feeling you get when you know you are starting to get sick, and you want to fight it, stop it, do SOMETHING to keep it from happening.

But you can't. You just have to suffer and wait for the inevitable to happen. Yesterday it was a headache that I woke up with. By the afternoon my neck was sore and my stomach was queasy. By last night it was a fever, with pressure in my ears and jaw.

Great. Juuuust great. I wake up this morning, and yup, headache...check. Neckache...check. Sinus pressure and ear pain... check.

Damnit. I'm sick.

aaaaannnnnd.... because being sick doesn't SUCK enough, I'm still out of coffee creamer and stuck in the house.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

It's just not the same.

I am a coffee addict. BAD. I am not a pretty sight in the morning until I've had my cup (or five) of coffee.

I like my coffee with creamer. Only problem with that is... I ran out of creamer.

So now I'm drinking my coffee with milk and sugar.

It's just not the same.

*sadface*




I wish I had the forethought to keep flavored powder creamer in the cabinet as a backup plan.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Get money back for shopping!

One thing that I hate the most about this time of year is spending money. I love buying things for my kids, but there is so much pressure to give them a "big christmas" that I end up stressed out about what I can't buy them instead of enjoying what I can.

So I think this year I am going to scour the internet for deals, and I'm going to pass them all on to everyone else, I know I'm not the only one sweatin the last minute christmas shopping blues.

So first off I wanted to share my new find.Ebates. Shop at your favorite stores through them and GET MONEY BACK! How awesome is that?

So click this link to sign up, and right away you'll have five bucks (and I'll get five bucks too!) in your account. You can have your money sent to you by check or to your paypal account. Super easy!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=1AoeCMrTAQ%2FV5CfcfCxuSg%3D%3D

If you sign up using this link, comment on this post and get ten entries in next weeks giveaway that I'm planning... it's pretty awesome, so you don't want to miss out!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Doesn't even feel like Saturday...

I totally forgot today was Saturday. I woke up this morning and after dragging myself with one eye open to the couch to lay down and supervise Ru and her cereal, I flipped on the TV and was PISSED OFF to find Law & Order on TNT instead of my usual morning dose of Charmed.

I was all kinds of ragey and got out my phone, and started Googling to see if TNT changed my favorite morning lineup of TV shows. Then I realized.

It's Saturday.

Charmed doesn't come on in the morning on Saturday.

So I'm relieved because this means that Charmed hasn't been moved, but I'm totally confused because how did it get to be Saturday?

Friday, December 3, 2010

Peanut Butter and Jelly...its whats for dinner.

Tonight is one of those nights when I just don't have it in me to do more than make a couple of sandwiches.

It's a good thing that my kids love PB&J!  

Yay! Boots!!

Are we ready for another giveaway?? CSN has been nice enough to offer me the opportunity to do a review and giveaway for them!

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags, counter height stools, or lucky for us...BOOTS!


In keeping with the general knitting love theme of my blog... that giving away a knit item would be appropriate. Soooo....drumroll please....


I'll be giving away a pair of these cozy looking Mukluks


So stay tuned for the review and giveaway instructions that are coming soon...

Thursday, December 2, 2010

I wish it were colder...

After five minutes spent on Facebook reading about everyone and their snow and their subzero temperatures... I realize I'm totally jealous.

Why am I jealous? Not because I like snow, I don't. Not because I like cold weather... I don't really.

I want it to be cold here so I can wear boots and big comfy sweaters. I want to be able to wear the hats that I make for everyone else... and maybe even make a scarf that I get to actually keep!

Drinking hot cocoa and snuggling in blankets is a lot more attractive an idea when you don't have to turn on the fan or AC to warrant the blanket.

*sigh*

I guess I could just wear the comfy boots with my sweatpants and tshirts...and I guess I could drink my hot cocoa iced... but it's just not the same.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Hey Santa...if you're reading this...

Just in case Santa is reading this I would like to add a couple things to my list...

I reeeeallllly want this : http://www.harrietcarter.com/entertainment_just-for-fun/yarn-organizer/

annnnd this:  http://www.namasteinc.com/products/handbags/pop_themonroe_photos.php

Oh, and a gift certificate to Dragonfly Yarns.

Thanks!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

My first design...FINISHED!

I finally did it. I designed a pattern, and it actually turned out the way I wanted it to. I'm pretty proud of myself. lol

I don't have a picture of it on the real dog yet...but here it is on the closest thing I had to a weinie dog (which is the weinie dog squeak toy that we refer to as my chihuahua's  Boyfriend)

It isn't a terribly complicated pattern, but I think it's pretty good for my first try!

It's a simple cable-knit pattern with a ribbed stomach area/neck/border for stretch purposes. I decided not to add little sleeves because Weinie dogs aren't known for their long legs. lol

I think that my next attempt at a totally by me pattern will be something a little more difficult... but I haven't yet decided what that will be....so stay tuned.

As soon as I finish writing this pattern out in a way that makes sense to someone other than myself... I will post it here and on Rav so that someone else can give it a try!

Monday, November 8, 2010

My very first...

I've finally decided to start seriously attempting designing my own patterns. That has been the one thing holding me back from really making a go at turning my hobby into a business.

So my first REAL attempt at this pattern designing thing is... a Dog Sweater! I had a custom request from someone here in town to make a cableknit sweater for their Doxie... so I searched around and looked at patterns, did some measuring and some drawing...and came up with an idea.

So far I'm about seven inches in to the pattern, and it's turning out exactly how I wanted it to....I haven't even had to frog it once!

I'm not going to post a picture of it until I finish it (and hopefully find a dog to try it on before I send it to its new home...) but so far soo good!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

AAAAAHHHHHH! Dangit!

So this morning I go to pick up the hat I've been working on for the last few days...and I realize that my four year old got a hold of the scissors this morning and clipped a few stitches in the back.

So I've spent the last two hours trying to repair the damage...because this yarn I'm working with won't hold up to being frogged and re-knit. I think I've got it fixed at least so that it isn't a total loss...

Good thing this project is for a friend, I can explain that the baby "helped".

*sigh*

I've got a lot to get done today, can't spend too much time crying over it. Once I get this hat finished I have a Dog sweater to knit, and like ten other projects to finish.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

So many projects...so little time...

One of my favorite things to do is to browse the patterns on Ravelry. Thousands and Thousands of knit and crochet patterns...and I want to make them ALL!

I have four projects right now that I'm working on, and I need to buckle down and finish these before I start fishing for new projects...but with the holidays coming up (even though I hate Christmas, I think I can stomach knitting for Christmas) I already feel the push to start knitting gifts.

I think the next thing for me to do is to really start trying to design my own patterns so that I can really commit to making this knitting thing make some money for me. At least then I can justify my yarn buying...lol

Ok, well I suppose I should stop blogging and go do what I said I needed to do and get to knitting!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

There is a first for everything...

This year I am going to send out Christmas Cards. It's an amazing and totally unprecedented event.

Allow me to explain.

I hate Christmas. I've never liked celebrating it, and the only reason I do is because I have kids, and I'm pretty sure that denying your children Christmas is considered child abuse.

But anyways, back to the Christmas cards.

After much searching I've decided to go with Shutterfly and their line of Christmas Cards.
 I really want to go with photo Christmas Cards and Shutterfly has the best deals, and great quality cards.

I think I'm going to go with "Most Wonderful Story"  

*those aren't my girls in that picture, just the stock image for the card*

If you haven't chosen your Christmas Cards yet, check out Shutterfly and their line of affordable cards!

Knifty Thrifty is on Facebook!!

If you are a follower, or if you would like to be... you can follow Knifty Thrifty a few different ways...

There is the Google Friend Connect option (on the left hand side of this page), you could follow via RSS feed (also on the left hand side of this page), you could follow on Twitter @KniftyThrifty, on Plurk and now on Facebook!!

I am getting organized to start a network of bloggers to promote each other's blogs/businesses... specifically bloggers that are related to knitting/crocheting/yarn/spinning or pattern making...but really any of you out there that have a blog or business you would like to join in to promote is welcome!

If you are interested you can email me or send me a message through Facebook, Twitter or Plurk!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy Halloween! (a little late)

 Happy Halloween!!

I totally forgot to post this last night...so I'm a little behind. lol

Last year I said I was going to make the girls costume totally by hand...and then by the time I realized how close halloween was... I only had time to make about half of one of them.





So Lily wanted to be a witch and Ru wanted to be a kitten...so I made Ru's ears, paws, collar and tail myself (all knit of course) and bought her little "suit" from Walmart.  



Lily's costume was all store bought, it's a little harder to make a witch costume with a small budget and very little time. It took FOREVER to do her makeup, because the cheap walmart halloween facepaint took like ten layers to get it to actually look right.

Trick or Treating was a little frustrating. We had to walk across the street to the neighborhood across the street from us, and there were so many houses with no one home, but they left their porch lights on (don't they know halloween etiquette says to turn the porch light off if you aren't handing out candy!) so for ever five houses the girls walked up to, there was maybe two that handed out candy.  That's a lot of walking for a four year old.
Of course I almost got us lost because these stupid neighborhoods all the houses look the same. It's like walking around in a cornfield at night.

So next year I'm going to plan better and start making the costumes in July like I should have this year. lol

Friday, October 29, 2010

Thankful

This morning I was reading one of the Mommy blogs that I follow A Story of Two Moms and reading about the struggles that they are having with their preemie triplets, and then saw on Facebook about another family that is struggling with the loss of one of their premature twins.

It made me want to do nothing today but hold my babies. I am so blessed to have two beautiful healthy children, and I think that there are many days when we get so caught up in the superficial struggles that we forget what is REALLY important.

So go hug your babies. Say a prayer for all of the families out there today that are struggling with things much bigger than your own troubles.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Winners!

Winners were chosen...and have been contacted!!


FYI folks, next giveaway I'm going to be a stickler for the rules. Please include your EMAIL in the comments!! It's a pain in the butt to play detective trying to figure out ways to contact the winners without an email!!

But anywhooo......

I'm making the prize for the next giveaway myself...so it will be about two weeks...but stay tuned!

Friday, October 22, 2010

GIVEAWAY!!!! Do you have a yarn addiction?? GIVEAWAY!!! THREE WINNERS!


I've got some GREAT stuff for you!!

I've got FOUR great prizes, so this giveaway will have THREE WINNERS!!

Let's get down to business!

The mandatory entry  for this giveaway, the first is to follow Knifty Thrifty by subscription or by Google Friend Connect and leave a comment, or if you are already a follower let me know that!

The contest will run from 9am Friday October 22nd, to 9am Tuesday, October 26th.

Winners will be chosen by Random.org and notified by email. After 24hrs new winners will be chosen in event that the winner doesn't respond.

You may enter to win all three prizes by leaving separate comments for all three prizes.

Please include your email in your comment so I can reach you if you win!

*ALL ENTRIES MUST BE MADE IN SEPARATE COMMENTS*

              Prize #1                                 

Jeli the Elephant and choice of TWO patterns from Charlotte at Princess Delerium!
Mandatory entry: visit www.princess-delirium.com and subscribe to Charlotte's RSS feed. 

Extra entries: Follow @endlessdelirium on Twitter



TEN ENTRIES for a verified purchase made before the end of the contest!






Prize #2

Project bag and set of beautiful stitch markers from Nicole at Spinners World!

Mandatory entry: Visit Spinners World and subscribe to her shop feed!

Extra entries: Follow Nicole's Blog via Google Friend connect
Sale!
10% off any purchase of $7.00 or more.
Vaild from 10/21-10/31.
Use code:October
Only 1 Coupon Code per customer.

TEN ENTRIES for a verified purchase made before the end of the contest!




Prize #3

Set of stitch markers and winners choice of pattern from HANDARBEITSKRAM!

Mandatory entry: Visit HANDARBEITSKRAM and subscribe to her shop feed!

Extra entries: Share HANDARBEITSKRAM on Facebook (and be sure to leave your facebook name in your comment!)


TEN ENTRIES for a verified purchase made before the end of the contest! 


Thank you for participating! 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tell me what you think...

I've been planning and plotting for a while now to arrange a giveaway geared toward other yarn addicts like myself... and I could use some input from all of my knitters/crocheters out there.

What would you LOVE to see in a giveaway? Is there a brand you would never splurge to buy yourself? A cool knitting gadget that you've always wanted to try but haven't? Or just your favorite sock yarn or needle/hook cozy?

Leave a comment on this post with your suggestions and when the giveaway happens everyone who has commented will get 5 extra entries!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Always a Bridesmaid...

Last weekend my Baby Sister became a Mrs.

She's 24 so its not like shes a baby...but I still tear up everytime I think about it.

Living as far away from my family as I do, I don't get to spend that much time with her, and being able to hang with her last weekend, and watch her in all of her bridal glory, was pretty special.

We are very lucky to be as close as we are. I know a lot of adult women who can't say that their sisters are also their friends. I can say that, and I appreciate how special a relationship like this is.

I guess we have my Mom to thank for that. She never let us be indifferent to each other. I grew up with a sense of responsibility for my siblings and I truly believe that it made us closer as adults. I plan on raising my girls the same way.

Like any other family we have had our trials and tribulations, ups and downs and rollercoasters and all that other good stuff, but when it comes to the important stuff, we all come together and have one helluva good time.
 

I am so proud of my sister and her new husband, they planned a great day, and everything went off smoothly and it was a beautiful day. I can't wait til my girls are all grown up so Auntie Roni can plan their weddings too! (hahahahaha)








Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

I haven't done one of these in a while... Ooh. Crap. I think I just screwed up the whole point of wordless wednesday. lol OH well.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Coffee Sweaters and Chapeau's...

Not a lot to blog about this week... finished a couple of projects...

Ru's Turtle



Cabled Chapeau


Cabled Coffee Sweater

Next up... another coffee sweater. Turns out a few people on my Facebook want one...so I've got somethin to keep me busy until my next big project presents itself...






Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Twice in one week? Miracle!

Holy Cow! I'm actually posting TWO blog entries within a few days. Twice in one week. I'm pretty proud of myself. lol

Thought today would be as good a day as any to update the interwebz on my knitting/crocheting projects that have been keeping these hands of mine busy lately.

First we have the pink/purple baby sweater set...

This set is being made for my friend Krissy, for her new baby niece. It's turned out pretty well...only things left to do are the ribbon drawstring and the buttons need to be sewn on. I also need to do a bunny hat, a matching hat and some booties too...but those are taking a little longer than I had planned. This yarn can be difficult to work with in small patterns.

Also in progress at the moment is a Spiderman Afghan for Krissy's nephew...so far its turning out really good...just have a few more rows to add, and then the black webbing from the outside edge into the center.



 And in other news... well...there isn't any other news. lol.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Motherhood...

This morning while doing some crocheting in bed I watched the movie Motherhood (starring Uma Thurman, Minnie Driver and Anthony Edwards). The movie is basically a day in the life of this New York Mom as she prepares for her daughters sixth birthday party while she simultaneously tries to write a 500 word essay about what Motherhood means to her as an entry for a parenting magazine contest.

It got me thinking. What does Motherhood mean to me? There aren't enough hours in the day for me to list all of the ways that my life has changed since that day 10 years ago when I first heard the words "You're pregnant". Every woman experiences these changes...but it means something different to each of us.

What does it mean to me?

It means everything. When I wake up in the morning, my first thought is about my babies. Every choice I make all day long, from what I have for breakfast, to what the thermostat is set on at night... is impacted and effected by what those girls need first, and then by what I need or want second. They are everything that matters in my world, and I am blessed and honored to be their Mother. That being said...

I have never been one of those Mom's that parent "by the book". When my oldest was born, I wasn't one of those crazed new Mom's that won't let anyone hold the baby, or that never leaves the house because there may be germs. When she was three months old and spit her pacifier out and it hit the floor... I picked it up, stuck it in my mouth to clean it off, and then gave it back to her. When she was 6 months old, I let her cry it out at naptime because I needed to get things done without carrying her around.

I let her get dirty at the park, and let her fall and scrape her knees, because she had to learn to watch where she was running. I have always been strict about how she behaved because I didn't want her to grow up thinking she could get away with doing anything she wanted. I made her eat food she didn't like, and forced her to say please and thank you.

When I had my second, I let the older one help. I let her hold her sister and help change diapers... I made her responsible for things, because I want her to grow up feeling responsible for her sister. I believe that someday it will make them closer...because my Mom did the same thing with me and my sister, and I feel like without that responsibility to each other we wouldn't be as close as we are now as adults.

I believe that every Mom has to do things the way that is best for her. NOT what the books/magazines or blogs say.

I am a Mom. That is who and what I am. Motherhood is one of my defining features, and I'm proud of that.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Facebook and Plurk and Twitter OH MY!

Like many other people, lately I have been growing increasingly frustrated with Facebook. I used to love facebook for the games, and the ability to so easily and simply communicate and share things with all of my friends/family. Now... the games are pretty much un-playable because of all of the clutter and spam crap. Facebook keeps "improving" so that now half of my friends don't show up on my newsfeed and I have to go hunting to find out whats going on in everyones world. That pretty much defeats the purpose.

I used to be a Twitter fanatic...but have grown tired of it too. Twitter seems to be nothing more than a place for celebrities to toot their own horns and spammers to bombard us with links to "Free Porn" and "Work at Home" opportunities.

The only place that I feel is truly a SOCIAL network anymore, is Plurk. I love me some Plurk. I'm definitely there more than I am anywhere else. It's social, and fun...very little (pretty much NONE) spam and I have not seen ONE CELEBRITY with a Plurk page. NOT to mention that all my totally awesome Knitting/Crocheting friends are there.


In other news... I'm working on this purse with a little bit changed to add some width (and thanks to picnicknits for modifying the pattern for me!)... so far I'm less than a quarter through...but so far so good.


Hmmm...what else is new in my world this week... nothing. lol. I lead such an exciting existence. lol.



Last but not least... check out my Blogroll ----->>
I've added some really awesome blogs that I read...and you should too!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Pretty purple Headband...

Last night I was sitting on the couch playing on the computer and my 9 year old came in and asked me to make her something. After an hour of sitting on Ravelry's new search engine looking for what she wanted...she just decides she wants a headband.

So we start looking for headband patterns. There are tons of headband patterns....if you live in the Arctic Circle. We live in Arizona. It's 112 degrees outside...in the shade.

I decided to just freehand it. Picked up the crochet hook and the yarn and just winged it.

Turned out pretty cute I think...

I don't love the yarn that we used...it was just a little bit of scrap that I found in the bottom of my "yarn bucket"... I think the next one I make will be with a fancier prettier maybe shiny yarn...

Next project is a girly baby set for a friends neice that is due any day...I'm just waiting for her to send me the yarn so I can get to knitting!

Monday, July 26, 2010

haha...so much for blogging every day...lol

Ok, so I have been totally derelict in my blogging duties...my apologies.

Here is the haps:

Finished my first "baby set"...it turned out pretty good for my first effort. Next time will be even more better. lol


Ummm...lets see.... oH ya. Made a really neat watch cap that my Gf picked out, it turned out pretty good despite the fact that I had the wrong size needles and wrong type of yarn. lol



Everything else in our life is pretty much the same as always...just livin life and getting through.

Things aren't always perfect, but when things aren't perfect is when you learn to appreciate the good things, ya know?

I promise I'll be blogging more... I really will! I hope.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Do you like fun stuff?

Do you like fun stuff? I know I like fun stuff...so here is a link you should click( http://www.artfire.com/users/Spinners_World ) ...go visit Spinners_World and buy fun stuff!

I found this lovely lady on Plurk (which btw is waaaay better than Twitter, so if you aren't already a member you should join!) and have been enjoying all of her witty commentary and knit/spin/craft posts.

In other news I have been busy busy busy with lots of crochet projects...but I feel my crochet kick is coming to an end. I think I will be reverting back to Knitting here pretty soon... I'm going to buy sock yarn and make a few more pairs of socks. Maybe even a sweater...*gasp*

I will be back to posting and blogging and participating in social stuff again fairly soon...so stay tuned!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Just wanted to tell everyone about the Knit/Crochet Charity that we have started...

The idea for The Common Thread started when my friend and I were researching Knit/Crochet charities that we could suggest to members of our message board to take part in as a group.

When we couldn’t find one that provided comfort to AIDS hospice organizations and HIV/AIDS patients specifically…we decided to start one of our own!


The Common Thread will be knitting and crocheting items to send to HIV/AIDS support centers and AIDS hospice patients in our members area. Each “cycle” we will take turns having our members choose the location we will send our package to.

We welcome ALL who want to be a part of this group, any skill level is welcome!

If you are interested in participating or donating yarn or materials visit The Common Thread Facebook or Ravelry pages for more information or email commonthreademail@gmail.com.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Last day of school....

So as of an hour and a half ago...my baby is officially a Fourth Grader. *sigh* I just can't believe how fast the time has gone by! It seems like only yesterday I was dropping her off for her first day of preschool.

All the other kids were crying and clinging to their Mom's... not my kid. She stood there for about half a second and then walked away. I watched her for a few minutes and then she came over and told me "Go to work MOm. Bye!" and that was it. She never looked back.

Gawd I feel old. lol

I wish we could just slow down time, it just goes by so fast.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Knifty Thrifty got a Makeover!

I just wanted to point out that as of about five minutes ago, Knifty Thrifty got a whole new look, thanks to Farah from The Sweetest Impressions!

She took everything that I wanted into consideration and even put up with what a picky pain in the you-know-what I can be... and it looks fabulous!

If you are in the market for a new blog design, or for custom print work, be sure to check out their website at www.thesweetestimpressions.com!

Also stay tuned for an awesome giveaway featuring The Sweetest Impressions!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

I swear I still make stuff... and other news.

I've been so absorbed with all of my blog stuff lately that I was neglecting my knitting/crocheting... so when the need arose this week to make something for a friend who is having a baby in August.

So the other day I embarked on a new project...a star shaped baby blanket.

This is my progress so far, I started on Friday, and keeping in mind I didn't work on it at all Saturday, and barely at all so far today. So lets call it Day 3.

The baby is going to be a boy, and although I do already know what his name will be... I don't so much feel like embroidering his name on it...on the off chance that my friend changes her mind and names him something else.

I think that this may become my signature baby gift instead of hats and booties. It's quicker, easier for me to make, but looks difficult and I'm pretty sure that it won't be a repeat gift.

I may decide to make a matching hat with a little star on it... we'll see.

I'm still working on my afghan that  I started a few months ago...it's kind of my whenever I'm bored but don't have anything else to work on project. It's about to be summer in the desert...so it's not exactly like we have a serious need for heavy blankets. I would like to have it done before the end of the summer though so I can have it on my bed for when my sister comes to visit next fall.

In other news... I leave for my first visit "home" in two years in about three weeks...and I'm a little anxious...but I'm going with the optimistic attitude that it will all be good and fine and I'll have worried all of this time for no reason at all.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

ANNND.... just because I felt like it, here is a funny picture of my fat black cat Athena, affectionately known around here as F.A. (short for Fat Ass).
She likes to lay on her back under the coffee table with her feet sticking out the sides. I have no idea why. lol

Saturday, May 15, 2010

We have a WINNER!!!

Ok, it's time to announce the winner of my first GIVEAWAY!!

Drumroll please........ the winner is....WENDI P.


Wendi P said...


Tweeted today #1
http://twitter.com/WendiP/status/13798401447
thanks!!!!!!!

Wendi has 48 hours to respond to the email I just sent her...and if she doesn't then a new winner will be chosen!
Thank you to everyone who participated in my first giveaway...and stay tuned because there will be many more to come including our participation in BLOGMANIA!
 

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Social Parade!

Over at Smart and Trendy Mom's they are hosting a weekly social link up to help all of us get to know each other! Awesome idea!


Smart and Trendy Moms


I'm not new to blog world but I'm having my first giveaway this week and doing my first product reviews starting next week... I'm really excited to do more with this blog than just journal.

So I hope that I make some new blog friends today, and I hope some (or all!) will check out and enter the giveaway...

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

If I was a rich girl...

I would have a maid.

Not a housekeeper. I can cook and take care of my kids just fine... I just want someone to come over and clean my house. I hate, hate, HATE, cleaning. I do it anyways of course, but I hate it.

If I don't feel good, if I have a headache or didn't get enough sleep, I have no motivation to clean the kitchen. It doesn't bother me on any deep levels that my laundry room is cluttered or that my shelves need to be dusted.

I wasn't raised to be a housewife...and yet, I find myself in that role. It's supposed to be my responsibility to keep the house and all the domestic things that come along with it...and I find myself resenting that all the time.

I should take pride in our house right? I should WANT to clean and make it look nice... but I don't.
Now don't get me wrong, we aren't living in filth or anything...but I'm definitely no Danny Tanner. (haha I'll give a gold star to anyone who gets that reference).

I'm struggling with how to make myself better at being a housewife. How do you overcome a lifetime's aversion to housework and become Mrs. Clean?

Sunday, May 9, 2010

My FIRST GIVEAWAY! Win a Beautiful necklace from SarahCatePhotography!

It's time! I just couldn't wait any longer! My first giveaway!           

The fabulous Sarah from SarahCatePhotography has offered one of her beautiful peices of jewelry to one of my lucky readers!

I asked Sarah to answer a couple of "get to know you" questions so we could all get to know the creative mind behind the beatiful work...



How long have you been making jewelry? What inspired you to begin?

I started beading when I lived in the middle of nowhere in Oregon. I didn't really know anyone, and we lived in this tiny one-stoplight town with absolutely nothing to do. I worked at a craft store and started beading on a whim for something to do. I think I probably wanted something to match a specific outfit and couldn't find anything in stores. Also, since I'm a big girl, I tend to have a hard time finding necklaces in particular that will actually fit me well without being too short or too tight. For the first year or so that I beaded, I mostly used fishing line (because it was cheap and strong), and then started using wire, making more intricate designs, and branching out to make earrings, bracelets even the occasional anklet. I was very lucky in Oregon to know a couple who mined for natural agates. They would come to store every month or so and give me first pick of polished natural agates for wire wrapping.

When I moved to Texas, I worked at another craft store and used my discount to boost my beading supply cabinet yet again, and every 6 months or so I get into a mood and do a boatload of beading. Most of the beading I do now is by special request, or because I need something to photograph, but I still have all kinds of jewelry leftover from other beading binges that need to find new necks to hang from!


 How long have you been taking pictures? What inspired you to start? 

I dabbled in photography a little bit in Oregon too, but it really took off about 6 months after I moved to Texas. For Christmas my godmother bought me a Fuji s5700 after a long and thoughtful search for a better camera. It was sort of a stepping stone between your typical point-and-shoot, and the more serious changeable lens dSLRs on the market. I spent the next year honing my craft, learning the camera's manual settings slowly but surely, mostly be experimentation and .. well, by accident!

Somewhere along the way it became clear to my friends and family that I actually have a decent eye, and tend to notice and photograph everyday things that most people don't even notice. In 2008 I got brave and asked my dad to support my new addiction and was rewarded with the (then-new model) Canon Rebel XSi. Another year of practice and learning, this time a little more seriously and I finally feel like I really know what I'm doing-- most of the time. A lot of my best shots are still about 25% happy accident. I'm into my 3rd year of photography as a serious.. hobby (for lack of a better word) and have every hope that someday it will be my primary career. And even if I can never quit my day job, I love the creative release of photography, and the way it forces me to look more closely at the world I live in.
 
OK! So lets get to the giveaway!
 
One lucky lady/or Mr. Lady (lol) will win this lovely Seahorse necklace by SarahCatePhotogphy!

 
How To Win:

*Leave a comment for EACH entry*
(If an entry is says "3 entries", leave 3 separate comments for that entry)
Please include an email address with each entry!

Mandatory Entries:
•Publicly follow my blog or let me know you already do.
•Visit SarahCatePhotography and leave a comment telling me what other product you'd like to own.

Extra Entries:
•Follow me on Twitter. (1 entry)
•Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and leave a link. *this can be done once a day* (2 entries)
" RT- Win a fabulous necklace  from @SarahCatePhotog! http://tinyurl.com/29nzzvb @kniftythrifty #giveaway"
•Blog about this giveaway and leave a link. (5 entries)
•Follow SarahCatePhotography on Facebook and leave username in comment (2 entries)
•Follow SarahCatePhotography on Twitter (1 entry)

Giveaway begins 12am Monday May 10th and ends 12am on Saturday May 15th. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced Saturday! Winner will be notified by email and have 48hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

I just couldn't wait!

I've been plotting and planning when the right time for my first giveaway was going to be...what I would give away, what I would require for entries...well I have it all figured out, and I just couldn't wait to get started.

I was going to wait until I had more followers, and had a more established foundation...but I just can't wait!

My first Giveaway will begin Monday at 12am and go until Friday at 12am. I'll be posting it shortly!!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Today is the day.

I am the worst procrastinator. If there is something that I don't want to do... I will stall till the END OF TIME to avoid having to do it.

Unfortunately my house has not yet learned how to clean itself. So today is the day. Today I am going to crank up the motivational cleaning music (otherwise known as my country playlist) and I'm going to clean the you-know-what out of this apartment.

Here is my List

1. Kitchen counters- putting away all the random crap that has accumulated on my countertops, dishes, stove, and worst of all, the floor *sadface*

2. The living room-The coffee table needs to be cleared, bad. I'm a horrible packrat and it shows in the middle of my living room. The floor needs to be vacuumed and everything needs to be dusted. Oh, and the couch needs to be vacuumed because of the glitter that is covering my whole house from the Glow Bug costume construction.

3. Bathrooms- I have been avoiding cleaning my bathroom for like a month. It's time.

4. Laundry room- It's so cluttered and I've got about five loads of laundry that need to be done.

5. My bedroom- I need to get the dressers cleared, the closet organized and everything dusted.

Ok, theres my list for today. If you see me online today before I have come back to cross off all of these things from my list... you have my permission to yell at me.

(unless of course you see me online and are telling me that I finally won one of the Hana irons...) lol

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

I survived the Relay!

Saturday night was the Relay for Life...and we made it through the whole thing...barely.

I'm proud of us for making it through, and for our team raising $500 for the American Cancer Society!

A few pictures...
                                                         
                                                     

The Glow Bug costume that I worked so hard on....

Thursday, April 29, 2010

How I save money...

Time to add a little meat to this blog. All these fluffy giveaway posts are annoying, I know.

I operate on a very small budget. When I say small, I mean SMALL. We are pretty much broke, pretty much all the time. We are still a happy little family, but by no means financially well off. lol.

This means that I have to save every penny I can on whatever I can, as often as I can...so I am pretty cheap. I very rarely spend any money on myself, even when I grocery shop I buy the things that everyone else in the house wants to eat, and usually skip my favorite stuff because it just doesn't seem to make any sense to buy things for just myself.
At the Grocery store, I always have my coupons with me. I have a binder organized by types of products (Frozen, dry goods, dairy...etc) and I always check all of the grocery ads and make a list of all of the sale items, I match what coupons I have for what's on sale so I know what the cheapest items are going to be, then I make my grocery list based on whats on sale. I don't buy much brand name stuff, because the Store Brand is cheaper, and usually tastes just as good. I don't impulse buy. I hate taking other people shopping with me because I have a shopping system and any disruption to my system can cause me to miss something on my list, and usually means stuff that isn't on my lists ends up in the basket. I hate that.
Gf is the worst about that. I HATE taking her with me when I'm trying to stick to a budget because she will see something she wants, and figure "it's only a couple dollars.." and toss it in the cart. Then when we get in the car, she is irritated because I went twenty dollars over budget. Well DUH! When I have someone else grabbing five or six things that AREN'T ON MY LIST that messes with my budget!
If the stores that have things on sale aren't doubling or tripling coupons, then I go to Super Walmart and admatch. They will match the lowest advertised price of any regular grocery store. Sometimes they have the lowest price on things, but the few cents saved on all the things that aren't lowest really add up.
On average I save at least 35% but usually more by watching the ads and using my coupons. It takes time, but in the end my bottom line shows the effort is worth it.

Another way that I save...is by not buying things that I can get for free. I'm lucky to have friends with daughters a year or two older than mine, because the hand-me-downs are great! It saves SO MUCH MONEY to not have to buy new clothes every time the weather changes, or the girls change sizes. Not to mention that things get even more use since my younger daughter, all though five years younger than her sister, is tall for her age, so the clothes that my oldest outgrow fit my youngest fairly quickly. It means saving things and packing them away for a year in between uses...but it's worth it.

Some of my friends laugh at me because I don't buy things that I think aren't cheap enough. I haven't bought a new purse for myself in years. It's a good thing my Mother in Law bought me one for Christmas this year or I would be carrying around a diaper bag for a purse (my youngest is 4 so I can't really get away with it anymore...lol). I don't buy clothes unless they are on sale...and I have never spent more than $25 dollars on a pair of shoes IN MY LIFE. I don't buy new shoes often because I don't really go anywhere but the grocery store and the occasional outing to a Sports Bar with a friend...and I don't dress up for those things. My good ol' Converse work just fine.

So those are some (but not all) of the ways I save...how do you?

Great Giveaway from The Bragging Mommy

http://www.misikko.com/hana-elite-flat-iron.htmlLike I've mentioned...lol... I've been a giveaway whoore lately and I found another chance to win the awesome Misikko Hana Elite 1” Ceramic Flat Iron. 

Check out The Bragging Mommy and  all of her awesome reviews and giveaways! 

Cross those fingers for me that I win this Flat Iron...I really need it!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Thrifty Wifey rocks!

Yet another awesome giveaway from my favorite Review blogger!

Thrifty Wifey is giving a way a Hamilton Beach Food Processor from CSN Stores!


Another plea for crossed fingers!



I am such a giveaway Whoore lately. lol

I have been feeling very uncreative lately so instead of knitting/crocheting and blogging about that...I'm entering giveaways lol.


I found another really cool giveaway this morning over at Thrifty Wifey (and I love her blog because it's name is so similar to mine. lol). She is giving away a really cool purse hanger from Joey Junior.

You all should go check her blog out, she's always giving something awesome away, and she gives great product reviews.

Monday, April 26, 2010

I want it. SOOO bad.

In my blog cruising yesterday I found a most amazing giveaway. Over at Frugal & Fabulous they are giving away an item from DownEast Basics. I LOVE their clothes, and was super sad and upset when they closed the kiosk that they had in the mall here, and jumped at the chance to win something from them!

This is what I'm hoping to win...  Cross your fingers for me!

Knitting and Crochet Blog Week...Day 1

It is Knitting and Crochet Blog Week!

The topic for Day 1 is Starting Out.

I learned how to crochet from my grandmothers when I was in elementary school. I was awful at it and gave up and didn't want to do it anymore. I learned to knit when my oldest daughter was born, from my grandmother...and was totally hooked. I made hats and baby blankets and potholders, but I still wasn't very good at it. It was something to do when I was stuck in the house with a newborn, and something to keep my mind and hands occupied. After a while I got bored with it, and put the needles away.

Then a couple of years ago I picked it back up when I was pregnant with my younger daughter. I got super SUPER into it, and surprisingly enough, I was pretty good at it this time around! I've kept at it pretty regularly, but only this year have I attempted difficult projects like my first pair of socks and a few sets of baby booties.

I also started Crocheting again. I've become a hat crocheting MACHINE. lol. Whenever I'm bored and have a couple hours and a few balls of yarn handy... I whip out a beanie hat. I also have an afghan that I've been working on over the last few months. It's my "bed project" I work on it when I'm laying in bed watching TV. The pattern is pretty repetitive so I don't have to think much about what I'm doing.

Anyways...thats my story.

I'm off to go read everyone elses!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Ooooh...pretty!

In my search for giveaways and contests today I found one that made me do the "aaaahhhh" with my hands out and mock halo thing.


I have been lusting after this flat iron for FOREVER. I WANT IT!

Check out Linny's Vault . It's an awesome blog with awesome giveaways!

Cross your fingers and hope I win!

I am feelin LUCKY!

I've been feeling lucky this week, so I've been cruisin the Mommy Blogs today lookin for a Giveaway worth blogging about. I found it!

Have you ever been in someones house and seen they had those really beautiful stenciled lettering on their walls? The ones that say Family, or a Bible verse or something? I am always jealous when I see those... I don't have the steady hand to paint them... I hadn't even thought of the fact that they might be stickers!

On Thrifty Wifey  they are having a giveaway from Scribblin Sisters, it's great!

Go check out their blog, and all of their other awesome contests and reviews!

Friday, April 16, 2010

American Cancer Society: Relay for LIFE!

On May 1st my teamates and I will participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.


I am walking to honor my baby sister who BEAT her cancer, for my Grandmother who WILL BEAT her cancer, and the members of our family we will always remember who lost their fight.

If everyone I knew donated ONE DOLLAR I could double my fundraising goal. Who doesn't have ONE DOLLAR to spare for a good cause?

American Cancer Society Relay for Life: Team Glow On!

For every donation of ONE DOLLAR OR MORE you will be entered in our Pampered Chef Giveaway...details to come later.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Once upon a time in a land far far away... Ya, that was a bad way to lead in. Lol

So the other day it actually rained in arizona. Not the little sprinkles or the light drizzle we see from time to time...but REAL rain. Honest to Gawd the sky opened up and buckets of water poured out. Now anywhere else this wouldn't be a big deal. People would grab their umbrellas and raincoats and turn on the windshield wipers and go on with their business. But here, this much rain is interpreted as a sign of the apocolypse and people F-ing panic.

People suddenly forget how to drive and they forget all common sense and courtesy. When on the road its like watching an episode of when idiots attack. When attempting to move from a parking lot to say, a store...its everyman for himself. You will see little old ladies and soccer moms bolting for the door, purses protecting hair, throwing elbows to get inside faster. Its insanity, it really is.

The rain already makes you feel gloomy, and then when added to the insanity all that comes is pure rage. Lol. And then, after a day of dealing with all of that, after you have lost your faith in humanity? You see the rainbow, and you remember that its days like this, that something so neat and so beautiful happens.
Makes you stop and appreciate that even a rainy gloomy ragey day can end with a rainbow.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T