Monday, March 31, 2008

Mission Accomplished

I can't believe I made it. Not for one second did I ever think that I'd be dedicated enough to manage a post every day for 31 whole days. I do admit though, there were a few posts where I copped out.

NaBloPoMo has begun a renewal of my creativity when it comes to the written word. I have let my skills get quite rusty over the past few years. Writing used to be something on did on regular basis.

NaBloPoMo has also taught me at least a couple of things. I still very much enjoy writing, and if I dig a little, even on bad days I can find something to express and convert it into words. I'm not sure that I will be signing up to post every day for a month in the very near future. However, I intend to be much more regular with my posts than I have been in the past. I know that the readership, if you can call it that, of this blog is minimal, though it has become something I enjoy more than I expected I would. Besides, I have a whole list of possible blog topic posts that I came up with for March and didn't use.

For those interested in the food angle, there was homemade chili with buttermilk biscuits and guacamole. On the knitting front, I have been thinking up dishcloth ideas. The feather and fan one didn't work out so well for me, I seemed to have issues with the math.

Now I'm off to watch Shoot'Em Up for the second time today. I love that movie, it rocks, and was way better than I expected.

I may be taking a day or two off from posting. It is a sad time of year for us as tomorrow would have been my Step Dad's 69th B-day. We all miss him and will be taking a little cake out to his grave tomorrow to remember what a gift he was to everyone one who knew him.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Bluesfest

Still feeling a little less than myself, so here are three colour quizzes from blogthings to attempt to make up for it.What Colour is Your Mind



Your Mind is Blue



Of all the mind types, yours is the most mellow. You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles. Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.








Your Aura is Blue



Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships.

The purpose of your life: showing love to other people.
Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah
Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor






Your Heart Is Blue



Love is a doing word for you. You know it's love when you treat each other well. You are a giving lover, but you don't give too much. You expect something in return.

Your flirting style: Friendly.
Your lucky first date: Lunch at an outdoor cafe.
Your dream lover: Is both generous and selfish.
What you bring to relationships: Loyalty.



Hmmm, I'm sensing a pattern here. I wonder if that's a good thing.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Sniff

Not feeling up to cupcake recipe experimentation today. In fact, not really feeling up to much of anything. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Friday, March 28, 2008

She Shoots, She Snores

I don't really snore, I did aim for the net though.

This evening was supposed to be the beginning or my cupcake recipe experimentation weekend. However, there was an event that beckoned to me, a call so great I was apparently unable to resist. What could possess a lure so powerful? It was that wonderful, blessed, miraculous thing called...a nap. I have been tired for the last couple of days, I should have felt it sneaking up on me, but I didn't and then it took me down.

Cupcake recipe experimentation will have to begin tomorrow (unless something else arises). It's okay though, the pictures are always better when taken in the daylight.

This concludes today's entry, as my hands and wrists are really acting up.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sneak Peek

Mini Pink Lemonade Cupcakes for Friday at work. I think I may do a little experimenting with this recipe on the weekend.


Made a stop at Winners again today, thanks to the kindness of my friend Kim, who drove us. I bought a broom I had seen on my last visit. I love it, my twelve year old daughter hates it. She was actually horrified in the store that I was indeed buying it.


On a side note, Em, aka: Tall Child, informed me today that her friends have named her president of PETMA. "People for the Ethical Treatment of Marshmallow Animals." Apparently after being appointed, she celebrated by eating a pink Peep bunny. The VP celebrated by putting a Peep in the microwave. I'm so proud that my crazy gene will not end with me, and has obviously been passed to my offspring.

Btw, Em loved the broom.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Intentions, Shmentions

I had intended to bake cupcakes this evening. However, apparently I have no self control and instead spent my time feeding my online addictions, the newest being Stumble Upon.

Here are a few of the other online places I must visit regularly, or risk going into withdrawal. Bake Space, Ravelry, Tastespotting, Crazy Aunt Purl, Blogthings, Yarnstorm and of course my pal, Foodie Girl's blog.


Disclaimer: Warning, all of the above mentioned webspots are extremely addictive and should be be ventured to only with great caution. This blog is not responsible for any addictions or dependencies that may incur upon visitation of above mentioned websites/and or blogs.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

My Other Love

The list for today, again, in no particular order.

Five Books I Really Want





Monday, March 24, 2008

Never Know What a Day Will Bring

Today turned out to be a little less relaxing than I had originally intended, but at least the day didn't race by at warp speed. The majority of the day was spent with a friend who was feeling a little under the weather. For me, it's always worse to see those I care about not feeling well, then to not feel well myself. After coming home, I frogged and re-cast on the Feathers & Fan dishcloth, due to a mistake I had made. Then I baked up a yummy B-Day treat for a co-worker friend. Here's a peek.


Lemon bars. Yeah, the picture is not the greatest, but they are very tasty. Now I am off to watch Transformers 'til I drift off to dreamland.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

By-Products of Insomnia

Usual suggestions to combat insomnia; warm milk, count sheep, a warm bath. Those don't work for me. What do I do for insomnia? I usually bake, or I knit. Tonight, I did both. I baked cookies, Toffee Chocolate Almond Crunchies to be precise. When those were done, and I was still unable to sleep, I turned to the knitting. I decide on something small and while hunting on Ravelry found this dishcloth.

The Dishcloth seems like it will be a fun little pattern. I have never tried the feathers and fan stitch before. The cookies are delicious and were fairly easy. However I think that I need to pick up a silpat or two before the next time I bake them up. The toffee bits make the cookies stick.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

The Everchangingness of Lists

As may have been previously mentioned, the theme of this month's NaBloPoMo is Lists. I am always writing lists in my everyday life. It is a habit I have inherited from my Mother, who I have sometimes thought might be a list addict. I am not list-addicted, however I do probably write more than my fair share.

I have three kinds of lists. I write everyday lists; errands, groceries, chores, etc. I write lists to keep track; things I've knit, DVD's, etc. Mostly though, I write what I think of as "long term lists". These lists involve things I would like, to acquire, do, or create long term. They are, by nature, everchanging. Times change, needs change. An example, five things I'd like to knit this year. Another example, household items I would like to acquire. This week, I made a purchase that allowed me to cross an item off of this particular list, an item that had been on the list for quite some time. For some, this item might be considered a little useless, though I believe I will use it frequently. Why haven't I purchased it before now? All of the ones I had found were a teeny bit pricier than I could justify, or when I could justify it, I wasn't in the mood to lug it home (the item is relatively small, but quite heavy).

Earlier this week, I went in search of Peeps, they were an Easter demand request from my daughters. While on my hunt for Peeps (they were surprisingly difficult to find), I treated myself to a stop in the Winners kitchen department. Imagine how I was elated to find a plethora of styles and sizes of the previously mentioned item. I was overjoyed, however, I was also taking the bus home. I resigned that it would have to wait until Thursday, when I was tagging along with my friend Kim, who loves me, and therefore takes pity on me and drives me around sometimes. I was a little concerned that they would be gone, but it was only two days and they did have several. Thursday came, and I was eager. While in the store, crouched down at the shelf loaded with the various styles and sizes, I was overwhelmed. I couldn't decide. I called Em for advice. I described a few of the styles, and asked what she thought. She gave her input and we said goodbye. With the model we had discussed in my hands, I spotted one way at the back, one I hadn't noticed while on the phone or, on my previous visit. The styling was a little different than the others, and it was the only one there of its kind. I thought for a moment and grabbed it up, putting back the one I had been going to buy.

I brought home my wonderful new item and immediately made a place for it to live in my kitchen, a place where it could be seen and used, but not in the way, and if you knew my kitchen, you'd know that finding such a spot is so not easy. I'm a happy girl. I even have pictures.



Isn't it beautiful? I love it! Oh, and did I mention that it was less than a third of the price of the others I have seen in the past. On a side note there was another purchase made at Winner's that day. It is a gift for a friend, a foodie, crafty friend. I hope that they are able to put it to good use, enjoy having it as much as I enjoyed choosing it for them, and selfishly, I hope they remember me whenever they use it.

A little hint, just in case they're reading.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Copped Again

Yet another random quiz.


You Are Toast



Old fashioned and a bit of a homebody, you totally go for comfort food. You're the type who loves to cook for friends, and they love you for it. You truly know what tastes good, and you can often pick out the best dish at a restaurant. You don't fall for food trends. You stick with what's been food for a long time!





At least I typed this post myself, barely.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Copped Out, Totally and Completely

Random Quiz




The Recipe For Moonlit Knit



3 parts Sass
2 parts Kindness
1 part Sexiness

Splash of Flair

Sip slowly on the beach




Truth is, I'm not even typing this one. My wrist is too sore, so I'm dictating. *Emma waves* Hopefully I'll be back to typing my own posts soon.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Knit or Death

As promised, a knitting post, finally. Though I still haven't done any actual knitting recently. Here today I am presenting yet another list, a knitting related list. I might have mentioned one or two of these items before. I am not including any WIP's on this list. They are in no particular order.

Five Items I Will Knit This Year (Even if it kills me)

1. Chunky Beret, Emma has ordered requested that this be on the list.

2. Ballband Dishcloth, I know it's just a dishcloth but I have been dying to try this pattern.

3. Airy Wrap Lace Sweater, I love this for me, probably in black, or maybe plum.

4. Socks, I am thinking this pattern might be good for a start, then maybe I could work up to something fancier.

5. Cabled Bag, I just can't decide on a colour, maybe something funky and bright ... just like me.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

In Need of a Creativity Refill

I've been feeling exhausted for two days now, with no valid reason, so my brain is running a little low on creative ideas. Once again, there will be no knitting content to this post, but I am working on it, I promise. Today, there will be recipes, some of them I have linked to in the past, today, I will be posting the actual recipes here. They are in no particular order.


Top 3 Current Favourite Recipes


1. No-Knead Challah

1 3/4 cups lukewarm water
1 1/2 Tbsp instant yeast
1 1/2 Tbsp course salt)
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and room temp.
7 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

In a large bowl mix together the eggs, water, honey, melted butter, yeast and salt. Add in the flour and mix until all the flour is incorporated. Cover (not airtight)
and let the dough rise for 2-3 hours on the counter. You can shape and bake after it has risen or you can refrigerate 4-7 days.

Either way, shape the dough as desired (I made it into large buns) let rest 40-90 (depending how cold your house is) minutes and bake in a preheated 350F oven for about 20 min. After removing from the oven I gave mine a brush of melted butter.



2. Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter (I reduced it to 3/4 c)
1 1/2 cups sugar (I reduced it to 1c)
1 teaspoons vanilla
cinnamon
1 small can Mountain Dew

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.


3. Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 egg whites
1/3 cup thawed frozen Pink Lemonade Concentrate
1/4 cup buttermilk


In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, egg whites and lemonade concentrate. Alternately whisk in flour mixture and buttermilk, making three additions of flour mixture and two of buttermilk, beating until just smooth.

Scoop batter into prepared pan. Bake in 350F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on rack.

These are great topped with swirls of white chocolate, cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

*Note, the original recipe said these made 10. I find one batch makes 6 medium to large cupcakes, or about 24 mini cupcakes.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Unnecessary Knowledge

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Me
(and might not care to)

1. I have a tattoo of a crescent moon and stars on my left ankle.

2. My bed sheets are burgundy and jersey.

3. The Sun, the Moon and Mercury were all in Gemini when I was born.

4. Sweet cherries are my favourite fruit.

5. I love thunderstorms.

6. I'm 5'1".

7. I'm near sighted.

8. I don't like eggs on their own, only in cakes, cookies, potato salad, etc.

9. Iced tea is my favourite beverage.

10. I love Rob Zombie's music.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Quizzical Edibles

I was having a little trouble coming up with something for today's entry, and decided to combine the NaBloPoMo theme with one of my other online loves, quizzes. So here you have it. I have to admit, I always find it a little bizarre how accurate some of these quizzes are.

Top 3 Food-esque Personality Quizzes I've Taken This Week

1.What Donut Are You?



You Are a Powdered Devil's Food Donut



A total sweetheart on the outside, you love to fool people with your innocent image. On the inside you're a little darker, richer, and more complex. You're a hedonist who demands more than one pleasure at a time. Decadent and daring, you test the limits of human indulgence.



2.What Spice Are You?



You Are Ginger



Like ginger, you are a total shape shifter.
You can be sweet, spicy, mellow, or overpowering.
You are both soothing and unique. You are popular... yet you are often overlooked.




3.What Soda Are You?



You Are Dr. Pepper



You're very unique and funky, yet you still have a bit of traditionalism to you. People who like you think they have great taste... and they usually do.

Your best soda match: Root Beer

Stay away from: 7 Up

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Upside of Deviation

I had intended today to be a day of knitting and much T.V. viewage. Instead it wound up being a day in the kitchen. There was however plenty of productivity. I baked another batch of apple dumplings, I baked chocolate chip, pecan cookies and then I baked up some pizza-esque flat breads. I also made up a batch of master dough for peasant bread which will be baked up tomorrow or Monday.

The rest of my evening will be spent watching Grindhouse, sipping Kool-aid and munching on parmesan topped popcorn.

Until tomorrow, I leave you with some "Cookie Porn".

Friday, March 14, 2008

Back To Knit

My Favourite Places to Knit

1. In bed, while watching a movie.

2. While walking, especially home from work.

3. Curled up on the couch.

4. In the backyard, on a nice summer day.

5. On a long drive.(Never mind that I don't drive, or have access to a car.)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

A Losing Battle

My battle with Bread Making Disease has been lost, and I have wonderful, yummy flat bread to show for it. The battle was officially brought to its end yesterday afternoon, when the batch of No-Knead Pizza Dough was made. Later glorious handfuls of soft dough were formed into amoeba like flat breads, covered in various topping and baked to a delightful state of crispy, yet still soft.

Some were topped with just a drop of olive oil, a sprinkling of garlic and a dusting of grated parmesan. Another was topped with basil tomato sauce and sliced mushrooms, and the version pictured here was topped with PC Bacon & Roasted Onion dressing, slices of turkey breast, mushrooms and grape tomatoes, with a grating of Bothwell smoked 2 year old cheddar. They all tasted wonderful, and there is still dough in the fridge.

(I think it looks even tastier if you click on the picture.)


Maybe it's time I learned to co-exist with my Bread Making Disease, and just accept it as being a part of me instead of constantly battling against it.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Banana-riffic

To beak up the possible monotony of lists, the March theme for NaBloPoMo, I bring you Banana Cupcakes. I used to have a fabulous recipe for these, but sadly, it was lost during the time of no oven. Fear not though, I have found a replacement. Dare I say, I think it may even be better than the lost recipe.


Banana Cupcakes
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. soda
4 tbsp. sour cream
1 c. mashed bananas
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips(optional)

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs. Dissolve soda in sour cream, add to creamed mixture and beat well. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into cupcake papers. Bake at 350 degrees, 20 - 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Makes 1 dozen large cupcakes or 3 dozen mini cupcakes.

These are equally yummy with or without frosting.


Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Spring Ahead..?

As I may have previously mentioned, I have had enough of winter. In my opinion, it can go away any time. On that note, here is today's list. I don't have any particular reasons that these are my favourites. I love them all for the same reason, I think that they are beautiful. They are in no particular order. I hope they may help to brighten someone else's winter blahs, as they have helped to brighten mine.

Top 5 Favourite Garden Pictures I Have Taken


1. Rain Wet Morning Glory.


2. Petunias with Pots.


3. Raindrop Leaf.


4. Yellow Daisies.



5. Lilac Coloured Petunia.


Monday, March 10, 2008

Winter Blahs

I'm tired of winter, very, very tired. I'm tired of snow, walking in snow, shoveling snow. I'm even tired of looking at snow. This has inspired today's list. Of course the list would be affected by weather, so for the sake of me attempting to beat my winter blahs, we will pretend that weather conditions are all favourable.


Top 5 Places I Would Like to Knit

1. Stonehenge, I have dreamed of visiting there since I was young and learned about it on T.V. I can imagine sitting upon the grass knitting, my back against one of those mammoth stones.

2. The Eiffel Tower, preferably at the top, or sitting on the stairs. I would even be happy to stand beneath its structure and knit.

3. Tahiti, in a hammock, beneath palm trees where I have a view of the captivating turquoise waters.

4. A Mountain Cabin, curled in a comfy chair, on a deck overlooking a pristine lake surrounded by trees. Oh, and with no biting insects. Nothing would quite spoil my knitting fantasies like being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Autumn would nice.

5. Work, I know this doesn't sound like much of a knitting fantasy, but I work on the phone all day, and would love to be allowed to slip in a few stitches between calls. It would totally make my day more bearable.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

New Unofficial Holiday

Here at Chez Moonlit Knit today was unofficially named as "Dumpling Day".

For supper, the girls made Gyoza. A Japanese version of pot stickers. Basically a dumpling, filled with a cabbage and pork mixture, that is fried and them steamed. They were very very tasty. They used an online recipe we had found, and made a delicious dipping sauce of soy sauce, lime juice and ginger. Meg took this picture and is very proud that she was able to capture the steam in the shot.



As my contribution to the meal I made Apple Dumplings, from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. They were absolutely wonderful, complete and true demon food. You know, the kind that calls to you, pummels your will power and makes you want to eat the whole pan. I reduced the butter to 3/4 of a cup, and the sugar to one cup. I definitely don't think that the finished product lacked for the alteration in any way. This recipe will surely be going into regular rotation.


For anyone keeping up on my battle with Bread Making Disease, I made it through one more day, unless you count dumplings as bread. Though I did buy a 10 kilogram bag of flour while grocery shopping today.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

The Cost of Adorable

I have managed to resist the lure of bread making yet another day. I think I may well crack tomorrow. I really am craving homemade pizza.

The list for today will reflect some of the very adorable and lovely items I would love to have for my kitchen, but would probably not be able to swallow the price tag for. They are in order from highest to lowest price.


Top 10 Incredibly Over-priced Items I Lust After for My Kitchen.

1. Dots Porcelain Cookie Jar $100.00 This is so beautiful, I absolutely love the pattern.


2. Eva Solo Garlic Press $83.61. This is like art with a function.


3. Fish Measuring Spoons $65.00. I just love these, I have no reason or excuse.


4. Bread Bin $62.63. What a funky, great place to store the products of my Bread Making Disease.


5. Le Creuset Mini Dutch Oven (8 oz) $54.95. I love this, but have no idea what I might use it for to justify the price, for a casserole that holds one cup.


6. King Chin Grinder $53.66 each. This is just so cool.


7. Queen Chin Grinder $53.66 each. Of course, I would have to have the Queen to go with the King.


8. Eva Solo Grating Bucket $44.69. This one is actually incredibly functional, maybe someone will make a less expensive version soon.


9. Mr.Chin Timer $39.60 each. I actually found this before I found the grinders. I don't really need a timer, as there is one built into my stove, but this is so adorable, how could I resist.


10. Mandarin Citrus Squeezer $35.72. This is the least expensive on the list and I think it may actually be my favourite. I already have a juicer, but ... well, apparently I have an addiction to cute.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Dealing.

I managed through the day without baking any bread. I did however share some of the delicious brioche buns with my co-workers, and I ate one myself. I think it's a good sign that I was able to show this level of restraint. Tomorrow though, that's a whole 'nother day and I can already feel the symptoms of Bread Making Disease creeping up on me. All day, actually it began last night, I have been itching to try the No-Knead Pizza Dough. If I do succumb to this afflictiom of mine, I will be sure to take pictures.


On with today's list, a bit of a follow up to yesterday's entry.


Top 5 Ways to Deal with a Flour Shortage.


1. Stockpile as much flour as is humanly possible. This may involve replacing some furniture with Rubermaid totes filled with bags of flour. Oh well, the kid's mattresses probably are due to be replaced anyway.

2. Becoming close, personal friend's with a wheat farmer ... or two.

3. Finding alternatives to wheat flour. I know there are alternatives, I'm just unsure as to how they would bake up. Once wheat flour becomes more of a commodity, will alternate flours also become more costly and harder to obtain?

4. Selling off small amounts of stockpiled flour and or baked goodies at a large profit, in order to support my own habit.

5. Growing wheat in the back yard and teaching my children the value of hard work by having them mill the wheat into flour for their loving mother.



My mind is racing, I know there are many, many other ways to combat the horror of a possible flour shortage, however these are the top five so far. Suggestions are welcome. As an avid baker with fans to please and a very bad case of Bread Making Disease, flour is almost as important as breathing. I can't imagine not always having a big cannister of flour waiting for me in the kitchen.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Relapse.

There will be no list for today, as I have suffered a relapse of Bread Making Disease. This afternoon I decided to try out the Challah/Brioche master dough from Artisan Bread in Five, and this evening, unable to restrain myself, I baked the entire batch.

I believe my relapse was triggered by news of a possible flour shortage. I have to give thanks to my Foodie Girl, aka:Kelly, who has alerted me to this potential impending disaster. I have already begun researching methods of bulk flour storage that will not require taking over my Children's bedroom. Depending on the future outlook, I may even consider growing my own wheat in the back yard. I have to consider that there is more than just bread at stake here. This may well effect the future of cookies, cupcakes and muffins for which I also rely heavily on flour. For the love of all that's good, I even used flour in the chicken wings we had for dinner. Do I start stockpiling now, before prices begin to rise or do I live cavalierly, buy only as needed and risk being caught off guard and flourless. I'm only hoping that this relapse doesn't send me into a downward spiral of bread and goodie baking that I am unable to recover from.

I leave you with a photo of one of this evening's Brioche buns, which by the way were incredibly tasty and very addictive. I don't think I will be able to resist baking more of them for long.


Brioche bun, fresh from the oven dressed in a glossy coat of melted butter.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Thou Shalt Not Covet

I believe it mentions thy neighbour's wife and thy neighbour's ass, but if I remember correctly, there was nothing about yarn.


Top 5 Yarns I'd Really Like to Knit With. (& maybe fondle just a little)


1. Black Orchid, by Rabbitch. I fell in love with this the moment I saw it online. The colours are so extraordinarily sexy and just make me want to sink myself into them like bathwater.

2. Sea Silk, by Handmaiden. I want this yarn so bad, but it's just a teeny bit pricey. I'm sure that it is more than worth it. I think I like the Blackberry colour way best. However, even though I'm not usually a fan of pink, I also kinda like the Sangria.

3. Cashlana, by Fleece Artist. This looks simply delicious, there is no other way to describe it. I like colour ways Peacock and Indian Summer best.

4. ArtYarns. These all look so fun and sumptous, I've been smitten since I first saw some on The Nocturnal Knit Witch, I just cant decide which one, either Silk Fur in colour way #123 or Supermerino in colour way #155.

5. Kureyon, by Noro. I have head this is kinda scratchy at first, but I would still love to give it a try. I like colour ways #213 and #188 best.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Peek-a-boo

Today, I thought I might share a glimpse inside of my kitchen. Okay, so it's not huge, it lacks cupboard space and it is in desperate need of a coat of paint. However, it is quite bright, the brightest room in the house in fact, and I love to cook in it.

The part of my kitchen that I would really like to share are a few of my favourite things (whoa, Sound of Music moment) that happen to reside there. Of course, I won't be going on about my new stove, as I have already mentioned that at least a couple of times.


5 Favs from My Kitchen

1.My salt & pepper set.

Consisting of a salt shaker and pepper grinder.
I bought this at Winners a few years back. I love cobalt blue, and of course fell in love with these the instant I laid eyes on them. They live beside the stove, on the cookbook cabinet.



2.My Kitten Mug.

This was a Christmas gift from my Mother a couple of years ago. I love Siamese cats, and it's a nice big mug, perfect for herbal tea.








3.My Grandma's Dutch Oven.
This cast iron dutch oven belonged to my maternal Grandmother, she had it for most of her adult life and used it for many a pot roast. I've had it for the past few years. It was the one thing I really wanted when she was moving into the retirement home. I have cooked everything from soups, to chili, to roasts, to most recently bread in it. Now that she's passed on it's a very nice feeling to have and use it, after all, she was a big part of my love of cooking.


4. My Mixing Bowls.

This is actually a set of three bowls (I know there's only one in the pic),that I saw before Christmas in the Grocery store. They are gorgeous and heavy, and even have a nifty flat spot on one side so you can tilt the bowl and it will rest that way on its own. There is a 1L, a 2L and a 4L. When I first noticed them they were $29.99 A tiny bit more than I could justify at Christmas time for bowls, something I already have several of. Then, they went on sale for $19.99, I put them on my Christmas wish list. I didn't get them. After Christmas I decided to admire my bowls when I happened to be in the store and low and behold, they were on sale for $7.97!! for the set! I took it as a sign and bought them. Shortly after purchasing them, I found very similar bowls on the website of a high-end kitchen store here in town. They have the smallest bowls priced at more than my whole set was originally priced at. If you compare my pic to the ones in the link, you'll see what I mean about similar.


5. My Recipe Box.
Actually, I don't have a recipe box, but I want one, very badly. I just haven't found one I like, that suits my needs. However, I know that when I finally do get one, and it's jam packed with all of my favourite recipes, it will be one of the most prized things to live in my humble kitchen.

Monday, March 3, 2008

The List for Today.

Today was a busy day. I had a Doctor's appiontment, made supper, did laundry, baked cookies and baked bread. While I was pondering possible blog topics for today, Em, my eldest offspring suggested "Ten Uses for My Children". Since they actually have way more than ten uses, I have modified the idea a little.

Top 5 Reasons I had Children.

1. I always wanted to be a Mom.
2. They make good back scratchers.
3. Without children, the world would be full of crotchety old people.
4. Someone needed to clean the cat box.

And last, but certainly not least...

5. I needed someone to pass along to, my love and knowledge of cooking and most things crafty.


And on that note, I am off to ready for bed.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Another List.

Today's list, top ten things I want to knit. To clarify, this is a list of items that I want to knit, if we lived in a perfect world. However, since we don't, due to time and funds they may not all be completed before being bumped off the list. This list also does not include things others have asked for, unless of course they happen to ask for something I actually really want to knit. I am listing these as the top ten, but there is really no specific order in which I want to knit them.

Top 10 Things I Want to Knit.

1. Lucie, an awesome sweater I would like to knit for me.
2. Coachella, another me, not sure how flattering it might be, but it looks fun.
3. Cleaves, for Em... it's funky & I can live vicariously through her,
not sure it would work with my rather ample bosom
.
4. Tubey, in a solid for me and stripes for Em.
5. Bondok, larger & in a darker colour.

We are now at the half way point. In case you're dizzy from all the linkage, maybe you'd like to warm up your tea, or grab a cookie.

6. Skuld, I love this, this one has a shot at actually becoming reality.
7. Hug, one for me, one for Em, one for Meg.
8. Sedona, for Meg... they look like fun and I think she'd like them.
9. Charles, for Meg, she'd adore it, and it looks so easy.
10. Socks, no link, 'cause I haven't decided on a pattern
Honestly, I've never knit socks and they scare the heck outta me
.

Honorable mention goes to...

Celia, I absolutely love this and think it is incredibly sexy, it only gets an honorable mention for two reasons. One, it's crochet and not knit, a technicality. Two, the sizing isn't large enough for me, and there is that ample bosom thing I mentioned earlier.

NaBloPoMo status - Two down, twenty-nine to go.
Think you're up for it? We'll see if I am
.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Movies to Knit By.

Here we are the first day of NaBloPoMo, and I'm off to a great start. "Lists" is the theme for March's NaBloPoMo, so I've decided to share my list of ten favourite movies to knit by. First let me note that I do have some criteria for a movie to knit by. It can only be action packed if I have already seen it before. I admit to trying to knit during Casino Royale in the theatre, I didn't get much done. Could have been the navy blue yarn, could have been the action. Other criteria, they have to be good, and since that is strictly based on personal opinion, it may not count as criteria.

I do often knit in the movie theatre but the list of movies I'll be mentioning here are ones I own on DVD. This is only a general order, they often move around the list according to my mood.

Movies(DVD) to Knit by:

1. Pride & Prejudice, the A&E mini-series version.
2. 10 Things I Hate About You.
3. Shaun of the Dead (aforementioned action rule applies here).
4. Dangerous Beauty, I love this movie, I especially love Rufus Sewell. I knit an entire Christmas gift for a friend watching only this movie while I worked on it.
5. Gladiator, much of the Bee hat was knit during this movie.
6. Serenity
7. Pitch Black
8. The Wedding Date
9. A Knight's Tale
10.The 13th Warrior

Honorable mention for another movie that I love to knit by, and for that matter
love in general but do not own on DVD,
Transformers.

There you have it. What you expected? I'll admit there are others I like to knit by, but these are the tops.