Saturday, January 28, 2012

Yarn Projects - Bragging a Little

I've actually completed some pretty cool yarn projects over the last few months.
I made two of these Cloud Cascade Scarves. They look really fancy, but are super easy, even for a novice yarnie like me.
I also made some bracelets for the girls I work with. These were super fun! And the gals I work with LOVED them!! I never throw away the extra buttons that come with pants, sweaters, shirts, etc. So this will be a great way to use up those buttons. I also found some really pretty fancy buttons too.
As usual, I'm finding that I need small projects that I can finish fast. It just boosts my confidence.
I also like working with bright colored yarns in the dreary days of winter.
I'm hoping to finish some other projects soon and will post pictures when I do!

What kind of yarn or other craft projects are you working on?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Fun Project for Christmas Cards


I saw this on another website and thought I'd give it a try. I love getting picture Christmas cards from all my friends all over the country (and around the world) and I can't bring myself to pitch them after the holidays. So this was a great way to hang onto them.

You take one inch binder rings (easily found at your local office supply store). Hole punch the Christmas cards. Then clip the cards together to create a flip book. I made one with this year's cards... and one with a stack of leftovers that I kept from 2009 and 2010. The boys have loved flipping through them. I think this is a great idea for grandparents or other relatives. I plan to tell my mom about this and will help her make one of her own.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2012 Goals

I'm not much for resolutions so I decided to look at my accomplishments of last year and set some goals based on that. So here goes. (These are in no particular order. Just splatting them out.)

1. Read more than 50 books this year. (Last year I managed to read 52 books... including several longer books that I read out loud to Alex.) Alex and I have just about finished the Peter Pan stories by J.M. Barrie. I can't tell you how special it has been to read those together! I can't get over how much Alex is understanding this Victorian children's lit story! And he's asking such great questions about the book and about my time as an English major in college. "You got graded for reading books and writing about them???!!"

2. Talk with friends more on the phone. In 2009, I made a goal to speak to all of my friends on the phone near and far at least once. In the last two days, I've had wonderful phone conversations with dear, dear friends and I hope to keep up that trend. I miss the personal connection you get from conversation.

3. Run at least 3 races. I've already registered for the Rock n Sole Run connected to Summerfest... it's a quarter-marathon this year. The race was a 10K that I managed to complete last year -- despite the poor execution of the event. They ran out of water and it was 85 degrees with a much higher heat index. I'd also like to do at least 2 5K runs, too.

4. Learn to knit. I'm really doing a great job with crocheting, if I do say so myself. I'll post some recent projects soon.

5. Learn to sew. I need to get a sewing machine... if anyone has suggestions for a decent, entry level sewing machine (e.g. one you can get at Target or Walmart) let me know!

6. More date nights! We really haven't done a good job of making time for ourselves. We do so many fun family things, that I want to make sure we're keeping those sparks going!

7. Declutter. I know this is a popular one... but I actually weeded through 9 crates of junk in our basement that was a mix of stuff amassed over more than 20 years or more. I threw out a bunch of stuff, but I've also started a pile of potential garage sale items. I need to tackle my closet and a couple more nooks and crannies in the basement, but I know I can do it!

8. Spend less. I'm a sucker for online shopping and deals. I am a hopeless impulse buyer. That's part of the reason I need to declutter. I'm definitely cutting back on my spending.

9. Blog more often. I know I will never get back to blogging every day, but I hope I can blog more than once a month.

10. Spend less time online. I know that seems to counter the previous goal, but I need to unplug more often. I'm on the computer all day for work... I need to step away from it at night.

How about you? What are your goals for the year?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween from Harry Potter and my favorite little Stinker!!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Sooo.... I'm Back

I guess I took an unintended blogging hiatus.

In reality, I've become one of those people I have mocked in the past. The person who says "I just don't have enough time for a blog."

I guess I've also become a little jaded by the blogging phenomenon. Everyone has a blog. Not everyone should have a blog. But everyone has a blog.

And everyone is trying to make money from it. I am sick to death of blogs that are nothing but plugs for products, ads, or exploiting their readers for money.

Or get discovered. For their writing. Their homemaking skills. Their cooking prowess. Their mad couponing skills. Here's a hint: IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Just because it happens for one person doesn't mean it's going to happen for you.

And frankly, I got a little weirded out by the people I know in real life spouting back to me what they read on my blog. I'm not sure why this creeps me out. It just does.

But then I started to think... the blog came about for a reason. I needed a place to write. I needed a place to discuss. I wanted to be able to share news and pictures of my family.

So I'm testing the waters again. I'm not sure how many people still read my blog. It will be interesting to see.

Stay tuned!!!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Crazy Week Ahead

I've got a crazy week ahead. We just wrapped up a great visit from my parents. The time always goes too fast when they are here, but I'm so glad they are close enough that they can come up for weekends. Granted, I wish they lived here and I sure they wish we lived there but we make do.

So here's the week ahead.

Monday - Swim lessons for Alex - which means gym time for me. FINALLY. I hope to run two miles tomorrow.

Tuesday - Solo mama night while Craig works late.

Wednesday - Hopefully a haircut for Alex.

Thursday - I have to be downtown for a breakfast event for work at 7AM. Work all day. Book club at 7. (We're discussing Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Will try to post a review later.) Then I have to make a salad for a baby shower at work Friday.)

Friday - I again go into work early. But should be able to get out early. Hopefully.
I'm exhausted just typing this, but I'm sure it will all work out.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Need Fashion Help

I'm going to my friend's bridal shower in Washington D.C. in 4 weeks.

I need a sassy dress.

The bridal shower is going to be held here:
http://www.cocosala.com/

It's described as very "Sex and the City" -ish.

I'm trying to decide between two very different dresses.

http://www.modcloth.com/Womens/Dresses/-Blurring-By-Dress


http://www.modcloth.com/Womens/Dresses/-Sentimental-Journey-Dress

Which one do you like better?? HELP!!!!