25 Stylish Knitted Slippers‏ Review

I was actually asked to do this review a few weeks ago but life got crazy and I haven't had a chance to do it until now... and the reason I have time now is because I had to take time off work because I've got the plague. The one thing I love to do when I am too ill to do anything else is generally read or knit - and today, I sat down and read the most amazing knitting pattern book. It's entitled 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers ‏by Rae Blackledge.

I love slippers. They are the perfect gift for anyone, for any occassion. They keep you snuggly warm and can be super cute. Rae's patterns embody all of these. This book makes it easy to find your favorite style too, as the chapters are broken down by style - Felted, Fun and Fantasy, Everyday, and Boots. There is even a chapter devoted to awesome techniques and tutorials.

Did you know that running a strand of cotton through the toe seam and cinching around the slipper would keep it at the proper size and detur them from curling during felting? Me neither, but that is just one of the fabulous tips you will learn with this amazing book. This book is so much more than a collection of adorable patterns - it is a great tool to improve your crafting as well.

I can't decide which I am going to cast on first - the bunnies or the fox. They are both so cute and a ton of fun. The patterns are written out with such details, you are sure to succeed in whatever pattern you chose to knit first. I think those bunny ones will certainly chase this plague away so I do believe I am going to get started on them right now. Curious what other patterns she has, well just take a look -

These aren't the only ones available, there are plenty more tucked between the pages of this gorgeous pattern book. I had to stop myself from posting every single one, they are all wonderful.

So if you want to do some selfish crafting in the New Year after spending the past few months crafting for everyone else, grab a copy of 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers... or if you want to make something special for those you hold dear, grab a copy of 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers... or if you are looking to learn something new and expand your crafting knowledge, grab a copy of 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers.  Basically, you simply need to own a copy of this book. There is no logical reason not to - it's amazing.

Sticks and strings and sparkly things!

I was asked to review Beaded Lace Knitting by Anniken Allis and at first, I was a little overwhelmed.  I actually sat there, flipping through the book for the first time just admiring all the gorgeous works of art these models were wearing, and I thought "there is no way I can do that!  It's tiny sticks with tiny string with tiny sparkly things... nope, I'm a complete fraud."  I mean, I've only just gotten back into knitting again and at that, I'm so rusty on how things are done, I'm sure I would flub it all up.  I had beaten myself before I even had a chance.  I put it down and went to put the kettle on.  I needed a spot of tea to clear my head before I dove back into that scary place.  Once my cuppa was ready, I sat back down and actually read the book.  Then, my outlook changed.

 I started reading the actual patterns and I noticed that she had them group by experience and difficulty.  The book started with the easiest patterns first and ended with the most challenging.  The charts were easy to read and follow along - and that is saying a lot when you think that I have only knit one thing in my life from a chart!  The written directions were clear and used common terminology.  I can't even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to have a designer give something a different name simply for the sake of giving it a different name.  It's not a new stitch, just a new name.  That makes for some serious unnecessary confusion, let me tell you.

The photographs were perfect for each project.  You got to see the full item, crisp details, and beautiful glamor shots.  By the time I had finished actually reading this book, I was thinking "okay, I think I can do this.  Actually, I know I can do this!"  So if you have been wanting to knit beaded lace  but are like me - a bit too intimidated - I highly recommend this book.  Anniken holds your hands and guides your needles with such an encouraging and enthusiastic touch.  She'll have you believing you cant tackle anything... and she's right there with you to lend a hand.

Felt So Good

Okay, after I typed that, I started singing this...


What can I say, I'm a child of the 80s and this was back when he was yet to not be a "Cougar". Old school tunes for the win... but I digress.  What brought on this musical moment for me - I've got another awesome book to share with you!

I know, you're drooling now too... it's okay, you're not alone.

It's actually entitled "Felt So Good" by Tone Rorseth.  If you are trying to cut back on your crafting and have no desire to try something awesome then this is definitely not the book for you.  You will get completely sucked in the moment you turn the first page, daydreaming about all the magnificent things nestled between the covers.  The tongue in cheek title isn't just a tease, Tone fully delivers.

I want to live in the room where those star hang and that beautiful view resides while wearing the colorful cuffs!

Every area of your life is covered - cute accessories, unique jewelry, mind-blowing decorations, and amazing ensemble pieces.  All told, there are over 70 fabulous projects - complete with pattern pages.  The photographs are exquisite, making it beautiful on a whole other level entirely.  You will never look at felt the same way again.

These two items need to be in wardrobe right now.  My life won't be complete until I make them!

I have never done felting of any kind, at least not on purpose.  My husband felted a beautiful sweater that I bought him from our first Christmas when he helped do the laundry.  He washed it in hot and then tossed it in the dryer.  That sweater was worn by our then 3-year-old Hobbit for many years... after that, it became a cozy for his Nook.  That is mere child's play compared to what is found inside this book.

It is a good thing that you can't die for awesome overload because this book would be lethal!

Would you like to have your own copy of these amazing felted and wool designs?  I knew you would.  All you have do is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be drawn on October 17th so be sure to get your name in the hat. Just a reminder, when you leave a comment, it won't show automatically so don't fret that it's not there. It will show up shortly. This contest is open to residents in the US only due to publisher paying shipping. Be sure to leave me a valid way to get in touch with you - either email or Ravelry ID.

Good luck everyone!!

A delicious tale of heartbreak

Get it.  Read it.  Trust me!

I promised you a tale about the book I just finished, didn't I?  My stars, I swear some days just vanish with a blink.  So the book, yes - it was fabulous!

Hobbit has been wanting to read The Fault in Our Stars for a while now but I was afraid that it was a bit too worldly for her so I was going to read it first, just to make sure.  It's what you have to do when your 9-year-old reads on a high school level.  Just because she can read it and understand it, doesn't mean she should be reading it... you know?

We went to the bookstore last Saturday after I got off work and we ate supper.  When we got there, I gave everyone a $20 limit and we wandered around together, finding each other books. Pokey loves his Nook so he spent his $20 on Starbucks for us all. Hobbit picked up two stories - The School for Good and Evil and Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin - and I picked up two stories - The Jane Austin Marriage Manual and The Fault In Our Stars - though I was sneaky about it because she didn't see me pick it up when we were there!

It took me two days to read the book - I'm sure I could have gotten it done in one but life required my attention, forcing me to place a bookmark in the pages for several hours.  I don't know how to summarize my feelings on this book...  I’m still recovering!! Oh my goodness, what a deliciously optimistic and mournful tale. I have not encountered such well crafted characters in very a long time. Their banter was beautiful, relatable, and real. I only stumbled on it because of Hobbit and all I can say is wow… my heart was broken by it. Truly a wonderful tale.

My sweet girl is currently on the floor with her nose buried between the pages.  I'm sure she will be in tears before the weekend is up but it really was a wonderful story and I hope it touches her, the way all magnificent tales should touch a soul.

Weekend Wonderment

These are going to be filling my weekend hours when I'm not at work - should make for a fun time!

1. I am still working on my little orange top for someone very special.
2. I decided last night that I needed a white shawl, so I started one.
3. I am really enjoying my book so I will find some time to devote to it.
4. I'm thinking DPS for tonight, CSL for tomorrow, and the a British movie marathon on Sunday.

Anything planned for your weekend?  Whatever it is, I hope it brings you joy.

Time to recharge

We've been running nonstop since school was let out for the summer holiday so we're going to take this weekend and just relax.  We need to get back on a bit of a regular schedule since Hobbit has her appointment on Tuesday morning for testing to see if she should be in the Gifted Program at school next year.

I think I'm more nervous than she is over it but I've made sure that she understands how fabulous she is, regardless of the outcome.  If she scores well on the test and gets placed in Gifted, that's awesome.  If she doesn't get placed in Gifted, it's not big deal because like my daddy always says - "You get out of school exactly what you put into it."  It's just another avenue of coursework and the most important thing is her attitude towards it and her overall performance.  The school psychologist who will be administering the test told me that she will review her findings afterwards so that is nice.  We won't have to wait forever to find out if she will recommend skipping a grade, AP coursework, or simply keeping an eye on her and test again next year.

We went to our public library yesterday afternoon when Pokey got home for work.  I picked up all the delicious crochet books I could find.  It should keep me thoroughly entertained for the next few weeks.  Hobbit got a few things to read too and those will hopefully last more than a day or two each.  One of the hard parts about having a 9-year-old who reads on a 7th grade level - finding books that are challenging and still appropriate in content for her.  I know one thing she'll want to borrow, the Star Trek Craft Book I checked out.  She's such a Trekkie.

What about you - anything exciting planned for the weekend?

Giveaway ~ Weaving Rag Rugs

This is the most amazing weaving book!

When my good friends at Stackpole Books asked me if I would interested in reviewing other publications from them, I didn't even take a breath before I said yes.  They carry such a fabulous collection of crafting tombs that I was honored to be given the opportunity.

This time we are looking at a craft that I have no clue how to do but desperately would like to learn.  When the publisher mentioned rag rug weaving, I instantly became nostalgic for my grandma's kitchen.  She used to have these amazing rag rugs that I adored.  Full of bright colors and whimsy - this was definitely something I wanted to learn how to do.

"Weaving Rag Rugs" by Tom Knisely is a fabulous book for the complete novice, like myself, or the veteran weaver alike.  He speaks to you not in crafter's jargon that can be overwhelming for a new soul just dipping their toe into the water but in a friendly and easy to follow sort of way.  It's almost as if he's right there by your side, patiently guiding you through the ways of weaving.

Well laid out and so easy to follow instructions.

With fabulous 'how to' tutorial pictures to gorgeous finished rug glamor shots, this book is the perfect tool for anyone who would like to learn or expand on their weaving knowledge.  Charted diagrams, easy to follow instructions, and beautiful photographs make this book sing.  The front of the book gives you the building blocks to be able to tackle the 32 patterns located immediately afterwards, and they range from beginner to well advanced motifs.  Take a look at some of my favorites...

Violet Anderson is a wonderfully rustic yet elegant design.

Old Glory Variation is a classic rug with a wonderful homey feel.

Log Cabin Pattern Thick & Thin is such a fun design.

Rose Path Twill is my absolute favorite.

There are so many more that I wanted to share but I just had to cut myself off at some point so narrowing it down to these four was tough enough!  You can see all of these patterns for yourself though because the awesome folks at Stackpole Books are letting me giveaway a copy of "Weaving Rag Rugs" to one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is - a Rafflecopter giveaway - and you're all set! Good luck! All entries must be received by 11:59 pm ET on 30 May. Open to U.S. residents only this time around. I promise, my lovely international friends, that my next giveaway will open to all peoples on the planet!

A different light

Nothing beats a bit of crafting and a good book.

Y'all know that I did not like "The Hunger Games" when I read it because there wasn't a single character that I found endearing.  The rest of my family loved it, but I just was not on board.  Well, that was until we watched the film back when it was released almost two years ago.  It never happens where I love the film more than the book...

never...

but I did.

My mother claims it was because I 'read Katniss wrong' in the book.  Not sure how anyone could exactly do that but she claims that the reason I didn't like it is basically because I read it wrong.  Umm, sure Mama.  It cracks me up every time I think of her telling me this, all earnest and doe eyed.  I prefer to think of it as Jennifer Lawrence did an amazing job of softening her and making a character that I despised into one that I adored.  As a human being, I find Miss Lawrence to be of exquisite character and beautifully grounded.  As an actor, I find her to be very gifted.

And this is why I have decided to give "Catching Fire" another read.  I must say, I'm glad so far that I did because I am loving it.  Katniss is softer to me now, instead of the egocentric snob I initially took her for - too good for her family, seeing herself above her mother, a martyr over her sister, and a false love for someone who truly cared for her.  Oh no, that's not how I see her at all any more.  Now she is vulnerable, scared, compassionate and doing all she can to hold it together and protect her family when in reality all she wants is to live a life without worry for those she loves.

I'm at the part where they are just on the train, she and Peeta are talking and he's showing her what he's been up to for his talent.  I won't go into detail in case someone is reading it for the first time but I must say, it's going a lot better this time around because I am seeing Katniss in a different light - and she's absolutely lovely.

On the nibble front - it's my first weekend of the Christmas holiday season and I am going to make a family favorite today.  The cookie to shame all other cookies - Tollhouse traditional chocolate chip cookies!!  Oh yes, they are the first cookie that I make every year because I know I will have to make a second batch before the month is out.  This week, we'll be getting fat on the most delicious cookies ever invented.

I can't wait.. best get off here and get cracking then, huh.

Multi-tasking

This week has gotten away from me so the best way to get back on track is to simply pick up where we left off until we reach where we are supposed to be... so here goes!


I've had this song in my head most of the week so I thought I'd share the joy with the rest of you.   Now we have background music for the rest of the post too!

All of my projects have managed to migrate to my office and I try to give each a bit of love every day.

 The goal today is to make the sweater complete, along with the Christmas present.  I hope to have them off the hooks by this evening and ready for photographing before the sun goes down or by first light tomorrow before I have to go to work.  It's a goal, hopefully one that I will make too.

This is our supper tonight - thanks to Pinterest - minus the bacon because of my really dumb pork allergy.

Pokey and Hobbit are both having a Thanksgiving feast today while they're out so I figured a lighter supper was in order.  A simple egg and hashbrown casserole will do the trick because they should still be full when they get home and I don't see the need in wasting a roast on a group of troops that are already stuffed.

Gotta love Goodreads.com

I also started a new book the other night.  Not because I really wanted to read it but because I wanted to read something and it was there.  I'm not into it yet but I'll give it a bit more time because the scenes are still just developing.  I have high hopes for it since I like the author from when I read "Wicked" so many years ago.

I've actually had this book for some time, along with "Mirror, Mirror" and "Son of a Witch".  I received them as presents the same year I was raving about "Wicked" but I've never been moved to immediately read them because I worry that the next won't be as good as the first, leaving a souring on the first book.  I know, it's strange but y'all know that I'm strange anyway so this is not some kind of miracle revelation.  I'll keep plugging away and we'll see if it pulls me in as I go along, which I hope it does because now that I sit here remembering his first novel, I've rekindled my desire to read his later works.

There you have it - all caught up and ready for the rest of the week.  I have a great sense of accomplishment about the day now.  Let's see if we can't carry that through to the sweater like I was talking about earlier...

Nibbles and Narratives

(c) mostlyhomemademom.com

I am just past the halfway point on my current book, Beautiful Creatures, and I have to say that I am rather enjoying it.  Granted it does have the whole standard storyline of boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy questions girl and loses her (this is the part that is building up if I'm right), and then boy wins girl back (I hope, if the previous occurs).  It's a very engaging story and I do love that the author has yet to play down to me and spoon feed me plot lines instead of letting them fully develop naturally, trusting that the reader will be able to 'get there' on their own.

The characters are well developed too.  The 'good guys' are good but not too good so that it ends up being super unrealistic and the bad guys are just bad enough that you can associate but not so bad that it's fantastical.  They are all just regular people whom you can latch on to and go on the journey with, emotionally connected, and hope that y'all make it to the other side with very few wounds.  As long as the author doesn't ruin it by killing a main character simply because they can, I am going to absolutely love this book.  It's even something that both Hobbit and Peanut will enjoy so I'm sure I'll be passing it on.

What makes this book even better is that it is part of a series so I already have my hopes set on getting the other 4 - and to add to my nerdy love, the series is numbered as 1, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4... yep, there is a 2.5 which just makes my heart happy.

(c) Ohbiteit.com

As far as the nibbles go, it's been a bake free week but I am hoping to remedy that this weekend.  I have been wanting something but I wasn't sure what I wanted - I still don't actually - but cruising my Pinterest foodie board as led me to two fantastic ideas.  One is a supper dish called "Ranch Chicken Enchilada Lasagna" that sounds oh so delicious and then a dessert called "Apple Pie Cookies" which looks really neat.  I need a few things from the store for these but hopefully, I'll be able to run in and get the missing ingredients.

Time to get started on the day - make it great!

Nibbles and Narratives

Marbled bundt cake with powdered sugar on top.

I know, it's been a while since I've had a chance to do one of these segments.  I do love them, just hadn't made the time to sit down with my book in a while but now that Hobbit is back to school and I'm getting my updated routine down, I've carved out a bit of time to read again.

I am not much further than where I was last week but I am further so that's what counts.  Lena just had her first "moment" in Mrs. English's class - I can so relate to that feeling, can't you?  Thankfully, the results of mine were nothing compared to what happened with her.  I am curious as to how they are linked, Lena and Ethan, and I love how he's figuring it all out along the way.  It lets me know that the author doesn't think I'm an idiot and has to have it all spelled out at the front of it but lets me discover it bit by bit, just like Ethan.

This week I also did a bit of baking.  Ever since I was a little girl, my mother would always make something on the first day of school.  Cookies, brownies, cake - just something homemade to celebrate... our return to school and her return to a calm, quiet house.  When I became a mom, I carried on that tradition with my own kids.  On Monday, Hobbit headed back to school and I made her a bundt cake.  Now, in order for you to totally get the reason behind why it looks like it does, you have to understand that "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is one of Hobbit's most favorite movies.  So not only did I make her a "cyak", I made her a "boont cyak"... and she loved it.

Weekend Wonderment

I think this will make for a very nice weekend - reading, lace and blankies.

I plan on doing a little of everything this weekend.  A little reading each night, working a little on my squishy blankie, and a little on my lace shawl.  It is going to be very relaxing.

Nibbles and Narratives

Summer is officially here at our house.  We're on our second day of summer break from school and Hobbit has been enjoying the freedoms that it brings.  I figured I'd give her the rest of the week off from structured events and we'll just start our routine on Sunday.  During these unstructured days, I've managed to sneak in a bit of reading which has been wonderful.  I must say though - my mind is starting to wander in this section of the story so I'm hoping things will get engaging again soon but I'm almost done so either way, I'm thinking a new book will be on the horizon.

Lazy Pasta... I think that's what I'll call it.

Speaking of lazy summertime fun - I've got the perfect supper.  All you need to sacrifice is ten minutes of your time to toss it all together while the oven heats up, then you can go back to relaxing for the 40 minutes it takes to bake.  Sounds good, doesn't it?

Ingredients:

1. 1 16oz box of Ritoni
2. 1 24oz jar of your favorite tomato sauce
3. 24 oz of warm water
4. 2 cups of your favorite cheese or several slices of singles

Directions:

1. Set your oven to 425*F and lightly spray your 9x13 dish with cooking spray.  It helps with clean up after supper but you can skip this step if you want to, it isn't necessary.
2. Mix together your dry pasta, sauce and jar of warm water.  I shake the water in the jar to make sure and not leave any of the goodness inside.  Make sure your pasta is good and wet, then pour it in to your baking dish.
3. Cover your dish with foil, sealing it up good and tight.  Toss it in the oven for 40 minutes.
4. Uncover it, stir it up really well.  Make sure you scrape down the sides and get the sauce mixed up with the noodles evenly again.  At this point, your noodles will be al dente so if you like them softer, cook it a bit longer.  I would think another 10-15 minutes covered would do it but taste and see.
5. Now put your cheese on top, evenly so you don't have burnt peaks and unmelted valleys.
6. Toss it back in the oven for 10 more minutes or until you cheese is melted and your pasta is tender.

If you normally 'doctor' your sauce, don't forget to do it - I did and had to add salt after, not my favorite way to do things so be sure to attend to your sauce as you normally would.

This yummy dish can be done with meat as well, just have to take an extra few minutes to brown it first then toss it in with the sauce in step 2.  Seriously, it's that easy and the best part - Hobbit loved it and even had seconds!

Weekend Wonderment ~ 5/31 - 6/2

Craft a bit, read a bit and watch some of my favorite movies.  I think that sounds like a plan!

This is my last weekend of the school year.  The last time to feel a pause in the momentum of days.  It's bittersweet.  One the one hand, I'm very excited to have summer vacation finally here but on the other... well, that other hand is something that parents will understand.  12 weeks of blank time that needs filled with fun, inspiring, educational and exciting things.  Not all of it mind you but a large portion of it... and it doesn't matter how well prepared and planned out you are - those two little words will sneak in and slap you silly and they will do it faster than you think possible.  What two little words?

...I'm bored.

Nibbles and Narratives

It's an interesting idea and it worked, mostly, which surprised me.

I am so close to being done with my book, I can taste it!  It's been delicious so far and I want to see how it all plays out in the finale.  Truthfully, I was concerned that I was not going to enjoy this title but my love of all things Bennett won out and thank goodness it did.  Has anyone else picked up "Death Comes to Pemberley"?  What did you think?

This week I was in need of comfort food so I was in a bit of a panic when I went to make my meatloaf on Tuesday, only to discover that I had not one egg in the house!  I did some quick thinking learned a nifty new trick... would you like me to share?  Potato flakes.  Yep, that's right.  To substitute the binding agent that I lacked, I used 1 tablespoon of potato flakes and 2 tablespoons of water.  Again, a nervous nelly was I while it was baking because I can stand a lot of things but ruined/wasted food is not one of them.

Not only did this work, you couldn't tell the difference.  There was no change in texture or flavor really which surprised me.  I was afraid that it would be somehow creamy instead of meaty.  Silly, but it's the truth.  So here you go - my recipe for smashing meatloaf...

Ingredients:

1 lb of lean ground beef
1 egg, beaten (or substitute 1tbsp potato flakes and 2 tbsp water)
2/3 cups breadcrumbs or oats
1 small onion, minced
2 tbsp parsley
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1/8 cup ketchup (or bbq sauce is also good)
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp ground mustard (spicy brown is also good)

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients by hand, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Scoop up the mixture and roll into a huge ball.  Slap it down into a baking dish (I use my 5x7 most often but you could use your loaf pan as well).  Form the mixture into a loaf by squishing together the sides and then patting down the top.  Repeat this process until you have a loaf that is roughly as high as your baking dish, with rounded ends.
3. Take your ketchup (or bbq sauce) and make a nice zig-zag pattern across the top and sprinkle some parsley or chives on top.
4. Bake in a 350* oven for about an hour or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf is at or above 160.  Let it rest for a few minutes and then transfer to a serving plate.
5. Enjoy!  This should yield you about 8 to 10 slices, depending on how thick you cut it.

Nibbles and Narratives

Death Comes to Pemberley.. I highly recommend it!

Oh my goodness, the poor Darcy and Bingley families!  I just am gobsmacked at the turn of events.  Not what I expected at all, honestly, but it's delicious that it has taken the turn that it has... I truly think this one character is capable of what transpired though I hold out hope that I am wrong... for his wife's sake if nothing else.

My heart breaks for Elizabeth and Jane though because they bare it all with such grace and stoicism as I have never seen in the real world.  If only something or someone would come and help ease their silent suffering.  This book has been absolutely wonderful thus far and I'm just at the halfway point.  If luck is on my side, I should hopefully find time to finish it this weekend.

As far as the nibbles go - I will apologize up front for forgetting to snap a photo of it but it was so delicious that it wasn't around long enough!  We were all having a blah food day and nothing sounded good so I decided that we were going to do breakfast for supper the other night.  I ended up making the best egg and tater tot casserole ever.  I am going to do it again - with camera at the ready - and write it up proper for y'all later this weekend.  Let me just say, you're gonna flip because it is so good.  Make sure you've got some tater tots at the ready for later this week...

You'll thank me for it!

Nibbles and Narratives

I am absolutely loving this book!

I had to go to the doctor earlier this week.  It was for test results - she put an A+ on my report and asked if I studied hard, love her sense of humor - so I had a long wait but it was my fault.  I wasn't sure of the time so I ended up an hour early. Thank goodness I had stopped by a store for Starbucks and a book.  I knew I would be waiting but I had forgotten my book... which is curious and also not because I'm not really into it at the moment.  I've read it before so it's okay.  I want to read it but I'm not getting sucked in like I usually do so I decided to put it down and get a different book.. and then I walked out of the house without any book at all.

This was a quick grab and go shopping moment so I picked up two titles.  One is a Debbie Macomber that I will be reading once I'm done this one... this other new one... which is entitled "Death Comes to Pemberley".  Oh my goodness, I got sucked in right away and it's interesting too because they have it set up in the beginning where you don't necessarily have to have read "Pride and Prejudice", another favorite of mine.  Now, keep in mind that I don't read as quickly as my father or husband so I'm not halfway done or anything but I've just gotten to the moment where Lydia arrives in typical Lydia fashion and I despise her just as much now as I did before so that is a sign that things are written rather well.  I can't wait to see what comes next!

This whoops turned out to be a WHOOPY!

As far as the nibbles section goes, I've got a wonderful tip to share about a supper gone horribly wrong.  Yesterday, I made the roast my mother had put in our freezer a week or so ago.  My husband swears it was a "boston butt" so we'll go with that.. all I know is that I cooked it like I always do - in my crockpot with a bit of water, Worcestershire sauce, minced onions, ground mustard, garlic, salt and a dash of pepper.  I slow cooked it from frozen, just like always - putting it on at 8 a.m. and letting it fill the house with the aroma of yummy goodness so you're ready to gnaw off your own hand by supper time.  The only difference was, this time it was dry!  I have never made a dry roast so I immediately put the leftover Cowboy Lasagna from the day before in the oven and was heartbroken that I had somehow ruined supper.

Now, my husband, being the adventurous soul that he is, took the ruined roast and went to town.  He shredded it, slathered it in barbeque sauce and called it a success... and he was right!  We're having it for lunch today on some Hawaiian rolls - little BBQ Sliders.  So the next time you fear that you have ruined the roast because it came out dry - and trust me, it can apparently happen regardless of how long you've been making roasts - do as Pokey did... rip it to shreds, drown it in sauce and enjoy the best little sliders around.

The adventure has begun!

source

I finally had a nice chunk of time to properly start my book.  Now I know it's not the first time I've read it... shoot, it's not even the second time honestly, but I seem to be discovering a lot of new things this time around that I had not noticed previously.  It could be due to my age or it could be my brain attempting to find discrepancies between it and the film... whatever it is, it's interesting and a tad distracting honestly.  Oh well, forgotten pocket handkerchiefs aside, the adventure has begun!

Today, I have some ground beef thawing for supper and I was searching for something to make with it because I'm burned out on what I usually make so I did what anyone else in my shoes would do now... I went to Pinterest!  Thank goodness for my Foodie Galore board or else I would be floundering today.  When I popped over there, this was the first thing to catch my eye that matched my stores - Mexican Beef Casserole.  Oh yeah, this is what's for supper tonight and I'm going to 'cheat' a little bit.  I'll share but don't tell - instead of all the tomato paste, olives, garlic, etc I'm just opening up a packet of taco seasoning and using it.  The rest is going to be the same (maybe) and I'll add a side salad to cool it off. 

I promise to report back if it's any good and if I tweak it any further then y'all will be the first to know.

Consider it a Twix

Everything is coming along nicely!

You know, two for the price of one kind of thing... a "Bogo", if you will.  Yes, I know I was quiet yesterday but we were at the pediatrician's office all morning... and today, we'll be at the allergist's all morning trying to figure out what is going on with Hobbit so that she can finally feel better.  She's been icky since January and since it keeps coming back after her prescriptions run out, her pediatrician has decided that a scratch test is what is needed because it no longer fits within the "sinus infection" area because it won't clear up.

All of that to simply say, I'm sorry I missed Wednesday Wound-Up... but I was able to work on two color segments during the wait and I'm sure I'll get the last one and a half while we wait today.  Once I do, I'll be ready for the yarn that is scheduled to arrive on Saturday!  I plug away on the afghan I'm working on while I wait for Hobbit in the school pick up queue or while watching television.  I've not got the pattern memorized so I'm not comfortable yet working on it in the waiting rooms but it's in my bag, just in case.

My book is in my bag too but I'll be honest, I've had too much fun with the scarf/shawl/wrap thingie to actually read it.  If I've had free time this week, it's been spent working up over 700 yards of yarn (and that's just the temperature thingie!) and I'm sure that is a forgivable 'offense'.  I will make time this coming week to read a bit more though because I do miss it.  I am also planning on making this breakfast cake so that Pokey can  have something to eat in the mornings.  It's better for him than eating eggs every morning and since he despises cereal, I thought this would be a nice alternative.  I'm going to make it lower in fat and cholesterol by using skim milk and such but it should taste wonderful.  I'll let you know since I'm going to make it after we get back from the allergist today.

Wish us luck!

Honesty, sincerity and integrity

So, it's been an interesting start to the month, to say the least... and all I can think about is how important honesty and integrity are - to a person, a business and a nation.  Many people simply give up in defeat when dealing with those who seem to lack these qualities but that's not the way - you must fight for what is right.  No it isn't easy but as a very wise man once said...

To all who have been dealing with things that are less than pleasant these past few days, I hope that you are able to remember these words... but more importantly, I hope you are able to emulate their meaning.  While our words hold great power, there is even greater power in our actions.

Be good.  Be kind.  Be brave.