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!!

One hundred five

That is how many hours my husband as worked during this pay period... and he still has one more day to go.  That is just crazy.  I'm tired from the earlier shift conversion but I know he has to be exhausted.

Here it is so far.  Not bad for a night's work.

I decided on what I am making for his coworker who was in the accident.  I went with a simple ripple blanket.  I've been mistakenly called a saint for doing it so let me clear things up just a little... I'm not.  The woman I'm making it for is, well, mean.  She is many equally as nasty adjectives to boot.  This is not a gift of love that I was moved to make.  It's more of a "hey, you're crafty and it's what crafty people do".  It's not nice to speak ill of someone who is down but it's also not right to take praise where you shouldn't.  I'm not a saint, I'm simply doing a duty... truth be told, I'd rather keep it for myself.  I know, I'm horrible now too...

At least Buddy thinks I'm totally spectacular... silly puppy.  If he only knew...

Wednesday Wound-Up

Lots of things to wind up and it's only three days in to the week!  Monday started off super busy, as we all had work/school and then as soon as we were done we had to head to Hobbit's school for an Odyssey of the Mind meeting that was followed by the weekly Hollow Diner.  I swear, her school does some pretty awesome stuff.  Yesterday, after work, we all ran to the grocery store to pick the stuff we couldn't get at the one store on Sunday.  Both nights led to late suppers and exhausted family members.

Today was better.  Today was slower.  I think this was because we had nowhere to go today after work.  We're enjoying the nothingness of tonight and we'll enjoy it again tomorrow because the weekend is going to be busy again.  We're meeting my folks at a halfway point to drop off Hobbit on Friday night because on Saturday morning, Pokey and I have a Coaches Training/Meeting for Odyssey of the Mind all day Saturday.  Then on Sunday, we're driving up to get Hobbit back for the week.  It's just nuts.

I did manage to get some crafting done.  I made a Autumn wreath for my front door area.  I don't have a lot of decorations any more - over the years I thinned things out as they got old and kept meaning to replace them but never have so now I'm down to minimal items and the need to make new stuff is creeping in hard.  Anyway, I made this wreath this week and I really love how it turned out.

It's autumnal, right?

Now my little screened in front porch is all yarny and seasonal - two fabulous things that are unique to our little home.  Here is a peek at what it looks like when you come to visit...

Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, doesn't it.

For someone who is not a fan of Halloween at all, I think putting that much love into some awesome bunting is worth noting.  Granted, I made it two years ago but look at how fabulously it has held up being outside for two seasons.  I've been debating making some in just random fun colors because the screened area has hooks all around the top that I could use to secure it.  It would be inside the screened section too so that would protect it a bit from the elements.  Still debating so we'll see.

I made some silly little ornaments this past week too.  I needed something quick and small for Quidditch and these two fit the bill.  Nothing spectacular, just cute.

Maybe I'll just make a ton of them and hang them from the hooks on the porch.

 I'm still plugging along on my Christmas Tree Skirt.  I'm about halfway there now.  I've just finished the 2 rows of white and am moving on to the crimson.  I took a progress picture to update my Ravelry page and you just can't see the different colors.  It all looks black - even with a bounced flash.  Oh well, here it is anyway...

Yes, I made it overlap on purpose to fit nicely over the legs of the new tree.  It should even out then.

See, you can't see the first row of crimson or the one between the two small rows of green, can you.  Oh well.  I know it's there and when I have it done, I will take a proper photograph in the sunshine which will show it off in all it's glory.

I need to find a nice pattern for a lapghan to make Pokey's coworker.  She was in a head-on collision this past week and has been in the hospital.  I wanted to make her something but I am just stumped as to what.  I initially thought shawl but then his friend at work said a lapghan so we'll see.  I've got a skein of purple, her favorite color, in my stash.  Maybe I can figure something pretty out.

Time to scoot.  I'd like to get a few rows in before bed tonight.  I hope you're having a fabulous week so far.  I'll see y'all tomorrow.

10 days straight

What I've made in September for HPKCHC

Oh my stars, am I whooped.  I come back from a fabulous vacation to work 10 days straight.  It's exhausting.  A new month means a new schedule and some times, it just works out that way where you work one week that is very long during the transition.  This was one of those times.

Poor Pokey has it worse because he is on his 13th day as of this morning.  They did a system change the week we got back and he's been dealing with that every day.  Today was supposed to be his first day off as well but unfortunately, one of the women he works with was in a head-on collision returning from lunch yesterday.  She's in pretty bad shape - broken knee, wrist, and possible internal damage that we have yet to be updated on - so prayers for her healing would be greatly appreciated.  Pokey's boss had originally asked someone else to come in because she has nowhere near as many hours banked as the rest of the team but she said no.  She's an ugly soul anyway.  That left Pokey.  He could have said no as well but it's not his nature so he's currently opening the doors and smiling at customers as he gets his day started.  It is raining so I hope people just decide to wait until Monday to deal with their cable.

Even with all the hustle and bustle, I've managed to craft a little bit in the evenings to keep my sanity.  I made a little owl ornament and a bathroom rug when we got home from Disney.  Currently, I'm making a new Christmas tree skirt because we bought a beautiful new tree for this year.  It's a gorgeous one with crimson berries, pine cones, and even snow on the branches!  To celebrate our new tree, I decided it needed a new skirt... that and it's three feet taller than our last little tree so the old skirt would look silly under it.  Here's where I am so far...

Not bad for two days worth of work.  I hope to have it done by month's end.  Just taking it slow.

I've got some Christmas knitting to pick back up on too which will break up working on this skirt nicely.  Granted, I've been working on the Christmas knitting since about June so here's hoping it won't take until next June to finish - I am so painfully slow at knitting.

Time to get started on my day.  It will consist of cleaning and laundry because I need to get caught up from the past 10 days.  Plus, I'd like to spend Sunday doing nothing at all so that Pokey can recharge on his only day off before we're all back to the grind on Monday.  At least things will even out now and I can get back to my normal routines.

I almost forgot!

I can't believe that I almost forgot about an awesome giveaway for y'all.  Seriously, that is what happens when you go on vacation for ten days and it's your first day back at work - your brain gets left somewhere else!!

So close to being done that I just can't stand it!!

Have you noticed that I've been doing more than just playing with yarn lately?  I've rekindled my love of embroidery!  I've got two kits and a new book coming in the post as we speak.  Oh yeah, I'm loving it - as evident by my Pinterest activity.

Well, guess what I have for y'all - a fabulous sampler book!!  Oh yes, it's magnificent.  So much so that my mama has attempted to "borrow" it twice now.  That project over there is what I've been working on lately.  It's going to be a Christmas ornament for Hobbit's teacher.  I'm going to add it to the wrapping decoration.  I'm sorry it's not completed - just have the red border to go - you see, I thought I had packed it when we were on vacation but it was left behind.  I was so worried that I had lost it at Disney so I was relieved when I found it in my big blue chair when we got home.

Cheryl Fall has created a collection of patterns that you will treasure for a lifetime.  The book is entitled Simply Samplers: Easy Techniques for Hand Embroidery and it is filled with beautiful ideas.  You'll want to make every one, I know I do!  I've put together a few collages - several of these are in line to be made as soon as I get the right cloth.  Speaking of which, there is a complete section devoted to Supplies, Notions, and even "How To" photo tutorials in the back of the book so saying "I don't know how" is no longer a valid reason as to why you aren't stitching too!!

That pillow up there, that's where my little ornament pattern come.  There are so many options for these fabulous samplers.

She breaks down the instructions so well, you will feel completely at ease taking on any of these stunning patterns.

These embroidery items just make me completely giddy and I can't wait to get started on them.  Next up, the "Smile and Be Happy" for my office space!

How would you like to get your hand on this book full of heirlooms waiting to be made?  The fabulous people at Stackpole Books have it set up so that you can - all you have to do is two little things... well, one really but other is fun and increases your chances of winning so why not!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I will be emailing the winner so be sure to have a valid form of contact (ie email or Ravelry ID). When I ask for your mailing address, please don't be shy. If you don't share then Stackpole Books can't send you your shiny new copy of this amazing book. Open to US residents only due to shipping restrictions.

Good luck, everyone!

Such a happy day!

It may be grey and gloomy outside but it's sunshine and roses at my house.  Firstly, I love grey overcast days.  Living in a state where the sun shines an average of 244 days a year, it's nice to have a change of pace.  Plus, these gorgeous grey days are always cooler so you know I'm loving it.

Second awesome thing today - October work schedules.  Yep, I'm excited over my work schedule because not only are my hours from 8 am until 4 pm, they are Monday through Friday.  That's right - I got the weekends off!!  I've not had scheduled weekends off for over a year so this is definite cause to celebrate.  I even wrote my boss and told her thank you.  I can actually sleep in, think of how joyous that is going to be!!

Thirdly, I'm making a celebratory supper tonight.  I've decided on a warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert - one must have her priorities straight.  My challenge is deciding between Cottage Pie or having a mealoaf with mash.  I think I may go Cottage Pie and use the crumble as leverage to get Hobbit to eat if she's being picky tonight.

Time to go enjoy the afternoon with some crafting.  Such a happy, happy day!

We're home

We got home last night from spending the week at Walt Disney World.  It was fabulous.  Granted, I was sick with a bad cold for most of it but we still had a wonderful relaxing family get away.  Here are a few pictures of all our fun...

Sunday night, after we unpacked the cabin, we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

We watched the new Frozen fireworks show.  It was really amazing.

So much color, it was breathtaking.

Monday morning, we went to the World Showcase in Epcot.

It was so peaceful and relaxing in the garden over at China.

We took our farewell ride on the Maelstrom too.

That night, we went swimming after we took a carriage ride around Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Tuesday morning was spent at the pool, but that night we went somewhere special.

We went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom!

We were able to walk on to everything because it was not crowded at all.

The rain held off long enough for the Headless Horseman to open the parade!

There were so many cool floats and characters running around.

Goofy, one of my all time favorites, rode a float that blew bubbles and smelled of cotton candy!

The Villains had their own band - they were awesome.

I was overjoyed to see Goob (aka The Bowler Hat Guy from Meet the Robinsons).

The rest of the week was just as magical.

I hope y'all had a fabulous week and now, it's time to start looking forward to Autumn and all the beauty we have in store!!

Wednesday Wound-Up

I've got a lot of super secret crafting going on at the moment that I can't share... isn't that always the way starting about now?  I promise to start making something that isn't super secret soon.  I love sharing my projects with y'all... so how about y'all share your projects with me instead this week.

What are you working on?

Tuesday Tunes

I hope you have a fabulous day.  I can't think of a better way to start it than by playing a super happy tune to get you through the day!

Give joy

Just some food for thought during a time when it seems that it needs to be shared most.

It seems like people are forgetting to be kind, grateful, and compassionate.  That the feeling of entitlement has grown to a level that is rather disgusting.  You can learn a lot about a person's character when they are faced with a moment of grace - they can either be gracious, or they can be greedy.

I spend a great deal of my life giving.  I give my time, my energies, myself.  I don't ask for anything in return.  I give because I love to do it.  Only a few times has the act of giving ever left a sour taste in my mouth - but generally, it was the recipient's who turned it that way.  They were thankless and greedy... and showing how ugly people can be when they forget to be kind, grateful, and compassionate.

When someone gives to you - either of themselves or even something tangible - always remember to be thankful.  It doesn't matter how big or small the act is, it's the simple act of giving that should be cherished.  Don't act entitled, greedy, or ugly when someone is doing something selfless for you.  Be mindful.  Be thoughtful.  Be thankful.

It's when we lose our sense of gratitude that we we become thankless and entitled.  Enrich your life and do something selfless for someone else today.  You just might surprise yourself at how wonderful it feels do things for others without having an ulterior motive... just give of yourself for the joy of giving.

Bringing joy to others... it will most certainly bring joy back to you.

Jingling ring-ting-tingling too

Here's the skirt I made a few years ago.

I have Christmas carols on constant repeat in my head.  It's not too soon if you're a crafter with a list of gifts to make that is as long as your arm.  To get myself in the mood, I play Christmas music while I craft... and it gives me an excellent reason to play Christmas music because I absolutely love them.

One of the things that I've been itching to make is a new tree skirt.  I made one a few years ago when I was a super new crocheter and it never fit right.  I want a do-over.  I am going to too... and better than that, I'm going to design it myself.

I'm thinking of several things so I'm not really sure which direction I'm going to go with it.  I've got visions of blues with white snowflakes at the hem... scrappy goodness making a rainbow of colors... traditional red, white, and green with a granny rippley effect.  I need to narrow down my scope and get started on it soon.

We're getting a bigger tree this year so I'm going to need a bigger skirt... yeah, that's the ticket.  We crafters are getting down to the wire, it's time to seriously get into present crafting mode - who's with me?!?

Procastination at its best.

I'm so hard core, this image isn't even from today... I took it over three years ago!

As much as I am a go-getter, I am a procrastinator too.  I will wait until the last minute to do some things because I work better under pressure.  Other things, I will jump on get done a million light years before I need to simply because I can... and usually, the level of procrastination is in direct proportion to the importance of the item needing to be completed.

I have always been this way, even as a kid in school.  I never miss a deadline and I am super organized with my time which allows me to be an excellent procrastinator.  I can schedule just enough time to allow me to fiddle around until the fire is lit and I go to town.

Today, I am the poster child for procrastination.  I want to do what needs to be done because I want to enjoy the fruits of my labors... I'm just not wanting to actually do it because I'm still battling a horrible cold.  I feel all icky and just want to lounge in my pajamas... but I can't.  I have to get going... so instead of actually getting going, I sit down and write blog posts.  Yep, that's how I roll.

Now I'm going to go eat a donut and contemplate my plan of attack.  I think I should be in full swing by lunch.  Especially considering I want to be done by supper, that should do it.

Procrastination at its finest... that's me.

Tuesday Tunes

Just a sweet song to get through the day. I hope your Tuesday is as full of sunshine and light as this little tune.  Press play and add a smile to your day.

Don't forget to enter the drawing for an awesome pattern book to add to your library.  Click here for the details.

Tunisian Crochet and a giveaway!

I am always up for trying new things so when the lovely people at Stackpole Books asked me if I wanted to take a look at the brand new book they have available, I couldn't say no.  It's entitled "Tunisian Crochet for Baby" by Sharon Hernes Silverman.  One look at the cover, and you'll fall in love with everything inside...

This book is filled to the brim with fabulous projects that are perfect for anyone tiny in your life.  These patterns are not just for the Tunisian whiz kids out there either - a novice like me can totally understand how make these beautiful pieces because she has taken the time to create a wonderful picture tutorial in the back for each of the stitches she uses so you won't get lost or frustrated.

So there is no excuses when it comes to creating a keepsake item for the next baby to come into your life.  Take a look at some of my favorite patterns that are tucked between the covers of this amazing book.  I wish I could show you all 23 patterns but I'll resign myself to just a handful...

Now, I hate to be the one to spring this on you but... there are only 14 more weekends until the holiday season is upon us.  Wouldn't these make lovely presents for the newest addition in your life?  I think so too - so here's how you can win a copy of this fabulous pattern book...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be announced on September 13th. Open to residents of the USA only due to shipping costs. I will contact the winner via email so be sure to have a valid point of contact - email or Ravelry account. The publisher will be shipping the book directly to you so I will need your mailing address to pass along to them. Good luck everyone and have a fabulous Monday!!

Sunday Snaps

I know I've been quiet this week but I promise, I've been busy - look at what all I finished!

This has been a crazy week.  The first week of a new month is always a bit wonky because the work schedule always changes.  On the upside, I had a conversation with my big boss and things will start to even out more and I am over the moon excited about it.  I'll know more once October gets here but it sounds like it is finally the perfect fit for my family.  It only took a year and a half but we got there.

I know I was quiet and I do apologize but I have things to share - my productive week was super productive on the crafting front!  Check it out...

1. We are going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party during our family vacation so I made Hobbit a treat bag to go with her princess costume!  It's all original and I won't be releasing it because I don't wish to infringe upon anyone's copyright.  I do have cryptic notes on my project page though so if you wander over that way, you might can figure it out.
2. I am plugging along on my little cross stitch that is going to part of a Christmas present for someone special.  It's turning out rather spiffy, don't you think?
3. Quidditch started on the 5th and I had to score a goal for Slytherin because a threepeat would be the bees knees.  I know Dolores Umbridge would love her own "locket" with kitties in it.
4. I released a super simple pattern for my Flower Lace Cowl that I truly love.  Hobbit's teacher apparently loves it too - she asked me to come in and teach the kids how to knit and crochet.
5. I was curious if some super bulky yarn would work well for a hat so I sat down and whipped one up.  It's amazingly warm and really cute.  I don't know that I will get much use out of it but if we ever have a cold day down here, I'm all set with this cutie.
6. I'm still plugging away on my shawl.  I have to admit, I am not a big fan of how they have it written out.  I've had to frog it twice in two different areas.  Granted, I am modifying it to make it bigger but still, my math is correct so we'll see how it turns out.  These little hiccups on the base may vanish when I get to the shell section.  I hope to have some serious time to work on it tomorrow when I'm off.

That's been my week.  All crafting has been courtesy of binge watching "Parenthood" since this is it's farewell season, I wanted to rewatch all of them prior to it starting.  I do love that show and I am so sad to see it go but I understand.  Six seasons is a lot for a show that was never at the top of the ratings - but they do have a dedicated cult following.  I hope to own in all on DVD once it's over.

I need to get ready for work - yeah, I work both weekend days (all day) this month so I'm not the happiest of campers but I know that things will be better soon so I'm doing what I was taught to do... suck it up and power through.  The final quarter of the year will definitely be golden.  I just know it!

How about a new pattern?

Flower Lace Cowl

I made up this pattern and I've had several requests for it so I figured that I would just write it out because it really is one of the most simple things I've ever done.

This lovely cowl looks really complex and fancy but it couldn't be more simple.

I made it for my daughter's teacher who was feeling poorly this past week.  It only took me about three hours to design and make it so it should take y'all a whole lot less!


You can download the pattern on Ravelry.  As always, I give this pattern freely to the crafting community - but please follow the copyright attached to all my patterns.  I hope you enjoy!

Itching to get started

I think it's time to get this puppy rolling... I keep putting it off because of the HPKCHC but I want to work on it now.

I want to work on something different.  Yeah, I have a fair few fibery projects in the works but I honestly want to do something different for a little while.  I want to work on my cross stitch.  I was going to take it with me on vacation since it's easy to pick up and put down but I can't wait that long.   I think I'm going to spend the morning cutting my cloth, taping the edges and getting started.  I really just want to work on something sweet and simple - and this totally fits the bill.

Yarny goodness can wait a few more days... it's time for some floss fun.

Enough already

po·lit·i·cal cor·rect·ness 
noun
noun: the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.

I swear, you can't do or say anything without someone getting their knickers in a twist because they are 'offended'.  Everyone is so hyper-sensitive and they feel that others should pet their delicate souls.  Since when has this become okay?  When did the world get to be so pathetic?

I find blonde jokes offensive.  I find fat jokes offensive.  I find Southern jokes offensive.  I don't like listening to others talk about things are against my core values and beliefs when it comes to drinking, drugs, and sexuality because I find it offensive.  I find it offensive to have to choose #1 for English in the phone tree.

Here's the deal though... I don't whine about it.  I simply remove myself from the situation or area and get on with life.  I don't push my positions or beliefs on others because I don't want anyone to do it to me.  I simply smile and go to another area where I am not subjected to it - even in jest.

There are people that I work with - both in my paid and volunteer positions - who I find completely offensive in their manner of speech, lifestyle choices, and demeanor.  Do I whine about it?  Nope.  I simply ignore them.  This whole garbage about it being a "global community" is just that, garbage.  We've always lived in a global community.  The difference is, people used to just suck it up and move on with life.  Now, instead of doing that, they whine about it... incessantly... oh how offended they are because you said something they don't like that doesn't even directly pertain to them.  To make it even better, instead of discussing it directly with you, they whine anonymously to anyone that they believe has 'power' because by golly, they've been wronged.

It's all just a load of junk.  I long for the days when people had thicker skin and weren't extremists.  Mr. Smith lived his life.  Mr. Jones lived his.  They didn't sit around finding reasons to be offended at one another.  They simply went about their days, ignoring those items in the world that they didn't care for and got on with the business of living.

So let's do each other a favor and just move on with life.  Don't sit around being pathetic because you don't like what someone said.  Ignore it.  Don't make others bend to your desires, remove yourself from the situation if you don't care for it.  Grow up.  Get over it.  Move on with life.


This is George Carlin. He said it like it was. This video will definitely offend those who are afflicted with political correctness - and I do apologize for the few bits of obscene language so please don't listen to this with children in the room or at work - but what he is saying, the message in the madness, is true.

Dare to be unique

Dare to be unique. Dare to simply be yourself. Not what others want you to be or how what you think others wish for you to be - just simply be yourself. The beauty and uniqueness that is solely your own.

Embrace it.

Celebrate it.

There is no one on this Earth like you.  You were made special and unique and beautiful.  It's not easy to always be yourself but you will never regret it.  If you have to change who you are - by appearance or actions - to 'fit in', then that should tell you something.

You are special.  For anyone who can't see that is blind and anyone who doesn't honor that is a fool.  

1 Samuel 16:7 says -

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  

Let the beauty of your heart shine through - outward trappings can't hide what is truly going on inside.  If you follow your heart in all that you do, and always be yourself - in look, actions, and demeanor - then you will always be beautiful... and that is the beauty that is most important in this world.

You'll slap your mama!

Y'all remember how I've been bored with my normal rotation of recipes?  Well, these last two weeks, I had an "I wonder" moment and went for it - oh my goodness, it was so good you'll wanna slap your mama!!  I'm calling it BBQ'd Mac n' Cheese.  Here's what you'll need...

It is so delicious - my entire family loved it!

Ingredients
1 lb of lean ground beef
1 15.25oz can of corn, drained
9 ozs of your favorite BBQ sauce (I use Bull's Eye original)
1 14oz package of Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese
Salt and pepper to taste.
Parsley for garnish

Directions
1. In medium skillet, brown your beef.  Don't forget to season it with the salt and pepper.
2. While the beef is working, prepare the macaroni and cheese per the instructions on the box.  You can make it from scratch but I was being lazy yesterday so I simply grabbed a box.
3. Drain the meet and place in a separate bowl.  Add the corn and BBQ sauce to the beef and combine until it's completely worked through and wet.
4. Once the macaroni and cheese is completed, add the beef mixture and combine.  Sprinkle parsley on top.
5. Place in a 300*F for 12 minutes to heat the corn through and marry the flavors.

I have done this with chicken and pork and it's all delicious.  I have even added crushed red peppers and chili powder to the ground beef to give it a bit of a kick and it's fabulous that way too.

It's a quick and easy way to have a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Ham, Cheese, and Hexagons

Not bad for a first go on a developing pattern.

I'm going to spend the day watching Elvis movies and making hexagons for a test crochet that I'm signed up for to help a friend.  We've already made a few design improvements to the pattern so it's been productive.  This hexagon was the first one - before the modifications were suggested that brought it to be in more of a straight line for seaming instead of the pretty swooping effect which would pucker.

I've let it sit by the wayside for a few days and now I'm going to spend the morning making these little suckers while I watch several of my favorite cheesy movies - all Elvis musicals.  Did you know that one time, there was a ham sent to him as a joke on the set of one of his musicals because he "hammed it up" on camera.  Seriously, it's true.  Funny thing was, he loved ham so he would cook it up and have a great meal.  He knew his films weren't much more than fluff but they made people, like me, very happy so he was alright with that... for a while.  Granted, he passed when I was only 4 years old but my daddy was such a huge fan that he shared him - as well as John Wayne and many others - with me to make sure I had a well rounded music and film experience.

So today, I'm going to ham it up with The King and tonight, I'm making something he would have loved - BBQ'd Macaroni and Cheese.  I'll share the recipe tomorrow - you're gonna love it!  In the meantime, enjoy some "ham" on me...

Not my fault...

I laughed at this more than I probably should.

My friend posted this hilarious picture on her page this morning and so I've been giggling and singing it since then.  I mean come on, it really is funny and the it's a good tune too so it works well.

Today, we can all thank my fabulous friend her wacky sense of humor for the selection.  We're going old school.  So have a fabulous Tuesday and enjoy a good giggle on us - it's the perfect way to start the day.

And so it begins

Oh my stars, it is so nice to finally not feel icky.  I had been fighting a horrible headache since Thursday - you know the kind that make your neck and shoulders hurt too.  Yeah, it was one of those.  It got the better of me over the weekend - complete with insomnia and tummy challenges.  Today is the first day where I feel like a human, though I have headache hangover but a good night of sleep should cure that.

It's good that today is the day I feel better because it's the first day of school around here.  I had to be ship shape to send her off, ready to face her new role in the Gifted program.  She left today as excited as I've ever seen her.  I can't wait to hear about her adventures.  I think she's probably having her lunch right about now, which means she found the surprise little card I put in there.  I wanted to tell her how sweet, kind, and fabulous I think she is but first day jitters can be deafening so while I did tell her, I wrote her too - just to be sure she knows how wonderful she is and how proud of her we are.

I hope her first day went well - if her mood is any indication, it should be perfect.

My precious little baby on her first day of 4th grade.  So grown up for being just 9-years-old... my little genius.

Sunday Snaps

School starts tomorrow.  We're picking Hobbit up from my folks with a special delivery!