Tuesday Tunes

I just made a deal with Hobbit - heaven help me.  Her room is in a constant state of disarray and I can't stand it.  She "cleans" it up... if you consider different piles in different parts of the room as 'clean'.  I don't.

Today, after school, she and I are going to thin out her belongings.  Some will go to storage.  Some will go to charity.  Some will silently slip off into the night.  Initially, it was going to be all me and some trash bags but in the calmer light of day, I struck a deal.

Either way, change is gonna come and our house will be happier when it's done.

Motivational Mondays ~ 2/6

Have I ever told you that I actually like Mondays?  I know, I'm in the minority but I do.  It gives me a great peace of mind to know that on Mondays, I get my routine back.

Pokey goes to work (even though it's now it's his Friday) and Hobbit goes back to school.  That means that I have almost 5 hours where the house is quiet and I can get it back in order.  As soon as I get back from taking Hobbit to school this morning, I will pick up all the stray items that have somehow gotten lost from their original homes.  I will dust and vacuum and wash clothes and mop and wipe everything until my house sparkles like in a cartoon.  Then, I can sit down and knit or play on the computer or watch something on the television - it may only be 30 minutes, depending on how badly it was attacked over the weekend, but it's still my time to enjoy the fact that my house is set right.

The secret to happiness is to make your own.

Sure, as soon as I come home with Hobbit it somehow gets instantly messy again with five minutes time.  Yeah, I know that Pokey has days where he isn't much better because things just seem to fall of the both of them with a gravitational pull so strong that it's a miracle they can stand upright - and that same pull makes it impossible for them to pick it all back up again.  Although, my husband has broken that magical force field that surrounds the dishwasher so I hold out hope, on the whole.

Yes indeed, I love Mondays - I love Thursdays too for the exact same reason because we have two weekends in this house right now... Pokey's weekend and Hobbit's weekend.  I'm sure I'll get things back to one weekend soon but for now, I'll just keep enjoying my Mondays and Thursdays... and my sparkly clean house... for however long it lasts.

Sunday Snaps

We started the week with Chocolate Chip Muffins...

I spent most of the week sprinkling pixie-dust all over my teammates...

I completed a few challenges and presents - Hobbit was kind enough to model for me...

I love making things that will remind others they are loved and make them smile...

because I totally know how it feels to open a box and be overjoyed with all the love inside.

As you can see, the week was full of fibery goodness - both food and yarn related.  I can't wait to show you my blanket, Rapunzel's New Dream, later on this week.  If I've calculated it properly, I should have one full panel done by tonight or tomorrow.  I'm working it between other projects so we'll see if I get sucked in or swap out as I have been doing.  I've completed 50% of the challenges and even got in my team unity points straight off the bat so I don't think that's bad for the first week.

Tonight, Hobbit will be going to bed early since we've been up since 3 a.m. due to her inability to listen - long story short, she's lactose intolerant and chugged a super huge mug of milk yesterday without taking her medicine... so the icky is ten times worse than if the glass had been smaller and the medicine had been taken.

I've decided that since my beloved Peyton and the Colts didn't make it into the Super Bowl this year, I'm going to root for little brother Eli.  I remember actually watching him play live during an Ole Miss / Arkansas game... still have no clue why anyone would want their team rally cry to be "Pig Sooie" but I digress.  He was amazing in college and is a talented quarterback in his own right.  So instead of my normal Minnie in a Colts uniform that has made appearances around here, this is for Eli and the New York Giants today ~

Once upon a swap

For me?

I just finished participating in my first swap... ever.  At first, I wasn't sure what all had to be done or how it all played out but being the Type A personality that I am, I did some serious researching and that put my mind at ease.  It also helped me come up with a plan - make a box that I would love to get - and I stuck to my plan... then my box actually came and I was blown away.

She's crazy good, isn't she - the color, the length, the pattern.. all perfect!

 Yesterday was the day she told me to expect it but to be honest with you, I completely forgot.  I knew something was supposed to happen that day but I couldn't remember what... then I heard a knock at the door and saw the big brown truck outside!  You would have thought it was Christmas and I was chasing down Santa himself.  I couldn't get to the door fast enough... and once I did, I was so excited that I could barely work the handle.  Gently, I lifted the box up and carried it inside with the same reverence as if I were holding the Holy Grail.  Carefully, I cut the tape and removed the lid - oh holy wow, is this all for me?!?!

Isn't all just lovely?  Couldn't you die?  Best part, it's really all for me!!

I found several beautifully wrapped articles, one in a distinctive green, and an envelop which contained a letter that outlined what all I would find.  I'll admit that as soon as I saw that it was an outline, I put it to the side and dove in to the presents - I wanted to be surprised... and boy was I.  Blocking mats with T-pins, a Turkish spindle, a beautiful handmade knit shawl, 2 homemade snap bags, an O-ring notebook, a mug rug, a homemade coffee collar and two balls of Debbie Bliss yarn in the most beautiful pink tweed colorway.

It's as if my secret swap partner already knew me - everything was so deliciously perfect.  I'll admit it, I cried a little as I was reading her outline because I had never had a perfect stranger send me something so completely wonderful.  A box full of joy, handpicked or crafted especially for me - and all of it was spot on.

Thank you, Susan.  I adore everything you sent, admire and appreciate everything you made and will treasure it for the rest of my life.  Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you!!

I'll share my swap box that I sent out on Monday - that's when she's scheduled to receive it so I won't be ruining any surprises.

A day late

I'm sorry I missed putting up my "Weekend Wonderment" post.  My laptop died late Thursday night.  Seriously.  Dead.  I was sans computer... then I remembered who I married.  Pokey is a miracle worker because he managed to bring my computer back to brand new condition.  A few lost bookmarks is worth having my computer back.  So let's catch up, shall we?

1. Rapunzel's New Dream  2. Pixar Love  3. A Fistful of Firsts

I may be frogging "Pixar Love", I'm not sure yet.  You see, that and "A Fistful of Firsts" will answer the same Nerd Wars challenge.  One would be yet another knit item for Peanut and one would be a knit item for either Hobbit or myself.  Not to sound awful but you know how kids are about knitwear - nothing is appreciated really until they're adults.  Don't get me wrong, they ask for stuff and think it's neat but it will still be years before I won't find my hard work balled up on the floor.

Anywho, that is my weekend - not going to read at all.  Not sure about what I will put on while I work, could just let my Pandora stations play or I might put on a movie.  Oh yeah, and I have to frog my "A Fistful of Firsts" for the fourth time but I just recently learned that it isn't because I can't do it but that the pattern is utter rubbish (I was shocked, honestly thought that I was just overly ignorant) but there is a thread on Ravelry that solves these issues for me so the fifth time will be the charm.

What's on your plate for this weekend?  Any fibery fun planned?

And the winner is...

amchart's Double knitted scarf - isn't it neat!

I loved all the entries and it was so very hard to choose.  Everything was so fabulous and the stories about conquering fears and trying (or even failing) at new techniques were all inspiring.  I honestly have been going back and forth all day which one to choose - but I kept coming back to this project and this post ~

"Well, this can’t be counted as an entry, but I did want to post it as a Thank You. I saw the original blog post about the contest. FUN! I thought about it and decided on double knitting which I’ve never tried. Perhaps a simple hat. Then January happened -- my angel newborn turned into a Jekyl and Hyde fussy baby keeping me up all hours. Then there are the pesky tax forms for my hubby’s business. Thursday last week I received an e-mail link to this really cool double knit snowflake scarf. I immediately thought again of this contest. “I can knit that in a week” I says to myself. Reality check … fussy baby … six other kids. This is as far as I got. But I wanted to post just to say THANK YOU Peppermint Mocha Momma (love your name!) for the inspiration to do it. I’m fairly pleased with my first attempt at double knitting, but you can see I do need a little fine tuning."

It most certainly can be counted as an entry and not only that - it was the one that won me over.  I've sent you a message via Ravelry but let me congratulate you here as well.  Job well done, honestly stupendous effort!!  Congratulations!!

Contest Ends Tonight!

I'm going through reading all the projects and entries so be sure to get yours in tonight.  I am hoping to have them all read and announce a winner tomorrow or Friday.  The four places to submit:

1. Linking your project page with the required information in the comments.
2. Emailing it straight to me via the email in my blog profile.
3. Posting it to our Ravelry group.
4. Posting it to our Facebook wall.

Four very user friendly entry points and the required information is a snap too:

1. Explain the technique used.
2. Why was this technique a challenge for you?
3. The story of your crafting journey.
4. Necessary contact information (Rav ID or email)

Right now, I'll leave you with this adorable photo of Hobbit and my first Nerd Wars Tournament 4 submission of Round 1... to be followed by submissions 2 and 3 later tonight.  I promise to elaborate fully tomorrow.

That's some super over the top cuteness right there, isn't it... kinda makes your teeth hurt it's so sweet.

Tuesday Tunes

Tonight, at midnight, Tournament 4, Round 1 begins - I think this is most appropriate.

Oh holy wow, it's early

I love my husband and I love his new shift that started this weekend.  He gets home at a time when we can all have supper together, enjoy the evening as a family and it's more inline with Hobbit's daily routine... but I really am disliking the fact that it's almost 7 a.m. here and I've been up for two hours already this morning.

Sure I could be super productive and have all the laundry for the day done, the house cleaned and life in order but there are catches to that - the washer and drier are just outside Hobbit's door so I would scare the bejeezus out of her if I were to start them up now, same for the vacuum so all I can do is drink my coffee or read my forums and blogs.  That is my current mood and position on this situation - and I'm going to change it, right now.

I get to spend almost two whole hours alone with my husband in the morning - even the majority of the world is asleep so it's peaceful.  At night, I get spend it enjoying my entire family and then another few hours of just the two of us before we turn in for the night but the morning hours are different.  They are veiled in a slower, dreamier state which is a far cry different than the sleepy evening state because nothing has tainted the day yet.  No one has gotten in trouble.  No messes have been made.  No challenges have crept up.  Life is perfect during those wee hours, even the sun is still asleep but all is right in my world.

Coffee & knitting - a great start to any day

Once Pokey leaves for work, I've got another entire hour to myself.  I can get ready at a leisurely pace and continue to enjoy the stillness before my little tsunami wakes up.  I can plan out my day in peace and carry the calm mood over to Hobbit in hopes that she will be more agreeable in the morning too.  No feelings of being rushed at all - and once she's off to class, then I can begin my chores and enjoy my spotless surroundings for the six hours while she is gone.

Yes, I'm not a morning person but learning to find the little blessings in the day is what needs to be done.  Finding the pearls of life through all the gritty, grimy irritating things is what makes all the difference.  As the saying goes, "If you always do what you've always done, then you'll always get you always got"... I have always hated mornings and in turn, mornings have always been horrible - so now, I'm going to embrace them and make them the time to get centered and focused for the day, keeping them calm and easy so that the rest of my day will hopefully follow suit.

To put it simply, I'm choosing to make it the best part of the day so that if I decide it to be so, the reality will be that it honestly is... I influence more than just me so why not influence everything in a more positive direction.

Sunday Snaps

I created a new hat pattern...

I created a new recipe...

and my birthday present finally arrived.

It's been a rather low key week.  I spent a great deal of it working on a new hat pattern that still needs a few tweaks.  I also have been playing in the kitchen but only one creation was noteworthy.  My 480 yds of Three Irish Girls goodness arrived in the post this week too - I need to figure out what I'm going to make with it.  The base is Wexford Merino Silk and the colorway is Bellini - it's gorgeous.

I just got a note from a dear friend that she might be able to pop by on Tuesday for a visit, which makes me giddy.  I haven't seen her in a few months and she's just the sweetest soul.  I hope she brings her knitting - I'll make some coffee and we can just gab and knit and sip and laugh.  Fingers crossed our schedules still hold true - we've had the worst luck when we plan to get together.

Hobbit's allergies have been off the charts this week so to currently hear her singing in her room while she's cleaning makes me smile.  When she's miserable, we're all miserable - sometimes she's just pathetic and it breaks our hearts, others it's just her spreading her misery with us... I prefer this much more.  Now if I could only get her to actual clean up her room instead of creative pile making, that would be heavenly.

The next three days are going to drag on - I know this is true because I've lived it before.  I need to find a simple project to occupy my time for the next three days because I also know that at midnight, on February 1st, I will cast on at least one new project and work until it's completed at some time later in the afternoon that same day.  Do you know why?  It will be my first completed project for Tournament 4 of Nerd Wars - and my first ever completed project as a Team Captain.  The rosters were announced yesterday and I just know that we're going to have a blast for the next three months.  If you missed sign-ups, no worries because you can always play as Ninja... and play for the glory!

So that's been my week - I hope yours was equally as low key and relaxing.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 1/27 - 1/29

I will be spending some quality time with my yarn stash this weekend - getting things gathered and ready for Tournament 4... final touches and all.  Teams will be announced in the next hour or so - everyone is jazzed and having a hard time not bouncing off the virtual walls!

In the meantime, why not stop by Doodlebug Yarns to gather up your supplies too.  They are partnering with Peppermint Mocha Mama to give y'all $5 off any purchase of $25 or more.  Wasn't that sweet of them - just click on the link right over there in the side bar and use the code "Peppermint" to claim your discount.  They carry some of my favorite brands:  Three Irish Girls, Malabrigo and so much more.  The accessories section will leave you weak in the knees too so be sure to take a trip over there and don't forget your discount code - you'll be glad you did.

It all begins tomorrow

Club 33 - for all things Disney

Well, part of it beings tomorrow - it doesn't actually begin until the first of the month... but still an epic moment.  What am I talking about - Nerd Wars and the team roster announcements.  Today is the last day to sign up and become a part of the nerdiest, most fun and challenging game on Ravelry.  There is a team for everyone - seriously, just click for the listings - so there really is no reason why you shouldn't join in the fun.

Sign ups close at 11:59 p.m. EST so come on, have some fun and join the jamboree... and choose Club 33 for Tournament 4 of Ravelry's Nerd Wars!!  I hear the team captain is a real hoot.

Now, about our other fun adventure that ends on the first of the month - our Rise to the Challenge contest.  How is everyone doing?  Are you going to make it?  Don't forget to submit your entries either via our Ravelry group, Facebook page or through email to me.  I can't wait to see what all you have created and read about your adventures during this project.

So many exciting things happening this coming week - I can hardly stand it!

Tuesday Tunes

It just fits today - enjoy.

California Cheeseburger Pie

I was struck by inspiration today and I have to say, it was a home run in this house!  It was fast, simple and oh so delicious.  Now, y'all know that I am a foodie but in no way, shape or form am I food blogger so bear with me while I muddle through how to recreate this tasty sensation.  Here goes:

1 lb ground beef, minced onions, course chopped parsley, garlic, mustard powder, salt, pepper, 1 egg, oats and Worcestershire sauce

Mix ingredients and then form into a 9" pie dish - bake for 15 minutes at 350F

While beef is browning, cook your frozen California Medley mix.

Drain any fat and layer California Medley on top of ground beef pie.  Cook for 50 minutes more.

Then, add cheese to top and replace in oven for roughly 8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

There you have it - California Cheeseburger Pie.

No matter what

This movie comes to mind, every time.

Do you ever feel like with certain people no matter what you do or say, it's wrong?  I have a few folks in one of my little circles that fall into this category.  It's a passive aggressive thing too which I find lacks any sorts of strength or conviction from those who do it.  I even attempted to address it once and I swear, the locker room scene from Top Gun where Iceman called Maverick dangerous played out in my head.  It was so over-the-top ridiculous and out of left field that I just deemed it not worth my time.

Don't get me wrong - if I have done or said something inappropriate or incorrect, then please let me know.  I appreciate being made aware so that I can remedy it... but if my answer is still correct and sound but clearly states that I am not completely sure but I will find out - where is the harm in that?  I let the person who asked know that someone heard their question... and as one who is often ignored or overlooked within that group, I know I would appreciate if someone acknowledged that my inquiry was seen and someone is looking into it.

Apparently, I was wrong (again).  There are few things in this world that I can't shrug off - passive aggressive elitist snobs just happen to be one of them.  I know what y'all are thinking, "just quit" but that isn't my nature.  If those few want to think that they have somehow flexed their muscle and whatnot, have at it.  No skin off my nose.  I've made note of what they're saying for future reference that note would be - do nothing within 'their realm' and that is exactly what I will do from now on.  I am good at what I do, I enjoy those with whom I interact with on a more immediate and intimate level and that is where I will focus my energies... because those are the people from that circle that matter.

The bottom line is this - they can be as passive aggressive as they wish, I don't care.  Nothing will dampen my spirit or my desire to do the best job possible... and in the end, the truth will shine through.  People are realizing and seeing the behavior, the bullying... so the only thing that they are accomplishing is making themselves look like fools and I refuse to stoop to their level.

Head up, shoulders squared and face everything head on.  I choose my mood and my reaction - therefore, I choose to rise above them.  I will continue to participate and have a good time.  I will encourage and educate those around me, guide and lead them with a kind and gentle hand.  I will not demean, bully or insult anyone - I'll leave those underhanded tactics to the professionals.  I will lift up the people in my group, not tear them down.  I will celebrate accomplishments and lend a hand to fix failures.  I will stay positive and upbeat because I would rather have people feed off of that energy than a negative one.

So thanks passive aggressive elitist snobs - you've simply encouraged me to do my best.  Sorry it backfired for you but I appreciate the passion... if only you'd put it to better use.

An inadvertent rise

That's all I had left with about three more inches to go!

Y'all know I was working on my hat this weekend because I wanted to finish it.  Well, then I had that unfortunate situation where I was running out of yarn to actually complete it... and we still have our Rise to Challenge contest going on, right?  Y'all remember all that stuff... well, I inadvertently rose to the challenge this weekend.

Initially, I was going to work on color working since I had not done it... and running out of yarn forced me to learn.  When my spindle arrived I was going to use that as my challenge but I am such a spastic monkey when it comes to working with it that I haven't done anything that I would consider an accomplishment yet.  I'm still learning and I practice with it several times a week when my shoulder and neck cooperate.

Anywho, here is my entry (even though obviously I can't win my own contest no matter how badly I want a Crafter's Tool Butler).  This photo is unblocked and as soon as it's dry, I promise to get a few really good shots to share.  The color change wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be - partly because it was during the decreasing and changing from circulars to dpns so my mind was in overdrive at that point.  I think it's a pretty clean transition and nothing went wonky on me... and I'm proud to say that it doesn't look like a bad attempt at a watermelon homage either.  All in all, I'm pretty tickled with the results.  My favorite parts are the pompom and the buttons... you'll see, once it's dry.

Not bad for a "straight off the needles" shot.  Better ones post blocking are forthcoming, I promise.

Sunday Snaps

This week was spent completely focused on one thing...

My little hat and yarnny goodness in general.

I'm thinking daisies are the best choice but not totally sold just yet...

We had Florida's version of snow because it too brings colder temperatures - it was wonderful.

My secret swap box is coming along nicely, very nicely indeed.  I'm very excited about sending it soon.

Yesterday, I worked my hat - today I'll be spinning and working the slipper.  I love weekends like this.

There is a little bit of fun coming down the pike with my gorgeous pink hat - I'm running out of yarn!  I started my figuring when I should begin my decrease repeats and realized that my little ball was too little.  A bit of creative manipulation at work and I still think I'm not going to make it.  I have a plan but I must admit, I'm a bit disappointed... only in the inaccurate yardage though.  The yarn itself has been a dream.  I love how it runs a little thick and thin, the color has definite highs and lows and the texture is so squishy soft.  I would definitely buy this yarn, even at $11-20 a hank, but now I know that they run short so I would simply purchase an extra hank for any project.  Oh and yes, I did check my gauge and it was spot on so either it was a fluke with this particular hank that I won or they run short.  It doesn't matter, I love the yarn and I'm not upset... besides, it could be just the challenge that takes my hat from ordinary to extraordinary... a very serendipitous moment.

Now to the bigger challenge - to pompom or not to pompom... that is the question.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 1/20 - 1/22

It's a wonderfully woolly weekend, that's for sure!

1. I am going to work on my spinning.  I plan on devoting a lot of time tonight getting knee deep in this project and figuring it out!
2. My KAL hat is almost done so I'm going to keep plugging away on it.
3. I was 'gently reminded' by Hobbit that she has yet to receive her Bunny Slippers - yes dear, subtle nudge acknowledged.

That's it, nothing more and nothing less than complete and utter relaxation will be taking place at Casa PMM.  I refuse to clean anything or launder anything.  I am going to play... all weekend long!

What about y'all - are you playing all weekend too?  Don't forget to make time for your challenge projects too - we're at the halfway mark!

Suspense, well, stinks.

Isn't it lovely?  I know but it's still kinda cool looking.

I'm the world's worst gift giver.  Let me rephrase that - I'm the world's worst gift "hanger-oner until it's the proper time to give it" gift giver.  As soon as I have something that I just know someone else will love, I want to rush over and deliver it.  The joy and appreciation are always worth it... but now, I can't do that because of this whole "Secret Swap" stuff.

I want to share my box of goodies that are going to be headed out the door next Friday, but I can't.  I want to tell you about the treasures and goodies I packed inside, but I can't.  I want so show you the faboulousness and the wonderment of all smooshy, yummy goodnesses, but I can't.

So this is why suspense, well, stinks... don't you agree?

Wanderings

This is my weather... unfortunately, I had PT today so my mood matches it...

I organized my Ravelry lists and found this Cable Flower Hat...

And this super sweet Birdie Backpack pattern...

I have everything to make him but just haven't started yet...

And I'd like to make this for Hobbit but she's been a bit of a poop lately...

All of which makes me want to crawl back in here and holler "Do Over"!!