tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72508354762788285322024-03-18T21:27:37.716-07:00Missing Enough to Feel Alrightelaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-6010234916832827372011-09-13T12:29:00.000-07:002011-09-13T13:04:15.785-07:00Love in a Lunch Bucket<div>I have picky kids. No really, I know it seems shocking, but my kids don't want to eat anything "different". I know I'm probably the only one out there with this problem, but just in case I'm not, I thought I would share some of my ideas for fun lunches that have kept my kids happy this first week of school. Please allow me to present to you, "Love in a Lunch Bucket".<br /><br />Step one: go to the bread outlet store and buy 4 loaves of bread for $5. I love the bread outlet store.<br /><br />Step two: use your favourite cookie cutter to cut out the bread for mini sandwiches.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ygx-08CjJs/Tm-wsIZ9EXI/AAAAAAAAALw/1p5jXQZ9gNc/s1600/DSCN0391.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651930329590337906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ygx-08CjJs/Tm-wsIZ9EXI/AAAAAAAAALw/1p5jXQZ9gNc/s320/DSCN0391.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Don't waste those crusts, they are perfect for <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/15/homemade-breadcrumbs-getting-back-to-basics/">bread crumbs</a>. The yield of one loaf:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iJlpq65NB0/Tm-wmXQz2OI/AAAAAAAAALo/BclhMXaD2a0/s1600/DSCN0392.jpg"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651930230499301602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iJlpq65NB0/Tm-wmXQz2OI/AAAAAAAAALo/BclhMXaD2a0/s320/DSCN0392.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Put your sandwiches together. My kids like plain jam but you could cut up deli meats or cheeses in the same way and put that in the sandwich, or cream cheese and ham. I have images of some sort of mashed banana and peanut butter concoction, but I haven't tried it out yet. Place assembled sandwiches on a tray lined with freezer paper (you could use parchement paper, but freezer paper is so cheap, and you get to make <a href="http://www.craftster.org/blog/freezer-paper-who-knew/">custom stencils</a> with it, so why not) and flash freeze.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qznQYufPaNY/Tm-whgOCZgI/AAAAAAAAALg/tkDTsy-QRsE/s1600/DSCN0393.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 216px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651930147004245506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qznQYufPaNY/Tm-whgOCZgI/AAAAAAAAALg/tkDTsy-QRsE/s320/DSCN0393.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After a few hours put them into a plastic storage bag, now when you are making lunch just grab a few out and you're good to go! I have a section of my freezer dedicated to grab-and-go items to build the boys' lunches; sandwiches, home made cookies, quesadillas, pizza buns, etc.<br /><br />Another idea I love is the use of a <a href="http://justbento.com/handbook/bento-decoration-techniques/fun-japanese-egg-molds">Japanese egg mold</a> for different treats. We had some pre-made Fruity Pebbles treats that my husband had bought for a road trip, and the boys didn't show any interest in them. I heated one in the microwave for 10 seconds, popped it into these molds, and sent them along for lunch. I've since made Cocoa Krispies treats this way, and next I plan to see if it works with granola bars. I wouldn't think the intricate molds, such as the ones with faces, would work as well for this purpose, but the shaped ones work great.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7jQ_sSQoAs/Tm-wdFLuEQI/AAAAAAAAALY/IglQ9Ycu268/s1600/DSCN0374.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651930071027290370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7jQ_sSQoAs/Tm-wdFLuEQI/AAAAAAAAALY/IglQ9Ycu268/s320/DSCN0374.jpg" /></a><br /><div> So, what are some of your best ideas for school lunches?</div></div>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-6245843391548447582011-09-09T14:05:00.001-07:002011-09-09T14:23:55.715-07:00Let's give this another go, shall we?<div><div><div><div>Well after ... I don't quite know, I'm afraid to look at the last time I posted, I am going to give this blogging thing a go. My kids are back in school and I suddenly find myself with all this free time, so I think I should find something to do with it other than cleaning or cooking, don't you?<br /><br />First of all I need to admit that I have become one hundred and twenty percent hooked on <a href="http">Pinterest</a>. If you have not, make sure you have a few extra hours a day before you sign up. If you are signed up, feel free to <a href="http://pinterest.com/dkornell/">add me!</a>.<br /><br />One of the things I have actually made, instead of just pinning, from that site is the <a href="http://www.beadstudio.com/info.php?a=840">spiral bead ring</a>. I am very proud of mine, if I do say so myself. Unfortunately I don't have a great photo, but here is what I do have.<br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXKM46v0x5fA_Fnqoqu1wNApE9oLjF7LMvE5Y3BlZsvtf5n_a8WpJXsTGt-hZlr2upciEEijkC7UYuTD4nVM9SL-IGrxRGpv04vbJvJ-bf3l-Bl6cQxZEa-JnNGr3vNOwJuiuL5k3ccI/s1600/DSCN0389.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 211px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650470314196923074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXKM46v0x5fA_Fnqoqu1wNApE9oLjF7LMvE5Y3BlZsvtf5n_a8WpJXsTGt-hZlr2upciEEijkC7UYuTD4nVM9SL-IGrxRGpv04vbJvJ-bf3l-Bl6cQxZEa-JnNGr3vNOwJuiuL5k3ccI/s320/DSCN0389.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Then I gave it to a dirty gnome for good luck. At least, he TOLD me it would be good luck!</div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBK-Lpg4Cw4/TmqA_ib-RwI/AAAAAAAAAKo/8gY1zGb1eeM/s1600/DSCN0387.jpg"><img style="width: 312px; height: 365px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650470511553955586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBK-Lpg4Cw4/TmqA_ib-RwI/AAAAAAAAAKo/8gY1zGb1eeM/s320/DSCN0387.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Another great discovery from Pinterest are <a href="http://blogchef.net/taco-stuffed-shells-recipe/">these</a> stuffed taco shells, definitely one of my new go-to recipes for dinner.</div><div> </div><div>If all else fails, browsing Pinterest makes you FEEL more crafty.</div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqlac6Sr0Y1qa9o05o1_400.jpg"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqlac6Sr0Y1qa9o05o1_400.jpg" /></a></div><div>(image from <a href="v">here</a>)</div><div> </div></div></div></div>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-21022436439250754082010-07-20T22:00:00.000-07:002010-07-20T22:05:39.591-07:00Tour de FleeceWhat? It has only been 9 months since my last post. Perhaps I was gestating a baby.<br /><br />Okay, I wasn't. I was just lazy.<br /><br />My latest obsession has been spinning yarn on a drop spindle for the Tour de Fleece on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. Since I'm lazy I'll just post the pictures.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/?action=view¤t=first-ply.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/first-ply.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/?action=view¤t=first-skein-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/first-skein-4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And still on the spindle:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/?action=view¤t=Day-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/Day-5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/?action=view¤t=day-7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Elaida/day-7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-89972517416569966012009-11-20T14:29:00.000-08:002009-11-20T14:35:57.999-08:00Book BindingI have a fun new little hobby, book binding! I have a Twilight-obsessed friend and we are going to see New Moon tonight so I made her a blank notebook using a copy of the New Moon cover. It was fairly amatuer (there was glue on the pages!) but it was fun, and I learned a new skill. Then when I was away at a retreat a couple of weeks ago I learned a new way of book binding, with no adhesive, it's more of a Japanese form of book binding. While there I made this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_icCwualKnYK9U3jqFym8hFFX3mUHXj-RvoEdskQIb2k5pV1oEFz7_36OeFMIz_r5KZDMBKaKxhFZfPH1_RWDOdwgNYCYboDzQnUiYXNy_rIcu7Mnt8Yh_4h1r2yZDgAZuM8sxuL3s-M/s1600/DSC_0474.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_icCwualKnYK9U3jqFym8hFFX3mUHXj-RvoEdskQIb2k5pV1oEFz7_36OeFMIz_r5KZDMBKaKxhFZfPH1_RWDOdwgNYCYboDzQnUiYXNy_rIcu7Mnt8Yh_4h1r2yZDgAZuM8sxuL3s-M/s320/DSC_0474.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406317576240537202" /></a><br /><br />For a ravelry group I'm on we are having a November challenge - my challenge was 50k words for nanowrimo (which I finished, by the way, go me), others are knitting sweaters, finishing projects, etc. As a prize incentive I am throwing in some books, I've made three so far, I hope people like them!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdYIolqx7XBpNmATEZ5vbDHUew8q5eMbp6HM7qq6x5gM9hd0qGgittKlqvuGQ7ElJPr8ojj-eUmznfmZNF1LzQ7XAlR4Ag7FjiKJvooQrvMDQr5Gxas0ysfHSXzNOvBOmXrEF1fT13js/s1600/DSC_0472.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdYIolqx7XBpNmATEZ5vbDHUew8q5eMbp6HM7qq6x5gM9hd0qGgittKlqvuGQ7ElJPr8ojj-eUmznfmZNF1LzQ7XAlR4Ag7FjiKJvooQrvMDQr5Gxas0ysfHSXzNOvBOmXrEF1fT13js/s320/DSC_0472.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406318017143907410" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18_qRCq2Cb4vAjJcxJzzkHyec6FccUjg2ZJgD1qpBiRu4-upmxmoaF-CipAm9Zh69su4aBefj_hy2kxxBcTiXi1EsPB2zJSniT5WggDOPAJT0RR43ph3swVOE1fuf64xlXx4FxM5rE1M/s1600/DSC_0473.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18_qRCq2Cb4vAjJcxJzzkHyec6FccUjg2ZJgD1qpBiRu4-upmxmoaF-CipAm9Zh69su4aBefj_hy2kxxBcTiXi1EsPB2zJSniT5WggDOPAJT0RR43ph3swVOE1fuf64xlXx4FxM5rE1M/s320/DSC_0473.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406318157013271906" /></a><br /><br />What do you think, too amateur?elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-89796570792691085642009-11-17T11:02:00.000-08:002009-11-17T11:06:16.759-08:00The spoilsI finally got my camera battery charged and got a photo of my final secret pal package - though I ate most of the goodies before I got it charged! Sorry Penny!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C822nBLvmHLo6nM9v_ssbxx-yeBBxa6-tcy0Bc3jTQFcaIoBEcWWVZELApEakZ2_dISE9XLR4t6TmFBuZFsvV7TkPFVnzzlvbELBFA1QGwy1PgsC3affZlcBzXCrbxy86SJ_ZkJlWlk/s1600/DSC_0471.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C822nBLvmHLo6nM9v_ssbxx-yeBBxa6-tcy0Bc3jTQFcaIoBEcWWVZELApEakZ2_dISE9XLR4t6TmFBuZFsvV7TkPFVnzzlvbELBFA1QGwy1PgsC3affZlcBzXCrbxy86SJ_ZkJlWlk/s320/DSC_0471.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405150240445427042" /></a><br /><br />I am still in shock over those books. I can't get over it!<br /><br />I also realized I never posted the photos of what I got from the gift certificate, the second package. I got this beautiful Dream in Colour Smooshy yarn, and then some roving to attempt to spin - yikes good luck to me!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS-80sbHjSjAqMk-oBjKf3iY9mpgn1LhQ3t7j0j9yHnXhnarQtopL9ZXfwVeaekvHS4EbbzZ1Ifdofn_LOjAd1LMekZfAcpfxg5z8B3ZIqyUFmDQHC6u-9-GX6vAK4sSAJ56zILuu2r8/s1600/DSC_0448.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS-80sbHjSjAqMk-oBjKf3iY9mpgn1LhQ3t7j0j9yHnXhnarQtopL9ZXfwVeaekvHS4EbbzZ1Ifdofn_LOjAd1LMekZfAcpfxg5z8B3ZIqyUFmDQHC6u-9-GX6vAK4sSAJ56zILuu2r8/s320/DSC_0448.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405150650672461282" /></a><br /><br />This is going to be another hat for me :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaK-ZgzVudZFztyUaOm3LITujrOYHY8YpnR9f-a-cOvO46vQORf9B8gSubeZPlAmG4Oz5R11hUJG4naCin2961MPQJo46HuXOTpVa5NNCSjHcrYIQlQUDrlG8caLRLb2l5Wn4Ka7gFd8/s1600/DSC_0449.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaK-ZgzVudZFztyUaOm3LITujrOYHY8YpnR9f-a-cOvO46vQORf9B8gSubeZPlAmG4Oz5R11hUJG4naCin2961MPQJo46HuXOTpVa5NNCSjHcrYIQlQUDrlG8caLRLb2l5Wn4Ka7gFd8/s320/DSC_0449.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405150824189158914" /></a>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-19277397950174181832009-11-16T17:06:00.000-08:002009-11-16T17:08:50.437-08:00Sprint to the finish line<img src="http://www.nanowrimo.org//NanowrimoUtils/NanowrimoMiniGraph/456569-wc-pc-days.png" /> <br /><br />Thirteen thousand words to go. I have found this year to be extremely easy, even though I didn't think I had anything to say. I hope to actually complete this novel, I still haven't finshed last year's though!<br /><br />Now that I've put this out there, you KNOW I'm going to have a difficult time with this last bit!elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-63266789990730022842009-11-09T13:43:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:46:55.826-08:00Secret palI am in shock as I am typing this. I have not taken photos because I just put windows 7 on my computer and don't have all my software installed, but I just recieved my final gift from my secret pal and I actually got tears in my eyes as I opened it. First off there were some wonderful smelling avon products, including a really nice hand lotion which I NEED, because my hands are always so dry! Then there were some yummy Canadian treats, which I always miss living here in the US. And then there was not one, but two books - the first and second Barbara Walker Treasuries. The books I have been wanting for so long, that I have been hunting through used book stores for, that I was going to use as my incentive for finishing nanowrimo (maybe). I can't even believe it, I am in such shock! I swear she must have had a telescope poking into my room to know me so well.<br /><br />Thank you PENNY!! This was the most amazing package I've ever recieved and I'm so glad you were my secret pal!elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-46025875927636562552009-11-02T12:20:00.001-08:002009-11-02T12:21:22.550-08:00nanowrimo 2009I'm working on my 2009 nanowrimo book, but to procrastinate I made this cover instead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLzOLoLmUo0p6G39loE5xEiTqxygXn-N3ed4muCNMRWD59zGOMwwW1-ykLqPP3-9Jd5M65e9ImK7vjqcxfN1Kq67-3nkYAD1t5CJatMU5psIriBgvXBysTwsO0Lq5g14sv34TqPqSKNA/s1600-h/ninja+cover+final.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLzOLoLmUo0p6G39loE5xEiTqxygXn-N3ed4muCNMRWD59zGOMwwW1-ykLqPP3-9Jd5M65e9ImK7vjqcxfN1Kq67-3nkYAD1t5CJatMU5psIriBgvXBysTwsO0Lq5g14sv34TqPqSKNA/s320/ninja+cover+final.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399603991271256962" /></a>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-79972528478100011612009-10-07T10:02:00.000-07:002009-10-07T10:03:36.282-07:00Where's Dexter?I love Dexter. You couldn't ask for a better serial killer. Try your hand at this game, I can't find him on level 4!<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QyQ1W5GD6D8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QyQ1W5GD6D8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-10688776634271759272009-10-02T16:26:00.000-07:002009-10-02T16:32:08.571-07:00Time to shop!Thanks to my secret pal I have a gift certificate to the <a href="http://theloopyewe.com">Loopy Ewe</a>, and now I need to decide what I just can't live without! I'm thinking of a nice skein of yarn for another <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTreverie.php">reverie</a> beret, I made one last year and I was sensitive to the yarn so I have passed it on.<br /><br />I finished my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Umai/joelles-favorite-yoke-sweater">Joelle's Favourite Yoke Sweater</a> but haven't worn it yet as we got a sudden cold snap and it's short sleeved! Unfortunately the pictures of it lieing on the bed do it no justice, so instead I will show you <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Umai/knotty-gloves">my</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knotty-gloves">Knotty Gloves</a>, which we are doing for a knit-a-long and I am making from the remains of my yoke sweater. I have another 3 balls after these are done so I'll probably have a matching hat and scarf too!<br /><br />Glove one is complete:<br /><br /><img src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/Umai/14660410/DSC_0392_medium.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/Umai/14660433/DSC_0396_medium.jpg">elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-68720727268400979212009-09-24T09:52:00.000-07:002009-09-24T10:38:37.578-07:00Balancing actAs any parent can tell you, life with kids is a balancing act in many ways. I was talking to a friend last night that has a new baby and I was marvelling at the fact that she does so much - knit night once a week, training with us for a 5k (oh yes did I mention that? more later!). After I had my first son I did nothing without him for at least the first nine months. In fact I feel like just now I'm starting to balance out my life again, get out there and do things on my own. It's a valuable skill to have.elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-31482568297145078622009-09-21T12:54:00.000-07:002009-09-21T12:55:46.580-07:00Learn from my mistakes1. If you are trying to dye some cheap wool you found at the thrift store, make sure you soak it before hand so that it will take up the dye evenly.<br /><br />2. While dying said wool, do not stir it or agitate it as you will felt it together.<br /><br />That is all for today!elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-63786571649838456752009-09-14T13:02:00.000-07:002009-09-14T13:06:35.241-07:00So, I've joined the 21st century and upgraded my 6 year old cell phone and got a Blackberry. I knew I didn't neeeeed one, and I resisted getting one, but now I can't stop playing with it - yes I'm blogging from it right now! So if you have a Crackberry and have any applications you just love, help a noob out and let me know!elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-37827059170579960382009-09-06T22:09:00.000-07:002009-09-06T22:11:24.249-07:00P.S. I love you<a href="http://i.huopoo.com/music/wp-content/themes/arthemia-premium/scripts/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2008/10/ps-i-love-you.jpg&w=150&h=175&zc=1&q=100"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 175px;" src="http://i.huopoo.com/music/wp-content/themes/arthemia-premium/scripts/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2008/10/ps-i-love-you.jpg&w=150&h=175&zc=1&q=100" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A young woman loses her husband and then discovers her husband has left her letters to read after he dies. What could ever be sad about that? This movie should come with a VERY LARGE warning to make sure you're hydrated before starting it!elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-68981348521133051442009-09-03T13:23:00.000-07:002009-09-03T13:28:04.836-07:00A "favourite"<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/mailer/1-6-knitknit.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 412px;" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/mailer/1-6-knitknit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'm jumping in feet first to another sweater, <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2007/9/19/knitknit-profiles-and-projects-from-knittings-new-wave.html">Joelle's favourite yoke sweater</a> from Joelle over at the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/">Purl Bee</a>. It's from the <a href="http://www.knitknit.net/">Knitknit</a> book (pictured above), which I snagged from the library for a totally different pattern; this yoke sweater really caught my eye, so I changed directions.elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-6636172485353554482009-08-28T12:03:00.001-07:002009-08-28T12:06:07.982-07:00A Final ScreamIt's done!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDND_0rYWtsG1OmQupq7ps8_EW0kztfGXOKNGtRwnbx_TKSVSmh9JoHzDLmIT2zROLdMUIzZEOuztBlnDE0j31lEQfZxV3VntB7RtBmGpVXQiBqGU7FiU163a45lBZjwqQmeHyuhgblcM/s1600-h/DSC_0363.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDND_0rYWtsG1OmQupq7ps8_EW0kztfGXOKNGtRwnbx_TKSVSmh9JoHzDLmIT2zROLdMUIzZEOuztBlnDE0j31lEQfZxV3VntB7RtBmGpVXQiBqGU7FiU163a45lBZjwqQmeHyuhgblcM/s320/DSC_0363.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092441743978226" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY_cSULbeEbPjSGZjMmbYirf5tWtlZ9ah7QFyyz89Jnj1YQvLgpCzhT75jv1g7Kkdj_YSWKJdR8ebWZb2aLepSbIcPf4ZupBZ2Gr_eKhURNfOynDDrV2LpVKbMfspNPuiD681gvpFtA0/s1600-h/DSC_0373.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY_cSULbeEbPjSGZjMmbYirf5tWtlZ9ah7QFyyz89Jnj1YQvLgpCzhT75jv1g7Kkdj_YSWKJdR8ebWZb2aLepSbIcPf4ZupBZ2Gr_eKhURNfOynDDrV2LpVKbMfspNPuiD681gvpFtA0/s320/DSC_0373.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092601090220706" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvBd04MMfokq3Rz3XZXE5gN3nDs6d94joW5D5w5CpiOws0fDIsjAuI0wO5X834FAFyFEmck7YuGizt08623K1Q3ox6HJzHodmhEpZYDhp7dzW_8RraHER0P3hX2miiSceQUOh8NEhOAY/s1600-h/DSC_0365.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvBd04MMfokq3Rz3XZXE5gN3nDs6d94joW5D5w5CpiOws0fDIsjAuI0wO5X834FAFyFEmck7YuGizt08623K1Q3ox6HJzHodmhEpZYDhp7dzW_8RraHER0P3hX2miiSceQUOh8NEhOAY/s320/DSC_0365.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092800079110802" /></a><br /><br />More details on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Umai/whisper-cardigan">ravelry</a>.elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-59518093662563521052009-08-20T21:27:00.001-07:002009-08-20T21:27:44.792-07:00Squeal! Lost in Austen replaying!<a href="http://dvdmedia.ign.com/dvd/image/article/960/960035/lost-in-austen-20090306111600992_640w.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 343px; HEIGHT: 480px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://dvdmedia.ign.com/dvd/image/article/960/960035/lost-in-austen-20090306111600992_640w.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I missed this last time PBS ran it, so I was very excited to see this on the guide tonight. I'm an unabashed Austen fan and I'm just starting to watch the "spin off" shows that have been done, having reread her complete works in the past few months. I'm also working on the works of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Burney">Fanny Burney</a>, almost at the end of (the extremely long) Cecilia, which I'm finding most interesting in giving a historical context for the works of Austen.elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-18009397682845084302009-08-14T11:13:00.001-07:002009-08-14T11:18:51.641-07:00Scream to a whisper<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u8xwILDXKNkVEwhknOT71Oq0JF6dut1iHG7dOkiZ1QlSVZ-CvJSp_TAva3t4pGVfuBHmQs0MQB1hvLeOcO8IoDdamcTFEdOdKjZ6TZs0Yc9Be6aMbdlF_b9KGrMKElhAzWtx-TwD8rY/s1600-h/DSC_0341.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369884314460066050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u8xwILDXKNkVEwhknOT71Oq0JF6dut1iHG7dOkiZ1QlSVZ-CvJSp_TAva3t4pGVfuBHmQs0MQB1hvLeOcO8IoDdamcTFEdOdKjZ6TZs0Yc9Be6aMbdlF_b9KGrMKElhAzWtx-TwD8rY/s320/DSC_0341.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Here is my first adult sized sweater, the <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/spiring-2009/Whisper-Cardigan.asp">Whisper Cardigan</a>, close to completion! I can't wait to get this on, it is wonderfully soft and flowy. The cashmere is from a beautiful sweater I took apart, it was oddly sized as it fit me fine but was quite short, though anobviously not intended for a cropped sweater. The yarn was quite thick so I ended up unplying one skein and I think I should get the entire cardigan made from this one skein, leaving me lots of leftover cashmere for another project. I've been called crazy for going through this for one sweater, but people spin their own yarn and this hardly took that much time and the results are amazing :)</div>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-22512316857729786042009-08-10T14:30:00.000-07:002009-08-10T14:36:27.729-07:00Secret pal!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3fvdXh1HTEzMiaxrdh3TgBzd7uyk_ORmQHlDgjZKGShOL3jGkPZzZ6dIux-D82NbFLqsosGAAI29mOIKFPfyXV_KxT-3_uOCZTbQrkWHIJEL9UKgpoi4x9vvRn5plnxWJrkInzUTeA/s1600-h/DSC_0333.jpg"></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SoCSS8gPLKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/MfmCe6QEEYk/s1600-h/DSC_0337.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368451610002271394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SoCSS8gPLKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/MfmCe6QEEYk/s320/DSC_0337.jpg" /></a><br />I got my first package from my secret pal and it's perfect! I just took this book out from the library and hadn't had a chance to read it through yet (I'm working on an Elizibeth Zimmerman one) but posted last week on ravelry asking for book suggestions to build up my library, and this was on the list. I also got two skeins of beautiful squishie merino (Shadow from <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">Knit Picks</a>). The package came at a great time, as I was extremely frusterated and tired from the kids, so to see this package on our front porch picked me up immediately. Thanks so much secret pal!<br /></div><br /><div>Close up of the merino, showing the beautiful colour!</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNPf_r8g9FEGpNho8m51t0ywz0lAxsBvR2cwF-WnmG9RTrrlSzqplVRhRYvrud1JtlU4cOCe8i39L0ClwY6lrsY5Lct19SrX0Epbvic1O4-9MCeJ6NfpxYtXiGjP7xmy2iVsArdXF0Cw/s1600-h/DSC_0333.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368452128869208786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNPf_r8g9FEGpNho8m51t0ywz0lAxsBvR2cwF-WnmG9RTrrlSzqplVRhRYvrud1JtlU4cOCe8i39L0ClwY6lrsY5Lct19SrX0Epbvic1O4-9MCeJ6NfpxYtXiGjP7xmy2iVsArdXF0Cw/s320/DSC_0333.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-6007248827263179192009-07-29T22:15:00.000-07:002009-07-29T22:18:13.909-07:00Calling Dr. MM<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SnEsoYYcPEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/R2c2eKo4IBA/s1600-h/bluemm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 293px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SnEsoYYcPEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/R2c2eKo4IBA/s320/bluemm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364117703426325570" /></a><br /><br />Have you heard that Blue M&Ms may contain the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-talk-blue-mmsjul29,0,3104385.story">cure for paralysis</a>? Well "Brilliant Blue G", the dye used in these and many other unnaturally coloured foods, in any case. Better than red dye, that stuff does some crazy things to my kids.elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-60912320355420831772009-07-22T11:25:00.000-07:002009-07-22T11:59:57.969-07:00Oh to be a 1950's housewifeI'm afraid I lose at being a housewife. My house is so overtaken with clutter I don't even know where to start, I'm paralyzed even thinking about it. And every time I do get a good start, the boys follow behind and undo it all. How do you other stay at home moms with kids do it?elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-23377798658341360422009-07-11T13:07:00.000-07:002009-07-11T13:26:01.594-07:00Knit witFor those of you not on Ravelry, I've finished my first attempt at a lace shawl (the one I mentioned <a href="http://missingenough.blogspot.com/2009/06/bonus-sorry-for-not-updating-for-you.html">here</a>). I'm not sure why, as I never wear anything like this, but it IS unbelievably soft cashmere, so I might have to start! <br><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj1KECXF0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/rOQ8Yd01C4A/s1600-h/DSC_0242.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj1KECXF0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/rOQ8Yd01C4A/s320/DSC_0242.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357301309988345666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj1R4Vm9gI/AAAAAAAAAFI/__JB-NAYZxs/s1600-h/DSC_0238.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj1R4Vm9gI/AAAAAAAAAFI/__JB-NAYZxs/s320/DSC_0238.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357301444286805506" /></a><br /><br />I'm starting on a <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/spiring-2009/Whisper-Cardigan.asp">Whisper cardigan </a>from the Spring 2009 <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/">Interweave Knits</a>, though I'm using the <a href="http://knitbot.com/2009/02/18/whisper-cardigan-a-closer-look/">schematic</a> more than the actual pattern. I'm using a heavier yarn (recycled cashmere as well, think I have an addiction problem maybe?) so it might not turn out like it is in my head, but at least it will be soft!<br><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj0xguRwdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/vHK8WZTO7To/s1600-h/DSC_0126.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj0xguRwdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/vHK8WZTO7To/s320/DSC_0126.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357300888192008658" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj04E7MlDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/AqYLjr1nHtQ/s1600-h/DSC_0246.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slj04E7MlDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/AqYLjr1nHtQ/s320/DSC_0246.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357301000989086770" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is only my second sweater (unless you count the half cardigan I made for Xander, which I don't), but there is no seaming. A couple years ago I made Gabriel a sweater though.<br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrFCV-_1ToWeHYHyTOH-Rf7Yogua3EKPmEUAA5_Xbsma27my3ysbw_ODVKYqShVJ8LC33R-i7CLy6f6H8SdUSWrI9LmJcmsphw5YF7e8-lIwr3mnvAr0ZxSVg8ylU3hd1F7Oe7ZIqmSo/s1600-h/sweater.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrFCV-_1ToWeHYHyTOH-Rf7Yogua3EKPmEUAA5_Xbsma27my3ysbw_ODVKYqShVJ8LC33R-i7CLy6f6H8SdUSWrI9LmJcmsphw5YF7e8-lIwr3mnvAr0ZxSVg8ylU3hd1F7Oe7ZIqmSo/s320/sweater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357300627452634530" /></a>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-27305841222163167732009-07-10T13:21:00.000-07:002009-07-10T13:36:21.301-07:00Demarle productsThis afternoon I tested out my new <a href="http://www.demarleusa.com/">Demarle</a> products. A friend had a Demarle party a couple of weeks ago and I went, fairly skeptical, but wanting a <a href="http://www.silpat.com/">silpat</a>. After the party I like what I saw enough to get a few items: the silpat, the roulpat (for non-stick rolling), a perforated tray (for the silpat to sit on for more even baking), and a mini muffin tray.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SlejaKkjPcI/AAAAAAAAADY/VWScZB1r8e8/s1600-h/DSC_0230.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356929951690079682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SlejaKkjPcI/AAAAAAAAADY/VWScZB1r8e8/s320/DSC_0230.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I tried to "wing it" and make some fruit tartlet type things, which turned out yummy but didn't stay together. All I did was press an oatmeal crust (1 cup oatmeal, half a cup of sugar, a quarter cup of melted margarine) into the bottoms of the tray, and covered with fruit. Xander likes the blueberry ones best.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slej-gjz9DI/AAAAAAAAADg/tDc4EhBxx8c/s1600-h/DSC_0233.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356930576067851314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/Slej-gjz9DI/AAAAAAAAADg/tDc4EhBxx8c/s320/DSC_0233.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SlekMI5Wc6I/AAAAAAAAADo/pZy518Bg8XM/s1600-h/DSC_0234.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356930810233910178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SlekMI5Wc6I/AAAAAAAAADo/pZy518Bg8XM/s320/DSC_0234.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Demarle products are great for this, because NOTHING sticks to this tray! Everything slid right out, and you don't need to use any oil or spray; cleanup is a breeze too, so it's a lot easier to try recipes you think might fail, knowing it will only take 3 minutes to get rid of the evidence!<br /><br />After my failure I had to try something that worked so I did some tried and true banana muffins from <a href="http://www.bestofbridge.com/Default.aspx">Grand Slam: More Recipes from the Best of Bridge</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SlelA7ZYWGI/AAAAAAAAADw/BBvOhluB10I/s1600-h/DSC_0232.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356931717143222370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90GClhihL-Q/SlelA7ZYWGI/AAAAAAAAADw/BBvOhluB10I/s320/DSC_0232.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><ul><li>2 cups sugar</li><li>1 cup butter</li><li>3 cups mashed bananas</li><li>4 well beaten eggs</li><li>2.5 cups flour</li><li>2 teaspoons baking soda</li><li>1 teaspoon salt</li></ul><p>Cream together butter and sugar. Add bananas and eggs, beat until well mixed. Sift together dry ingredients, blend with banana mixture, careful not to overmix. Bake at 350 degrees 20-25 minutes.</p><p> </p>elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-36931247742492494252009-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:002009-07-10T10:39:12.913-07:00You can just call me ...<p align="center"><a href="http://cyborg.namedecoder.com/"><br /><img border="0" alt="Digital Artificial Neohuman Intended for Efficient Learning and Logical Exploration" src="http://cyborg.namedecoder.com/webimages/yamasora-DANIELLE.png" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://cyborg.namedecoder.com/"><small>Get Your Cyborg Name</small></a></p><br /><br />Get it, get it quick, before our metal overlords discover your true identity!elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7250835476278828532.post-72782647896312910792009-07-02T19:25:00.000-07:002009-07-02T20:07:27.036-07:00Secret Pal 14 QuestionnaireI've signed up for Secret Pal 14, so for those of you not involved please disregard this post! For those involved, here by my info:<br /><br /><strong>1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?</strong><br />I find that yarn that has "bits" that come off tend to get stuck in my throat and be very uncomfortable to knit with. I am becoming a little bit of a yarn snob (ie. I don't prefer yarn from the big box stores) but I'm cheap, so I've actually gotten a lot of nice yarn from recycling thrift store sweaters.<br /><br /><strong>2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?</strong><br />For the most part I use my <a href="http://additurbos.com/">Addi Turbo Clicks</a> and store them in their case. I do have a needle case for my strays but don't have a good solution for my stray circulars yet.<br /><br /><strong>3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?</strong><br />My friend Amy taught me to knit several years ago. I attended a knitting group with her but then I had my first child and stopped going, had a second child and stopped knitting. The past six months or so I've taken it back up with a vengence. I would say I'm between beginner and intermediate, I may not have made a lot of things but I'm not scared to try something new (well except for socks!).<br /><br /><strong>4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?</strong><br />No, that would simply make this too easy!<br /><br /><strong>5. What's your favorite scent?</strong><br />I'm iffy with scents. I like berry scents but nothing too strong.<br /><br /><strong>6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?</strong><br />Heck yes. I love gummy candies, sour patch kids, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smarties_%28Nestl%C3%A9%29">Smarties</a> from Canada.<br /><br /><strong>7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?</strong><br />I do not spin. I have a drop spindle I use to ply recycled yarns that come apart and I've thought of learning to spin, but I think I have enough going on to occupy my time right now. I like to sew a bit, though for now I've lost the foot peddle to my sewing machine (long story!). I can crochet but don't like it as much. I like to cross stitch but generally the kits are not to my taste; the favourite I have ever done is this one:<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61laUsO43TL._SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 280px; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61laUsO43TL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) </strong><br />I have very eclectic musical tastes. I don't like country. I tend to like more independant-type music, as well as a lot of experimental music. When all else fails there is classical :) My computer can play MP3s, and I have an iPod I can connect to my car so MP3s are all good :) I tend to like music such as found at the <a href="http://blog.kexp.org/blog/">KEXP blog</a>.<br /><br /><strong>9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?</strong><br />I really like blues/purples/greens, and I like pinks. I think it's because I live in a house full of boys, my self defense mechanism is pink - if it's pink, it's mine!! I don't love orange, though I have a tonne of it in my stash, so I guess I don't hate it!<br /><br /><strong>10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? </strong><br />Me and hubby, two small boys (3 and 4), two outdoor cats.<br /><br /><strong>11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?</strong><br />Yes to all but ponchos. Though I am knitting a shawl right now and I would say no to that, but I plan to try to incorperate it into my wardrobe!<br /><br /><strong>12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?</strong><br />I am really enjoying this shawl! I plan on trying my hand at a sweater next. Possibly. Though I have a lot of possibilities - darn that huge queue!<br /><br /><strong>13. What are you knitting right now?</strong><br /><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/PATTentomology.php">Entomology</a> from the Summer <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/index.php">knitty</a>. I'm using a heavy lace-weight cashmere that I reclaimed from a thrift store sweater :)<br /><br /><strong>14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?</strong><br />yes! I wouldn't require handmade gifts but I do think they are nice.<br /><br /><strong>15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?</strong><br />I've been using my Addi clicks (aluminum circulars) mostly. I have decided I really dislike long straights and would prefer to us a circ. I don't mind bamboo but I think I knit too tightly so it is more difficult on bamboos for me.<br /><br /><strong>16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?</strong><br />I do own a ball winder and I am putting together a PVC swift - I've been using coat hangers in a box up until now :)<br /><br /><strong>17. How old is your oldest UFO?</strong><br />2.5 years, it's an <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall03/PATTaccordion.html">accordian</a> sweater from the fall 2003 <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall03/">knitty</a> for my son (that will no long fit), but I think a cat peed on (or near) it so I'm thinking it's going to get trashed.<br /><br /><strong>18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?</strong><br />Christmas, and Christmas :)<br /><br /><strong>19. Is there anything that you collect?</strong><br />Not really. I am an entomologist so I love insects. My favourite is scarab beetles, my second favourite would be dragonflies (I worked on those for my masters degree).<br /><br /><strong>20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?</strong><br />No not really. I don't have any subscriptions though I think I need to subscribe to <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/">Interweave Knits</a>, as I end up buying it everytime anyhow! I like <a href="http://www.knit1mag.com/">Knit.1</a> as well, though I think it's going down to 2 a year or something.<br /><br /><strong>21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?</strong><br />I'm still in the process of learning most things. There is nothing in particular I'd like to learn, I just want to keep learning it all!<br /><br /><strong>22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?</strong><br />No, I haven't done socks. Yet. One day I will but for now I have enough in my queue to add socks to that. Size 10 (US) women's feet if that matters.<br /><br /><strong>23. When is your birthday?</strong><br />December 1rst.<br /><br /><strong>24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?</strong><br />Yes, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Umai">Umai</a>.elaidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312531303409793215noreply@blogger.com0