Best brownie mix in a jar

Layer in a jar:

1 1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cocoa
2 1/4 cup sugar

Attach cooking directions to tag.

In large bowl, beat 4 eggs and add 3/4 cup softened butter. Add contents of jar, mix until moistened. (don't over mix) and pour into a 9X13 greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. It will seem undone but take out and let cool. It will continue cooking as it cools. These are the best!

How to make fresh spring rolls with sauce recipe

To make these, you'll need some fresh spring roll wrappers. These are not the same as egg roll wrappers that you find in the refrigerator section of your supermarket. You'll likely find these at an oriental market. I love them because they are a healthy alternative to fried egg rolls. Not that the taste can be compared though. They are both really yummy!

My favorite brand to get is the kind that comes in a round plastic container. These wrappers are very thin and fragile and I find that if you get them in this kind of container they prevent chipping and easier to manage.

I made some fresh spring rolls the other day with some stuff I had on hand. They turned out delicious even if just made with a few ingredients. I have in the past, put in: avocado, red bell peppers, strips of grilled beef, mint, mung bean threads, rice noodles, fresh basil, and bean sprouts.

This time, I just wanted to use my two favorites, carrots and cucumbers and some cilantro. I hope the pictures are somewhat helpful!

First, I boil some water about 1 cup and pour it into my pan. I use an old toaster oven roasting tray. It's the biggest thing I have that fits the spring roll skins in.

I usually add a little cool water to the boiling water and set it aside. Not too hot that I can't put my hands in, but not too cold either. It won't hurt it but it will take longer to soak. If the water is too hot, it makes the skins sticky and hard to manage. I did find that when I lay it on the cutting board to wrap, if it sticks too much, I simply get my hands wet or dunk it again. Otherwise, it gets all tangled on itself and makes a mess.

I chop up my veggies and set them aside. I like to julienne my veggies. Here is a nice video showing how to do it. I tried shredding the vegetables once but they were too juicy and I like the texture that the julienned ones give. After my veggies are set aside, I wash my cilantro and pluck the leaves off. I don't like the taste of the stems. Then, I put them in a pile next to the other veggies. I just have them all laid out so I can grab them.

This sounds like a neat tool, but I think I'll just stick with my knife. I tend to stay away from tools that just have one purpose! lol Trying to have a minimalist kitchen is hard when I love kitchen gadgets so much!

Now, I soak the first spring roll wrapper in the water. I don't always remember but while I'm busy wrapping one, I try to put another in. That way I don't have to wait on it. Try to find the bumpy side of the wrapper and put it facing down. Otherwise, it will curl up and not lay flat.

How to know when it's ready and done soaking. I swirl it in the water and see if it will bunch..
Like this. It's not quite ready yet.

Trying again:

Now it's ready...

Now, I just grab it and let it drip off the water as much as possible. Squeezing some of the extra water out too.

Lay it down and spread out:

Next, add veggies

 and fold the top over and the sides and give it a tuck while I fold it over.

and the other side and start rolling it up.

That's it! Set aside and make more. Hopefully, you remembered to soak a new wrapper while you were wrapping them so there will always be one ready to go!

Ready to eat:

I posted a yummy dipping sauce on my blog the other day. Click here.

But this one is my favorite recipe!!! I sadly do not know the source of it.

6 Tablespoons of cornstarch
1/2 cup of sugar
2 cups of water
4 Tablespoons tamari or soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Amino's
2 Tablespoons of toasted or roasted peanuts, finely chopped. or 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter
1 Tablespoon of garlic, finely crushed

Add everything to the pot and keep an eye on it. When it starts to change color, (it will just be a little at first) I start stirring and soon it will completely change colors. You might think at first that it won't do anything, at least that's what I thought and then before your eyes it will thicken up nicely. When it's as thick as you want it to be, remove from heat and serve with spring rolls.

It will separate if you keep the leftovers in the refrigerator. You can re-heat it but it doesn't look as good and the taste is not as good.

If I'm just making about 6 spring rolls, then I halve the recipe and there aren't any leftovers. :-)

I also like to serve the rolls with a little wasabi paste. I buy mine in a tube and put some on a plate with the peanut sauce next to it and just dip a little in both.

Enjoy!

Yarn

Here is a picture of the bag of yarn I got the other day. I just can't decide what I want to make first!

Slippers

I've been working on some slippers for my mom. I got this pattern at a yard sale. It was typewritten with just the title "Slippers". I have no idea whose pattern it is. I can't help but wonder about who the woman was that had these patterns. I would love to meet her in person. She has a nice collection of them!

So far, this is what it looks like. It's really hard to make something when you don't know what the finished project should look like. How do I know that I'm doing it right. At one point, it started to have a stockinette look and I thought, "cool!" but then I realized I did the row wrong and this is how it is so far. I guess it's good for me that I don't have a picture to go by because it is helping me to really concentrate on the pattern and not be distracted like I usually am.

And now a little while later on, I am making the foot part. I really like the look of seed stitch, but dislike having to purl! lol  The only bad thing is that I am almost out of this yarn and not sure if I will have enough for the other half. And the dread of making the other half...  :-)

Too bad, I couldn't make both at the same time. Oh! I guess I could get out some other needles and start again. But I do want to make sure that this is a real pattern and not messed up anywhere. Once I determine whether or not it will work, I will post up the pattern here for all to see. It's a shame that the pattern would die with the unknown person and not get shared and passed on. I do know that the woman's name was Roberta. So, look for "Roberta's slippers" coming soon! (hopefully) :-)

Pink Stuff

Hubby's grandma makes it whenever we go to her house for Thanksgiving and it's delicious! Since Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, I thought I'd share the recipe now before I forget. Even though over the years it's been made with orange jello, it's still called "Pink stuff" at grandma's. lol

1 small box jello (any flavor)
1 small container Cool Whip
1 small container cottage cheese
1 small can mandarin oranges

Fold jello into cool whip. Drain the oranges and fold into cool whip mixture along with cottage cheese. Cover and store in the refrigerator until cold. Enjoy! My mouth is just watering at the thought of this yummy fruit salad dessert!

Tangy Vinegar and Oil salad dressing

I had this salad dressing at a friend's house. It was served on a salad similar to taco salad and it was so good that I made the dressing for Nick. I figured he'd love it and he did! It's now a favorite in our house.

1  1/2 cups sugar (I've always used 3/4 cup sugar and it's plenty sweet)
1 Tablespoon dry ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup vinegar
2 garlic cloves, halved
1/4 cup vegetable oil

In a quart jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add water, vinegar and garlic. Shake until the sugar is dissolved.  Add oil. Shake well. Store in refrigerator. Just before serving, remove garlic or pour into empty ketchup bottle. Drizzle over salad greens. Yields: 2 cups

Homemade Chili Recipe

I was wanting to make some chili this week and found this in one of my crock pot cookbooks. I'm always leery of trying new recipes because I'm never sure if I'll like it or not. This one was a hit at our house! Much better than just opening up a can of chili- the way we usually do!

The recipe came from my "Fix it and forget it" Cook book. I love this book! I got my copy at a Half Price book store for $5!

Slow cooker chili- Original recipe, my revised below:

2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
2 cans (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes,
2 cans (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained
2-3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves crushed
2 medium onions chopped

Put everything in crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours. For more heat, add cayenne.


I made it this morning around 5:30 and used half the amount of ground beef, 2 cans pinto beans, 2 cans diced tomatoes. The kind that comes pre-seasoned with garlic, onion and basil. I did not drain it. My crock pot seems to cook at a higher temperature and I was worried without all the extra juice that the bottom would burn. Oh, and I only used 2 Tablespoons of chili powder. I thought I'd add in more seasonings and pepper but when I tasted it, it was perfect! Not too spicy but with plenty of flavor.

Because the tomatoes already had onions and garlic in it, I omitted the fresh garlic and onions in the original recipe.

We ate at 11. It did not take the whole time to make but I imagine if it could have simmered even longer it would have tasted even better with all the spices mingled in there!

We really liked it and will eat the leftovers tomorrow. I think this recipe would be good served over hot dogs as "chili-dogs" too.

After lunch, I washed out my crock pot and put in a whole acorn squash to cook. I just washed and rinsed the squash and sprayed the pan to be sure it wouldn't stick and set it on high. The original recipe said low for 10-12 hours but I'm wanting to eat it tonight for supper with our meal, so I'm hoping it will be done! Another recipe I got from the book above. After it's cooked, it said to cut in half, scoop out seeds top with butter.

If you like crock pot recipes, be sure to check back here cause I'll be posting up more recipes!

Potato soup

I made this for the first time when we moved to Texas to live with and care for my grandma. Nick and I were not married very long and he was unsure of the recipe because he's not a fan of soup. However, he loved this recipe and it's now a favorite of ours when it's cold outside. I clipped the recipe out of a Taste of Home Magazine.

Ingredients:
6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks
2 quarts of water
1 onion chopped
6 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
6 Tablespoons flour

In a large kettle, cook potatoes, carrots, and celery in 2 quarts of water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid and setting veggies aside. In same kettle, saute onion in butter until soft. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Gently stir in cooked vegetables. Add 1 cup or more of reserved liquid until soup is desired consistency.

Makes 8-10 servings.

This may take a lot of pots to make but the taste is definitely worth it!

So much for that idea...

I went to upload my photos to post here and couldn't find them. I really thought I took some pictures of all the things I've made all week. Oops!!! I guess not. Phooey!

Oh well, nothing I can do about that now...

Guess I'll go knit some swatches and slippers now...

New projects to make

At the knitting group today, I turned in the headbands, the mary jane baby booties- red. (which I just realized I forgot to take a pic of. oops!) They turned out cute with the white pearl buttons.

I gave them the slouch beret, the eyelet beret too. And it seems like more stuff, but now I can't remember what else. They loved everything!

I showed them the mini socks with a promise to have more made by next week.

One of the ladies brought me a huge bag of Plymouth Encore yarn, worsted and sock yarn. YAY!!!!

Two are blue, two are burgundy. Two are green spotted (sock yarn) Two are pink spotted (sock yarn) and there is some leftover skeins of various colors, one of which is purple! I've been wanting some purple to make some crochet flowers for a friend. I was super thrilled!

The sock yarn is dk weight, so I'm hoping to find a good sock pattern. I told Nick I'd make him some socks with the green yarn and I'd get the pink. These will be thicker slipper type socks, cause the yarn is thicker.

I saw the coolest thing today. It was a scarf knitted with one strand of worsted weight and one strand of fancy fur. CO 24 I think wish size 11 needles. The lady just made it up as she went. She knit it as long as a regular scarf but when she was done with it, she sewed up the ends to the middle part on both sides.

Then, what you do is slide it over your arms and take the middle part and put it over your head onto your shoulders. It's a shrug, I think. It is so cool! I thought I'd take some of this yarn- red or blue and try making one. It was really neat! I'll be sure to post up pictures when I get done. It was so warm and soft and cozy!

My mom called this week and asked if I wanted to knit up some slippers and mail them to her and she'd see if her friends wanted to buy any for the holidays. So, that's my goal to work on right now, besides the mini socks. I have three done. And three more to go. I'll post up some pictures tomorrow of them. I love that it's all the same yarn but they look so different!

Off to knit, I have several slippers patterns I'm trying out.

Oh, and I just remembered I've got some swatches of scarf samples to make for my friend.

"J" if you're reading this, I hope to mail them out on Friday! lol

Watergate Salad

This cool and refreshing salad is great in the summer time or any time of year.

1 small box instant pistachio pudding

1 small carton cool whip

1 can fruit cocktail

1 can diced pineapple tidbits

Mix pudding with coolwhip. Fold in drained fruit. Add fruit juice if necessary. Keep in refrigeraor until ready to serve.

You can substitute lemon pudding or vanilla pudding if you wish. Or whatever flavor you want.

How to make soft dinner rolls

I found this recipe 6-7 years ago when a friend asked me to help her make some "Golden Corral" rolls. She usually goes there to buy the rolls for their annual Easter dinner but wanted to make them instead. We made a huge batch of them and they were loved by all her family. They may not be exactly like "Golden Corral" rolls but they are nice and fluffy and soft! I got the recipe here:

Ingredients: Servings:15

• 1 cup water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon dry milk
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 3 teaspoons yeast

1. Place ingredients in order given.
2. Set bread machine on dough setting.
3. Once cycle is done-- roll out into 15 balls (mine generally are about golfball size).
4. Place in greased 9x13 pan.
5. Let rise until doubled in size in warm place.
6. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

**I like to brush the rolls with butter when they come out of the oven.

When my bread machine broke, I still made these by hand. I just kneaded them accordingly to my machine's instructions (as if I was the bread machine) and they turned out great!

to do by hand:

Mix ingredients together. I like to use instant yeast so I don't have to worry about when to add it.  I buy it at an Amish/Mennonite bulk food store for $3. Can't beat that price. You can buy bulk yeast at Walmart for half the amount for double the price. This instant yeast lasts me a year too!

Knead for 15 minutes.

Let rest an hour.

Knead for 18 minutes. 

Let rest for 20 minutes.

Punch down. 

Proceed to step #3.

Here they are out of the oven!

Salsa mix in a jar

This salsa tastes pretty good when you can't have fresh from the garden salsa.

Salsa Mix in a Jar

1 1/2 cups dried cilantro
1 teaspoon garlic powder (more to taste)
1/2 cup dried chopped onion
1/4 cup dried red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper

Measure all into ziploc bag, seal & shake to combine.

Attach Tag: "Spicy Salsa"

Combine the following, mix well: Chill 1 hour or longer to let spices mingle.
2 tablespoons salsa mix
10 oz can Mexican-style tomatoes.

Serve with tortilla chips.

I found this recipe here.

Slowly but surely

Today has been simply gorgeous! My dad calls it Indian summer. Whatever it's called, I could handle weather like this every day of the year. Not too cold, not too warm. Just right.

Since hubby fixed our clothesline, I've been enjoying washing more than one load at a time. What a sight to see all the laundry blowing gently with the wind, drying in the sun! I just took it all down a bit ago and folded and put it away. Usually, it would be this time right now that I'd be getting the laundry hung out.

In between laundry and dishes and doing more de-cluttering, I've been working on the Mary Jane baby booties. I decided to make this pair in red, mainly because it's the only yarn I have left, other then this pastel stuff and I don't want to make both pairs the same color.

I can't remember if I said but I've been knitting like crazy this week to make items for two friend's church bazaar's. One of them is a week after the first, and she didn't seem to mind that I was making them the same stuff, though I have tried to make items different colors. I'm hoping to be able to go to both of them this year.

I didn't go last year because I had no money and didn't want to depress myself looking at all the way cool things that I couldn't buy. I normally don't like window shopping, but lately, I've come to enjoy it more. I've been trying really hard not to buy anything new for the camper. We simply just don't have the space. If I do buy something, it's only if two or three things leave the place before the new thing comes in.

One of my favorite websites I like to go to when I need inspiration is this. While I don't see myself as living quite like her, she does have some good ideas. I especially like her photos.

I finally finished the slouchy beret last night and am not happy with how it turned out at all. I only casted on 72 instead of the 84 that the pattern calls for. I didn't think it would matter that much but the end of the hat is quite pointy. More pointy than I care for. But at this point, I'm not going to take it out. I'll show my friend and see what she thinks. If she doesn't like it, then I'll take it out. I tried it on and it wouldn't slouch at all! Grrrr! Looks kind of like a Hershey kiss or something! lol

I figured I can easily finish the headbands tonight since they don't take long to make at all. And as far as the two baby "skidoo" booties, I decided not to make at all. I didn't tell either friend I was going to make them.  I do plan to make up at least three pairs for the consignment booth where I sell a few items in town. I figured Christmas colors sounded cute.

My mom emailed me and said she might know of a friend that might want some of those booties. So, that would be cool to get a few orders.

Tomorrow, if I can make it to the knitting club, I plan to take along my sock yarn and hopefully get several mini socks knitted.

And that will mean I'll be all caught up on everything I wanted to make. Yay!

I've got some pear cake baking in the bread machine and it's smelling really good! I always forget that I have a "bake" function on my bread machine. I hope it works!

How to make Pad Thai

This recipe was on the back of a bag of rice stick noodles which I bought to make another dish with. So, I thought I’d try it and see how it was. It was wonderful!  I added chicken to our dish when I added the garlic.

8 ounces rice sticks (dry)
3 T. vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
3 eggs
4 Tablespoons fish sauce
1 green onion, cut into 1 inch lengths
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup ground peanuts

In large bowl, soak rice sticks in warm water for 30-45 minutes until tender but firm. Heat oil in a large frying pan, then add garlic. Add egg and scramble until done; reduce temperature.

Drain rice sticks well and add to egg mixture. Increase temperature and stir fry noodles until they are translucent, adding up to 1/4 cup water if needed.

When the rice sticks begin to stick together add fish sauce, sugar, paprika, and green onion.

Continue to cook mixture until dry. Garnish with bean sprouts and peanuts. You can also add tofu, prawns, chicken or beef.

Help!?

I got this great idea that I would declutter the house today. I pulled everything out of the cupboards and closets. Found a yarn stash I forgot about and dumped it all on the floor. It's a big tangled mess of string.

Now, I've got this stuff everywhere and no motivation to know what to do with it all. I hate to just put it right back in the places I got it from. (Which is what I usually do)

I really want to get rid of it, but I feel so attached to it, and I'm not sure why. I hate being a pack rat! I wish my friend Suni were here to help me go through it all. She was loads of help the last time when we moved back to Missouri. We only kept what fit in the trunk of the car plus the back seats. And now!? I've somehow managed to collect more junk than I probably had before! You wouldn't believe how much stuff you can fit in a camper's closet and cupboards. Every inch of space is full of something. It's driving me crazy!!

I also am disappointed with myself for not getting much knitting done. I am... addicted to the Internet. I've spent more time on the computer today looking up knitting patterns and reading craft forums and more. It's sad.

I really wanted to get everything done on my list but it's now already 5:30 and not one thing finished! Ugh!

I know, if I wasn't here blogging, I could be knitting but I can only knit so much in a day before I start getting tired of it. And I definitely don't want to burn out of my favorite hobby.

Speaking of blogging, (sort of) I read about someone on the net who has a knitting scrapbook. I love the concept! I'm not sure what she keeps it all in, but I'm thinking a 3 ring binder and some clear protective covers.

She says she keeps yarn labels and journal entries of a project. A "start" date and an "end" date. Copy of the pattern she's using. Notes on needle size, etc... And a photo of the finished project. Oh, and a yarn sample! I wish I had thought of this ages ago...

I just want to know more. Find more examples. See more pictures, before I try it on my own... I like getting ideas from people before starting my own adventures! lol

Okay, I'm going to go start organizing this stuff that is everywhere. I ought to take a picture of the mess to help motivate me to put it away. Nah! Too embarrassed!

Thai Honey Peanut Sauce Recipe

Thai Honey Peanut Sauce

This sweet and spicy sauce is delicious with steamed asparagus, grilled eggplant, and crisp cooked green beans.

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1/8 teaspoon crushed red peppers

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well blended. Serve over cooked vegetables.

This sounds like it would be tasty as a dip with fresh spring rolls! I think I'm going to try this for lunch today.

How to make pickled peppers

I made this last year and tried them for the first time tonight and they were awesome! The recipe came from here.

"This recipe makes one pint of pickled jalapeno chile peppers, but it can be doubled easily:

Ingredients:

1/2 pound fresh jalapeno chile peppers
1 3/4 cups white vinegar
1 large clove garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric

Directions

1. Wash peppers; cut off the stems.
2. Slice peppers into 1/8-inch rings and place them in a pint jar (with a lid).
3. Peel the garlic clove and place it in the jar with the pepper rings; set aside.
4. Mix vinegar, salt and turmeric in a small saucepan and slowly heat to near boiling.
5. Pour the warm brine over the peppers in the jar.
6. Allow the mixture to cool slightly; seal with the lid and store in the refrigerator.
7. Let chile peppers marinate for several days before using them.

With refrigeration, the peppers will keep for several months."

Enjoy! These are so flavorful and awesome!

Chili Seasoning mix

I'm not sure where this recipe came from but here it is:

Chili seasoning mix:

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon seasoned salt (homemade of course!)

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon oregano

Mix all ingredients; store in a small airtight jar in a cool dry place. Makes 1/4 cup.

You can double or triple this if you want.

Quick Chili with beans

1 pound ground beef

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 Tablespoon chili seasoning mix (recipe here)

2 cans kidney beans

2 Tablespoons flour

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Brown ground beef in a large saucepan, stirring occasionally, until meat loses its red color. Stir in flour, then add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve in bowls, sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Serves 4.

**I like to top my chili with my homemade zuchinni relish.

Oatstraw

Oh, how I love oatstraw!

Incredible. Soothing. Refreshing.

Hot or iced it's a tasty treat.

Relaxes my nerves, uplifts my spirit, strengthens my inner being.

Oatstraw, you are the best!

Look before you bite.

I went down to mail a letter out and my friend at the Post Office gave me a package of coconut donuts. I was excited to try them since I hadn't had them before and I LOVE coconut!

I opened the package and immediately smelled the first donut. It smelled yummy. I was just ready to pop the whole thing in my mouth when I happened to look down at the rest of the ones in the package. The second donut was GREEN with FUZZY mold!! Ewwwwwwww!!!!

I am so GLAD I happened to look down before I ate it!

Thought for the day- look before you bite! :-)

P.S. I went back to the post office to warn my friend about eating any more of hers and she didn't seem the least bit bothered. Knowing her, she'd just pick off the moldy parts!

Wool

Sometime last year, I went to the thrift store and picked through the massive pile of sweaters in search of the 100% wool variety. No one seems to be interested in those so there is usually a few treasures to find.

I bought a couple and planned to cut into squares and turn into a blanket, or make a few diaper covers for expecting friends. One reason or another, it never got done. I've long since passed on most of the sweaters on to others in hopes that they will get some use out of it. I always have these great ideas but I don't always carry them through.

The reason I wanted to make a wool quilt is that whenever I go on any trips in the car in the winter time, I always grab the wool blanket off our bed along with an acrylic blanket we've named the "Snuzzie". With those two things on my lap, it doesn't matter how cold outside it is, I am plenty warm. In fact, I've even got a little too warm with them.

So, I thought that if I had a small wool lap blanket to tote around, that would be better than taking the blanket off our bed. Otherwise, then I have to re-make the bed when we get home. And I don't know about you, but the whole bedroom looks so much cleaner when just the bed is made! lol

Anyways, back to my story, I did manage to keep one sweater that with all the cables on it, would not have cut into squares as nicely as the other ones I found. And before I gave up on the quilt idea, I had taken it already to the laundry mat, washed it on a hot cycle and dried it in the dryer. I wanted it to felt and shrink. It was rather large at first, even though it was just labeled an "L" Perhaps a men's sweater?

When I went through the pile to give them to a friend, I couldn't help but notice how much smaller it was and how it looked like it may even fit me. So, I tried it on and wow! It fits perfect! Well, almost perfect. The collar part is a little tight that I have to fold down but other than that it hugs my body just right. Not too tight (which I don't like at all)

So, now this morning as I type this post, I am wearing a nice comfy 100% lambswool sweater that I paid 25 cents for!

I'm in the process of going through my wardrobe and I'm thinking I need to make another trip to the thrift store and spend a couple hours (yes, that's how long it takes!) to find more 100% wool sweaters.

Speaking of closets, I'm trying to find a good balanced yet minimalist wardrobe. I'll be posting about that later.

Until next time!

All is well.

I know this isn't the best picture. I intended to take a better one but then finished sewing it and gave it away before I realized I forgot to get a picture. 

I knit two of these (above) and gave one to "J". The other one I'm going to have a giveaway for in October. Keep posted back here for drawing details. It will ship out the end of October. Measures about 3 by 4 1/4 inches. And stretches somewhat. 

I knit it the same as the sudsy sacks but made it a bit longer. Also, I skipped the ribbing part at the top and took my cast on tail and made a chain for the loop. Tied it on the other side and sewed a button to the front. 

Finished the black eyelet beret. I tried to get a picture of it, but couldn't get a decent picture. Looks just like the white one that is in my profile picture but it's black.

I got the second beret started. So far so good. I'll post a picture of it when I'm done. I'm about half way done with it now. If all goes well, I'll have it done tonight. I really love both of the beret patterns. I've probably made about 15 of them so far. I shared the link with a friend and she too made about a dozen already. The pattern knits up so quickly because of the large needle size and it's so simple to make!

I got about 36 inches done on the pink scarf, which I hoped would be long enough but now I realize it's too short, so I'll be knitting it longer. (about 4 feet instead of 3). The grey scarf I got 14 inches done on it.  I probably won't have enough yarn now for the fringe, but that's okay.

I also decided I'm going to knit my nephew an ear flap hat to go with his scarf, but that won't be started and finished by November. 

I can't believe I actually may get all my projects done by Tuesday! 

Until next time!

Ramblings

Well, my goal yesterday was to work on the cell phone cozies since I promised two of them out to a co-worker's son and friend. I told them I'd bring them on Thursday. I wasn't planning on going into town yesterday and thought how great it would be if I just got them done Wednesday instead of today.

I quickly packed and I mean QUICKLY packed a bag yesterday in 15 minutes. It usually takes me at least 30 minutes if not 45 to remember everything I need to bring. I thought I was doing pretty good until I started realizing everything I forgot.

I brought with me the first started beret to work on. I figured when I got it done, I'd start on the next, but I forgot the size 8 needles needed for it. So, I worked a couple rows on the black eyelet beret. Then, I took out about 7 rows when I somehow dropped three stitches. Grrrr!

So, I put it away and thought, I'll work on the knitted cell phone cozies instead.

I brought along the one I'd completed and just needed to sew on the button and sew up the sides. I brought the button, but forgot the needle! Agh! So, I thought, fine, well, I'll finish knitting the one I started. But then I realized I didn't have the crochet hook I needed to make the loop. Turns out I did, but still did not have the needle to sew on the button for it.

Amazingly, I got it done with just the loop to do. It took way less time to make than the one that I have to sew up the sides. And I half joked to one of the bus driver mechanics by asking him if he didn't have a tapestry needle hiding in one of their junk drawers. After explaining to him what one was, he went inside. Came back a few minutes later holding up a needle just like I needed! Yay! It was a little too big to go through the button itself but it got the job done. I was thrilled!

By the time I started sewing up the one knitted cozy, J's friend came to see it. (who I was making it for) and I finished it up and he took it and left. He seemed to be thrilled with it! I just hope that the new way I sewed it up, (whipstitched) instead of mattress stitch holds up good and lasts. On mine, I mattress stitched it and it started to come apart at the seams. Yuck!

I was only disappointed that I could not take a picture to post on my blog of the cozy, but oh well. It looks just like the purple and blue one I made but it was brown striped.

On the other cell phone cozy, knit on the double pointed needles, I had hoped to finish yesterday before J and M's dad picked them up, but just couldn't get my fingers to work fast enough, which was fine with them since I had already told them I'd have it ready today. They are such good kids by the way. Not very often do you meet kids with good manners and politeness. Their parents are raising them up right!

Anyways, I did take a picture of these cell cozies and even managed to finish a second one yesterday! I was shocked. Maybe I can get my whole list done by Tuesday. I'll post up a pic later this afternoon...

I hadn't planned on making any more, but I do like the way they turned out. Made just like my sudsy sacks but knitted for a little more than 4 inches on the length and then used my cast on tail to make the crocheted loop. Then sewed on a button. It fits tight now but I know it will loosen up later. Not too loose though. I think it's gonna work.

I knitted all the way home in the car on the beret and got caught up on where I had to take out. It's at 4 inches right now which is what the pattern says, but I like it to have more of a slouch, so if I can avoid messing up and having to take more rows out, then I will knit it to 5 1/2 inches before I start the decrease. Then, just the decrease and I'm done.

I promised the knitting ladies on Tuesdays to show them this sample and the regular beret- which was my original goal anyways, but now I HAVE to get it done. LOL

I packed my knitting bag last night to take with me today as I go into town today. I packed several needles, my size 8 needles and plenty of yarn! I hope to get started on some of the baby booties and finish the beret at least. I can get so much knitting done when I'm in the car! ha! ha!

Oh, speaking of yarn, several months ago, I saw some #10 crochet thread Christmas colors at the thrift store. At the time I was not interested in it so I passed it up. Since then, I could not stop thinking about it and wishing I had gotten it. So, I had Nick take me there thinking it would still be there since some stuff just doesn't sell well. Well, it may have been in the bedding room, but the place was such a mess. I'm not exaggerating either. It was knee deep in some places. So, I gave up.

Well, yesterday one of the bus drivers gave me a bag of yarn that she got from the thrift store and guess what was in the bag! That ball of Christmas green that I had been looking for! I was thrilled! There was also some Christmas worsted red and some orange- the exact orange that I once had but had given away and missed slightly. Super YAY!!!

This afternoon, I'll be going to the yarn store to pick up more prayer shawl yarn. I can't wait for that. It's the most beautiful colors. Plymouth Encore, of course, but it's fall colors (my favorite) and variegated. I've got about 9 inches done so far on the shawl and hoping to have it completed and mailed out to a relative by November. I may even make another with the exact same colors cause it's so pretty! I'll be sure to get a picture of it before it gets mailed out.

What have I done??

Once again, I have promised out too many knitted/crocheted items. What was I thinking? Hadn't I learned my lesson from before!? LOL

And the crazy part is that I actually think I'm going to get it all done by Tuesday.

Let's see, what am I hoping to get done:
1 pair of Mary jane baby booties
2 pairs of knitted "skidoo's"
4 crocheted headbands
6 mini socks (one of which had to be thrown out in frustration last night, so back to square one)
2 berets
1 cover and soles hat (I'd wanted originally to have all 6 done by September, not looking good since I've had to take out about as many rows as I've done!)
3 knitted balloon animals (goal is actually november, but still, I haven't even bought the yarn yet!)
2 knitted cell phone cozies (told them they'd be done by this Thursday!)
2 scarves

And am I busy knitting now? No, I've been uploading photos since 5 am! :-)

I'm going to be gone all day thursday and friday too. I think I'm losing my mind!!!

I love my life! I really do! I know it sound like I complain a lot, but it helps me to see "on paper" what all I have promised myself out for, so hopefully I can learn from my mistakes. Either that or get really busy and start knitting. Less blogging, more knitting. Sounds good!

If nothing else, this WILL get all  done by September 30th!

Hold me to it, now folks!!

Ear flap hats

I was uploading some old photos here. - My new favorite site! and couldn't remember if I'd ever posted all my ear flap hat pictures here or not. Actually, I made two others but don't have the pictures from them to share.

I love this pattern!

Knitted balloon animals part 2

Awhile back, I told a friend I'd make her kids some knitted balloon animals. I had no idea how difficult the patterns would be. I hope she does not hate me because I still have not made them yet! I had no problem knitting the actual animal but twisting it to get the shape right is what stumped me. I ended up throwing it in the trash! Gasp! I know!

I know that I took a picture of it and put it on my blog but when I picked up the dog, it would droop to the ground. I was not happy with the way it turned out.

Based on some new knowledge I found this morning:
1. try knitting it in the round on double pointed needles as a long tube rather with decreased and increased parts AND
2. try this technique for twisting it.

I'm ready to give it another try. But before I go out and buy more yarn specifically for these projects. (Yes, I promised out 3 of them!) I will use up some scrap yarn to be sure I can even do it this second time around.

So... I will practice this week on making a daschund knitted balloon animal. Wish me luck!

Don't give up on me, Stephanie! lol

Thoughts on herbs

It's heartbreaking for me to see people in pain and hurting from one thing or another.  I used to try and share my thoughts on herbs with everyone that I came across, but it was not always gladly received. And, yes, I'm still learning when to keep my mouth shut. :-) 

I'm a firm believer that healing is within reach.  I simply need to go outside and look down or look in my kitchen cupboard.

Dandelion, plantain, cayenne, and garlic have all been of help to me in some area of my life. I'll share later about these herbs plus many more in the months to come.

*Note- I am not a doctor. My opinions are not medical advice. Nor am I against doctors and their medicine. 

Two blogs, now one

I used to have two separate blogs- one for crafts and the other for personal stuff like recipes. I recently combined them so if you're reading an old post that refers to my craft blog or my other blog, this is it. :-)

How to crochet a facial scrubber

This is how I make my facial scrubbies. They are like mini face cloths. I have made them for folks that want sets of them in a crocheted basket. - pattern for those coming soon.

I use 100% cotton yarn.

Ch 6. Join with sl st to first ch. 12 dc in loop. Ch 3, 2 dc in each dc sp. (24 total)

Sometimes, I will put a scallop edge on as shown below. I just do 3 dc's and then a sl st before going to the next space.

You don't turn but just keep going around and around. I generally stop after this as they are the size that I like best. Then, when I'm done I can chain a loop for hanging or just pull through and cut. The ones I make that are single crocheted, I generally have a loop but not the double crocheted ones. I like to use a double crochet because they crochet up faster and I like the way they look more.

Have fun making them!

How to make cinnamon bread in your bread machine

I have two recipes that I use depending on whether or not I have milk on hand.

Both recipes make a 1 1/2 pound loaf.  I prefer the basic cycle. On the "milk" recipe, I sometimes will use the sweet cycle.

Without milk-
1 cup water
2 Tablespoons butter
1 egg- I added this by accident the other day but loved how it turned out. Richer and better tasting. (you can skip it if you don't have eggs)
3 cups flour (sometimes I'll substitute some of this amount with whole wheat flour but not more than 1 cup, otherwise it's too heavy)
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast

With milk-
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 egg (not optional)
3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar- I like to use brown sugar for extra flavor!
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons yeast


Load ingredients in bread pan according to your machine. Some machines say to add liquids first, and then dry. When I do this, I make an indentation for the yeast.


And each slice has to have some yummy spread on it: I just mix in a tablespoon or two of butter with a few tablespoons of milk and enough powdered sugar to spread easily. oh! and a teaspoon of homemade vanilla extract.


Enjoy!

Knitted Cell Phone Cozy in the making

I'm working on making a knitted cell phone cozy for a friend. I just need to sew up the sides and add a button to this one but I'm thinking it's not going to be wide enough for his phone. It looked like he had some type of touch screen cell phone. So, I grabbed my double pointed needles and casted on 30 sts. Like when I knit my sudsy sacks, only this time I used size 7 needles.

Now, I'm worried it'll be too big, but I won't know until it's finished. I'm also trying to figure out a way to add a flap to it, since he liked the button flap part. I'll post up some pictures and a pattern I used when I get this all figured out. I like how the yarn above has a striped effect to it. I thought it would look more splotchy like the last cell phone cozy looked.

Daisy Loom

I'm so excited about this new loom I got:

The dial twists and the metal ends go inside the loom so you can take the flower off. How cool is that!?

I'm not sure how old it is, but I found one on ebay that claimed it was from 1949. Why don't they make things like this anymore? Sturdy, metal. not cheap plastic...

It's a flower loom and you can make several and connect them to make blankets, sweaters, etc...

I practiced it last night but have not figured out how to sew the center up. Anyone have any ideas?

I do know that I'm gonna love making flowers to attach onto hats and scarves and such. I still can't believe I got this for 50 cents along with several hand written and type written crochet and knit patterns. Also, several booklets from 1950-1970 full of crochet and knit patterns.

I'm most interested in the hand written patterns. I keep wondering who was this person that wrote the patterns down. Were they her original patterns? Did she simply copy them from a book? I would love to share these patterns with everyone but since I don't know the original source, what about copyright laws?

I suppose for now, I will just have some fun making the projects and posting up pictures of them. Some of them, I don't even know what they are, or what they'll become since there is no title on the page. How will I know if I'm doing it right? I usually have a picture in mind when I am knitting something new.

I'll be sure to post up some completed flowers when I get them done.

I've got a lot to accomplish before October 1st, so new projects will have to wait! :-)

Recipe for Pear Cake

When we had an overabundant supply of pears one year, I found this recipe. It was a great way to use up our fresh pears. I doubled and tripled this recipe!

I didn't bake it for as long as the recipe stated and I used loaf pans instead of a 9x13 pan. I also let it cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Just keep an eye on it, so it doesn't burn. I also added the nuts with the flour, because I like the chunks.

Creamy Coleslaw dressing

This also tastes equally good as a base for macaroni or potato salad- which I add a little less sugar for.

1 cup mayo
1 Tablespoon celery seed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoon vinegar

Mix together and pour over shredded cabbage.

Update- I made this the other day and was out of celery seed, so I omitted the salt and used celery salt instead. It tasted just as good!

Cro-hooking booklets and more

Yesterday while on the way to town, we saw a garage sale sign out in the country. We passed by it and weren't going to go, but thought why not? So, we turned around and found the sale. Boy! Am I super glad we did!!!

This is what I found: A large ziploc bag full of patterns from old magazines AND several hand written patterns. What caught my eye at first though was a small metal loom called a Daisy winder.  I thought it was worth it alone just to get the loom.  The whole bag was 50 cents!

There was also a ziploc bag with two pattern booklets for cro-hooking and a size K cro-hook needle. Some of the patterns look a little weird but the purse and hat pattern were definitely cool! This bag was also 50 cents!

I also got a Camel Crochet book with several leaflet patterns for 25 cents! Camel crochet is crochet but that looks and feels like knitting. I found out about camel crochet after learning how to do cro-hooking but have yet to find any free patterns and how really to get started on this. The books you can order for this are $10 and up. So, I was super thrilled to get these patterns for so little! Yay!!

Not knitting related, I found a rolodex address holder. I've been wanting one of these forever but did not want to pay the $15 and up price. I wanted something that I could flip open and find friend's addresses with ease. I do not like the usual address books because of the amount of friends I have that move away and change addresses. Then, I've got to cross out their addy's and write a new one. They still sell extra cards in case I run out. It was only $1 and looked new and it was a smaller style which I liked since we have little storage space.

I was so glad we decided to turn around and go back. As much as we love going to garage sales, we haven't been lately, because we're trying to get rid of stuff, not buy more. But I decided if it's something I am going to buy new already but can find it used, then by all means, let's go find some garage sales!

Chicken broccoli pasta recipe

A dear friend of mine would make this when I came to visit. But living over 800 miles away from each other, I haven't gotten to enjoy her dish in a long time. So, I started making it myself and over the years I have made a few changes. My changes in parenthesis.

Serves 4

1 pound pasta spirals
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (2 cups or more frozen broccoli florets)
1/2 cup olive oil (a couple Tablespoons)
Juice from 1 clove garlic (1 garlic clove minced)
1/8 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper (1 teaspoon or more added to my own bowl)
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (not as good but the Kraft kind in the pasta section)

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Then add the broccoli and the pasta. Cook until both are done, then drain.

Heat the oil and seasonings together in a large skillet. When pasta and broccoli are done, add them to the skillet. Toss well and serve sprinkled with grated cheese.

(I use about 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil (or whatever is on hand) and add 1 cup or more of diced cubed chicken and cook until chicken is done. Then I add frozen broccoli and stir fry until tender. In a separate pot, I cook the pasta until it's done. Then, I add the cooked pasta adding more oil if necessary and stir together until heated through.) Sprinkling with Parmesan cheese and pepper in each bowl to one's taste.

Elizabeth's tea

I call this Elizabeth's tea because my friend Elizabeth was so kind to share with me how she made her herbal tea which I sampled at a food co-op meeting.

6 cups water
6 Tablespoons dried nettle
6 Tablespoons dried oatstraw
3 Tablespoons mint

Bring water to boil. Remove from heat and add herbs. Let steep all day. This brew is concentrated.

Put in 1/2 of liquid in a cup, and fill to the top with cold water. Sweeten if desired.

Yummy dip best enjoyed with Wheat Thins

I tried this yummy dip in Texas at a friend's office party. It is my favorite thing to make and eat.  I usually make half the batch, since it's just me enjoying it!

Before I had this dip, I had never heard of Mexicorn.

2 cans Mexicorn, drained. (11 ounce)
1 cup mayo
16 ounce sour cream
2 cups finely shredded cheese
4 green onions
handful of cilantro
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Mix together. Store in refrigerator. Best served with wheat thins. I like things spicy, so I will generally add more cayenne pepper to taste. Or sprinkle more on with each bite!

Miniature Sock

I was wondering what I was going to do with all the leftover teeny tiny balls of sock yarn that were too small for kids or baby socks. I also kept in mind that some mothers don't want their children wearing wool socks. I don't know why but I respect their decision.

Then an idea came to me, what about miniature tiny socks. I was thinking of them for Christmas ornaments and someone suggested for key chains. Brilliant! So, I got online and found several patterns to try out. My first two were complete flops. I even thought I'd make it up as I went along. Whoops! Not that advanced of a knitter yet. I won't even say what it looked like when I got done, but it got thrown out. I tried to unravel it and it got even more tangled so I snipped the thread and out it went. I have plenty of that yarn left anyhow.

When I do get tangles that I can't deal with, (which is often) I send them to a friend's house that loves to untangle things. She's quite good at it too! Has saved me from throwing a lot of yarn out! lol

Anyways, enough rambling, here is the third attempt to make a mini sock. I have it pictured with a battery to give you a size idea.

It was more tricky to make than I thought it would be but I can see myself making dozens more in time. Right now, I'm making another one but with a different yarn. Also, since it uses just a little bit of yarn, I can see that using the same striped yarn would give it an entire different look each time.

Each year at Christmas, we like to purchase one of those miniature trees and I'm thinking these will look great on them. Maybe I'll even have learned how to make miniature mittens by then. I wish they were Christmas colors but oh well. They'll just have to be what they are...

Best Ever Pumpkin Pie

Even folks who say they can't stand pumpkin pie, tell me that they love this pie and often request the recipe. Those who don't want the recipe just request that I make them some pies! LOL

So, here it is for all to enjoy. My husband found me this recipe when we were faced with a bounty of fresh pumpkins from our garden one year. Sadly, I don't know where he got the recipe from. I often substitute store bought canned pumpkin when I don't have fresh.

1 1/2 cups cooked pumpkin
1 cup packed brown sugar (I always buy light)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
2 Tablespoons molasses
3 eggs slightly beaten
12 ounce can of milk (I prefer carnation and not the fat free kind)



In bowl, mix pumpkin with spices and molasses. Add eggs and milk. Pour into two unbaked pie shells. Bake at 425 degrees for 40-45 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

The original recipe said 1 pie crust, but I always have enough leftover for another pie. I think that's because I use 8-9 inch pie pans and perhaps the original called for a larger pie crust pan.

When I take the knife to test for doneness, I usually will think that there is no way it will come out clean because it looks uncooked, but when it's done, it really does come out clean. A toothpick won't give you the same result either. So make sure to use a knife!

I have been known to forget to add the pumpkin! As it was going into the oven, I remembered! agh! Don't be like me! ha! ha!

Clutterless living and knitting goals

I've really been working hard at paring down my belongings, though hubby may not be able to tell. :P

One big thing I've been doing is using up all my scrap yarn. There is a really cool project that I want to make soon and I am not allowing myself to buy the yarn for the project until more of my supply is gone. I am down to one drawer for my yarn. Yay!!

I hope to one day own only 100 items but I've got a ways yet to go before that happens. The good news is that I'm making progress.

In the meantime, I stayed busy knitting more stuff today. Did I finish all on my list? No way! I started new projects as always! hee! hee!

I did finish the mary jane baby booties all but sewing on the buttons that is. I am going to finish the three crocheted flowers tomorrow. I realized that they will be great for attaching to hats too! Then, I'll turn those two things into my friends and show them my feeble attempt for knitting a miniature sock! My first one was so badly misshapen that I threw it in the trash. Only because when I tried to unravel it, it became a huge mess. One that I did not want to deal with anymore! And I've got plenty of that yarn leftover, I don't mind wasting a little!

The yarn leftover from Nick's socks is just a tiny ball, probably only enough for one miniature sock, but I'm still looking for THE pattern. Not that impressed with the one I tried today.

When I get done with the crochet flowers, I'll work on finishing the pink scarf. I really really need to work on the helmet liners, but I'm avoiding it because I had to take out 3 inches the other day and got really discouraged with it. Before October 1st, I should have the first one done.

That is my goal anyways.

Finished Socks, finally!

I took a much needed break from sock knitting last week, when my hands started to ache from knitting too much.

I finally finished Nick's pair last night. I made the mistake of letting him see them because now he wants to wear them now instead of waiting until Christmas. Oh well! I'll just have to try knitting another pair for him in secret. :-)

The only thing he said was that the cuff was a little tight. I knit the top 2 inches with a double rib instead of a knit 3, purl 1 ribbing. Next time, I'll just do it that way. Hopefully, it loosens more. And I probably won't make them 8 3/4 inches long. I'm thinking 5-6 inches instead.

I knit my purple socks 4 inches and it didn't take long at all to make!

Think I'll play catch up today and try to get my other four projects done. No, make that five. And then make another pair of socks in November.

It's not the best picture, but it'll do for now.

Can you spot my one BIG mistake? I'm not telling! LOL

How to make pickled beets

This is another recipe that my Aunt shared with me. I don't know if it's her own recipe or if she got it somewhere, but when she was teaching me to can, she gave me a ton of recipes to try. I've loved them all!

I prefer baby beets! When I can't find them, I'll slice up some medium sized ones. The larger ones don't taste very good. They are tough and woody. Either way, start with some fresh beets. If they are limp and mushy, compost them!

I don't own a scale and never have measured the amount of beets I use. I just take whatever I've got. I just make sure I have plenty of jars ready. I cook them, add the spices and start spooning into jars. If it looks like I need more brine, I simply make more. What ever is leftover, (I run out of canning jars) I simply take a regular Tupperware container or empty used pickle jar and store the leftovers in the refrigerator. They don't last but a few days, sometimes hours, in my house!

The brine is about enough for 8 pints, with the beets added to give you somewhat of an idea. I am just providing the recipe for the yummy brine and the rest is up to you! I love this recipe! I never grew up liking pickled beets but agreed to can them for a friend one year (he let me keep half of what I made) and the rest is history. Now I make this recipe whenever I can get a hold of beets!

About canning salt- It's worth it to use. One year I didn't and the things I canned had a funny taste and color to them. Harmless but grossed me out! lol I found that you can buy canning salt in the canning section but it's more expensive. In the baking aisle, specifically salt section, of your grocery store, you can usually find an even larger box of canning salt for half the cost. This is what I use:

 At Walmart it costs me about a dollar, last time I checked. The other brand is about $3-4 for half the amount.

What you've been waiting for!

4 cups vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. canning salt (don't use regular. why not?
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
12 cloves

Feel free to halve the recipe or triple it depending on your amount.

Wash beets. Cut stems to about 2 inches and leave the tap root on. This will help keep the color of your beets when you cook them.

Cook until tender. (about 25-30 minutes) I poke with a knife to see if it's tender.

Cool. Either with a bowl of ice water or rinsing them under the faucet in a colander. Trim ends. Slip off skins. They will do so easily when they cool down. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Or if they are baby ones, leave whole. Put spices in cheesecloth.

Note-(I never seem to have cheesecloth on hand, so I just leave my spices in the pot. They don't bother me floating around the jar.)

Add to vinegar mixture. Bring to boil. Add beets. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove spices.

Fill jars to 1/2 inch headspace. Add more brine if necessary.

Water bath for 30 minutes, whether or not you used pints or quarts.

Enjoy!

Slipper Socks

I found out about Ravelry when I first got into knitting. I just love their site. You have to register but it doesn't cost anything.

The thing I love most about the site is the pattern search. You can click on whether or not you want the pattern you're searching for to have: a photo, crochet or knittted, free or pay, level of difficulty, type of yarn used, size of needle etc...

I have found so many cool patterns searching this way.

You can post up projects your working on, your yarn and needle stash. Make friends within the community. Write in the forums, you name it, they've got it! I just love that site!

My mom asked me to make her some socks awhile back. (like last year to be exact!) and I've been trying to get her a pair knit up before Christmas. I thought to ask her if she was wanting socks to wear as socks or socks to wear as slippers, because the yarn I was originally intending to use would not be appropriate as slipper socks. Too thin. I am really glad I asked her before I got too far into the project, because she said she was wanting slipper socks with a thicker sole. (which at this point, I have no idea how to do)

But I did find this cool pattern at the Ravelry site. Slipper socks using Lion Brand bulky yarn. These should be plenty warm!

I'm not sure if you're not a ravelry member if you'll be able to view the pattern or not. But I'll be sure to post a photo of them here so you can see what they look like.

Until next time!

Chicago Bears

I am excited that I've been asked to make a chicago bear colored scarf and hat combo set for a friend.

I plan to make the hat similar to the "Nevada Tigers" one with the pom poms as was requested.

The scarf will be navy blue with white and orange stripes, similar to this but without the writing. Hey- I'm not that talented! lol

Oh, and I'll put the navy blue fringe on it too. I'm just not sure how much yarn to use for the project yet, but I need to figure it out soon.

I'll post up some pics when I get it done. I can't wait to make it.

But first, I need to finish my other projects before I get started on this one. I know, I know, I tend to start on a new project rather than get done with old ones but I need to break that habit.

This weekend I will work on: 2 scarves for niece and nephew, half of a baby bootie, 3 crocheted flowers and last sock for Nick. If I'm lucky, I can get at least one of these finished by Tuesday, my deadline for the flowers and baby bootie.

I also just found out that another friend of mine is expecting. Not including the other two that are due. So, more baby booties to knit for them. Yay! I can't believe how many of my friends are having their second and third and sometimes fifth child and still no children for us.

But I can't dwell on that depressing thought right now.

Must keep knitting...