GOOP Anyone???

I have just discovered this little website that is put out by celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow. It is a weekly newsletter that is put out by Ms. Paltrow that encourages you to "nourish the inner aspect". I realize that this site has been active since Sept. of 2008, please realize that I am NOT on the cutting edge of Anything. While I was very curious to see what she had to offer, I found myself with a take it or leave it type attitude. It was nice to sit down and read some light offerings on a world that I could only imagine. However, it was nothing life altering nor did it offered anything that I had not heard before. I guess that sometimes a little GOOP is good, but in large doses things could get messy.

Fabulous Fish

I finally got to present Daddy Ed with his new fish hat. He loved it and I hope that it brings him luck out on the ice and in the early spring. This pattern is found on knitty right now. Go and check it out. Also if you are on Ravelry, put it in your queue. It is a fantastic stash buster.

My little guys thought it was lots of fun. Maybe there will be one or two more fish hats in my future. I will try and get some pics of the hat on a head, but no promises.

Fresh Off The Needles

I finally finished up a pair of socks that I had been working on FOREVER. I have no idea why it took me so long to get these done. These socks were made from Alpaca Sox yarn by Classic Elite. They are super soft. They were knit using a simple sock pattern, nothing fancy.
I have already started a new pair. The Broadripple socks by Rob Matyska. I thought this time around I would try something with more of a pattern and a little more challenging. I am also hoping that this time it does not take as long to finish up a pair of socks!

Adding To The List

I am so excited! My Amy Butler pattern arrived at the fabric store. I just happen to have the same print fabric in my stash. There are 3 different skirts to make. not sure which one I want to do first. What I love about A.B. patterns is that they are so easy to read. They walk you through every step. It might be annoying if you are an experienced sewer, but for me it is a GOOD thing.

Transformation

This week I am in a sewing state of mind. Since we have no plans for a spring break, why not sew yourself some lovely pieces in anticipation of springs transformation. Anna bravely joined me for a night out to the fabric store. The plan was to find some fabrics to start a wardrobe for sunny, warm weather. It was fun and it is always wonderful to have someone with you. Anna is good at getting me to try something new or to say "ummmm, no" to a crazy idea I may have at that moment. Here are the results....

A nice linen, Alexander Henry, batik print, and Robert Kaufman. The necklace I found on Etsy from katin kapinka. I thought it would be cute with some of the ideas I have. The photos (wish I had taken a better picture!) don't do the colors justice. These are my two favorite fabric finds. I think there could be some fun had here!! I hope to begin this week sewing a skirt out of the batik print.

Frankie Says.........

This weekend I was given a birthday treat. We had a girl day at the local salon, where pedicures were the special of the day. It was amazing! An hour of massage, pampering, and pretty feet. If only I got to wear sandals when it was over! The color I picked was a beautiful dark brown. It reminds of chocolate! A great way to break up the winter blahs! (sigh) Now it is back to reality.

A Place To Start

This week I am trying to be deceptively delicious with some of my recipes. I made the chocolate chip cookies with hidden chick peas. It worked. You have NO IDEA they are in there. It was a good place to start. Something familiar with just a little change. I find it encouraging . Now maybe we can move onto some other sneaky little things. It is hard when you have a kiddo who just refuses to try new things or anything "green" for that matter. So we will take the small steps with hiding something like a veggie here and there and see where it takes us.

Caught Ya!

Who had their fingers in the cookie jar??? Of course it is the youngest and the most daring. At least I know that they were tasty. Rory thinks they are totally worth the sneaking.

This week a package of happiness came in the mail. My sweet sister sent me some books that she thought I might enjoy. YEAH!!! I tore into a James Patterson book already. Nothing like reading a book where the chapters are a page and half to make you feel like you are really making progress. Next will be the Friday Night Knitting Club. How can a pass up a book about the lives of people in NYC and their bonding moments over knitting???!!!! I think it is going to be a good weekend :D

Spring Fever Already???

I saw these and got a case of spring fever. I found them at a nice discount and my thoughts turned to playing in puddles while waiting for the spring flowers to arrive, walking the kiddos to school, and I just thought they were kind of cute. Let's hear it for a sale and style!

Fish Knits

photo by Theo Egberts

In knitting news I am working on the fish hat from this winter's knitty. It is so cute. My step dad is the inspiration of this knit. He is a FISHERMAN and I think he would enjoy this hat while out on the ice or on a chilly spring morning. I have a stash of left over Cascade 220 wool that has been sitting around. I think this is the perfect experiment. The colors are good for a fellow and if the experiment works, then I think the boys would like a fish as well. I can see fish hats made from cottons on hand at the cottage this year. So here is my fish in progress....