Hey Lady!

I've completed the raglan increases on my February Lady sweater, but something may be amiss.

I either increased too many times, or . . .

I can't count.

We'll find out tomorrow when I recount. :)

Home again, home again

We had an amazing weekend, full of smiles and it's own bits of calamity (I'll go into greater detail later). I missed my first day of June, just two days shy of the end of the month, but I think I had a great reason. :)

Outtie 5000

We're off to the beach. :)

Summer Recipe: Sangria

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (750 milliliter) bottles red wine
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 sliced fresh peaches
• 1 bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1 cinnamon sticks, crushed
• 2 liters lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, sugar, apples, peaches, bananas and cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
2. When you're ready to serve, stir in the lemon-lime soda.

I'm making this weekend for Emily's birthday party cookout. I'll probably go a little lighter on the wine, but I simply adore sangria when it's hot and I'm at the beach. :)

Send My Husband to Nicaragua!!

Hello Internet friends! Hello balloon racers!!

I'd like your help sending my husband on a missions trip to Nicaragua. Here's a letter from him with a lot more details:

Hello friends!

On July 12th, I am leaving for Nicaragua with a short-term missions team from my church.

I'm going for a purpose.

I'm going to spread the love of God in a practical way.

What does that mean to me? I'll be using the skills I've developed as a builder and contractor to facilitate building a wall around the existing compound there. I'll be using the talents God has blessed me with to protect this place of His love. I'll be playing my guitar and praising God in a language these people don't understand, but the message of love will be clear.

Here's some more information about Nicaragua and the journey we're taking:

Nicaragua is the 2nd poorest nation in the western hemisphere, second only to Haiti. It is a country that has a great need for the love of Jesus and practical resources that literally have the chance to change lives.

This summer, Fusion Church will be joining Mike and Deborah Turner of LifeLink International to help take the message of the life and life-changing power to Managua, Nicaragua.

During our stay there, we will have the opportunity to minister and serve the people through medical clinics, evangelism, education and helping on a construction project. We will be ministering to children, youth and adults as we share the love of Christ in practical ways.

I hope you're still reading, because this is where you come in: I need your prayers and I need your financial support to make this trip a reality. To make it a blessing to the people of Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua.

You can click here: http://www.fusionchurch.org/giving.html to make a donation online through Paypal. Simply put "Nicaragua - Wayne" in the comments box. Please make donations by Sunday, June 29th.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support. I can't wait to see what God's going to do.

In His unsurpassed love,

Wayne Tingle
wayne.tingle@gmail.com

I'm a Lady (Sweater)

The other day I spent hours being distracted by every bit of shiny, colorful bit of knitting I could find. I was searching for yarn replacements, checking the needle stash, checking the bank account, etc on project after project. My sock mojo was apparently destroyed by my hubris and I needed something new.



I finally settled on the Lady February Sweater (rav) (internets) by the ever-talented Flint Knits. And I had the yarn in my stash!! It's a top-down raglan, so each round is getting bigger, but it's only garter stitch so far. I'm hoping to get a lot done at NYGK tonight.

O, and I made buttonholes. Adorable, not wonky buttonholes.

And I finally bought a kacha-kacha row counter - no more tick-tallies for me!

Tardy Gratitude

A bajillion years ago, I won a contest about happying up the internet over at Alyson's blog. She was so kind to hand deliver the goodies to me at a Not Your Grandma's Knitting Group meeting. And then I never mentioned it. Sorry Alyson.

Here is what I won, in all it's infinite glory:



1 skein Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that Rock in Atomic #6



1 skein of GORGEOUS HANDSPUN YARN!!! in Futurama colorway

Thanks Alyson!!

$5 a month

Or why I should sign up for Sprint Picture Mail*

Today, while I was driving to Party City to buy the second Dora pinata I've owned in my short life, I saw a guy driving while playing a harmonica.

That's right, a harmonica.

Wayne often plays his guitar while I'm driving, but this guy was all by himself, windows down, rocking out with the harmonica.

I was going to take a picture with my phone so that you'd believe me, but I don't have picture mail so I'd just have it stuck in my phone.

*Incidentally, I'm sure that if I did sign up for PictureMail, they'd somehow manage to get me signed up for another two years.

Summer of Socks

Summer of socks begins today!! Do you have a favorite sock pattern you think I should try??

New Hair!!

After almost five hours at the Paul Mitchell School today, I've got some great, new hair. Really it's my hair, but a new look. I'm quite pleased. :)



It's a bit blonder overall than I had envisioned, but it's summer and summer is the best time to go blonde.

Kids & Expectations

Ali's been out of school for about 3 weeks now and we're settling into summer well. With all this together-time though, certain traits are becoming more and more evident in our two little princesses.

Not a month ago, I was near tears as Ali's preschool teacher went on and on (with examples!) about how smart and bright Alison is. I am so proud that she's such a great listener, speaker and sponge of knowledge. She's eager to share what she knows and loves to learn.

Over the last few days we've been getting increasingly frustrated with ourselves/her as she's started trying to learn to ride a bike and starting another round of swimming lessons. She gets easily discouraged. She says she's tired. She quits easily. Wayne is more frustrated than me, but I have had my share of frustration too.

Enter Emily. The kid has had seven swimming lessons, at just 20 minutes a pop and today I think she was actually swimming. She was certainly muscling through and getting her face in the pool. She tries to ride her tricycle everyday, she just can't because her legs aren't long enough. Also, she's a bruiser. I'm pretty sure she could take Ali in a fight.

At dinner last night Wayne said that it has become obvious that Emily is going to be a jock and Ali, a bookworm. I hope it is not so cut and dry (and know deep down that it's not). I'd love for both of them to just be well-rounded people. I'll keep you posted.

BALLOONS

FO: Ampersand Socks

Pattern: Ampersand Socks by Kirsten Kapur

Yarn: White Oaks Studio tvyarn in Breakfast at Tiffany's colorway, a gift from Guinifer

Size: Medium-Largish, they're for me so I just tried them on a lot.

These babies worked up in just over a month, but it was a busy month. They share some similarities with the Jaywalkers, but are definitely able to stand on their own feet. The pattern is easy to memorize and they're written for knitting on two circs - so if you've never done it before, start here.



At the end of June, per my 1st of the year goals, I should have six handknit socks warming feet in the world. I'm proud to say that on this day in mid-June, I've already completed four pairs of socks -- 8 socks!! I'm some sort of sock machine. :)



This Saturday starts the Summer of Socks where I plan to take a big bite out my stash and maybe even start some Christmas knitting -- 'cause let's be honest, how many times will I get to wear wool socks here in Florida??

Sick

I've caught Emily's stomach bug. Ick!

4 8 15 16 23 42

Probably the geekiest gift I've ever asked for in my adult life. Thanks Mom & Dad!

Happy Father's Day Dad

I may be one of the three luckiest daughters in all the world. I can't even put into words how much I love you . . .

Dainty girl things

My great friend Carlin, who is six days older than me, sent me a little package of vintage goodies for my birthday. Everything was tied up in twine with these adorable metal hearts. I think I'll turn them into stitchmarkers.



I received three notecards featuring original illustrations from 1930s children's schoolbooks on fine Italian stationary by Cartiere Magnani. I don't think I could ever write in them, so I'll probably frame them.



The last little treasure is this amazing magnet, depicting the best way to start your day. :)

All items from Stories & Divinations.

With mugs like these . . .

You can't help but love them. :)



Gifts from my girls. Ali can't figure out why Emily's gets to be color and hers is gray. I keep telling her it's artistic and her middle name is gray and a hundred other reasons why it's okay, but she's hung up on the fact that we apparently love Emily more and show our love in color.

Beautiful Simplicity

I've received many lovely gifts from family and friends in the last few days. My birthday has been delightful and I still have my date night tomorrow to look forward to (dinner and The Happening). I want to highlight each of my treasures and since I have to post everyday, we're going to take it one at a time.

--



My parents got me this lovely pair of earrings from Kathryn Riechert. They're tiny and perfect for my second holes. Kathryn is a very talented artist -- go buy some of her lovely items. :)

--

In knitting news, the Ampersand Socks are almost finished. My hope is to finish them by the 21st so I can cast on a fresh pair of the Summer of Socks.

Birthday Cake Recipe

My favorite cake of all time is my mom's Junior Mint Cake. Every year she makes it for me. Every year.

She got the recipe from her mom and if tastes are genetic, I say there's a good chance that Ali and Emmy are going to have a great craving for chocolate mint.

This year, in an effort to show her how much I love her, I decided I was going to make a cake for her. Through a series of events, the cake didn't get presented the way I had planned, but tonight I brought it over and we enjoyed it.

Mouth watering yet?? Here's the recipe:

1 box Devil's Food Cake cake mix
1 tub Chocolate icing
1 big box (think theater-size) Junior Mints

Bake cake as directed, best if you make two 8-inch circles for a layer cake. Microwave Junior Mints for 30 seconds then mash with potato masher. Mix into frosting with mixer. Ice cake generously.

Crazy good!

WWKIP Day Festivities

Here's a breakdown of local events I plan to visit:

9 - 10AM: Starbucks in Maitland on 17-92, WWKIP event hosted by Sip & Knit. Get a sticker at the Starbucks and receive an additional 5% your purchases at Sip & Knit on Saturday.

10AM - 5PM: Sale at Sip & Knit, 15% off all yarns.

1 - 3PM: Barnes & Noble on E. Colonial, WWKIP event! Bring a friend, buy a latte and knit out with some friends. :)

I'd love to meet some friends from the Internets. I look like this:



:)

I'm going to search under her bed for leashes

This evening while I was making dinner in the kitchen, the girls were playing in the rec room. I could hear Ali talking to Emily and saying the same thing over and over while Emily replied "stop it!" - her new favorite response.

I put the pan in the oven and then clearly heard, "Emily let's shake hands."

"Stop it!"

"Shake hands Emily!"

"Stop it!"

Now I'm all about raising the girls to be successful adults - I mean how cute would it be to have a 23-month-old hand-shaking, baby kisser?

My only caveat is that to-date, Alison has also taught Emily to sit and lay down. We own a dog! Who can only sit . . . I'm drawing the line at playing dead.

Just when you think you "get it"

I was happily completing the heel on my second & sock when something seemed weird. I hadn't bothered to look at the pattern after starting the heel flap because I KNOW how to knit socks. Done them to death.

Until I picked up the heel stitches and started the gusset without turning the actual heel. No w&t's for me!

I think this is going to be a nightmare to rip back . . .

Flickr Fun

Another cheat post, but it's the weekend. :)



Click the photo to get the meme info.

Just got home

It's 11:21 PM. Today has been very long and I'm glad to be home. Lame-ity, lame, lame, lame.

Secret Pal 12 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely not like?

I'm totally into Socks that Rock right now -even the crazy color combos. I love the smooshy-ness of it. I'm also a big fan of White Oaks Studio. I also love Noro - Noro everything.

1. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a bajillion needle holding contraptions - I need no more.

1. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting almost 5 years seriously. I learned from my Mom and then after a hiatus re-taught myself out of a Martha Stewart Living magazine. I'd consider myself an intermediate/advanced knitter.

1. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

My wist.

1. What’s your favorite scent?

I love clean citrus scents, vanilla and clean linen. I wear Clinique Happy.

1. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Junior Mints. Reese's Pieces.

1. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I can sew a little. I make hand-stamped cards. I can drop-spindle spin.

1. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like alternative-y stuff and 80s music. Some favs include: the Killers, Fergie, David Crowder, Delirious?...

1. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?

I love blues and greens. Also pink. I do not enjoy yellows or oranges or really warm browns.

1. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I like them, they are: husband, Wayne; 5-year-old, Alison; 23-month-old, Emily; 5-year-old dog, Brewski.

1. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Nope, I live in Florida. :)

1. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like to knit socks. I like to knit hats. I like to knit dishclothes. And the occasional cute girl sweater/top.

1. What are you knitting right now?

A Chevron Scarf, some Ampersand socks . . .

1. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I do!

1. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I'm a big fan of Addi Turbos and really prefer circulars whenever possible.

1. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I own both - thanks Wayne!

1. How old is your oldest UFO?

Hmm...I have a sweater I need to frog that's been around for almost 9 months.

1. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, followed by my birthday.

1. Is there anything that you collect?

Nope.

1. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Not that I can think of. I don't currently subscribe to any knitting mags.

1. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?

Cabling without a cable needle.

1. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Foot length - 9.5", Around at ball - 7.5"

1. When is your birthday?

June 12th!

1. What’s your Ravelry ID?

megaknits

An Open Home

Last night was supposed to be Alison's last soccer game of the spring season. As team mom, I gather together funds for a pizza party, ordered the pizza, made soccer cupcakes and brought a bajillions of Capri Suns.

We arrived a 6:10 PM for the 6:30 PM game and the kids starting practicing and stretching. I set up our camper chairs, let Emily run around and fielded questions about where we were eating. The temperature was starting to cool a bit (we're talking 91 as opposed to 95) and a breeze picked up. We could see some stormy looking clouds moving toward us, but shrugged them off as the game began.

The opposing team had a defensive line that would rival whatever that team David Beckham is on. Each of the four kids had half a head in height on our players and up until last night we've been a fairly "tall" team.

As the first quarter continued the clouds got closer.

I should mention that we just came off an entire 40 day stretch where it did not rain, not one drop. Additionally, here in the F-L-A, we have "summer rain". In full blown summer, it will rain every afternoon like clock-work. According to the weatherman, it's the result of the stuff on the East coast hitting the stuff from the West coast. These two facts are things that each and every parent was banking on.

Instead, just as they were beginning the second quarter the lightning started. Our ref checked with the other refs and as the drips started, they called a 30 minute postponement.

It became quickly evident that it was not going to stop and if it did, the field would be unplayable. But we waited the 30 minutes for the final word.

In that moment I made a decision. One that I believe is founded deeply in the example my parents have been to me.

I ran around the parking lot, looking for our teammates, and invited them all over to our house for the party.

And a lot of them came.

And my house was not clean, still had laundry on the couch and a sink full of dishes.

But the world didn't end and we all had a great time.

Home: Recipes, Pt. 1

I've been trying to be more domestic lately. Partly because we've been wicked busy and the price of gas and I feed my family a lot more healthily (is that a word?) than a restaurant. Mainly, 'cause it's cheaper.

Last night I made Tuna Noodle Casserole, but in a way that my Mom never did. Here were the things I had to deal with: Wayne hates celery = no cream of celery, I hate musrooms = no cream of mushroom.

So I substituted cream of broccoli and cream of chicken and I thought it was lovely. Wayne argues that if you're going to use cream of chicken, use chicken - but it's a chicken-heavy week here and I didn't want MORE chicken.

Anyway, here's the resulting recipe:

1 bag of egg noodles
1.25 cups of 2% milk
1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
1 can 98% fat free cream of broccoli soup
2 cans tuna, drained
salt
pepper
garlic powder
1 cup potato chips (baked if you've got 'em), crushed

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Cook noodles until al dente - kind of undercook them so they don't get overcooked in the baking part. Combine everything else in a big bowl. Drain noodles and mix together with everything else. Put in a baking pan and sprinkle with potato chips. Cook about 30 minutes or until potato chips start to brown.

Extra things you can do: Mix in actual broccoli! Add cheese!

Enjoy! :)

Home: Blankets

Or isn't it so nice to sleep in your own bed?

We have a wonderful collection of blankets in our household.



Alison has a flannel, silky-edged blanket that is predomenitely blue and lovingly referred to as Blue Blankie. It was made by a friend of our family who has known me since I was born. She gave it to me at my baby shower along with lots of pink things even though we still didn't know Ali's gender. It turns out that her husband told her and all his daughters/daughter-in-laws that we were having a girl so that he wouldn't have to listen to conversations about speculation. It was a pretty safe bet since I'm one of three girls (yes Aileen, I know that's not scientifically true, but hey, I'm not a scientist).



Emily received a blanket from the same friend - and in the almost four years between the girls, she learned a lot about her crazy, amazing Husqvarna sewing machine. Emily has Winnie the Pooh on one side and a pink floral on the other, silky-edged again. This time, she stitched a message along the silky. Emily's favorite part is the pink side. Her little fingers rub it back and forth when she's falling a sleep. We only possess one other piece of cloth that can take the place of this blanket - a flannel receiving blanket. Needless to say, laundering of her blanket is done quickly between sleep sessions.



Our bed is currently dressed in a set of linens we picked up at IKEA for $13 which is a steal for a king-size bed. It's one of the comforter covers with the foam-y comforter insert. It shifts around a bit, but we picked the lightest one (Florida = typically hot) and it's like a cloud. If only I could figure out a way to keep Wayne from stealing it in his sleep.

NaBloPoMo - June Edition

In an effort to get by bootie back in gear on the blogging front, I've decided to participate in the NaBloPoMo June Editon. I'll post everyday in June - hoping for most of the posts to be about the theme for the month - although it is my birthday month, so I may digress. The theme for June is home.

Things that I think of when I hear home:

* home-cooked meal
* hugs
* snuggly blankets and perfect pillows
* needs to be decorated
* IKEA (see above)
* my family

I think some of these things will definitely be themes throughout the month, especially the home cooking. I've been doing a bit more of this lately and have some tre tasty recipes to share.

If you're eyes are already glued to the screen, but want to save yourself some time, this would be a great time to subscribe to my blog through bloglines.

I'm posting everyday for the next 30 days. Stick around.

Spring cleaning

Lately, I've been wanting to step up my bloggery.

A few weeks ago, I bought my own domain name. Welcome to those visiting via http://www.megaknits.com/.

I've also been going back and forth about changing the old blog template. I am not a graphic designer, so it made sense to start checking out designs by other people. I have discovered several very talented designers and hopefully will have a big unveiling soon.

One of those designers is Lara of Designed by Lara. Her sites are right up my alley - and she's having a contest to celebrate spring. I'm in like Flynn.



Click the button to join the fun. I tag Adrienne, Nicole, Maggie, Wendy and Amanda.