Getting Greener All the Time

A few weeks ago the girls and I visited two of our local farmer's markets to see what they were all about. The produce tents reminded us a lot of Mexico and I found so many great deals on amazing fruits & veggies. I also picked up a basil plant to see if I could manage to not kill it.

When we got home, the basil plant got a place of honor on our desk, with great sunlight and daily watering by me. I've enjoyed picking the leaves and adding fresh basil to lasagna, sandwiches and pasta. When Wayne & I went to Mexico last weekend, I forgot to include plant watering in my list about stuff around the house for the girl's sitter.

On Monday, I found a sad, wilted plant.

I was pretty bummed out, but figured a little water might save it. By the time I got home from work Tuesday, the plant was back to it's old self. Hooray!

This morning, we visited another, Sunday-only market that we've not been to because of church, but our service this week is tonight. It was a gorgeous morning to walk around. We grabbed some great produce, once again and scored a big basket of less-than-desirable peaches for $1! We're going to make smoothies so we don't care how they look. :)

One of the plant vendors had some chives & mint plants for sale. Encouraged by the basil plant, we picked them up. Then after a quick stop at Old Time Pottery, we had an afternoon project that everyone could help with.











$.59 terra cotta pots + crayons + herb plants = great personalized desk garden! :)

Two-Day Projects

I've not abandoned my Blankie or my sweater, but a few smaller projects have worked their way into my hands over the last week.

For Emily, Legwarmies!!! She loves them and it's a little difficult to get her to not wear them.  As soon as Ali saw them she asked for a pair and some for her arms.  I know it's been raining a lot lately, but these two seem to forget that typical weather this time of year is in the 90s!

Each warmie took just about two days. :)

Before the warmies, I knit up to bibs for one of the ladies who brings her son to the Center.  She's a really great mom and a bit overwhelmed by everything, so I figured a small gift would let her know I care.  I knit two of the Baby Bib O' Loves from Mason-Dixon Knitting.

Fun with PhotoBooth

I sewed some dresses for the girls last weekend.  Nothing to fancy, just a smocked top sundress to wear to church on Mother's Day.  I was getting ready and asked them to take some photos of themselves with PhotoBooth.  I ended up with a lot of this...

Stitches South: In photos, in reverse

Blogger is being difficult and I'm too sleepy to mess with it.  So, the top photo is my haul -- I spent less than $75 and got everything I need to make a Shalom sweater, which I have already started.  That's some smooshy, beautiful madelinetosh Tosh Worsted.  I *heart* it mucho!!

Next up, Mom, me and Adrienne on the market floor at Stitches.  I wanted to take millions more photos, but there was a no cameras rule which I only broke for a few minutes.

In the car, at yummy breakfast with Amanda at West Egg Cafe and at the Georgia Welcome Center.  It was fun, and fast, road trip -- I hope I get the chance to go again sometime.

Day 24: Road Trip

I'm off to Stitches South -- no classes, just hitting the Marketplace all day Saturday.  Great post of photos and fun coming soon.

Day 18 & 19: Central Florida Fair

Honorable Mention February Lady Sweater!

First Place Ampersand Socks!

It was a gorgeous day, weatherwise!  A fun day -- full of friends and family.  Alison overcame her fear of all rides scary.  I rode 'The Ring of Fire' with my Dad.  Emily won a fish she's named Rocky.

Fun!

Days 16 & 17: Lots of working

I've worked almost 24 hours in the last two days and I'm posting this from work -- crazy! But a blessing and I love what I'm doing. :)

Tomorrow is the Central Florida Fair and NYGK is demo-ing from 1-5PM. If you're in the area, come by and visit us in the Creative Arts Building. I'll find out if I won any awards and be back with lots of photos tomorrow.

Day 15: Taxes

Have you filed yours?

We haven't. A few months ago our Quickbooks crashed. I knew it was a big deal, but haven't had the time to get everything back together. Last weekend I was determined to do them, but got caught in the avalanche of re-entering and filing the data.

Needless to say, I didn't get everything done. So two days ago, I filed for an extension.

There's something very tempting about taking my 6 months more to get them done, but I may try to work on them this weekend.

Day 14: Stitches South

I'm going with some of my knitting group friends.  Plus we get to visit with a former member who moved to Atlanta.

Are you going?? Want to meet up??

Day 13: Back in Love

After a brief respite to knit some items for an upcoming charity auction, I picked up the Blankie again.  I'm just as in love with it as ever.  Great ideas aside, I've got a good thing going.  I'm glad I took the time to really think about it before frogging.  :)

Thanks for all of your encouraging words.  Photos soon.

Day 12: Happy Easter!

It's not about eggs, candy or bunnies.  It's about a God who is not dead, but who is ALIVE!

Luke 24: 1-10

Day 10 & 11: I majored in Communications

Blogger ate yesterday's post and instead of reposting, I'm just moving on.

I went to school to be a filmmaker.  I made lots of short films in college which may creep up here soon if I can get them transferred. :)

Today, I broke out the point and shoot camera, through some footage in iMovie and made this:

Not too shabby for 10 minutes of work.  It was fun to make too, especially the credits.  I love fonts and typography.  More to come soon. :)

Day 9: Smells fruity

A few weekend ago, I got together with a few of my knitting friends to dye some yarn with kool-aid! It was a lot of fun!

We used the directions found here and had some interesting results.

I was aiming for pink and purple, but got red and purple. Plus a lovely yellow yarn I have no idea what to do with.

Day 8: Lots of working

Is keeping me from blogging, but tomorrow there will be photos.  Promise.

Day 7: Sad

Tonight was my dear Wendy's last night with the NYGK ladies. In an effort to not have to say goodbye, I invited her to dinner on Thursday -- she leaves on Friday.

I'm bummed and sad.

:(

But also very happy and excited for all her new opportunities...

Day 6: Potato Chip Scarf

Totally cute scarf! I'm just finishing one in Moonlight Mohair (which was only $1.99/ball at my Michaels) for a charity auction my boss is collecting donations for.

But the MATH!!!

90 sts to start, then you double them, to 180!! Then double that to 360!! The double that to 720!!

No wonder it's taking me three days to bind off. :)

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An aside: We're getting a cold front and it's beautiful outside!

Day 5: Blogshare

http://neverpayretailagain.blogspot.com/

This blog has TONS of sale info, coupons and tips to save money on almost everything. It's a great add to your bloglines or google reader. Just keep in mind that you may end up shopping for great deals you may not have been shopping for if you didn't know about them. :)

Day 4: My house smells like garlic

Restaurant Style Spinach-Artichoke Dip

4 cloves garlic
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10 ounce) container Alfredo-style pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place garlic in a small baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Remove from heat. When cool enough to touch, squeeze softened garlic from skins.
In an 8x8 inch baking dish, spread the roasted garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, Alfredo-style pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese.
Cover and bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Make a lot -- there will be none left. :)

Day 3: Where I Write About My Hair

I'm getting my hair cut in the next few days and while that may not seem like a big deal, I'm very excited about it. My hair has grown to a reasonable length for short hair and I'm happy to have more options.

I'm considering "inverted bob", but need to do some googling to make sure I have my terms right.

Day 2: Happy

I spent today with my dear friend Wendy at Universal Orlando. I was one of the lucky few who won tickets from the Super Bowl and Wendy is moving next week so we had a girl day.

We had an amazing time!

The lines were short and pleasant. The weather was decent. The company was stellar.

I rode Dueling Dragons, The Mummy and The Hulk in the front row! We brought clothes to change into and went on all the water rides - twice!

It was great and now I'm sleepy.