lust list :: vol 8

Hi :)

Since the weather seems to be staying nice and cool, I thought I'd share some sweaters that I'm lusting for:

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I sure would love to cozy up into one of these beauties, especially the last sweater ;)

This weekend I will be doing the usual; reading, crocheting, and knitting. Maybe some Harry Potter watching ;)

This weather is perfect for all those things!

What are your weekend plans?

See you Monday!!

boredom + knitting news

Hi :)

So, the other day my grandpa sent me an email with pictures of animals in clothes and I thought it was the cutest/funniest thing. To me, animals in clothes will always be amusing.

I went and did my own search (just because, why not?) and here some of the photos I found:

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I've always wanted a ferret :)


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Ok, so I know a lot of people think hairless cats are creepy, but I think that's what makes them cute :) Plus, look at those adorable sweaters!


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Oh. My. Gosh.

And because sloths are SO adorable, here is a little video of a baby sloth getting a skin treatment and then getting wrapped in a onesie.



Ok, so for the knitting news...
I have been practicing a lot lately. In fact, I haven't crocheted in about 2 weeks. I think it's safe to say I'm obsessed with learning how to knit.

I found a group on Ravelry called 'Instagram-Along-Ers' (through a post from someone I follow on Instagram). Have you heard of it? Are you a member?
Well they're going to be starting a KAL (knit along) on October 1st!

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These were the 2 project choices: (left) the Stockholm Scarf and (right) the Metalouse shawl.
I voted for the Stockholm Scarf and I'm so happy that it won the majority of votes.

I've never done a knit along (obviously) or a crochet along (CAL) so I'm only guessing how it works... I REALLY want to join in on this one because the project is gorgeous and I've had it on my 'want to make' list for a few months now.

Why am I telling you this? Well, if you are a knitter or you know someone who is and are interested in joining, now is the time! It starts October 1st and since that is 4 days from now (holy crap, it's gonna be October already?!!), that gives you a couple of days to gather everything you'll need.

Both patterns are free so you can always make them another time, I just thought I'd share since I'm super excited about it lol I'll be posting progress pictures as well, here on the blog and since I have no projects shared in my Ravelry profile, I'll be sharing there (which I'm assuming is what you do when you join a KAL or CAL?)

SO, with that said, I'll be getting myself ready for this knit along this weekend. I can't wait to start!!!

What are your plans for this weekend?

See you Monday, friend :)

shows I miss :: part 2

Hi :)

Yesterday I shared with you a few shows I'm looking forward to coming back this fall.

Today I'm sharing the rest of the list:

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THE VOICE

Season 4 airs: Monday, September 23rd 8/9c (NBC)

I enjoy this show more than American Idol (sorry, not sorry). I'm glad the original judges are coming back this season.

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THE BIGGEST LOSER

Season 15 airs: Tuesday, October 8th 8/7c (NBC)

So, I'm not super big into dieting and thinking that 'thin is in' or anything like that, but I'm super nosy and I like shows that get all up in people's business. Plus I feel like when I'm ready to start a fit journey or if I ever decide, "Hey, I want to start working out" I'll know what works and what the hell I'm doing. Plus their transformations are super dramatic sometimes.

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THE SING-OFF

Coming soon (NBC)

Oh. My. Gosh. Do you remember when I first mentioned my love for this show? I think maybe the network got a lot of angry emails about this show not being on last year so they're bringing it back this year! I haven't told hubby yet... He will be so happy! I just have to keep looking on the website to find the actual air date I guess lol

I watch a lot of other reality tv shows, but some of them are airing now so I can't really miss them, and some I need to catch up because I missed the whole last season's episodes.

What shows are you looking forward to seeing this fall?

I'm not sure what the plan is for this weekend. If the weather is going to be cold, I'll most likely be sitting on my couch crocheting, knitting or reading. And I'll for sure be programming my DVR box to record these series' so I don't miss anything!!

See you Monday, friend.

progress :: vol 9

Hi :)

Since Monday was a holiday, I didn't get a chance to share with you my progress from last weekend's 'To Do' list.

Work on Minion:
I think the last time I worked on minion, I over did it. I have no desire to touch him right now lol No worries though... I'm more than half way finished with him so he will get done at some point!

Work on Mom's Scarf:
The progress I've made on this really isn't picture worthy. Only worked a few rows before I got tired of looking at it. Also more than half way finished with it so it will get finished soon... It is September after all; going to start getting cold soon! (I hope!!)

Make a Project List:
 I've only written down what I can remember, since my memory is HORRIBLE, I'm sure I've left off a thing or two. (Also not pictured; maybe in another post.)

Read:
I'm now on page 306 of 341, so a HUGE improvement now that I've actually had time to read! Not so easy when you have a toddler asking you to do something every 10 seconds once he sees you sit down and get comfy. Of course when you're not really doing anything he doesn't need you. Go figure. I can't wait to get started on the next book!! So close!!

Practice Knitting:
(Images taken from my Instagram)


Cable Stitch
(How To Video Here)

Fake Entrelac Stitch
(How To Video Here)
 {Not sure if that's what it's called, but that's what it's called in the video I used to learn it.}

Spine Stitch
(How To Video Here)

I'm really enjoying the practice :) I can't wait to get some DPNs (double pointed needles) and circular needles so I can start making scarves and hats!!

I didn't work on everything on the list, but I did a lot more of the things on the list than the lists before so I give my self a pat on the back :)

This weekend will be the same as most weekends: at home, crocheting, knitting, reading, playing trains with my son, watching Thomas the Train movies, etc. I think I will stop making a weekend plans list unless something exciting will be happening. Otherwise I feel like every post will be exactly the same.

What do you have planned for this weekend?

See you Monday friend!

weekend plans :: 8/31-9/1

Hi :)

I cannot believe that it will already be September! Where the hell did August go?

I hope it starts to get colder soon... It's nice and chilly and perfect in the morning, but by noon, it's so hot and humid! This heat is really taking a toll on me. I really hate it.

Here's what I plan on doing this weekend:

Some of the things from last week's weekend plans made it on to this list because I didn't even get close to doing any of them haha Hopefully this weekend I will be able to cross everything off of this list!

I'll let you know on Monday how I did!

Have a great weekend!

weekend plans :: 8/24-8/25

Hi :)

Happy Friday guys!

This week has been a little better than last week... I still feel like I'm in a bit of a funk, but I'm sure I'll feel better in a few days.

I've made a list of things I plan on doing this weekend:

Work on minion:

I need to finish this project (among many others). I've just been so into practicing knitting that everything else has just been put to the side.

Read:

I haven't read in 2 weeks. 2 WEEKS! That is horrible.

Make a list of projects that need to be finished:

This needs to be done as well. I need to physically see what I should be working on. I think that will help me get things done... at least I hope it would help.

Practice more knitting:

Only if I've done the other 3 things on my list. This will be my reward lol

What do you have planned for this weekend? Anything exciting?

Have a good weekend and I will see you back here on Monday friend :)

progress :: vol 6

Hi :)

I hope you all had a great weekend.

Whatever you did, I'm sure it was a helluva lot more than what I did lol

I'm ashamed to say that no reading got done :( I'm finding it hard to split my time up between crocheting and reading and keeping a 4 year old entertained.

Anyhow, it will happen when time allows for it.

I finally watched the movie Pitch Perfect last night... It was nice to watch a movie that was funny throughout and not just in some places. Plus, hubby and I really like music. We were really bummed that The Sing-Off got cancelled, so we really liked this movie.

These are some of my favorite scenes:

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Of course there are lots more that are my favorite, but these are the only ones I could find lol

Have you seen the movie?
Do you miss The Sing-Off too?
What did you do this weekend?
(sorry for all the questions!)

Don't forget to come by tomorrow for this week's crochet lesson: How to make a double crochet stitch!

progress :: vol 5

Hi :)

I hope you had a great weekend!

Friday evening, I trimmed my hair (finally)!
I've been wanting to trim it for a while, but it's just been too dang hot and when I trim my hair myself, I have to straighten it because my hair is so curly and I am in no way a hair dresser or expert. So, I'm happy to have been able to do it finally.

(Sleepy)                                                               (Sunburned)

Saturday, I was supposed to go with my best friend, Eva, to her body building meeting with her trainer, but her trainers were swamped so we ended up going to the Fremont Art and Wine Festival.
We were there from about 12-5 and it was so fun! However, I did get sunburned :( [you can kind of see in the picture above] Thankfully, I was mostly covered (shoulders and neck) so only my face and arms got it bad.

Sunday, was just a relaxing day at home with some reading and crochet.
I'm still reading book 2 in the Harry Potter series. I'm on page 182 of 341  now so I still have a bit to go, but I know I'll be moving on to book 3 (Prisoner of Azkaban) very soon. Can't put it down :)

I'm also working on an amigurumi for my aunt. She loves minions (honestly though, who doesn't?!) so she asked if I could make her one. It's the first minion I've made and the first amigurumi I've worked on in a long time. It cramps up my hands really bad, so I don't make many. I'm excited to see the end result!

Only a few rows in, but so far it's turning out well :)

What about you? What did you do this weekend?

Don't forget to come by tomorrow for another Crochet 101 lesson! We're learning how to do the half double crochet stitch! The lessons are starting to get more exciting now, so you'll want to make sure you stick around :)

See you tomorrow, friend!

lust list :: vol 4

Hi :)

I hope your week has been going well.

Today I'm sharing some things I would love to have right now or get as a gift just because, or for my birthday, or Mother's Day, or whenever really haha

Enjoy!

This iced coffee brewer set from Starbucks!

So perfect for me! No more instant coffee!! haha

This yarn ball winder I found on Amazon!

I have so many saggy skeins that need to be rolled into a ball and so many balls of yarn that need to be rewound... I just want it all to look somewhat neat!

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Knitting needles!! I'm not a pro knitter, so I'm not sure which set would be best for a beginner (circular or straight). I heard bamboo is best for beginners... Any pros out there with recommendations? :) I really want to learn!

This purse! OMG! I NEED it in my life!!!

I LOVE this shirt!! *tear* 
I first saw it on my buddy Allison's blog (isn't she a babe?) and my jaw literally dropped open... and then I said (out loud... to myself), "WANT!" 

Hopefully I will become a proud owner of one or more of these things in the (near) future! *crossing fingers*

Do you keep lists of things you see online that you just HAVE to have?

This weekend, my best friend Eva is taking me with her to one of her meetings with her trainer... She has been competing in body building shows lately and has been doing really well! Like top 5 and first place well! I'm so proud of her determination and her success :) She is so positive and so inspiring and it makes me happy to have that kind of energy around me.
I'm excited to go behind the scenes a bit and see her in her element :) Maybe I can sneak a few pics to share with you guys!


I'll be sure to sneak in some reading and crochet as well, of course, to share with you all on Monday.

Do you have any special plans for this weekend?
Are you or anyone you know into fitness training/body building or eating healthier?

Have a great weekend, friend!!

weekend plans :: 7/13 - 7/14

Hi :)

Happy Friday!

This weekend won't be too exciting, but there are a few things I would like to get done:

1. Read some more Harry Potter: As I mentioned in this post, one of my goals is to start reading the Harry Potter series and I'm loving getting just as lost in the books as I do with the movies.

2. Do some more rows on mom's scarf: I haven't really been working on this project like I should be, but I've told myself that I can't start anything new until this is finished... My mom has waited long enough for this dang scarf!

3. Take pictures for upcoming tutorial(s): I've always wanted to have a 'How To' type of thing on my blog if I ever started one. I'm going to try to start working on the photographing part this weekend so I can start typing things up. Fingers crossed it works out since I will be taking the pictures without a tripod and using both my hands for the crocheting!

Have a good weekend!!

Any exciting plans for this weekend?

weekend plans :: 7/6 - 7/7

Hi!

I hope you all had a great holiday :)

If you're still partying, I hope your hangover isn't too horrible haha!

We didn't do much this 4th of July... Just hung out at home and stayed cool indoors.

Since this is my first week in the blogosphere, there is still a lot about me you don't know yet. One of those things is that I am a chronic list maker. I have a HORRIBLE memory, so everything gets written down.

I'm always making a list for groceries, bills, books I want to read, books I've read, movies we have (400+!), movies we want to see, when movies come out in theater/on dvd, etc... And, of course, the classic 'To Do' lists.

This weekend we don't have much planned, so I've made a list of things I need to get done or get started on:

1. Start a 'Blogging' notebook- I've seen other bloggers talk about and show these on their blogs... I'm not a perfectionist, but I do want this blog to be presentable, so I need to get things organized and set up a regular post schedule.

  2. Start John's beanie - I've been procrastinating a lot on things I've told people I would make (my 'Projects to Make' list), so I'm going to get started on my cousin's beanie that I promised a while back.

  3. Finish mom's scarf - Again, I've procrastinated way too much on a lot of projects, so I want to try and get this finished before my mom's birthday on the 20th of this month.

Not a huge list, but it's a start :)

Do you have anything exciting planned for this weekend?

Have a great weekend!

weekend plans :: 6/29 - 6/30

Hi :)

I love when a blog stays current in the way of making daily posts, but I see a pattern of them 'taking a blog break' after a while. Posts take a lot of time and energy and planning. I don't want to get burned out, especially since I just started, so for now, there will be no posts on Saturday or Sunday.

Fridays will be my weekend posts where I'll share my weekend plans with you. Let's get the first one started!

On Saturday, my son, my mom, and I are going to my cousin's baby shower. He and his wife have a little girl who's 3, but this time around, they are expecting a boy :)

I've been feverishly trying to finish a crochet blanket for the baby these past few weeks, but this weather has been so indecisive! Hot weather + woolly yarn = too much heat! And this weekend it's supposed to be in the triple digits... Not so happy about that.

Anyway, I thought I'd share the finished blanket before it goes to its new home:

The blanket finishes at 43" x 46".

Here is a close up of the pattern (*my version of the larks foot stitch) and the edging. 

I used 2 skeins each of Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Aqua, White, and Baby Green for the main body of the blanket (then I ran out!) and less than 1 skein of Vanna's Choice in White for the border (because that was the only whole skein of white that I had in my stash besides Red Heart Super Saver yarn). 

If I were to make a blanket like this again, I would do less chains for the starting chain because I realized after I was more than half way through that the blanket was going to end up wider than it was length wise. I would also grab another skein of 1 of the colors for the border so the yarns match. This was my first time using this yarn and I have to say that I really liked it. I liked that it was soft and a little thicker than some baby yarns. Blankets seem to take SO MUCH LONGER when the yarn is thinner!

On Sunday, there will be a lot of either crocheting or re-reading of one of my favorite series indoors with the AC on and watching whatever my son wants to watch on TV (usually the Nick JR, Disney JR channel or Sprout) because it is supposed to be 100+ degrees, which equals about 105 degrees with the humidity! I'm really not looking forward to this heat... I am grateful for our AC unit, but I'm not so sure I'll be enjoying our PG&E statement next month hah!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Stay cool! I can't believe it will be July already on Monday!!  

What are your weekend plans?

*NOTE: If you would like to see how to do the larks foot stitch (original and my version), please let me know in the comments so I can get working on a tutorial :)