Sunday, February 27, 2011

Monday Menu Item




I found this recipe a few weeks ago and just got around to trying it out this weekend.  This is a keeper and although great for any time, this will be an especially great hot weather dish.

Unfortunately I do not know where I got this from so I cannot properly acknowledge its origin.  If you should know where this is from, please let me know so appropriate credit can be given.


Cabbage Salad with Tomatoes, Radishes and Celery

5-6 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 head of cabbage)
1 cup diced tomatoes (diced up grape tomatoes)
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup chopped celery leaves (optional, but good)
6 radishes, stem and root cut off and slices (optional, but good)
1/4 cup slice green onions - dark green part (didn't have and used a red onion)

Dressing:
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
3 Tablespoons grapeseed oil (I used olive oil)

Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl.  Wisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl, add to salad.




I found this a great accompaniment to a meal or great as a snack.  The only problem was it doesn't last ... we ate it all up!  Have to make a bigger batch next time.

Into week 3 of Weight Watchers PlusPoints, I'm on the lookout for any such recipes.  Feel free to send any my way, I would love it.




Saturday, February 26, 2011

Saturday Talk

Lazy Saturday, at least that's how its starting out.  No rush, no fuss, just blog hopping for a bit and checking out what's new, how's the weather, who's making what.  So many beautiful creations out there. 

I was taken by this beautiful hotpad made by Faith of Crochet by the Sea  her crochet reflects the same beauty as her blog.   A visit a day brings peace and serenity.  I always look forward to stopping by.



My Weight Watcher weigh in = down 1 pound.  I was hoping for 2 but I'll take it.  Total of 3.2 so far.  Initially I  hadn't planned on posting about this but I'm thinking maybe this is another accountability for me and I can make it into warm weather a little slimmer.  Diving into week 3.  

Time to start the percolating and gently slide into the rest of the day.  Laundry, cleaning, crocheting, cross stitch awaits.  Somehow the laundry and cleaning don't seem to have the same appeal do they?
 
May beauty fill your day.


Friday, February 25, 2011

It's Raining, It's Pouring



with torrents of rain expected as the day goes on. 

Well then, the dryer is humming, coffee poured, the candles are lit and projects for the day are ready to be worked on.



The soft glow from cozy covered jars is so warming and welcoming.  Adding a new one, the jar is just a perfect little size, it was a candle from Bath & Body Works.


It will be getting its own little cozy later.









Needle and hook are ready and set to go.  Seven more rounds on the round ripple for completion and my sweet snowman is coming along.  Would like to get him done soon so I am ready for the Stitch Along at Stitchey McFloss beginning in March.


Watch Michael's coupons for this week and especially for Sunday 4:00pm - 8:00pm, 25% off the entire order.  Needless to say, that's where you will find me at that time! 

Just a little added note ... today is day #14 of Weight Watchers!  I finally did it and I'm finding this new program is wonderful.   Hopefully the scale thinks so too!

Have a Fabulous Friday

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Thursday Thoughts



 Its not what you look at
that matters,
its what you see.

Henry David Thoreau


What's Doing Wednesday

Busy Wednesday, that's what it is.  Lots of wonderful creativity going on.

I've been happily stitching in the evenings working on my little snowman.

  I just love this little guy.  And I owe this all to Stitchy McFloss http://stitchymcfloss.blogspot.com/.  

She will be hosting a Stitch Along in March with another adorable snowman, pattern found at http://gazette94.blogspot.com/2008/06/grille-gratuite-42.html.  Is this just too cute?  There are three of us so far, why don't you come along and join in, we'll have a great time,  and just look at this little darling that will be yours at the end.  It makes an adorable little pillow.


Threads, needles and hoops have made their way into my crochet corner although I do have to say crochet is still my number one!

Speaking of my passion, crochet, I no sooner posted my Sugar Spun Doily and TurtleDoveCoo from Welcome to the Nest http://turtledovecoo.blogspot.com/ crocheted it!  I was so thrilled to see this. 
You really need to take a hop over to her blog and check out the wonderful baby jackets she has been making.  They are beautiful!




Hookin It With Mr. Lick Lick  http://crochetinmotorcyclegranny.blogspot.com/ completed the Rising Sun Doily in the most beautiful purples.  Adorning it is her flower in a pot ... is this just the cutest?




Well, that's it for now.   Time to power up the vacuum and reach for my magic wand (duster) before heading downstairs for the normal routine.  You can see the fun I have planned for this morning.  Hoping for a bit of stitching this afternoon.

Grace and Blessings



Monday, February 21, 2011

Free Pattern - Sugar Spun Doily


The pastel colors remind me of sugar spun cotton candy and just right for a Spring and Easter accessory.  Hope you enjoy this little doily.

Size 4 steel hook
Crochet Thread Size 10
Doily Size - 6 inches





 Chain 6, join to 1st chain.
1. Chain 2, counts as 1st double crochet, 11 double crochet in ring (12 dc).
2. Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch as join, 2 double crochet in each stitch around, (24 dc).
3. Chain 2, *2 double crochet in next stitch, double crochet in next stitch* around, join. (36 dc).
4. Chain 2, double crochet in next stitch, *2 double crochet in next stitch, double crochet in next 2 stitches*
around, join. (48 dc)
5. Chain 3, double crochet in each of next 2 stitches, *2 double crochet in next stitch, double crochet in each of next 3 stitches* around, join. (60 dc)
6. Chain 1, single crochet in same chain as join, chain 5, *skip 2 stitches, 5 double crochet in next stitch (shell made), chain 5, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch, chain 5* around, join. (10 shells)
7. Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 4 double crochet in same space, *single crochet in 3rd stitch of shell, 5 double crochet in next space, chain 2, 5 double crochet in next space*
8. Chain 2, double crochet in each of next 10 stitches, *2 single crochet in space, double crochet in each of next 11 stitches* around, join.
9. Chain 2, double crochet in each stitch around, join.
10. Chain 5 (could as 1st single crochet and chain 4), *skip 2 stitches single crochet in next stitch, chain 4*
around, join.
11. Chain 5, single crochet in single crochet, *chain 4, single crochet in single crochet* around, join.
12. Chain 5, single crochet in single crochet, *chain 5, single crochet in single crochet* around, join.
Fasten Off. Block.



The doily will ruffle but will straighten out when blocked. 

Monday Joys






I Enjoy and Find Joy

   - In creating, in making things.
         -To give what I have made to someone who will appreciate it.
               -To receive a handmade item.
                    -In the friendships of the people I have found who
                      share the passion of creating.
                               
Countless blessings lie within these joys.

***
Linking up to
Crochet By The Sea
where
       

May your joys and blessings
 be too numerous to count.


Friday, February 18, 2011

Fabulous Friday















 I can see ground!!!  There's still plenty of snow but its slowly fading away. Temperatures are to hit 60 today so more ground to come. 

I'm happily opening windows to let the freshness in.  Lots to get done today on the home front as Spring Fever is arriving early here.  No more winter - pretty, happy, pastel being sprinkled in the dining room right now.  More to come. 

Finding I am needing a few more small doilies to complete my decorating.  Have one in the hopper right now, hope to finish tonight/tomorrow and then will post the pattern.

Hope you're having a fun Friday.

Blessings in Abundance


Thursday, February 17, 2011

Look at these beauties.

















The Rising Sun Doily from the Crochet Along completed by Aluajala   http://aluajala.blogspot.com/

Is this so bright and happy and beautiful. 
                   So reminds me of happy days of summer.

***
and the highest compliment ...
Hookin It With Mr. Lick Lick
completed this burgandy and pink doily,
 my December Doily of The Month - Holiday Doily. 
I love the colors, beautifully done.  Thank you for sharing.

 




Thursday Thoughts


 The world is yours
when you share your heart.


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

What's Doing Wednesday

 




Smiling large, that's what I'm doing. 




Tuesday's mail held my winning Gift Card from Sandy of SUNFLOWERZ CROCHET for her one year anniversary give away.  Look at this sunny, smiley, happy card.  Along with the gift card was a magnetic bookmark ... I love books, I love to read.  So perfect.  I'm still in shock and so thrilled!  Any guesses as to where I'll be heading? 

Sandy, thank you so much!


Another doing ... started my snowman cross stitch.  A real change of pace.  Its a lovely way to enjoy a cup of tea and some quiet time.








Smile!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

A Special Monday to Enjoy

  
What a perfect way to start out the week
 but with Valentine's Day and
 a hook up with Faith at http://crochetbythesea.blogspot.com/
come and join and take a moment to share what you enjoy ...
what brings joy ...

I enjoy and find joy ...

                  The soft glow of candlelight.
                         That I am loved.
                                 I have forever friends.
                                       That I am a Child of God.




Wishing you A Happy Valentine's Day




A Change of Pace

Visiting at Stitchy Mc Floss I saw the most adorable cross stitch that she is working on ... the chart came from gazette94 where there are many free patterns, how generous.  Thank you so much.  You really have to see what gazette94  has made ... so very beautiful.  I've already seen many that I would love to make.

With that said, dug out my tote of embroidery/cross stitch supplies.  Its times like this that I am so glad that I just packed them away and not given them away as I haven't used them in quite a few years now. 

The chart is printed out, threads and cloth selected and my
new-old hobby is about to begin.  I figure I may have a shot for adding this to my snowmen Christmas decorations if I start now.

 


   



Hmmm, after seeing all the great patterns at gazette94 my Michael's Gift Card may have a purchase or two of cross stich supplies ... this is could be a new addiction.

Have a blessed Sunday
             and oh by the way ... will you

Friday, February 11, 2011

I Won!


Sandy at SUNFLOWERZ CROCHET had her One Year Anniversary Giveaway and I won!  I am so excited.  Sandy, thank you so much.  My prize ... hold onto your seats ... a Gift Card to Michael's.  You know what that means ... yarn, crochet thread!  What more can I say ... I'm ecstatic!  

 Jumping for Joy


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Thursday Thoughts







Attitudes are
   contagious ...
      are yours
          worth catching?




What's Doing Wednesday

Hooking up this fine, frigidly cold, Wednesday morning with 






Ambassador Crochet


with two of my most curent projects ...

I'm loving this 1947 Woman's Day Octagon Doily.  Its 34 rows and should make a really nice table topper.  I'm a little more then half done now.   I'm considering doing this in yarn for a nice lapghan.  I love the design and it would be toasty warm.





And my all time favorite ... Round Ripple ... for a soon to arrive darling baby boy.



Added rows will have to wait until tonight, off now to face the cold.

Happy Wednesday!