Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday Inspirations and Blogiversary Contest!

Well, had a fun day, got to talk to my sister Echo and my niece Justice, and then Wookie, the husband, and I went to the park and out to eat and I completely lost track of time.

First off, Sunday Inspirations:

This quote is my favorite of the week. If only it was a little easier for me to get into this mindset!

We have been doing some research on not only Pomeranian dogs, but how to modify behavior and crate train. Dog Breed Info appears to have some beneficial information on behavior and making sure Wookie knows who is Alpha. We already tried some of it since our evening walk on Saturday and I have noticed results already. He is doing well so far with the crate training also.

I love this Car-seat Cover Tutorial! It looks so easy, yet so very, very practical. I think I might make up one of these for little Ellie. I’m sure it’ll be helpful with the Washington rain.

I love this"in-the-round" version of Sartjee’s Booties from Fleegle!

Recipes I’d like to try:

This Skillet Chicken Parmesan sounds so good. My sister, Rhoni, makes a wonderful Chicken Parmesan. I just need to use Gluten-Free flour. I think I may try it this week.



Now for the contest! So since I completely forgot about my Blogiversary, to enter the contest all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what is the worst thing you've ever forgoten! The prize . . . a $20 gift certificate to the store of your choice. It can be a cooking store, an etsy store, a pet store, etc. As long as it's possible for me to get a gift certificate/card from them. You have until Friday, Saturday I will draw a winner!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

WTF Watermelon Socks

Yarn: Knit Picks Palette

Color: Wallaby & Fuchsia

Content: 100% Wool

Care: Wash by hand, lay flat

Needles: US 1

Pattern: My own creation.


I finally finished the first sock. I like how it turned out, however there is still room for improvement. I will be adding a few more stitches to the gusset. Plus altering the toe a little bit.



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As you can see, I've already started the second sock, with the colors reversed. These are a little slower due to the thinner yarn and my many other projects on the needles!

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I think for my next pair that I cast on, they will have wider stripes, maybe 3-4 rows high, instead of just one row high. I'm thinking orange and either one or two other colors.

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Also, it seems I forgot my Blogiversary when I was on vacation. So look tomorrow for the Blogiversary Contest!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wookie's World

Hello again world, wow has this week been exciting. It feels like I just got here and like I've been here forever. Things are going smoothly in my new home. I think I am grasping that my Uncle Jacob and Aunt Jodi are my new dad and mom.

We went to the park on Saturday. Boy was that fun. There were so many new things to smell, people, and lots of other dogs. This was only my 3rd day in New York, so my social skills with other dogs, still wasn't very good, but my new mommy says I am getting a little better with each walk. I hope we go there again this weekend.


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I'm not quite use to all this walking, but I am slowly increasing my stamina. I had to be carried home a few blocks yesterday, because after our walk, we walked down to get mommy and daddy some dinner. I got so tired. When we got home, I took a nap with Daddy.

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On the home-front, I am not having any more accidents in the house. Even on the day where my new daddy had to go in for a morning shift so I was left alone for about 10 hours. I may have pulled a few things off of shelves, knocked over a planter full of dirt and played in it, unplugged the phone, and a couple other things . . . but I am told I wasn't too bad.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Lacey Thorns

Yarn: Rozetti – Always Dreams

Color: 116-04 (Variegated bright pink)

Content: 75% Acrylic / 25% Wool

Care: Machine wash and dry flat

Needles: US 2 / 2.75mm

Gauge: 7sts per inch

Pattern: Taking inspiration from the Mistletoes pattern.

Modifications: I am using the cast on numbers (20) and the starting foot numbers (40), but everything else changes. The top of the foot pattern is a simple lace stitch pattern called Lace Thorns from the Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns. I start the gusset increases when my heel begins. My gusset stitches increase to 68 stitches total, then the heel turn adds another 8. The heel decreases my stitches down to 48. Lace pattern all around for the small bit of leg and then 2x2 ribbing lined up with the pattern for 6 rows.



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Here is my progress on the second sock. Getting close!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday Inspirations

Well, I have taken the blog back from Wookie, but don't worry, he'll be back every Wednesday! I have had a lot of blog posts to catch up on since I went on vacation! So today has quite a few inspirations.

Wendy has a new shawl knit-along for the Summer! It is being released in pieces, the intro piece, the 1st Clue and the 2nd Clue have been released! Part 3 and 4 are still to be released. I love her shawls and will definitely try this! Also, in the blog post for the 1st Clue, she has her Tidepool Spiral Shawl which I love!

Annita has finished her English version of Joris!! So super excited about this as I have been waiting for it to come out. You can get the Pattern on Ravelry. I recommend it, she is very detailed with her pattern and gives wonderful instructions! Plus, it’s just too cute to pass up!

I love this Wallet to Tote pattern by LiEr from ikatbag! I in general love things that fold up into smaller things. We are in need of new re-usable grocery bags, so I might be making a few of these soon!

LiEr also had a project over on HomeSpun Threads called Treasure Pouch which I think it adorable and I love little bags like that.



Recipes I’d like to try:


I am or was a fan of risotto, still this Risotto Primavera sounds good. Maybe something similar made with regular rice would be almost just as tasty? :)


I miss a variety of Mexican food, simply because wheat is used in a lot of the sauces, etc. This Mexican Rice sounds good. I might have to make it with some tacos soon!


I have always been very picky about my onion rings, because I definitely like the onion to be cooked, but not mushy. So what better way, than to try homemade? These Buttermilk Onion Rings sound delicious, partially just because of the seasoning used. I figure if I try some Gluten Free Bisquick or Gluten Free King Arthur Flour, these could go very well. Already craving some!

The husband loves those huge cookies that are the diameter of like a cake, so this Skillet Cookie.

As a huge fan of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies this recipe sounds like an interesting twist on the cookie.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Pet Store Visit

Hello again everyone, this is Wookie. I planned on posting early in the day, but once we woke up, went potty, and played I had to take an hour long nap on my Aunt Jodi's lap. Of course when I woke up, we had to go potty again and play, let me tell you, I'm ready for another nap.


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So, I know what you are going to think when you see this dog food, I thought the same thing. I mean, is she trying to turn me into some sort of tree hugging hippie dog? Isn't this food cutting out everything that makes food good? But actually I like the small pieces and it's pretty good.

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She even let me help pick out my dishes. We had to get heavy ones though, cause when I am excited, I sometimes knock them over. These ones can withstand the hyper and they are cute!

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We had the food in the kitchen cause it makes more sense with the linoleum in there. But I am so scared of missing what's going on and little time is spent in the kitchen. So I wasn't eating as much as I should. So the food got moved into the living room, so I can eat where all the action is.

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Now onto the treats! These are super delicious. They take me about 10 minutes or so to work through and I eat them away from everyone, because obviously something that tastes this good must be something I am not really suppose to have.

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Now Aunt Jodi tells me these Dognation treats are actually doggy treats, but I don't believe her. They come from the refrigerator just like human food and they smell so good and taste so good. I know, more hippie dog food, but I am beginning to think maybe those hippies are onto something.

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We had to get some of this flea killing stuff, which drove me crazy at first, because all the fleas were trying to escape it. But I seem to be feeling much better today. And yes, I know you all can see the weight range on there . . . don't be a hater, plus, I just barely fit into that weight range.

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Now this is super duper fun! I get to run farther in the yard, which is wonderful! My Aunt Jodi says I run around like a drunk bunny bouncing everywhere.

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I'm told that once actually go poop outside and not on the linoleum in the kitchen, this is to clean it up.

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Onto the toys. I loved playing yesterday so much, I may have fallen asleep mid-playing. :)

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Here is my tug-a-war rope. You may recognize it from the picture above.

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Can you believe we actually found Wookie sized tennis balls? They are called SqueakAir. They squeak and everything!

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Here is a picture for size difference. Speaking of which, do you know how hard it is to find toys that are small doggy size? We don't have many options. Aunt Jodi assures me that she'll make me some also though.

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Here is my favorite of the toys, this is my squeaker puppy. He squeaks easily.

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As you can see, me and him spend the most time together.

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For the end, I think we just need to remind my Aunt Jodi that every dancing puppy deserves a treat. . . even if I try this every five minutes or so to get one . . . right??

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Love Wookie!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Hello World Wide Web!

Hello to all! My name is Wookie and I am taking over my Aunt Jodi's blog today! Here is a picture of me with my Aunt Jodi, just so you can see how adorable I am.


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Do you like my lion-like hair cut?


I had one hectic trip getting here as this was my first time flying and then our connecting flight was cancelled and we had to spend the night it the Detroit Airport. In fact, this picture is at 1am, after we had been sitting outside of the Detroit Airport for 3 hours, relaxing and trying to calm Aunt Jodi down cause boy was she cranky when our flight was cancelled. We got home a little more than 24 hours after we had left for the airport the day before. I slept most of the time, but Aunt Jodi was a little sleep deprived and we were both starving since everything at the Detroit airport was closed by the time we got there. Which brings me to a good subject . . . why aren't there better vending machines, maybe even a doggy vending machine? I was okay with my beef jerky bits, but it was underwhelming to say the least.

I am told I was a very good puppy as I didn't whine or bark and I only tried to dig my way out of the carrier a half a dozen times. My home here is very different, but I am adjusting. We went out to the Pet Smart today and I had a blast meeting people who of course thought I was adorable. My social skills with other dogs isn't so good, but then, I use to live with 3 cats so there is a chance I might think I am a cat - - we will keep that our little secret though.

We got some pretty nifty toys and treats at the store, but I'll be back tomorrow to talk about that, Aunt Jodi says we need to go wake up Uncle Jacob so he can go to work!

See you all later! Love Wookie!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Garren's Giraffe

Yes, I have started another George. This time for Garren, my nephew, it's amazing that he turns 3 in only nine days. I doubt I will be finished in time, because I will be gone most of the time, but hopefully not too late! :)


Yarn: Red Heart

Color: Cornmeal and Coffee

Content: 100% Acrylic

Care: Machine wash and dry

Needles: US 3 / 3.25mm

Pattern: George Giraffe

Modifications: None yet, but there will be some.



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It worsted weight is going to make a nice size giraffe, which will work wonderfully and for it to be Washable is just so important. I really think I found the perfect colors too!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Sunday Inspirations

Not much crafting inspiration this week, but TONS of cooking inspiration!



This Dog Harness Tutorial is perfect timing! I will be bringing Wookie home with me in about 11 days. I will definitely be trying this!


Recipes I’d like to try:


I have been really loving the idea of quiche lately for something I could easily reheat in the morning for breakfast and this Build a Better Quiche has lots of wonderful ideas. Especially the shredded potato crust! Sounds Yummy!


In contrast, these Spinach & Artichoke Mini Frittatas sound simple, easy, and also very satisfying.


This Baked Crab Rangoon sound delicious. I just need to figure out a way to make them gluten-free. I use to love getting these at Chinese restaurants!


These Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos look delicious! I haven’t had taquitos in a long time! Her Vegetable Enchiladas also sound yummy.


I love the variety of ingredients in these Smoky Pork Tinga Tacos. They sound so interesting. Definitely going to have to try soon! Her Crab Cakes sound wonderful! These Elly's World Famous Black Beans sound super yummy!


These enchiladas are a little different and sound super delicious. Beef Enchiladas with Chipotle-Pasilla Chili Gravy are definitely going to be on my list of things to make. I am in general enjoying looking through the recipes from this blog. Armadillo Eggs also sound delicious! As do the Turkey Tamales with Guajillo Cranberry Mole! And I have to admit that Cactus Casserole does sound interesting. Lastly I urge you to have a look around her blog and leave you with the thought of Pickled Green Tomatoes.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

WTF Watermelon Socks

Yarn: Knit Picks Palette

Color: Wallaby & Fuchsia

Content: 100% Wool

Care: Wash by hand, lay flat

Needles: US 1

Pattern: My own creation.


Last week I had been trying to figure out how I want my gusset to go. So I went with what felt the most natural, when it needed more room, I started the gusset, when it didn’t need any more room I stopped. What does this mean for my sock? My gusset starts about mid-way through my arch and after it ends there are rows of plain stockinette before I will have my heel to make it the appropriate length. Does it look odd? A little compared to your typical sock, but it’s a nice fit and that is what is important for me.

I am using a mix of things that I learned doing the Mistletoe Socks and this tutorial by Becca of Forward Motion.


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On a side note, the doctor's appointment went well. I am on some medicine to clear up a small infection. Blood work was done, as she is a little concerned that my blood sugar may be off. So some test will be done for Diabetes (which runs in my family) and Thyroid issues. Hopefully they will both come back clear. Everything else seems to be good so hopefully I will be exercising more soon.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

May '11 Mock Socks

Yes, people, I cast on for yet another pair of socks! I know shocking, huh? These ones are cuff down though and are the mock sock for May in Sock Knitters Anonymous(Ravelry Group).

Yarn: Knit Picks Palette

Color: Celadon Heather

Content: 100% Wool

Care: Hand wash, dry flat

Needles: US 1

Pattern: 5-22-24-13-7-12-19-15-9 . . . this is a code for the real name, that is also something to figure out. I know it, but won’t spoil the surprise.

Modifications: None yet.

I love the fact that she is doing multiple sizes! I am really liking the sock so far.

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P.S. Can you tell a made a Knit Picks order not to long ago?

Monday, May 2, 2011

Lacey Thorns

Yarn: Rozetti – Always Dreams

Color: 116-04 (Variegated bright pink)

Content: 75% Acrylic / 25% Wool

Care: Machine wash and dry flat

Needles: US 2 / 2.75mm

Gauge: 7sts per inch

Pattern: Taking inspiration from the Mistletoes pattern.

Modifications: I am using the cast on numbers (20) and the starting foot numbers (40), but everything else changes. The top of the foot pattern is a simple lace stitch pattern called Lace Thorns from the Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns. I start the gusset increases when my heel begins. My gusset stitches increase to 68 stitches total, then the heel turn adds another 8. The heel decreases my stitches down to 48. Lace pattern all around for the small bit of leg and then 2x2 ribbing lined up with the pattern for 6 rows.


I finished the first sock!
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So you may ask, what is my current obsession with toe-up socks? Well, most toe-up sock patterns I had run into before had short row heels. I hate short row heels for the most part, they do not fit my feet well at all, and there is just too little structure to them. Now obviously I know there are other toe-up heels to do, but I hadn’t really experienced any of them, so I just stuck with my cuff down socks. Now, I am really liking this toe-up heel flap structure and therefore loving toe-up socks a lot more. I think I may be ordering some toe-up sock books here in the near future to find out what other kind of toe-up options I have.