Perhaps my cafe table looks more chaos than calm. However it is a moment to refuel, knit, charge my phone, and dither all at once, alone, before I go on the combined 5th grade field trip.
Good times now, fun times later.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things I Did This Weekend
I'm joining Carole today. The "Ten on Tuesday" topic is perfect post Memorial Day Weekend (like the gorgeous shot of her grilled hot dogs -- insert my food hankering here). She used the "B" word in her post so now I also feel compelled to make brownies.
1. Mother and son walk home. Friday - I went to go pick my son up from After School Care. Usually the Manfriend picks him up, because I get out of work later than him, but the traffic was chaotic, probably because it was the beginning of a holiday weekend. The Kid was in a sunny and chatty mood when I got him. It's just over a mile back down to our apartment. An easy distance for a tired and hungry kid, but enough time to have a few good laughs. I walked up to get him from work, so I personally got a few calorie bonus points ;)
2. Made mini jam and Nutella pies again. A few tiny chopped up pieces of strawberry make it extra tasty. Can you tell I have tendency to overfill my minis?
3. Made Snickerdoodles. I froze some of the dough to experiment with thaw times for prepped baking. Do you guys do this? I do it with slice and bake, but I have never done Snickerdoodle before.
4. Made fried wontons.
5. The Kid and I had friends over to play on Saturday (which is what I made 2 & 3 for). Technically he had friends over and then whatever families could make it at pick up stayed for some wine, table kitchen dinner and chat. It was really nice. The Manfriend got home in time to keep me from over cooking the salmon. We even had 2 little sisters, which is a treat for us. We are usually surrounded by a lot of boy energy.
6. Went to visit my Sister's family on "The Island" as they've taken to calling Alameda. They had just finished up baseball practice and we grilled up some chicken that we ate with cucumbers and sticky rice, Thai-style. We laughed about our funny little boys. I finally delivered "The Green Thing", this giant stuffed frog my Mother sent for the little nephew. He loved it and it instantly wrestled with his Giant Green Gorilla.We had a good laugh how Mom will send things to me for my Sister and send things to my Sister for me. Not on accident. I think she's just combining shipping and forcing us to see each other, ha! Not that we don't like each other. Dad and StepMom couldn't make it (we were last minute planning ... again and they had plans) but we had family spirit for them, for sure.
7. I took a Zumba class for an hour and 45 minutes. It was supposed to be an hour and a half, but she did a few extras for us. It was a special Memorial Day class at one of the gym's other (fancier) locations. I was exhausted. I think I will have a side of Advil with my dinner today.
8. I ate a bowl of Ramen in Japantown at Suzu after class, by myself and read the Guardian and had a glass of unsweetened Iced Tea. It was magical.
8. I bought a nice (expensive for me) new pair of summer pants. I even tried them on in a REAL store and didn't just order them online so I could avoid returning things unnecessarily. (pats herself on back) I am hoping I do not destroy them before the end of the summer. I am queen of destroying nicer things that I like. That tatty sweater shirt that makes me look like I'm wearing a cereal box? Yeah, that thing won't die. (Hmm, guess what I'm putting in the Goodwill bag tonight ...)
9. I worked with my son on his final report of the year, on the keystone state of Pennsylvania. We have not killed each other. His father is picking him up early to finish it before we go to see the USA vs. Azerbaijan soccer match. (which I cannot pronounce if I do not see it's spelling -- another embarrassing but true Ellen fact.)
10. I finished knitting and weaving in of Baby Sophisticate. Alas, I couldn't finish it off because I didn't have enough/right buttons.
1. Mother and son walk home. Friday - I went to go pick my son up from After School Care. Usually the Manfriend picks him up, because I get out of work later than him, but the traffic was chaotic, probably because it was the beginning of a holiday weekend. The Kid was in a sunny and chatty mood when I got him. It's just over a mile back down to our apartment. An easy distance for a tired and hungry kid, but enough time to have a few good laughs. I walked up to get him from work, so I personally got a few calorie bonus points ;)
2. Made mini jam and Nutella pies again. A few tiny chopped up pieces of strawberry make it extra tasty. Can you tell I have tendency to overfill my minis?
3. Made Snickerdoodles. I froze some of the dough to experiment with thaw times for prepped baking. Do you guys do this? I do it with slice and bake, but I have never done Snickerdoodle before.
4. Made fried wontons.
5. The Kid and I had friends over to play on Saturday (which is what I made 2 & 3 for). Technically he had friends over and then whatever families could make it at pick up stayed for some wine, table kitchen dinner and chat. It was really nice. The Manfriend got home in time to keep me from over cooking the salmon. We even had 2 little sisters, which is a treat for us. We are usually surrounded by a lot of boy energy.
6. Went to visit my Sister's family on "The Island" as they've taken to calling Alameda. They had just finished up baseball practice and we grilled up some chicken that we ate with cucumbers and sticky rice, Thai-style. We laughed about our funny little boys. I finally delivered "The Green Thing", this giant stuffed frog my Mother sent for the little nephew. He loved it and it instantly wrestled with his Giant Green Gorilla.We had a good laugh how Mom will send things to me for my Sister and send things to my Sister for me. Not on accident. I think she's just combining shipping and forcing us to see each other, ha! Not that we don't like each other. Dad and StepMom couldn't make it (we were last minute planning ... again and they had plans) but we had family spirit for them, for sure.
7. I took a Zumba class for an hour and 45 minutes. It was supposed to be an hour and a half, but she did a few extras for us. It was a special Memorial Day class at one of the gym's other (fancier) locations. I was exhausted. I think I will have a side of Advil with my dinner today.
8. I ate a bowl of Ramen in Japantown at Suzu after class, by myself and read the Guardian and had a glass of unsweetened Iced Tea. It was magical.
8. I bought a nice (expensive for me) new pair of summer pants. I even tried them on in a REAL store and didn't just order them online so I could avoid returning things unnecessarily. (pats herself on back) I am hoping I do not destroy them before the end of the summer. I am queen of destroying nicer things that I like. That tatty sweater shirt that makes me look like I'm wearing a cereal box? Yeah, that thing won't die. (Hmm, guess what I'm putting in the Goodwill bag tonight ...)
9. I worked with my son on his final report of the year, on the keystone state of Pennsylvania. We have not killed each other. His father is picking him up early to finish it before we go to see the USA vs. Azerbaijan soccer match. (which I cannot pronounce if I do not see it's spelling -- another embarrassing but true Ellen fact.)
10. I finished knitting and weaving in of Baby Sophisticate. Alas, I couldn't finish it off because I didn't have enough/right buttons.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
WIP Wednesday: Another small thing
Garter edge detail of baby cardigan #2. There is still much to be done. 2 sleeves, a shawl collar and a button band that will not get done tonight (PTA Meeting) or tomorrow (Middle School Family welcome night avec ice cream social).
As I was commenting at Woolythyme, it seems like I know a lot of people coming down with a case of the babies!
This co-worker's wife is also due any minute. Thankfully I have his mailing address, because I don't think I can beat the baby for this one. Wow that sounds horrible, but you know, finish on time.
I am in general knitting this Go To pattern with some decent pace (at least for me) probably because I'm imagining knitting socks or other grown people accessories and apparel in the not so far future.
... but wouldn't this sweater look great with a hat?? I really do just make it harder for myself don't I?
Monday, May 19, 2014
A point, a post to prove she still knits
(and some alliteration)
Lookee here, it's the Baby Harrigan sweater.
The Stats
Pattern: Little Coffee Bean
Yarn: Brava Worsted in Solstice Heather and Sky (1 ball each)
Size: 12 mos - did it really knit up that size? TBD it's been a long time since The Kid was a baby.
General Assessment and Baby Heads a commentary:
I like a cardigan pattern for the Small people. I feel like their ginormous head/body ratio is kind of overwhelming, even when they can actually support it. It's nice not to have to pull a bulky sweater over them. Also, the small people come in all shapes and sizes and grow at different rates just like the rest of us and a cardigan allows you to get a little more life out of it unbuttoned. This also plays to my reasoning of always knitting a large size. Everyone seems to have a million layette items, but what about when the kid can actually go out to the park for some basket swing time?
The stripes didn't get kill me, nor did the weaving in of the ends. In fact the stripes helped me keep my button sewing somewhat even. I still hate button bands. I think I did the ribbing reversed, but it's subtle enough that you can't easily notice it (so I tell myself). I opted for 4 buttons instead of 5, again minimizing "things" that can irritate their soft squishy selves. (Inhales and smells imaginary baby here)
Notice the button detail. Yes, those are sheep. ha! The sweater is acrylic but you know I'm a fan of the easy care and softness of the Knitpicks Brava worsted.
One small cardi done. One more small cardi to go ...
Lookee here, it's the Baby Harrigan sweater.
The Stats
Pattern: Little Coffee Bean
Yarn: Brava Worsted in Solstice Heather and Sky (1 ball each)
Size: 12 mos - did it really knit up that size? TBD it's been a long time since The Kid was a baby.
General Assessment and Baby Heads a commentary:
I like a cardigan pattern for the Small people. I feel like their ginormous head/body ratio is kind of overwhelming, even when they can actually support it. It's nice not to have to pull a bulky sweater over them. Also, the small people come in all shapes and sizes and grow at different rates just like the rest of us and a cardigan allows you to get a little more life out of it unbuttoned. This also plays to my reasoning of always knitting a large size. Everyone seems to have a million layette items, but what about when the kid can actually go out to the park for some basket swing time?
The stripes didn't get kill me, nor did the weaving in of the ends. In fact the stripes helped me keep my button sewing somewhat even. I still hate button bands. I think I did the ribbing reversed, but it's subtle enough that you can't easily notice it (so I tell myself). I opted for 4 buttons instead of 5, again minimizing "things" that can irritate their soft squishy selves. (Inhales and smells imaginary baby here)
One small cardi done. One more small cardi to go ...
Thursday, May 15, 2014
And the winner is...
The lovely and delightful Katiebee, of Life on Coyote Hill Continues ... She was declared our winner by the random number generator Tuesday morning. I sent you a ravelry message earlier this week, Katiebee!
Now, if you didn't win, don't despair. June is around the corner and I'm going to have TWO prizes. I know! These things that whirl in my mind ... they could give me a clinical diagnosis of something that my whole family suspects. Rhymes with hazy, ha!
Be well, knit strong!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Someone smack me, because I'm draggin
I am just a haze and fog of thought. I have partial lists floating, but it seems I feel sort of partial in a lot that I'm doing.
My last post was really slapped together, my sentences more stilted than usual. I was so busy this weekend so I posted completely using my phone. It's not as easy to include links and detail using the phone, so I apologize. This may be one of those examples where I have been spreading myself a little too thin. It was a fun and good busy weekend but it was a back to backer for sure.
So now I will try to round up and weave-in some loose-ends.
The scene behind the scenes:
A new to me show: Orphan Black. I'm hoarding the last episode of the first season to a proper moment I can knit to it. I started watching it with the Manfriend, but he goes to sleep earlier than me, and the whole ease of Free On Demand is/was just more than I could bear to wait for him. (Sorry Dear!)
An older FO being worn: I knit this sweater for Bella last year and I guess she was sporting it this Spring again recently. I'm always happy when someone sends me a picture of something that actually use. I might have to see about that hoodie pattern for her, for the Fall ...
A few links to the newest recipes I tried: The Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Cookies from Epicurious/Bon Appetit (see if you can get a better gloss on your cookies, and let me know if you whipped the egg whites separately, as if to meringue). Here is the lemon pound cake recipe I used from weelicious. I opted to reduce the amount of zest and just did a plain vanilla glaze as some of the kids on the soccer team seem to have sensitive palettes. I used a mini bundt pan that is a PAIN to clean (hello cheap toothbrush) and a muffin top pan. (Both presents from my mother who is still constantly trying to nurture my domestic skills or lack thereof.)
A new favorite savory breakfast: Kepanie made eggs with green onion and pancetta and served it over rice. Brilliant. I like cheesey eggs as it. The boys put it on a piece of toast, but the rice speaks to me in secret loving comforting mom tones.
Making good on: Baby sweaters, fer reals. I bought buttons today at lunch and I see a sweater FO picture coming your way hecka soon. Pink socks. Though I should've cast on that other baby project. I had to see if I could make some more tracks. I think I messed up one side a bit.
My last post was really slapped together, my sentences more stilted than usual. I was so busy this weekend so I posted completely using my phone. It's not as easy to include links and detail using the phone, so I apologize. This may be one of those examples where I have been spreading myself a little too thin. It was a fun and good busy weekend but it was a back to backer for sure.
So now I will try to round up and weave-in some loose-ends.
The scene behind the scenes:
A new to me show: Orphan Black. I'm hoarding the last episode of the first season to a proper moment I can knit to it. I started watching it with the Manfriend, but he goes to sleep earlier than me, and the whole ease of Free On Demand is/was just more than I could bear to wait for him. (Sorry Dear!)
An older FO being worn: I knit this sweater for Bella last year and I guess she was sporting it this Spring again recently. I'm always happy when someone sends me a picture of something that actually use. I might have to see about that hoodie pattern for her, for the Fall ...
A few links to the newest recipes I tried: The Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Cookies from Epicurious/Bon Appetit (see if you can get a better gloss on your cookies, and let me know if you whipped the egg whites separately, as if to meringue). Here is the lemon pound cake recipe I used from weelicious. I opted to reduce the amount of zest and just did a plain vanilla glaze as some of the kids on the soccer team seem to have sensitive palettes. I used a mini bundt pan that is a PAIN to clean (hello cheap toothbrush) and a muffin top pan. (Both presents from my mother who is still constantly trying to nurture my domestic skills or lack thereof.)
A new favorite savory breakfast: Kepanie made eggs with green onion and pancetta and served it over rice. Brilliant. I like cheesey eggs as it. The boys put it on a piece of toast, but the rice speaks to me in secret loving comforting mom tones.
Making good on: Baby sweaters, fer reals. I bought buttons today at lunch and I see a sweater FO picture coming your way hecka soon. Pink socks. Though I should've cast on that other baby project. I had to see if I could make some more tracks. I think I messed up one side a bit.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The weekend went fast!
After a season of being undefeated The Mad Dogs lost their first match, badly.
But the kids were in good spirits. The kid and I worked on some new recipes.
A lemon pound cake with vanilla glaze and a gluten free chocolate brownie cookie (couldn't get a proper gloss on them -- must be an egg white issue)
The Kid went to a sleepover with a few hundred children at Lady H's.
The Manfriend was given a few hours to himself after his Saturday shift and a trip to the gym. Denise and I went to see Smuin ballet with some tickets I won at the school fundraiser.
This was one of the sights we saw on our way to the Yerba Buena Center.
Today was a family revelry at the mother in law's. No photos, for too much fun was happening.
Tell me about your weekend!
Monday, May 5, 2014
A Malabrigo May Give Away and Whoopie Pies!
Happy Monday! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Happy Malabrigo May!
Lots of excuses to type with the letter "M" today.
Today I dug up this lovely hank of Malabrigo in dewberry sock yarn. Honestly, it hurts a little to set this one free, but I have another hank of another purple Malabrio or um, 2 in the stash. How much does a slow knitter really need? I want to spread some knit happiness and you guys make me knit happy all the time.
Would you like to give it a home? Can you envision a pattern with it?
Leave me a comment with some way of getting in touch with you (like a Ravelry handle) in this post by end of day next Monday, May 12th and maybe it can be yours!
Thanks for all your nice comments about my family and our food. You're right I'm lucky to have such a thoughtful family. The weekend felt good after shaking off that "edgy anxiety" as Karen put it so well -- that was exactly how I felt! I think we found a good balance of doing things and relaxing a bit.
It was a productive weekend for me, which was really nice. I kept some spring sorting going, getting 2 bags of clothes off to Goodwill and sorted 2 stacks of books for donation and sell back.
And I finally took a crack at a recipe that I've been meaning to try ... for ages, The Pioneer Woman's Oatmeal Whoopie Pies
I followed the recipe and used store-bought marshmallow creme. I really couldn't be bothered with making my own filling. It is very important to freeze these so they set if you do not eat them immediately. They begin to ooze! (I am not sure just how long they need to come to room temperature, we pulled these from the freezer before our Sunday match so they were out covered in the sun for about an hour and a half, and held up OK) The PW thoughtfully prewarns of this condition with the marshmallow fluff, and offers another option in her recipe.
Oh and I also had some mint/dark chocolate chip cookie bars I baked on a quarter sheet. Not the best photo, but I'm working on that too. :)
Happy Malabrigo May!
Lots of excuses to type with the letter "M" today.
Today I dug up this lovely hank of Malabrigo in dewberry sock yarn. Honestly, it hurts a little to set this one free, but I have another hank of another purple Malabrio or um, 2 in the stash. How much does a slow knitter really need? I want to spread some knit happiness and you guys make me knit happy all the time.
Would you like to give it a home? Can you envision a pattern with it?
Leave me a comment with some way of getting in touch with you (like a Ravelry handle) in this post by end of day next Monday, May 12th and maybe it can be yours!
Thanks for all your nice comments about my family and our food. You're right I'm lucky to have such a thoughtful family. The weekend felt good after shaking off that "edgy anxiety" as Karen put it so well -- that was exactly how I felt! I think we found a good balance of doing things and relaxing a bit.
It was a productive weekend for me, which was really nice. I kept some spring sorting going, getting 2 bags of clothes off to Goodwill and sorted 2 stacks of books for donation and sell back.
And I finally took a crack at a recipe that I've been meaning to try ... for ages, The Pioneer Woman's Oatmeal Whoopie Pies
I followed the recipe and used store-bought marshmallow creme. I really couldn't be bothered with making my own filling. It is very important to freeze these so they set if you do not eat them immediately. They begin to ooze! (I am not sure just how long they need to come to room temperature, we pulled these from the freezer before our Sunday match so they were out covered in the sun for about an hour and a half, and held up OK) The PW thoughtfully prewarns of this condition with the marshmallow fluff, and offers another option in her recipe.
Oh and I also had some mint/dark chocolate chip cookie bars I baked on a quarter sheet. Not the best photo, but I'm working on that too. :)
Saturday, May 3, 2014
End of the week leftovers and oysters
It's been a long week. You know the kind for whatever reason leaves you with lingering anxiety even when it's over.
I woke up today thinking it was Friday, again at 5am. (Maybe I just needed to go to the bathroom really bad!) I lay there thinking about what I can do on Monday to avoid this weird leftover Friday feeling next week.
Not all leftovers are bad!
I was going to meet Denise after work for a few hours before she went to a school fundraiser. She forgot her knitting so we were thinking some oysters and lemonade at hogs and rocks. Unfortunately Denise had her own set of Friday leftovers at work and had to power through. Sad but not dejected since I know we will rally together soon, I went home.
Now the boys were supposed to have leftover dinner. I told them I was coming home and trying to find an excuse to not have leftovers.
They took longer to get home and I was curious why. Like any good nag I called them and they kept saying relax we are on our way ...
They were. They hand picked tiny Oysters for me. The Manfriend shucked and made mignette and prepped out a lovely leftover spread while we did our evening chores. (Boring)
Smoked Trout spread
1 container whipped cream cheese
2 fillets of smoked trout package (duck trap brand for example)
3-4 stalks of green onion chopped
*1/2 lemon
2 dashes Tobasco
2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Dice and mash trout in a mixing bowl. Add chopped green onions, squeeze *some of the lemon in. Mix. Add cream cheese and mix thoroughly. Add Tobasco and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Portion into ramikins and cover with plastic wrap and set in fridge for an hour or two to set.
Serve with baguette slices, breadsticks, Triscuits, crackers, toast points etc. a great appetizer to tide friends and family over while you try to get dinner off after a long day.
I think the amounts above should really be adapted to what ratios you like. If it seems like too much onion, use less :)
I like to make mine with the peppered trout I don't need to season it as much. My pals prefer it with smoked mackerel and call it mackerel pate, hold the onions and add a tiny bit of nutmeg. Snack options!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)