Good-bye 2011

Quietly reminiscing. 2011 had it's fair share of ups and downs. From saying good-bye & moving away from family, friends to a new state, city... to embarking on new Passages, lessons learned, some harder than others, dreams shattered & re-built...new discoveries, shared laughter & tears, over-coming fears. Opportunities widened, heartbreaks, triumphs, the mundane. Life throughout 2011 was anything but boring. Looking to the unknown status of 2012 I have but two wishes: 1) Increased prosperity. 2) A new journey of sorts & most dear to my heart my wish that my daughter have a safe & healthy pregnancy, delivery and that there are no complications! 

As for resolutions. I prefer a bucket list instead. I shall continue to fill it up, check items off & remain whimsically optimistic...Happy New Year!

For my Daughter...

My daughter will be a new Mum in 2012. She has asked me (or rather suggested) that I add my many 'family meals' to my blog, so that she can make them for her mate.  So, I shall, over the course of the next few months add several 'family secret' meals, here on my blog.  My own Mum taught me these meals. Some I have altered. Others I've created. Feel free to add your versions or questions in the comment section. As I do enjoy reading all comments left, and I shall answer all questions in a timely manner.

Happy Cooking...

Using ONE pound of 96% fat free ground beef, brown over high temp until brown.  Add to taste: salt, pepper, and a dash of the following: Soy Sauce, A-1 sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and season salt. Reduce heat to medium once meat is browned.

In sauce pan bring to boil enough water to cook 3/4 package of egg nooodles (more is cooking whole bag).

In one cup measuring cup add 1/2 cup flour, salt & pepper (yes MORE in addition to the browned meat) 

Slowly add COLD water to cup, stirring with fork till water/flour mixture reaches one cup mark.
Should be similar to the consistency of pancake mix.

Slowly add flour mixture to warming meat, make sure to STIR it constantly!

If mixture is too thick...

add small amounts of water GRADUALLY, so you don't thin it too much, making it runny.

continue stirring,
 You want a GRAVY like consistency.
This process may take a few minutes to achieve gravy status.

once meat and gravy are at a good thickness....

Cover and simmer on LOW temp of five minutes. Turn off burner and allow to sit for another five minutes.

Serve over hot noodles. Add tomatoes or as my daughter like to, a wee bit of ketchup. Enjoy!

Crocheted Christmas Ornaments

I found these wonderful baubles online.

To make them yourself, click on the link below

Just click on this link to find tutorial and pattern:

http://greedyforcolour.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-bauble-tutorial.html

December already?

 

Me on 28 November 2011

Road Trip: Heading home to Virginia on 26 November 2011, good-bye Florida.

Current book I'm reading this week.

Found this in mag this week. Very clever.

This is a very wonderful quote!

My dachshund is not amused with my balloon art.

Countdown to Christmas

Click link below for downloadable print..
http://www.box.com/shared/xmvcmaztic

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us I can start on Christmas!!

So I've pulled out my collection of Christmas coloured yarns...

And brought out a few projects that need to be finished quickly

Ok, this was just too cute not to share ;)

And just a little thought for all of us to ponder a bit...

I'm Thankful For...

I'm thankful for all the many crafters who create and share such wonderful ideas such as these two clever projects...

Click link below for tutorial

http://cookiecuttyer.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/christmas-wreath/

Click link below for tutorial

http://thismamamakesstuff.com/how-to-rapunzel-yarn-wig-tutorial/

A visit to the Dali Museum

Dali Wishing Tree

Absolutely love the concept of this! I sincerely thought about my wish, wrote it down and attached it to this tree...

Found out in the gardens @ The Dali Museum

Turkey's Occupying My Kitchen: Agenda: EAT HAM!

The movement seems to be growing. Hams nation wide getting nervous!

Turkey breaks silence after spending many days in the cold!

Click on link below for free pattern:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80744AD.html?r=1

Wee Crocheted Gnome

Crocheted Gnome

Crocheted this wee Gnome the other day, just finished him yesterday morning.

Click link below for 'base' crocheted pattern.
I did not follow the pattern completely and I made many adjustments to get beard and trim just so.

http://owlishly.typepad.com/owlishly/2008/10/free-pattern--sleepy-sarah-amigurumi-pattern.html

Another Year Wiser...

I was happy to celebrate becoming another year (dare I say it?)...older.
Much prefer saying that I'm another year wiser, or, I've just progressed to another year of
new adventures ahead of me.
However we muddle about with the phrasing, fact is, yes, I had a birthday a few days ago.
The 'surprise' factor was being taken to tea instead of traditional 'dinner'.
What a fun treat too.

Tea at the Jefferson

Tasty Treats for Tea

Did I mention that a Clown joined us at Tea? Notice my balloon ring?

He actually made this for my mate, but I tried it on, cuz I'm the birthday girl!

There, that's better

So rich in taste, I only ate two bites. Yes, it's in my icebox still. I nibble on it everyday!

My pretty birthday flowers

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/bright-hats-and-mitts-garland

As Fall weather settles in, I'm inspired to create many quick projects that will be put to use right away.
The garland above looks really cute and seasonal. However, my toes are cold...So,
slippers are on today's agenda. I would like to make several types too.

Here are just a few 'free' patterns I found while looking for quick, easy slippers:
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/slippers1.html

http://crochetme.com/media/p/115746.aspx

I really like these, but I'm thinking of making a pair with a Christmas coloured theme. I'll use holly leaves with red berries.

Hope that you're keeping your feet and toes as warm as I will be!
Brrrrrrrr fall weather is upon us!
I'm loving it!
Cheers~

Crochet Tutorials and Halloween Beanies

I found these GREAT Halloween beanies/patterns over at A Chick w/Sticks website.  Pattern links are highlighted under each picture.

She is so generous to share her cool creations. If you decide to share also, please follow her wishes, which are stated on her website.

I plan to make a few of these beanies today. They are just too adorable!

http://www.achickwsticks.com/2011/10/halloween-hat-pattern-mr-boo.html

http://www.achickwsticks.com/2011/10/halloween-hat-pattern-mr-bones.html

http://www.achickwsticks.com/2011/09/halloween-hat-pattern-web.html