Somebody Save Me

Excuse the fly-by post today. We have several product reviews in the works, but someone hasn't had a chance to sit down at the computer and unfortunately none of the Lapdogs have learned to type yet.

I hate when life gets in the way.  I need an assistant, but I think the odds are more in favor of adopting another furbaby before that'll ever happen.  Besides, Penny needs a puppy...

Anyone know of a cute rescue dog... who can type an average of 65 wpm?

Anyway, I thought today's Ten on Tuesday topic was fun.

Ten on Tuesday: Home Sweet Home

I'll admit... I had a review planned for today.  It's even half written.  I had another one planned for Thursday that is long overdue as well. But, with it being a short week, I suspect many of us are not reading as many blog posts.  Therefore, I'm holding off until next week. 

Speaking of reviews...

• Knitters - Be sure to check out my review - and giveaway - of Judith Durant's new book, Increase Decrease! 
• Dog Parents - Today is the last day to enter to win a $300 PetSmart gift card sponsored by Hill's and #InspiredByCrafted.  Don't be shy or pretend like you can't use $300.

To complete today's fun, fluffy post, I'm participating in Ten on Tuesday where the topic is 10 Things I Love About My Home (which may be ironic for those who know me well, as there are quite a few things I absolutely do not love about my home and would like to change).

1. The occupants.  My kids and my other half.

2. It's well lived in.  My home will never be one that you might mistake for a museum.  There are no "do not touch" signs, but there is dog hair... everywhere!

3. The new couch covers.  See above - couch covers are necessary and it's been quite awhile since I've had new, or matching ones. 

4. My yarn closet.  My honey did an awesome job and I absolutely love it... although I'm working on an eventual craft room.

5. The location.  We are pretty centrally located to just about everything we love to do, although after being here for 14 years, I am ready to go further North.

6. Our little wild animal kingdom.  In addition to the many birds and squirrels, we have rabbits and woodchucks who make their home in our yard.  There's nothing quite like watching the babies grow every spring.  We also see the occasional fox, deer, turkey, etc.

7. The artwork and photos.  I love photos, and I love surrounding myself with special memories.  I need to start framing more of the great shots I have taken. (and sure this is a really old shot, but I love it)

8. The back deck.  I love quiet time out here.  I can knit while the dogs romp and wrestle in the fresh air.

9. Our apple trees.  Although they have seen better days, and we really need to learn to prune them.

10. The tumbleweeds.  See #1 and #2 above.  If you don't like it, don't visit. 

Ten on Tuesday: Delights

I was going to post a dog treat review today, but when I saw today's Ten on Tuesday topic, I thought, why not... this blog could use a happy, fluffy post today.  Stay tuned for that treat review, among many others.  We've received some really cool things in the past few weeks that we're looking forward to telling you all about.

Here we go, 10 Everyday Things That Delight You...

1. Dogs.  Mine, of course, but also yours, as well of all of those in need of a forever home.

2. My Knitting.  I almost always have some WIP with me.  Knitting therapy works wonders.  It keeps me sane, and keeps me busy with long race days in the summer. Knitting also provides me with an excuse to further my project/tote bag addiction. 

3. Coffee. I run on Dunkin... or whatever coffee I brew at home. I also love the smell of freshly brewing coffee. 

4. My camera(s) and my photos.  I snap pics nearly every day, whether on my phone or actual camera.  I think I caught the shutter-bug fever from my Mom.  She was always the one taking shots of my cousins and I growing up.

5. Flowers.  Gerber Daisies are my favorite, but I also love roses and tulips... or any fresh cut flowers for that matter.

6. Wildlife.  Our yard is often full of birds, rabbits, woodchucks and squirrels.  I enjoy just watching them go about their daily routines.  We also see the occasional skunk, deer, fox, etc. I'm always watching for wildlife in our travels. I've been told I have great deer and moose radar.

7. The Ocean. I grew up on an island in Massachusetts and while I've never been a lay-on-the-beach-and-fry type of person, I do adore ocean strolls, the smell and sound of crashing waves, beach glass, and of course ocean-related food.   I do not like the smell of low tide.

8. Fresh Tomatoes.  It's been a couple of years since I had my container garden on the back deck.  I'm planning a smaller scale one this year, with things I know grow well.. definitely tomatoes and basil. 

9. Dragonflies.  I'm fascinated by these delicate creatures.  It's good luck when they land on you, right?

 
10. Autumn in New England.  There's nothing quite like it... nothing at all.

Ten On Tuesday: Extra Light

I haven't played along with the Ten on Tuesday folks for awhile, but today seemed like a good day to chime in.  Besides, this blog could use a fluffy little fun post today.

Today's topic is 10 Things I Will Do During That Extra Hour of Light at the End of the Day...

1. Take more pictures.  I'm always taking pictures, but having longer hours of natural light makes for better shots.

2. Watch the snow melt.  Of course, this also means watch everything become covered in mud... ugh

3. Start spring cleaning the house.  Extra light means we can see the dust and tumbleweeds dog hair more.

4. Get the dogs outside to play more.  Despite our neighborhood's lack of sidewalks, I think this might be the year we start trying to go for actual walks.

5. Make plans for this year's container garden.  I haven't done one the past 2 years, and I really miss the fresh tomatoes and basil. Now to figure out what else will work best in medium - large size containers on a deck (hint: leave tips in the comments please). I've tried string beans, cucumbers, peppers, etc. in the past with not a whole lot of success.

6. Start getting things ready for race season, which will be here before we know it.  I'm hoping to find a couple of businesses to add to our awesome sponsor family this year, so if you've got any type of business that could benefit from some really fun and unique advertising (with your name/logo in front of thousands of folks all year long), get in touch! 

7. Knit more. Longer hours of daylight certainly inspire me to do more than just plop down on the couch once I get home from work.

8. Enjoy time sitting outside on the deck.  We have a nice back porch/deck and patio set that needs to be used more often (once it's a bit warmer, of course).  The dogs absolutely love lounging out there... the humans really should take a cue.  It's a great place to sit and knit, or read a book, or drink wine. Maybe this summer we'll even enjoy a few dinners out there. 

9. Catch up with friends for afternoon coffee (working part time gives me a little more flexibility). 

10. Now that I've gotten my Cricket loom warped, it's time to finish watching my Craftsy class and start weaving! 

Ten On Tuesday: 10 Patterns You Could Knit Again... and Again

I haven't played along with Ten on Tuesday in quite awhile, but I thought today's topic was a fun one: 10 Patterns You Could Knit Again... and Again, and Again.  In no particular order, here we go...

1. Airy Summer Infinity Scarf - This was a recent finished object that I adore... just the right size to wear as is, or wrapped and it makes a great nearly-all-weather accessory.  (And it doesn't hurt that my baby boy looks stunning modeling it)

2. Snow Cowl - I whipped up one of these for a friend's birthday earlier this year.  Totally an instant gratification project!

3. Cable Footsies - When it comes to regular socks, I tend to lean towards simple patterns, especially because I may have a pair of socks on the needles for a year or more (I work on them in between many other projects and never tend to put them first).  But when it comes to a more quick-knit sock, I love this cute cabled pattern.  Using worsted weight yarn, they  knit up fairly quick and make the most comfortable pair of house socks, perfect for New England fall-winter weather!

4. Misti Chunky Ribs & Ruffles Scarf - I have knit several of these already and will knit more.  Because it uses chunky yarn, it's a fairly quick knit scarf, perfect for gifting. 

5. Ribbons - When it comes to baby items, I love finding un-typical patterns and Susan B. Anderson's "Itty-Bitty Hats" book is great for those special hats.  I had so much fun making this one for a favorite little girl, especially when it came time to pick out the ribbons.

6. The Amanda Hat - A functional, yet un-boring winter hat.  Knit it up in super soft malabrigo and your friends will be happy to wear it all winter long.  

7. Magic Slippers - It's been awhile since I've knit a pair, but these cute envelope-like baby slippers are a great use for sock yarn leftovers.

8. Cross-Stitch Scarf - This is another scarf I've knit and gifted several times already.  I love the dense woven-like fabric created by the simple pattern. 

9. Gift Card-igans - Because sometimes a gift card truly is the perfect gift... and these little numbers really dress 'em up! After the recipient has opened her gift card, she can use this pretty little pouch as a business card holder or even as a small wallet.  Plus, it's another great left-over yarn pile buster!

10. Clapotis - I've only knit it once thus far, and that was 6 years ago.  But... I have some yarn stashed that is destined to be another (and another, and another).  I took mine on our Alaska cruise last summer and it made a perfect scrunchy neck warmer to have on hand.

10 Words

It's been awhile since I've done a Ten on Tuesday, and since I'm still playing catch up over here (and having my laptop die on Friday afternoon hasn't helped), I figured it was a good day to play.  Today's topic is 10 Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview (with clear instructions of words only - no elaboration).  This is also a very relevant topic for me right now, as I continue to search for a new gig. 

What to NEVER say in an interview... as seen in Alaska

1. Organized

2. Creative

3. Independent

4. Honest

5. Determined

6. Competent

7.  Innovative

8. Efficient

9. Persistent

10. Responsible

Is the Weekend Really Over?

Is the weekend really over?  Sure, it was a long one, but where did it run away to so fast?  Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is: 10 Things I Did This Weekend.  Let's see...

1. Spent quality time with the man and the Lapdogs.

2. Cursed mother nature and the never ending week full of rain.

3. Took in the members only preview of Aussie Adventure at Stone Zoo... in the rain!


 

4. Made a really delish, simple pork and rice dinner. I had zero desire to cook on the stove top, so it all went in to one of my Rachael Ray casseroles and that was that.... or rather, that was yum-o!

 

5. Knit on my Duckies.

6. Spent a very rainy Sunday watching a lot of racing... F1, Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600.

 

7. Took a nap (or two) during the Coca Cola 600...

8. Stuffed the dogs' kongs with peanut butter and treats. 

 

9. Caught up with some shows on the DVR.

10. Closed out the weekend with a fabulous cook out at my parents house on the Island (aka Gloucester, MA).  Delish food, great company... and I got to see our former foster baby Rosie!

Ten on Tuesday: Silly Question

I had planned to do a doggy yum-yum review today to correspond with Tasty Tuesday... that is, until I saw the topic for today's Ten on Tuesday: 10 Reasons Why You Knit.  Of course I had to bite on this one (doggy's stay tuned... the Lapdogs will be sharing at least one yummy review this week).

1. I enjoy it.  Why else would one do something over and over again, with occasional swearing and throwing of needles involved?

2. Hand-knits make amazing gifts.  Although I don't knit for just anyone... over the years, I've learned my time is best spent on those who truly appreciate handmade.  Recipients get bonus points when they actually ask for something hand-knit. 

3. I love hand-knits (or handmade anything, for that matter).  Of course, this means I'm sometimes guilty of knitting too much for me and not enough for others.  Does that make me selfish?

4. Knitting keeps my hands and mind busy.  Complicated stitch patterns challenge the brain, and busy hands stay out of the candy dish.

5. I always have something to do while passing the time.  Long car rides, lunch breaks, on airplanes, at the race track, pretty much waiting anywhere.... and in July, I'm sure I'll be caught stitching on a cruise ship in Alaska!

6. The knitting community is a wonderful one.  I've met so many great friends, both near and far, through knitting.  Whether I met you at a knit night, yarn show, class, Ravelry or through the blog world, our love of the craft is what brought us together.

7. There's always something new.  Sure, everything comes down to knits and purls, but there are endless combinations through millions of patterns out there.  While I tend to return to some favorite basic patterns over and over again, I know I can always find something new to challenge me.

8. If I didn't knit, it would be really hard to explain my over abundant yarn stash.

9. Knitting is stress relief.  No, I'm not talking about the hard-as-heck-to-keep-your-place lace chart projects, but the repetitiveness of endless stockinette hats or sock ribbing sure does calm the soul.

10. So I don't kill people.  This one is a favorite quote of mine and kind of goes along with #9 above.  I proudly wear the quote on a favorite t-shirt.

Ten on Tuesday: May

Are you as ready as I am to say so long to April?  The month was full of unexpected expenses, unforgettable tragedy and some really long, tiring days.  Here's to May... and how appropriate, today's Ten on Tuesday topic is 10 Things You're Looking Forward to in May.  Okay, I'll play...

1. Finding some time with my knitting needles.  I have a few special baby gifts that need to be completed soon!

2. Starting my design/web training certificate program.  I received the official approval yesterday and now just wait on the school to confirm they have met the minimum enrollment for classes.

3. Finally sitting down with a You Tube video and teaching myself how to warp my Cricket Loom!

4. Enjoying morning coffee on the deck while watching the dogs play.

5. Having no unexpected car repair bills. April was brutal and stole $2,225 from my savings.

6. Spring cleaning and organizing the house.  This may be an ongoing summer-long project...

7. Taking in a Red Sox game.  We haven't been to Fenway for a game in a few years and while it's not my favorite sport, we have a pair of free tickets for a game this month!

8. Enjoying some great days at the race track with our Legends racing family!

9. Rediscovering my Nook and all the books I've downloaded on to it.

10. Watching my Bruins win and advance in the playoffs!  There's nothing like playoff hockey!