Seriously I wrote one post and then I already skipped a day. I guess I am already slacking on my NaBloPoMo goals. Sigh. In all fairness to myself, I did have to work much earlier yesterday as I was substituting for a coworker whose husband was having surgery.
Happy Election Day USA! I have been a horrible citizen. I used to be really involved and able to share educated opinions about the election. I am sorry to say that I did not even vote in the Primary Election this year. After getting a bit of knitting and some housework done this morning I sat down and studied the ballot measures and finally made my decisions. This afternoon as soon as school gets out, with our son and our completed sample ballots in tow, my husband and I will be going to our polling place to cast our votes! I am excited, much more so than my son, to show him what voting is all about in the hope that when his time comes he will take advantage of his right to vote and will consider it an honor and a responsibility the same way I do.
What I'm thankful for today: I am so thankful that I live in a country where the people can elect the leaders in a peaceful, orderly way. I am glad that everyone who is eligible to vote gets a say in the way our country is led.
What I'm watching: Nothing! I was able to watch Vampire Diaries Sunday night as well as Arrow, but we did not get around to watching Chicago Fire. I really am enjoying Arrow, which is on the CW, I am always a bit hesitant to get involved watching new series shows because I hate it when I just get to where I know the characters a bit more and the network cancels it. Tonight I will be channel surfing the major cable news carriers to get the latest news in election returns.
What I'm knitting: Yesterday, I knit a few rows on my "Commuter Scarf". This is a scarf project that lives in my car. In fact, the only place I allow myself to knit on it is inside my car. I love going places, but I am not as crazy about driving there. More often than not, my husband drives me and I have time for knitting even if it is just a short trip to the supermarket. I pulled out some fingering weight yarn and some of my older size 10 circular needles, placed them in a project bag, and taped the instructions to the One Row Lace Scarf to the passenger side dash board. Now I can knit on the go without having to plan a project to take with me every time I leave the house.
I also bound off my second Meret Beret. I made this one for my niece, Kylie, for Christmas. I made the brim in he small size and did the number of repeats to make it a medium. This project is made with Simply Soft Yarn by Caron's, which is awesome because it really is soft, especially after it is washed once plus it is machine washable.
Finally, Yesterday I cast on for a third Meret Beret out of the same yarn for Cassie. I am making hers in the medium size but adding rows for slouchiness. This morning I was able to complete one repeat of the main body chart. Not sure if I will get a chance to knit anymore today.
Now. GO VOTE!
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Sunday, November 04, 2012
There is No App for That (NaBloPoMo)
I admit that I am a bit behind the eight ball. I hardly ever catch onto trends until they are well established. Such is the case now. I became aware of a web challenge in which participants write daily updates to their personal blogs. NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) 2012 began November 1, and I did not even know about it until the 3rd. Such is my life, I suppose. The idea is a spin off idea based on the Annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in which participants challenge themselves to write an entire cohesive novel from beginning to end in the month November.
I decided that I could give it a try!
I realize that I am a bit late to the party but I would like to try to write just a bit every day and see what this blog looks like after I post for a month. Since I hardly use my computer for anything anymore, I started searching the Apple App Store for apps to blog from my iPad. I was really disappointed when I found that the only app that Blogger has is for the iPhone. As a general rule I try to stay away from the apps that are made for iPhone because they are usually clunky and no not take advantage of the awesomeness that is the iPad. After that, I tried just using Safari to work on the blog. I was able to use it with in a limited fashion. I could do just about everything except post to the blog. (Head Desk) I really hope that the developers at Blogger are working on a way to blog directly from the iPad with all the functionality that the web version has. Until then, if it is your desire to freely blog from iPad using Blogger...There is No App for That!
What I'm thankful for Today: I am thankful that my family has fulfilled our yearly 40 volunteer hours required for our son's school. Any other time we put in from now until the end of the school year is completely at our discretion. It feels good to have that weight lifted from us.
What I'm Watching: After the boy goes to bed, we will watch The latest episodes of Vampire Diaries, Arrow, and maybe Chicago Fire. I have not had a chance to catch up on any podcasts this weekend, and nothing on Netflix except a few kids shows, which I tuned out with a glazed look in my eye.
What I'm Knitting: I knit one repeat of my Thorn Scarf. I like the pattern, it is really easy and looks great. But I detest the yarn. Really. It is itchy and it sheds horribly. I even used the suggested yarn. I took this project on as a test knit and it was supposed to be complete by October 20th. I am over halfway done, but I don't know if I should give it as a gift to my sister-in-law. I wonder if she would be insulted that I gave her a beautiful yet terribly itchy scarf. I only commit myself to knitting one repeat or 8 rows a day until it is complete.
I will be posting later in the evening tomorrow night. I am substituting in the kindergarten class and then I run my after school program. Have a blessed day!
~Stacy
I realize that I am a bit late to the party but I would like to try to write just a bit every day and see what this blog looks like after I post for a month. Since I hardly use my computer for anything anymore, I started searching the Apple App Store for apps to blog from my iPad. I was really disappointed when I found that the only app that Blogger has is for the iPhone. As a general rule I try to stay away from the apps that are made for iPhone because they are usually clunky and no not take advantage of the awesomeness that is the iPad. After that, I tried just using Safari to work on the blog. I was able to use it with in a limited fashion. I could do just about everything except post to the blog. (Head Desk) I really hope that the developers at Blogger are working on a way to blog directly from the iPad with all the functionality that the web version has. Until then, if it is your desire to freely blog from iPad using Blogger...There is No App for That!
What I'm thankful for Today: I am thankful that my family has fulfilled our yearly 40 volunteer hours required for our son's school. Any other time we put in from now until the end of the school year is completely at our discretion. It feels good to have that weight lifted from us.
What I'm Watching: After the boy goes to bed, we will watch The latest episodes of Vampire Diaries, Arrow, and maybe Chicago Fire. I have not had a chance to catch up on any podcasts this weekend, and nothing on Netflix except a few kids shows, which I tuned out with a glazed look in my eye.
What I'm Knitting: I knit one repeat of my Thorn Scarf. I like the pattern, it is really easy and looks great. But I detest the yarn. Really. It is itchy and it sheds horribly. I even used the suggested yarn. I took this project on as a test knit and it was supposed to be complete by October 20th. I am over halfway done, but I don't know if I should give it as a gift to my sister-in-law. I wonder if she would be insulted that I gave her a beautiful yet terribly itchy scarf. I only commit myself to knitting one repeat or 8 rows a day until it is complete.
I will be posting later in the evening tomorrow night. I am substituting in the kindergarten class and then I run my after school program. Have a blessed day!
~Stacy
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog Giveaway: Mia Rinde Designs on Sandrasingh.com
If you like to knit beautiful lace shawls, this giveaway is for you! Talented Lace designer Mia Rinde has teamed up with Sandrasingh.com to bring you a chance to win some amazing prizes!
There will be 3 Winners and the prizes are the Mimicry Mimosa PDF pattern and 1 skein of Malabrigo Lace, the Pasque Flower PDF pattern and the Bring Me Flowers PDF pattern.
Winners will be announced September 28, 2012.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Frequent Trips to Home Stores
I hate home improvement! Let me reiterate that: I HATE home improvement. Ok, so hate may be a strong word. I enjoy the results of working on my house and the sense of accomplishment when a project is finished, but I do not like the process or the chaos that goes along with home improvement.
We rent our home from a family member and they are replacing the carpeting with a laminate flooring product. Before we have the floors done, we wanted to paint the walls and get a new look. Over the last year (because we are lazy and procrastinated) we have painted every other room except our master bedroom. We finally could not put it off any longer and started painting last Saturday. We blew up an air mattress and have been sleeping in the living room all week because our room looks like the Tazmanian Devil made a quick stop in there. Now the room is painted, we have to put it all back together as well as paint all of the baseboards, interior doors, door jams and window sills. I swear if I never see another paintbrush, blue painters tape or a roller again, it will a day too soon.
The good news is that we have a time frame now. The flooring product was ordered Friday and it will take 2 weeks approximately to arrive. We will have it delivered immediately, and then the installer can begin work in our house soon after. We will be "moving" to my husband's parent's house for a week during installation. So it seems like we will be getting the floors installed in about three weeks. I will be so pleased with the end result, but I can't wait for it to be over so we can get on with our lives and get back to normal.
Needless to say, I have not been remotely interested in knitting for a couple weeks. I went to knitting group last week and didn't bring anything to knit. I also am behind in reading for my 2011 challenges as well. I have been reading updates on my fan fiction stories here and there, but I need to sneak out with my Nook and head to a quiet place and just read in peace for a few hours soon. I am craving the solitude.
We rent our home from a family member and they are replacing the carpeting with a laminate flooring product. Before we have the floors done, we wanted to paint the walls and get a new look. Over the last year (because we are lazy and procrastinated) we have painted every other room except our master bedroom. We finally could not put it off any longer and started painting last Saturday. We blew up an air mattress and have been sleeping in the living room all week because our room looks like the Tazmanian Devil made a quick stop in there. Now the room is painted, we have to put it all back together as well as paint all of the baseboards, interior doors, door jams and window sills. I swear if I never see another paintbrush, blue painters tape or a roller again, it will a day too soon.
The good news is that we have a time frame now. The flooring product was ordered Friday and it will take 2 weeks approximately to arrive. We will have it delivered immediately, and then the installer can begin work in our house soon after. We will be "moving" to my husband's parent's house for a week during installation. So it seems like we will be getting the floors installed in about three weeks. I will be so pleased with the end result, but I can't wait for it to be over so we can get on with our lives and get back to normal.
Needless to say, I have not been remotely interested in knitting for a couple weeks. I went to knitting group last week and didn't bring anything to knit. I also am behind in reading for my 2011 challenges as well. I have been reading updates on my fan fiction stories here and there, but I need to sneak out with my Nook and head to a quiet place and just read in peace for a few hours soon. I am craving the solitude.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Lessons Learned
I had a case of the past coming back to bite me this past week. Let me take you back 18 months ago when a new member came to join my knitting group. She was expecting her second child and she was around my age. She found our knitting group through Ravelry and I really liked her. She had not read the book Twilight yet so I lent her my copy. Shortly after she delivered her son and never came back to knitting group. She still had my book.
I know what it is like to be a new mommy. It can be overwhelming and crazy and wonderful, all at the same time. I only have one child, I could not imagine having another child to take care of along with an infant (my son is destined to be an only child). Intellectually I knew that the young lady had more important things to think about than our knitting group or returning a book but I was still frustrated that she didn't try to get it back to me.
I sent her a couple messages over Ravelry trying to get it back, but by September of this past year I was done. I don't know if I was having a really bad day or something but I sent her a scathing message over Ravelry in which I called her integrity into question, indicated that she had no conscious, and concluded by telling her to have a nice life. I then bought a replacement copy and promptly forgot about the whole issue.
Imagine my surprise when I got an email this past week from the lady. I think in my mind I wrote the last email in order to wash my hands of the whole matter, but I only succeeded in making her feel horrible and I felt so guilty for saying the words I said. She was going to give me the book back, pay the cost to reimburse me for it, and then give me a gift card in an effort to mend fences. While she was definitely in the wrong to borrow and not return my property for over a year, she did not deserve my mean spirited email. I was humbled that she was brave enough to try to make the situation right. In the end, by some strange twist of fate, she lives within walking distance of my house, just around the corner. I told her that she could keep the book (which she happily agreed to as a reminder not to put things off) and I accepted a check to cover the cost of the book. I tried to decline the gift card, but she wouldn't have it. I definitely came out better in this situation but I think we both walked away with a some lessons learned.
Like she told me, she learned that she needed not to put things off. But I think I also learned some things. I learned that I need to be careful in my online communication. If I had walked up to this girl on the street, I would never, ever, EVER say the things I said in that message to her. Partly because I am not that brave, but also because I could never be rude like that to someones face. The lesson I took away was that if I cannot say what I am saying online directly to someone's face, I have no business putting it in writing. I also learned that I can and should let some things go. When I think back to the unkind words I used to this sweet girl, I almost feel sick. That vicious girl who wrote them is not me. I almost let someone thing I hate them over a stupid paperback book that cost less than a dinner entree. But isn't life too short to worry over the little things? I think it.
My life has changed so much since I picked up that original copy of Twilight. I learned about true love, even if it was only fantasy. But maybe the lessons I learned over this copy of Twilight were more valuable than anything the book contained.
Edward and Bella(and Stephenie Meyer,too) changing lives and mending fences since 2005.
I know what it is like to be a new mommy. It can be overwhelming and crazy and wonderful, all at the same time. I only have one child, I could not imagine having another child to take care of along with an infant (my son is destined to be an only child). Intellectually I knew that the young lady had more important things to think about than our knitting group or returning a book but I was still frustrated that she didn't try to get it back to me.
I sent her a couple messages over Ravelry trying to get it back, but by September of this past year I was done. I don't know if I was having a really bad day or something but I sent her a scathing message over Ravelry in which I called her integrity into question, indicated that she had no conscious, and concluded by telling her to have a nice life. I then bought a replacement copy and promptly forgot about the whole issue.
Imagine my surprise when I got an email this past week from the lady. I think in my mind I wrote the last email in order to wash my hands of the whole matter, but I only succeeded in making her feel horrible and I felt so guilty for saying the words I said. She was going to give me the book back, pay the cost to reimburse me for it, and then give me a gift card in an effort to mend fences. While she was definitely in the wrong to borrow and not return my property for over a year, she did not deserve my mean spirited email. I was humbled that she was brave enough to try to make the situation right. In the end, by some strange twist of fate, she lives within walking distance of my house, just around the corner. I told her that she could keep the book (which she happily agreed to as a reminder not to put things off) and I accepted a check to cover the cost of the book. I tried to decline the gift card, but she wouldn't have it. I definitely came out better in this situation but I think we both walked away with a some lessons learned.
Like she told me, she learned that she needed not to put things off. But I think I also learned some things. I learned that I need to be careful in my online communication. If I had walked up to this girl on the street, I would never, ever, EVER say the things I said in that message to her. Partly because I am not that brave, but also because I could never be rude like that to someones face. The lesson I took away was that if I cannot say what I am saying online directly to someone's face, I have no business putting it in writing. I also learned that I can and should let some things go. When I think back to the unkind words I used to this sweet girl, I almost feel sick. That vicious girl who wrote them is not me. I almost let someone thing I hate them over a stupid paperback book that cost less than a dinner entree. But isn't life too short to worry over the little things? I think it.
My life has changed so much since I picked up that original copy of Twilight. I learned about true love, even if it was only fantasy. But maybe the lessons I learned over this copy of Twilight were more valuable than anything the book contained.
Edward and Bella(and Stephenie Meyer,too) changing lives and mending fences since 2005.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Wednesday's Contests
Fabric & Notions Young By Design is hosting their first ever contest.
You could win:
1. Five one yard cuts of assorted fabrics
2. Six one-half yard cuts of assorted fabrics
3. Package of 40 basting pins
4. Set of Bohin Patchwork and Quilting Needles (for handwork)
5. Set of Bohin Machine Needles (size 75 and 90 or 11 and 14)
6. Two glitter pens for paper or fabric
Visit their blog and enter for your chance to win!
You could win:
1. Five one yard cuts of assorted fabrics
2. Six one-half yard cuts of assorted fabrics
3. Package of 40 basting pins
4. Set of Bohin Patchwork and Quilting Needles (for handwork)
5. Set of Bohin Machine Needles (size 75 and 90 or 11 and 14)
6. Two glitter pens for paper or fabric
Visit their blog and enter for your chance to win!
New Goals for the New Year
The year 2010 is behind and with the New Year, I am re evaluating some goals and making new ones for 2011.
1) Every year I set out with the goal of losing weight, but after re-injuring my foot, my plans for a fitness program are on hold. I am hoping to establish and start a program in the first two weeks of the new year.
2) This Year Browncoat and I plan to sell handmade items at various local craft fairs. In addition I have an Etsy Store to sell my handknit items. I would like to spend time growing my inventory with diverse items and work toward doubling my sales in the holiday season.
3) A goal I am really excited about is to read more...and not just fan fiction. I read a ton of fan fiction on a daily basis, but I cannot tell you the last time I read an actual published novel. As a challenge to myself, I plan to read all published works by Jane Austen in 2011 on my Nook, as part of the 2011 E-book Reading Challenge.
I am joining the challenge on the "Fascinated" level, which means that I intend to read 6 books using my E-book Reader in 2011. I could definitely read more that 6 books in one year, but I will be a bit slower reading Jane Austen's books, since they take place in a different time in history and are written using language that is not familiar to me. To join the 2011 E-book Reading Challenge, click here.
Here is my reading list for the 2011 E-book Reading Challenge (in order I intend to read them):
1) Sense and Sensibility
2) Pride and Prejudice
3) Emma
4) Persuasion
5) Northanger Abbey
6) Mansfield Park
In collaboration with the above reading challenge, I am also joining this challenge:
Browncoat and I are going to do this together. I think we will probably watch the movies that are out there that go with the books as we finish them. That sounds like fun.
1) Every year I set out with the goal of losing weight, but after re-injuring my foot, my plans for a fitness program are on hold. I am hoping to establish and start a program in the first two weeks of the new year.
2) This Year Browncoat and I plan to sell handmade items at various local craft fairs. In addition I have an Etsy Store to sell my handknit items. I would like to spend time growing my inventory with diverse items and work toward doubling my sales in the holiday season.
3) A goal I am really excited about is to read more...and not just fan fiction. I read a ton of fan fiction on a daily basis, but I cannot tell you the last time I read an actual published novel. As a challenge to myself, I plan to read all published works by Jane Austen in 2011 on my Nook, as part of the 2011 E-book Reading Challenge.
Here is my reading list for the 2011 E-book Reading Challenge (in order I intend to read them):
1) Sense and Sensibility
2) Pride and Prejudice
3) Emma
4) Persuasion
5) Northanger Abbey
6) Mansfield Park
In collaboration with the above reading challenge, I am also joining this challenge:
Browncoat and I are going to do this together. I think we will probably watch the movies that are out there that go with the books as we finish them. That sounds like fun.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday's Giveaways
Soft Lips GiveawayDo you have dry lips? I get really dry lips and I need good lip balm to heal it. Enter to win Softlips Organic Lip Conditioner from Mommies With Cents Blog. Contest ends March 26.
Flip Video Camera I have seen these but never tried it. I really want a video camera so I can Vlog or post clips to YouTube. Enter to win a free Flip Video Camera from To Think Is To Create Blog. Contest ends March 27th.
Relish Meal Planning Subscription What a godsend this service could be to busy families! Weekly menu suggestions with mouth watering recipes make menu planning a breeze! Enter to win 1 year subscription from Mama's Money Savers blog. Contest Ends April 6th.
Glade Sense and Spray If you like to have a nice fresh smelling home, you need a Glade Sense and Spray! Enter to win one at A Simple Kinda Life Blog. Contest ends April 7th.
Pizza Hut $20 Gift Certificate Use this coupon to try one of those delicious looking Tuscan Pasta Dishes from Pizza Hut. Lasagna, Mac and Cheese, Alfredo and more...Pizza Hut is more than just Pizza! Enter to win a $20 gift certificate from Mama's Money Savers blog. Contest Ends April 7th.
Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag Where were these when Sean was an infant?!? I love that these sleeping bags from Keen Distribution zip onto the child and keep them warm all night. Enter to win 1 Grobag Sleeping Bag from Two of a Kind Working on a Full House blog. Contest Ends April 10th.
Windex Outdoor All-in-one Window Cleaner Just in time for spring cleaning, this kit by Windex takes the hastle out of window cleaning. Enter to win the Windex Outdoor All-in-One Window Cleaner from Two of a Kind Working on a Full House blog. Contest Ends April 10th.
Farmstead Organics Giveaway I love to give gift baskets for gifts and organic soaps and other body care products from Farmstead Organics would make a great addition to a basket Enter to win $50 dollars in assorted products from Farmstead Organics at Two of a Kind Working on a Full House blog. Contest ends April 13th.
Flip Video Camera I have seen these but never tried it. I really want a video camera so I can Vlog or post clips to YouTube. Enter to win a free Flip Video Camera from To Think Is To Create Blog. Contest ends March 27th.
Relish Meal Planning Subscription What a godsend this service could be to busy families! Weekly menu suggestions with mouth watering recipes make menu planning a breeze! Enter to win 1 year subscription from Mama's Money Savers blog. Contest Ends April 6th.
Glade Sense and Spray If you like to have a nice fresh smelling home, you need a Glade Sense and Spray! Enter to win one at A Simple Kinda Life Blog. Contest ends April 7th.
Pizza Hut $20 Gift Certificate Use this coupon to try one of those delicious looking Tuscan Pasta Dishes from Pizza Hut. Lasagna, Mac and Cheese, Alfredo and more...Pizza Hut is more than just Pizza! Enter to win a $20 gift certificate from Mama's Money Savers blog. Contest Ends April 7th.
Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag Where were these when Sean was an infant?!? I love that these sleeping bags from Keen Distribution zip onto the child and keep them warm all night. Enter to win 1 Grobag Sleeping Bag from Two of a Kind Working on a Full House blog. Contest Ends April 10th.
Windex Outdoor All-in-one Window Cleaner Just in time for spring cleaning, this kit by Windex takes the hastle out of window cleaning. Enter to win the Windex Outdoor All-in-One Window Cleaner from Two of a Kind Working on a Full House blog. Contest Ends April 10th.
Farmstead Organics Giveaway I love to give gift baskets for gifts and organic soaps and other body care products from Farmstead Organics would make a great addition to a basket Enter to win $50 dollars in assorted products from Farmstead Organics at Two of a Kind Working on a Full House blog. Contest ends April 13th.
Tuthillo Giveaway
Think tooth and pillow and you get Tuthillo, an amazing idea for parents and kids when the tooth fairy makes her visit. Check out Mamas Money Savers Blog to enter to win this contest. This contest end today!
Stork Snapshots Giveaway
Although Stork Snapshots is a maternity ultrasound and day spa, they also sell unique baby items. Enter this giveaway from A Simple Kinda Life to win a $15.00 gift certificate!
Honey Kicks Giveaway
Enter to win a Honey Kicks breakfast kit! You could win:
* a coupon for a box of the Honey Kix
* a honey jar
* a set of cereal bowls
* a container to take your cereal and milk on-the-go
* and a great container to keep cereal fresh at home
Go to Tea and Thee Blog Now! Contest ends March 29th.
* a coupon for a box of the Honey Kix
* a honey jar
* a set of cereal bowls
* a container to take your cereal and milk on-the-go
* and a great container to keep cereal fresh at home
Go to Tea and Thee Blog Now! Contest ends March 29th.
The Spunky Monkey Baby Accessories Giveaway!
Although Sean is getting older, we still want one more child someday so these great accessories from The Spunky Monkey are perfect! Enter this contest to win 3 unique items from their collection. Go to Two of a Kind working on a Full House blog to enter. Contest ends March 30th.
"Otto Goes Down" Giveaway!
We are trying to add quality children's books to Sean's library and this book is adorable. Visit the website for Otto Goes Down to find out about the story and the author! Enter the contest at Two of a Kind Working on a Full House Blog! Contest ends April 2nd.
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