More Terrariums

I finally set up the terrarium I found at the local antique store a few months ago.   I think it still needs a plant or two more, defiantly something with some height like a mossy fern.  The moss I have in there now I found in my backyard.  The little fawn has been sitting in my Mom's curio cabinet since I was a little girl, and when I was home last month she gave it to me.  Find the how to in a previous post here.

Spring is in the air

I've been busy the last couple of days with trainings for the new job.  The husband is in San Diego at a conference he goes to every year.  Last year I was able to go with him.  We had and amazing time; we visited the zoo, went to a concert, and played frisbee on the beach for hours.  Most importantly it was during this trip that we got engaged.  For this reason and many others, San Diego will always have a special place in my heart.  I was really sad when I found out that I had training this week and I wouldn't be able to go.  At least the weather has been nice here and with that I was motivated to put out my spring decorations. 

Crocheted these coasters from vintage pattern.  Quick, easy, and I love them.
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Saw these cute little birdies on pinterest and started looking for the pattern.  I used this pattern but altered it a little on the beak and the tail,  made the beak smaller and the tail a little bigger.

I struggled to get a good photo of the entire mantle.  I don't know if I like the giant mirror and don't know what I would do with it if I took it down.

Rug and Done

I finished my rug for the foyer a few days ago and here are the photos.  I am really happy with how it turned out and I would like to make another one for the bedroom.  I used 4 skeins of burly spun 100% wool yarn in oatmeal from Brown Sheep Company.

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Pattern:
Using a size P hook.

Start with 8 chain stitches (ch) and close them to a ring with a slip stitch (sl)

Round 1: ch 1, 15 single crochets(sc) to the ring, 1 sl to close the row

Round 2: ch 6, skip one stitch, *1 double crochet (dc), 3 chs, skip 1 stitch*, repeat *-* 6 times, 1 sl to the 3^rd chs to close the row (=8db)

Round 3:  ch 3, 2dc, 1ch, 3dc into same space, *ch1, into next space 3dc, ch1, 3dc* for entire round, at end of the round ch1 and join with a slst to 3rd chain of original 3ch.

Rounds 4 and 5:  ch3  into the same space, make 2dc, *ch1, 3dc into next space* repeat until end of round and join with a slst into 3rd ch of original 3ch.  Each 1ch space should be filled with 3dc each cluster separated with 1ch.

Round 6:  Just like round 3 but increasing every 2.   Ch 3 into the same space, 2dc, ch1, 3dc, *ch1, into next space 3dc, ch1, into next space 3dc, ch1, 3dc* repeat for the entire round and at end of the round ch1 and join with a slst to 3rd chain of original 3ch.

Rounds 7, 8, and 9:  No increases just repeat round 4 

Round 10:  Increasing again but every 3. 

Rounds 11, 12, and 13: No increases repeat round 4 

Any subsequent rounds repeat sequence of rounds 10, 11, 12, and 13 until it is as big as you want it.

Note: Don't end on an increasing round make sure you follow it with 3 regular rounds.  Increasing rounds are a little misshapen and it takes 3 regular rounds to normalize.

I am not exactly sure how many rounds I did, I stopped when I ran out of yarn. 

Edging:
Ch 3 into the same space, 1 dc, *ch 2, into next space 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, into next space ch 2, 2dc, ch 2, 2 dc* repeat for the entire round then ch 2, 2 dc into the same space as the first st.  Join with a slst and fasten off.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Birthday

Yesterday I celebrated my 28th birthday.  I slept in, received a package of burly spun yarn from my in laws, used the yarn to get started on my rug for the foyer,  ate my favorite dinner marinated lamb and red skin potatoes, drank a bottle of cab, and watched 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, and the Office.  Not my most eventful birthday but just as good as any other.

The pattern is a combination of 2 different  patterns.  I found one that I really liked and started it but couldn't figure out one part of the directions.  I really liked the center so I kept it and  just started doing a granny circle.   The round shape is perfect for in front of the spiral staircase in the foyer.  I will be posting pictures as soon as I finish!

100% wool....Love!

Card from my Mom.   Perfect for me,  I laughed so hard.  Although my husband kind of liked the idea.

Spinach salad with my homemade vinaigrette.

I made the marinade the day before.  Its ever so simple but oh so delicious.  I start by heating EVOO in a pan then add onions, once they are translucent I add garlic, rosemary, and pepper,  let it cool  then add balsamic vinegar. 

Peanut butter rice krispie treat with chocolate and butterscotch on top.

Making Progress

When I was home a couple of weeks ago my Mom taught me how to crochet a granny square. It was her second attempt at teaching me and I was determined to figure it out this time.  After a few successful granny squares  I started this blanket.  I was making it for the dogs, but my husband refused to let me give it to them and suggested I give it to him instead..  I decided to make a giant granny square instead of a bunch of little ones because I thought it might be a little easier and go faster considering this is my first blanket.  Its almost finished.

Over the Weekend

This weekend one of our very dear friends from State College came to visit.  Friday I made lasagna and we played scrabble and listened to music while we got to catch up.  Saturday we woke up early to fresh snow on the ground, ate a big breakfast, then headed to the forest for a hike.  We worked up a ravenous appetite on our 9 mile hike and when we got home we devoured the leftover lasagna.   That night we had been invited to a dinner party with an Indian theme and were to bring our favorite dish.  Our visitor made lamb sagg  and we made chicken makhani; extra spicy.  Each dish was so delicious! I tried everything, maybe a little too much of everything  and as a result my night ended in a food induced coma.  Sunday, feeling recovered we took our friend to our favorite breakfast spot John Williams European Pastry Shop.  I ate two breakfasts; my usual fromwhich, bacon egg and cheese on a croissant then for breakfast dessert I had a belgium waffle and a old fashioned donut.  We went back to the house and vegged on the couch and watched movies then said goodbye to our friend.  What a wonderful weekend!

The Lineup

In 2006 my husband and I went to our very first Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tennessee.  It was an amazing experience which resulted in an annual trip to the Roo in the following years.  This summer will be the 7th trip and our last....  at least for a while.  We have decided to start trying to have a baby after this years Bonnaroo.   Each year we try to out do the last; better campsite, better food, and try to see more bands.  In the weeks leading up to we practice setting up our elaborate campsite in our yard.  Since it is hot as hell in TN that time of year my husband gets out the compass and we position our tent according to the sun.  We also like to eat well when there, last year we dinned on swordfish tacos with my homemade salsa, marinated lamb kabobs, and goat cheese with some other goodness to picnic when in the venue.  Since the festival does not allow glass bottles we have searched high and low for every premium beer that comes in a can,  my favorite is Dales Pale Ale.  We have mastered the art of smuggling those premo beers into Centerroo. Yesterday the gods of Bonnaroo announced this years lineup and just like every year we huddled around the computer to see it.  This year was this first time that we bought our ticket in November before the lineup was announced.  I am so excited for Major Lazar, Skrillex, the Beach Boys, and so many others.  Only 4 more months!!!!

2007

2011

2011

2011

 Bonnaroo.com