Stuffed Animal Net/Hammock - FREE PATTERN!

CLICK HERE

to download my free pattern for a Stuffed Animal Net/Hammock!

Longies with Driving Cap and Bowtie Set

I'm so proud of this adorable little set!  It's just so stinkin' cute!  I can't wait to see it on my friend's little guy!  If you would like a set for your own little one or to gift to an expecting mother, please send me a message!  I'd be happy to make one for you too!

National Craft Month

Celebrate National Craft Month with us by sharing a picture of your current project on our Facebook page HERE!  Happy National Craft Month!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Lemony Chickpea Stir Fry

This year I set a goal of living a healthier lifestyle and providing one for my family as well. Although I've not really defined what that means, I am trying to be more conscientious of our overall diet and exercise, in particularly mine. While I'll never be able to get my family of 5 to adhere to a strict vegan, veggie, or paleo diet, I do want to try to provide healthier, more organic meals for us. Each year we plant a fairly decent sized garden so this will help on the grocery budget as well. I would like to complete my first 5K race this year. I've also been toying with the idea of a backyard chicken coop for well over a year now. I do not intend for this blog to turn into a food/recipe one, but I will occasionally share on this topic as well.

I was trying to come up with some sort of rating system for these recipes. I think for now I'll go with a five star system and will award one star for each of my family members, including myself, that was willing to eat a fair portion. Let me add that a 3/5 star rating will actually be the norm on these as my youngest two (ages 3 & 5) are a lot more finicky eaters than my 12 year old and husband.

Let's get started...

Lemony Chickpea Stir Fry - 3/5

 

You can find the recipe here.  This recipe alone contains 3 ingredients that I've never cooked with before in my life; chickpeas, kale, and tofu.  I tweaked the recipe a little bit, I used regular salt and instead of lemon juice I used balsamic vinaigrette.  Next time I make it (yes, I said NEXT TIME), I might try adding some yellow squash or red peppers too.  It was definitely a different taste than we're used to however I really liked how much better I felt afterwards.  I didn't feel sluggish or overly bloated and I wasn't hungry again later in the evening.  As you can see, this recipe received a 3/5 star rating...my younger two wouldn't even go near it.  I accept responsibility for that and I'm hoping after many attempts at providing healthier choices, their palettes will begin to change.

 

Good eating...

My Crochet Items

I enjoy crafting. The main purpose of this blog is to share my creations with you. Most of it will be crochet items but I will throw in some random items here and there. If you see something you like or if you would like to put my creativity to the test feel free to email me or visit my facebook page HERE!

Below are a few examples of my work:

 

 

Soldier's Guardian Pocket Angel Pattern

I am part of the Letter Writing Team (LTW) with Soldier's Angels. Since beginning this journey I've wanted to include something meaningful in the letters but needed to come up with something that was also small and easy to include in the envelopes. After some brainstorming I came up with the following; a compilation of the idea behind a prayer shawl and the idea behind the popular guardian angel pins.

I found an angel pattern online (I can't remember where now or I'd link back to it) and after some modifications I came up with this crochet pattern for a small 'guardian angel' -- one that can be easily tucked away in a pocket, hat, or boot, etc. As I make each angel, I pray for the soldier that will be receiving that particular one. As you can see below, I attach it to a "Thank You" card.

Here is the card with the angel attached:

Here is the pattern:

Soldier's Guardian Angel

Materials:
Small amount crochet cotton (any small size)
Appropriate size hook for cotton - I use a size E crochet hook

Head:
Ch 4, join with sl st in 1st ch to form ring, ch 1, 8 sc in ring, join with sl st in 1st sc

1st wing:
Ch 2, hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc, sl st all in the same st, sl st in the next st

Dress:
Ch 4, 3 tr crochet, ch 4, sl st all in the same st, sl st in the next st
2nd wing:
Ch 2, hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc, sl st all in the same st , fasten off

Weave in ends.