InstaFriday

Happy Friday! Better late than never, right? After this week I am happy to have a weekend to relax. Here are some highlights from last week:

1. We went to the St. Patrick's Day parade last weeknd. It was lots of fun, so much fun I had to have a 2 hour nap in the afternoon after all the bead catching.

2. B has been trying new smoothie recipes this week. The best was chocolate pb banana!

3. I have a good friend who is moving north for school. I made her one of my scarves as a going away gift!

4. I made gluten free double banana oat muffins this week. I shall share the recipe on Monday so come back!

Have a great weekend! Hopefully mine will be filled with yoga, naps, and relaxation. Everything a weekend should be filled with.

 

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InstaFriday

Happy Friday! Today is an extra special Friday! It's the last day of class! We survived another semester. After I submit grades for my classes later today I only have my 2 finals left!

With our travels last week I did not get to post on Friday... meaning some of these photos are 2 weeks old!

1. I finally got around to getting a haircut. I had to try a new stylist who did an excellent job and curled my hair. I was all dressed up with no where to go...

2. So I went shopping! Okay, most of those are groceries but it was a busy day!

3. I am obsessed with my Christmas wrap this year. I am using up my paper grocery bags by using them as brown wrapping paper. I ordered baker's twine and custom made the tags with stamps.

4. On our trip to Illinois I made this herringbone cowl. It turned out beautiful but is a little to thick to wear in Louisiana.

5. Elevator selfie with B at the Omni in downtown St. Louis! We loved this hotel!

6. Starbucks invited me to a challenge. You know I am always up for a challenge. Collect 25 stars before Christmas and get 30 free stars! Heck yes! 

7. I received this special photo which is the real reason the Riders won the Grey Cup. Welcome to Rider Nation! You will enjoy cheering for a winning team!

8. We celebrated my successful thesis defense with this wine as recommended by Robert Parker. It was delish!

Have a great weekend! I will be studying & baking Christmas cookies!

knit one, purl one

I always having a knitting project on the go. When I am bored (or don't want to do school work) I can just pick up where I left off. I saw this sweater shirt on Pinterest and had to share it! Seed stitch is so simple and it's a square... this would be so simple to make!

Anyone have a pattern for this beautiful peice? Maybe I could figure it out without one.

 

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obsessed with: knitting

Since I do not have much going on at school yet, I spent my long weekend working on a knitting project I have been neglecting for years: cream colored Christmas stockings. I love how therapeutic knitting can be... and secretly it is a good diet strategy since I cannot snack and knit at the same time. After this project I complete I have a couple other projects on my radar:

toque - cowl - loafers

I am obsessed with all three. I don't know if I will ever get to make any of these since school will be filling my free time by next week. Maybe at Christmas...

InstaFriday

We're home! After a fun vacation we are back to reality... class, meetings, teaching. Here's a recap of our week in Orlando via InstaGram:

1. We made it! I dropped B off every day but did not go to any of the theme parks. It was nice to see a different side of Orlando. 2. We loved the Omni at Championsgate. The hotel was amazing and only 15 minutes from most Disney parks. I highly recommend it... and with the summer promotion is was only $95/ night! 3. I was so excited for the Lululemon outlet... but it was very picked over. Instead I went to a regular store and shopped till I dropped. More about that next week! 4. We found a cute little bistro by our hotel called Paris Express. We expected Americanized french food. Instead we got an authentic french meal. Yum!

5. The Whole Foods in Orlando has a fresh juice bar. My green juice that was made of kale, spinach, broccoli, and pineapple was amazing. I cannot wait to recreate it at home. 6. At Downtown Disney I enjoyed a yummy drink that was 1/2 sangria & 1/2 margarita. It was exactly what I needed... something to quench my thirst. 7. At Downtown Disney we also went to Babycakes! I had the blondie with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. It was refined sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan and kosher. I have no clue what was in it, but I loved every crumb! 8. I was due for some new shoes from the Nike outlet. I did not end up buying any of the shoes in the photo... I got these ones instead.

 9. This dress is the best for traveling. It does not show wrinkles even after it has been in the bottom of a suitcase for 2 weeks, it is light for humid southern nights, and it appropriate for almost all restaurants. 10. Last night in Orlando = amazing mini golf. 11. Then we got home in time to watch the season premiere of Duck Dynasty! 12. On the drive home I made this scarf. A friend asked for one in green months ago. I finally found the perfect yarn and made it on the drive home. I love knitting on road trips. Of course I had to try it on for a photo!

Have a great weekend. We will be getting ready for the semester to start, picking up some much needed groceries and getting a few things done around the house. I did some organizing earlier today and made a huge dent in my to-do list.

a yarn adventure

I love to find amazing yarn shops. I did some research prior to coming to Orlando and knew I wanted to find time to go to Four Purls. I hit the road...

lost my 3G for a while... found some cute places on the way...

then found it in Winter Haven, FL!

After picking up an iced coffee, I found my way back to my favorite place:

the pool! I finally found the perfect green yarn for a seed stitch cowl that was requested in January! I bet I will have it done soon since we have a 10 hour drive home on Thursday. Almost back to reality.

 

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Spring break countdown: crafts

Spring break is so close! All I have to do is mentor an undergrad in the lab, teach 1 hour of Zumba, go to class, and turn in my paper... a paper that was basically done (other than edits) 2 days ago! One of the things I am excited to do over my 10 day break is craft. I love textiles, making things (especially gifts), and producing a final product.

Spring must be here as I am really attracted to color this week. 

I first saw a rug like this in Germany. I am obsessed but they are very expensive. Maybe one day I will make a felted ball rug. - I also love this tshirt crochet rug. I feel like this would be fun in front of the kitchen sink since our kitchen is very neutral. - Dishcloths? Doable. Easy. Great to work on while watching tv to relax. - A neutral bedside rug? Yes please! Are bedside rugs appropriate when you have carpet in your home? - A felted ball wreath?!? I love this. I feel like this would be a great way to practice making felt balls since they could be different sizes and it would not be a big deal.

Who am I kidding? I should really work on my thesis, write a 1 page policy synopsis, finish my 45 minute presentation, oh and I think I will be working or volunteering everyday over the break. 

I will should you what I made to procrastinate after the break. Shhhh! 

Grad students never procrastinate.

Knitting thoughts

Knitting is many things to me. A way to give someone a gift that is handmade. A diet strategy: my hands are busy so I do not snack. A way to feel productive while watching my fave shows.

We ran into friends on Friday night who we have not seen in seven months! Why do I know it has been that long? Well, I was shocked to see she is 7 months pregnant. They want to be surprised so they are not going to find out what they are having. I love to make gifts for new babies so I went straight to Pinterest for some inspiration since the gift must be gender neutral.

Maybe a baby blanket in gender neutral colors? A bunny outfit? Okay, the coffee cup cozies may be for me.

I think I may go for the blanket in a chunky knit! These color schemes may be the perfect inspiration!

I love learning, teaching, research, and healthy living... but knitting brings balance. Just a little balance is a good thing.

InstaFriday

Thank goodness its Friday! Its been a busy week (even though Monday was a holiday) and I have been on the go all day, everyday with class, teaching, volunteering, reading, and keeping life organized. Here's a photo recap of the week:

1. Is that ice on our windshield? Yup... it got to -1C this week!

2. Newest breakfast obsession = protein pancakes. I have no clue why I waited so long to make these. They are healthy, quick & delicious!

3. Casi cielo in a cafe misto has been my "go to" at SB lately.

4. A little mint & emerald inspiration from Nordstrom.

5. Does that red arrow mean we are getting a legit Lululemon in Baton Rouge?!?

6. Pink for a little girl on the way! This pattern is so simple and cute. P.S. Our friends are expecting, not us.

7. Navy & white.

8. Remember that mint obsession at Lululemon? Yup! Purchased the swifty tech LS!

9. The cauliflower couscous I mentioned. Yum!

10. B brought me a cafe misto the other day at school, exactly how I like it!

11. "Run faster than fast stink"... seriously. That's what my socks said. Not me.

12. Just a quick moment to relax outside on campus on a beautiful day. I started my first class in the business school this week. I think it will be challenging but a great addition to my education.

This weekend: maybe some work, lots of school reading, Zumba choreography, work on a publication & my thesis, oh and grocery shopping! Have a great weekend!

InstaFriday

Happy Friday! It's been a busy week of Christmas everything! Christmas travels, Christmas food, & Christmas gifts! It's a great time of year, if you ask me. We spent the holiday with my in-laws this year... and we even convinced them to let us grill the turkey... and everyone was raving abut it for days. Success!

Here's some instas from this past week:

1. A rental car with satellite radio? Heck yes! I tortured B with Cosmo radio for a few hours. He secretly loved it. Luckily, we had a 12 hour trip so he got to listen to other stations too. But don't get me started on the gas mileage of the SUV when we requested a small car.

2. We went through Mississippi...

3. and Tennessee...

4. and Arkansas...

5. and Missouri.

6. I made this beautiful cowl from my Germany purchased yarn on the trip. I love it! I felt very productive to have it completed in 8 hours. But then what do I do for the last 4 hours of the trip?

7. ... then we finally made it to Illinois! Yes, that is what the signs says.

8. We played Settlers of Cattan (nerd alert) for hours... then again one game takes us over 2 hours!

9. A photo from our overseas flight I forgot to share. Thank you Air Canada for the delicious veggie lasagna, salad, and wine.

10. Some zen time with B at Panera.

11. Most amazing non-Christmas gift! B's aunt gave us an original Hudson Bay Company blanket. I screamed with excitement! What an amazing gift!

12. At the grocery store the day after Christmas they had already removed everything Christmas and were putting out Valentine's Day candy. Slow down world and enjoy the season!

Have a great weekend! We have more time in Illinois then a 12 hour trip back to Louisiana! See you next week for some pre-vacation blogging. Yes, another vacation!

 

 

 

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InstaFriday

I have been missing my instafriday posts! I was so busy with the end of the semester and then on vacation but I am ready to show you some of my fave instas from my last 2 weeks in England & Germany. He we go!

A few days into our trip to England, Ameila was born. I was so excited to see this photo show up on my phone. I am already in love and all I know is her name and her face.

Driving on the left, NBD.

Trying on fair aisle sweaters in Topshop. I did not love any of them, which is great since I later found the perfect fair aisle sweater in Germany for way less!

SB in the Manchester airport. Where a venti latte was 5£. Think approx. $8USD. No morning latte for this girl!

Best download of the year: google maps. My iPhone navigation skills are complete again!

Check out this poster I saw in Dusseldorf. We do not sugar coat or censor anything in Europe I guess.

I love German Christmas decor. It is anywhere and everywhere. Being here at this time of year definitely got me in the Christmas spirit.

In flight photo from Mancaster to Dusseldorf. Always a must on a flight.

The wine glass that was never empty. I really wanted to switch to red but never had the chance. We were invited to the international Christmas party at the German Sport University and had a great time!

Next time I am in Cologne, I wan to stay here... across the street from the cathedral... in the middle of the hustle and bustle... I bet it's not cheap! Maybe I will just go for some tea instead.

I bought a toque in Germany. This is something you may never see again... but my ears were cold! It looks better than I expected. Maybe toques will become my thing.

We made many trips to SB in Germany. There were lots of comfortable seats and we know it is the best place for free Internet! Thank you SB.

My newest addition to my yarn collection from a beautiful yarn shop I found in Cologne. I plan to make a cowl to go with my new sweater. It shall keep me busy on the long flight home.

I never got to go to the famous bridge in Cologne with all of the locks, but I did take a photo of a photo. I love this shot!

Gluhwein at the Christmas market. My newest obsession! It's like a mix between red wine, tea, and spices. I need to find a recipe to make this at home! Delish!

We were lucky enough to be able to use the first class lounge in Frankfurt. My choice for lunch was red wine and gummy candy! Kidding... I also had a hotdog... because I did not consume enough franks in the past week already!

 

Have a great weekend! I will see you from Ilinois for Christmas next week!

 

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InstaFriday

Its been a rainy week in the south. That means I have been spending more time inside... wait, I think I spent the last month inside hiding from the excessive heat and humidity. Atleast I have kept busy all week so it went by quick!

 1. Date night on Saturday included drinking wine and baking B's fave oatmeal cookies. It was a great combo. 2. One of my besties is pregnant. I have brought out the knitting to make something special. I am know for not getting baby gifts done... but this time I will. Maybe I need to make some toddler gifts for some other wonderful children I know too! 3. The flowers here amaze me. Every month a new flower appears where you would least expect it. This month: pink flowers all over lots of trees in our neighborhood. 5. My other bestie likes to show me her cats while we chat on FaceTime. I am stealth and take screen shots with my iPhone then instagram the pic. I was then told by someone that her cats are much cuter... little did she know it was her cat and I would giggling about it all week!

5. 99 cents for a small waffle cone at TCBY on Wednesdays. I choose orange sorbet and honey greek swirl. It was delish! 6. More garden tomatoes to complete my turkey and hummus wrap for lunch. 7. Studying is so much better when you can watch every single episode of Grey's Anatomy. I am really enjoying the Netflix and apple TV combo! 8. I attended day 1 of the semi annual sale at Victoria's Secret this week. It was nuts but I came home with some great finds!

This weekend we need to cut the grass when it stops raining. By we I mean B... the grass has been growing like crazy. I also work all weekend so that should keep me busy! Have a great weekend!

NOLA #2

Remember when we went to New Orleans a few weeks ago? Well we made it back already! With our friends visiting, we decided to go to French Quarter fest and eat delicious food. NOLA was a great place to do so! The fest was packed, the music was entertaining, there was tons of food to sample, and of course I loved the people watching.

 The boys got an order of krispy kreme bread pudding and fell in love. It was very good (B loved it because it did not have raisins... there was no room for raisins with all the doughnutty goodness... it was actually his first time trying bread pudding). We also went into St. Louis Cathedral, saw some beautiful buildings, and lots of cute puppies! How cute are the dogs with the sunnies?

 I happened to stumble upon The Quarter Stitch. What a beautiful store! I could have bought all the yarn in the store. I have stopped knitting since the move because it is too hot to wear any of my creations so I could not rationalize buying any new yarn... I still have a huge stock of yarn I moved with me!

Finally, for dinner we stopped at Gordon Biersch at Harrah's Casino for dinner. The outdoor patio has TVs for the boys to watch hockey and ample opportunity for me to take photos of myself and my surroundings (minus the creeper I had to crop out of multiple photos). I had an amazing blue cheese wedge salad... a little stinky cheese goes a long way with this girl!

I know I said this last time... but NOLA is such a fun city to visit, especially since we are only an hour away! We will be back for more adventures.

DIY: pouf

I love modern home decor. One of the things I have been lusting over since I saw it on Pinterest was this pouf from CB2:

 

CB2 knit pouf

This beauty is $89.95 + tax & shipping! I know it is nice but that is just way too much. I am quite proud of my crafting and knitting skills so I knew this one would be easy to re-create!

With a few coupons and trips to Michaels as well as a trip to Walmart for cotton batting to use as stuffing, I was ready to go! This project did not take much time due to the chunky knit and simple pattern. Oh, I used this pattern as is was simple and free!

 It works wonderfully as a footstool due to the height and softness.

I would like to make another one of these next time yarn goes on sale at Michales. I plan to make it wider next time as well as stuff it with something a bit more firm. Also, the next one will probably be a different color, I am thinking charcol.

If you want one, let me know! I promise not to charge as much as CB2.

InstaFriday

This week was productive. I did lots of working out, baking, cooking, and running errands. 

1. Here a little sneak peek of a home decor knitting project I have started. I am quite excited for the end result. I think it will be a nice addition to our home. 2. I bought myself a Meyer lemon tree for my birthday that is coming up next week. It is my gift from my grandma since she said she would give me money to buy something. I have been envisioning a lemon tree in my sunroom. Thanks grandma! 3. I bought some muffin head pans for my mom and I. She found them on eBay. She has been searching for a second pan for years as she loves hers.  Her collection is now complete and I have one of my own. If you ever see one of these in a store you should buy it. Who doesn't love the top of a muffin? 4. The cookies were a hit. I froze a bag then took them to B's colleague who was also addicted. I may need to make more soon.

5. This is a photo of the flowing bush outside my sunroom. Its wonderful to see so many flowers and green plants in March. Culture shock? No. Highly appreciated? Yes. 6. Yarn barf {the mess of tangled yarn you pull out of the middle of a centre-pull ball}. Enough said. 7. I have been reunited with old Tazo earl grey. Thanks to a coupon and Whole Foods I paid about $3.99 for the box! The price is only relevant because if you can find this specific vintage of tea in Canada it is about $10/box! 8. Oh and we made tacos this week! Yum.

Do you have exciting plans for the weekend? We have to do the usual grocery shopping, have a party to attend, some house cleaning, and spending time at home! Oh and I really want to go to Frankie's Dawg House for a hotdog. Not the healthiest choice but I bet it will be delish. I am a huge fan of grourmet hotdogs. Did you know my fave at home toppings are salsa and grated cheese on a whole wheat bun? Yum!

Crafting

 I love to make things. Crafts are definitely my style. I also use my craftiness to fix things so I don't need to replace something that just needs a little TLC. I find these skills very convenient and cannot wait to use them more at our new home.

I have been busy mending some old clothes:

 Fixing the soles of my boots that got destroyed by the salty sidewalks on my first trip to MTL:

 And knitting, of course! I am obsessed with my gaptastic cowl. I also decided to make a send one that is shorter and thicker in variegated grey. Next up on my fave knitting needles: a cranberry colored cowl for my grandma!

 

This is the first year I have known months in advance what I want for my birthday! I must have lots of free time on hands right now. I would like a sewing machine and Hunter boots! 

Seems like a simple request to me.

InstaFriday

Welcome to my past week. It was busy, fun filled, and very productive! I am also trying a new format this week for my photos.

1. pate = amazing 2. I have been trying to use up the bananas in the freezer like a mad woman. Thank goodness B like banana muffins. These are my usual recipe but I used oat bran instead of flax as its all I had. 3. After dinner with friends last weekend we helped their boys make a gingerbread train... so much fun, especially when H tried a peppermint then called it spicy! 4. Trying to use up all the food in our house means random but delicious meals. This was a doozie.

5. Did you know they now have bottles of Mt. Boucherie reserve wine at Famoso? It was delish with our pizza...  and $25 off with the redemption of 100 wine club points. 6. I have been knitting like a manic lately. I started a cream colored cowl upon completing of the purple scarf for my colleague. 7. And it was done 2 days later. Here is the pattern. 8. I am usually not a fan of caesar salad but the one at Famoso is amazing... and great for sharing. Good choice boys.

9. I saw these cookies on my friend Hailey's blog. They looked simple. Not so much, but maybe I just added too many dry ingredients. A wise baker once told me to measure accurately! They still turned out delicious but they are not as nice to look at. Go check out her blog for some great baking recipes! 10. Still using up more bananas and making more muffins. This time I added blackberries on top for something different. I do not think we will ever gets sick of these muffins. On the other hand, we only have 3 frozen bananas left so I will only be making one more batch in Canada. 11. How is your Christmas decorating coming long? My only decor has been red and green M&Ms. Moving at this time of year really throws you for a loop! 12. Oh and I also had Canadian maple gelato at Famoso. It tastes like the donut at Timmys.

See you next week!