Goodbye Christmas

Goodbye Christmas!

Its the day after Christmas and I just took down and put away all my Christmas decorations! I get tired of looking at them and its not like any of my family or even friends visited my house this year to take a look at all the beautiful things we did to make it all Christmasy. We did all the visiting as usual and sometimes I wonder what the point is to even decorate, but then my husband reminds me that its for us to enjoy and not to worry about everyone else seeing it.

Besides the disappointment of no visitors, we did have a wonderful Christmas. I'm pretty sure that everything we got, we had asked for. Only two returns out of all the things my daughter received due to the wrong size. Since Christmas is now over, I'm gonna share with you a few of my Christmas confessions.

• I have never seen the "Grinch". Neither cartoon or movie all the way through.
• I have never watched "A Christmas Story" all the way through.
• I stopped believing in Santa before I stopped believing in reindeer.
• I never once caught my parents being Santa. I was to afraid to get up thinking he wouldn't come.
• I don't know what Figgy pudding is.
• I do not know all the words to the 12 days of Christmas.
• When I hear the word "Frankincense" I think of "Frankenstein".
• I hate the colors Red and Green and together is even worst.
• I only peeked at a present one time in my life and its when I was little. It was a shirt and I felt guilty all Christmas. Never ever have peeked again.

My family will finally visit my home on New Years day. I will do my traditional dinner and then I get to start the new year and look forward to spring and summer. I love spring time! Cant wait to pull out the Easter decorations.

Do you leave up your Christmas deocrations until Janaury? Or do you you take them down in a hurry like me?

Italian Almond Biscotti

Every year at Christmas I make goodies to share. One year it was cheese balls, the other it was pecan cookies, etc....But this year I decided to make some Italian Biscotti. My Husband is from an Italian family and I sure would have loved to get a hold of some of his grandmothers recipes. He will often mention the frittata and sugary pastry twist that were favorites along with other unique and special dishes. Most of the time she would make them without a recipe. She had them all in her head and as far as I know, she took them with her to the grave.

Biscotti is an Italian word that means twice cooked. These cookies were twice cooked (or baked) so they would keep longer and hold up when dipped in coffee.

I got this recipe from learnfromyesterday.com. The only thing I did different was I used almonds instead of walnuts and I used 1 teaspoon of anise and 1 teaspoon of vanilla because she said either one would work and that just meant I had to make a choice and I'm not good a making my mind up so I did both. It turned out delicious!

This recipe makes A LOT of Biscotti. I will have biscotti until Easter! When I was making the dough, I felt like Lucy in one of the "I Love Lucy" shows.

However, It ended up doing just fine and made 4 perfect loafs and about 100 pieces. I didn't actually count them and I would eat the broken ones. But I'm pretty sure It made about that much.

I left most of them plain but I dipped a few of them in some chocolate dip to add extra sweetness to these not so sweet cookies. They are perfectly sweet when dipped in coffee. Perfect for a quick breakfast during this fast pace time of the year. And to my surprise, they do not have a lot of calories.

Ive shared this at:

ladybug-blessings

nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm

whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa

full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage

thecraftyblogstalker

showcase-your-talent-thursday at whatscookinglove

freedom-fridays at myturnforus



Boot Cuffs

I have been wanting to make some cute little boot cuffs. Its something you practically have to buy hand made. I cant seem to find them in any of the store around here in North Carolina. But then again, its 70 degrees in December.

I went to Pinterest to find some ideas on a pair. I attempted a couple but just couldn't seem to get them right so I gave up.

Then I got a few request for some and thought Id give it another try. I ended up making up my own pattern and made a couple pairs. I like the way they turned out.

The first pair went to one of my best friends and the other pair went to my daughter. If you would like a pair, you can special request them in my Etsy shop or if you can crochet here is how I did them.

NOTE: I'm not good at writting the patterns. Just hope you can uderstand how I explain the process.

BOOT CUFFS
chain 13
sc across (12)
ch 1 turn, sc in back loop only
   *repeat (ch 1 turn, sc back loop only) until sized to go around your calf. (I did 40rows)
fold and slip stitch together (this is your ribbed cuff).
ch 1, sc in rounds until desired length. ( I did 12).
Tie off and garnish with a button or bow.

Not only are these things stylish and warm, but they will also keep critters out of your boots while your outside playing.



Pecan Brittle

Peanut brittle has always been a favorite during the holiday season. I decided to make my own but all I had was pecans so I'm calling it "Pecan Brittle".

 

This is the first time I've tried this. For some reason, I had a recipe for brittle that only called for sugar and butter.???....Yea, I know, right?. I got it from my mom... I think. I knew this could not be right. I must have started writing a recipe and never finished or my mom knew some magic trick to it. She can always come up with the best recipes and most are in her head.

By now the craving for some brittle was getting more intense. What do I do? I logged quickly onto Pinterest and found a recipe, or should I say, "many recipes".

I didn't use only one recipe but got ideas from several and made my own. Well, mainly because I didn't have all of the ingredients to complete any single one so I scrapped it, and to my surprise, it turned out really good! The best part is that I did it in the microwave! Worst part? I had to chisel the remaining mess off my glass bowl! That was a job in itself!

Pecan Brittle

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup Karo syrup( light corn syrup)

1/4 Tbs salt

1 Tbs butter

1 Tbs vanilla extract

1 cup pecans (or any nut)

In a glass bowl, combine: nuts, sugar, syrup & salt.

Microwave 4 minutes. ( mixture will be bubbly).
Stir in butter and vanilla and cook another 4 minutes.

Quickly pour onto a greased baking sheet. (Be careful not to get any one you because it will blister you like a glue gun on steroids). 

Cool about 15 minutes then break into pieces and enjoy.



Ive shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
kitchen-fun-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
ladybug-blessings.

Christmas Parade

Great Day for a parade! Not exactly! Our towns Christmas parade was this past weekend. It was so cold...wait....let me go back a day, Saturday it was 56 degrees. Sunday (parade day) it was 34 degrees. It was very cold with a misty rain. That did not stop us for going to the parade. I don't go every year but I was free, and hey, a parade is something you don't see every day.

It was a rather nice parade but I noticed a lot of the regulars were not participating and I'm sure it was due to the forecast.

After church, me and my daughter eat a bite of lunch and headed to the parade. We knew it would be cold so we piled on the jackets and scarves and then made hot chocolate to take with us. I'm fixing to get to  the parade but first let me tell you about the hot chocolate we made. We had just finished talking about peppermint mochas at a local coffee shop when the idea hit me to make our own. We used just regular packs of cocoa mix from the grocery store that you just add water to. We added the water but we also added a peppermint Hershey kiss and a spoon of cool whip to it. It tasted just like a creamy peppermint drink you would buy in a fancy coffee shop. It was delicious and just hit the spot while we waited on the parade to start.

Now, here are a few pictures I took of the Christmas parade. I did the best I could considering the rainy weather and frozen finger tips. Enjoy.

 waiting

 Our police department color guard always leads the parade.

 Our fire department loaded with children on top.

Its Frosty on a tractor! A tractor that was also on a tractor.

Gotta love the cotton candy man!

Hunter Huss High school marching band and the Huskey mascot



We all know who this is!!

"Who ya gonna call? Ghost busters!!"

Liberty Tax balloon.

Ronald McDonald. He was so funny.

The Grinch again.

The parade always ends with Santa. This Santa was hold a little baby. ???

After I got home and thawed my toes, I wrote Christmas cards to mail. I normally mail about 30 each year. I sometimes think I will not send any cards out, but then I do. We look forward to sending them out every year. We make it part of our tradition. So what if we don't get many back. Its sharing our Christmas cheer and love to everyone dear.



What I love (and hate) about Christmas

Its that time of year we Celebrate the birth of Jesus. I love Christmas time. I will not say its my favorite holiday because actually my favorite is Easter. I'm a spring time person.

There is things I love about Christmas time:

I love that's its all about Christ. His name is spoken of every time someone wishes me a merry Christmas.
I love the smell of Christmas trees and pine.
The excitement I see in children everywhere I go.
Shopping for others. I love buying gifts if I know its something they really want or need.
The smell of Christmas candles.
Special church services.
Time with Family.
Christmas Cards.
Downtown.
Baking delicious goodies
and Christmas songs.

On the other hand. There are things I hate about Christmas time:

I hate when someone puts an "x" in front of "mas" as a short cut. I don't care what it could also mean in Greek or that's its just easier. It does not need to be there.
Black Friday and the stories about it.( I stay out of this whole ordeal).
I hurt when I see or read about needy people (especially kids).
I hate Green and Red! and the two together is just tacky!
Tinsel
and Glitter!

Now its time for me to get with it and start my baking. I'm a little behind on the decorations too. I still have to decorate my bathroom for Christmas! And I just actually thought of that. eeesh!

I also cant wait to share some new recipes I've dug up! Just trying to find the time to get to them.

What are some things you love (or hate) about Christmas time? Go ahead, just spill it out here.

Follow

 

 

 

OK this is not an ordinary blog post.

 

Its just a little begging. Ha.

 

 

 

Come follow My Facebook Page!

 

 

Im trying to get at least 200 likes by the end of the year.

 

I'm thinking of doing a "Giveaway" If I can get more followers.

 

Spread the word!

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

Stay tuned. More post to come!

St. Charles Street Gumbo

Tired of turkey yet? Well, here is a recipe far beyond the turkey and cranberry.

Its getting cold her in the Carolinas so Its time to start making soups and chilies. The other night I made one of our favorite...Gumbo.

This is a recipe giving by my late Mother-in-Law. Its simple and delicious. Best of all, it does not call for any fancy stuff, just basic foods you probably already have nearby.

 

St. Charles Street Gumbo

 

1 Tbsp.- Olive Oil

2- small onions (or one large)

1 lbs.- sliced okra (frozen works fine)

1 cup- chopped celery

1 Tbsp.- minced garlic

1 1/2 lbs.- chopped Skinless Sausage

48 oz.- Chicken broth (3 cans)

Dash- of Tabasco sauce ( I like more)

3 pinches- Cajun seasoning

2 pinches- Parsley flakes

1- large can petite diced tomatoes

1-10 oz. can chuck white chicken (drained)

In a large sauce pan or skillet, heat olive oil over med-high heat. Add onions, okra, celery and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, parsley, and sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add chicken broth, tabasco and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add chicken.

Cook 4-5 minutes or longer until chicken is heated through.

Serve over rice and add more tabasco if you desire.

Refrigerate left overs.

1 cup gumbo with 1 cup rice = approx. 200 calories. (per "myfitnesspal" app)


Ive shared this at:
sunday-show-off-linky-party at twiggstudios
marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks
made-by-me-106-linky-party at jaqsstudio
whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage  
kitchenfunwithmy3sons

Christmas Wreath Redo

Every year we head out to the stores to purchase a new wreath for the front door and a few new Christmas decorations. It never fails, we go into the store, see the wreath we want, and it cost way to much for our budget. That's when  my creativity thoughts will often kick in.

I normally use the traditional greens and reds and I always opt for white lights over the colored ones, but the candy colors caught our eyes this year. My husband wanted to do colored lights and Christmas balls in the candy color pinks, blues, and greens. I went along with it.

We headed to the tree decorations to get some more ideas. We grabbed some balls in the colors we wanted. When we got home, my husband took down the old wreath. I was either going to save it or throw it away. It was worth a shot.

I happened to have some floral wire at home and used it to tie on the balls around the old wreath. We even put lights on it so it will light up at night.

I like the way it turned out and I didn't have to spend a fortune. I can now afford to get more decorations for the my tree and mantel to match the theme.

 

My Daughter helped also by adding the same balls to the bells that I plan to hang on the windows.

 

 

I cant wait to start decorating. I always wait until after Thanksgiving to put up Christmas. Do you decorate before Thanksgiving?


Ive shared this at:
the-diyers at homecomingmn
Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
Nifty thrifty tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
Made by me at jaqsstudio

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Somewhere between doing the laundry and doing the dishes, I decided to make a sugar scrub. Yes, that's how I work. I'm pretty sure the sink was still filling up with soap water while I was actually getting the ingredients out. I stopped everything I was doing and made this sugar scrub in about 3 minutes.

Sugar Scrub

 

2 Cups Sugar

1/4 cup Olive Oil

1/3 cup Coconut Oil

Food Coloring (optional)

Fragrance

I used Peppermint extract for my fragrance since its Christmas time, but you can get some essential oil of any fragrance you like. Just a drop will do.

The nail salon I attend uses a pineapple fragrant sugar scrub on my hands to make them really soft. I have purchased this from them in the past but I wanted to make my own for half the price.

I was afraid it would be sticky but it was not.

Just put a small amount in the palm of you hand and water will activate a wonderful scrub you can use on your whole body if you want to. Its perfect for feet.
It doesn't even leave your skin greasy. Just very very soft.

Incase your wondering, The amount of food coloring I used did not stain my hands at all. But If you use to much, I guess it might.

Now make some for yourself or to give as a gift. You'll love it.

(Originally found this recipe and got the idea HERE)


Ive shared this at:
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
sunday-show-off-llinky-party at twiggstudios
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
the-diyers at homecomingmn
make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse
Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm.
made-by-me- at jaqsstudio
blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker
thursday-weekly-creative at craftionary
 

Roast Beef Dunkies

I'm fixing to share with you a mini version of the "French Dip Sandwich". We have always called them "Roast Beef Dunks". I guess because that better describes how I eat them.

I made these to eat for "sandwich night" I'm sure you all have those nights. Well, let me tell you, these little babies are D-licious! They are really simple and not bad on the calories either.
Each one is approximately 150 calories.

So, roll up your sleeves or even get your kids to do this. Its that easy.

Get a can (more) of croissant rolls.
Separate each one in there own little triangle shape.
Place a piece of deli roast beef on the bigger end of the triangle.
Place a 1/2 piece of provolone cheese on top of the beef.
Roll up the croissant from big end to small end and place on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake according to croissant instructions.
You will see the cheese bubble out of the ends. Don't worry, its gonna be good.

Dip in Au-jus gravy and enjoy.

You can find Au-jus dip in the grocery deli or soup mix isle.
Or for a quick fix, just use a can of beef broth or French onion soup. Both work just as well.

These will be perfect for parties or tail gates, but are best eaten while warm.
Refrigerate leftovers. They are almost better when reheated.

Enjoy!



Ive shared this at:
whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
lovely-ladies-linky-link at lifewiththecrustcutoff
made-by-me at jaqsstudio
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
TastyThursday at mandatorymooch
kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy at myturnforus

Crochet Football Applique

While its still football season and the teams are coming down to the nitty gritty to get into the super bowl, I thought Id share a little football crochet.

Fans everywhere are really cheering there teams on. I know people who lay out of work just to watch their favorite team play on TV.

Im not a big football fan but I do like to keep up with the scores. The closer it gets to the super bowl game, the more I pay attention.

Tonight, two good teams will be playing. Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. I hope the Panthers win just because its my home team.

Since its all about football right now until February, I have made a few football hats for customers and friends. Here is the latest hats I made for someone at work that has two new grandbabies.

 I made two to represent the Carolina Panthers. One was blue and black and one was black and blue.

Another hat I made is currently in my shop until sold. It represents the New England Patriots. This is an adult slouch.

See the foot ball on each one? I'm going to tell you how to make one. They are so simple. Here is my pattern.

Size depends on the size needle. I use an H.

ch10

sc 1st ch st

dc 8

2sc in last ch

dc 8

sc in 1st ch

finish off. (Leave a tail long for sewing.)

Embroider the stitching best you can and there you have it. A little football. You can actually shape it out more as you stitch it on your piece.

Now, lets get ready for some football. My next post will be a tasty pickup for your next tailgate or football party !!!!

Ive shared this at:

inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy.

make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse

Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug-blessings

submarine-sunday at usscrafty



Diet week 3

I've stuck to my diet and exercise and am now on the beginning of my 3rd week.

Its not a big starvation or over achieving exercise diet, I have just been keeping track of my calories with the MyfitnessPal app by staying under 1200 calories a day. I also go walk after dinner. I hate walking especially in the cold.

How's that going?

I have cut out sweets such as cakes and cookies. If I get a sweet tooth, I will grab some nuts or maybe a piece of Halloween candy still hanging around the house. I also love the sugar free Cool Whip and will eat it on top of jello, strawberries or blueberries. I have noticed my sugar cravings and decreased a lot and that makes me happy. I Love sweets. I have found that the longer I do without them, the less I want them. However, If I do decide I want a piece of cake at a shower, party, or family get together, I will have some. But just a little bit. Thanksgiving is almost here so I hope I can continue to contain myself.

I do brisk walks every afternoon only giving myself one day off a week. I walk approximately a mile and a half. My goal is within 12 weeks be able to run 20 minutes. So far the most I can run is about a minute between every 3 minutes. I use a chart I found on Pinterest. I talked about this running plan in a previous Blog Post.  I'm behind the goal because my knees do not want to cooperate with me. They want to hurt and buckle on me. I hope I'm adding strength to them and think if I just loose some pounds it will lighten the load.

 

On a good note: I have lost 3 lbs!!!!!! Maybe by summer I can wear my bathing suites without a cover up!!!!

Crochet Camera Strap Cozy

The other day someone asked if I could crochet a camera strap. I never have but I was excited to try. I knew I could do it, I just didn't want to promise. Well, it turns out, I accomplished the task!

I can only wish for a nice camera that would accommodate such a strap. I still use a camera with a wristlet.

I made up my own pattern and I am glad to share it with you, but if you have no clue how to crochet, this strap will be in my Etsy shop until sold. It is just a standard width and length of most straps.

You are welcome to sale anything you make with my pattern but please do not try and sale the pattern itself. That would just be wrong on your part.

Camera Strap Cozy

5.0mm hook
7oz yarn

Ch 15 (or 4 inches)
sl st in beginning of chain to create a circle.
(crochet in rounds)
3 rounds sc
49 rounds dc
3 rounds sc
finish off

This one turned out 26 x 2.
You can make yours longer or wider by adding more rounds.

Now embellish the way you wish and you will have your own unique camera strap cover. It just gives it that warm fuzzy feeling while adding a splash of sass. If you use my instructions to make one, Id love see how yours turned out.  Just post it on my FB wall if you like.

Now let me see what else I can get myself into.

Ive shared this at:
thursday-link-party at craftionary
friday-favorites at imnotatrophywife
create-with-joy inspire-me-Monday
Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
crochetboulevard
made-by-me-103-linky-party at jaqsstudio (featured)

Best Baked Cabbage

While trying to eat healthier, I re-discovered the vegetable that I do not eat that often.

Cabbage. 

I got it all prepared the night before and my husband added the rub and popped them in the oven.

I'm not a big fan of cabbage or slaw. But I learned that this stuff can be baked and with some flavoring on top, it turns into a whole new thing.

We used to boil it. yuk.
So then we would fry it up. To fattening and stinky.
So until tonight, I used my Tupperware steamer and steamed cabbage wedges and thought that was pretty good.

But now I like it this way best, baked.

1. Grab a small head of cabbage and slice into round, one inch thick slices.
2. Lay them out on a grease cookie sheet.
3. Then brush them with  smashed garlic and olive oil
            OR

I created this mixture (not measured, just dashed)

Olive Oil

Basil

Minced Garlic
Parsley

red pepper

Once the tops are coated with the oil mixture, bake at 400 degree for 40 to 45 minutes.

Now Doesn't that look delicious? I like how each slice flowered out so pretty.

The edges burned a little but I thought that was the best part. Keep an eye on them and take them out once they start browning if you choose, but I recommend the burnt flavor.

Delicious!!!

Now If I can find a way to get that cooked cabbage smell out of my house!

Ive shared this at:

ladybug-blessings

tumbleweedcontessa

inspire-me-monday

jaqsstudio

mizhelenscountrycottage

thecraftyblogstalker

Diet Struggles

I am a perfectly healthy 44 year old. I have no health problems except allergies and achy knees. But at my last wellness checkup, I was labeled overweight. I know I'm overweight but this is the first time someone else told me that.

Until about twenty years and one child ago, I was barely 110lbs. My weight has continued to go up.
I blame it a lot on the lack of exercise I get due to sitting in a chair all day at work, not eating the right foods and eating to much sweet stuff!

However, I did Zumba classes 3 times a week for 3 years and was only able to maintain my weight, not loose it. So I thought to myself, "maybe 155lbs is my ideal weight. over a year ago I stopped Zumba for a couple reasons and now my weight has risen to 167lbs. I eat a lot of sweets and pig out on nacho chips at the Mexican restaurant. Both are my weakness.

I have decided to do something about it. I have a goal now to loose at least 30lbs. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it but I am determined. I'm blogging about this in hopes It will give me more reasons to stick to my goal because I do not like to lie anyone. Other than my Husband and Daughter, I do not have friend support to help me through these struggles. None of my friends need to diet or have the time.

Monday 10/28/13 I started this exercise plan I found on Pinterest:

 

Another goal is to be able to run for 20 minutes in 12 weeks. If my knees will hold out, I will be able to accomplish this. I hope to be down to 130 lbs. by then also. On a rainy day, I will resort to my Zumba Wii workout. 

My hardest struggle is to stay away from the sweets. Holidays are coming up. I will not deprive myself from everything, but I'm going to use the my fitness pal app to help me stay below 1200 calorie diet. Its a calorie counter for your iPhone. Wish me luck!
Oh, and if you have this app and want me to follow you, just send me your email address. We can keep each other going.

Id love to hear your stories or strategies to loose weight.

Pocket Beanie

I have done a lot of crocheting lately. I recently finished up a load of tiny little baby beanies for charity. I have also been filling special orders from my Etsy Shop and making things for my friends.

Well, last night, I made something for myself. I found some really cheap yarn at a dollar store. I knew I didn't want to use such yarn on the items I sell, but I really liked it, so I made hat for the winter. Best thing about it is it only cost me a dollar.

I'm not big into wearing crochet things or hats. I mean, I love hats and have many of them hanging around. I just do not think I look good in them. Also, It never really gets that cold here in North Carolina.

I think this multi colored, mixed yarn made a lovely beanie. It is really soft and colorful but I wanted to add something to it. I see a lot of bows and flowers on beanies so I wanted to do something a little different. I added my own little special touch by adding a pocket and an antique wooden button.

The colors will go with a lot of different sweaters and cant wait for it to get cold enough so I can wear it. .....Well, Ok no, I do not want it to get that cold. I love the warmer months and really cant wait for summer to come back. But if the weather brings it, I'm ready!

Ive shared this at:
lifewiththecrustcutoff
thecraftyblogstalker

Prayer Cloth

While looking around on the Internet the other day, I came across this really cute crocheted prayer cloth. I just had to make one.

 

This was my first one and I think its adorable.

You can find the free pattern HERE.

Prayer cloths are not to be sold, only given.

A prayer cloth is used by an individual or group of people that are praying for an ailing or sick friend, or family member. The prayer cloth is usually prayed upon by the individual or group, and then given to or wrapped around the sick friend or family member.

I remember a church giving one to my Mother-in-law when she was sick. I thought it was so precious. It meant a lot to her.

Now keep in mind, a prayer cloth does not heal. It is only a token of prayers said for the person its given to. Prayers, believing, and faith in God bring healing.

So that from his body were brought unto the sick, handkerchiefs or
aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of
them.

Act 19:12.

  

 

Ive shared this at:

create-with-joy
coastalcharm
ladybugblessings
lifewiththecrustcutoff

Key Sweater

Yes you heard it right. A "Key Sweater". Why not? Keys get cold too. Ha.

Ok, so I was a little bored. I wanted to attempt something different. I looked over at my keys and noticed how beat up and ugly my car key looks and thought I'd make a cover for it.

 

See! Just ugly. But I mean, It is like 8 years old.

 

I started out with a tiny little crochet hook and a white piece of scrap yarn. I know white is not a good choice for something constantly handled but its all I had in reach at the time.

 

Pattern (sort of)

Chain 2 (or make magic circle)

5 sc in 2nd ch from hook (or 5sc in circle)(5)

2sc in each sc around (10)

now just sc in rounds until you reach desired length.

 

 

Slip the sweater on the key and continue sc in round and decrease to taper.

Each key is different so you will have to adjust to fit. Then finish off. 

NOTE: You might want ot make sure it fits in your ignition switch before you finish off.

 

You don't even have to tapper it. You can just make it a slip on.

 

 

Here is my finished key sweater. I embroidered my initial on it before I tapered it on the key.

 

If I did this again, I would make a bigger, better hole to fit on the key ring. This one is just slipped in a stitch hole and its sort of tight around the ring. I'm hoping the hole will loosen up some. I'm pretty sure this sweater will probably be brown by the end of the week.

 

I just love that warm, fuzzy feeling.

 

 

Ive shared this at:

thecraftyblogstalker

crochetboulevard

craftionary

myturnforus

imnotatrophywife

usscrafty

create-with-joy 

 

 

This Place

This Place

There are no sounds of sirens of emergency vehicles

There are no sounds of cars

I can hear birds gathering

I can hear sounds of the waves

and children laughing

This place

I can be alone in my thoughts

and pray as if I'm sitting beside God.

I feel whispers of hopes and dreams.

I am at peace here

and marvel at the beauty of it all.

 

 

This Place

I keep positive thoughts

I think about the good things

and let go of the negative people and things in my life.

 

This place

I hear no disrespectful words

no complaining co-workers

no whining customers

I do not hear a phone ringing

or keyboards clicking.

  

 

This place

I can relax

There are no talks of politics

no TV

no internet

or a clock
 

 

This Place

Is where I love to be.