tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50770984122476321252024-03-13T10:12:09.586-07:00 Thornton JournalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-59713655724045299982013-02-20T20:06:00.001-08:002013-02-20T20:06:53.817-08:00A Belated Happy Valentine's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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from the mister.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-4968640620530125052013-02-20T20:03:00.000-08:002013-02-20T20:03:22.727-08:00Zion National Park,Utah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-16683592592843583742013-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-07T06:00:03.269-08:00Jessica | Faux Senior Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In my efforts to develop a portfolio and get some photography practice, I volunteered my beautiful friend Jess to model for some 'faux' senior portraits. She is naturally shy in front of the camera so I'm glad she trusted me enough behind the camera to give in and accompany me to Floyd Lamb Park for a session. I think she looks stunning in all the photos and I'm already planning on using her for many more practice 'faux' shoots in the future...maybe I'll make her put her wedding dress on for me, or tuck a beach ball under her sweater for some very believable maternity photos.</div>
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You know what I think the best thing about these photos are- Jess knows how much I love to photograph my girls in hand knits, so she specifically wore this blue knit sweater in order for my portfolio to be cohesive. What a sweet friend.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-18045265738338785572013-02-06T15:08:00.000-08:002013-02-06T15:09:11.615-08:00Elisha & Molly | Newborn Photoshoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My best friend Elisha recently gave birth to a baby girl, little Miss Molly. She is just the sweetest, most mild baby I've ever met. It was such an honor for me to be able to capture some photos of her daughter, as Elisha is the one who usually photographs my children. Once the baby awoke from her nap, we moved into the front room which was flooded with natural light, and Elisha mentored me as we moved about the room capturing little moments here and there. </div>
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Isn't Molly just the cutest?! In between shots I was just smothering that baby in kisses. This was my first photoshoot that didn't involve my own children,so I was a bit nervous,but I'm actually really happy with the results. What's more is<i> </i>that Elisha was happy with the results. </div>
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A couple of these photographs were taken on Molly's favorite blanket- the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits/striped-cashmere-baby-blanket" target="_blank">Striped Cashmere Baby Blanket</a> I had knit for her of course. It is just a simple garter stitch throughout- any beginning knitter can do it! The cashmere blend yarn and stripes is what makes it special.</div>
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beautiful baby and knit talk all in one post. Yahtzee.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-9722519269576707552013-02-03T11:36:00.001-08:002013-02-03T11:36:52.024-08:00Watershed Cardigan + Evelyn's 4 Year Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/watershed" target="_blank">Watershed</a> by Amy Swenson</div>
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Yarn: 2 skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-flicker" target="_blank">Berroco Flicker</a></div>
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I started this project last summer, put it away when I was half-way done, and rediscovered it a couple weeks ago.</div>
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Does anyone else do this?</div>
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It only took my about two days to finish knitting it and another day to block it. And just in time too! My daughter Evelyn turned four on January 12th, so her yearly portraits were here and I had nothing for her to wear. I like to knit my daughters something special to wear for their portraits but I had totally flaked this year. Luckily, the combination of Berroco Flicker yarn and knitting a size small in the Watershed pattern resulted in a 4T- not in mommy size which I had intended. </div>
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This year I decided to photograph Evelyn myself and I am so happy with the results! The photos were taken up in our loft, her face only inches away from a window shedding the most beautiful light. </div>
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I can't believe how much she has grown...</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-64631920218039932672013-01-31T20:46:00.000-08:002013-01-31T20:46:41.659-08:00Coffee Press Cozy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I have become the proud owner of a coffee press. I had my first french press experience at a local coffee shop, Sambalatte, and had instantly fallen in love with the rich flavor and clean finish of my coffee. I immediately purchased a press of my own and a fresh bag of whole beans to recreate the Sambalatte experience. Once home, I quietly unplugged the Keuriug and as stealthy as I could, carried the hunky thing to the top shelf of my pantry, hoping my husband wouldn't notice. The Keurig was a birthday present and I din't want to get <i>the eye</i> from a gift giver.</div>
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He did notice. And I got <i>the eye.</i></div>
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But! I offered him a cup of the most delicious coffee as a peace offering and I think that made it better.</div>
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After a few mornings I realized that though the french press made yummy coffee, it became cold way too fast. I am a notorious slow coffee drinker though, so perhaps it is my fault and not the press's fault at all, but alas, I took this little problem and ran with it. </div>
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<i>"I know what this press needs, a sweater!"</i></div>
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of course<i>.</i></div>
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After perusing Ravelry I came across a pattern that I not only loved, but used a knitting technique that I had never done before. And I am all for learning new things. The technique is called Mosaic knitting and it is a style of colorwork that uses two colors, but you only hold one strand at a time- like knitting stripes. Unlike Fair Isle for example, where you hold two or more strands across a row- a knitting trick I have yet to try. This introductory colorwork technique was perfect for this small project and helped give me a little confidence to try my hand at more complex colorwork.</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-tea-press-cozy" target="_blank">Mosaic Tea Press Cozy</a> by Tonya Raworth</div>
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Yarn: scrap of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/noro-kureyon" target="_blank">Noro Kureyon</a></div>
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Buttons: salvaged from an old shirt</div>
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Speaking of scraps of Noro, I thought I'd share my progress on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits/bobbys-garden" target="_blank">Noro Hexagon Blanket</a> I've been slowly working on in between projects.</div>
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isn't she lovely.</div>
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I'd love to see what you have recently finished knitting, so feel free to share a link in the comments below!</div>
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I've actually been a very busy knitting bee so I have a few more projects to share, but those projects deserve their own post I think.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-69071065754321355472012-11-19T20:31:00.000-08:002012-11-19T20:31:07.559-08:00their first pomegranate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite things about being a mother is sharing new experiences and information with my daughters. The other morning I had cracked open a pomegranate for Evelyn and Flora to taste for the first time. Evelyn just loved the juicy, little seeds; intent on picking up just one at a time and humming along to each bite. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see Flora's reaction, since she had decided to go back to bed after breakfast.</div>
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<i>She had gotten up at the crack of dawn and took a highlighter to the guest bedroom sheets,her sheets and got her hands on some gum while we were sleeping. After 'pow pows' and time-out, she decided she needed to go back to sleep and start her day over. </i></div>
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But Casey told me that when she did wake up and had the plate of pomegranate seeds we saved for her, that she greatly enjoyed it. So it was a good experience, 'terrible two' antics aside. </div>
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With Evelyn nibbling at my side as I took some photos, I told her that the pomegranate was a very famous fruit and that there was a story about it. Of course her curiosity peaked and she wanted to hear the story, so I told her the Greek myth about Persephone and the pomegranate. Have you heard it?</div>
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Its a popular myth that I learned a long time ago. It is about the lovely Persephone who is the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, who gets taken by Hades to the Underworld to be his bride. Demeter is so upset that her daughter is gone, she doesn't let anything on earth grow. Zeus realizing the severity of the situation, then sent Hermes to Hades to try to get him to release her, and finally Hades agrees. But before he lets her leave, Hades gives Persephone a pomegranate. After eating three seeds, it bound her to the Underworld and she had to stay there one-third of the year forever. So, when Persephone is in the Underworld, Demeter in sadness doesn't let anything grow, thus Winter began. </div>
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Evelyn liked hearing this story that explained why there is Winter in such a fairy-tale way. And I liked sharing a mother-daughter moment over pomegranate,pears and coffee.</div>
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Have you shared in any 'first' moments lately?</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-15014791287313970592012-11-17T00:27:00.000-08:002012-11-17T00:33:45.423-08:00I remember you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do you ever view the
past version of yourself as a separate entity? Childhood Amanda. This past
version of yourself that you view fondly like a little sister, wondering what
small efforts you can make to appease her. What goals did she have, and have I achieved them for her? I wish that she had made a list of
goals, so that I could go through it with my adult pen, checking off these
little girl dreams just to be sure I’ve made Childhood Amanda happy. Not necessarily
for a sense of accomplishment, but simply as a nod to the past. Yes, I remember
you and what you wanted and even if our life has taken a different path than
originally thought, I will do this small token for you. I wonder if this is what
some people mean when they talk about your ‘inner child’. When this aspect of yourself takes control and you
do something pointless yet satisfying. Or perhaps </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">we do not lose control but rather we put ourselves out there as a sacrifice to who we once were.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> An adult who in remembrance of their youth, does something spontaneous just to wink at the past. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This is why I paint. Even
though I know I am not good at it, I know Childhood Amanda wanted to be a
painter. This is why my nose is pierced and I have a tattoo-spontaneity at its prime. That little girl wanted to be a writer too, so here I am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Do you have these moments? In an attempt to honor a childhood dream, you take that silly risk. Just for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">xo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Amanda</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-32053252781348800242012-11-15T15:42:00.000-08:002012-11-16T16:32:30.312-08:00Sampler Knit Cowl<br />
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US 8 - 5.0 mm</div>
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2 skeins <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-sierra" style="color: #666666;">Cascade Yarns Sierra</a></div>
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Dove</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/shops/jimmy-beans-wool" style="color: #666666;">Jimmy Beans Wool in Reno, Nevada</a></div>
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I used the pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/2009-mystery-afghan-knit-along" style="color: #666666;">2009 Mystery Afghan Knit-Along</a> by Bernat Design Studio<span style="font-size: 1em;"> to make this sampler cowl. After knitting 6 different square motifs, I realized I would <i>not</i> be finishing an afghan, so I jsut decided to sew all the squares together to make a large cowl.</span></div>
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The cowl is large enough to twist twice around the neck. The cotton lends a beautiful drape to the cowl and wonderful stitch definition. This light knit is perfect for late Spring/early Autumn.<br />
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You can view more of my knits by visiting my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits" target="_blank">Ravelry page</a> or clicking the 'knit' link on my right sidebar.<br />
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-75997728860066661442012-11-13T11:45:00.001-08:002012-11-13T11:45:08.767-08:00Lake Las Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday the family took a drive to Lake Las Vegas Resort. It is basically this man-made lake with a 'Mediterranean vibe' village surrounding it. It was early on a Monday morning, so the shops were just opening and there was almost no one walking the cobblestone streets. Which was fine by us, because the girls were able to run around freely and enjoy the beautiful fountains. We spent our time running around the village, we treated ourselves to a caramel apple from Rocky Mountains Chocolate Factory, and enjoyed it lakeside. All around it was a chill,fun time. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera, but i did get some shots with my phone that i'd like to share. I've posted this photos on instagram, so if you follow me there,sorry for the repeat. But if you don't...</div>
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The hubby and I will definitely be back for a date night- rent a canoe for an hour,enjoy a concert,dinner...we have it all planned out. Now if only we had a babysitter.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-67152078263878201762012-11-11T10:07:00.000-08:002012-11-11T10:07:21.547-08:00A Floral Setting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had taken over the dining room table. Not in a good way,but in that cliche 'modern living' way. When the table is no longer for eating meals with family and friends, a focus of good conversation and time spent with loved ones, but as a scattered desk. Not necessarily messy, but my course work had slowly crept over the bulk of the area. A laptop were the plate goes, a textbook sits where the napkin belongs, a pen and highlighter as utensils. Vases of flowers were actually bowls of post-its and stacks of brightly highlighted notes. </div>
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Waking up one morning, I walked down the stairs with my eyes on this large dining table that had become the exact opposite of what I wanted. I immediately walked out into my backyard with clippers in hand, determined to set the table. With no dinner plans in mind, no guests to impress, I spent the earliest part of my morning creating floral arrangements,setting out plates,utensils,and napkins. When the girls woke up,they twirled around my legs singing about a beautiful table and being hungry.</div>
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When my whirlwind of determination was over I stepped back to observe this newly created center of family. I was pleased. and hungry too. So I made the girls and I breakfast, sat down at the table with them, and enjoyed a beautiful,floral setting.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-43734660984924492242012-11-09T16:35:00.000-08:002012-11-12T19:00:48.188-08:00a day in the life of..<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> .a beautiful golden sight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/356456/apple-blackberry-pie-fall-leaves-pate-brisee?czone=food/thanksgiving-center/thanksgiving-center-pies&center=276949&gallery=274759&slide=255728" target="_blank">apple and blackberry pie.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.such sweetness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsQB8worjOc/UJ2XOLSbqhI/AAAAAAAAAf8/taGsKoKUOTQ/s1600/DSC09481edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsQB8worjOc/UJ2XOLSbqhI/AAAAAAAAAf8/taGsKoKUOTQ/s1600/DSC09481edit.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.giving monkey a kiss.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">."...and this maiden she lived with no other thought than to love and be loved by me" <span style="font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic;">- excerpt from Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe</span><br />
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xo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-60437572905359470462012-11-07T15:39:00.001-08:002012-11-11T10:09:06.229-08:00Big Bear Lake: day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our time spent in the cabin was short-lived but fun. We only rented it for a day, so after breakfast we packed our things back up and spent a few hours out and about before starting the drive home.</div>
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For breakfast, Casey made sausage and hashbrowns, while I sliced the pumpkin spice loaf and made a strong pot of coffee to be enjoyed black.</div>
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After a farewell picture with the cabin, or our "new house" as Evelyn called it, we went out to enjoy some time at the lake, watching the ducks.</div>
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After some time at the lake, we went to the discovery center to learn about the different wild life and minerals in the area. The girls enjoyed their time there-mainly because crayons were present. Nearby was an easy trail- the Woodland Trail- so we took another hike,but this one wasn't as <i>fun</i> for the girls. About half-way through both were whining and crying about all sorts of things</div>
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"I want to climb the tree with the squirrels!"<i> -Evelyn</i></div>
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"I want to go to the car!"<i>-Flora</i></div>
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"I don't want to go back to the car!" <i>- Flora</i></div>
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"Flora,be quiet! You are scary off the bobcats!"<i>-Evelyn</i></div>
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Eventually we just picked up the girls and power walked the remaining half-mile. Not before I got some photos though!</div>
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We then headed to a local restaurant for lunch, and with bellies full we got on the road and drove home.</div>
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xo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-40642289145999998132012-11-06T19:14:00.000-08:002012-11-11T10:09:35.616-08:00Big Bear Lake: day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We woke up usual time Sunday morning, in no rush to hit the road since the check-in to our cabin was at 3pm. So after some last minute packing, a big pot of coffee and fresh baked bread for the next morning- the family piled in the car and started off towards California. The four hour drive actually wasn't bad, the girls were very well behaved and the only hiccup was when I couldn't remember if I turned the oven off or not. i did. </div>
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Once we checked-in to our little cabin, we immediately went out to one of the more popular hiking trails at Big Bear Lake- Castlerock Trail- which was a rock climbing adventure for the girls. They got dirty using their little bodies to scale the trail, finding treasures along the way (like huge pinecones and big yellow leaves)</div>
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We all enjoyed the adventure, and with the sun setting, we headed back to the cabin for baths,a cozy fire and dinner</div>
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Casey made a yummy dinner of steaks and potatoes, followed by popcorn popped over the stove -which Evelyn LOVED watching- and s'mores -which Evelyn and Flora LOVED to eat. All in all it was a fun day, more importantly it was a do-able day with a three and two year old. A laid-back approach with hands on fun and food is the way to go.</div>
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I'll be sharing pictures from our second day at Big Bear tomorrow!</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-31890642646948494762012-11-03T23:49:00.001-07:002012-11-11T10:15:33.220-08:00I'm a morning person now.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It turns out that a mommy of two,who also happens to be a part-time student, doesn't have a lot of time to knit. So unfortunately I didn't finish my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits/woodland-shawl" target="_blank">Woodland Stole</a> in time for our little family vacation tomorrow. Oh well, it will make for a nice activity during the four hour car ride to Big Bear Lake. Plus, i'm pretty sure i'm gonna need two more skeins of yarn to even get the stole to the length I want it.</div>
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This pattern has been a joy to knit,and working on it has just added to the awesomeness of these past couple of mornings. Friday I enjoyed a quiet morning reading <a href="http://www.kinfolkmag.com/" target="_blank">Kinfolk</a> magazine, doing a little knitting and drinking some of the <i>best </i>coffee from my new french press. </div>
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This morning was just how every weekend should start off- a family full of smiles and tummies full of freshly baked <a href="http://www.hwtm.com/recipe_box/pumpkinspicebrd" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice bread</a>.</div>
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I'm usually not a morning person- as in, i'm groggy and grumpy. But I've decided I have nothing to be grumpy about ( just look at that sweet baby face I get to wake up to!) and that I will be more patient and more chipper from now on. TA-DA! I'm a morning person now.</div>
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I'll be back Tuesday with a post on our trip!</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-84796786210879003332012-11-01T10:03:00.001-07:002012-11-11T10:12:09.415-08:00Chilly days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUE7826rt4E/UJKcf9k3yGI/AAAAAAAAAXw/hXCam0KQsEk/s1600/DSC08959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUE7826rt4E/UJKcf9k3yGI/AAAAAAAAAXw/hXCam0KQsEk/s1600/DSC08959.JPG" /></a></div>
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The weather is finally cooling down and since I refuse to turn the heater on, the girlies and I have been enjoying some 'bundled up' time- which is very rare here. </div>
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I've thoroughly enjoyed waking up to a chilly room, wrapping myself tighter in my blankets. The feel of the cold tile on my feet. The squeals of the girls as they jump on the couch with me to cuddle. We've been drinking hot chocolate and tea. We've been wearing sweaters,cardigans and shawls. Its November and it is finally starting to feel like Autumn here in Nevada. </div>
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Our previously mentioned Autumn Roadtrip is right around the corner- we will be leaving early morning this Sunday for our drive to Big Bear Lake,CA. Plans have changed though (as they always do) and we've decided to rent a cabin in the mountains and spend a couple days hiking,fishing,making smores and cuddling in front of a fireplace- compared to the original plan I wrote about <a href="http://www.thorntonjournal.blogspot.com/2012/10/woodland-stole.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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So i'm off to do some laundry and pack our bags in anticipation for our family vacation.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-62098917293854850762012-10-28T19:16:00.000-07:002012-10-29T08:38:50.965-07:00Evelyn's first pony ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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coffee and donuts for breakfast, hide and go seek at the park, a pony ride at the farm, knitting for mama and a sushi dinner for the family. It was a good Sunday indeed.<br />
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-67899525240929872762012-10-25T21:04:00.000-07:002012-11-11T10:13:13.434-08:00a day in the life of..<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHBezr9BGao/UIoH1cjRJOI/AAAAAAAAAWI/WK1uwndKD7Y/s1600/DSC08886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHBezr9BGao/UIoH1cjRJOI/AAAAAAAAAWI/WK1uwndKD7Y/s1600/DSC08886.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn used a hair clip to keep a little crocheted blanket on around her shoulders, because she wanted to wear a shawl like mommy- ah! This babydoll blanket was actually crocheted by my mom for me when I was little.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was right after Flora said, "I'm a bird" and right before she jumped off the bench and 'flew'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is late October and my roses are still blooming</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought the outside in, and tucked leaves under paper to do some relief coloring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn loved it! Flora didn't really grasp it yet, but she added her own marking to Evelyn's picture...can you guess which leaf Flora colored? here's a hint. Its purple.</td></tr>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-86987263802329818982012-10-24T11:30:00.001-07:002012-11-11T10:15:48.839-08:00Woodland Stole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am absolutely in love with this new pattern I've started! The pattern is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits/woodland-shawl" target="_blank">Woodland Shawl</a> by <a href="http://thriftyknitter.com/" target="_blank">The Thrifty Knitter</a>- a free pattern that is well written, <i>my favorite. </i>I'm calling it a stole though, since it is rectangular in shape and I associate the term shawl with triangular knits. </div>
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I don't know if I mentioned it before, but my family is going on a road trip early November: camping at Big Bear Lake in California, hitting up Oak Tree Village for the day (picture an authentic Cracker Barrel, but in town form) Then we are heading to Old Towne Orange, the largest historic district in California with tons of antique shops and specialty boutiques, yay! Old Towne is just 20 minutes from Newport Beach, so of course will be spending time there with the girls as well. fun,fun,fun! So...I wanted to knit a big stole to keep me cozy while I'm camping,apple picking, antiquing and beaching (Is there a verb for the act of going to the beach? Beach-going?) Anyways, this leaf motif seemed perfect for the Autumn Roadtrip occasion.</div>
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I purchased two skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/elsebeth-lavold-silky-wool" target="_blank">Silky Wool by Elsebeth Lavold</a> in Prussian Blue from <a href="http://sincityknitshop.homestead.com/" target="_blank">Sin City Knit Shop</a>, which has turned out to be a favorite yarn of mine. It has a rustic feel and look to it that I appreciate, and I've never used a silk blend before so hooray for expanding my fiber horizon. I know a green, or a more autumn shade would have been the ideal choice for this pattern, but I was inspired by this poem to go with a more 'darker mood' hue...</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">...I bade men tell me which in brief,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Which is fairer, flower or leaf.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">They did not have the wit to say,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Leaves by night and flowers by day.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Leaves and bar, leaves and bark,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">To lean against and hear in the dark.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Petals I may have once pursued.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Leaves are all my darker mood.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">-excerpt from Leaves Compared With Flowers by Robert Frost</span></span></i></div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">//find me <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/my-creative-space-a-challenge-for-fun-community-and-creativity/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2012/10/yarn-along-99.html" target="_blank">here</a> today//</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-15395414967243632502012-10-19T20:29:00.000-07:002012-11-11T10:14:41.017-08:00Dear Daughters,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We make a good team. Flora and I aren't morning people, so Evelyn will go out of her way to make me happy, then I will make Flora happy and in turn she makes Evelyn happy. I like how that works. </div>
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I want to thank you Evelyn for waking me up every morning by opening my curtain and whispering "party time" in my ear. </div>
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I want to thank you Flora for quietly climbing into bed and sharing a still 'waking up is hard' moment with me.</div>
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Thank you Evelyn for saying, "Mommy, you're cute" at least ten times a day. </div>
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Thank you Flora for saying, " I wanna cuddle wit you" at least five times a day.</div>
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I like how we howl to celebrate whenever we make decision together:</div>
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"What do you want for lunch?" </div>
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"pasta!" </div>
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"Pasta?!" </div>
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"AWHOOOO, AH AH AWHOOO!"</div>
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I like how at the end of the day when I ask you two what you've learned, these are the responses i get:</div>
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"I learned to keep my skirt on at the park."</div>
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"I learned bugs are afraid of me cause I squish them"</div>
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"I learned brave is when you do something even though i'm scared"</div>
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I want to thank you girls for giving my life purpose, for making me laugh and for teaching me a thing or two.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">" <i>I liked it when my mother shaped me this way. I thought clay must must feel happy in good potter's hand</i>." <span style="font-size: x-small;">White Oleander by Janet Fitch</span></span></div>
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I hope you girls are happy clay.</div>
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xo</div>
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Mommy</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-16933949934772761012012-10-16T11:46:00.002-07:002012-10-16T11:48:44.634-07:00On my inspiration board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=120" target="_blank">this shawl</a>. <a href="http://g-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/3523796/CrystalGentilelloHouseTour_18_rect640.jpg" target="_blank">these words</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UJ0_LkUaNE/UH2plLcVh5I/AAAAAAAAASA/TW9gCuk_njc/s1600/post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UJ0_LkUaNE/UH2plLcVh5I/AAAAAAAAASA/TW9gCuk_njc/s1600/post2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111774594/blue-sapphire-gemstone-bracelet-precious?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">this bracelet</a>. <a href="http://www.wolverine.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/29408W/0/Womens/Evelyn-1000-Mile-Boot?dimensions=0" target="_blank">these boots</a>.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-41701301093255916332012-10-13T08:05:00.000-07:002012-10-13T08:05:30.484-07:00Find me on the CreJJtion blog!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Saturday friends!</div>
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I just wanted to let my readers know that I've written a post for the <a href="http://www.crejjtion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CreJJtion blog</a></div>
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so be sure to follow <a href="http://crejjtion.blogspot.com/2012/10/guest-post-yarn-from-las-vegas.html" target="_blank">this link</a>, and check it out :)</div>
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Thanks friends!</div>
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Hope everyone has a great weekend</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-67539674576465097562012-10-11T14:10:00.001-07:002012-10-11T14:10:30.586-07:00Crochet Vest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fh9LGuClbWc/UHcu6uVoe1I/AAAAAAAAAQw/STFgZfePwpA/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fh9LGuClbWc/UHcu6uVoe1I/AAAAAAAAAQw/STFgZfePwpA/s1600/collage2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hooray! I have FINALLY finished this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits/julia-cardigan" target="_blank">Crocheted Vest</a>. It's not that it was a hard pattern, or a big article of clothing but this was just one of those projects that you start, then put aside to work on other patterns, and suddenly it is two years later and you've <i>almost</i> forgotten about it. Please tell me this scenario doesn't just apply to me- you have two year old unfinished projects laying around, right? Anyways... with a growing list of WIPs I decided to take this out and finish it already. All I had to do was seam the sides, add the trim and a button. That's it! it only took me an hour to finish.</div>
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The original pattern was a buttoned up cardigan, but I decided to forego the sleeves- aiming for more of a boho vest feel, and used one large coconut button instead of a line up of small buttons. I love the way the vest drapes open on top, creating a lapel effect.</div>
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Isn't this button amazing! I've always like big natural buttons and this coconut one is the perfect size to slip into the large shell pattern.</div>
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I used a soft 100% cotton yarn to achieve this glossy,yet firm look. I've always admired the stitch definition cotton lends to a project. If you are interested in more detailed info on this vest, check out my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/URCHINknits/julia-cardigan" target="_blank">Ravelry </a>page for yarn,needle size, etc.</div>
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Currently I am working on a secret knit for a dear friend, so I cannot share photos :(</div>
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oh the struggles of a blogger...</div>
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but know my hands are not idle!</div>
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Do you have any finished projects you'd like to share? Feel free to share the link in your comment below so I can check it out.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-7555349436645519452012-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:002012-10-09T10:00:22.914-07:00the weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Tuesday! Our family had a fun three day weekend, and though I was terrible at taking pictures the past two days, I did happen to get some shots of my Saturday. Saturday was my 'break from the kids' day- a much needed day for stay at home moms- so my girlfriend and I went out for coffee at our local coffee house (pumpkin spice latte and almond croissant anyone?), then we went to Gail Knits- one of the three yarn shops in Las Vegas. It's not my favorite, but it was the closest one to where we were. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this unique flower brooch thing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Gail Knits perks- a huge supply of vibrant buttons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite kind of yarn- hand painted tonal shades in a soft merino...or alpaca. i'm not picky </td></tr>
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We ended up not getting anything, I was looking for Noro yarn for my Hexagon Blanket and unfortunately it wasn't carried. Afterwards we hit up Gilcrease Orchard for the best apple and pear cider I've ever had.Then we had a couple Mexican street tacos for lunch and finished our day off right with some shopping at Home Goods. I loooove Home Goods, I always walk out with something unnecessary and awesome.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this African market basket, I just love the colors. It is now housing some WIPs of mine- the pillow I need some more yarn for and a secret project for a friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ok. How awesome is this geode bookend? I actually had to move books out of the way for it to even fit on the bookshelf,haha.</td></tr>
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It was a good day. Sunday was family day which was spent mainly at home but ended with taking the girls to the park. They always have a blast. And Monday we actually bought a new car! Hooray! We got a dark grey Prius C, so i'm excited to celebrate our new purchase with a road trip. We are either going to Cali for antiques and markets or to Lake Tahoe for camping. We shall see!</div>
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I hope y'all had a great weekend too and I'm excited to share news on a guest post I am writing for one of my favorite blogs. More on that later :)</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077098412247632125.post-55704417686147190002012-10-05T09:43:00.000-07:002012-10-05T09:43:50.396-07:00Downtown Vegas vintage shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been meaning to share these photos for awhile and have just now gotten around to it. Last weekend, my girlfriend and I went downtown to check out some vintage shops and though I didn't get pictures of all the shops (my camera got heavy) I did get some pics of the first store we hit up- One Man's Trash.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE that painting! and I'm thinking of painting my dinette table that awesome blue color</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so many goodies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Man's Trash is full of mid-century furniture, and awesome southwest rugs like that one on the ladder....I might have to go back for it.</td></tr>
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OMT is a brand new shop in Downtown Vegas, whose owner is the same woman I bought my amazing couch and record console from about a year ago off Craigslist. I'm so happy to see her goal of her own storefront come to fruition. Though everything was awesome in the shop, I had a tight budget and walked out empty handed. I didn't leave downtown empty-handed though, I did pick up a rad, ombre shawl in shades of pink with tons of fringe from a shop called Patina Decor. I'm thinking a style post featuring this bad boy is in order.</div>
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This weekend is going to be just as fun. I'll be photographing a local yarn shop for a guest blog post on a favorite blog of mine- yay! and since i'm there, I <i>guess </i>I'll buy a skein...or two.</div>
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xo</div>
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Amanda</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004634330761006771noreply@blogger.com3