What defines me?

I am tired of making my weight define me.  It doesn't help that I have others (and by others I mean my family) making comments about my weight--but I'm not any easier on myself than they are.  They just further justify my scrutiny.

I am a fantastic mother, wife and friend.  I am intelligent and creative and have more on my plate than the average person.  I can balance work, school and family like no other and don't slack in either one of those arenas.  I am beautiful both inside and out-- so why can't I see that?  Why can't I see that I am more than the number of my pants?  Why can't I see that I have eyelashes others would kill for?  That my skin is flawless and my hair is thick and beautiful?  Why can't I see that regardless of that size, I have a good sense of style?  Why do I stand in the mirror and criticize every single thing I see instead of looking at what I just mentioned?  Why can't I pat myself in the back for working out for the past couple of weeks even though I've been exhausted?  Why can't I give myself a little cheer for the small steps I'm taking to a healthier me?  

I need to define myself... and it should have nothing to do with size.  I rock.  Period.

Recent Giveaway Video Removed for Inappropriate Content

This is an update to let you all know that my giveaway video was removed for "inappropriate content". I have submitted an inquiry with YouTube to find out what the "inappropriate content" is in the video or get it put back in place if it was removed in error. Many of you know I have been doing giveaways for 3 years now on YouTube and never had any problems.  My hope is the video will be put back in place.

Diamond Granny Square Variation C

Diamond Granny Square Variation C

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Granny Square Diamond
Video Tutorial: Left Hand Granny Square Diamond

Materials
Size I Crochet Hook

4-Ply Worsted Weight Yarn


Chain 3, join.

Round 1. Ch 3, 2 DC, CH 2, 3DC, CH 2, 3DC CH 2, 3DC, CH 1, SC in beginning CH 3. This will put you at the center of your chain space.

Round 2. Ch 3, 2 DC, CH 2; 3DC, CH2, 3DC, CH2 in next space, repeat two more times. For last corner shell, CH 1 and SC join to beginning CH3. Cut the yarn, secure and change color.

Round 3. Join the new color in a corner of the square. CH 3, 2 DC in the beg CH SP. *7 DC across in ea DC and CH 1 SP. 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC in corner ch.* Repeat from * to * 3 times. 7 DC across in ea DC and CH 1 SP. 3 DC in the corner CH. CH 1, SC in BEG CH 3. Cut yarn,
secure.

Triple Crochet Cluster: Drop down to row 2 to complete cluster. FPTC around EA of the first two DC in row 2, in the first set of Sts, leaving the last loops of the TC on your hook for joining. FPTC around ea of the last 2 DC in the second set of Sts, leaving the last loops of the TC on your hook for joining.

Round 4. Join new color in the corner. CH 3, 2 DC in the beg CH SP. *CH 4, TC Cluster, CH 4. 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC in the corner CH 2 SP.* Repeat from * to * 3 times. CH 4, TC Cluster, CH 4. 3 DC in the
corner CH. CH 1, SC in BEG CH 3.

Round 5. CH 3, 2 DC in the beg CH SP. DC in EA of the next 3 Sts, *3 DC in CH, 1 DC in top of TC cluster, 3 DC in CH, DC in ea of next 3 Sts. 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC in the next CH 2 SP.* Repeat from * to * three times. 3 DC in CH, 1 DC in top of TC cluster, 3 DC in CH, DC
in ea of next 3 Sts. 3 DC in corner CH, CH 2 Join, Cut. Secure thread, sew in tail.

A look on the bright side...

I've had a busy week starting back at work and I've been coming home a bit frustrated.  Here's a list of things that are great and that make me happy at work so I don't dwell on the negative:

1.  The energy that comes with starting out new at work... everyone is excited, rested from the summer... if only we could keep this feeling well into the school year!
2.  Coworkers/Friends who make me laugh and make time go fast.
3.  School supplies!  Lots of them!  I'm especially loving my new shaped paper clips.
4.  My new class I'm teaching... I'm psyched about it and thinking of all the wonderful things I can do with my kiddies.
5.  Feeling like I have a grasp on things now... after 6 years of teaching.
6.  Being surrounded by talented people.. hope to learn lots from them.
7.  My vision for my bulletin boards coming to life... yes, I'm a dork.
8.  Starbucks.
9.... k... I thought I'd make it to 10 but it's not happening. I'm surprised I made it to 8! ;)

What teachers make...

Crochet Hoop Earring 1 - Nicole

Crochet Hoop Earring 1 - Nicole

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet Hoop Earring 1 - Nicole

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Crochet Hoop Earring 1 - Nicole

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
TC - Triple Crochet

Shell - 3 triple crochet in the same stitch, chain 4, slip stitch in the top of the same triple crochet, 3 triple crochet in the same stitch.


Hoop Size 1-1/2 in- 4cm

Materials
Size 8 Steel crochet hook
Size 10 crochet cotton
Small sewing or tapestry needle

Attach the thread to the hoop, wrapping the thread around the hoop and pulling the thread through the loop on the hook.

Row 1:  Work 30 single crochet, turn.

Row 2: *Skip 1 stitch, work 3 TC in the next stitch, chain 4, sl st in the top of the last triple crochet, work 3 more triple crochet in the same single crochet, skip 1 stitch, slip stitch in the next stitch.  Continue around from *.  There will be 7 shells worked. When you are finished, cut the thread and sew in the tails.

I found that 45 single crochet covered the whole hoop.  You will have more shells if you worked more single crochet.

This pattern can easily be modified to work around larger or smaller hoop earring.

How to make Crochet Earrings - Emma

How to make Crochet Earrings - Emma

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: How to make Crochet Earrings - Emma

Video Tutorial: Left Hand How to make Crochet Earrings - Emma

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch


Size: 4cm/1-1/2 inches

Materials
Size 8 steel crochet hook
Size 10 crochet cotton
Small Needle
Earring Findings



Attach a slipknot to the crochet hook.
Work a chain of 10, join.


Round 1: Chain 1, Work 16 SC right through the center of the chain.  Join with the beginning stitch.


Round 2: Chain 4(Counts as the first stitch and chain 1),   *in the next stitch work a DC, CH 1, Continue around from *.  When you get around to the beginning, slip stitch in the 3rd chain up to join. (There will be a total of 16 stitches with a chain 1 between.


Round 3:  Slip Stitch in to the first chain 1 space. *SC, chain 4, SC in each space around, Continue around from *, join with the beginning stitch. There will be a total of 16 chain 4 loops.



Attach the earring finding to any of the last chain 4 loops.  You will chain 2, remove the loop from the hook, pull the loop through and continue with the remaining 2 loop.

CACHECOL COM FLORES

BAKTUS COM FLORES

PELERINE MULTI USO - 4 MODELOS EM 1 PEÇA SÓ

•4 nov. Cisne Premium (nov. de 100g) na cor 3035 (vermelho);

•ag. circular para tricô nº4; nº 4,5 e nº 5;

•ag. Tapestry Corrente Milward nº18 para fechar a pelerine.

Tensão do ponto: 10x10cm=19p.x26carr. (medidos sobre o p.m.).

Abreviaturas e pontos empregados:

•p.- ponto, ag.- agulha, m.- meia, t.- tricô, carr.- carreira, rep.- repita, trab.- trabalhe, nov.- novelo, p.de barra 1/1 – (1m., 1t.), p.fantasia – nº múltiplo de 4p. – 1ªcarr.:*1m., 3t.*, rep. de *a* até o final da carr.. 2ªcarr.: *1t., 1m., 2t.*, rep. de *a* até o final da carr..

Execução:

•Na ag. nº5, monte 284p. e trab. no p. fantasia e a 16cm desde o início, mude para a ag. nº4,5. Trab. mais 16cm e mude para a ag. nº4. A 48cm desde o início , trab. 2cm no p. de barra 1/1 pegando de 2 em 2p. juntos na 1ªcarr. (total de 124p. na ag.).
A 50cm desde o início, arremate. Una as laterais da pelerine com pequenos pontos

CACHECOL EM CROCHE ROSA E AZUL

Tambem da Sidney Donchio

XALE EM PONTO ESCAMA

Esse xale foi executado pela minha amiga Sidney. A receita e gráfico estão em postagens anteriores. Espero que gostem.

PELERINE EM PONTO FANTASIA

Criação: Maria de Lourdes Mareth

                                                        Execução: Aparecida Gomes Negri                                      
                                                        Tamanho: único
 

Nota: todo o trabalho é feito usando os 2 fios juntos.

•Tensão do ponto: 10 x 10 cm= 13 p. x 18 carr. (medidos sobre o p. fantasia usando os 2 fios juntos e ag. nº 6,5).

Abreviaturas e pontos empregados:
p.- ponto, ag.- agulha, m.- meia, t.- tricô, carr.- carreira, rep.- repita, trab.- trabalhe, nov.- novelo, j.- junto, laç.- laçada, cordões de t.- (direito e avesso em t.), p. fantasia – nº múltiplo de 6+1 p. – 1ª e 5ª carr.: em m.; 2ªcarr. e todas as pares: em t.; 3ª carr.: *1m., laç., 1t., 3 p.j. em t., 1t., laç*, rep. de *a* e termine a carr. com laç.,1m.; 7ª carr.: voltar na 1ª carr..

Execução:

•Na ag. monte 45 p. e trab. 8 carr. em t. = (4 cordões de t.).
Continue o trabalho do seguinte modo: 4 p. em  cordões de t. para a borda, trab. os 37 p. centrais no p. fantasia e termine com os 4 p. finais em cordões de t. para a borda. A 1,20cm desde o início, arremate.

Montagem:

•Dobre o tricô para a formação da pelerine, acompanhando a indicação do esquema e prenda com pequenos p.acompanhando o modelo, lateral A com lateral B

Embossed Crochet Flower - Circle to Square 4

Embossed Crochet Flower - Circle to Square 4

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Embossed Crochet Flower - Circle to Square 4

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Embossed Crochet Flower - Circle to Square 4

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
SC - Single Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle


Chain 5, join.


Round 1: CH 1, *SC through the center of the chain loop. CH 8, Complete from * 6 time total.  Join with the beginning stitch.


Round 2:  CH 1, SC in the same stitch *Working through the chain 8 loop. 2 SC, 2 HDC, 4 DC, 2HDC, 2SC, SC in the next SC.  Continue around from *, join with the beginning stitch.


Round 3: CH 1, *SC in the stitch between petals, Ch 5, SC between stitch 6 and 7 on round 2, CH 5, Continue around from *, join with the beginning stitch.


Round 4: SL ST to the chain. Work 4 double crochet in each chain around.  Join with the beginning stitch.


Round 5:  Chain for the step up. *Work, 3 TC, CH 2, 3 TC in the same stitch.  Work 1 DC in each of the next 4 stitches, 1 HDC in each of the next 3 stitches, Work 1 DC in each of the next 4 stitches,  Complete 4 times total from *.  Join with the beginning stitch, cut the yarn and pull through to secure.

Count your blessings Tuesdays?

I guess Count Your Blessings went on a bit of a hiatus ;)  I have much to be grateful for!  This summer I am grateful for:

• time to meet up with friends
• having uninterrupted conversations
• lunches with C
• mornings with T
• naps with T
• having the best of both worlds... being a professional and "stay at home" mom over the summer
• being able to see my parents
• having my feet in the sand more than once
• a to-do list that is COMPLETE!
• cuddle time!!
• starting my workout routine again
• school supplies
• my schedule for this school year
• postcards and emails from past students
• all the laughter, joy and love that has filled my house
• a potty trained child that was WAY too easy to train (not complaining!)
• T sleeping until 9.. can I get an AMEN on that one?

Happy in the kitchen!

Things that are making me happy in the kitchen....

These flowers....

Finding green plantains at the grocery store and prepping for some TOSTONES :)  

Finally mastering my Mami's pink bean recipe... doesn't look like much there but they were delish!

My rice cooker... whoever invented this is my hero.

Cooking more at home = awesome :)

Tonight's menu included bistec with onions, rice and beans.
Tomorrow's menu includes tostones and fried pork (healthy, I know!)
Thursday is C and the barbecue... probably chicken and corn on the cob
Friday is shrimp alfredo.

Who wants to come to dinner? ;)

Crochet Swirl Afghan

Crochet Geek on YouTube


Crochet Spiral Afghan

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crochet Swirl Afghan

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Crochet Swirl Afghan

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
EA - Each
ST - Stitch
DC - Double Crochet



Gauge
4 inches - 10 CM = 7 Rows
4 inches - 10 CM = 11 Stitches

Materials
Size K/6.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn Tapestry Needle


Chain 4, join.  You can also use the magic circle to start. 

Round 1:  CH 1, This will not count as a stitch, only the step up. Work *3 DC, CH 2, Complete 5 times total from *, join with the beginning stitch.

Round 2: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch and 1 DC in the next stitch, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 2, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 2 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 2, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 3: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 3 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH space, CH 3, SC in the same space as the last DC, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 4 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH space , CH 3, SC in the same space as the last DC, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 4:  Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 5 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH space , CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 6 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH space , CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.


Round 5: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 7 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH space , CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 8 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH space , CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 6: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 9 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH  space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 10 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH  space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 7:  Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 11 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH  space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 12 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH  space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.
 
Round 8: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 13 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 14 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

You will continue making the afghan until you get the size you are looking for.  

Yummy treats...

I made these treats yesterday for the daycare's ice cream week.  Some of the cones were made to look like "accidents" ;)  I made funfetti cake and mixed it with vanilla icing... dipped in chocolate and rainbow sprinkles, topped with a peanut M&M for a "cherry" on top.  The tiny cones are just regular sugar cones cut down in size.  I originally wanted to make it with strawberry cake/icing and pink candy melts but I didn't have time to buy all the stuff. Oh well!

Bathroom!!

Our bathroom is painted and ready to go!  I installed a toilet paper holder  (we haven't had one in over a year!) and put up those pictures which just happen to have the exact blue in them!  

Check out the blue with the dark brown cabinets!

Shower curtain looks good here!

Aaaaand  the reason we could not paint this ourselves....

Project #3: Car shadow boxes

3 Ikea frames $9.99 each, a pack of 4 Disney Cars 14.99... printer $0.00.  For less than $50, we have art for the walls that look (at least to me!) high end.   This is the ONLY Disney Cars thing in the room.  I refuse to buy Cars bed sheets or anything branded for his room.  

Edited to add*The blue car on the left will have the picture replaced with one similar to the other two... I just found it.

I also found this lamp at Target today... cute, no?

Why is it...

that when you do some home improvement project you see the next thing that's wrong with your house?  So I painted the cabinets and now I want to replace our faucets because I need nicer ones now that the cabinet looks all fancy.  It also made me want to do the bathroom floor as well... but the faucets are more pressing because they need to match the new handles.  Haha.  Check out what I'm planning on:

Found that at Overstock for $40... not bad.  Anyone have any tips on installing faucets!?

Project #2: Bathroom Cabinets

For some reason the color is off in the first two photos but you can see the true color in the third... oh and someone who kept trying to get in front of the cabinets for a picture...

It's amazing what a little paint and some hardware can do.  Yes, I have a hairdryer in the sink but there was no water there FYI ;)

Your Crochet Projects - Summer 2010 - Part 2

1) http://www.yarncoture.com

2) http://www.crochetdreamz.blogspot.com/

3) http://crochetbasket.blogspot.com/
   http://crochetbasket.yolasite.com/

5) http://www.ashes-in-the-rain.blogspot.com/

6) http://www.girlinair.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-crochet-sesame-street-hats.html

7) http://www.farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4661010502_f18e550c0a.jpg

8) http://www.flickr.com/photos/mehv23/4797416024/

9) http://www.homer424.etsy.com

10) http://www.farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4543405705_d9f76a49c7.jpg

11) http://www.lovestitches.blogspot.com/

12) http://www.daperfectmix.blogspot.com

13) http://www.yarncoture.etsy.com

14) http://www.mycrochetknitting.blogspot.com