Productive!

I got a ton of stuff accomplished this weekend!  I:

• cleaned the house top to bottom
• shopped for party food
• set up for party and made some yummy food
• had party
• cleaned out C's car
• cleared out the garden beds of leaves and pulled out dead plants
• cooked up some nice arroz con habichuelas and tostones
• wrote up analysis report for grad class due Monday
• worked on project for grad class #2
• worked out :)

So can you believe that even though I did all of that, I still have a mile long to-do list for this week?  Ugh!  I need to:

• finish grading stuff
• post grades in two places and turn them in by Tues
• go to class Mon
• do grad work assignment due Wed
• work on prof. dev. presentation
• work out 
• plan for classes
• cook up some meals
• donate stuff

I'm sure there's more. : /  Here's hoping for a productive week...

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Crafty!

I just made these two bracelets (looks like more but it's only two wrapped a few times).  I absolutely love them and they were easy to make!  I bought waxed cotton thread, silver beads (make sure they fit the thread holes) and a button closure (I chose these cute silver stars). 

It just uses a simple braid and you thread the bead every couple of pleats.  

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60 miles!

I just hit 60 miles today and I also shaved four minutes off my mile.  I ran for the first time in my life and it was not bad!  I have horrible memories of middle school gym class and being almost last to finish the mile run... as in, class was over and I was still outside and the teacher just told me to go in and change.

Running/walking is all about attitude.  You can really change the outcome of the run by your thinking.... it's also hard to have happy motivating thoughts while running but you have to!

My new shoes are another motivator right now :)  Aren't they cute!?

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Good things...

• spring break in Florida
• date night with Hubby
• lovely weather
• leftovers 
• girls night with some nice ladies
• second 5k on treadmill (better time and not dying)
• new running shoes
• new light fixtures installed by someone that knows what they're doing and for free!
• crafty projects
• giant boxes than can be rocket ships, houses, airplanes...
• nice long showers after getting all sweaty
• Mondays OFF

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How to make the Crochet Crocodile Scale Stitch

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10 Things I'm proud of...

10.  My independent little boy.  He can undress, dress and use the bathroom all by himself!
9.  The grading I've gotten done this week.  Yay for being caught up.
8.  My pantry.. it's organized!
7.  The 56 miles I've logged so far-- that treadmill is really being used!
6.  Grad work turned in on time or early. Woo!
5.  Kitchen and living room = spotless (for now)
4.  Yummy dinner!
3.  Hubby-- he's doing great at work
2.  Time management.  Somehow I'm getting stuff done!
1. ME :)

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Free Speech Anyone?

Check this out:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110216/ap_on_hi_te/us_teacher_suspended_blog

Then read this:
http://natalieshandbasket.blogspot.com/

This is all I could find that has some of the blog post quoted before the blog went MIA
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer/the_intelligencer_news_details/article/27/2011/february/10/blog-puts-teacher-in-hot-water-1.html?fav%5Baction%5D=add&fav%5Btable%5D=tt_news&fav%5Buid%5D=805421&cHash=57fe9da654ad4d8981decd79df22b164&tx_pbcomments%5Bcomment%5D=380418

Makes you think.

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Crochet Earring Sandi

 

Crochet Earring Sandi

If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link.  Beginner Crochet Stitches

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crochet Earring Sandi

Video Tutorial: Crochet Earring Sandi Left Hand Version

Skill Level - Easy

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

Materials
Size 1 Steel crochet hook
10 Crochet Cotton
Tapestry Needle
Earring Findings

Work a chain of 30, join with the beginning chain.  Make sure you keep the chain straight so it is not all twisted before you join.


Round 1: Work 45 SC around the chain. A random amount will work as well.


Round 2: Chain 1, *SC in the same stitch. Chain 4, work 3 DC in the single crochet, skip 2 stitches, work a single crochet in the next stitch, continue around from *, when you get around to the beginning, join with the beginning stitch.


Now you will thread a small needle that will fit through the earring finding and loop through a couple of times.  It does not have to be a lot.  Knot, secure and sew in all the tails.

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In honor of Valentine's Day

Top 10 reasons I love C

10.  He has the patience of a saint... a nice contrast to my impatience!

9.  He has taken up the chores that I dislike-- doing dishes, taking out trash, putting laundry in the wash... even putting gas in my car!

8.  He wakes up on weekends with T so I can catch a few extra Zs.

7.  He has some pretty cute dimples.  

6.  His sense of humor totally goes with mine.

5.  He's pretty quiet but when he does have something to say, it's worth hearing.

4.  He is my biggest cheerleader.

3.  His arms are just the right fit for me and he's always warm.

2.  He never raises his voice and he doesn't have a temper.

1.  He fills my life with so much love :)

Love you C!  :)

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I did it!

I walked a 5k on my treadmill!  It took me an hour but I did it-- gonna work on my time next!~

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Beginner Crochet Stitches - Video Tutorials

The following crochet video tutorials are posted on my second channel.
http://www.youtube.com/crochet

How to make the Crochet Chain 

How to Make the Single Crochet 

How to make the Half Double Crochet  

How to make the Double Crochet 

How to make the Triple Crochet 

How to Attach a Slipknot to the Crochet Hook 

How to make the Foundation Single Crochet 

How to make the Foundation Half Double Crochet 

How to make the Crochet Circle #Crochet 

How to make the Foundation Double Crochet 

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Heart Healthy for Valentines Day

For Valentines Day... or rather, the day before since I have grad class-- I'm briskly walking 5k.  Why?  To show some love to my heart and to challenge myself.  I've been doing 2 miles and 2.5 miles so this would be the first time I will be doing 3.1.  I know I can do it and I'm posting this here to make me accountable ;)

Although I really have to drag myself to the treadmill every day, once I get my workout done I feel good.  It also feels good to have my hubby checking out the progress-- apparently my butt is benefiting from my exercise.

I am glad I've kept up my daily date with the treadmill and hope that it helps me trim down and feel better.  I have not been weighing myself and have not set any weight goals because I don't want to get discouraged when I'm stuck on a number.  My gauge for what I'm doing is how I feel and how my clothes are fitting.  So far so good! :)

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Crochet Loopy Granny Square and Flower

Loopy Granny Square and Flower

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

Crochet Video Tutorial:

• Loopy Flower
• Loopy Granny Square - Part 1
• Loopy Granny Square - Part 2

Size G crochet Hook
4-Ply Worsted Weight Yarn

Loopy Flower

Chain 6, join

Round 1: CH 1, 16 SC in loop, join

Round 2: CH 3, 3 DC in same SP, CH 3, SL ST in same SP. SL ST over next 2 spaces. Continue around for 8 petals.

Round 3: CH 1, SC in same SP, CH 5, SK 2 Petals, SC in next SC; Continue around.
SL ST in BEG SC. (4 - CH 5 Loops)

Round 4: CH 4, 5 TC in loop, CH 4, SL ST in loop, repeat twice in each loop. SL ST to next loop. (8 Petals)

Loopy Granny Square

Round 5: Attach new color. * SC around the post of SC on the flower, CH 7, Repeat 4 times total from *. Join in beg SC. (There will be 4, chain 7 loops)

Round 6: SL ST in CH LP CH 3, 4 DC, CH 2, 5 DC in same loop. *5 DC, CH 2 5 DC, Repeat 3 time total from *, join

Round 7: SL ST back 1 stitch, CH 2 for the beginning HDC, QC in the next st. HDC, In this order, ea stitch will be worked in an individual stitch. QC, HDC, QC in ea of the next 4 Sts. *2 HDC, CH 2, 2 HDC in the next CH 2 SP (corner). In this order, ea stitch will be worked in an individual stitch. HDC in the next st, QC in the next st, 10 stitches total. Repeat from * 3 times total. In this order, ea stitch will be worked in an individual stitch. HDC, QC, HDC, QC in ea of the next 4 sts, join.

Round 8: CH 2 for the beginning HDC, QC in the next st. HDC, In this order, ea stitch will be worked in an individual stitch. QC, HDC, QC in ea of the next 6 Sts. *2 HDC, CH 2, 2 HDC in the next CH 2 SP (corner). In this order, ea stitch will be worked in an individual stitch. HDC in the next st, QC in the next st, 14 stitches total. Repeat from * 3 times total. In this order, ea stitch will be worked in an individual stitch. HDC, QC, HDC, QC in ea of the next 6 sts, join.

Round 9: CH 1, *SC in ea ST around. 3 SC in corner CH 2 SP. Continue around from *, join. This is just an edging of single crochet stitches.

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Crochet Hearts for Valentines Day

Valentines Day is a few days away!  Here are a few simple crochet projects that can be made up quick.  You will find a video tutorial and link to the written instructions.
Crochet Valentine Puffy Heart - Medium - Written Instructions
 Written Instructions - http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2010/02/crochet-valentine-puffy-heart-medium.html

Crochet Valentine Puffy Heart - Small
Written Instructions http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2010/01/crochet-valentine-puffy-heart-small.html


Crochet Magic Heart Potholder
Written Instructions: http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/10/crochet-magic-heart-potholder.html


Easy Crochet Heart
Written Instructions http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/01/easy-crochet-heart.html



You Make My Heart - Filet Crochet Charts
Charts http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post_30.html



How to make a Larger Crochet Heart
Written Instructions http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_17.html


How to Make a Solid Crochet Heart
Written Instructions http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/01/solid-heart.html



 Easy Crochet Heart - Valentine
 Written Instructions http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2011/02/easy-crochet-heart-valentine.html

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Count Your Blessings Tuesdays

Today I am grateful for:

• a healthy husband-- glad he's not sick anymore!
• a smooth start to grad school. I was freaking out about taking two classes but I still think it'll be ok.  Ask me in a couple of months when I have a major project due in each class.
• a pretty nice kid.  I must say that T is a good kid (not biased or anything).  He says his please and thank yous without being prompted and he loves striking up conversations with everyone.
• um... my lens.  Yeah... it's pretty awesome and I'm glad it lived up to all the hype.  

Speaking of lens.  I've been asked what this lens can do that my other lenses can't.  Well, all my lenses can take pictures but this lens allows me to focus in on the subject while completely obliterating the background into a soft...almost painted landscape.  I can also focus in on everything should I want that too.  The lens allows me to get closer to my subjects and also to back up a bit and take it all in.  It's wider than my other lenses so it takes in more of the scene.  I took some photos of C to show him the difference:

Look at the townhouses behind C.  I still was trying to make it "blurry" but did not set the camera to the max "blurry" setting. (9.0)

Look at the houses behind C now.  This is max "blurry"....(2.8)

"max blurry" (2.8)

Medium "blur" (3.5)

Tried to explain it without all the technical stuff.  I hope it helps!  Now, isn't C a great model?  ;)

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Easy Crochet Heart - Valentine

Easy Crochet Heart - Valentine

If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link.  Beginner Crochet Stitches

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Easy Crochet Heart - Valentine

Video Tutorial:  Easy Crochet Heart - Valentine Left Hand

Skill Level - Easy

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

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

Attach a slip knot to the crochet hook.


Chain 4


Row 1: Work 4 double crochet in the first chain, turn

Row 2: Chain 3, work 3 DC in the next stitch,  1 DC in the next ST, work 2 DC in the next stitch, work a DC in the beginning chain.  There will be a total of 7 double crochet. Turn.


Row 3: Skip the first DC, work 7 DC in the next stitch. Skip one double crochet, work a SL ST in the next. Skip the next double crochet, work 7 double crochet in the next stitch. Work a slip stitch in the beginning chain. Cut the yarn, pull it through the last stitch to secure and give it a tug.


Edging:  Attach a new color yarn, chain 1, work a single crochet around the heart. Since we are working in the side of the stitches, find the best place you can to work your stitch between the various strands of yarn.  When you get to the valley between the top of the heart, curved section,  skip one stitch, work a slip stitch between, skip one stitch, continue with single crochet.  When you get to the point, work 3 single crochet. To finish the round, join with the beginning stitch. Cut the yarn, secure and sew in all tails.

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Hello, Love

Meet my new member of the family... my 24-70mm lens.  I have to find a good name for him.  Here are the first few shots I've taken with it :)  (all shots are SOOTC--straight out of the camera-- so no editing has been done!)

 Look at how beautiful it is...

 Hello! I think I look like a real photographer now ;)

 Check out the beautiful bokeh.

 Silly kid with a cold sore.

 Stuff on my floor.

 C trying to get attention.

 My cluttered fridge.

 Simon the fish.

 Pretty flowers.

 Sparkly twigs... love that you can't even see the vase they're in.

 Solar flower on my windowsill.  Colors are spot on.

Look how sharp Deuce's nose is compared to the rest of him.

I'm in love.  And I think my upper arms are going to get a workout... this lens is a beast.

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Count Your Blessings Tuesday: Wednesday Edition

Today I am grateful for:

• awesome birthday (I know, a bit late)
• clean living room
• C being the bestest husband ever by taking care of me, letting me sleep in, bringing me breakfast in bed and making me feel loved
• taxes being done!   Can't wait for our $$ because I think I may be getting my long awaited, wished for and admired lens with it!  Hello 24-70mm lens!!
• grad work turned in.  I think I'll be OK this semester.
• an awesome lesson planned today.  I can't wait to see the outcome!

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Estou voltando aos poucos...com muita saudade..............

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