Knit And Ski, But Not At The Same Time!

 
  Knitting work continues on as the Olympics are still going strong.  The games, this year, have been full of surprises and so has my knitting project.  For some reason, in my head, the colors were going to turn out one way, but reality is another thing.  It is all good, I like what I see.  That is how life is, it may not turn out how you like it, but then you may actually enjoy what is in front of you.  It are these little philosophizes that make knitting an even more enjoyable experience.   Speaking of experiences.....

 I have not been cross country skiing in YEARS!!  This past weekend was the perfect time to get out and play.  The trails were fantastic.  Some challenging hills, and some beautiful scenery.  While I am not ready for the biathlon, it was a great work out and many laughs and enjoyable moments were had.  I am realizing it is the end of February and spring is coming. The body is starting to really crave things like fresh air. (must be cabin fever) My brain has turned to thoughts of warm weather projects.  That, however, is a different post.

 

Cabin Fever

 Cold and snow continues to be a major part of life around these parts.  No longer could we sit inside and watch the world go by.  It was time to get out and play.  Time explore our great lake and see what life was like on the outside.

   Walking out onto the frozen lake was an an adventure on its own. There was lots of slipping and sliding on our walk.  The blue colors of the ice were incredible.  It felt good to breath in the fresh air.  Sometimes in really is the little things that make a big difference.
 

 I hope that where ever you are, you are able to get out and explore.  Breath deep and take a moment for yourself.

Let The Knitting Games Begin

   Let the knitting games begin!  Yes, I have a sweater on the needles, but it is almost finished. The wonderful knitting site Ravelry has announced it is holding The Ravellenic Winter Games 2014.  What is this crazy and knit-tastic thing you might be wondering?  Well, dear reader, it is a challenge to start and finish one or more projects during the winter games.  People from all over the world are participating and it is very exciting to see what is being created. The goal is to expand your knitting or crocheting horizons. 

  For me, I get stuck in the world of stockinette stitches.  Time to try something new.  Also, there is a strong need to do some stash busting. HELLO, our yarn shop is having a 20% off sale and I would love to try some new yarns out there.  Of course one must make room for more yarn.  So, what project is this leading up too?  Inspira Cowl by graphica.

 How cool is that cowl?  Very sassy! While I  will not be making mine a large as the one from the pattern, I hope to have a fun piece of neckware when finished. What this particular pattern offers is chance to learn a new pattern.  So long boring stitches!  The yarn I am going to be using is Liberty Wool and Cascade 220 Superwash that have been in the stash for about a year.  Yikes!

  Casting on will start tonight during the opening ceremonies. What truly is fun is sharing this challenge with others and being inspired by all the knitting talent. It is enough to keep me motivated through the remaining winter months and maybe get out and show off what has been created.  So get out there and create something or challenge yourself.  After all, if those athletes we cheer on can do triple axles, ride half pipes, and ski jump, surly we can try something just a little different.

Quiet Moments

Lately it has been crazy around here. We have been having lots of fun with parties,celebrations and even a vegan potluck (which was so fun and yummy). 

Today I am appreciating the quiet moments.  I am enjoying the sound of knitting needles. I am pouring over cookbooks, learning new things.  I feel a recharging in these quiet moments. I love and cherish them immensely.

The goal this whole week is enjoy the fun crazy stuff, but also embrace the quiet.

Measure Twice and Cut Once

  Let's hear it for sewing adventures!  I finally got a chance to use one of my new Japanese sewing books. The book that was to begin this path of crafty learning was Happy Homemade Sew Chic.  I really enjoyed how simple the instructions were and how the patterns are easily put together.  The process of tracing the pattern was kind of therapeutic. I used pattern B in the book. The pattern is an over-sized tunic. HELLO cute and comfort!

   The things I will change for next time are the size.  MAN, this baby ran big!!  While this is an ove-rsized tunic, it was just huge.  I also would change the material.  This tunic needs to made from very lightweight and fluid material.  I would not say that this one is unwearable. It will be cute and extremely comfortable, just not a flattering as I would like.  Despite the things that made this challenging, I am looking forward trying more new patterns.

Rise with the Machine

  My new adventure in bread machine baking took an unexpected and yummy turn this weekend.  It all started when I looked out my door.

  Um, yeah, more freezing temps and snow.  Winter weather advisories and blah, blah, blah.  While I usually don't mind winter, it is the cold cold temps that are keeping us tucked away in our burrows this year.  If we are going to be in our homes, I say, let us have good food to enjoy.  To the interwebs! I wanted to try a new recipe for the bread machine. The pretzel roll recipe over at Gluesticks looked like a great one to try.  She makes it look so simple and tasty, so why not give it a try myself?!
 

  Yes bread machine, it is time to use your dough setting.  I know you are usually only used for white or wheat bread, but lets branch out and try something new today.

bathing beauties

  Bread machines do all the hard work of kneading and rising the dough. Isn't is great to just dump in the ingredients and walk away. No work, no fuss. Before you can finish, fold, and put away a load of laundry, it is time to break up the big dough ball into smaller portions.  In order to get a nice brown and "pretzel" like taste it is important to give the rolls a bath.  Yup, a baking soda and water bath to be precise.  After the bath, just sprinkle with kosher salt and let the dough rise for only 30 minutes or so. (depending on how warm it is where you are). After things have risen, it is time for the oven. Butter those tops and get them bakin'!

 Wallah!!!  Of course mine don't look professional and they are all different shapes and sizes, but boy are they tasty.  Really tasty.  This was so easy and it was a hit with the family.  I can honestly say that this will be used again.  It can even be adapted to be vegan friendly and still be super tasty.  Love that!

Hope you find something fun to try this week and break out of those winter blahs!

Personal Challenge

  The month of February is going to be a fun ride.  While people are feasting on chocolates, candy, and other goodies, the mister and I are going to be eating vegan treats.  Next month we go vegan!  I am really looking forward to this adventure.  It is going to be a great way to jump start some healthy eating and to be more mindful of what we put in our bodies.

  
     I have to be honest that this is not my first rodeo going vegan.  A fantastic group of friends (and myself) have gotten together for the past couple of years to celebrate eating a healthy plant based diet.  Some people try just vegetarian, some just want do this for two weeks.  It does not matter what you do, as long as you are choosing something that in some way is healthy, and puts you out of your comfort zone.  We kick it off with a tasty potluck and support one another on our food journey.  This year I am stepping up the research. I really want to try new things. There are new foods, cooking techniques, and even restaurants to try.  So, between the library, the internet, and friends........Challenge excepted!!