Monthly Archives: January 2009

Yarn Central

By monnibo | Published: January 23, 2009

Today my sister and I went to the yarn store! She is learning to weave and so I helped her choose yarn for her class. I picked out some lovely Cascade 220 and Cascade Heathers 220 for her. She wanted a soft wool, but something with merino is out of her price range (for the yardage she’ll need). I just looked up the stock colours, and I think this is what we picked in the end [see image right]. A heathered bluey-turquoise-green and a navy blue to make it pop. I think she is planning to use the navy for the warp and the heathered one for the weft. I learned weaving terms! In other news, I’ve gotten a couple crafty gifts recently that I’d like to share! Some lovely leftover Malabrigo from Chelle (as she’s allergic to animal fibre) and some lace trim and sequins from Ginger, who was cleaning out her closet and thought of me when she found those. She said I should sew the lace to some panties! And I forgot to share this photo from last weekend when I went knitting with Julia (left) and Chelle (right). They’re both making sweaters, Chelle has made tons before (and they’re gorgeous) but this will be Julia’s first! The yarn Julia is using is a little more purple than the photo, and Chelle is wearing a her lovely Porom [ravlink], which I totally want to make now too! I also took a picture of my mom’s hat while [...]

Posted in Crafts, Knitting, Sewing, WIP | Comments closed

Friday Fill-In #108

By monnibo | Published: January 23, 2009

Oh, I am so dizzy! My websites need changes, big and little. During the summer nearly 4 years ago, I fell in love. I am nearly out of space on my bookshelves, are you kidding me??? Right now I’d like to be in someone’s arms, quietly watching LOST together. My MacBook is my favorite gadget. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to seeing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, tomorrow my plans include maybe going to the States for shopping and Sunday, I want to drive to Bellingham, WA for shopping (if we didn’t go on Saturday)!

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Reading Inspiration

By monnibo | Published: January 22, 2009

Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by? This is such a fantastic question, but I’m a little ashamed of my answer. I’m heavily influenced by media, rave reviews, and recommendations. It’s not that embarrassing as it can be a great way to get book suggestions; however, I used to just go to the library/bookstore and pick what looked interesting. Nowadays I am wary of wasting my time and money on something that doesn’t bring enjoyment. In the past year or so, as I’ve gotten more involved in the book blogging and publishing communities, I have found I’m reading more popular fiction. Because of the line of work I’ve gotten into, I’m being exposed to more local British Columbia and Canadian authors. This is absolutely fantastic actually. There are a number of books I hear about in the book blogging community that just don’t tickle my fancy, and I do use my personal judgement when it comes to reviews and media attention. I guess I’m just not finding as many “unknown gems” as I used to. On the flip side, my reading is inspired by the stories, the journey, and the love of words. When I read an extremely well written book, I always feel inspired to write my own hidden novel. My reading is inspired by books; as soon as I finish a story, I’m already considering what I want to read next. I tend to enjoy variety (unless it’s a [...]

Posted in Alongs, Booking Through Thursday | Comments closed

Just an ordinary Henry-filled day

By monnibo | Published: January 21, 2009

Things have been low-key for Henry and I around here for the past week. I haven’t taken any extremely special photos, nor has he done anything especially adorable. Last night we did have a nap together… but I had to sleep diagonally across the bed because he had the whole lower half of the duvet. But what is Whiskers on Wednesday without a photo of my cat? It’s a good thing I have some saved up in “reserve”! (P.S. Whiskers on Wednesday now has a group on Ravelry!)

Posted in Pets, Whiskers on Wednesday | Comments closed

Cocoa Talk Topic #2

By monnibo | Published: January 20, 2009

I guess #1 was our questionnaire…. or the Scavenger Hunt? Or I might have missed it completely. Anyway, the Weekly Topic for the Hot Cocoa Swap is to share how you would make your Hot Cocoa, which is an excellent question! Sometimes, in a pinch, I suppose just powdered packets with hot water will suffice. However, if you want to get personal, I will tell you my SECRET to amazing hot cocoa. This is the Aerolatte. It mixes your chocolate… AND foams the milk! That is all you really need to a lovely, creamy, foamy cup of hot cocoa. All you do is stick the aerolatte in your drink and turn it on. It rotates the little whisk at the bottom and tada! I love to do it on the stove, put a few pumps of hazelnut syrup in my cup, and then pour in the hot cocoa in, and dollop the foam on top! Every time I use it, it makes me think of Willy Wonka and his chocolate river! MRS. GLOOP: What a disgusting, dirty river. MR. SALT: It’s industrial waste, that. You’ve ruined your watershed, Wonka. It’s polluted. WONKA: It’s chocolate. VERUCA: That’s chocolate?!? CHARLIE: That’s chocolate. VIOLET: A chocolate river. GRANDPA JOE: That’s the most fantastic thing I’ve ever seen. WONKA: Ten thousand gallons an hour. And look at my waterfall. That’s the most important thing. It’s mixing my chocolate. It’s actually churning my chocolate. You know, no other factory in the world mixes its chocolate [...]

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