Spring is here!

Some photos I tood during our Easter egg hunt...we found a fat bubble bee, a real robin's egg & my niece climbing a tree!

Local Lasagna

I was inspired last week by 101 Cookbooks's Thousand Layer Lasagne. Heidi's pictures are beautiful and always make me want to cook. Inspired I was, but homemade pasta and sauce just didn't happen. I went to the Market and bought ricotta from Meister Foods and sheets of egg pasta from Ohio City Pasta. Then I went on a little field trip and picked up sauce and mozzarella cheese from Gallucci's. I rolled the pasta sheets as thin as I could with a rolling pin and ended up with about about 9 layers of pasta.

Hungry Magazine

Someone posted about Hungry Magazine on the Cleveland.com Food & Wine Forum. Cleveland Cooks is their current feature article, the author says...

"Cleveland is certainly a spoke in this food renaissance. While it is not yet a mecca, it’s no longer a one trick culinary pony. I had a chance to check out some Cleveland restaurants last week including Lolita, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Flying Fig, and Fahrenheit."

Who was the one trick pony?

Also available, a Michael Symon podcast I need to download and a review of Lelolai bakery’s coconut flan.

clothing frustrations

How is Target allowed to sell things like this polka dotted shirt for $18? Against my better judgment I bought this top a few weeks ago, in addition to 2 other equally cute ones, knowing it would take a lot of work to care for them and I probably would end up wearing them each just about 3 times before having to dispose of them. But they are so cute and light and airy and I thought perfect to wear on a hot day to work and I had money in my checking account....hmph. I couldn't even wait for a sale!

So, I washed them all in the gentle cycle last night with Woolite and hung them on hangers to dry in my closet. If they shrink the slightest bit I know they'll all be too small. If I wash them in the regular cycle all the sparkley/special like buttons will fall off. So today, at the virginal wearing of the purple polka dot top 2 buttons keep unbuttoning. Not the usual ones - the last 2 on the bottom of the shirt. I really hate clothing malfunctions!

This weekend was a bit of a blur. I worked Saturday and spent the rest of the weekend shopping for something (not from Target) to wear on an interview that I had today and also obsessing over the interview. One good thing is that I had one of the most memorable shopping "deals" so far this year - I got a suit from TJMax for $16.99. Yes, for the cost of a disposable cotton top I got a suit that "regularly retailed" for $250.00. I think it was mismarked. Maybe it all ended up coming out equal in the end.

Chili Cook-Off for Autism 2006

The Autism Chili Cook-Off was a great success! The individuals from the Cleveland Food Forum that donated all their time and energy to organize it, did a fantastic job - everthing ran smoothly. It was a large turnout. Lots of beer, chili, and fun were had by all!

I cooked my chili then dropped it off at Special Editions Catering in Rocky River. They were kind enought to reheat and transport any amateur cook's chili to the Great Lakes Brewing Co. This REALLY made participating easy. They provided all the equipment for us too - chafer, ladel, bowls, spoons, napkins, etc.

This is my chili, cooking in a crock pot. I ended up making 12 batches of chili = about 4 gallons!

This is everyone setting up their stations before the guest started to arrive.














I was put at station #10 - between the only other vegetarian chili cook (my ONLY competition) and this super nice guy Glenn who is LeBron James' personal chef. What a cool job!





























Near the end of the night...

carved stamp swap

I think this was the best swap I have participated in so far. It was a hand carved stamp swap hosted by moki. Each participant created a 1" hand carved stamp and made 25 mini stickers. Then I sent my 25 strawberry stickers to moki and received this assortment a few weeks later - one sticker from each participant, or little envelopes with 3 or 4 stickers in each. It was such an easy swap to get together and the package was great! moki created this really cool flickr "who did what" image.

This is how the Polish do it...

We made Easter kielbasa following the traditional recipe from last Christmas. Here is my pictorial documentation of the event:

Day 1

Go to the West Side Market and pick up 25lbs pork butt and 5lbs veal.



















Grind meat.




























all done!
















Add garlic, pepper and water. Knead for 25 minutes.














Refrigerate meat over night.

Day 2

Stuff meat into casings.



























Package, label & freeze.

Most Bookish

After making 2 cakes, 7 cups of red buttercream icing, 3 batches of royal icing, 3 hand-cut stencils & a lot of adrenaline....this was my entry for the Edible Book Festival. It was held on April 1st at Loganberry Books.

I won "Most Bookish"!

SP7 revealed!

Diane from Knitting Zeal was my Secret Pal! She sent really great packages and such sweet notes! Below is my final package with fuzzy pink mohair and The Little Box of Scarves - it's a box full of scarf patterns, each on its own card. Thank you Diane!!!

If you're interested...sign-ups have begun for SP8.

















*my SP7 finally received the last package I sent her. Her name is Adrienne and lives in Wolverhampton, England. Over the past 3 months I enjoyed reading her blogs and learning more about her - I found her to be very sweet and funny and thoughtful. I think that we have a lot of the same interestes and could be good friends - if we ever met!

Lots of cooking!

Last night I started working on my Edible Book entry - made 7 cups of red buttercream frosting. This weekend we're going to make some kielbasa for Easter dinner and don't forget that next Wednesday is the Chili Cook-Off Benefit!

I'm also starting to think about growing things .

Southern Sweets

Last week I got a recipe swap package from Jen in North Carolina - she sent a really great book of recipes (that I can't wait to try) and some cranberry and chocolate chip biscotti...Delicious!













Then yesterday I received my first Candy Swappers package in the mail from Lisa in Atlanta. She sent a overflowing box full of hot chocolate, Dolce Bits, Sweet Georgia Brownies, chocolate, Cadbury eggs, praline pecans and Peach Buds.

Gingerbread People

I was doing some Edible Book research and came across The Cookie Sutra : An Ancient Treatise: that Love Shall Never Grow Stale. Nor Crumble. Good thing this is a family affair!

Exhausted

It's been a long day. After work I am heading directly over to the Film Fest to volunteer from 6-10pm (dinner break) then seeing the midnight showing of F*CK with husband and friends.

Is it bad that I already feel like I need nap?

Buds

Jeanne has been posting about her signs of spring.
I can't resist to show what's in my front yard.



























On a much sadder note, I don't think that my orchid is going to bloom. See how the one bud has turned a funny pink color and looks like it is dying???

What's going on?

I have been very busy this past weekend volunteering and watching movies at the Film Fest. I think I've seen 6 movies so far...only 5 more days to go.

I've started trying to perfect my vegetarian chili recipe for the Cleveland.com Food Forum's Chili Cook-Off Benefit for the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland. I am very nervous about the event! I have never entered a food contest before...well, one time I entered a pie contest and it didn't go so good. Please come down, support a good cause and have some chili at the Great Lakes Brewery on April 5th!

Oh, my Secret Pal sent me a great St. Patrick's Day package!!! Thanks SP7, I can't wait to find out who you are!!!

looking forward to Friday

What is going to make my Friday grrreat:

• Cleveland International Film Fest is starting
• St. Patrick's Day - don't forget that the parade route is different this year
• The Bishop giving dispensation so I can eat corned beef & cabbage without feeling guilty
• Honey Hut opens for the season - have a scoop of Pistachio!

Linguine & Red Clam Sauce

I saw Martha Stewart making this recipe on t.v. a few years ago. Since then I've made it a numerous times - it's one of those dishes that's pretty easy and at the same time impresses guests. This is how I do it:

Linguine & Red Clam Sauce

1 lb dried linguine
2 Tbs olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 (6 oz) cans chopped or minced clams, 2 with their juice
1/4 c. white or red wine
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
3/8 tsp hot red pepper flakes (or more, to your taste)
salt & pepper
1 Tbs butter

Directions:
In a skillet (with a lid) large enough to hold the pasta later on, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and slowly cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add everything else - clams, wine, tomatoes, red pepper flakes and S&P, to taste, keeping in mind that the clams and their juice are salty. Stir, reduce the heat to a simmer, and simmer till thickened, about 15 - 20 minutes.

Cook pasta & drain while sauce is simmering. Add drained pasta & butter to the sauce and mix well in skillet. Cover and cook 1 minute.

When I'm out walkin' I strut my stuff

I met my friend at Pickwick & Frolic last night, where we had the worst waiter ever, only 2 drinks (we were thirsty - one reason why he was deemed a "worst"), crispy hand cut fries and medium done burgers. We didn't feel like ordering very much food before going to a concert and had planned on going to the martini bar for some appetizers but they were closed. Why?

The third girl in our group showed up and we walked over to the House of Blues to see the Violent Femmes 25th Anniversary show. When I bought our tickets the only ones available were in the upstairs - and they were not all together. So like everyone else, we sat in seats that technically were not all ours. The 2 seats that were together were all the way on the end of a row - so that you could not see ANYTHING.

Anyways...not quite sure what I was thinking but while I was sitting in someone else's seat I decided to be a rebel and snap a picture. I totally got busted and yelled at like a high schooler. But I wasn't sent back to my seat! Hahaha.















The Violent Femmes are old dudes but are so weird and cool that they completely mesmorized for the entire show. What entertainers! I didn't know anything about them before the show except that I like to dance around to Blister in the Sun at social gatherings - mainly weddings and on New Year's Eve.

Gordon Gano (the lead singer) looked like someone you would not want sitting next to you on an airplane. He wore this big red t-shirt and I think either a pair of sweat or fast pants. Too far away to tell, but gross either way. My friend told me he "used to be the cute one!?!"

Brian Ritchie played all kinds of different instruments including something that looked like a stick, a xylophone, shakuhachi and conch shell!

My personal favorite was the drummer Victor De Lorenzo - he was so cute dancing around, banging on stuff.

twelve22.org

My order from twelve22.org came today. Anna Torborg's site is beautiful and the print is adorable...makes me think of spring!

Pita with Black Bean Salad

My work is participating in Meatless Mondays - "a national health campaign to help Americans prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer - four of the leading causes of death in America." The problem is we're only "offically" doing it for 4 weeks. Personally I think we should do it ALL year.

Week 1 - A very easy and quick recipe to make during the week - don't be shy with the spices.

Pita with Black Bean Salad

1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup cooked black beans (or canned black beans)
1 tomato diced
1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
½ cup green onion
garlic powder to taste (for more flavor, roast whole garlic gloves and mince)
ground cumin to taste
3 TBSP reduced fat Italian dressing
whole wheat wraps

Mix all ingredients except bread. Marinate
for 1-2 hours. Fill wraps. Serve immediately.

Aphrodite Cakes

I found this recipe on Barbara Fisher's blog Tigers & Strawberries last summer and have kept trying to find an occasion to make them - her writing is very persuasive. Friday they were my contribution at a friend's party.

For some reason her site was down this morning so I am posting the recipe below. I followed the directions exactly and 1 batch of dough made exactly 6 dozen cookies. 1 batch of icing was way too much for me, it probably was enough to ice 2 batches of cookies. It contains a very secret ingredient...sshhh.

Aphrodite Cakes

Cookie Ingredients:

1 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 c. flour, sifted
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

Icing Ingredients:
1/2 stick butter
4 ounces light cream cheese
1 lb. powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. heavy cream
2 tsp. rosewater (or to taste)

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla and beat well.

Sift together flour and remaining ingredients and gradually add sugar to mixture, beating until well combined.

Roll into 1" balls and flatten slightly onto and ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10 minutes (I baked 12 minutes): Do not brown.

Allow to cool a minute on the baking sheet, then carefully transfer to wire rack to finish cooling completely.

To make icing, blend together butter and cream cheese, then blend in the powdered sugar. Add rosewater and enough cream to bring it to a spreadable consistency.

Add food coloring to tint it pale pink (I used 1 drop of red), and pipe rosettes onto the cooled cookies.

What's left out of 6 dozen on Monday morning:

Edible Books...yummy

I went to a really beautiful used bookstore called Loganberry Books (all the way on the East Side) for the first time a couple of weeks ago. The Northern Ohio Bibliophilic Society hosted a great lecture on the history of Pop-Up Books. I sometimes can't believe how many places there are that I've never been to in Cleveland!

Loganberry has a lot of events coming up, including the Edible Books Festival contest on April 1st. If you don't want to enter you can still come---for a $2 donation you can cast a vote and help eat the edible books. Categories are: Most Appetizing, Most Bookish & Most Creative.

Also, here's the link to the International Edible Book Festival.

Orchid

This is an orchid I bought from the Holden Arboretum's 2005 Orchid Show - which is more of a sale than a show but whatever. It had blossoms on it when I bought it and they eventually fell off. It lost a leaf and then grew a brand new one. I've had it over a year now and these are the first buds to appear...the anticipation of them opening is crazy! This is a very slow moving plant. I better not kill it.

past weekend

This past weekend we were pretty busy...

Friday - We went to Dot Schnider's show at 1300 Gallery - there were sooo many people there! Ate dinner at Minh-Anh where the food was very good, but the service was very bad. Our waitress, Ms. Cranky, should have done all of us a favor and took the night off. I had shrimp szechuan with asparagus, red peppers, mushrooms and pineapple - all of my favorite things! Afterwards we stopped for some drinks at Hoopples - if you've never been there, you should try it. The wall behind the bar is a huge window. It's just about the greatest view of Cleveland you can see. Warning - cash only.

Saturday - I worked all day, like every Saturday :( My husband brought me Nate's for lunch :) I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it before, but Nate's is our FAVORITE restaurant. Either we go there or get take-out every Saturday. Then we cleaned the house and moved some furniture around. When we got tired and decided to visit our friend who bartends at the Grafton Street Pub in Lakewood. Grafton was a stop on a bar crawl that night. It was like locusts - they came, they drank, they left.

Sunday - We felt like going for a drive. Jumped in the car and headed to IKEA where we bought shoe racks so I don't have to store all my shoes in a big laundry basket anymore. Exciting! We stopped and visited my in-laws on the way home, scored dinner and watched some Ice Dancing.

Since I am obviously giddy with my new camera here's a picture of some Sausage Shoppe hot italian sausage (delicious!) with home made tomato sauce. Enjoy!

My Cheese Sandwich...

with ham.

BBM4 - Singapore Package!

I was very lucky to have the lovely ST, a "born and bred typical Singaporean who loves a spicy chilli crab", to be my BBM4 partner! Thank you so much ST for putting together such a great package. I really enjoyed opening and trying all the goodies! And thanks to the Food Ninja for hosting a really spectacular round of BBM!

I received a Chinese New Year themed package that included a note explaining some New Year celebrations and traditions, a CD of traditional Chinese music with a modern twist, a package of gift envelopes, mango dessert mix (I think it's like pudding), pepper salt prawn spices














pineapple tarts her aunt made














& super cute mandarin orange jelly candies!

truffles

How can something so delicious make your tummy feel so bad?
I've only eaten 2 today...but it's still early.

My SP7 Valentine

My very generous Secret Pal sent me a HUGE Valentine's package that I got yesterday...yippee! She sent a handmade card, candy, candle, stitch markers, soaps, note cards, a pink dishcloth and much more...thank you SP7 so much!















I started working on a pair of Voodoo wrist warmers from Knitty. This is the first time I've used double pointed needles - a little confusing but fun.

Lamb Stew

We stayed in on Friday - very odd, but very nice. I finally was able to make Tina's West Side Market Stew. It took about 3 hours and was worth every minute. I pretty much followed Tina's recipe exactly, even including some optional rutabaga & parsnip (1 of each). How rooty! But couldn't restrain myself from adding an extra pint of Guiness and some fresh rosemary.

Prosperity Social Club

Over the past few months my friends and I have visited Prosperity Social Club numerous times and it has become my new favorite place to go drink. The service is great. On one visit a patron asked if they sold Camel lights. Bonnie the owner said no, but that she had to go get cigarettes for the bar anyways and would pick up a pack for him when she ran across the street. That's how you get return customers. Also, the women's bathroom is always clean - even after midnight on the weekends. This is very important to me. It makes me very happy!

They have a small menu and I have been pleased with everything ordered. The cheesy artichoke dip is served with pitas - one visit white pita and on another wheat. Last night we had mussels and fried oysters off the special $5 menu. I was weary of fried oysters (I like them on the half shell) but the bartender assured me that they're good. We took his advice and ordered them - you can also get them in a po'boy sandwich. They were pretty good - the oysters were not chewy or tough. The sauce that they served on the side was spicy and sweet and the breading wasn't greasy at all. Unfortunately, the first oyster I popped in my mouth had a bit of shell still stuck to it. I chewed very carefully from then on. The 1 pound of muscles came out hot and were decent sized - served with with nice soft rolls to soak up the wine broth.

They also have entertainment---stocked jukebox and bowling machine!

Pierogi Partner

Last night, after the Flying Chicken show, we headed over the the Beachland Ballroom for some music and drinks (and very tasty old bay fries). I was enthusiastically telling my friend Hillary about my future pierogi taste testing adventures and she informs me that she's never had a pierogi! Now, she isn't originally from Cleveland but she did go to grad school in....Pittsburgh! I didn't think such a thing was possible. She didn't even know what kind of fillings there are. She offered to accompany on some tasting nights - I wonder if I can drag her to all ten places and do a "side-by-side" review. I just hope she likes them or that wouldn't really work for the other 9 places. hmph.

Best pierogi?

Due to the Superbowl, there are many bloggers writing about the Steelers & tailgate food. I am not really into football but have enjoyed reading about Pittsburgh eating pierogis (entries #1 & #2) on Slashfood! Although, I am convinced that pierogi are more popular in Cleveland than Pittsburgh---the AOL City Guide : Cleveland has a Best Pierogi category, Pittsburg's does not. Last year the city's best pierogi award went to the Pierogi Palace.

I'm not sure when the competors of this highly prized award were officially announced but...(drum roll) The 2006 nominees are:

Babushka's Kitchen
John Christie's Tavern
Linden Tavern
Moosehead Saloon
Pierogi Palace
Sokolowski's University Inn
Stan's Northfield Bakery
Tick Tock Tavern

This year I have decided to try all nominees, so that I can cast an honest vote for where I believe you can get the Best Pierogi in Cleveland. Anyone craving carbs?

When Chickens Fly

My friend is having an opening tonight...

When Chickens Fly Becky Bristol's one-woman show features exploding fantasy-laced panoramas populated with animals and people surrounded by twisted roads, architecture and fauna. Bristol creates a storyboard painted in bright colors and exaggerated forms that force the viewer to question the subject matter, oneself, and what one sees. The show kicks off with a wine and cheese reception on Fri 2/3 from 6-9PM and runs through 2/25. Arts Collinwood Gallery, 15605 Waterloo Road. - from coolcleveland.com

Michael Ruhlman Article

"Michael Ruhlman leans back in a chair in his Cleveland Heights kitchen, a Marlboro Light in one hand and a glass of Laphroaig in the other. For once, the lanky 43-year-old author and chef seems at ease. He's just wooed a first-time visitor with an indulgent homemade meal, and he is obviously relishing the break from his omnipresent deadlines to talk about food and drink for a while." --- Article about Michael Ruhlman in the Cleveland Scene.

smell the coffee?

I never seem to have the time to make coffee in the morning. If I do, I either can't find my travel mug or end up leaving it filled sitting on the kitchen table. I've decided to give up brewing at home and stop most every day for coffee even though it makes me late to work at...

Civilization in Tremont- Love the ladies (and cute guy) that work there. Love the raspberry cheese croissant. Do not love that their large isn't the gigantic American "LARGE" coffee that I think I need to get through the first 4 hours of a work day. Love that if I can find my travel mug, they'll fill it for only a buck.

or

Cafe Ah-Roma, across from CSU on Euclid - Everyone there is soooo happy - to the point where it is borderline annoying. "Good Morning! How are you today? Can I get you some coffee? How about some breakfast?". Wow dudes, it's a bit early for me but I love the cute CSU guys that kinda look like Jack White and are super cheery. I wonder if they go through a lot of employee training--- Smile. Make eye contact. Smile some more! Love the BIG coffees and the Ah-Roma bagel sandwich with swiss cheese and ham. They also have really great sandwiches and salads for lunch - try the chicken salad.



If I'm really late I go to the "coffee cart" at work (after I make an appearance at my desk). Barista Bernard infuriates me with his constant banter plus his lack of consistency and speediness. After each visit I swear I will NEVER go back!

I went this morning. And waited 10 minutes for a cup of coffee out of a thermos.

Double-Zero

I happened to stuble upon Banana Republic this morning and noticed that their dresses are "Now Available in Size Double-Zero." What? Is that a real size? I was hoping that was a typo or something and what they really meant was "Now Available in Size Double-D".

Birthday Booty!

My birthday was last Sunday (1/22) and my dear family and friends graciously gave me some pretty cool stuff:

An Amazon gift certificate (already spent on The Art of Eating, Superfoods HealthStyle, David Lebovitz's Room for Dessert & The Soup Peddler's Slow & Difficult Soups) - I should have lots of new recipes to try out!

Some very relaxing Lush and Aveda products.

A gift certificate to get my hair done at Salon Sedona.

One pair of pretty blue glass earrings from Prosperity Studio, located on E. 40th St. in exotic Cleveland, OH.

From my Secret Pal a skein of white wool yarn with kool aid so that I can dye it and a new scarf pattern! Plus truffles! Yum :)

And from my dear husband (insert drum roll here)...
A DIGITAL CAMERA!!!

Why am I not posting millions of digital photographs right now? Well, he didn't know which camera I wanted so he just picked one off the shelf, so I had something to open. His intention being that I can return it and get the one I want. Isn't that sweet? He's a smart guy.

Thanks to everyone for the lovely gifts!

Chicken Tostadas

I made a version of this Martha Stewart recipe for Tostadas Salsa Verde last night. More like I followed the concept of the recipe and used what I had in the cupboard. No cilantro, substituted cheddar cheese for pepper jack and I added some avacado on top. I really missed the salsa verde - that's what peaked my tastebuds in the first place!



Hi Secret Pal 7!!! She sent me a picture postcard from Philadelphia - she took the picture from her friend's rooftop deck. I think it looks quite serene.

Meet the Bloggers Fundraiser

from Brewed Fresh Daily:

"In an effort to raise money to pay for interview transcripts, Northeast Ohio bloggers have organized a fundraiser for Meet The Bloggers, to take place Thursday night, January 26, 2006, from 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at the Pearl of the Orient restaurant, located in Beachcliff Market Square, 19300 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH.

Please distribute this information widely. We’ve got 4 or 5 outstanding transcripts and at least that many interviews scheduled already.

A tremendous thanks to Scott Bakalar for donating his time and arranging this opportunity for us. "

More sausage

Gloria Ferris posts about The Sausage Shoppe where you can get nitrate, msg, and preservative free, you guessed it, sausage!

I finally went shopping

Yesterday I went shopping and bought tons of groceries, toiletries and household supplies. I feel like a real person again - minus a substantial amount of money. I've also started going to Jazzercize classes. It's not very cool, but at least I am doing something physical.

Last night I cooked! Nothing too extravagant - Tuna Noodle Casserole. I used:

1 bag No Yolk noodles
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1 8oz package of fresh mushrooms - sliced and sauted
1 can of peas
2 cans of tuna
sprinkling of cheddar cheese and bread crumbs on the top

What kind of interesting stuff do you put in your tuna casserole???

News...

Food: Not yet fully unpacked or ready to start cooking again. Tonight we had Barilla, for like the 12th time since we moved. bleh.

Music: The Black Keys are playing at the Agora (presented by the Beachland Ballroom) on Feb. 25th. I bought my tickets yesterday and hope you get yours soon. They are truly awesome.

Movies: Went to see Brokeback Mountain (wow!) and The Family Stone (crap).

Knitting: Currently working on the Windy City Scarf from Stitch 'N Bitch.


Swaps: I've received 2 swap packages recently. A snack swap package filled with popcorn, cookies and candy from the crafty Mary of San Diego and a thrift store package from Abby in Irving, TX. A Conway Twitty record bowl, belt buckle, necklace and cowgirl purse. Thanks for swapping!

The official Secret Pal 7 Questionnaire

I signed up for Secret Pal 7...here are my questionnaire answers for my Secret Pal.
Hi there - whoever you are!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? I would like to be a yarn snob!

2. Do you spin? Crochet? Neither

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Been meaning to make a case but right now they're in a tall glass vase.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? About 1 year - beginner.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Amazon

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Nothing too flowery or sweet.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Verrrry sweet. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, licorice, mint, not into hard candies that much.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Paper crafts, printing, cooking, sewing

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all kinds of music and LOVE my ipod!

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I am a blue, gray, black (darks) kind of person when it comes to clothing but like to get a little more interesting with my accessories.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married and have 4 shubunkin goldfish

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves but oddly enought don't have any gloves, mittens, hats or ponchos - and I live in OHIO!!!

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I really don't have a favorite yet. I have mostly used all natural fibers though.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I don't like those very furry "fun" yarns.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Scarves, scarves and scarves. That's the only thing I've ever made!

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Well, scarves I guess!

17. What are you knitting right now? The Stitch 'N Bitch Windy City Scarf

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!!!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I like both

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? bamboo

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? no

22. How did you learn to knit? Reading Stitch 'N Bitch and other books

23. How old is your oldest UFO? I've pretty much finished every knitting project I've started - so far!

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

25. What is your favorite holiday? My birthday, St. Patrick's Day and Halloween. And any holiday that gets me out of work!

26. Is there anything that you collect? cookbooks, earrings

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? none

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? not that i can think of

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'd like to learn how to knit socks

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not sure but I wear a 9 1/2 size shoe.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 1/22

Hello 2006!

These past few weeks seem to have flown by and I feel so out of the blog loop. Work is starting back up this week (I'm doing a presentation on Monday about blogs!) and we are getting our cable hooked up on Saturday....I will finally be online again.

We moved December 23rd and we're still unpacking. Over winter break I was able to spend a lot of time with my family - some visiting from Colorado. It's been lots of fun. The apartment and cleaning can wait. Lots of eating and shopping and knitting. Not so much cooking. I really can't make much more than cereal in my kitchen right now.

A recent food highlight was New Year's Eve dinner at Parker's. Unfortunately, my husband had the flu but insisted that we still go. The poor guy wasn't able to finish any course and left with a full beer and glass of wine sitting infront of him. He was REALLY ill :(