a giving moment

You could shop and sip

 and feel twice as great doing something that gives both you

and someone you don't even know some wonderfully uplifting and purposeful cheer!



Medallions are so old school cool

When I think of medallions, I think of the old school rapper's style. The gianormous (did I spell that right?) gold medallions worn by Hip Hop rapstars and with fashionable street gear, past and present. But, in the context of crafting, they can be chic, playful and very cute.

Just check out this fun tutorial from french Marie Claire Idees

Tres jolie, eh!

I made these for a friend of my daughter for her birthday. I hope she likes!

Oh, how I love this project! Quite easy and super quick to make! Forty-five minutes ( maybe a shorter time for a Super Woman) and voila! You're done!

Ahh, winter is almost here..

Greetings-
I have been MIA for a while now. How the time flies! Of course I have been busy because what parent isn't! And, the days seem to be whooshing by. Caring for my family seems to be the highlight of my days as the cooler weather here in New York ( Staten Island, that is) is just starting to kick in. And, frankly, I am ecstatic for it. The long indian summer has been great for extending the chores and outdoor enjoyment that comes with warmer weather in autumn. But, I feel a most strong procrastination setting in when preparing for the holidays, henceforth, I am later than usual with my celebration preparations. I have never been an early preparer. I never seem to have enough hours in the day. This means that, happily, I always have something creative or productive to look forward to in my days.

Now, I welcome winter with a smile! Time to slow things down..... and enjoy the season.

I have been trying to think of a way to make some extra money while I'm home and have accidentally fallen into making hats after experimenting with a crocheted beret. I am in love with making this hat. I think this is how artisans feel when they are making something they love. I get this feeling, that is the I created a masterpiece feeling, when I cook something wonderfully delicious and satisfying. I now feel like this with this hat. It is just a simple beret with a lovely removable flower. But, the magic happens when you put it on. It is transforming! Cute and slouchy and classy all in one! I love it! I want to make me one in many colors but I presently have orders to fill for others and that, excitedly, will have to put my own wishes to wait. I am happy to make something that ladies love enough to purchase from me and incorporate into their dress style. This feeling is very good for one's inner creative expression!

The "Rebecca" Beret can be purchased using the "Buy Now" button on the right.

The colors are beige, colonial blue, silver heather, eggplant, chocolate, toffee,

dusty purple, pink, rose, kelly green, aqua, black, white, scarlet, cranberry, purple mist, olive, espresso,butterscotch, silver grey, honey and mustard.

The hats are made of 100% acrylic yarn that is machine washable and dryable.

The berets are available in small/medium (21.5 - 22.5'') and

medium/ large (22.5-23.5").

Shipping is FREE!

Please allow 7-10 days for delivery as all hats are made to order.

Accepting USA orders only.

I will be setting up the hats and other items in an online store in the near future. Keep checking back! And thank you for visiting me!

Happy Holidays!

I fell for the sea lion

Here are some of the events from our summer staycation! New York has so many ways that you can spend the summer really having a great time! There are wonderful attractions that can totally wear you out!

The New York Aquarium, The American Museum of Natural History, Coney Island, The Central Park Zoo, and the list keeps going! We had good times!

Here's a small glimpse-





I am not my hair, Part 1

 

The Past...The Present, revisited

Past Presents

Best butterfly memory

Summer Past Memory

Some progress...though not much

I have been trying my hand skills at creating those flowers I learned from Teresa a couple of days ago. And, last minute, no, really it was Thursday to be exact. I found out that a relative is having a baby shower this Saturday. I need quick gifts.  I immediately thought of Martha who always has fresh and inspiring ideas for every occasion.  This site has some really great ideas that could be created within a few hours to days. still, I don't think I had that kind of time neither. Handmade is definitely what I wanted to give because a handmade gift would be special for a newborn. But, seriously, I am short on time. Here's what I have already partially made from Lion Brand

I really wanted to make my cousin this from Lion Brand

Cute and easy pattern for crochet, but not in my time frame, so it's the dolls for a gift, and I think it'll be okay because they are so cute.

Finally, I got her to sew at the machine

(a gift from last Christmas and it is quite a nice little machine, too)!!!

Crochet flower.....progress!!!!!

From my very shy, does not want to be photographed, tiny, tiny plot!

A breakfast staple remix!!!

Coconut- Cinnamon Dutch Baby

adapted from Martha Stewart

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  3/4 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

1/3 cup Lyle's Golden Syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom cinnamon
(8/1/11 correction)

3 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large frying pan, like a cast iron skillet, put in the 3 tablespoons of butter and melt gently until slightly browned. Add coconut and cinnamon and gently toss to coat with the butter until very fragrant. Add the golden syrup and stir to coat the coconut. Turn off the heat a let the mixture sit while you prepare the dutch baby batter.

 In a medium sized bowl, combine the salt, flour, eggs and milk and whisk to combine the ingredients. Pour the batter into the frying pan over the coconut mixture and place in the hot oven and bake for about 20- 25 minutes. Do not check the dutch baby until at least 20 minutes has passed. The dutch baby should be nicely browned around the edges, puffy and slight colored on the top.

Cool to just room temperature and slice. Flip the slice when you plate it and sprinkle liberally with confectioner's sugar. It's very good !

Have a blessed one!