Wow! I have not blogged in a long time! It has been a busy Holiday Season!
Here is a preview of my Christmas cards!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving! I cannot wait for the Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pie!! Mmmmmm!!

I am also looking forward to venturing out at midnight with all the other crazies in order to score a lot of loot on Black Friday! Yup. I am demented.

Here is what I am thankful for this year:

My boyfriend: We've been together for over 8 years. We got pregnant VERY early into out relationship and instead of running away, he stood by me. He takes care of me and I <3 him!

My son: He's the love of my life and my best friend. (But you can't be friends with your kids, so he won't know this fact until he's MUCH older.) Even though he tends to obsess over Stars Wars and Toy Story he's still my handsome man.

My Mom and Dad: They love me and forgive all my mistakes. They are always there for me!

Jeff (my brother): You drive me nuts and annoy me, but you also make me laugh. You have a great heart when you want to show it.

Cole (my cousin): Thanks for being an awesome shopping buddy and knitting partner! I love our nights together!! Don't tell anyone, but your my favorite cousin.

My Job: Even though I have a 20% pay cut this year, I am thankful that I still have a job. I love my job and I hope this economy turns around.

The Queen: Thanks for putting up with me all day long at work. You are the best roommate ever. You listen to my rants and help me sort my problems! :)

My dog Yoda: Thank-you to my little Boston Terrier. You can drive me nuts by stealing and chewing up socks but you are loyal to those you love. Thank-you for making me feel protected when Bill works late at night.

I am also thankful for my life and health.

Thanksgiving is near!

Today I had the pleasure of going to the Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth, MA. It was fun, festive and the kids behaved like little angels....aside from the wild troop of devil children that decided to sit in the 2 foot empty space next to me.

They yelled, kicked, pushed and shoved...and I began to wonder if these "children" were really feral animals. Where was their parents? REALLY, where were their parents? The mom finally came to check on her kids and promptly left them alone again. Oh well, a parade is not a parade without running into some bratty kids. :) It was great when the "children" decided to move along and attack some other prey.

Here are some pics from the parade! We really did have a great time!!

A super cool "fly-by" over the Plymouth Rock!

Antique car. There were many!

This one of many marching bands in the parade.
Everyone was quite festive!

The Mayflower. Well, at least the a float version of it!

Santaaaaaaa!! I know him!

'Am I Fickle? Or Just Motivated?

Last night, I was viewing my favorite new "eye candy." No, I don't mean Jason Stackhouse or Eric Northman from True Blood. Not even my beloved Leonardo DiCaprio...

Nope.

I was on Ravelry.com checking out new patterns I'd like to knit. Yup. I admit it....I am a MEGA dork. But whatever. I have no shame.

Here are some projects that I going to knit:

The Odessa Hat
So pretty! I LOVE the swirls! I don't think that I will add the beads this time around.

Spring Beret
I love how trendy and fun this hat looks like to make!!

The Aidez Fitted Cardigan
I am making this one for myself.
I deserve a nice treat after all the knitting that I will be doing for others!

Brambles Beret
Don't be surprised that if you are a good friend of mine/family member, you will most likely get one of these lovely hats!! Find the pattern here!

All these patterns that I found at Ravelry.com are FREE!! Go on! Check it out! There are some other amazing ones featured there. Some you have to pay for, others you don't!

A day off from work.....

On Monday, this busy mom took a day off from work. It was such a productive day:

I woke up at 6:30 am (yuk) and I got Billy off to school. Not five minutes after shipping him off, I was back in my warm bed, napping with my pup, Yoda. Ahhhh...so nice.

I then venture off to a Zumba class, which I can never do on a Monday because I am usually at work. It was a great class and I felt awesome after.

After showering, I visited the mall. To my amazement, they (gulp) have their Christmas Decorations up!

AND...Old Navy had Christmas music playing! Hmmmm...I am not sure that I am ready for Christmas to come! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas! I just think it may be a bit too soon. (Just my humble opinion.)

I leave the mall eventually with my findings, eat my lunch and pick up Billy at school. We then have snack and homework time.

"Wow," I ask myself, "Is this really what a 'Stay-at-Home' mom's life is like?? This is GREAT!"

The time eventually comes for me to drop off my son at his CCD class. This is not something that I usually do, as my mom normally does this deed. I decide that I want to walk him inside, so I park my car. I bring him in, make my good byes and return to find this:

Yep. That used to be my driver's side headlight. Not so much anymore. Luckily, after asking around to a few strangers if they saw anything, I find that it was an older woman that hit me. She seemed more embarrassed that she hit a parked car and I forgave her. (Even though deep down I was slightly peeved.) It could have been worse and luckily, things are moving quite fast on the insurance/repair side. (Knock on wood!)

I am a busy bee!

Sorry for not blogging for awhile. I have been so busy!!

Right now I am working on two knitting projects.

1. Is the the 2nd Ruched Cardigan for my friend's daughter. In a bright pink!

2. Is a MYSTERY!!!! I recently started following Tikki on her blog and saw she was starting a Mystery KAL. I thought that this would be a great opportunity to try something new. All I know, I am knitting something for a boy (my son) in a size 8. I am using a lovely red wool yarn. I have my theories on what it may be. Stay tuned!

Here is a picture of the first step:

I have made MUCH more progress, as this is just the end of step one, but I am not allowed to show more until the next step is posted. : )

Fall pictures make me smile

Happy Fall!

Knitting Project - Day 17

Last night, Wednesday, October 27th marked Day 17 of my Ruched Cardigan Project. I actually finished the knitting portion of the project on Monday, Day 15. Last night, I steam-blocked the sweater as Cole looked on. I love how it made the sweater look more "put together."

Now I am on the search for some cute buttons. I am thinking white ones, maybe heart shaped?

Since Monday, I have been working on my 2nd Ruched Cardigan Sweater. I have made great progress. I am also finding that there is a MAJOR difference when you use a heavier yarn. In this second sweater, it is holding the "Ruching" shape much nicer.

Project #1 Complete, well, almost

As of Monday, I completed the knitting portion of "Knitting Project #1." I do not have a photo yet, but I am attempting to "block" it tonight. I have never, ever done this before, so wish me luck.

I have asked my grandmother and a few other "experienced" people about this process and I have gotten several different responses.

Technique #1: Place a damp towel over the project/sweater and use an iron to even out. I am a little nervous about this. I do not want to flatten the "Rouching."

Techniques #2-4?!?!: Check out the video. It uses various techniques.



So I think that I am going to go with the steam method. Hopefully, I will not screw this up!! ;)

I am Super, thanks for asking!

Check out my Halloween costume! (I am on the left)


'Ain't it SUPER?!? Hee-hee. I crack myself up! Anyways, this is me and my pal Zoey Redbird, aka Royal Rantings from the Queen at a friend's Halloween party.

What are you gonna be for Halloween??

I am sooooo tempted to wear this costume to work on Friday.....

I am a Knitting Machine!

On Wednesday evening, October 20th, I hit the 10-Day mark on my current knitting project!

As you can see. I am making great progress! One arm down, one more to go!

UPDATE: Knitting Project #1

Here is an UPDATE of where I am on my Ruched Cardigan Project, as of Friday, Oct. 15, 2010.

I think that I am making great progress, from a working mom's point of view. Since these photos have been taken, I have actually knitted quite a bit more and I will show you on Day 10. I can't wait to give this to my goddaughter for Christmas!

FYI: If you are interested, I am knitting this using BERNAT Softee Baby Yarn in the color of Warm Rose, chosen by my son.

Butterflies and Illustrator

Check out what I made!

I have been trying to better myself in the Adobe Illustrator Sector. I usually work with the Adobe In-Design and Photoshop programs and I felt I needed to expand my horizons. If you want to try it, check Vector Tut's "How to Make an Attractive Butterfly."

I think that the only thing I may change/play around with is the font. Hmmmmm.....

Good luck!!

What happens when you Google Apple Pie Recipes?

The other day, I was channeling my inner Suzie Homemaker. In the kitchen, I had a Beef Stew simmering in the Crock Pot which was making the house smell yummy.

Suddenly, I had the greatest idea! Why not make Apple Pie?!? I mean, I had enough apples to feed a small army (I went Apple Picking last weekend) so why not??

Now, I am not a lazy person, but I just did not feel like making my own pie crust. So off to the store I went to buy (gasp) refrigerated pie crust.

When I got home, I figured I would Google "Apple Pie Recipes using Refrigerated Pie Crust" just to get ideas on different recipes out there.

One site that I stumbled upon was a Blog named "Myitwins" where I found the exact recipe that I was looking for. As I looked further into the website, aside from the fact the blogger has two Irish Twins born 12 months apart, she's a mini Martha Stewart. I have to admit, as I was looking through her knitting projects, I was inspired.

So inspired that I decided to start some knitting projects of my own.

I fell in love with her Fall Gathering Toddler Ruched Cardigan and right then, I decided that was the project for me! So I found the pattern and bought it at Tikki Fabric Addict.

As of right now, I am decent way through the project and will update with photos soon. I plan on knitting two of these sweaters as Christmas presents. Let's see if I can make that goal!!

(This is what I hope it looks like!)

So the moral of my story? You never know what can distract you when you Google "Apple Pie Recipes!"

A New Look!

I have updated the look of my blog...

It is still a work in progress....hope you don't mind :P

Feed back is always a plus!

XOXO

Why I love having Mondays off....

Happy Columbus Day. Not to brag, but I have the day off from work. Woot - Woot!

I love having Mondays off. I really do.

Here is why:

1. I get to sleep in past 6:30 a.m. (usually I am rushing my son off to school.) No case of the "Mondays" for me. :)

2. I get to take a 9:30 a.m. Zumba class at the gym. It's much better that the stair master that I usually do on Monday afternoons, trust me.

3. I can bum around the house, watch TV or play with the child and dog.

4. The work week is so much shorter!! Only Tuesday to Friday for me! :)

I know. The little things in life excite me. Ha ha!

Thank-you Mr. Christopher Columbus for discovering America! If it weren't for you, I'd be stuck at work!

Last Sacrifice

8 Super Questions Answered by Moi!

So my lovely (and favorite cousin - shhhh...don't tell) tagged me in 8 questions that I MUST answer. So off we go!

1. Team Edward or Team Jacob?
Duh....Team Edward! Hands down.

2. Who's your hero?
I have a few:
• Those who have fought overseas for our freedom. I have had several cousins serve in the armed forces and I am so proud of them.
• Also, anyone, such as my aunt, who had to face cancer or any life threatening disease and keep a brave face. You have all my respect.
• My Boston Terrier, Yoda, for if it were not for him, I would have lost a few toes to a ground hog recently. Thanks for being my watch dog!

3. If you could be an animal, what would it be?
Ok I have two senarios:
A. Real animal: A Dolphin. It would be pretty cool to swim in the warms waves of the Caribbean.
B. Fake Animal: I would like to try being a mermaid. Like Arial. It would be fun. I'd be a half human/half princess fish.

4. What TV show's season premier are you most looking forward to?
I have a few:
How I Met Your Mother
Big Bang Theory
Biggest Loser
Glee. Yup. I caved.
Grey's Anatomy
Brothers & Sisters
Desperate Housewives

5. What's your favorite book of all time?
Pride & Prejudice
But I also adore the Shopaholic series.

6. If you had to give up a sense (sight, hearing, taste, etc), what would it be?
Taste!!! I am an artist, I need color! And I love music and would be lost without it!

7. What's your favorite holiday?
I love 4th of July because it is summer and the fireworks. But I am also a sucker for Halloween and Christmas. And VERY importantly, my birthday ;) JK

8. What's your dream job?
I love what I do now. I am an editor for a small newspaper. I get to use most of my graphic design skills at my job. (PS - I promise to try making this blog look more hip.)
But if I were to get any position I wanted. It would be an art director for a major fashion magazine. That way, I'd get lots of free makeup and clothes.
I would also settle for a lottery winner and sit on the beach all day :)

Here are my 8 questions:
1. What numbers would you play in the lottery and why?
2. What was your strongest subject in high school/college?
3. What was your favorite cartoon character when you little?
4. Do you prefer Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter? Why?
5. If you were a cupcake, what flavor would you be?
6. What movie are most you looking forward to seeing in the theaters?
7. Which Disney princess do you most identify with?
8. Describe your best summer vacation.

Ok. I tag the following peeps:

Nicole: I know that you've done this a few times, but my questions are fun. I promise!

Queen Heather: I am interested in knowing what kind of cupcake you'd be....

A little birdie told me....

As promised, here is a photo of the bird my son found in the house last week:


He was a tiny bird, a Finch I think.... So here's the scoop.

I was getting ready for work on Friday morning. I'd just gotten out of the shower when:

My son: "Mom, there's a bird in the house."
Me: "Oh, that's nice!"
My son: "No really, mom. There's a bird in the house."
I happen to glance over in his line of sight and by golly, there REALLY is a bird in the house!
I have no clue how that happened. But I knew I had to act fast. I had a crazy dog trying to eat it and a screaming child telling the dog not to do it!
I opened up the window, trying to coax it out. Instead the poor bird crawled between the window panes and got stuck. Crap. So gently, I had to pull it out, without squishing it. Not an easy task mind you!
Finally, the bird was free of the window pane. And then he proceeded to fly off and hide.
Great...
I was never going to get to work at this rate.
Finally, the bird reappears and I grab a towel to try to catch it. It takes two trys, but I finally catch him. He's looks so scared at this point that I hope that he is not hurt. So I hold him out the open window, he hesitates and flys off.
It was an exciting morning. But I hope that it does not happen again!

So I got tagged.....

OK. I haven't blogged in almost a month. It has been a super busy summer! Between the bird that I found in my house this morning to days lazing around the beach, it has been an interesting summer! (Don't worry, I took a picture of the bird. I will post it later.)

Anywho...Let's start this this tagging thing...

This comes from my cousin Countess Cole over at All the Small Stuff. I am supposed to answer the questions and "Tag" 8 people. Unfortunately, I don't have that many readers....yet. But we'll get to that soon. So....Here we go!

What is your signature color?
Red...and Blue. I cannot decide! I even really like Pink! :)

What is your most embarrasing moment?
During one of my drunk escapades (when I was much younger) I was dancing at a club/bar that I frequented with my girlfriends. I was wearing a cute red tube top (you must know where I am going with this...) So, as I am dancing, I happen to glance down and notice that my "girls" were out on display! Oppsie! No harm done though, I brushed it off because everyone else there was hammered and wouldn't remember it! :)

Would you ever get anything pierced other than your ears. If so, what?
Maybe the belly (re-pierced)

Are you a social butterfly or a homebody?
I love to talk and flut around when I am out with my friends. But unfortunately, now that I am mom, I do not go out much. But I always enjoy a nice night in!

Are you done having babies or do you want more?
I would like one more baby perhaps in a year or two :)

Are you loyal to your hairstylist or do you try every salon in town?
I am pretty happy with my stylist now. She comes to my house and does my color and cut for a very reasonable/affordable price!

How many times have you moved in your life?
Three

If you could plan your vacation with just you and your love where would it be?

Oh! This is so easy! And for those who know me, it would be Aruba!

Ok! So this one is supposed to be sent to 15 people!?! Ha ha. I need friends on this blog! I shall do my best! Here are 7 things about myself!

1. I am a mom to an almost 7 year old.
2. I love to shop and identify with Becky Bloomwood of Confessions of a Shopaholic. But I am not as crazy as her! You need money for that. Ha ha!
3. I sing in the car all the time.
4. Would love to get into painting and drawing more.
5. I am addicted to Zumba and Yoga.
6. I am an excellent bird catcher!
7. I am really a princess. I am just undercover.

So here is who I "tag"

Heather @ Royal Rantings from the Queen
Heather @ Here in My Head

So ummm....yeah. Get me more friends, and I will tag more followers!! LOL

A book that I am VERY excited to read!

(Insert little girl scream here)

I was browsing Amazon.com, minding my own business when I came across this book! I am a BIG BIG fan of the series! There is no synopsis yet but I have a big feeling that our favorite Rebecca is going to get in trouble, again. Perhaps she's going to corrupt her daughter?!?

Is it September 21st yet??

The Toothfairy has come again!

My child is a rich little boy! He's lost four teeth this summer!
This morning as he ate his Cheerios, he called for me.
"Mom! Mom! I lost another tooth!" He proceeds to tell me that it wasn't even "wiggly" and how surprised he was. As he's telling me this, he drops the tooth on the kitchen floor, which also happens to be white.
So after arranging a search party that consisted of a broom, a 6 year old and overly happy dog, we found it under the refrigerator. SIGH....thank god!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

Huh? I am blogging?

I have been MIA for some time! So I have decided that I am going to be a good girl and *try* to start posting again!

Starting..now!

What have I been up to?

Hmmm...good question. Summer has been busy with beach days, work and the occasional get togethers. We've done several projects around the house and there is MORE to come. I am afraid that we'll never EVER be done :)

I promise to blog again tomorrow. I have the day off from work and who knows what kind of trouble my son and I can cause.



Tootles!

Mmmmkay! I haven't blogged in a LONG time! I stole this from Cole! Check it out!

8 TV Shows I Watch:

• The Biggest Loser! I heart  Jillian!
• True Blood
• Brothers & Sisters
• How I met your mother
• Big Bang Theory
• 24
• Desperate Housewives
• Lately, as I hate to admit it - The Jersey Shore

8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink:

• Panera Bread
• Bertucci's
• Hannaford's (the stir frys are excellent!)
• Cheesecake Factory
• Uno's
• Sam Diego's in Plymouth
• TGI Friday's
• My house!

8 Things I Look Forward To: 

• Yoga!
• Reading
• Days off
• Getting paid my full pay at work again!
• Going back to Aruba
• Heather's wedding!
• Summertime!
• All my favorite new movies and tv shows coming back: True Blood/Eclipse

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

• Yoga class
• Cleaned
• Dinner at TGI Fridays
• Read
• Laundry! Woo-hoo!
• Grocery Shopped! Woo-hoo again!
• Slept
• Drank a well needed glass of Sangria

8 Things I Love About Winter:

• Nothing! Ha ha ha
• OK - Sometimes it looks pretty when it snows....
• Christmas
• Shoveling can sometimes be counted as a workout.
• My kid loves to eat it.
• Makes me appreciate summer more and more.
• That's about it.
• HATE winter. Moving to Florida! :P

8 Things on My Wish List:

• $1 million dollars
• Job stability guarantee
• For the market to get better.
• Have another baby - a girl hopefully!
• A trip to Aruba - no, I am not obsessed. It's a passion.
• Get a new car
• To redo my bathrooms and kitchen
• A maid!

8 Things I'm Passionate About:

• My Bills (as in my bf and son!)
• My friends
• Yoda
• Aruba
• Yoga
• Work
• Art
• Napping

8 Words/Phrases I Use Often:

• Just sayin'...
• Asshat
• Billy!
• uhhh.....Seriously??
• Hag
• I'm so tired
• Coffee is my savior
• You are just jealous! LOL

8 Things I've Learned From the Past:

• I am a completely different person now at 30 than when I was 21.
• A child changes EVERYTHING!!
• Life is too short!
• Not everyone is going to like you!
• Stick up for yourself! Don't let anyone walk over you! :)
• Should have tried harder in school! ;)
• Things happen for a reason
• Through hard work, anything is possible

8 Things I Currently Want/Need:

• More cash
• More free time
• A baby girl
• An interior decorator that will do the work for FREE
• A wine cellar
• A new car - SUV
• A vacation
• A winning lottery ticket ;)
  

I tag all of you!  Let me know if you decide to participate.  I'd love to read your answers!!