Potluck and dishcloths

Gals from my book club at work planned a potluck on Monday. My goal was to make something simple and holiday-ish, so I gathered a couple of recipes: smoked salmon bites from a Rachel Ray book and cranberry raisin orange loaf from the internet.

The salmon bites consisted of pumpernickel bread onto which I spread cream cheese which I mixed with fresh chopped chives. These are then topped with smoked salmon, fresh dill and capers. While it looked and sounded good, it was a bit dry for my taste.

The loaf consisted of fresh cranberries, golden raisins, walnuts, orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. To get it to cool, I removed the loaf from the pan and put it on some paper towels on the counter.

Unfortunately, our naughty dog was able to pull on one of the corners of the paper towel and get to it. When I returned to kitchen there was nothing left except some paper towels and crumbs on the floor. Of course, there was some scolding and tears involved. And dog did not get dinner that night (not that he would have cared). I was mostly concerned about what it would do to Wally - not sure dogs are supposed to eat raisins, walnuts and cranberries. Luckily, he survived. What a rascal!

I also finished some easy knits - traditional, 100% cotton dish cloths. These will be a gift for someone.

 

 Sometimes you just have to do some mindless knitting. And it was fun to use up some of my stash yarn. My goal for 2012 is to significantly reduce my yarn inventory. I have tons of it. There are also lots of knitting projects that need to be completed. Hopefully I can make a dent in my work in the upcoming year. However, I know it's going to be hard to resist new yarns and projects. What an all-consuming hobby!

December madness

It's been too long since my last update. Time to get caught up...

1.) Sisters' 21st birthday - Hubby and I drove over to my parents house to celebrate my sisters' birthday. Got talked into taking a picture by the tree. It's probably my first photo showing my huge bump.

27 weeks

Birthday girls

Cousins

Yummy cake

Mom, dad & sisters

Girls are now legal to drink

Dad spilled Dom Perignon

Cheers

And more cheers

Happy birthday, dear sisters!

 2.) Christmas party at the yarn shop - After work on Saturday, we had a little holiday gathering. Love these people.

Food, knitting & good company

Cozy Saturday evening

More knitted stuff

After work yesterday I stopped by my parents' house to see them. My mom gave me another blankie that she knitted for my baby boy. So sweet. I just love it.

Today was all about laundry and finishing my knitting project - Elizabeth Zimmerman's "Baby Surprise Jacket". It was fun to knit, and I like the finished product. I think it will go great with some wee little jeans and a solid colored tee.

I have enough leftovers of this yarn that I'm thinking of knitting some matching booties. Stay tuned.

Baby's first hand-knit socks

Just finished baby's first hand-knit socks. They are so small and soft and pretty. Can't wait to see my baby boy wearing them. I LOVE knitting baby things.

Garter stitch stripe

Awww

Cold November Sunday

Cold and dreary weather makes for some cozy nights. Today was all about family, good food, movies, and knitting. Another great Thanksgiving weekend comes to an end. Tomorrow I am heading back to work.

Family night

In terms of knitting projects, yesterday I completed a chunky baby boy hat, and this morning I started on some tiny little socks.

Baby boy blue

Handmade toys

A while ago, I made a little monster for my little monster. Then my mama made a sweet bear (wearing a vest!), and now my youngest sister made a beautiful elephant. This baby boy is spoiled.

Monster, Elephant and Bear...all dressed in baby's clothes

Auntie Adji is very talented. I'm so amazed at her creation and very proud of her skills.

Cute!

I've slowly been acquiring clothes for our little babe. We've also made progress in the nursery. Will have to post about it, soon.

Eliminating biggest time wasters

Today I decided to be disciplined and ban TV and internet after work today - from 5pm and 9pm. No checking or peeking at either one. As a result, I have accomplished so much in that time frame! I'm going to stick to that rule going forward. I need to change some things in my life, and this is going to eliminate my biggest time-wasters. Aside from laundry, grocery shopping, and general cleaning, I managed to bake lasagna for us for dinner.

In preparation for baby, I realize I need to develop some more consistent domestic habits. I am going to develop a plan over the next few weeks that will help keep me on track.