Wednesday, August 24, 2011

DIY | Crocheted School Spirit Throw


I came across this pattern on Red Heart last month. It was a nice blanket, and I thought it suited my sister. On a whim, I decided to make it for her. Although they specify the type of yarn you should use, I opted not to use a Fiesta style yarn. Instead, I let my sister choose her own colors. I think that grey and white was an excellent combination. If you are new to crochet, this pattern is definitely for you. You will learn how to hold your yarn properly and it is the same stitch over and over again.

Difficulty: Easy/Beginner
Time: Depends upon experience (took me approximately 48 hours total to complete over the course of 3–4 weeks)
Expense: Moderate ($30+)
Materials: Available in craft stores and online (I bought from Michaels and AC Moore)

Hit the jump for some additional images of the blanket (including a nice closeup).

NewfoundEtiquette | Using the Escalator/Moving Walkway

It's a sad day when you have to tell people how to use an escalator/moving walkway. However, there is a right way (and a wrong way), to ascend the moving staircase. How do I know? Well, I commute in DC. Trust me, we have more escalator issues than a public transportation system should. First things first hit the jump, and we'll liken this to driving.

Image via The New York Times

Monday, August 22, 2011

Forget Clementine, I'm all about Madeleine

People can call Clementine darling, but they have not met Madeleine. This petit French cake is delectably simple with such a wonderful flavor. As Proust said, they are best eaten warm from the oven. I had, until this past Saturday, never tried a madeleine in my life. Now, I feel like I want to eat nothing but them. Go buy a madeleine baking pan and give these sweet treats a try. Hit the jump for a simple recipe via Williams-Sonoma.

Calling the "Pink Flamingo"


Maybe flamingos have their own superhero, and this is their call for the "Pink Flamingo"?

(via National Geographic)

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Nail Biting

Yes, reader, I am one of those people. I don't "bite" my nails so much as run them beneath my front teeth. However, even if I do not bite/chew/strain my nails, they still break. It's an annoying habit, but one that I feel confident in stopping. You see, whenever I become completely engrossed in a project, my fingernails become victims. My latest project? Well, to be honest, they are projects:

NaNoWriMo 2011! I really enjoyed participating in this last year, so I am getting a head start on outlines and development this year.

Etsy! I have technically had a shop for almost one year, but I have yet to sell anything. Reason? I'm slow. I want to sell crocheted goodies. Nothing very expensive, but small things you can wear or use.

Baking! If you read my blog, you see the results of my baking. 

So, not a huge list, but three things that are taking up my time. This is in addition to me playing video games, watching Netflix, reading, and dancing (in private far away from anyone). However, I feel that I need to give my loyal readers a sort of update as to why I haven't been posting a lot. As always, there is more to come.

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Last Airbender: The Legend of Korra

First of all, how did I miss this? I cannot believe that DiMartino is up for another spin with Nickelodeon. This is the most exciting news I have received since I found out that they have whole festivals devoted to bacon. Check out the trailer below. Also, anyone else find it odd that it is still called "The Last Airbender"?



(via Cartoon Brew)