Will Knit for Cake

Me eat chocolate

2012-03-08T16:10:00.001-08:00

I have been consuming an inhuman amount of dark chocolate lately. In order to change things up a bit, I tried a recipe from Raw Intentions.

Hooray for chocolate pudding!

The mad scientist secret?

It's made of avocados.

MUAHAHAHAHA!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cilantro Smoothie

2012-03-07T07:18:00.002-08:00

Good morning! Yesterday was a very blah day for me. I was supposed to go take a blood test to see if I am preggers, but the clinic was closed. Hubby and I drove to 3 different drug stores to buy a home pee test. In the end, it was negative and we ate some nachos.

Today, I am feeling lighter. I may not know what the heezy is going on baby/body wise, but I can find much comfort in the people around me and the life I am lucky enough to have. I trust the universe to continue working as it is meant to; I'm down for the ride.

So! This morning's smoothie was a bit of a risk. This is how it started out...

1 cup Simply Apple Juice
2 Oranges
2 handfuls Spinach
8 sprigs Cilantro
2 Carrots
1 cup Frozen Strawberries
1 cup Ice
plus some Maca and Flax seeds

How did it taste, you ask? Like rubbing your face in a pile of cilantro.
Hmm.
Then we tried this...

Add:
1 Carrot
1 handful Spinach
1 Frozen Banana
1 cup Frozen Mango

And now? Better! Certainly drinkable. It's hard to mellow out cilantro once it's in there.
What did we learn today?

LESS CILANTRO FOR OPTIMAL YUMMINESS.

Have a great day :)

Family Tattoos

2012-03-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

I have featured many tattoos on this blog. Today it's time to show you those closest to me (except my own, which by proximity... are closest...)
My beautiful family!

I love my family :)

Pineapple Green Smoothie

2012-02-29T05:54:00.001-08:00

The green smoothie saga continues. This morning we have apple juice, water, spinach, romaine lettuce, baby carrots, frozen banana and lots of pineapple. Also, maca, chia seeds and matcha green tea powder.

Yes! This is excellent!

Any body have any good green smoothie recipes to share?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sugar Cookies!

2012-02-20T20:02:00.001-08:00

What did I do tonight? Baked sugar cookies! Why, you might ask? Because I have awesome cookie cutters! Why else?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Featured Artist: Rachael G.K. Davis

2012-02-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

I am about to team up with none other than my very own sister to bring a new line of art into the etsy store. Rachael has been a talented artist since we were kids. I am proud and honored to share her work with you today. This is only a preview! The original artwork will be available on Love, Grapefruit soon!

Favorite Things- My House

2012-02-13T08:05:00.001-08:00

It's a snow day!

To celebrate this wonderful holiday, I want to share a few things in my own house that make me happy!

The awesome matryoshka measuring cups the hubs bought for me!

Our beautiful typewriters!

The little yellow bookshelf.

Our little bluebird family nesting in the telephone nook.

My favorite wall in the house.

Artwork in the bathroom from Carissa Rose on Etsy.

Nook in the dining room.

Mo!

Magnet poetry

2012-02-06T15:22:00.001-08:00

Here's today's magnet poem, hot off the fridge.

Green Smoothie

2012-02-06T05:58:00.001-08:00

I have been inspired by a lovely woman to embark down a new path. Denise Madeja of Raw Intentions is helping me begin a journey into raw food living. While I may not be 100% committed to going without cooked food or chocolate cake, I'm eating more veggies and fruits than donuts and that's a good start.

As Denise would say, "It's about making a better choice today than yesterday so that tomorrow can be the best!"

So for today, I begin with my first "Green Smoothie."

1 banana
6 strawberries
1 kiwi
1/2 - 1 cup almond milk
small handful of spinach

Last night, I cut up the banana and put it in a Tupperware in the freezer so that it would be ready to dump in this morning. I used whole frozen strawberries, so they were easy enough to toss in. I sliced the kiwi without peeling it (yay, fiber!) and threw that on top.

I admit, I did not measure the almond milk; I just poured some in. Probably about half a cup. Then sent my poor immersion blender to work. I now know that immersion blenders do not do well with frozen things. But it persevered!

I added a little more milk, blended some more, added the spinach, blended LOTS more. A little more almond milk to thin it out. And voila. Breakfast. And it doesn't even taste like spinach!

Cheers and Sláinte to all on this fine morning. Bottoms up.

Write Bloody Book Giveaway

2012-02-05T14:48:00.001-08:00

My husband is doing an awesome giveaway on his blog!

Win a free book from Write Bloody publishing. Weeeee!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sexy Man Tattoos

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

This post is stolen directly from my Pinterest board, also titled Sexy Man Tattoos. (boy did that give the hubs an aneurysm when he saw it! Exactly why husbands should not be on Pinterest...)

Atlas. Nice.

So sophisticated.

Just... yeah.

Cute and only a little emo.

I actually have no idea why I find this attractive. I just do so get over it.

Who doesn't love a good sleeve?

Anyone else want to share some sexy man tattoos? Or sexy ladies tattoos?

Magnet poetry

2012-02-01T18:41:00.001-08:00

Today's fridge poem:

Put a bird on it - Bird Tattoos

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Follow my tattoo board on Pinterest!

P.S. Is there a blog/Pinterest code of ethics for posting pictures that only link back to Pinterest? Help a girl out with some information.

Baby Fever

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have been nagging the husband a lot lately... and you can guess about what...

I've got maternal instincts coming out my ears! But even considering having a kid is so overwhelming. I imagine that having one would be infinitely more stressful.

Quick assessment of the situation without giving too much info and making hubs uncomfortable: we may not be able to have kids at all. Hubs had an injury when he was 18, and at that time the prognosis was not good. However, I, being the optimist that I am, have insisted on new tests and new results. It has been 10 years, okay!? The human body is capable of amazing things. So we should get the results this Thursday and find out how the swimmers are doing. But that's not all...

Second problem on the table: Hubs would much rather adopt. It's an over-population thing; a why-bring-another-person-into-the-world-without-taking-care-of-the-ones-already-here kind of a thing. I can understand that. I have always held that opinion. Until the ticking-tocking-time-bomb of HORMONES starting tell me to get preggers.

Additionally, do you have any idea how difficult, expensive and, let's be honest, sometimes sketchy, adoption can be? I'm scared out of my mind to adopt. What if the mom gets her act together and wants the baby back? What if it takes us three years to raise the money we would need? How do you prepare for a baby when you have no idea what is really going to happen?

To further complicate things, I have never been crazy about the idea of being pregnant. My instinct is to care for a child, not necessarily to birth one. I know that some women have that desire: to carry a child, to have that biological connection. Since I've never had that, I can't speak to its wonder. But it isn't something I naturally crave.

So hubs says, "Let's adopt!" To him, it's obviously an easy choice.

And I hate to take the easy road on something like this just because it's easier...

But in my gut and in my heart, there is something telling me that adoption may not be the road for us...

Ugh... thoughts, advice, anyone?

Tattoos I Know

2012-01-31T05:32:00.000-08:00

I spend a lot of time browsing pinterest and fyeahtattoos for good ink. I realized that I haven't taken the time to appreciate the tats around me! This will be a 2-post series. Here is a collection from my friends. Keep your eye out for a special post about tattoos in my family. Enjoy.

Poetry magnets

2012-01-30T19:21:00.001-08:00

Let's start a new tradition. I would like to regularly share my poetry as written in refrigerator magnets. Let me know what you think!

My weekend in instagrams

2012-01-17T09:51:00.001-08:00

Vegan Mug Cake

2012-01-11T18:15:00.001-08:00

Uh- that's right, fellas and ladies. Vegan... Chocolate... 1 minute... CAKE! IT'S TOO MUCH TO BEAR!!!
(link to the recipe I used )

And to think, Hubs was about to go to the store just to prevent me from having a psychotic episode. What a swell guy.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (with a secret)

2012-01-08T19:38:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love homemade choc chip cookies. Recently I was whipping up a batch and realized I had no vanilla extract! In a moment of panic came a stroke of genius. I used pure maple syrup instead. I seriously suggest you incorporate this mistake into your next batch! The maple flavor is very subtle but you can definitely tell the difference.
If you're curious, here's the recipe I've been using (since I left my Joy of Vegan Baking cookbook at my mom's on Thanksgiving) http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Get baking!

Blogger App!

2012-01-07T16:16:00.001-08:00

I had no idea there was a blogger app! Now I can share my everyday mundane and/or amazing life with you! For example, today I got a beautiful typewriter at a flea market. Also, my baby kitten sleeps in a very cute way. ALSO also, my Juno cat is as cute as ever.
* Note* I have no idea what the formatting of this post will look like. It's an experiment, for sure.
Weeeeeee!

Twelve by 2012 - update

2011-12-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

I posted a while back some goals I wanted to accomplish before 2012. Let's check in and see how I did...

1. Visit Helen and Lindi. Fail. Very sad.
2. Sew a straight line. Getting closer! Having trouble with my bobbin thread, though.
3. Make a throw blanket. Another fail. HOWEVER! I did learn to crochet :)
4. Completely organize and unpack. We did this! Hooray! However, I now want to completely rearrange the house. That's always fun though.
5. Read TWO books. Catcher in the Rye, Hunger Games, and half of Sophie's World. And now that I have a Nook e-reader (Thanks, mom-in-law!) I see much more reading in my future.
6. Create an Etsy store. Check it out - Love, Grapefruit.
7. Get some nice boots. I got TWO pairs of boots from the hubs!
8. Pay down my credit card. Another fail. I also maxed out my Gap card. Whoops...
9. Get in touch with my cousins. I am really sad that this one did not happen. I'm sure I could have tried harder, but so could they.
10. Start exercising regularly. Nope. But I did lose 4 pounds! I think it's cause I'm happier.
11. Hand make Christmas gifts. The hubs and I made a total of 6 stockings, one for each parental.
12. Send the people I love random mail. BIG FAIL! I suck.

But Hey! I still have 3.5 days to send some mail, work out, pay down my credit cards, and make a blanket...
Weeeeeeee!

Giveaway Winner Announced!

2011-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Lindi for winning the giveaway! Check out her awesome blog!

Did you have your heart set on the super cute red flannel stocking? Good news! I have one left in my Etsy store. Hop on over and claim it before it's too late!

Keep your eyes on the horizon for new items in the store!

Grand Opening Giveaway!

2011-12-11T06:49:00.001-08:00

My Etsy store is officially open, and what better way to start off than a giveaway?

With the holidays just around the corner, this giveaway features a handmade flannel stocking. The winner of this giveaway will receive either a super cool teal plaid stocking with polka-dot lining OR a cozy red holiday print with soft white flannel lining (their choice).

There are a few things you can do to enter this giveaway, outlined below. ALL entries must include EMAIL ADDRESS!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit my Etsy store and post your favorite item here - 1 entry

Additional Entries:
Heart my store on Etsy and comment here with your Etsy name - 1 entry
Buy something from my Etsy store - 10 entries

This giveaway will run until Friday, December 16th. Prize shipped on Saturday with priority shipping in hopes of arriving by Christmas!

Weeeeeeeeeee!

My Etsy Store Grand Opening!

2011-12-04T15:11:00.001-08:00

My Etsy store is officially up and running!

There are four shop sections for customers to browse: 1) Knits (hand-made knitted items), 2) Threads (hand-made sewn items), 3) Vintage and 4) Jewelry. With the exception of vintage items, all products in the store have been made by yours truly! Click this link to check out the store, and comment here with your favorite items! Tell your friends, your moms, the mailman; tell e'erbody: Love, Grapefruit is where it's at.
Fo' sho'.

As a special thank you to my followers, I am having an Early Bird special. Place an order by Wednesday, December 7th (my Birthday!) and receive 10% off your entire purchase! Simply enter the coupon code WILLKNITFORCAKE at check-out to receive this exclusive discount!

Etsy Store - Sneak Peek

2011-11-22T10:14:00.001-08:00

I will be launching my Esty store very soon! Hand-knitted and sewn things, as well as vintage items. Here's a sneak peek...

Birthday Expectations

2011-11-15T06:03:00.001-08:00

"My birthday is coming up!" I have been announcing this since August... My birthday is the first week of December... I know. I have a problem. But my birthday is my FAVORITE!

And this year, I will turn to SomeeCards to express my feelings.

I want a big celebration. It should be at least a week long.

I admit I have always found it strange that we celebrate me on a day that my mom actually did something noteworthy.So I think this year I'll buy her a gift... as long as she gets me one too...

And I know that if my mom had had a virgin birth, I would be a lot bigger deal. Thanks for dropping the ball, mom.

So my birthday is in December; I do not want holiday celebrations to encroach on my birthday gifts. I warned the hubby that he should start birthday shopping in September so that he has enough money for my Christmas gifts, too.

I think my birthday is the best holiday of the year, at least for me.

So all I can do is hope that it rocks!

P.S. - I think about others all year. I refuse to feel guilty about my birthday and YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!

Etsy Christmas

2011-11-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

Just call me Mrs. Kaytee "I want."

That is exactly what my mom always called me and what the hubs has learned pretty quickly to be true. What awesome stuff is on my Etsy Christmas list? Let's take a look.

I eat Cake Magnet

Earl Grey & White Chocolate Cookies

Bamboo Double Pointed Needles

Bearded Man Canvas Bag

Gnome Ornaments

I Eat Cake in My Pants Plate

Wake Up Tea Towel

Smiling Tea Cup Stamp

Rainbow Quilt Squares

Dandelion Earrings

I've been a good girl, Santa.

My Weekend: Pampered by Chelsea

2011-11-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

{Tulsans, keep reading to find out how to enter Chelsea's giveaway!}
I had an amazing weekend. I got to hang out with my best friend from high school, whom I hadn't seen in 5 years! And what's even MORE awesome is that she gave me a body treatment, which was incredible (not to mention the captivating tarot reading I received after that.) Phew. It doesn't get much more interesting that that. But interesting is quite an understatement for Chelsea. More like ~ remarkable.

Let's hear from Chelsea!

What do you like most about your work?

My Favorite thing about my work so far is making people feel good. I love it when I do a waxing or a dermabrasion treatment and the person is dazzled by the effects! I mean everyone lights up when they are sexy and hairless or can see their skin glowing from dermabrasion. I'm all about confidence. I have more than I know what to do with and Ive always been attracted to people that aren't afraid to love themselves. I also really enjoy the social side of my work, hearing about my client's life, helping them relax and always making sure they are comfortable.
What makes your treatments unique?
I would say what makes my treatment unique is me. Aside from Esthetics, I am an astrologer. So I feel this gives me a much deeper understanding of what that person needs to relax. I also try to cater treatment to that persons sign if I can. For example if I know the persons sign before they come to get a treatment (which I usually do) I will use aromatherapy that compliments their sign. For Fire signs, I use dragonsblood, for Earth sign, I use patchouli, for water signs, I use fresh rain and for Air signs, I use lilac. Also, I read tarot cards and I always like to offer that if my client has any questions for the universe or just needs to know whats going on.
What can someone expect from getting a treatment with you?
When getting a treatment from me you can expect to feel special and well taken care of. You can also expect some pretty amazing results. I dont have to sell my treatments. Once you've had one, they sell themselves.

Fantastico! Thanks, Chelsea.
I have already received a facial and a body treatment and I know I'll be coming back for more! And she is as skilled at reading tarot as she is at her treatments. Our reading was truly inspiring. I've never had a reading before, and was, I'll admit, a bit skeptical. But hot damn! She was on the money.
Chelsea is sweet, gentle and certainly full of spunk, and will make you feel at ease whether she's massaging your face or giving you a brazilian.
She has a serene spa room complete with hot towels, soothing candles and oils and top-notch products.

This is the face of a very happy customer.

But wait! It gets even BETTER! If you live in the area, you can enter to win a free facial from Chelsea! Just hop on over to her blog, Chelsea's Treatment, or her facebook page to enter.

Twelve Knits before the end of 2012

2011-11-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am upping my game over the next year and starting some more challenging projects. These are a few I handpicked from my Ravelry. I have already started on the first one, the ruffle scarf, and it is looking really cool! I thought knitting "short rows" would be hard, but it isn't at all. Which of these projects should I start next? Click on the picture to open the ravelry page!

Coat Envy - ModCloth

2011-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, ModCloth. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

Not that I'll ever have the money to buy one of these. But maybe the hubbs will.

15 minutes a day for an always clean house

2011-10-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

The plan...

Monday—Sweep the house

Tuesday—Swiffer the floors and dust

Wednesday—Clean bathroom (toilet, bath, sink and mirror)

Thursday—Clean the kitchen (wipe counters and stove, wet swiffer floor)

Friday—Drink beer

Saturday—Pick up clutter

Sunday—Laundry (this may take more than 15 minutes…)

All the while, hubby does the dishes during the week. This could work!

Guest - Aria Parfait Vintage

2011-10-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce you all to a new blogger friend of mine, Sienna at Aria Parfait Vintage. She has a fabulous etsy store full of lovely vintage items. Here are a few of my favorites!

Tell us a little about you and your blog/store.
Hello! I’m Sienna, the gal behind Aria Parfait Vintage. I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with an oh-so-lucrative art degree. After graduating, I joined a national organization which recruits recent college graduates to teach in high-poverty schools for two years, which brought me to Tulsa, OK. I love art books, coffee and sitting on the balcony of my 1920’s apartment.

How did your store/blog come to be?
I’ve always been a thrifter and with all the great flea markets and antique stores in the Tulsa area I come across loads and loads of fantastic vintage. At the beginning of last summer I began scooping up all sort of items - some that fit and some that didn’t - and began to grow a collection; a collection far outside the ability of one preschool teacher with next to no social life to wear. With a lot of encouragement from friends and a lot of help from my very supportive boyfriend (he built my website), I decided selling on Etsy would bring year two of teaching some much needed happiness and non-teacherly creativity.

Why is vintage better?
All items in the shop are garments and accessories I would wear, or were in my personal collection. I’m completely lost in a department store and generally just don’t like the fashions, fabrics, prints and poor quality of garments available today. I’d like to outfit the other gals out there who are also underwhelmed by department store fashions with unique, carefully selected pieces.

What is one vintage item in your personal collection you just couldn't live without?
I can’t even pretend that it’s not difficult for me to ship each piece I sell. I’m still kicking myself for selling my favorite 1940s hat. Sniffle. But, when it is hard to part with something, I just tell myself it’s an excuse to go shopping.

Thanks, Sienna!
Now go visit her on facebook, etsy and on her blog!

Twelve by 2012

2011-10-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, please check out one of my very favorite blogs, Bettencourt Chase: Things We Make, Bake and Photograph. Helen and Lindi are two of the loveliest people on this planet, and would probably win against people on other planets as well. They recently posted a list of twelve goals to accomplish before 2012, which they saw at oh, hello friend, and I want to do it, too! My turn, MY TURN!

1. Visit Helen and Lindi. Definitely. Must do.
2. Sew a straight line. Not that my crooked lines aren't charming and all...
3. Make a throw blanket. I don't care if I knit it, sew it out of old t-shirts, however I can get it done. I can't explain why this is important. Throw blankets are associated with home and family in my brain.Making a blanket is one step in building a home.
4. Completely organize and unpack. We moved into our house in September and immediately unpacked almost all the boxes. In every place we've lived, there has always been one or two boxes that never get unpacked, one or two pictures that never get hung. It prevents any place from truly feeling like home.
5. Read TWO books. I was an English major. This is a pathetic goal. I'm ashamed.
6. Create an Etsy store. First I need to create some merchandise. Then think of a name. Please help me think of a name!!!
7. Get some nice boots. Nuff said.
8. Pay down my credit card. I only have one but it is ALWAYS maxed out.
9. Get in touch with my cousins. My family has never been close. We all do our own thing and that's fine. But I have family living in the same city as me that I haven't seen in 10 years. No good.
10. Start exercising regularly. Even if it's a few crunches every night. I have gots to do something about this pudge.
11. Hand make Christmas gifts. Something cool that people actually want. Not crappy stuff that they are obligated to love.
12. Send the people I love random mail. Whether it is a letter or a tin of cookies, I need to get out some good mail karma.

Braided Cowl - easy knitting pattern

2011-09-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's time to start knitting again! In summer... in Oklahoma... I just did NOT want to be holding yarn. So for several months I put my patterns on the shelf. To kick off the season, I wanted to learn to cable. It's not nearly as difficult as I had imagined!
I used a braided scarf pattern I found on ravelry, which can be found here.
Now, I'm a pretty lazy knitter, which means that when I get to the end of my skein, I just bind off! This usually causes me to end up with too-short scarves. In this case, I just sewed the two ends together and made my too-short scarf into a very fashionable cowl!

I used one skein of Lion Brand Jiffy Quick and Easy Mohair Look Yarn (135 yards), color Fisherman.
I just love the look of this! I plan to make a lot more of these cause it was EaSY!

Obviously, I also downloaded a new photo editing app to my phone. It's called BeFunky and it makes very purty pictures.

DIY Library Card

2011-09-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

I really want to have a book exchange party! Basically, everyone who comes brings a book, new or used, that matches the theme. For example, you could have genre themes, like horror, or themes like, "The Book that Changed your Life!"
So I tried to imagine what my invitations would look like for this party...
Library cards!
I created a library card template that everyone is free to steal.
Here is a link to the pdf.They will print 4 to a page. After you cut them out and trim the sides, you can tea-stain them!

Lovely Tattoos

2011-09-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

I'm always going to be a tattoo lover. Here are a few I think are neat.
If you haven't visited fuck yeah, tattoos!, you betta!

Starry Night Van Gogh tattoo

Weird but cool deer tattoo

Bob Dylan tattoo!

Hunter S. Thompson tattoo

Alphonse Mucha Art Nouveau tattoo

Pin-up girl tattoo

Sewing Machine tattoo

Follow me on Pinterest!

Contemplations of Faith

2011-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

This morning I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Prairie Hen, and looking over her beautiful new tattoo, when I noticed a bible verse she had posted. Now anyone who knows me knows I have never read the bible nor do I consider myself a Christian or follower of Jesus. The closest teachings to those in my own heart are those of Buddha. I have never really tried to explain my beliefs. But this bible verse prompted me to do some contemplating.

Luke12:22-27

²² Then,turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worryabout everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes towear.

²³ For life is more than food, and your body more thanclothing.

²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest orstore food in barns, for God feeds them.

²⁷ Look at the liliesand how they grow."

For a while now I have been considering the perfection of the Earth and the connection there to god. The Earth works so perfectly, all by itself. Our society has, at some point, decided that we are the conquerors of nature, but in truth we are products of it, just taking part in its majesty. I know I am sounding a little Tree Hugger right now! But people have always searched for a God that is perfect, that creates life and takes life, that takes care of us, that has a plan. I see all of this in our planet, our universe, the workings of nature.
This bible selection made me think of that even more this morning. Even the bible points out that nature takes care of itself. We worry so much about having necessities, about living.
I realize that the bible attributes this to "God," but isn't that just a word, a label, a name? I could call Earth "God" and it would have a lot of the same attributes.
I'm not saying I believe anything one way or another. I wouldn't dream of saying I had anything in this world figured out. I'm just saying... think about it.
Anyone here read any Daniel Quinn?
Thoughts, anyone?

Low-carb Cream Cheese Mousse

2011-09-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have been to low-carb heaven. It tasted like cheesecake.
The inspiration for the recipe can be found here.
Get ready for bliss.

Yin Yang Cream Cheese Mousse with Raspberries
16 carbs total

To make the filling:

1 8oz package low fat cream cheese (check the label and make sure it says 1 carb per tbsp)allow to soften at room temperature at least 1 hour
2 tsp Splenda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Hershey's Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder (added later)

Beat heavy cream in a bowl until it forms soft peaks. Add softened cream cheese, Splenda, and vanilla. Beat whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using low speed of electric mixer.
Remove half of mixture into one half of a bowl.
Add cocoa powder (add more to taste) and mix well.
Add to the other half of the bowl.

You can line your bowl with raspberries first, and then garnish some on top, or just use this as a dip! Or hell, just eat it with a spoon.

Chill at least one hour. This will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

Tattoo Inspiration

2011-08-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

I need a new tattoo. Pinterest isn't helping. There are so many beautiful things out there.

I need a tattoo of a bird, probably on the inside of my left bicep.
Like this:

But more like this:

I also need this on my shoulder. My mom needs this, too:

I also need some lines, cause I'm a writer:

And some words on top of my shoulder, probably "Try again, Fail again, Fail better."

And some words on my back:

And on the back of my right arm:

All of these photos and their links can be found on my pinterest.

Anyone else craving tattoos?

Unique Jewelry Organizer Tutorial

2011-08-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

For a while now, I've been wanting to craft up a unique and beautiful way to organize and display my jewelry. Well, folks, I've done it! And you can do it, too. I've seen a lot of tutorials on how to make tiered dessert and cake stands lately, and this tutorial is no different... except at the end, you put earrings on it instead of cupcakes!
Basically, I pulled together 2 plates and one small bowl that I bought at yardsales randomly, along with the 2 candlestick holders my mom got me for my bridal shower.
After that you just need some glue! I used E-6000, which worked wonderfully.
I glued the first plate to the first candelstick and left a heavy book on top over night.
The next day I added one piece with glue and left the book on overnight.
All in all, took about 4 days because I wanted to be sure each piece was secure!
Here is how lovely it turned out :)

Time to get crafting - Tutorials

2011-08-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

To continue my love of pinterest, I wanted to share with you some amazing projects I have pinned that I just can't wait to start on! (Click on the photos for links to the tutorials)

Super easy tiered dessert stand. Glue. Plates. Candle Stick. Cheap and easy! Just how I like 'em.

I recently received a few burlap sacks. I intent to make LOTS of these pencil bags.

I bought a whole set of vintage silverware at a yard sale. I think I will paint mine bright colors instead of sticking to all white. I don't have that much class.

This one I want to make as a wedding gift. I think I will do each of their last names on the sides (she's going to hyphenate).

Just adorable. And useful! Actually, I will probably just write inappropriate comments to my husband.

What a cute trivet! I used to hand weave like this when I was younger. Believe it or not, I did learn a few Cherokee traditions! I have some t-shirt yarn I think would be perfect...

AMAZING! I want to make 3!

I actually already made one of these. I think it is dying though. Fail.

This is something that I will always love but never make because I do not own any power tools :(
Look on the website for the video tutorial as well.

What are you crafting (or drooling over) these days?

Anchor Earrings Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all! I have been in Chicago for the past week on vacation/professional development. We stayed in a Hyatt near downtown, thanks to Priceline Bidding, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to anyone going anywhere. It was absolutely fantastic.
Now back home, back to reality. But someone out there is about to get happy. The winner of the giveaway! It's always hard to choose a winner subjectively. It was really hard to decide! But in the end I had to go with the post after my own heart... (anyone who knows me knows I love me some Buddha...)
So, the winner is AvroraD! Congrats!

AvroraD said...

I shamelessly stole this one from joke buddha:

A young naval student was being put through the paces by an old sea captain.
"What would you do if a sudden storm sprang up on the starboard?"
"Throw out an anchor, sir," the student replied.
"What would you do if another storm sprang up aft?"
"Throw out another anchor, sir."
"And if another terrific storm sprang up forward, what would you do then?" asked the captain.
"Throw out another anchor, sir."
"Hold on," said the captain. "Where are you getting all those anchors from?"
"From the same place you're getting your storms, sir."

source: http://www.jokebuddha.com/Anchor#ixzz1Tk4n4xIb

Your earrings are awesome - hope I win! :)

Well you did win! I will be emailing you today. :)
Thanks so much to everyone who entered. I will be posting a new giveaway soon!!!

Books for Kids! and {giveaway reminder!}

2011-07-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

In addition to all the wonderful and amazing things my husband is, he is also a teacher, which might just be the most amazing and wonderful thing about him. He teaches 10th grade literature in an urban school and his kids are generally struggling to get by. He puts in huge amounts of time and effort to make sure his kids are learning something interesting, something that might just make them come to class (enter movie with Hillary Swank...)
So let's hear about his newest project! Weeeeeee!

Salve! As my beautiful wife mentioned, I teach at an urban school. Unfortunately, that school is in Oklahoma, where state budget cuts have made it impossible to bring resources into the classroom for the past few years. I'm trying to supplement the out-dated textbook with a novel called Sophie's World, which follows a young girl as she learns about the history of philosophy through a series of mysterious letters. The novel is on the AP reading list, and it follows the 10th grade history track perfectly with its emphasis on Greek and Roman philosophers. I've posted a project through DonorsChoose, an incredible website that helps teachers raise money for classroom resources. If you're able, please check out my project here and pass it along to everyone you know! We only need 12 people to give $10 and the entire project will be funded! :)

Thanks, hubby! Please visit his project and donate a few bucks if you can!

Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway before August 1!

Amuse me - Giveaway!

2011-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've been on a jewelry-making kick lately. What fun!
I have an awesome pair of earrings to give away. Hooray! However, this giveaway will not be decided randomly. It will totally subjective, determined by none other than me. Muhahahaha! I am sick with power.
Post something awesome. A recipe, a joke, a story, a compliment, whatever you think will win you this giveaway! The top post will win a pair of earrings. Make sure you LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS!
This giveaway will run until August 1. Now dance, monkey! Amuse me!

Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries

2011-07-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

As a new lover of Pinterest, (feel free to follow me!) I have discovered many wonderful things lately. One of these favorites is originally from Sugar Derby ... Cheesecake-filled Strawberries! Well holy crap, yes!

These were really easy to make and came out looking super fancy, so this will be my new go-to dessert for all parties. I didn't follow their recipe, though. Here's what I did:
Bought a 16oz box of strawberries (afterwards I realized I could have bought 2 or 3 boxes and had plenty of filling)
Sliced off the leafies.
Used a peeler to core out the white center of the strawberry, being careful not to cut all the way through.
(I saved all the strawberry cores for later...)
Bought a box of no-bake cheesecake mix.
Prepared the cheesecake filling according to the box's directions.
Got a ziploc bag and cut the corner off (very small cut! You don't want a gaping hole. You need to be able to fit it into your strawberry)
Scooped some filling in the bag and used the bag to fill the strawberries.
I also bought a box of raspberries and filled those, too. No coring required!
I poured some of the crust powder from the box onto a plate and dipped the tops of the filled-fruits in that.
Refrigerate at least an hour.
Voila!
As for the left-over strawberry cores, the hubby put them in the blender with some Nutella to create a dip. aaammmmmaaaazzzzziiiinnnnnggg. Gotta love brilliant hubbies.

Give a girl a camera...

2011-06-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

and she'll want to take ridiculous photos ALL THE TIME. Such is my life right now. I made the decision to buy a semi-expensive camera with my graduation money. (That's right, I graduated from college!) I haven't really felt like writing recently, so while I could tell you about all that, I'd rather just show you a lot of pictures. Enjoy.

Whoop Whoop!

2011-05-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of whoopdwhoop? You can list and swap handmade things! You earn and spend "whoops" in order to swap. Yay! You can sign up for it here.
These are the things that I currently have listed:

Multi-colored headband	Yellow headband/ear warmer

Phone or camera case	Leafy bracelet

Flower	Pack of 4 black and white postcards

Super fun times. Join me! What items do you have to swap?

What's a neckerchief?

2011-05-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know, but I made one! It looks very hipster. That must be why I don't know anything about it. It was cool even before I made it.
I got the pattern FOR FREE on Ravelry, posted by Falling Stitches.
This was my first time ever using a chart! I must say, it was really easy! I loved it. However, I really need to get a row counter of some sort because it was very easy to forget which row I was on, and I did have to pull out an entire row once. Sad.

But I persisted! And now I have something amazing to show for it.

It's a scarf... that's a triangle!

I love the leafy look...

Again, here's the link to the pattern. Do it! It's worth it.

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway over at Bettencourt Chase! It ends FRIDAY THE 13.

Headband Giveaway at Bettencourt Chase!

2011-05-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Anybody want to win an adorable knitted headband I made? Hop on over to Bettencourt Chase to enter the giveaway!

Even if you don't want to win, visit them because they are lovely!

Etsy things I'm loving

2011-05-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I go into uncontrolling bouts of wanting things. I thought that Etsy browsing would be bad for my bank account in that I would spend uncontrollably. However, I've found that I am extremely hesitant to buy anything online. No idea why. It's so easy and my husband would never know. But it's true that I'm much more frugal online. But there is always a but.

Here are the things that are slowly chipping away at me... Oh beautiful things...

Storybook Fibers

Hey, my birthday is coming up... next December... :)

Spectacular Vegan Sauces

2011-04-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

As promised, I am posting the recipes for the two sauces I made to accompany the delicious asparagus and coconut curry my roommate and I cooked up on Monday. I have never made a sauce before so this was really exciting! And lifted my spirits quite a bit, since my baking has taken a turn for the worse as of late.

Vegan Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup water
a sprinkle of ground red pepper to taste

Mix it all up. Stir it with all your might! Cause that peanut butter isn't going down without a fight. (ooooh, a rhyme!)
This sauce came out a little sweeter than I expected. But when drizzled lightly over curry and rice, KAPOW! Awesomeness.

Vegan Lemon Aioli Sauce
1/2 cup Vegennaise
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp minced garlic from a jar)
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon basil

Mix it up!

This sauce went really well with our almond, garlic asparagus.

But really I just love opportunities to eat mayonnaise.

NOT a diet

2011-04-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely, positively not on a diet. If I were, my body would immediately shut out all reason and demand cookies until I cave. However, I snack A LOT. Every 2-3 hours, I'd say. And I've come to the conclusion that there are probably better snacks to eat than cookies, crackers, bagels, carby carby mccarbersons.

So today begins my adventures in "healthier" snacking.

Today I ate a small portion of cottage cheese and mandarin oranges for morning snack (I don't eat breakfast.)

For pre-lunch snack, I had walnuts and dried cranberries.

Lunch was a bowl of hearty tomato soup.

After-lunch snack was possibly my favorite of the day: two spoonfuls of cottage cheese, 1/3 cucumber, 2 cherry tomatoes and pepper.

That's healthy, right?

For dinner, my roommate is making asparagus and some coconut tofu while I whip up vegan lemon aioli sauce for the asparagus and vegan peanut sauce for the tofu. Recipes for those sauces to come!

Guitar Strap Giveaway Winner!

2011-04-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank everyone who participated in this giveaway. I went from 4 to 38 followers! There are definitely more giveaways to come, so keep watch!
For this time, let's congratulate the winner of an awesome handmade guitar strap....
Carolyn Barnett!
Carolyn, I will be emailing you!

From Will Knit for Cake

Per a few requests, I will post the pattern on how to make this guitar strap for everyone who didn't win ... because I heart you guys.

My arms aren't big enough to hug the universe

2011-04-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have to show some love to the people, blogs and Etsy stores that have made my week full of smiles.

First, I would like to introduce you to my cupcake. It came in the mail today! Wacky Cookies is a super cool company. Check them out on facebook!
Secondly, I won this awesome lotion from Piper Tate in a giveaway at The Ardent Sparrow! It smells absolutely amazing and came packaged in the cutest bag.
In the same giveaway at The Ardent Sparrow, I won a $15 gift certificate to Kawaii Goodies. I bought these amazing stamps. Who knows what shenanigan crafts I'll get into with these babies!
And last but not least, I got some beautiful custom earrings from Operation Petticoat!

My life has gotten infinitely better since I discovered blogging, etsy, giveaways and wonderfully creative people. I am filled with love.

When life gives you buttons

2011-04-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else love taking pictures of buttons?
This is a hint at the project I just finished. It looks nice in these photos, but in real life, it's a monster.

Also, there is still time to enter my giveaway here!

From pants to purse

2011-04-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just to get it out of the way, this is all you get from the slumber party!

Now that's out of the way!
The next morning, I shot up out of bed with the crafting bug! I had a pair of brown, linen pants in a bag of stuff I intended to donate. I pulled those babies out and headed to the sewing machine.

Lightbulb moment
The bottom leg of a pair of pants could be a tote bag.

2nd lightbulb
The bottom of 2 legs could be a TWO POCKET bag!

So I cut the bottom of the two legs off, leaving one half of one leg long to become a fold-over flap.
Make sure everything is inside out before sewing.
I hemmed the edges of the top and the flap.

I sewed together the bottom and sides. Turned it all right-side out, and added a button hole and button. Now all I need is a strap. Rock. On.

*Note: I didn't pay attention to where my flap was when I sewed everything together, so now only one pocket is covered. Also note: I had not thought about the pocket that would be formed between the two pants legs when I sewed them together. I was amazed by the magic of my sewing machine when I ended up with three pockets.

Slumber Party and Guacamole

2011-04-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

This evening, my roommate and I will be hosting a "slumber party." Of course everyone invited is welcome to sleep over, but that is not where the title of this party originates. As my mom would say, "it's like a Tupperware party with dildos!"

Obviously, we're excited!

To celebrate this event, I thought I'd post a recipe for the easiest, awesomest guac I know of.

Two avocados, all mushed up in a bowl
Add one can cilantro lime Rotel, with juice
Add a bit more lime juice, it you're into that
Maybe some ground red pepper

Ta Da! Good eating with lime tortilla chips. I think I might like lime.

Pictures from the party may or may not be posted.
If you are interested in learning more about this type of event, here is the website:
www.SlumberPartiesByConnieM.com

Out of the knitting drawer {Giveaway}

2011-04-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

I really love knitting. However, for some reason I refuse to make size swatches. I won't do it and you can't make me! The result of this is I end up making the same project several times in various colors and sizes.

So it's about time I put out some good giveaway karma!

One lucky follower will win one item from my knitting drawer (is that starting to sound dirty to anyone else?). The two items I have up right now are a guitar strap and a beret. Winner chooses.

I absolutely love this beret. The colors are awesome. It's light and can be worn in any season.

I really love this guitar strap, but it is a little too long for me. It would be easy for a sewer to shorten it up a bit! It has two pegs holes, and also a string for acoustic/classical guitars. It is lined with fabric to prevent it from stretching.

In order to enter this giveaway, you MUST be a GFC follower of this blog (via the Google Friend button!) Please post a comment telling me which of the items you would choose if you won and what you would do with it.
Please make sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win. Also feel free to leave me a link to your blog! I would like to visit!

For additional entries:
1) Facebook about this giveaway and post a link to your comment.
2) Tell me what your favorite poem is and why.
3) Tell me what your favorite vegan recipe is.

Again, make sure you are click on the google friend connect button and follow my blog before you enter this! I don't want to disqualify anyone :(
Good luck everyone! I will choose a winner randomly on April 24, 2011.

Handmade Swap!

2011-04-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am officially doing my first handmade swap! I will be making Monster Chunks by Rebecca Danger for Chelsea, and she will make me Eli Elephant from the Little Birdie Blog.
I am so excited! I think that trading handmade stuff is the most exciting thing possible because it involves a) making something and b) getting something in the mail!
Thank you, Chelsea, for getting this rad thing going.

If anyone else wants to do a swap, hit me up! Make sure to leave an email address so I can contact you.

Sloppy TVP - not quite as catchy...

2011-04-12T06:01:00.000-07:00

My day started out really great! I won a giveaway from madewithlove so now my button will be on their page. Weeee! I'm excited.

On to other news, this next recipe is so simple yet positively mind blowing (for me, anyway). For 8 years I didn't eat barbeque sauce because I was a bad vegetarian and mostly ate cheese and bread. One day my husband made a baked potato with barbeque sauce all over it and my life has not been the same since. Here is my favorite recipe made with, you guessed it, barbeque sauce.

Sloppy TVP

Put 2 tbs oil in a medium skillet.
Add 1/2 cup TVP and slightly less than 1/2 cup water
Let that heat up a minute while the TVP soaks up some water
Squirt barbeque sauce over TVP mixture, stir in, add more til it looks coated
1 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional)
I like to add a little chipotle seasoning or vegan bacon salt
salt and pepper to taste

This goes great on a hoagie bun with a little vegenaise and a sliced claussen pickle! Or atop a baked potato.

Vegan Mulligatawny Soup - I'd get lost on an island with this soup

2011-04-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

This soup is so amazingly awesomely delicious that you will decide to invite friends over to help you eat the giant pot of soup and then silently cry that you won't have enough leftovers to eat for breakfast.
* Be wary of growing feelings of resentment when your friends get seconds.
* Do not steal the pot and elope to Mexico. No one will understand your love.

Mulligatawny Soup (vegan version)

1 yellow onion, chopped
6 stalks celery, chopped
6 carrot, diced
1/4 cup peanut oil
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
8 cups vegetable broth (or Not Chik'n Broth)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup rice (jasmine rice is good)
1 can coconut milk
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried thyme

Jazz it up with extra pinches of cumin, coriander, ground red pepper, and more curry powder.

Saute onions, celery, carrot, and oil in a large soup pot. Add flour and curry, and cook 5 more minutes. Add stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.
Add applesauce, rice, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until rice is done.

Spicy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

2011-04-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

I know that soup season is nearly over, but I feel the need to share this recipe.
(for vegan recipe, use rice milk and omit butter and cheese)

5 cups Vegetable Broth
1 can Evaporated Milk
30 oz Pure Pumpkin, puréed
16 oz Yellow Corn
1 packet Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
2 tbsp Stick Butter
6 tbsp. Dark Brown Sugar (this part is VERY important!)
2 tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tbsp. Ground Cumin
1 tsp. Ground Coriander
1 tsp. Ground Red Pepper
1 tsp. Thyme
½ tsp. Celery Seed
Salt and Pepper to taste

Blend pumpkin, vegetable broth and evaporated milk in large stock pot.
Add remaining ingredients and whisk for 2-3 minutes.
Bring to boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer until flavors blend, about 30 minutes.

Makes about 3 qts.

When we first made this, we used a whole pumpkin. Let me be the first to say, when you are standing in the kitchen holding a HUGE PUMPKIN, life can become very confusing. We ended up with 75 ounces of pure pumpkin, whereas the recipe only calls for 30. We put up a post on facebook calling all nearby residents to bring a bowl. There should be a proverb about how time and effort put into a pumpkin can feed a small village.

Best Yard Sale Ever

2011-04-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, Ronnie and I happened upon a yard sale. It was an "indoor" sale in a very questionable looking duplex, so we sat in the car a good five minutes before agreeing that the possibility of finding a good deal outweighed the probability of dying at the hands of a serial killer.
But oh did we make the right decision!

Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole Dish - $2

Vintage Rolling Pin - $1

Set of 5 Blue Danube Espresso/tea cups and saucers - $3

While I totally love the casserole dish, I am probably going to list it on ebay. They are selling for around $80, and I need that way more than I need to make perfectly heated casseroles.

Knit Leaf Pattern

2011-04-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

This is officially the first pattern I have ever posted. I searched the internet for a pattern for a knitted leaf and had a surprisingly difficult time finding any. So I used my BRAINS and wrote one. Suck it.

Leaf Pattern

Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1 and every odd row: purl stitches
Row 2: K1, YO, K1, YO, K1 (5 stitches)
Row 4: K2, YO, K1, YO, K2 (7 stitches)
Row 6: K3, YO, K1, YO, K3 (9 stitches)
Row 8: K 4, YO, K1, YO, K4 (11 stitches)
Row 10: K2tog through back (or slip 1, knit 1 and pass slipped stitch over,) K7, K2tog (9 stitches)
Row: 12: K2tog through back, K5, K2tog (7 stitches)
Row 14: K2tog through back, K3, K2tog (5 stitches)
Row 16: K2tog through back, K1, K2tog (3 stitches)
Row 18: K2tog through back, K1
Bind off

Yay! Cute leaf! You can make it into a bracelet by first knitting an i-cord, or by just using the tails to tie it around your wrist. It will also make a cute brooch or add-on to any scarf or headband.

I LOVE giveaways!

2011-04-08T07:33:00.001-07:00

So, I have been living my life this whole time not realizing that people were having GIVEAWAYS on their blogs. Whoa. The only problem is that now I spend several hours each day searching for and entering said giveaways. For everything. Even baby items (I don't have a baby, but my sister does!). It was getting a little ridiculous.
UNTIL! I won one!!! Etsystalker had an awesome giveaway for Christie Cone Ceramics and I won this awesome tumbler http://www.etsy.com/listing/67141068/joy-tumbler-in-blue.
Of course, this only legitimizes the absurd amounts of time I spend entering these things.
However, to put some good giveaway karma back into the blog world, I will be holding my own giveaway before very long. Be on the lookout.

Cake?

2011-04-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

I have no idea how to kick this off, so I feel like I should start with an explanation about my feelings for cake. Please see this amazing post from Hyperbole and a Half for an example:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/10/god-of-cake.html