Lazy Kate.

Big Crumb Rhubarb Coffee Cake.

2012-05-29T14:23:00.001-04:00

I go through sudden, drastic phases. I can go for weeks without baking any sweets, and not give it a second thought. And then suddenly - and without warning - Katie-Bakes-A-Lot rises from her dormant slumber. Last night I felt the swift desire for crumbly sweets take over - and into the kitchen I was drawn.

I don't think it's a secret that I'm a big fan of Smitten Kitchen. The Gingerbread Apple Upside Down Cake is now a staple at holiday meals. Her Couscous and Feta Stuffed Peppers are amazing. The Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms are a perfect meal for a romantic night in for My Mister and I. (Note: if there are two people consuming mass amounts of garlic they cancel each other out. Thank god he's a fan of garlic - that could have been a deal-breaker.)

The Big Crumb Coffee Cake is no exception. The cake is tender, the rhubarb isn't overly sweetened so there's still a bit of tartness that makes rhubarb what it is. The crumb, however, is not as great as I would have imagined. I knew when I was adding ingredients for the crumb portion of the cake that I wouldn't be 100% satisfied, and I should have trusted my instincts. The main ingredient for the crumb is flour, and you really can taste it, and texturally it seems a little chalky. If I made this again I would definitely swap out half of the flour for chopped or ground nuts, just to add a little flavor and texture.

ETA: Just this morning, Deb over at Smitten Kitchen posted this recipe, which sound very similar to the cake that I just made. I guess it's that time of year! When life gives you rhubarb - make cake!

Friday Favorites.

2012-05-25T20:59:00.001-04:00

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Oh, Anderson. How do you stay composed when people are so ignorant and hateful? Oh, how I love you so. Mwah!

My Mister came home and surprised me with this DVD. He knows me so well.

I need to make this cake. ASAP.

Favorite nail polish color ever.

Reading this. Next up- this.

Only 76 days until pre-season starts. But I'm not counting or anything.

The best movie I've seen in a really, really long time.

Things I'm afraid to tell you.

2012-05-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

I've been seeing these "Things I'm afraid to tell you" posts all over the interweb, and thought that it would be fun to join in. Well, not really fun, but a bit therapeutic I think. Here goes.

Insecure ~ I'm terribly self conscious here. Writing this blog makes me think too much about how others see me. Normally I can kinda walk around and be pretty ok with what I call "The Is-ness that is Kate-ness". But here, I think that I'm insecure. I need to let it go. But really - have you seen all of the amazing blogs out there? Seriously? How do you compete with that? Which brings me to the second point...

Competitive ~ I feel like I need to compete with other women. The logical, sound part of my mind believes that in order for women to truly make progress in the world, we need to join together and support one other. The crazy-pants part of my brain is constantly comparing every part of myself to other women. Is her butt better than mine? I bet her handwriting is amazing! My handwriting blows. Look at all the amazing things she's doing with her blog! I wish I had her wardrobe.

Babies?~ I don't want kids. Ever. They just aren't for me. Even though people say "You're young. You have a lot of time to think about that" I know that I just don't want children. And honestly I think it's offensive when people feel like they can tell me that my decision is wrong, or act like this is something that I haven't thought through.

Cheap Thrills ~ I like trashy TV. Jersey Shore. America's Next Top Model. Sister Wives. Vampire Diaries. I really, really like it. I like it just as much as I am totally embarrassed by it. Mortified, really. When My Mister and I first got together I would sneak it. He would come home from work late at night, and I would change the channel really fast to something like Book TV.

Tee-Hee ~ I snort when I laugh. A lot when I'm uncomfortable. Which is exactly when I don't want to snort. Which is fantastic. ;)

Oh My!

2012-04-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Pinterest has videos??? I watched a video of a baby owl taking it's first bath!!

What else have I been missing?! Oh my god, it is so good to have the internet in my home. My Mister and I are just so excited to be able to watch video, download stuff and read as many blogs as we'd like!!!

I think I'm going to compile a favorites list in a couple of days and let you know what amazing stuff I find in my Interweb adventures!

What are some of your favorite sites? I'd love hear all about it!

I think it's time...

2012-04-22T22:48:00.002-04:00

A year and a half ago My Mister and I got married, started new jobs, and took on a caretaking position on the coast of Maine. As I type, I have a view of a beautiful cove, with a marina across the way. Sailboats glide in front of our house in the summertime, and we have access to a dock if we want to take the kayaks out for a spin.

However, things have been less than idyllic here. We thought we would end up saving money, but the cost of utilities is so high, and gas to get us from here to anywhere has been outrageous. We have decided that we need to move, probably more for our sanity's sake than for our wallets. The isolation we felt over the winter pushed us over the edge, and we're so looking forward to belonging to the land of the living.

The bottom two windows are ours - I'll have more photos when we move in.

We've found a cozy loft apartment on a dead end street. It's in the old brick electric company building, and has exposed beams, brick walls, and a bedroom in the loft that is open on both sides. Within walking distance is an independent movie theater, Mister's workplace, a co-op, our favorite little pub with my very favorite beer on tap (Alligash White!), a library and the farmer's market congregates twice weekly.

Oh, and unlimited internet access. I am so excited to browse pinterest, listen to new artists on Spotify, and watch tv and movies and read and comment on blogs! I swear, I'm going to be glued to the computer screen for weeks after moving!

They are here.

2012-03-27T15:43:00.000-04:00

I can honestly say that the day the first daffodil blossoms is like a holiday to me. It feels like a promise of warm weather and longer days to come.

Reading: Fifty Shades of Grey and Lolita. Kinda makes me feel pervy to admit that, but whatever.

Listening: Heartless Bastards. This band gets extra points for making me compare the lead singer to Geddy Lee of Rush.

Watching: I'm waiting for My Mister to have a night off work so we can watch the american version of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Have any of you seen it? Is it any good?

What are you reading/listening/watching?

Introducing...

2012-03-20T11:12:00.002-04:00

We lost Harold in October. The medications stopped working and he just looked so sad. We knew it was the right thing to do, but that didn't make it easier.

If you've ever lost a pet, then you understand the void that is left in your life. The house is too quiet, you're missing the pitter patter of little paws on the stairs and the fuzz ball at the foot of the bed when you wake up. There's no one to talk to while cooking dinner - or is that just me?

So about a month after losing Harold I started looking at the Humane Society website. Not as a replacement for our beloved Harold, but as a continuation of being able to provide shelter animals with good homes, and to bring a bit of joy back to our home. After a couple of weeks of stalking the website, I found what My Mister calls "Our Shining Boys".

Meet George and Leonard - or Lenny for short. Or Leonardo when he's looking particularly regal. They remained unnamed for a good month and a half. Mister and I couldn't agree on names until we both remembered a favorite book from our childhood.

Spring has Sprung.

2012-03-17T15:58:00.000-04:00

I'll be playing some catch-up. It's been a while. I've missed this space. I'm thinking this is a perfect time to start fresh, with the daffodils nearly in bloom.

While I was gone...

2011-07-07T20:41:00.001-04:00

I celebrated my 28th birthday! We had homemade waffles, balsamic roasted strawberries and homemade juice made of apple, lime, ginger, carrot and beets!

I've started canning- making pickles and jams and butters and marmalades- oh my! My favorites so far have been a strawberry rhubarb butter and a key lime and ginger syrup!

My best friends mom rescued a baby squirrel from the side of the road. If you knew her, you wouldn't be surprised. She's a wonderful mother hen. I really, really love her.

There have been a ton of deer around our house. They aren't afraid of anything. I can go outside and have conversations with a group of them standing twenty feet away, and they just look at me like I'm crazy and go back to grazing.

I went to the Fiber Frolic- what do you think of my attempt to "frolic"? I really suck....

The landscape here on the coast of Maine is beautiful right now! The skies are blue, the leaves are green and the water still cold, but really lovely and clear!

Green. And Yellow.

2011-05-06T15:11:00.000-04:00

Traveled to New Hampshire (1 1/2 hour drive) last weekend, and was jealous of all the green the trees had on their branches. Five days later, and Maine has tiny leaves of its own. Hurray, spring!

The previous caretakers of the property were avid gardeners, and I have a feeling they loved daffodils as much as I do. I've had multiple vases of my favorite flower- they just keep blooming! Daffodils make me so happy!

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-05-04T15:42:00.000-04:00

Brace yourself...

2011-05-02T22:14:00.001-04:00

For photos of the cutest puppies ever. My dad took me to meet his future dog, Daisy, and her three sisters. They're four week old labrador retrievers, and I had one in my arms for the hour and a half that we spent with the pups. I couldn't get enough. I'm still thinking of that puppy smell, those round bodies and their loose puppy skin- those tiny sweet little ears!!

Weekending.

2011-05-01T21:41:00.000-04:00

weekending, my favorite part of the week. a time to relax, live, love, just to be. if you'd like to share your weekend either with words, photographs, or both, leave a link to a weekend post in the comments.
This weekend was...

Bright and sunshiny and the sky was blue with perfect white clouds.
Drank coffee until noon and ate a nice sandwich for breakfast.
Snuggled with Harold in a sun spot and realized
just how nice it must be to be a cat.

I freaked out on the house-
Bathrooms and washed dishes
Swept, vacuumed.
Laundry with ironing folding putting away.
I weeded the garden and cleaned the screened in porch.
All of it was much needed and felt great.

Roasted strawberries and enjoyed them over ice-cream.
It feels like spring is finally here.

How was your weekend?
Joining with Amanda.

Stop to smell the flowers.

2011-04-29T10:29:00.000-04:00

Harold is feeling much better and would like to thank you for your well wishes.

Happy Friday! Hope you're doing something lovely this weekend.

More gray. Missed opportunities.

2011-04-28T14:57:00.003-04:00

More gray and foggy weather. Lots of wind. I was outside taking pictures last night after work, when two dogs came running down our little dirt road. I ran home and left my camera on the trunk of my car, and set off with the dogs to find their home. I would have brought the camera with me, but I had taken the strap off and worried that one of the dogs would knock it out of my hands. Looking back, I so regret not taking the camera with me. There were so many great moments of happy wet dogs playing, and I failed to capture that. I came home and tore the house apart, looking for that damn camera strap.

"Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent."

2011-04-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

- Jim Jarmusch

My new mantra. I happened upon this blog post, and the post title struck a chord within me. I've had this inner struggle. About originality. And making something "new". And presenting something. And not being contrived. Or boring.

The truth is that I'm never going to say something new. Something that hasn't been said before. Or even presenting an idea in a better way. But that's not the point, is it?

It's easy to get caught up in statistics, and comments and traffic. Who hasn't blogged for other people, trying to get reader response? I know I'm thrilled when I get positive response for a post. And try post along those lines again.

But that's not necessarily the most genuine way to put yourself out there. I need to remember that.

Gray.

2011-04-26T18:58:00.000-04:00

It's been gray and damp today. I went for a walk. Everything was monochromatic. And beautiful. It's lovely to see things coming alive again.

I came upon a couple of Canada Geese, who weren't very happy to see me. They honked and honked and watched me very closely. I left them alone. I could hear them honking long after I walked away. I hope I get to see their babies.

A very Smitten weekend.

2011-04-25T21:48:00.001-04:00

We had a lovely little time. I go through these phases of reallly wanting to cook, to be creative in the kitchen. I think this is closely related to my "lady time", but I try not to think about it too much. Mostly, I think it has to do with my general love of food outweighing my laziness.

On Saturday morning I woke up bright and early and made a Breakfast Apple Granola Crisp, from my all time favorite food blog Smitten Kitchen. I think this recipe is the perfect combination of healthy oats and nuts to sweet and tart apples. Mister is always giving me shit, trying to get me to add more sugar. I like the contrast of a sweeter topping paired with a tart fruit.

On Sunday we had a small gathering of family and friends. We're not a religious bunch, but wanted to celebrate Springtime with the ones we love. I made the Gingerbread Apple Upside-Down Cake from, you guessed it, Smitten Kitchen. I've made the cake a few times before, but this time I subbed the pineapple for apple. It was seriously amazing. And pretty! And easy! And most importantly, delicious.

The things we do.

2011-04-23T05:14:00.000-04:00

I'm so sorry for the recent silence! Things here have been pretty overwhelming, but are looking brighter. My sweet little cat Harold became really sick- when you picked him up he felt like a floppy noodle and he was sleeping all the time. He underwent a series of tests (it felt like all of the tests under the sun) that concluded that he is at the beginning stages of kidney failure. It sounds terrible, but with proper treatment he could live another two years with a good quality of life. Thank god.

He's now on blood pressure medication and we have to give him an IV of fluids every day. That's right, I'm giving my cat an IV. Every. Day. Let it be known that I am a really squeamish person. Every time the needle goes in or out of him, I shudder. Yuck. Every day it's getting easier, and I can see a difference in his coat and his general temperament since the treatment started. I was so worried that I was going to lose him! It just feels really good to know that he's not going anywhere for a while.

FO: Sweet Lil' Pot Holder.

2011-04-14T22:14:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Pot Holder from Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts Lacy Crochet

Yarn: Size 10 cotton

Hook Size: 1.75mm

This potholder is the reason I bought my first crochet book. I had seen different versions of it on Ravelry for a potholder swap, and always thought it was the cutest little thing. The edge, how the gatherings go from fat to skinny, fat to skinny. It just pulls at my heartstrings! And the center bit! Oh, the center bit! I love the feel of the whole thing.

Sorry to say, although I still think this is ridiculously cute and I love love love the edging, this project was so boring. Terribly, terrible boring. The tan center is worked up twice, for a front and a back, and then hooked together with the edging. I felt like it would never end. Seriously. Never. I really had to focus on wanting a finished product- otherwise I would have dropped this like a hot-po-tater!

Usually I just put a project away if I'm not feeling it- I'm really happy that I stuck with it! Have you ever had a project that was dull as a doornail- but you just wanted the FO so bad that you slogged through it?

FO: Pineapple Lace Doily.

2011-04-09T17:18:00.000-04:00

Yarn: Size 10 Cotton Thread

Hook: Teeny 1.75 mm.

Pattern: Pineapple Lace Doily from Let's Knit Series Start Series

Proud. I am just so so proud. I never thought I would be able to make anything that looks like this doily! It's just so delicate and intricate and pretty pretty pretty! I just couldn't stop working on this project- from start to finish it was about four days. I'm not really a doily using kind of person, so I think I may frame the doilies separately and hang them all together in a group.

This pattern was written in Japanese- I just interpreted the chart. I was fine crocheting in circles- but then I had to work the points individually back and forth. I didn't understand what the chart was trying to tell me! I poured over that page and just couldn't figure it out! I put it away and slept on it. Luckily, when I woke up the next day I figured it out.

I'm really loving Japanese crochet pattern books. I have a couple on the way that specialize on more crochet lace- so excited! I just can't get enough of the hooky, holey goodness!

FO: Round Doily!

2011-04-05T16:01:00.001-04:00

I am so so so so so excited! This is my first crocheted FO that isn't Granny related, and I couldn't be more pleased! It's the Round Doily (creative name, huh?) from the Lacy Crochet book. I had such a wonderful time figuring out what the hell was going on. I get so into learning new things. Really, I'm just a huge nerd.

I think the most helpful thing about this books is the charts. Being able to see exactly where I was in the pattern helped me to progress through the rounds and to understand where the stitches went in relation to each other.To be honest I probably wouldn't have been able to make this without a physical representation written out in symbols. Learning is very visual for me. When someone tries to explain something to me with words, I kinda blank out and start thinking about something else. My little brain just shuts down for a bit.

The only thing I would change about this is the weight of the yarn. I bought my very first cotton while rushed, and I looked at the itty-bitty thread and thought "there's no way I'm working with something that small". I went home with a size 3 yarn (fingering), when I should have bought a thread. I didn't take into account that crochet works up differently than knit fabric. A fingering weight yarn that is crocheted is going to look a lot more bulky than when knit. I've already started my second doily, and it's using tiny thread. I'm already in love with doily number two.

Something Different.

2011-04-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

I know that day five of the Knit and Crochet Blog week is supposed to be in a different format, or an experimental something, but I've decided to throw that to the wind and show you a different kind of project I've been working on. I recently confessed to having and increasing interest in Crochet. Well, yesterday I received this book:

I haven't been able to put it down. Once I stopped drooling over the adorable pictures and dreaming about making every one of the projects right! this! second!, I settled on one and started hooking. Also, I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to remove the term "Hooking" from an image of me in fishnet stockings on a street corner. NOT pretty.

This is my WIP of the Round Doily (rav Link). I'm so in love with what I'm making. I've discovered a few mistakes in the rounds below, and just ripped the work out to the mistake and started again. From my experiences with knitting lace, I know that one mistake can throw off the look of the whole piece. I really want my first piece of crochet lace to be beautiful.

I need to make another confession. This is my first time working with cotton. As a knitter, I had a passionate love affair with anything sheepy, but now I can understand that cotton has its merits, too. I'm just amazed at the lovely stitch definition and strength. The doily is looking quite sharp and I can't wait to block it!

It's in the bag...

2011-03-29T21:20:00.001-04:00

Something that I've always tried to maintain is a level of organization in my knitting toolbox. I hate it when I'm snuggled down in my knitting chair, and I need a pair of scissors, or a darning needle or a piece of waste yarn to hold thumb stitches of a mitten in progress. Here's my list of must have items.

1. The bag is tiny enough to fit in any project bag I have, so it can go with me wherever I'm knitting. I made it, which makes me feel super crafty.
2. Gauge tool, needle sizer and mini ruler.
3. Tape measure ( the cutest little peppermint that you ever did see!)
4. Scissors.
5. Chibi darning needles. I really love that they came with a little case. I would have lost these needles years ago if I didn't have it.
6. Stitch markers.
7. More stitch markers. I lose a lot of stitch markers.
8. Another pair of scissors. Just in case I lose the first pair.
9. Crochet hook for dropped stitches, or just for hooky goodness.
10. Waste yarn for holding stitches.
11. Mini cable needle, just in case my fingers get tired of cabling without a needle.
12. Row counter.
13. Two kinds of split stitch markers.

I hope you enjoyed a peek in my toolbox! What's in yours?

Skills, and an FO.

2011-03-29T10:21:00.001-04:00

Today I will come clean about my creative block. It's been going on for a while now. Take a deep breath, because you're about to hear a doozy-

Knitting doesn't do it for me anymore.

Gasp!

I know. It really sucks, and I hate it. But there's part of me that is just not into it anymore, the old passion isn't there. In the past year I don't think I've really learned anything more about knitting. I still love yarn, and woolly goodness and the act of making things, but the pointy sticks are less irresistible to me now.

I know that one can never learn everything in a particular field. But where I am right now, I feel as though I've learned what I want about knitting. Every new technique was attacked! Lace, mosaic, felting, colorwork, intarsia, entrelac, socks, mittens, sweaters, hats and scarves. There are tons of things that I haven't done, like knit a sweater in pieces and sew it up (eeek!) that I don't want to do.

I've been trying to work through what this means to me as a person. For years I've thought of myself as a Knitter with a capital K. It's been a large part of my identity. I take pride in the creative process and being part of a long line of knitters.

I don't really want you to call me the "C" word, but it has become more tempting to me lately. Crochet. About a year ago I took a crochet class, and although it was a two hour balls to the wall "Learn to Crochet NOW!" experience, I've had a really great time casually playing around with the stitches and experimenting with the craft.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trading in the needles for a hook. All I'm saying is that I have a wandering eye right now, and it feels good to look.

Pattern: Granny Bunting (Rav Link)

Yarn: Cascade 220 (the purple is from my stash)

Hook: 3.5 mm

I had so much fun making this silly little bunting. I really love the act of learning, of figuring out how to make a stitch, or turn at the end of a row. I love feeling a challenge, even though this is an entry level project.

I'm really happy where I am with my creative journey. It's been a long time since I've felt that spark, that adventurous "I need to make that now feeling". Hopefully, all I need is a short break from the needles, and it will give me the motivation that I need to be inspired by Knitting once again.