Say it Rah-shay

Dude! Where's My Hooks?!

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:09:00 +0000

My hooks were missing but because I'm, well, me I thought they were just left someplace. My hair, the car, whateves. However upon second thought I realized tht I've actually been taking more care if yarn things so where we're my hooks.

Lil has always mucked about with my yarnthings but as folk love to say, cats will be cats. Tonight I thought she was merely being a cat. You know simultaneously needy and ornery. She kept plopping on the book I was using to practice Tunisian Stitch.

When I moved the book she then turned to my hooks.

I guess this means I'm done for the night.

NOT happily hooking,

-r

- Posted on the go 'cause I had something to say

Tide Coldwater

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:26:00 +0000

In the war against dirty clothes Mount Laundry often claims victory, defeating The Bee and me as we struggle to wrestle the sheer volume of clothes that we seem to have. My mom is a seasoned laundry doer so when The Bee and I stayed with her for a few days, Mom took over laundry duties and miraculously the clothes seemed to be cleaned and folded. Through the SheSpeaks Program I got a sample of Tide Coldwater and another round on the laundry wars began.

Read more on Review it Rah-shay.

Off the hooks: An itty bitty hat

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:13:00 +0000

I know! I know!
I swore that I was going to get out of my crochet habit of just making hats and scarves but the crochet forces that be are just putting the cutest hats and scarves in my path *shakes fist at Pinterest*. The Bee asked me to make her a little hat and I just had to. She wanted me to make a little top hat as seen on some model in a magazine. After scouring the webosphere I found a pattern on the blog treasures for tots. Total aside: The blogger's daughter is absolutely adorable!

Using Red Heart Soft I whipped this hat out in one evening!
ONE!
I admit that I hade to start over; I lost count somewhere along the way and the circle started looking like a square. I finished it off with fun fur (which is quickly becoming a new favorite) and voila!

Fit for a tween

Looking sharp!

On the hooks this week:
The hooded cowl for my mom and a scarf for a friend.
Then, pinky swear, I am going to make some other not hat/scarf thing.
Unless I see another cute thing on Pinterest. Or Ravelry. Or a magazine or ...

Thoughtful Tuesdays: It's the Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:54:00 +0000

In which I channel my inner Tevya.

In sharing her new gig as a writer for Hallmark (you go girl!) Dresden asked about the little moments in life. After reading about hers I started to feel a case of the Mommy Guilts coming on. I can share stories of Pop from when she was a baby; how she would say something so cute and precocious that the family would laugh and giggle and repeat the story so much that it soon became a "thing." When I had The Bee I thought that I would enjoy the same experiences but the first few years were spent with me being so down and depressed that other than faint snatches, I can barely remember anything about her.

Not going there to that time of woe...

Because I feel this way, I think I am very conscious of the time we spend together and have been trying to balance the big deals in life, the birthdays, the holidays, the supposed to make big deals out ofs, with just that quiet fleeting time that makes our days just seem great. This new school year has been really rough for both of us. Yes, its January and chronologically speaking we should be with the program but we're not. Its been rough. Everything from The Bee with me for the majority of the week, the type of homework she gets, back and forth with mom...Ai Yi Yi!

Friday we stayed home from work and school and just spent the day together. The Bee wasn't feeling well; truthfully we were both kind of run down and I made an executive decision to reschedule my work for the next day and keep her home. The day was relaxed. We slept and snoozed, chatted about school, ate a long and lazy brunch and watched some trashy TV. Yarn things and books and as well as the science kit we finally busted open and this was one of those days that I like to think of as just perfect.

When The Bee was little I so often wanted her to be older, bigger, and now that she is I find myself waiting for the perfect time. The unexpected day off and just doing made for the perfect time. I've been trying to be more mindful of just doing instead of waiting for the perfect situation and there are times when it just works and times when womp womp womp wompppppp.

Today we were running late again. As we rushed out of the house today, I found that inside voice berating me for not being ready but had a moment as The Bee calmly held the door for me, shooed the cat back inside, and made sure I had my lunch. As she skipped to the car I smiled, thankful for such a great moment and for having such a great kid.

Enjoy your little ones. The moments and the kids.
-r

Bubble, Bubble courtesy of @ASTRAToy!

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:57:00 +0000

The Bee and I turned our kitchen into a Potions Lab Friday thanks to Astra Toys. Last year I won their Big Bag of Science during the Philly Social Media Moms Holiday Party and due to a loaded schedule we just pulled it out. In the words of The Bee, "Why did we wait so long?"

The experiments were on the easier side and we whipped through them. The Bee and I both liked that the experiments were possible. Science always seems mysterious and difficult. This kit makes it understandable and enjoyable. We loved the idea of a lab in a bag. Everything that The Bee experiences in school can be recreated in our kitchen. The kit is designed for ages 8 and up however the experiments are simple and we were able to whip through several in the course of an hour. The Bee said she thought these were too simple but I found the kit to be a great reinforcement for ideas and concepts she had already been exposed to.

Check out Astra Toy online for more information about their products and enjoy some of our shots from The M&M lab!

Color changing experiment

Diligently taking notes

It's alive!

Showing her findings

Measuring ingredients

Reading the instructions

What happens when

baking soda and vinegar mixes

Friday Favorites on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:39:00 +0000

To paraphrase the wizard: Pay no attention to the date of this post.

Ahem.
I am totes behind in my posting but I think my awesome Pinterest finds will make up for it.
No?
Not buying? Well here are things that I found and loved online last week.

So. The Bee has been sick off and on the last few weeks and between The Dad's house and mine our "take your medicine" schedule gets quite wonky. How simple yet brilliant is this idea?

Source: Uploaded by user via Rachel on Pinterest

Really? Just a quick check off to say that yes, the medicine was taken or nopers, you need to get it done. No more forgotten doses! No more question of did you?

This pin was slated for Christmas but my geek flag saw a Star Trek communicator:

Source: flickr.com via Karen on Pinterest

Whatever it is, I think this is cool. I can totes see this as a wall decoration. Perhaps Trek it out a bit more...a small Enterprise, a Klingon symbol. Spock ears or little communicators.

I know I promised to crochet things other than hats but I keep finding so many cute things!
Like this:

Source: etsy.com via Crystal on Pinterest

and this (The Bee has already hit me up for one and really, that face gets me):

Source: treasuresfortots.blogspot.com via Rachée on Pinterest

and this:

Source: etsy.com via Rachée on Pinterest

Really! Can you blame a gal for getting sidetracked?

And lastly I've been thinking of cutting my locs. Not for the usual too lazy to retwist them reasons but more for it's time for a change reasons.
I Love the way this chick is rocking her locs:

Source: google.com via Rachée on Pinterest

But then I'll see something like this:

Source: Uploaded by user via Chiquita on Pinterest

Or this:

Source: yourbridalstop.com via Juanice on Pinterest

And think Nah!
What goodies have you found on Pinterest this week?
Share your finds in the comments.

Pinning the night away,
-r

#SOCS: Out of frilly frocks

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:04:00 +0000

Today’s Writing Prompt: How did you spend your Sunday mornings growing up? What are some of your favorite memories?

This isn’t a favorite Sunday memory but it’s the memory of Sundays when I think of a memory for Sunday. I find it so ironic that my sister goes to church, well religiously, every Sunday. As children she and I would do our darnedest to get out of going to church. We would whine, cry, pretend to be sick but my mom would threaten and force us to be ready to go by the time our grandmother would get to our house. Bethany Baptist was where we spent many a day not listening, pretending to “get the spirit” and hoping it was Communion Sunday so we could sip grape juice and eat matzoth (wine and the body of Christ). After church we would head over to Philly Deli, the corner store, and buy candy or chips with money that may or may not have been intended for the collection plate.

It was that moment right after church that was always my favorite. We could take off those itchy, tight “church clothes” and it was my time. Read a book, finish writing some tortured tome that inevitably involved some misunderstood young girl, play Barbies (yes, I played Barbies well until the teen years.” My mom would be doing something and would always be frying chicken and there was time to just not do anything, go anywhere or do anything. The earlier events of the day somewhat forgotten and forgiven as we would “get ready for the week.” Laying clothes out, the washer humming, getting hair did, finishing up that homework that just didn’t seem to get done all weekend long. Hoping my aunt would stop by with out little cousin who was like a living doll until we were bored with her. Our friend stopping over and joining in with our playing Barbies until the call for dinner. If it were summer we could stay out late, on the front steps, where we would giggle and deny that we liked so and so and listen to Power 99 and think we were so cool.

Now Sunday is all about a rush, rush, rush. Me rushing to work, The Bee rushing to get to her dad’s and I miss just sitting back, curled on the couch thinking that tomorrow is going to be here all too soon.

Time!

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
Link up your post on the site.
Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.

Slowing down for a minute,
-r

The Quiet One

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:38:00 +0000

There are a set of twins that participate in a few of my library programs. These sisters do look an awful lot alike and yet have their own personalities. Inevitably there will be someone who will observe the two of them and remark that one sister is the “quiet twin.” I cringe whenever I hear this; as a twin my identity has been so tied up in being a twin that any type of difference is immediately pounced upon. Whatever difference noted is immediately a label that sticks for life.

I know this for I was The Quiet One. As an adult there are still days when I am called “The quiet one”, “the shy one”, “the more subdued one” and I hate it. Years of working hard at being just Rachee is wiped away in a single moment when someone who knows my sister and I will study me and say remark, “Oh! You’re the quiet one”

Now I know that there is nothing wrong with being the quiet one but as a kid being the quiet one was almost like being called a slur; I thought there was something wrong with me. I tried to be bubbly, loudly talking and trying to be what I thought was the idea of the “fun one” but all I felt was exhausted and fake. I thought that there was something wrong with being subdued so I would try, try, try to make those awkward feelings go away. I just straddled that awkward role of quiet but wanting bubbly and thought that was that. I figured I would fake it and it worked. Sorta. I was lucky enough to find ways where I could be reserved, quiet, under the radar and it worked. Sorta.

Then I came face to face with the job as library chick. When I interviewed, mentally I was in such a state that I needed something that was not my norm. A library was my savior during the break up of my marriage and being hired felt like some sort of cosmic acknowledgement that it was time to work towards getting over that negative time. It also helped that when I was hired I wasn’t someone’s sister, someone’s mom, someone’s daughter. This was my own thing and I loved it. When the children’s position opened up, I gladly took it thinking that I could share the love of books with the little ones that graced the library. I never thought that this would be a job where daily I interacted with people, was expected to be personable and…

…fast forward to sleepless nights, grouchiness and days of bad moods. Heart thumping, hands sweating, throat dry. The urges to run and hide, call out sick, or just quit. Nights before a big thing at work find me cleaning the house or stuffing my face. I would often joke, yet seriously wonder, how in the world I accepted a job where I have to, gulp, interact with people and at times be the point person. I am comfortable in my role as library chick. I enjoy books. I enjoy talking about books. I enjoy sharing a new thing I've found but I get sweaty palms thinking about the actual conversation I may have to have with actual people.

I tried all of the tricks of the trade. Imagine them naked. Do a Susanna Hoffs and focus on three people. Pretend the thing I was oh so worried about was over. Some days I would succeed, feeling victorious. Some days I would nervously stammer as I tried to introduce people, read a book, talk. And then I thought, "Rachee…you know your stuff. Stop it. The people who you interact with enjoy you and well, you should too." Some days it works. I am the life of the party, laughing, excited happy. There are the days that I crave the sounds and frenzy of other people. Some days I can’t wait to head home, snuggle with a book and watch trashy TV.

Some days, it’s OK to be the quiet one.

r's note:Are you an introvert or extrovert?.Author Susan Cain explores how introverts can be powerful in a world where being an extrovert is highly valued. Join From Left to Write on January 19 as we discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain. We'll also be chatting live with Susan Cain at 9PM Eastern on January 26. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Bacon Wrapped Tees

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:39:00 +0000

My sister and a friend from Twitter have been talking about swine strips, government name Bacon for a while so I was really excited to be able to have a chance to check out the funny bacon t-shirts offered by Bacon Wrapped Tees.

Read more about this awesome shirt at Review it Rah-shay!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Dare to Catch up!

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:12:00 +0000

I've been in a bit of a blogging slump. I kinda have posts in me but I don't have my laptop (needs to be fixed and my lack of fixing it has caused it not to be fixed), have been trying to keep my mooching to a minimum when I visit family and have been trying to follow myself imposed time management schedule so that I can get all that needs to be done for me to be me.

My sister had a fantastic idea of playing catch up for the Bloggy Moms Blog Dares. She wrote one post that captured a bunch of days and I am totes borrowing it. Actually, I'm behind in a score of things (I swear I'll catch up...side eye at a few places I promised posts to) so here is me jumping to it:

The prompt for Saturday, January 14th was:

I can't believe my kids like...

My post was going to be awesomely titled: You Like WHAT?!? or She Likes It! She Likes It!

Summary:

The Bee is all about pretzels dipped in icing. (Insert retching sound)

Due to her dairy allergy there is always some type of restriction on what snacks she can have and well one day in a fit of frenzied snack packing we found that the dipping of a pretzel in icing is actually tasty. A dipping. Not the thick layer of sugared gooiness that she drowns her pretzels in. We have lots of icing containers at home, some well intentioned but terrible tasting homemade kinds and pretzel twists and sticks. I am known to take a dip but The Bee will get all fancy with sprinkles, colored sugar, one time I swear I saw her coat a pretzel stick with a Skittle!

The prompt for Sunday, January 15, 2012

Why I don't like a certain cartoon character.

My title: Jerry must DIE!

Dill and The Bee had me watching Tom and Jerry cartoons over winter break and even as I guffawed over Tom and Jerry's antics I remembered why I had stopped watching. I HATE Jerry. Yes, hate is a strong word but I cannot stand how Jerry gets away with being such a pain in the butt! Sure, Tom starts his fair share of mess but Jerry keeps it going! Plus, cats always get a bad rap in cartoons. They do! Think about it! Cats are always being chased away, shooed. As a cat person (Lil!) I think there should be a cartoon about lovable cats.

Top Cat does not count.

The prompt for Monday, January 16, 2012 I convinced my children to...

My title: You Don't Have to Like it but You Have to Try it Once!

Subtitle: Try. In which I get all deep about ish.

The Bee is a good kid, really she is, but she can be quite timid. Her food allergies have made her shy away from trying newer recipes. Her subdued nature makes her more observer and that’s OK but barring the thing is not illegal, going to cause harm or place her in harm’s way I always encourage her to try things.

We had the pleasure of attending the ballet with Cecily and her kid, Tori, and we stopped for lunch and dessert. Gelato. The Bee studied the display case longingly and we bother were excited that there were dairy free offerings that we could try. But they were things like Kiwi and Dragon Fruit. Not high on our regular diet. The girl behind the counter scooped some on a spoon and encouraged The Bee to try it. You don’t have to like it but you should at least try it. The Bee didn’t like it but now she can say that she tried it, didn’t like it and can move on.

The prompt for Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The first time I saw...

Aren’t They Cute?

The Bee and Dill are a year and a half (or so) apart and are like peas and carrots. Always together, always playing, always a whispered story they are sharing. It didn’t really hit me how much they love and care for each other until we got lost at an amusement park. It was getting cold; we were wet and looking for my sister who thought it best to wait OUTSIDE the water park with our clothes. I was flipping and as I bitched and raged I turned to catch The Bee and Dill holding hands.

Just thinking about it makes me smile and makes me want to take another anger management class!

Now that they are older they are still the best of friends but that moment forever seals the two of them as little kids holding hands and loving each other.

The first time I laid eyes on my niece, Pop, was the day she was born. When Buffy went in to labor I was at work and was called into my director’s office. Worried that I had done something wrong (doctors, hospitals, ya know) I took my time going in only to be met by Mom’s supervisor who was visibly shaken (Mom and I worked at the same place for a while. It was something…). Immediately I thought something had happened to my mom only to learn that after weeks of false alarms my sister had finally had “The baby!”

On the way to the hospital.

Whoa!

When I finally got to the hospital I was greeted by eight pounds of pure joy. I can honestly say at that moment I knew what unconditional love was and I remember thinking that I wanted to hold on to her forever and never let go. (She’s a teen now so…grr)

And with that, I’m caught up. *wipes tear*

I hope you’ve enjoyed my stroll down memory lane.

-r

#SOCS: After the Winter Comes Spring

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:42:00 +0000

The Stream of Sunday link up that I participate in seems to have undergone a bit of a change and I totally exercised the right to a rile that I just ade up to take a tad bit longer than five minutes. Also to proofread and spell check. Well just spell check cause I rambled and realized that I liked the rantiness of what I wrote.
Now then:
Today’s Writing Prompt: How does winter make you feel and what do you do with those feelings?

When I was a kid I was all about winter. Winter meant that there was a possibility that there may be a day off from school due to a snow storm, snow ball fights and listening to KYW hoping to hear your school closing number. It meant snow ball fights, drinking all of the hot chocolate topped with marshmallows that my aunt Charlene would make and tomato soup with a side of grilled cheese.It meant wearing long underwear and those really thick sticking that my sister and I would fight over because one pair was red and one was white and we always wanted want the other would have.

Now winter means slush and muck and hoping that work is closed but knowiong that if its not t here will be that inevitable shovel out of your car and the hope that some ignorant neighbor doesn't take the spot that you slaved over for 45 minutes to leave their broken POS car in and then you are foirced to park across the stret in that mound of ice that the city never quite manages to remove. Winter is all about trips to the supermarket where people go bat sh*t crazy over bread, eggs and milk and there is a woman that will snap on her kids for being kids and cause you to either tsk trsk and shake your head or tsk tsk and agree cause, let's face it its a pain in the butt to go to the store when the weather people hype you over nothing!

Winter is also a time for seclusion. I find that I have to force myself to be social, earlier evenings and dasrker mornings are just ideal for stayiing home but no, its a time to snuggle up with The Bee and read a book together. Cuddle up with Effin Guy and watch a movie or head on over to Moms and hang out while she is cooking or getting ready for dialysis and make plabs for those unseasonably warm days when the whole world seems to explode with people hoping to get their dose of vitamin D.

With work forcing me to interact with people i find that Lysol and Clorox wipes are my best friends and the idea of being alone, all alone, sucks and I think I am going to find some people to hang with.

Time!

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
Link up your post on the site.
Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.

Friday Favorites: Its Girl Scout Cookie Time

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time! Are you ready for some cookies?
This year The Bee and I have not set a sales goal for a total cookie sales but in the past 300 seemed to be the magic number to get a free week of camp. This year we are just going to sell our cookies and prep for the next year when we bridge and have a destination goal to work toward.

The varieties of cookies are still the same (lovely, wonderful Caramel de Lites how I have missed you!) and we are going to sell them once the sale starts on Thursday, January 19th. Besides inhaling them I wanted to see what else I could do with the cookies. A Google search yielded these fantastic looking recipes and I think that I am going to give these a go.

Peanut Butter Sandwich. Formerly known as the Do-Si-Do
The Peanut Butter Sandwich cookie is hit or miss for me. I'll eat them in a pinh but it's not a flavor I would readily purchase. The recipe for on the Little Brown Baker's site for Peanut Thai Chicken looks wonderful. Peanut Butter cookies, chicken. There is nothing wring about that combo!

My favorite cookie is the Caramel De Lite. Formerly known as (and secretly called by me) the Samoas.
The coconut shrimp recipe made using these cookies look fantabulous! I am so excited to try these! There is also a recipe for cake, sweet rolls, and trail mix. Let me wipe the drool from my mouth!

I'm not a mint in my brownies type of gal but these Mint Brownies featuring Thin Mints are quite intriguing. Me thinks I'll have to add some mint to my life with this recipe.

DO you have favorite Girl Scout recipes? If you blog, share a link in the comments. If you are not blogging, please leave a comment. Pictures will be posted as soon as we get the OK to start selling cookies.

Supporting a Girl Scout (and feeding my tummy!)
-r

The One Where I Crow About Just How Great My Day Was

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:23:00 +0000

My home comp is still down so here is a gratuitous link to what I did at work today

Today was one of the best days I've had in a while. The Bee was quite lovely, work went well and it's just all jelled.

I'm tip tapping on my phone and ready for bed to here is the post I wrote for the day gig.
Wee Reads: Secret Agent Training

Enjoy!
-r

- Posted on the go 'cause I had something to say!

Write a Review Wednesday: A Giant Crush

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:21:00 +0000

Crushes...who hasn't enjoyed one? Jackson has a crush on Cami but it looks like Carter may have her heart! What's a bunny to do? Best friend Cooper encourages Jackson to let Cami know what Jackson's feeling. Will she reciprocate or does Carter already have the in? Just in time for Valentine's Day Gennifer Choldenko's A Giant Crush gives shy people a guide to speaking to the person who has captured his or her heart.

This book is adorable, addressing crushes in such an innocent way. Gennifer captures the feeling of a crush perfectly: the shyness and embarrassment of the feelings, a fear that you'll be found out, or worse, that you may have to talk to your crush. The joy and relief when the feelings are reciprocated! I love that in a culture which always seems to rush growing up, Gennifer creates a scenario that allows a little kid to have a crush, enjoy it and it is all age appropriate.

Melissa Sweet's illustrations are cute, making the story flow. They are bright and colorful and just right for this book. The facial expressions capture the feeling of bunnies in like.

General considerations:
This book would read well with a single child or a group. The illustrations are bold enough that a group could appreciate them but also fun to share one on one. The story gives assurance to children that its OK to have a crush and that the feelings they may experience are nothing they should distress over.

Get a copy of this book in time for your crush. Visit your library or your favorite bookstore.

Crushing and not caring who knows it,
-r

Tangled Tuesdays: Crochet Things

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:11:00 +0000

It was like my birthday at work today. Two books that I requested from other libraries have come in and I can't wait to dig into them. The first is More Crocheted Socks by Janet Rehfeldt with Mary Jane Wood. I have only attempted socks once before, The Cottage Slipper Sock from Lion Brand's web site. I never completed the socks, I got hung up at the heel. With my crafting level comfort up, I think if I were to attempt them again I may actually get a pair done.

When I flipped through the Crocheted Sock book I felt the pressure that usually comes when I see a pattern written for use of size C, D and E hooks. If you craft you know that these hooks are teeny tiny and I will admit that I am not as careful as I'd like to be when hooking. Womaning up, I flipped through and found two pairs of socks that I really want to try. The pair I like best is the Victorian Daydream sock. The sock is lacy and looks quite elegant. I am also digging the A Little Zig, A Little Zag sock. Its a bit on the slouchy side and the colors of the example shown sells it for me.

I admit I am no fan of Jane Austen but was socked (see what I did there?) by the name of Melissa Horozewski's book, AUSTENtatious Crochet. The book features some anecdotal Jane Austen stories, history and works inspired by Jane Austen's books and life. The finished products at first glance are nothing that I immediately wanted to start except, well, a scarf. I love the Lyme Regis Scarf featured on page 88. I know I am set to challenge myself with a new something but this scarf is pretty cool looking.

Hopefully I can dig into these books a bit more tonight. I admit that I already have yarn picked out for the Lyme Regis Scarf but will give the other patterns consideration.

On the hooks:
My mom has commissioned me to make her a hooded cowl (she's Batman...something about cowls make me feel silly). I raved about one I saw a lady wearing last week and Micheal's was having a sale on Bernat Silky and well...I am a girl who can't say no. I found a pattern I like on Lion Brand and started last night.

The hat I was working on last week...sigh! I followed the pattern exactly and the hat is too small! I got discouraged and stopped working it but will finish as we are having a hat drive at the library.

The Bee has been obsessed with "little hats" and I found a cute crochet version on the website Crafting Clarissa. This hat is quite adorable and I think she would look cute wearing one. Yes, its ANOTHER hat but its a little hat.

This weekend I've been invited to TWO crafty get togethers...score!

Mt crochet group at the Wynnefiled Library is marking the MLK day of service by crafting and donating crochet and knitted babies items, such as booties, caps, sweaters, and blankets.The collected items will be donated to a local Shelter for Women and children, and to Operation Shower for Military Moms. (The event is open to all crochet and knitting levels.)

The Wynnefield Library is located at 5325 Overbrook Ave Philadelphia, PA 19131.
I should be there by 12ish. I'm supposed to be unloading Girl Scout Cookies in the morning but I think The Dad has agreed to be there (please, please, please! It's supposed to be cold as bleep, bleep and those cardboard cases of cookies are no joke!).

On Sunday my friend Robin is hosting a crafty gathering. I love that I can go to both. Crochet is such a solitary activity and I enjoy chatting with others about what it is that I am doing, how to make it better and to get new ideas.

Join us Saturday or check out the above books. Stay tuned for pictures.
-r

Winner! The One Year Uncommon Life Book Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who entered The One Year Uncommon Life Book Challenge!
I apologize for the delay but I wanted to announce that the winner is (drum roll: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................)

Comment number 8...Brandi!
My co-worker and I literally pulled her name out of a (crocheted) hat!
Please e-mail me your address to rungirl1@gmail.com and I will send you a certificate for your book.

Have a great day and check out Tyndale Publishing or your local library for your own copy.
-r

Between the Covers: How To Stop Procrastinating

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000

One of my biggest problems is procrastination. I tend to put things off until a better time which incidentally never comes. So I thought Trevor Johnson's book How To Stop Procrastinating would be a good read to help me get and stay on target.

The book is full of common sense advice to help you stay on target. Trevor offers advice that seems possible and doable. The suggestions and techniques are simple and effective. (Aside- like any other change it takes some time to establish).

I would recommend these tips to people who already know what needs to be done but is in need of encouragement to break free from the cycle of putting things off.

Getting it done,
-r

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Belly Busters: Tylers Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:16:00 +0000

I was able to sample Tyler's Coffee to review and being the coffee fanatic that I am was quite thrilled. Coffee is a huge part of my day; I make a pot at home or stop by my local Wawa for coffee. When I am in the mood for a frozen coffee treat I do hit Starbucks.

Read more about my Tyler's Coffee experience on Review it Rah-shay!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#SOCS: The One That Kinda Sounds (and feels) Like An Excuse

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:28:00 +0000

r's note: this post is probably going to be more than 5 minutes as I am tip tapping on my phone

Now then the first weekend of te ear has been totally free. No kid, no work and Showtime preview (hiyo). And i cant lie: this unstructured freedom felt wring and weird. I hung out with my mom, puttered around the house, and did a while lot of nothing.

As much as I like my downtime I think I like having a thing to do. With my computer down curse you Best Buy I've not been surfing the interwebs but have been watching loads and loads of tv. I missed posting yesterday although truth be told I really had nothing to post about. I almost missed today and decided to ramble on (and on and on).

It's time to get in gear for the week. Writing out a plan for work, home, The Bee and me. It's going to be the first full week to work and school for both. Back to the grind, back to routine and I'm kinda happy for it. I like the idea of a schedule ad quite frankly I need one.

This was my rambling five minutes-ish stream of conscious.

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
Link up your post on the site.
Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.

- Posted on the go 'cause I had something to say!

On the hooks: Hats (of course!)

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:48:00 +0000

The weather in Delco has been nuts! One day warmish, the next day I'm running from the car to whatever building I'm headed for.

Bah!

So I've been making hats. Yes. Yet ANOTHER slouchy hat. Way to shake it up Rachee!. Ahem. So I trolled Ravelry and found this slouchy hat pattern from Balating Toys and Crafts. Not to toot my own horn but I'm getting to be a faster hooker. I've been working on this hat for three hours and look at where I am! (Round11). Perhaps other hookers are faster but I'm feeling good.

This pattern used my favorite stitch, half double crochet and it's also going to use a front post decrease.

I have also found a way to tame the yarn. Sort of. An old four pound sugar container holds the skein on yarn. Score!

Enjoy the work in progress and sty tuned for the completed pics . . .coming soon!

Happily hooking,
-r

Bewteen the Covers: The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:08:00 +0000

From Tyndale.com

Strengthen the core of your life and faith on a year-long journey with beloved Super Bowl–winning former head coach Tony Dungy! The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge contains 365 reflections from the #1 New York Times bestselling author on living an “uncommon life” of integrity, honoring your family and friends, creating a life of real significance and impact, and walking with the Lord. This year, step up to the challenge—and dare to be uncommon every day.

I was asked to review Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge and I was a bit hesitant at first. Tony challenges readers to commit to spending time each day with God. I put my preconceptions of the book aside and was pleasantly surprised to find a book full of daily scriptures and devotionals to assist readers in living their lives in a more remarkable way for a year.

The book focuses on seven themes:

Core
Family
Friends
Potential
Mission
Influence
Faith

Each of these core themes are presented daily with an eerily appropriate theme (for example on The Bee's birthday the day's title is Waiting for Miracles to Happen). There is also a bible script, a devotional shared from his or a friend's experience and then the challenge. Many of you know that I am not a religious person but even I found that reading this book encouraged me to find ways to live a more intentional life and to take some time to reflect on what I want for me.

January 1st starts with A Personal Training Plan, something that will be sure to encourage anyone looking to begin something new. Like all of the devotionals, the advice offered is gentle and encouraging and seems possible. Randomly reading through the book I found that each day offers fresh ideas for each of the seven core themes and even the scriptures spurred me into a more thoughtful being.

But, you don't have to take my word for it! Tyndale Publishers has offered readers of this blog a chance to win a copy of the book for themselves. For your shot at winning please leave a message sharing a way you would live an uncommon life. Please leave your e-mail address so that I can notify you if you've won.

Winners will be announced on Monday, January 9th.

Good luck!

Looking forward to an uncommon year,

-r

Disclaimer: In the spirit of disclosure please know that I was sent a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are my own

Write a Review Wednesday: Little Lost Dog

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:16:00 +0000

From Publishers Weekly:

Debut author/illustrator Carnesi’s cartoon-styled watercolors and spare text provide a suspenseful yet reassuring account of the real-life rescue of a dog that was swept out into the Baltic Sea on an ice floe in January 2010. Direct, almost halting snippets of narration bring readers in close to the action: “Something is moving in the water! What is it? Is it a bird? No. A fish? No. It’s a DOG!” Modest illustrations in a limited and muted palette of blue, white, red, and brown take audiences right up to the river’s edge to squint at the small figure stranded far out on an ice sheet. The next spread zeroes in on a closeup of the confused canine. The artwork’s perspective continually shifts, giving the tale a cinematic frame-by-frame quality, before settling aboard the Polish ship, the Baltica, that finally rescues the dog. Warm and dry, the dog is christened Baltic, eventually becoming a member of the research vessel’s crew. The book’s small trim size complements the cozy, feel-good conclusion. More details and photographs of Baltic are included in an author’s note. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)

I had a chance to check out an advance reader copy of Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic this book and am excited for the final project. Author/illustrator Monica Carnesi does a fantastic job making this true story about a dog adrift a tale that adults and children will enjoy. Simple illustrations extend the story of a the unlucky Dog who suddenly appears on a piece of floating ice.

General Considerations:
This story will read well with a crowd and a smaller audience. This is based on a true story and would be a great way to introduce world events to younger readers.

Also, shameless self promotion: Monica will be a guest at my library (the Lansdowne Public Library) on Saturday, February 24th! February is Love Your Animal Month at the library and she will share her book. You can get your own copy. Please call 610-623-0239 ext 5 for information.

-r

That Time I Went Pole Dancing

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:21:00 +0000

Or my dancer name would be Sexy Beast.

r's note: This post alludes to sex and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

One of my social media friends, Sybil Lindsay, invited a group of mom bloggers to The Velvet Lily for an event hosted by owner Khara Cartagena. Khara presented a wonderful informative "how to" bring the spark back with advice about practicing safe usage of sex toys and tips keep the spark alive in romance. She was approachable, friendly and, yes after I blushed a few times, I was very comfortable asking questions and getting information.

The Velvet Lily is an upscale erotica shop with items for sale for women and men to use solo or with a partner. The variety of objects are priced for every budget. Our class educated us on types of lubricators, objects to use for our solo pleasure and how to get back the sexy with a short pole dancing lesson.

The store sports a stripper pole. That I used. Not very well, I mean I can't quit my day gig or anything but I was inspired enough to gift myself a series of pole dancing lessons for the holidays. (Total aside: I have mad respect for dancers! I was sore after just a minute or so on that pole! And I apologize for that ridiculous run on sentence). We were treated to a pole dance demo by an expert dancer who says that the pole has helped her stay fit and relieve stress. There was also an opp to try the pole ourselves (as I don't want to end up on Tosh.0 I will save that video for another time).

We had a variety of food from Catalyst Juice cleanse, a raw food company. The selection was pretty tasty and my perception of raw food has changed to something more positive.

Below are pictures from the event.

Raw food selection from Catalyst

Intimate wear

A variety of lubes

The fireplace coveted by many

Well, ya know

A safe lube for toys

Working my hotness,
-r

Tangled Tuesdays: Yarnthing Goals for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:33:00 +0000

For a person who swore against public resolutions, I sure have a bunch of "goals" for this year. I am going by my mantra of my blog, my rules and since these are not self help type things I can post away. Don't judge me!

Ahem, I thought of starting a crochet challenge but quite honestly am not up to the task. In the past as soon as I slap a deadline on myself I feel unable to complete the task. But I wanted to do SOMETHING to celebrate my craft and to push myself out of my comfort zone of scarves and slouchy hats. I also want to change the way I speak about my work. Instead of complaining, bemoaning or berating myself for not finishing, I will speak positively about what I am working on and enjoy the process.

I am inspired by my friends and coworkers who crochet or knit always have something going on. D always has a new afghan or scarf to show me when she gets to work. R is constantly inviting me over to craft with her and she and her mom have success at local craft fairs. Another friend, M, is my crochet guru. She is always wielding a hook and within minutes has the most even stitches and quality looking pieces. My crochet groups are always so helpful and creative. They encourage me to do better.

Each week I'd like to explore and feature one of the following:

What to Wear

Inspired by Crochet Concupiscience I am going to do showcase my wares. Kathryn is doing a 365 days of wearing crochet but I don't have enough pieces that are not hats and scarves. Which leads me to

Try this stitch

I have been thinking about trying a few new stiches for a while. My favorite stitch is the half double crochet and but there are so many other stitches waiting to be learned! To find new stitches I am going to focus on

Crochet (and maybe Knit) Things

A hodge podge of a category. This will be all about the books, magazines, designers and patterns that I am digging. This will also included notions, tools and such. Inspired by reading Crochet Today. There is a load of good information that I think I miss as I flip to the patterns. Also, still working on clearing the clutter. Those crochet books that are collecting dust are being included in my use it or lose it mantra.

Get Hooked

I am looking for guest posters to share their Get Hooked stories. The reasons why they learned to crochet or hook or just their experiences. If you blog, I'm happy to link back to your blog.

If you are interested in linking up or participating please leave a comment. These will be a part of mrsrkfj's Tangled Tuesdays and, once I figure it out (or stop being too cheap to pay someone) I will make a button for it.

Here's to getting and staying hooked in 2012!
-r

2011 Rewind!: Read it Rah-shay

noreply@blogger.com (~Rachée) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:20:00 +0000

So long
Farewell

Aufwiedersehn

Adieu
Adios 2011!
It's been a year of wow!

Today's blog dare is to look back at 2011. Over the last few weeks I really tried to write this post a couple of times but I was having a severe case of feeling inadequate (let's blame it on PMS). My crushing insecurities stepped in and as I read back through the year my posts seemed so darn myopic and very much blah. My friend Dresden came up with a clever idea to do a recap and her it goes:

Take the first sentence of the first blog post of each month and TA-DA!

January: Introducing Liliana Cupcake!

February: It's Black History Month and I thought I'd revisit some of my favorite books by and about African American/ Black authors.

March: OK. I totally made that up but March is National Crochet (Lovers) Month...what are you all hooking?

April: Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends has been on my 'mean to' list for a while and opportunity knocked as I did rounds one night at work

May: Ate ice cream in the cold.

June: It may seem that the grass is always greener on the other side and Summer Jackson can't wait to be a grown up to enjoy all of the fun things that grown ups do.

July: Reading the jacket I thought Allison Winn Storch's The One that I Want was going to be a dark tale of tragedy and sadness

August: A few times a week I drive past the Dock Street Brewery always promising to make a visit.

September: Warrior is the new movie by writer/director Gavin O'Connor (Miracle, Pride and Glory) that opens on September 9, 2011. (This is a review by Effin' Guy)

October: So. I've officially become a frump

November: Working in two libraries, one public, one "academic" one would think I would never run out of things to talk about.

December: Each year I always vow to do seasonal activities but something, anything always gets in the way.

Comments are always welcome and I'm even answering them back.

Looking forward to 2012,
-r