Fancy a floret or two of cauliflower dipped in houmous anyone?

What is it with MIL's. Ruth's gave her most of the contents of her larder. Mine, well mine did warn me in advance... but she turned up at the house yesterday with the most enormous cauliflower one could ever lay their little hands on.

Why, I hear you ask. I don't know, I didn't ask for it. Its not like I'm a cauliflower addict or anything, or that I'm throwing a big cauliflower cheese surprise party this weekend, or even planning an "how big is yours" competition.

What am I going to do with it. The photo doesn't even show the exact enormatity of it, even though I've tried to put it next to an average sized carrot. However, its 15" x 15" x 8". Oh, and thats after she had cut off all the branches and leaves it came through the door with.

Seriously.

The Bubela eats very little *full stop*, the Hubby is just as fussy as the Bubela but with a cordon bleu twist, me I eat most things but I'm just a bit creeped out by the bugs that are probably living in that monster. Unless its supermarket washed and packaged with a price tag of at least three digits then I'm cautious... to say the least. And the Nosh, well, he seems my best bet. Great eater. Hasn't turned his nose up at anything yet. Guess I'm just going to jeuzz it down with cheese and pasta.

I've been busy on the crafterly front too. Crocheting my first doily, progressing on the crocheted picnic blanket ('cept I've run out of KnitPicks yarns), plodding along with my Phildar swing jacket, trying to sew up a peg bag (without pattern - not good news for a beginner) and revising a pattern for my next sewing project (of which I shall be buying materials today).

So its no wonder why I'd been feeling a bit bleurr this week. Just conjested and heady, but nevertheless still ill. And I say just because if it was Hubby who was conjested and heady, his would have been a viral infection, naturally.

And to add sticks to the fire this week, I had to contend with a situation at the school with the Bubela. Jimmy Bossypants* was getting just a bit too bossy and his unhealthy obsession (of two years) with the Bubela has now got to stop. Go and find another friend Jimmy.

*Names have been changed to protect the underage.

**Edited to add a photo of Me and The Cauliflower**

Procrastinating Friday...

'Cept mines been Wednesday through Friday. And oy vey, am I knackered from doing nothing. Well, not nothing...I've been researching sewing projects. A tutorial for a tote and Amy Butler patterns.

Not to mention the lovely crocheted bags here and here. And this hat is a must.

And just love this knitted bag.



What does one teach a six month old. To sit up perhaps? Or if your lucky maybe to crawl? Me, I need to teach the Nosh that when the bowl is empty, that means no more food is coming.

The Bubela. He says he knows everything. That I don't need to teach him anything. So, I ask him what he's going to be when he grows up with all that knowledge. "Taller", he replies. He does make me smile.

One with his fathers wit, the other with his mother's palate.

FO in the sewing world

OK. This is all a bit much for me... One day knitting, the next crochet and now sewing! Oy, the world is my oyster.

My mother gave me her old sewing machine, and I say old because it was her mothers before that. After taking in its manual, then having a couple of lessons from mummy herself *thank you mummy, for flying over here last night to help me insert the bobbin*. And when I say fly, you'd better believe it.

I put thread to fabric and off I went. Arrhhh.... sew exciting.

You know the feeling when you get a new toy and all you do is look and touch, and dust and clean, but dare not play for fear of marring and spoiling, or greasing and scratching, at worst breaking it...I did that for a week.

? I know.

I also scoured the net for projects and found that a good beginner project would be an apron. And seeing as I'm a Monica around the house and a Bree in the kitchen... although Hubby would probably add wanabee infront of both those names.

So, in Bree fashion I cut out the shapes from the fabric which, btw is recycled curtains from my spare room in my old house, promoted to a dust sheet in my now house. Love recycling.

I ironed down my seams and tacked them. Though, in hindsight I didn't really need to tack them if I'd ironed them. I then placed the pieces together and sewed.

Sew proud of my first sewing finished garment.

Love is... Bonjella Bliss

When the Bubela was born I was very lucky to have him grow up along side my friends little girl. There was only 8 weeks difference between them and we would always compare notes and pretty much did everything together. If one would cry we'd question why, shrug our shoulders and dubiously whisper "teething?". If one wasn't sleeping through the night for a couple of nights... teething. Gone off food... Teething. Poo-ing... TEETHING. Who knew what it would be, but we'd bung in the Bonjella teething gel and watch the both of them lick their lips and appease.

The Nosh had a burst of tears today... dare I ask? I bunged in the Bonjella anyway.

Phildar Swing Jacket got thrown on the floor in a rage yesterday. Well, not a rage just a frustrated urgh. I finished the whole left side only to notice I didn't split the side for the pocket. Oy vey, had to frog the blooming thing. Well, we all know what WIP will be out tonight during Ugly Betty.

Geri's Losing, Posh is Gaining and Coleen's Yo yo-ing

Me... I gained half a pound. **Shriek** One supposes too many almond macaroons.

Anyway, I'm grabbing a Starbucks and a cookie and heading over to the Phildar Swing Jacket KAL to introduce myself. I've had a browse through some of the finished Swing jackets and they look great.

I'll post progress pics in the next few days.

Dont munch on matzah's alone...join a KAL

Oh my goodness, the excitement is too much. OK, the photo doesn't exactly shout extreme jubilance, but I promise I'm jumping for joy inside.

No one likes eating alone in a restuarant, nor do we like enjoying a film alone. However, sometimes circumstances force us to do so. So when someone says join the party you grab your needles and accept with thanks. Needless to say, I'm more like the gatecrasher sneaking in the back door. With thanks to Kate at KnitLit for the link to the Phildar Swing Jacket Knit-a-long, I'm now able to knit along with friends.

So, when I've stopped munching on matzahs and fishballs, I'll pick up a starbucks and join the fun.

A recipe to enjoy for Pessach

Hands up if you love Pessach cookies/cakes? Me. Me. Me... I say as I've just returned from the weight watchers meeting. I've lost another pound, taking me to 23 1/2lbs. (5lb until target) *clap, clap, clap*. *Nosh, this is all your fault, but boy, were you worth it*.

Matzo Cookies


They're sweet, soft and chewy.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup of matzo meal
1 cup of ground almonds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs

Cream butter and sugar. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. If its too sticky add another 1/2 cup of matzo meal.

Roll into balls with damp hands and place onto greaseproof paper.

Put into a preheated oven 375* for about 12 minutes (until golden).

Hag sameach and enjoy your seder. Guess who's home for Pessach... ubba (my dad's out of hospital).

In the world of knitting

I'm still knitting up the Phildar Jacket. Things got a bit sticky last night though, Im finding their instructions a little tricky in places . Is it me, or do they not explain decreases very well? Anyway, it got my brain ticking but I eventually got there. Apart from having to think in places, its actually a very easy knit. I'm loving the look of the woven stitch.

As for the crochet blanket, its become my project on the go. Talk about ease of transport with a hook. No poking anyones eyes out and no flapping elbows, I'm loving the hook.

Wishing you a happy Passover

Its been a busy week here preparing for Pessach (Passover) - and thats without the cooking. Tomorrow I'll start the baking, possibly with the Bubela if the Playstation isn't more favoured at the time. If you have a 5+ you'll know what I mean.

I bought this new seder plate, do you like it? Was it a bargain, ach. If I use it once a year for the next 30, I'll get my monies worth.

As for the knitting, or should I say crocheting... yes I cracked it. I've finally worked out how to use that hook. I'm knitting achem, crocheting the Rowan picnic blanket from Rowan 41. So proud.

I'm going to set up in my sidebar a "Photo/s of the week". Be it as exciting as the trip to the zoo, or as mundane as the school run. I'll start with the first day of the half term holiday. The Nosh is doing as he usually does, smiling and the Bubela sharing his excitement of the holidays.

News in brief
The Apprentice is back!
WW loss: 21 1/2 lbs (but still not in my jeans!)
The Nosh is eating wonderfully.
I've cancelled my gym membership *gasp*

A perfect finish

Pattern: Debbie Bliss Eyelet Vest from Special Knits.

Materials: Jaeger Aqua

Burning needles

My needles have been racing this week with new projects.

For my Ubba (dad), who turned 62 on Friday and is sick in hospital, I'm knitting a scarf to keep him warm. I'm stash busting by using the Cascade 220 which I overbought (as per normal) for the mini flower basket (Vogue Fall 05). Colour - mustard. I haven't got a pattern but I'm thinking a textured knit, either a cable or a half woven stitch.

Next up I'm knitting a Debbie Bliss top from Special Knits for baby Fay who's 9mths now. I'm using Jaegar Aqua in India Cerise.

BTW, I did knit a beautiful dress for her which I was very naughty about and didn't blog my progress throughout. I'm just waiting for a photo of the gorgeous girl to show you all what she looks like in it. *Prompt Loulou*

And one for me. I've cast on Phildar Quietude for this gorgeous swing jacket from Phildar Autumn 06/07. Its the first time I've used any Phildar yarn or even seen a pattern book - love it, its my new Vogue.

The stitch here you see is the half woven stitch which I plan on using for Ubba's scarf.

Now for Jade. She's gorgeous, but I sense she is going to be a slow fairisle project.

Unfortunatley, those Norweigan socks have now taken a back burner... thats what happens with me a socks.

As for The Nosh and weening. *kvetch, kvetch, kvetch* Spoon in, spit out. Spoon in, spit out. Oy. Not only has he learnt to spit out over this weening process, he now has learnt how to watertight his mouth *sigh*.

Today possible breakthrough, I offered him banana... love it, loved it, loved it. YES. Until Hubby got his hands on him. Hubby fed him at 3pm and apparently got nisht. *Sigh* New day tomorrow, new start.

Just photos

News in brief:

I've lost 20lb of my baby weight... so far.

I'm awaiting a package from Phildar containing yarn for my next project.

Even though I'm still batteling away with my two WIPs.

I'm contemplating weening the Nosh today.

A dozen reasons why I love you

From our first date I knew we would spend the rest of our lives together. I fell in love with you then but love you so much more today.

1. I love the way you kiss me good morning the second your eyes open.
2. I love you holding my hand.
3. I love the way we snuggle on the two seater sofa (even when you say... ok enough now I'm uncomfortable, go on...)
4. I love you because you clear up after me (and unscrunch my socks ready for the wash).
5. I love you because you just make me laugh.
6. I love your intelligence and knowledge of history
7. I love the way you are always patient with me (and my fiery temper)
8. I love the way you hold my feet (when we're snuggled on the two-seater sofa together)
9. I love the way we always have to go up to bed together
10. I love you because you are so assertive and make decisions without faffing
11. I love you for just being you.
12. AND I love you best for giving me our two precious miracles.


And look... the Bubela got a Valentines card too!! Who's he writing one to? She must be special, I can't even get him to write an I miss you card to his Grandparents who are holidaying in Cyprus.

No School today

IT'S SNOWING!!!

I don't know who is more excited, the Bubela or I. ...and here's how we spent it.

The Bubela making a snowman

whilst the Nosh slept through it.

It's not all snow, snow, snow though. Rowan 41 turned up too. There are some lovely spring tops and cardigans in there, but nothing I'm overly excited about. I was holding out casting on for Jade (Rowan 25) until it Rowan 41 turned up, just in case there was something better. I cast on for Jade in Cotton Glace last night.

As for Project Spectrum, here is my February/March knit. Wooly hat in Blue and White (sorry, no grey)

The Norweigan socks (or rather sock) are/is coming along nicely/slowly.

Welcome to the 1st of February and the start of Project Spectrum . I'm still desperately seeking a project. I've some blue and white Knit Picks yarn in my stash which I could try either (i) a hat; or (ii) some mittens; or (iii) a mini surprise for both you and ME.

The trouble is, I did give myself a secret knitting resolution (the same I give myself every year) - not to start a new project without finishing the last... but I should maybe exclude knitalongs(?)

Weigh in for the Nosh and I

The Nosh is gaining and I'm losing... just the way it should be;) I've lost 13lbs now and the Nosh now weighs 13lbs 15ozs (Kaynahorah, spit, spit, spit). As for the return to the gym, that happened today. Did I enjoy it? *shrugging shoulders* Ach, its the gym but I'm back. Has anything changed in the year I've been absent? A few changed faces, a few new machines and the price of tea has gone up! But most importantly you now need your membership card to swip at the barrier to get out of the carpark. So oy vey voy you if you forget your card and are the cause of the queue at the gate!

This is my new knitting purchase. Rowan Cotton Glace in Orange and Navy, and with it I'm intending to knit up Jade from Rowan 25.

As for the Norweigan socks, they are coming along slowly, but lovely. I'll post a picture in a few days.

Sssshhhh... the boys are both asleep!

*whisper* There is something about a silent house, I love it. When Hubby is out and the boys are asleep I love to sit on the sofa with my needles and yarn and listen to the beep of silence.

The Bubela goes up to bed at 7pm with a book in tow and at lights out (8pm), thats it. What a good boy! My Bubela.

The Nosh goes down around 7pm (after his bath and bottle), listens to his music mobile, we hear him ucking and icking on the monitor for a while, we also hear some cries and shouts (sometimes cries which send me a running up and down the stairs all night), but generally his mobile sends him off. Sleeps and eats that Nosh, thats all he does... no wonder his cheeks flop to the floor. Love him!!

Tonight, Hubby is watching the football - be it Spanish, English, Scottish or outer Mongolian its always on. I don't complain, it keeps him happy and quiet. He also does that man thing with the control all night, you know, the flicking channels thing. 'Though, every night we get into bed and THATS his time to strike up conversation!! I want to Schluf and he wants to talk about the words of the day.

Tonight I'll tell him about my socks. Sometime ago I spotted these Norwegian socks on Eunny's website. I fell in love and have been eager to knit them ever since, but I just haven't had the time. Tonight, I was finally able to cast on for them... watch this space!

Wash, Block 'n' Nosh

The first FO of 2007 is definately a winner.
Wash;
Block; and
Nosh

Pattern: Alphabet Sweater - Simply Knits by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Cashmerino Aran
Modifications: None - kept it simple!!
I love this jumper and I think the Nosh looks gorgeous in it. I like the detail of the buttons on the shoulder.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year

Here we are, friends and kids last night at TGI's bringing in the new year... well, almost. Hubby (bottom right corner) and I were tucked up by 11.30pm, then awoken startled by the midnight fireworks. Even then it was an effort to move my lips to his and wish him a happy new year - but I did! *Aaaahhh*


The Nosh had a great time in his pram, kicking and cooing at his toy (even though he looks slightly startled). Thankfully, he was a dream the whole night.

Almost finished The Alphabet jumper for the Nosh. Just need to sew together.

I'm also thinking of my next project, so I picked up these Sublime books at Hobbycraft and had a touchy feel of the Sublime yarn whilst there. I have to say its gorgeous, well up there with the Debbie Bliss/Rowans of the yarns. Not sure what project is in store though as all the patterns are so nice.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy (not to forget, productive) 2007.

My 2006 - in photos

This has been a very special year for me and my family. Im very happy to share with you my photos of the year.

This time last year, Hubby and I were preparing ourselves for our third attempt at IVF. Fortunately, we were lucky and now have a beautiful baby boy, The Nosh. (Pictured, me in recovery after delivery)

The Bubela, Hubby and I went on holiday to Cyprus whilst me being 6 months pregnant. The Bubela had a great time on the beach every day (pictured). I, on the other hand was like an oversized, hormonal beach whale with an odd addiction to air conditioning units at all times.

The Bubela also started school in September 2006 (Pictured). An emotional day for me, the only mum in the playground crying - blamed it on the pregnancy hormones!

October, our joyous month. Just 2 days before The Nosh was born, The Bubela had his own celebration, He turned 5. Guess who loves Scooby Doo?

Pictured just a few days ago on Boxing Day is my whole family. We are a very special family, I love you all.

As for knitting, not much this year.

BIL's Christmas Scarf

Don't you just love shopping for Christmas? Why is it that I've finished all my shopping now, but I still insist on putting in "last orders" online. Or, with five days to go insist on tracking down the sell out toy of the year. Or, guarantee I'll be out there braving the crowds and hitting the shops Christmas Eve... as I do every year. Its just the buzz of Christmas shopping because let me tell you, I start shopping in October every year.

I'll also start a Clapotis just to challenge myself and see if its ready in time. Oy, who am I kidding... what with the Chanukah activities at the school tomorrow, then Thursday having the carpets cleaned, Friday - food shopping... Some chance. At least my first Christmas project is completed (well, almost... just need to sew in ends and block). This is the scarf for BIL, made up in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick n Quick. Good news - we now have a British stockist Banyan Tree Yarns. Hip Hip - Hurray!