Hail Champis!

Check out lil' Champis kickn' butt and taken' names.  Puts Babe to shame.  

At the beginning of the year J and I decided we have not been spending enough time together.  He comes home  and hits the internet and works late and I entertain B. I get boring(she says).  I am full of rules (she says).  I have multiple tasks to get accomplished while the aforementioned entertaining is going on. As you can imagine that is not very fun.  Dad is fun and not boring(she says).  Dad brings a different dimension to the evening and things always run smoother with him around.  So we have set time one day a week to play games and hang out.  It has been great. We usually try to play a game (Sorry is a favorite and so is War. ). This has actually started carrying over to other days in the week too. We always read at bedtime but usually it involves one of us reading to B in her bed or her reading to one of us. Lately we have been reading as a family in the evenings. We just finished Roald Dahls BFG , a book neither B or J had read before. We each took turns reading a chapter.  Each one of us read the story with our own impression of each character to include voices and hand gestures.  We have come to really look forward to the time. Even the cat sits and listens.  

Our new book is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Jester.  

Thanks for reading,

Wild world...

So I have not posted a good hearty post in quite a while.
But today I will.  We are through the major holidays and have the year to recoup save for some birthdays and what-nots.
Lets start with knitting.  Last year at this time I was living further north and had decided I wanted to learn how to knit.  Which I did.  Rocky at first, yes, but it is now something I look forward to doing.   I made a few blankets but was struggling with edge work and finishing.  Well...I learned how to crochet edges and borders!!! ta-dah!

Now this may not seem like that great a thing but let me tell you it is! It is.  The best part of all is my Nanna showed me one day.  She crochets like crazy.  I picked it up after a couple of tries.  I like knitting more but this skill helps.

My future dreams in knitting involve socks and cable knits (picture big fluffy blankets to snuggle with or sweaters to give) sigh.

Le Souk at soukshop.com

I mentioned in earlier posts that I have a sewing machine and have learned how to use it.  Very excited about this new skill too.  I am currently searching for the right fabric to make curtains for several of our rooms.  Love it.  I am working up to being able to make cool stuff like this cushion from Living with Punks. Ah dare to dream.

I am hoping to turn these new skills into cheaper home decor projects.  So far I have redone two tables, two bedside tables, B's toy box, a book shelf and a lamp.  I have also turned coasters, stickers and a deck of cards in to art work.  Easy-peasy-lemon-squeazy. Decorating  on a minimal budget.  Still have yet to paint and we've been here 8 months now....

Felted Coasters...

Deck of cards...

Puffy stickers... by B of course

Things I love...

~ French Onion Soup ~


I realize this is....um shall we say a "classic" dish.  I only just learned how to make it however, and think it is my  new favorite soup.  Traditionally it is made with a beef stock but I have altered it for a vegetarian who likes cheese.  It is so fragrant and tasty.  I topped it with homemade crutes and gruyere cheese.  I have made it several times this month at B's request.  We snuggle up and watch the Simpsons.  Makes for a great night.

I know these are a bit long but they are worth it.  She goes over every detail.  Get your self a good knife and some onions. . .

Here is ours. . . Bon appetit!

~ Blue Skies ~
Nothing says "Good Day!" like a bright blue sky.  I love the color.  It compliments the world with out being loud and obnoxious. It gets my endorphin's going and makes me want to play outside.  Bright, happy, comforting.  Love the big blue sky. . .

Thank you for reading. . .

J