Knitting for Comfort 

I’ve been finding a lot of comfort in my knitting this week. I often knit to wind down or relax from a busy day, but this week I’ve been getting lost in the repetitive knits and purls. Particularly in knitting these rainbow socks for my son. Melissa of the Spicy Homemaker podcast is hosting a Comfort Knit KAL in her Ravelry group and this certainly fit the bill. And to add to the comfort was his genuine excitement at their completion. “Yes, yes, YES! Woohoo!” He’s worn them everyday since.

It’s been nearly a year since I sat down to write a blog post. I’ve thought about it, I really have. Several times in fact, but I simply never did it. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to. I’ve been keeping myself very busy with family, work and home. But isn’t that what this all about?

In my time away I’ve been able to think on what I really want for, and from, this blog...my little spot on the Internet. Honestly, not much has changed since my first blog post.

Our days are so filled with doing and making and creating. Even when we don’t realize it. My days can feel like whirlwinds sometimes and others like I’ve just whiled away my time. I want this to be a place for me to stop to share what I’ve been doing and making. A place to chat about what I’m crafting, watching, eating and reading. And I hope that it will be a place where you will share the same. I’d love to know what you are doing.

I have new ideas, new plans and new things to try. I find new inspirations everyday. I hope to share what inspires me and maybe that will inspire you too.

I hope you’ll join me in this new year of doing! Speak soon.

.. L ..

It’s school vacation week! The kids are home from school...now what? Currently we’re sitting under several feet of snow so going outside isn't always an easy option. So if you’re stuck like us or are just looking for some inexpensive ways to keep yourself and your kiddos busy, read on...

I have such a hard time finding a hand cream or lotion that I really like.  With so many choices available commercially, this might seem a bit baffling.  There are literally hundreds to choose from. Don’t believe me? Walk into any drugstore and you will be met with countless choices.  The problem is that many of these products are made with petroleum based formulas that I just don’t like.  They’re sticky, don’t absorb well or leave my hands feeling greasy. Not to mention the manufacture of petroleum is just plain terrible for the environment and not sustainable.

So, what was my solution? I started making my own! I like this method because (not unlike cooking my own food) I know what ingredients are going into it. I can adapt the scent and how it feels on my hands, etc.  By adjusting the ingredients, I can create a product that is perfectly tailored to my needs.  Oh yeah- it’s fun too!

With all this snow, it's hard to think of anything but comfort and things that keep me warm.  All my cooking lately has been comforting and slow, the kind that takes hours before it's ready and fills the house with tempting aromas.  Last week I made a very hearty beef and bean chili and now for something else that's incredibly flavorful and warming.

Tell me there's nothing better on a cold day than a rich broth-y soup topped with crusty baguette and bubbly cheese.  I love French Onion Soup! I'm not typically a fan of onions, but when they've been properly cooked down and had time to let their sugars out, they're downright delicious.  Am I right?  Every sip/bite of this soup is a fine balance of umami with a hint of sweetness, gooey and nutty. If you want to make this for yourself, check out the recipe below. Excuse me while I have another bite...

Winter is full of warm scents.  I love clove and everything cinnamon at Christmastime (and beyond.)  It’s just so cozy! Like the aromatic equivalent to a blanket. (Is that weird?) And considering the amount of snow that’s fallen in the past month, I need all the cozy blankets I can get.

One drink that encompasses all the spicy, comforting goodness of the season is chai.  A delicious blend of spices and tea.  A little spicy.  A little sweet.  All good.  Sure, you could go to Starbuck’s or your local coffee shop, but making your own is even better.