Thursday, March 22, 2012

Just "Bobbling" Along

How did it get to be Thursday already?  I wish I could slow down time!!  In a recent post I showed you my new crochet blanket that I started.  A wonderful Bobble Stitch that I originally saw on a blogging friend's post, who then referred the original pattern to another blog.  I linked both of them, so if you are interested in using this pattern, just look to my previous post for the links.  Well, my bobble wasn't lining up properly, and upon further investigating of the pattern, I realized where my error was, and I knew I wouldn't be happy with it until I started over.  So I frogged the whole thing, except for the first row, before my error occured, and began again.  And now....I LOVE it!!!! The bobbles are offset as they are supposed to be, and I am IN LOVE with this pattern.  Dreaming up all sorts of other color variations to do. 
The texture is wonderful.  At first I wasn't too crazy about working with the DK weight of this  yarn.  But I adore the colors.  And now that I am well into it, it will make a perfect lighter weight throw.
And who would have ever thought that my favorite spot would be inside my son's closet!  Well, my son's old closet.  Now it is the reading nook in our fitness room.  I can't wait to have Tommy G put an electrical outlet in there so I can put a nice reading lamp behind the chaise lounge.
The lighting in there is wonderful.  The chair is ever so comfy!  And it isn't a bad spot to kick off your shoes and watch the telly!!! 
Do you watch Dr. Oz?  I love his show.  I tape it every day, and when Noah goes home, I have a cup of coffee and watch the show.  I have learned so much from him.  The other day they were talking about ways to energize with foods, etc.  A trainer was showing different things, and he said this was his number one "GO TO" power snack.  He called it a breakfast muffin, but it would be great for any time of the day or night.  Even a little sort of dessertish!  And if you know me, I love my sweets.  THIS WAS TERRIFIC!!!  So healthy, and only 6 ingredients, and whips up in 55 seconds!!!  Yep, that's right...55 seconds in the microwave.  Here is what you will need.
1 tsp Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Ground Flax Seed
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 packet or 1 1/2 tsp Stevia
.1 egg
Mix it up inside a microwave safe mug.
Pop it into the microwave for 55 seconds.
Invert onto plate.
I flipped it over because I thought it was a little bit prettier, and drizzled some Agave over the warm muffin.
And enjoy!!!!
I don't remember how many calories, but it is very low.  Kind of like a lo cal bran muffin.  I suppose you could even add a few raisins, or nuts if you want too.  Yummy!!
Yesterday I changed out some table tops and moved some things around.  Put other things away. Decluttered a bit and lightened things up for Spring.
I am enjoying those Primroses that I got for a steal a few weeks ago at fresh & easy!  They are so happy.
I changed the entire table in the entry way.  I like the fresh new change.
This beautiful carved table was my parents.  I have admired it for years.  My Mom gave it to me a few years ago when she moved to smaller home.  I love this table.
My usually camera shy assistant wanted to be in every shot!!!
This little figurine was a gift from my son, a long time ago.  He got it for me, because he said it reminded him of me laying on a blanket in the Spring watching my much loved bluebirds making their nest.  It has been dropped and broken, but I have carefully pieced it back together, and cherish it.
I collect abandoned nests from the grove and use them in plants and things here in the house.  This one also contains three bluebird eggs from last season that never hatched because the darn hawks that are nesting here in our neighborhood have scared away my beautiful songbirds!  I have tried to lure them all to the back property of my house where they will be more sheltered and less threatened.  We shall see.
Guess who again?
A little bit blurry, but he is usually more prone to give a fake smile, so I loved getting his real smile here.
We have been building a different "cool" train track every day.  Each time in a different room.  Today we built one in the play/guest room.  Much better for me, as I can walk through the family room without tripping on trains and tracks!
This little boy can play quietly for hours with his trains and cars!!!  But he wants me in the same room with him while he plays!
He was all smiles today!
Yesterday morning when I woke up, there was a Mallard in our pool.  When I told Greg, I don't think he believed me!  Well, today Mr. Mallard came back and he brought the Mrs!!!
 I hope they are not planning to start a little family and call this home!!!  I love birds, but not in my pool!!
Before I scoot today, I wanted to share a new find.  We are tea lovers here, and I especially love English teas.  I had a neighbor who really taught me about the proper way to drink tea, and I loved the tea she served.  She and her husband were in the States for a short period of time from England.  They had their parents send them their favorite tea.  I remember that it was a loose leaf mix of both Earl Grey and Typhoo.  I have never seen it here.  My blogging friend Connie, who blogs at
says she and her husband love this brand of tea and order it online.  I said, I think I remember seeing it at my local fresh & easy, which makes perfect sense, because fresh & easy is an England based company.  Sure enough, when I was there yesterday, they had it.  It is a tad pricey, but oh so good!!!
I drink my tea with a bit of milk, no sugar, in a proper tea cup.  Blueberry Scone on the side.  The only thing missing was the Devonshire Cream.  Gotta go watch the guys trim my giant palm.  
 Cheerio.
XO  Kris

31 comments:

From the Kitchen said...

I love the yarn colors and the pattern--now if I only knew how to crochet!! Your cute "assistant" reminds me of fun times when our boys were little. One needed to step gingerly all over the house so as not to disturb cities and farms and trains and things!!

Best,
Bonnie

Genn said...

Hi,
checking in with blogs today.
it's been almost a week for me!

I pinned the dr oz egg muffin. looks tasty. i'm afraid of using that much flax though. i've always just used a couple teaspoons of it. but i believe you if you say it was oh so good.

that picture of your tea cup makes me want some tea right now.

Sunny Simple Life said...

I hope you don't end up with a flock of ducks. Have you ever seen those videos of hundreds of ducks in someone's pool. That blanket is going to be so darn cute. Love the fun puffy balls in the pattern.

Mereknits said...

The bobble blanket is looking fantastic, I loved Annette's, you are both so patient. Your little one is so cute and looks so hug-able in those jammies. I miss trains and train tracks, and dinosaurs and matchbox cars.
You day looks lovely,
Meredith

Sinta Renee said...

I love all the spring decor... it looks like it has arrived in style at your home. Complete with the "love birds" in your pool and a giant palm tree... I am sure that has some symbolism. I am going to share this muffin recipe with my coworker. And thanks for the tips on getting tea at the Fresh and Easy. I drink my Earl Grey English style too!

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Kris,
I really love the bobble blanket. I have to make one, it is so beautiful and fun looking. Add that to my long list of "I want to do", my list is getting sooo long. But this is really something different.
Love all your photos too, xoRobin❤

Deb~in~Denver said...

Kris, love your throw! The colors are gorgeous! Your home looks so cute dressed up for spring. I think I'll bring a few of my spring decorations out this weekend. We are having warm temps here right now but I know we're in for more snow over the next couple of months. Can't wait for the flowers to bloom! Your assistant is adorable, gotta love those boys and their toys! Have a great weekend!

Deb

Heather - The Good Life said...

Your blanket is coming along beautifully. I love your crochet retreat area, looks very comfy. Have a nice evening. Heather

Patty Marker said...

Hi Kris, When things return to normal we need to get Noah and Andrew together...they will be in train heaven! The new throw is beautiful. Patty

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, I love everything about this post-especially the recipe. My nephew just got me started taking Coconut Oil capsules-to help suppress my appetite and weight loss. Love seeing Noah.
Have a delightful Friday friend.
Noreen

Petunia Pill said...

KRIS! It's gorgeous! So glad you're happy with it now. What is it about those wonderful little balls that just feels SO GOOD? It's just squishy good! That 55 second wonder is on my "must try" list! What did we do before Dr. Oz? Every time I listen to him, I come away feeling like I know nothing! So much great info from him! I love your chair! It looks so amazingly comfy! Have a great evening! If that email with the pattern sounded very "distant", it's because I was sending it to a mass email list. It wasn't very personable...sorry! Hugs, Annette

Teresa Kasner said...

What a great post, full of news and fun pics! Your blanket is looking absolutely DIVINE! And your grandson is so darn sweet. That is so neat for you and he to be able to have such a close relationship, he will always remember his wonderful grandma. You might have to put some netting over your pool before it becomes a duck pond. LOL!! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Bethany said...

The light weight yarn was weird to get used to. I was organizing my yarn and the worsted weight felt like clothesline, I haven't used it for so long!!!! Your blanket is gorgeous!!! I'm the same way - one mistake that only I might be aware of and I'll obsess over it like you wouldn't believe.
Zach used to be the same way as Noah - would spend HOURS quietly playing trains, as long as you were right there. He'd totally ignore you, but he needed you in the room with him.

Nicolle said...

I'd love to have those giant palms in my yard. They are so beautiful. I have watched Dr. Oz off and on, but never often. I do like him a lot though. That muffin in the mug sounds great! There's cute little Noah. Hi Noah!

Have a good night.

Pam said...

Hi Kris - I love seeing pictures of your house and all the cute things you have. Thank you for sharing. I love your new blanket! Your grandson looks like he has so much fun at your house. So cute.
Have a great rest of the week!

Tammy said...

LOVE the pics of Noah. I miss seeing him on Erika's blog. =) The blanket looks awesome!

Holly said...

It was so great to hear your sweet voice last night. Man, how I've missed you! That blanket is so adorable, you're killing me with those colors, I love them! After seeing your pics, I really need to do some rearranging of my house and getting some spring stuff out. As always, you inspire me.

Anonymous said...

First, I want to comment on the gorgeous crochet and yarn, I love it! The stitch is looking perfect. It reminds me of a sweater I had in high school actually, the bobble stitch, I mean.
Ducks in the pool, uh-uh, hope they find another spot to swim. :)
Noah is a doll, cute as a he can be. Love the grin. My grandsons played with trains like those at my house for years.
Wow, the palm tree is enormous and foreign to my part of the country.
Glad you like the tea! It IS my fave now.

Kerri said...

So much good stuff in this post Kris! I always feel like I learn so much stuff reading your blog! The colors in your blanket are beautiful! It sure looks hard to do! And oh how I would love to live in area that had palm trees...they are so gorgeous!

deb said...

OK I NEED to make that afghan in those colors...its too die for!!!! I remember you showing me the yummy yarn....omg its so beautiful in that pattern!!!
OK..NOT sure about that muffin....wheres the flour??????? BUT flax seed is good for you but I thought it had to be ground up to be off benefit...did u grind it first? I will try it if you say its good and healthy because I LOVE Dr. Oz....so if you say its good then I will try it!!!!

Pam said...

What a beautiful throw - love the colors and the bobble! So pretty.

I also love your little nook. You are so darn crafty and great at decorating. I love the table your mom gave you - so pretty!

Your little guy is getting big - he looks like he was having a fun day.

xoxo

Jill said...

Your grandson is so adorable! I love tea too and I have an English neighbor :-) She has been to our local tea room but now brings her own tea bags, she says it's not the same here as in England, lol.

What a lovely little nook to read in!

I have a blog award for you when you get a chance stop by!

Have a lovely weekend!

Blessings,
Jill

Val said...

I wish I had an ounce of your knitting talent.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hi Kris!

Love the blanket you are making! So pretty and colorful. You have been busy with it! Wow, look at those ducks! You will have to keep us posted on that!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Whosyergurl said...

Love the blanket. Love the pics of little man. Love that cozy chair. Your home looks so lovely and comfy.
xo, Cheryl

ON THE TOP said...

nice blog posting. I like it to stop here and read your articles

corners of my life said...

Every time I watch Dr Oz I write down tips and then . . . never do them. Not much follow through here!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Noah is such a cutie patootie! I love how the crocheting is looking...the colors really are lovely!

Gracie Saylor said...

Kris, I enjoyed visiting you so much today! I especially love the colors of your bobble blanket! And sharing Grand Central Station with your grandson is very special. The recipe looks yummy, and I like both English teas you mentioned, [decaf versions], too! Your spring decorations make me feel very welcome in your home and I say you have one lucky duck enjoying the hospitality of your pool. (: Thanks for your encouragement and for including my blog in your blog list. <3

annielizabeth said...

Such beautiful pics of Noah with his natural smiles. Love the table, the carving is so nice. 'Ghan is coming along nicely. Have a lovely week!

priscilla said...

Love your bobble blanket ! the colors are gorgeous !Glad you got the lining up problem solved..no fun having to rip it out .. Can't wait to see it finished !Thanks for your nice comments !