Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair!

We all let our hair down this weekend to celebrate Paulina's 5th birthday.

All of the little ones were dressed in their best Renaissance regalia. They had a great time playing games such as dancing around the maypole and decorating their crown scepters.






I knitted a ballet warming up-kit for Paulina which is a cozy kimono sweater and legwarmers. I used Lion Brand, Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn in Oatmeal and added hot pink accents with left-over yarn.



I have a few orders for these (hooray!) , so I better get to work.

Here is Paulina in her warm-up outfit. Perfect fit.






I also want to share a couple of things that my mom has made. She made this adorable Valentine's Day wreath for her front door. She crocheted heart pillows that she attached to this twig wreath. I heart hearts!

And she made these beautiful aprons for me, Cari and Viviana. She was inspired by some that we saw at my favorite store, Anthropology. She did a fantastic job. I love them!

Easy Weekend Projects

If you want quick and easy knitting or crochet projects, I have some for you:

Creamy Oatmeal Crocheted Scarf

The inspiration for this scarf was found on Ana Maria Horner's blog.





Yarn: 1 Skein Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Fisherman and 1 skein Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Oatmeal

Hook: US Size H/8

Instructions:
With Fisherman color, CH-153 stitches, turn.
Row 1: In 3rd chain from the hook, DC all the way across, turn.
Row 2: CH-3, DC all the way across, turn.
Row3: CH-1, SC all the way across, turn.
Row 4: Change color to Oatmeal and SL ST on top of first stitch *SL ST to next stitch, in same stitch: 2 DC, 2 TC, 2 DC, 1SC (this creates the little puffs), SL ST in next 2 stitches* Repeat between * * to the end, ending in a slip stitch. If you end in a puff, that's okay too. :-)

For the border: 2 SC in corner stitch, then on the short end of the scarf, you will crochet 2 SC on the sides of each stitch, 2 SC in next corner, then on the long end, you will crochet 1 SC in each stitch, 2 SC in next corner, 2 SC in sides of each stitch. SL ST to join the border and fasten off.

Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle.


Coffee Mug Knitted Coaster

I found this pattern on Raverly but it was in Japanese! So I just winged it. I made this for my coffee mug at work. The end result was a little big (4" X 3.5") so if you want a smaller one, make the adjustments according to your yarn weight and needle size.


Instructions:
Small amount of left over medium weight yarn.
The size of your needles will depend on the yarn that you use.

I knitted this pattern in a garter stitch, bottom to top. To create the angled corners at the bottom of the mug, I made a bar increase at the beginning and ending of each row for the first 3 rows.

Cast on 15 ST, turn.
Row 1: Kfb, K13, Kfb, turn. Repeat for next two rows.
Continue knitting rows until you've reached desired height.
Cast off and weave in ends.

The mug handle was crocheted:
CH 19, turn.
DC in 3rd stitch from hook, then all the way across. Fasten and weave in ends then attach to mug.




Did you notice the dish the cookies are on? I found this dish at the cabin we stayed in on our trip to Big Bear. It was a stray dish among the other mismatched ones that were there. I couldn't believe it had the initial "S" on it. It is so beautiful. Luckily, the owner of the cabin lives downstairs and I was able to make her an offer for it. Two bucks later, the dish came home with me. I still have not figured out where to put it but it is going to go on one of my walls.



Swifer Sock

Say What? Yes, Swifer Sock. Cari sent this little project to me and I just knew I had to make one. If you are so inclined, the directions can be found here.

I'm so tempted to make other household utility items to match.





Happy Friday!
SC
xoxo

Beanie Baby

My mom has been making beanies. Lots of them. She is thinking about selling them and giving some away for presents for some birthdays that are coming up. They are all different and adorable. I just love her colorful combinations.





Love,
Sara
xoxo

Happy Birthday, Nico!

This weekend, we celebrated my nephew, Nicolas' 3rd birthday. He loves anything that has to do with tools and gardening so my sister made a giant gingerbread construction worker to top his chocolate birthday cake, tools and all. Nico was so excited about his cake. It was yummy too.



I made him this little sock dog (think sock monkey). I got the pattern from an old Martha Steward magazine but if you are interested in making one, I found the instructions on her website here. It is very easy to make. Isn't he cute?



Nico approves! Woof!



I started the preparation of my cookie doughs which I will start baking tonight. I usually don't decorate my gingerbread or sugar cookies because I always run out of time but this time, I am really going to make an effort. Stay tuned.

When I was at my sister's, I realized that I had not taking pictures of Viviana's doll. The pattern is an Alicia Paulson pattern from her book, Stitched in Time and it is the inspiration behind the army dude.





I also made her this embroidered pillow for her birthday which I had also forgotten to photograph then. So here you go. This design was my own. One side is for rainy days and the other side is for sunny days. Lately, it's been on the rainy side.





On Sunday, I made a little crochet car for Alec. He loves cars. I also got the pattern from the same Martha Stewart magazine I got the sock dog pattern but I couldn't find it on her website. Basically, the body is a cube made from six 4" squares and the cab is made from eight 2" squares. All crocheted in a single crochet pattern. The pattern calls for foam inserts but I just used stuffing for stuffed animals and I improvised on the tires because by the time I got to the tires, I was tired and didn't want to make stuffed tires so I just tacked on the tires in a single layer. I don't think Alec will mind.

Me and Alec. Love.

So this week is the last week before Christmas and as usual, I will be spending my evenings baking cookies. Wish me luck. Cookies are always so temperamental.

Another Catch Up Entry

Hi there. I know I said that I would not do this again but here we are. November is just about over and I think I only did one entry the entire month! Not that there have not been any exciting happenings to blog about. I guess I just needed a little break. So let's catch up.

Weekday visit by Nico and Ethan

Nico (our godson) and his brother, Ethan, visited us the other night because their mommy, Julissa, had to attend parent-teacher conferences. We were so glad to have them over since, lately, it has been really hard for us to get together. Nico and I baked chocolate chip cookies (from a package). He was really excited to wear one of Mateo's aprons and help out. However, he and Ethan waited until the cookies were done to inform us that they didn't like chocolate chip cookies. Say what? I thought every kid liked them. Not these kids. Well, more for us. They snacked on Goldfish instead.

Scouting for Food


Mateo's Boy Scout troop participated in the annual Scouting For Food. All of the food that is collected by our district scouts was delivered to a site and our troop was in charge of sorting it and boxing it up before it got delivered to a charity. Way to go Boy Scouts!

Nutella Crescent Rolls




Yummy! I saw this recipe on a blog the other day and had to try it. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the blog that I saw it in to give proper credit, sorry! Anyway, these treats are so easy and yummy, you have to try them:
Unroll dough
Spread with Nutella, crushed hazelnuts (I used pecans) & raw sugar
Roll back into crescent shapes
Place on cookie sheet & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes
Enjoy!
*Note: the first batch (pictured) came out a little pale so I brushed a little evaporated milk to the tops of the second batch before baking and those came out golden & much prettier.

Thanksgiving Day! Yay!

There's H, hamming it up (he's serving the ham)

For Thanksgiving, we went to Lorena's and Ricky's house. We had a wonderful time and the food was delicious. We are so blessed to have so many great cooks in our family! I am still getting my feet wet with the cooking but I am really enjoying it.

Piro, Mia and Mateo

I cooked (warmed) a ham and made Ina's pumpkin cupcakes with maple-cream cheese frosting! Delicioso!

The ham was a ready-made ham that just needed to be warmed up. Usually, I will add a twist to the glaze but this year, I just made it straight out of the packet. So no need to carry on with the details.

The cupcakes, on the other hand, were so moist and delicious and the frosting was just the right amount of mapley cream cheesy goodness. My sister-in-law, Iliana, shared this recipe with me that she got from House Beautiful Magazine. It is an Ina Garten recipe, so you know it's going to be good:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 extra large eggs, room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Maple Frosting (recipe follows)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped Heath bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush or spray the top of 10 muffin tins with vegetable oil and line them with paper liners.

2. Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vegetable oil. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined.

3. Divide the batter among prepared tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.

4. Spread the cupcakes with Maple Frosting and sprinkle with the chopped Heath bar bits.

Maple Frosting
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 Tbsp. Boyajian Natural Maple Flavor
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth. Stir in the maple flavoring and vanilla extract. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Note 1: I did not use the Heath bar topping because I didn't have any but found them to be just the right amount of sweet.
Note2: Since I was short on time, I did not look for the maple flavoring mentioned but I used whatever I could find at my grocery store which happened to be imitation maple flavoring. Although the frosting was yummy, I'm sure it would have been better with the one mentioned. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

Black Friday Football


The Friday after Thanksgiving is usually reserved for shopping and football. This year, we drove out to Murrieta to visit our friend, George. George also happens to be my sister-in-law, Jeanette's brother. George is an avid deep sea fisherman, and that is how he and Horacio became friends. Anyway George is a USC alumnus and a huge fan. If you don't get this within the first 30 seconds of walking into his house, you need to have your eyes examined. So all they (the boys) did on Friday was watch a marathon of football games. Fortunately, we (the girls) snuck out to do a little shopping.


I made Argentinian empanadas to take to George's. These are little hand-held meat-filled pies. They are not as laborious as I anticipated but I am still not as skilled at making pie crusts or dough. Try as I might, I just can't get it right. So these empanadas turned out a bit dry. The filling was tasty but the crust or dough was too dry. Mateo quickly reminded me of my chicken potpie with a similar fate. These, I have to say, are not worth the effort. It is much better to buy them. I won't even bore you with the recipe. If you are daring enough or have the desire to one up me, you can find plenty of recipes online.

My mom made sopes (a small fried bowl made of corn dough) for us at George's.
Of course, she had to wear a USC apron.

Happy Birthday, Cari!

My sister, Cari, is a turkey baby. I mean, her birthday always falls around Thanksgiving. This year it landed right on that day. I made her a slouchy beanie from a pattern I got at Raverly. She looks cute in it! Instead of the cotton worsted weight yarn, I used a skein of Vanna's Glamour in platinum and a skein of Vanna's Choice in linen together. It gave it a more hefty feel which is better for the season and it made a bit slouchier.





Well folks, that is it for now. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that I start a new job on Wednesday. Hooray! I will be working in the HR department at, none other than, USC. Go Trojans!

xoxo
sc

Pot Pie Thursday

I have been busily crocheting for this weekend's benefit boutique that I have not had time for much else. Let alone cook a meal for my family. Luckily for them, and me, we are blessed to have my mom so near by. On Tuesday she brought us dinner and we had that for two days.

I did unravel my fingers from my yarn last night to cook. I don't know why I chose this week to try to make Chicken Pot Pie. I've never made it before but I have been craving it. I scoured the Internet for an easy recipe but none of them were appealing to me. I finally ended up with Emeril Lagasse's recipe. It didn't seem too hard.....Let's just say, I started making them at 4 p.m. and we were eating dinner at 8 p.m. I don't know why it took so long. I was really enjoying the process of making them and I was intentionally taking my time -maybe I was subconsciously trying to get a breather from Mr. Hook for a while. Nah, I love him too much!

Anywho, everything was coming along beautifully. The chicken was moist and delicious and the filling was perfect. I was so happy and excited until I got to making the crust. Pies are not my thing. I will bake cookies, cakes, scones, muffins all day long but when it comes to pies, I choke. No punt intended. I don't know what went wrong with my crust. When it came time to roll it out, it was too dry and it kept cracking. I must have not added enough shortening or water. I did the best I could to get the cracking, breaking crust onto my dishes. Then it wouldn't brown in the oven so I had to take them out and brush some milk over them. While I was brushing, I noticed that the crusts were a bit soggy. So I raised the temperature in the oven and I baked them for about 20 minutes more. When they finally came out of the oven, they were so hot (of course), we had to wait another 30 minutes before we could eat them. When we finally sat down to eat, the pie crust was surprisingly good, after all of that....but....the filling was very dry. I think all of that extra baking time dried them out. All of that aside, they were actually very tasty. Next time they will be perfect.

Here is the play-by-play. It is really a lot of fun to make these.

For the filling: Cooked chicken, blanched potatoes and carrots, sweet peas, and celery and onions.

Lots of butter. I think that's what makes this dish so yummy.

The celery and onion are cooked in the butter until they are soft.

Flour is added to make a blond roux.

Chicken stock and cream (half & half) are added. It was already smelling so good.

The veggies and chicken go in and get mixed well.

My first mistake was to wait until I made the filling to start the crust, forgetting that it needed to be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before you can roll it out.

The recipe is for one large pie but I decided to make individual pies instead. Here are the bowls haphazardly lined with the bottom crusts.

The filling goes into the bowls.

The top crust goes on. Poke holes to let the steam escape.

Dry. Dry. Dry. But good. But dry.

So I was saying that I was getting ready for my benefit boutique. Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I decided to host a boutique party to donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research in honor of my sister-in-law, Ederlen. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, at the age of 29. She is doing well and has a great team of doctors at Cedars Sinai, but it is alarming at how pervasive this disease is. Not only is it attacking women (and men) at a younger age, the rates are scary. We have to spread awareness and find a cure. So I decided to crochet accessories and sell them at the boutique to donate a portion of the proceeds for research. We will also have other vendors at the event. Please pray that it will be a successful event.

Before I go, I wanted to share one more thing. This beautiful pillow that my mom made out of an old sweater and some crocheted flowers. I can't wait to make one myself.


Happy Friday,
SC
xoxo