Advanced Style

This is awesome. This is a fashion blog featuring fashionable "older" ladies. It's nice to see them knock the fashion world out of the park, and it's nice to see fashion on ordinary people - not just on the runway or in a magazine and it's a nice break from seeing all the 20-something Kardashian/Snooky/fill-in-the-blank perfect little hot bodies running around town.

The bio on his blog states: My name is Ari Seth Cohen. I roam the streets of New York looking for the most stylish and creative older folks. Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest. Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age

If you'd like to see some real fashion, then check out this blog: Advanced Style. And tell me what you think!

I forgot to tell you, when we were in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, I found a shop that was selling Japanese books and found several terrific craft books, at a very good price! Look what I got!

Usually when I've been in Richmond, they want around $25 for the littlest craft books and so usually I just don't buy them, but this place had very reasonable prices $7 - 15 is much better than $25 - $45!

The nice thing about the Japanese craft books is they do include a fair amount of english in them and have very good illustrations. (It would be nice to know someone who could translate them to me though.)

Now to find time to make what is in them!

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Speaking  of making things, I was asked by a photographer to make some props as she specializes in newborn photos, first up on the list - elf-type hat with a long tail! Stay tuned for other fun adorable little items:

This one is pea green and cream, I can't wait to see in on a little one's head - can't you? 

Supply and Demand

I went to buy a book yesterday, and was surprised to find the e-reader version was $20 but the actual physical paper book was only $10. The e-version doesn't need any human interaction - I pay for it, I have it transferred to my reading device and I start reading. A paper book involved paper, ink, printing, binding, transportation, etc and it's only half the price? You can read more here.

I guess that's how the music industry went - do music stores still exist? Can you still buy CDs?

Interesting lesson in business and economics don't you think?

The Second Day is Harder

Earlier this week I was back in Kelowna for another mini vacation. We returned home late Wednesday night but I was up at 6:30am Thursday morning as I'm always anxious to see Eco again  - she stays at our neighbour's house and they are early risers, so as soon as I hear them letting the dogs out, I know I can come over for Eco.

 I did okay yesterday, energy wise, but did end up skipping dance class which now I realize was a mistake.  However, this morning it was hard to get out of bed - and today it's nice and sunny and the birds are singing. But I have sooooo much work to do and it's Friday and ..... it was hard to get up. The second day is always harder, don't you think?

We had a very nice large hotel room, and I thank Jp for arranging that. It's nice having two bathrooms and a living room away from the bedroom. The first night I took a bath in the big tub but had to turn off the jets because you can't hear the TV - I know!

While Jp  was at work, I walked around the waterfront area and did some shopping. I ended up buying these craft books - which I'm not supposed to do but they were both so inspiring and the prices were good, so I couldn't resist:

I was in one store that I absolutely loved everything in it, including the cutest most original leather purses except the shop owner was too busy talking on the phone about her jewelry order and getting higher price points that she completely ignored several customers in the store, so I walked out. I liked the purses but didn't feel like giving that store my business. I guess she just doesn't care.

My upper back is sore. I was hoping to get a break from dog walking and dance to give my shoulders a break, but dragging my suitcase makes it worse. And my abs are sore from a yoga routine I did while I was away - but sore abs are much better to deal with that an aching upper back. Maybe that's just all part of getting older, don'tcha think?

So I'm back in the saddle again, 200+ emails came in  at work while I was gone so I have lots to catch up on,  but so glad it's the weekend. And glad it's sunny, we had some snow yesterday - I didn't like that at all! Soon it's time to start gardening!

Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I just finished reading one of the best books I have read in a long time. The story is written from the dog's point of view as he is aging, I don't want to say too much more because I really encourage you to read it, as I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. It had me in tears about 80% of the time, but still it was a very good book - I could barely put it down. (Ignore me, I'm a sap when it comes to most dog stories!) But this book is not just about the dog, it's about his family and the trials and tribulations his owner must endure. Go Enzo!

The official website is here.

I know I'm a little late to the party as the book has been out for a couple of years, but it's never too late to learn about a good read, is it?

That's how I've spent part of this rainy Sunday afternoon, how about you?

Last Week's Yarn Purchases

Last Friday I went to the Abbotsford Fibreswest show and picked up a few skeins of wool. I decided I'd either knit socks or use patterns from One Skein Wonders - Luxury Yarn or One Skein Wonders - Sock Yarn especially because right now I just want quick, short knitting projects.

Here's what I bought:

Malbrigo (already gave it away so I don't know more details), Araucania Ranco Multy,
Madelinetosh Sock - Iceburg, Online Super Sock Yarn

Madeline Tosh Sock Yarn - Moss, Aslan Trends - Royal Alpaca -Palm, 

Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino-Green 203, Malabrigo Uruguay Superwash Merino Sock 

Ancient Threads Farm - Sockittomme, Aslan Trends - Royal Alpaca, 

Malabrigo - Silky Merino - Forest 470. 

As you can see, I've already wound some of them into cakes so I can get started right away. And yes, I gave up on the "2010 Craft Challenge" of not buying any new yarns.

And while we're taking about shopping, I also acquired this purse last week. I wanted something a little more spring-like instead of my black leather purse:

It's made out of hemp, I bought it on Etsy, it usually looks taupe, but more frequently is seems to be on the purplish side. Believe it or not, the yarn in the top photo second from the left looks quite good with it, so I think I'll be making a light scarf or shawl to wear with this purse.

Next I hope you'll be able to follow along as I knit up these fabulous yarns!

I'm getting back into it

Maybe because it's frickin' pouring rain (sorry mom) and maybe because it's almost fall, but I'm slowly getting into the craft thing again. Oh and also because I've been thinking about some things I want to make for Christmas presents (don't worry Jp, I won't make anything for you).

This weekend I started on some socks. First I tried a toe-up pattern on two circular needles after learning Judy's Magic Cast-on  thanks to a video by the charming and wonderful Cat Bordhi. However,  without 2 of the same sized circular needles, it wasn't working so well so I decided I'd better do things correctly, and wait until I get the correct needles. Meanwhile, I frogged what I had done and started a pair of socks from Sock Innovation a book by my favourite sock designer Cookie A. All of Cookie A's sock patterns work for me, she has never let me down - so I'll give it a whirl until I get the correct sized circular needles and can try toe-up socks again.

I'm also thinking about starting a crochet project, some lacy arm warmers to go with the shorter sleeved jackets and coats for this season. I always like crocheting. I just need to wind the yarn into a ball (it's in a hank right now) and then I get get started with some lovely undyed baby alpaca - mmm, soft. And filling up on some inspiration from this site - Nicole Gastonguay.

Work is not going well for me these days. It's very frustrating and exhausting but I kinda need to stay there for a while so I am looking for things that will restore what it takes out of me. If feel so drained by the time my day is done, and if I let myself I'd probably spend all weekend in bed vegging in front of the TV. Maybe forcing myself to work on some crafts will help, along with some deadlines (Christmas shipping!). I'm also taking a course from the community and getting back into yoga again after taking August off. I'd like to find something for Eco and I to do again - some more trick classes or something but so far I haven't found anything that's not too far away - which is frequently a problem living this far out of the city. I think I might have a little chat with my doctor as well - see if there's another reason for my ennui.

If you know of anything that would help me - please leave me a comment (except if it's for Viagra or one of these other spammy messages!)

Kitchen Facelift

We spent the day taking the doors off all the kitchen cabinets, stripping the old paint, sanding and applying new paint. It doesn't sound like much but that was the whole day for 2 of us. Tomorrow we'll paint the backs and on Monday we'll give a second coat to the doors. And then we can put them all back!

My hands are a bit achy from the painting, so I'm not so sure if I'll pick up my knitting needles tonight - I'm just working on a stockinette stitch sock with a variegated winter wool. (photos to come).

In the mean time - hey sock knitters - check out this new book - One Skein Wonders for Sock Yarn! I think that is very awesome!

First I need to paint a few more things in my house before the rain and winter begins to set in, and then I can resume knitting up a storm!

Nontraditional Easter

We have a very nontraditional Easter - that's our tradition!

Instead of turkey or ham, this year we had meatloaf - in the shape of an egg and decorated like one using mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, bacon, mustard, ketchup and mayo. (I know, it's very hard to tell from this photo-but the boys were dying to dig in so I couldn't make them wait any longer while I fiddled with the camera.)

Not a diet meal, I know. 

As well, we don't give gifts to each other, instead, we head to Granville Street in Vancouver and buy books and magazines at Oscars Art Books and the magazine store next door. Sadly this time, I didn't really find any books this time though, but I did get some magazines:

I put the magazines on the floor, and Eco lay down in front of them, so I decided to include her in the photo since it was her idea.

On our way back to the car, we stopped into a kitchen ware store and found these awesome ice cube trays. One is called 'Gin and Titonic' and the cubes are shaped like the Titanic and icebergs. The other one makes the cubes in the shape of gemstones (Cool Jewels). 

Creepy + Crochet + Book = awesome

It's book review time!

If you're a crocheter and a fan of cute and creepy things - then I bet you will love this book!


I just got this book, oh oh oh oh oh.... so many adorable things to make! I'm going through my stash right after I finish typing so I can make a creature or two! And then I'm going to buy some Fimo so I can make that little grim reaper's scythe too. Other creatures include: Devil, Nosferatu, Queen Vampire, Skeleton Bride & Groom, Corporate Zombie, Trojan, Spartan, Ninja, Monkey and Robot plus more!

Anyway, that's all I got today, have yourself a good weekend.

Where have I been?

And where has the time gone? Wowza. What have I been doing? Well first I've been fighting a sore throat, which for me usually means antibiotics, but I think I've won the battle this time. If you count not having a sore throat but a cold - a win. Well, the cold's not that bad - especially with some Daytime Tylenol Cold Medicine . But you know, my head's still somewhere else, and my body is cold. All day long I'm cold. In fact, I've been wearing my boots and a knitted hat in the house all day today! I guess I should try the age-old remedy of " a hot toddy and a warm body". Now, I gotta wait for JP to come home.

I'm going to make a loaf of bread (well the bread machine will make it) and we'll have soup and sandwiches for dinner tonight. That sounds like good food for a cold doesn't it?

I have been on a book buying binge, mostly for presents but here are two of my favorites that I am keeping for myself: Mary Jane's Stitching Room by Maryjane Butters includes embroidery and tatting and applique and crochet in a wonderful warm and cozy format. I think I bought it more for the old-fashioned down home goodness it seemed to emit.

Pet Heaven by Sally Muir & Joanna Osborne - This has wonderful ideas for pets - not just dogs and cats, but hamsters, birds and turtles too. Like a little hut for your hamster and a bird cage cover (which I've been wanting to do for a while for my canary but just haven't gotten to it) and a knitted wire feeder for the birds outside too, plus lots of dog and cat clothes and accessories including collars and toys. And this is the first project I will make - the Anti-Firework Dog Balaclava: I'm gonna make it really thick, so my goofy dog can't hear anything! Then we can all have peace at last.

Right after I finish making my mum's sweater - just got the top of one sleeve left to knit, the blocking and the sewing together left to do - all the hard stuff remains.