SEO, search engine optimization. I'm still not sure I fully understand how the optimization part of it works, but I do try to think about using "key words" in blog entries and crochet tips on Lifetips. I watched a webinar today about some new tech tools that Lifetips is rolling out to help us Gurus post more tips and get our books ready, so it was pretty motivating. I like the fact that they seem re-energized themselves about their mission and seem open to innovative ideas (soon including the posting of YouTube videos!). I'm looking forward to more webinars, especially the one about SEO.
Oh, but more importantly, a special offer for this anniversary month -- the BOGO offer -- buy one, get one free! If you buy a pattern on Ravelry (just click on the icon to the left) and send me an email telling which other pattern of the same or lesser price you want, I will email it to you for free :-) This offer is good until April 30, 2010, and don't worry about registering your information with Ravelry, you will be glad you did. It's very secure, and they make payment and download so easy! I'm hoping to get a few new patterns posted soon, so go set up your Ravelry account!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 50 -- The banquet is in the first bite. A great reminder to slow down and enjoy the taste of your food. As Mr. Pollen says, no bite is as good as the first, and each subsequent bite will give you less and less satisfaction. We've tried to implement this rule just by slowing down and savoring each bite and trying to stop before we feel all bloated and stuffed. One strategy we use in restaurants involves cutting everything in half and asking for the doggy bag up front!
Showing posts with label food rules. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food rules. Show all posts
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Blog Round-Up -- the Yarn Stash
FaveCrafts has a blog round-up each month, and this month's question is "Where do you buy your yarn?" You'd think the answer would be simple, but I really had to think about how I go about getting yarn. I think, initially, like most people, I go to a local yarn store or chain craft store to see what's new and FEEL it. There's just no substitute for feeling the yarn strand between your fingers to figure out how soft or firm it is, how thick or thin it is, and how hard or easy it is going to be to work with it (someday, maybe our computer monitors will simulate sensations!). But, I have to admit, if I want to buy more of a yarn I am already familiar with, then I do get online and start searching for the cheapest price I can find (and, of course, shipping has to get factored in, but, often, you can order online and not have to pay sales tax, so it probably averages out).
Lately, I've been wanting to experiment with "yarn substitutes", and I enjoyed working with the nylon twine from the hardware store! I read an article recently in Inside Crochet magazine about using cassette tape for crochet, so I'm looking forward to giving that a try soon, and, of course, I will report about it here :-)
Right now, I am just looking forward to having the next 2 days off from work so I can get a grip (you know, just knock out all those things still hanging over my head!) Of course, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous in DC the next few days, so visiting the cherry blossoms will probably move to the top of the list before other things....
Today's Thought: Rule # 11 -- Avoid foods you see advertised on TV. Only the biggest food companies can afford to advertise on television, so whether or not the latest formulations of their products really are more healthful or not, you should try to avoid getting sucked in to the hype. We started to count how many commercials were for processed food or chain restaurants, and the numbers were amazing. By just paying attention, we've become more sensitive to realizing that we want something just because the jingle was catchy, not because we really think it's going to be good for us or actually tasty.
Lately, I've been wanting to experiment with "yarn substitutes", and I enjoyed working with the nylon twine from the hardware store! I read an article recently in Inside Crochet magazine about using cassette tape for crochet, so I'm looking forward to giving that a try soon, and, of course, I will report about it here :-)
Right now, I am just looking forward to having the next 2 days off from work so I can get a grip (you know, just knock out all those things still hanging over my head!) Of course, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous in DC the next few days, so visiting the cherry blossoms will probably move to the top of the list before other things....
Today's Thought: Rule # 11 -- Avoid foods you see advertised on TV. Only the biggest food companies can afford to advertise on television, so whether or not the latest formulations of their products really are more healthful or not, you should try to avoid getting sucked in to the hype. We started to count how many commercials were for processed food or chain restaurants, and the numbers were amazing. By just paying attention, we've become more sensitive to realizing that we want something just because the jingle was catchy, not because we really think it's going to be good for us or actually tasty.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
So Tired...
This has been such a slow moving week in many ways, but at least it is finally Thursday. I just need to make it to Saturday :-)
I did get the Easter project done! I was in the hardware store last weekend and saw this really cool nylon twine in all sorts of bright colors. I'd say it's probably DK weight (about 11-12 wpi), and I bought a spool of hot pink. Here are the results!
I did get the Easter project done! I was in the hardware store last weekend and saw this really cool nylon twine in all sorts of bright colors. I'd say it's probably DK weight (about 11-12 wpi), and I bought a spool of hot pink. Here are the results!
The pattern is available on my designer page on Ravelry and hopefully soon on FaveCrafts.
This weekend, the plan is to regroup, get mom's vest finally done, and design the pattern for the upcoming Yarn Club shipment!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 33 -- Eat some foods that have been predigested by bacteria or fungi. Ok, that just sounds too funky, but the point really is to add some fermented foods to your diet, like yogurt, soy sauce, and sour dough bread (for those of you with more exotic tastes, sauerkraut and kimchi count too). These foods are good sources of B12 vitamins, which you can't get from plants, and probiotics that improve digestion and the immune system. We've been adding a scoop of plain nonfat yogurt to our plates at dinner time and have been using it instead of sour cream.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Radio Show Coming Up!!
Oooo, the countdown has begun! I'm putting the finishing touches on my segment this Sunday on FaveCrafts Radio. In some ways, 10 minutes can be a loooooong time; in some ways, how am I going to say everything I want to?! FaveCrafts has set up another designer page for me: http://www.favecrafts.com/Craft-Designers/Phyllis-Serbes and Caley Walsh has been blogging about the upcoming show too: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/favecrafts-radio-march-21-2010/
FaveCrafts Radio is a weekly radio show hosted by Tiffany Windsor with creative ideas and your favorite craft experts and celebrities. FaveCrafts Radio airs live on BlogTalkRadio on Sunday nights from 7 – 8:00 pm (ET) (6 pm Central, 5 pm Mountain, 4 pm Pacific). Archived podcasts can be streamed directly from the website or downloaded for free through iTunes.Visit http://www.favecraftsradio.com/.
I'm really looking forward to hearing what Mark Montano is going to talk about. He's got a book called Big Ass Book on Home Decor, and he's going to give away 2 autographed copies during the show!
Ok, time to face the real world!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 17 -- Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans. I think this is Mr. Pollan's way to remind you not to eat processed foods that have way too much salt, fat, and sugar in them. Now, he also points out the human chefs in restaurants often cook with too much salt, fat, and sugar too, so he advises treating eating out as a special occasion. I have to admit, we eat out probably at least 1 or 2 times a week, but we try to pick restaurants that we know have healthy choices and use local fresh ingredients.
FaveCrafts Radio is a weekly radio show hosted by Tiffany Windsor with creative ideas and your favorite craft experts and celebrities. FaveCrafts Radio airs live on BlogTalkRadio on Sunday nights from 7 – 8:00 pm (ET) (6 pm Central, 5 pm Mountain, 4 pm Pacific). Archived podcasts can be streamed directly from the website or downloaded for free through iTunes.Visit http://www.favecraftsradio.com/.
I'm really looking forward to hearing what Mark Montano is going to talk about. He's got a book called Big Ass Book on Home Decor, and he's going to give away 2 autographed copies during the show!
Ok, time to face the real world!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 17 -- Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans. I think this is Mr. Pollan's way to remind you not to eat processed foods that have way too much salt, fat, and sugar in them. Now, he also points out the human chefs in restaurants often cook with too much salt, fat, and sugar too, so he advises treating eating out as a special occasion. I have to admit, we eat out probably at least 1 or 2 times a week, but we try to pick restaurants that we know have healthy choices and use local fresh ingredients.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Blogging Blues
Dah, I still can't get the blog posts to automatically feed to my Facebook fan page! Well, nothing like a challenge to drive you crazy...
I'm happy to report that it drove me to work on mom's vest :-) The right side is almost done, and as soon as that is fixed just right, I know the back and left side will fall into place so to speak. Of course, I'm going end up finishing this vest just in time for spring, but I think she wanted it for wearing around the house anyway, so with air conditioning kicking in soon, I hope it will still be useful for her.
I've got some new tips up on the http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/ site as well -- some new advanced stitches to check out! I think I'm getting close to being able to put together a book of tips. I really want to make it different than some of the other tip books coming out these days (I have to say, Lily Chin's new book and "The Crochet Answer Book" are excellent), so any suggestions would be most welcome.
Ok, I gotta go get ready for the day ahead -- please visit and fan my "new" Many Creative Gifts fan page, and more new news will be coming from me soon.
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 43 -- Have a glass of wine with dinner. Mr. Pollan immediately says that it is not a magic bullet but that there is a growing body of evidence that moderate amounts of alcohol, especially red wine, have health benefits and is partially the explanation for why the French and Mediterranean diets are so considered so good for you. Its positive effects on heart health especially are touted. He recommends no more than 2 drinks per day for a man, 1 for a woman. We certainly have had fun implementing this rule! We don't do it every night because, often, we've got more things to do before bedtime, but especially those nights where we are trying to implement the Rules, a little vino with dinner does the trick!
I'm happy to report that it drove me to work on mom's vest :-) The right side is almost done, and as soon as that is fixed just right, I know the back and left side will fall into place so to speak. Of course, I'm going end up finishing this vest just in time for spring, but I think she wanted it for wearing around the house anyway, so with air conditioning kicking in soon, I hope it will still be useful for her.
I've got some new tips up on the http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/ site as well -- some new advanced stitches to check out! I think I'm getting close to being able to put together a book of tips. I really want to make it different than some of the other tip books coming out these days (I have to say, Lily Chin's new book and "The Crochet Answer Book" are excellent), so any suggestions would be most welcome.
Ok, I gotta go get ready for the day ahead -- please visit and fan my "new" Many Creative Gifts fan page, and more new news will be coming from me soon.
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 43 -- Have a glass of wine with dinner. Mr. Pollan immediately says that it is not a magic bullet but that there is a growing body of evidence that moderate amounts of alcohol, especially red wine, have health benefits and is partially the explanation for why the French and Mediterranean diets are so considered so good for you. Its positive effects on heart health especially are touted. He recommends no more than 2 drinks per day for a man, 1 for a woman. We certainly have had fun implementing this rule! We don't do it every night because, often, we've got more things to do before bedtime, but especially those nights where we are trying to implement the Rules, a little vino with dinner does the trick!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Facebook Fan Page!
Hoorah! I managed to get a Many Creative Gifts business fan page up and running. Unfortunately, it was not due to the $89 webinar that I signed up for, but that was my fault, I should have signed up for the advanced class, go figure! But, really, not to take away $$ from such webinars, etc., but there are so many free resources on the web -- if you are willing to search around (I typed in "facebook business page") and take the extra time to read through different sites and advice and piece it together, you can do it free. In a way, I don't regret spending the $89 itself though because that's what made me actually sit down and stick with the fan page until I got it almost the way I want it; I just wish the $$ had gone to the person who actually helped me the most. Please check out her fabulous site http://www.eleen.com/ She's a crafter, a small business owner, and a helpful techie!
Hee, hee, I guess now I will find out if the link between this blog and the fan page works! I was told by tech support that, after setting up the link, all future blog posts will automatically go to FB; if I want old posts on there, I need to do it manually. Cross your fingers!
And, please do become a fan of Many Creative Gifts!! Just click on the widget that you'll find on the left panel. Thanks!!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 57 -- Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does. This rule is pretty self-explanatory, but Mr. Pollan does point out that, except for milk and water, everything else in gas station "grocery" stores are highly processed snack foods and over-large soft drinks. And, frankly, that's where they make there money, not by selling gas! We avoid this temptation by sticking to our local gas station that just repairs cars and offers car washes, no snacks.
Hee, hee, I guess now I will find out if the link between this blog and the fan page works! I was told by tech support that, after setting up the link, all future blog posts will automatically go to FB; if I want old posts on there, I need to do it manually. Cross your fingers!
And, please do become a fan of Many Creative Gifts!! Just click on the widget that you'll find on the left panel. Thanks!!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 57 -- Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does. This rule is pretty self-explanatory, but Mr. Pollan does point out that, except for milk and water, everything else in gas station "grocery" stores are highly processed snack foods and over-large soft drinks. And, frankly, that's where they make there money, not by selling gas! We avoid this temptation by sticking to our local gas station that just repairs cars and offers car washes, no snacks.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Yikes, It's Sunday Afternoon!
So, you ever feel like you're running as fast and hard as you can, but you're not getting anywhere?! Sigh, that's how my weekend has been so far. I think I've gotten some cleaning and organizing done, but have I got that much to show for it? Is mom's vest finished? Is my paperwork done? I'm sure you know where I'm going with this...
I keep telling myself "bite size pieces Phyllis", but I'm not always good at listening, even to myself ;-) But, at least I've made it onto the internet to post and I'll see how productive I can be (while still running around and getting some laundry done).
I did want to tell you about an interesting site I came across http://www.craftgawker.com/ It's got really beautiful craft items, art, photography, just amazing things on it. I don't think the pictures of my items are good enough yet for this site, but one can aspire :-)
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 37 -- The Whiter the Bread, the Sooner You'll be Dead. Well, that's a downer, but the point is that white flour really isn't any different for you than sugar. It lacks in fiber, any of the Vitamin B complexes, and healthy fats. Eating whole grains is definitely the way to go. How have we been implementing this rule? We dusted off the bread machine that I got years ago when it was the rage and have fired it up, using our own natural ingredients. Alternatively, we haven't bought bread that comes in a plastic bag in a long time -- we go straight to the bakery section in the grocery and pick out a freshly baked whole grain loaf.
I keep telling myself "bite size pieces Phyllis", but I'm not always good at listening, even to myself ;-) But, at least I've made it onto the internet to post and I'll see how productive I can be (while still running around and getting some laundry done).
I did want to tell you about an interesting site I came across http://www.craftgawker.com/ It's got really beautiful craft items, art, photography, just amazing things on it. I don't think the pictures of my items are good enough yet for this site, but one can aspire :-)
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 37 -- The Whiter the Bread, the Sooner You'll be Dead. Well, that's a downer, but the point is that white flour really isn't any different for you than sugar. It lacks in fiber, any of the Vitamin B complexes, and healthy fats. Eating whole grains is definitely the way to go. How have we been implementing this rule? We dusted off the bread machine that I got years ago when it was the rage and have fired it up, using our own natural ingredients. Alternatively, we haven't bought bread that comes in a plastic bag in a long time -- we go straight to the bakery section in the grocery and pick out a freshly baked whole grain loaf.
Monday, February 15, 2010
First Yarn Club Shipment!
The first shipment for the Crocheters' Yarn Club is ready to go! I love this month's yarn -- it's Shi Bui's Baby Alpaca DK yarn made of 100 percent baby alpaca. The company is based in Portland, Oregon, and I liked the fact that "shi bui" in Japanese means "elegant with a touch of bitterness". It works up into such a soft fabric with a nice light spring to it. The color tones and variations in the Spruce are subtle, ranging from a dark blue to a slightly lighter dark blue. The pattern I fashioned to take advantage of these qualities is a Rippled Beret with an accent flower (available separately in my Ravelry and Lulu shops for those not in the club).
The other goodies in the shipment include a Bamboo crochet hook, some Japanese Cherry loose tea (sticking with the Japanese theme :-) and a MCG nylon project bag.
The other goodies in the shipment include a Bamboo crochet hook, some Japanese Cherry loose tea (sticking with the Japanese theme :-) and a MCG nylon project bag.
Ok, so stay tuned for what surprises will be in store for the April shipment!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 14 -- Eat foods made from ingredients that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature. So, implementing this rule hasn't been too hard, it really just means eating as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. Last night, we made beet greens sauted with olive oil, garlic, ginger, and a little bit of harissa sauce. Mmm, mmm!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Creativity
So, I was posting today's promo link on Etsy for the Etsy Hookers (I know, I know, referring to crocheters as "hookers" is a whole topic of its own!) and came across some really interesting articles geared towards those creative people who want to sell their creative works. One article's title really caught my eye: "Free is Not a Marketing Tool." http://makeandmeaning.com/2010/02/04/free-is-not-a-marketing-tool/ It's a short, good read for anyone navigating the challenging waters of online presence and market establishment. It highlights a message I've been trying to get out there regarding all facets of life: don't ever do something you wouldn't otherwise do just because you're hoping to get something in return for it (unless that return you're expecting is making the other person happy for the sake of adding happiness and joy to the world). Call it karma, call it whatever you want, but be pure and sincere in what you are doing, and believe me, your rewards will come!
Ok, enough philosophy for today :-) I'm finishing up the pattern that will be included in this month's Yarn Club shipment! Despite all the crazy weather, I'm thinking this month's shipment will still be relatively on time, and I will post all the details and pictures early next week.
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 19 -- If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't. So, how to live by this rule? For starters, try going for a week, or even just a few days, without eating anything from a package. It'll be come easier when the Farmers' Markets start opening again :-)
Ok, enough philosophy for today :-) I'm finishing up the pattern that will be included in this month's Yarn Club shipment! Despite all the crazy weather, I'm thinking this month's shipment will still be relatively on time, and I will post all the details and pictures early next week.
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 19 -- If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't. So, how to live by this rule? For starters, try going for a week, or even just a few days, without eating anything from a package. It'll be come easier when the Farmers' Markets start opening again :-)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Rippled Heart
Whew, so with a few days to spare, I posted my Rippled Heart pattern on Ravelry last night.
It's a fun V-day project, and I was thinking, if you make 2 of them and sew/slip stitch them together, what a cute change purse it would make!
Other than that, I'm getting ready to venture out and try to go to the grocery store to get some additional provisions before the next storm hits! The TV news folks are still saying 10 to 20 more inches, starting around 3 PM today and going until 7 PM tomorrow. Although I am starting to really enjoy this new lifestyle of mine (get up, do an exercise video, change into clean sweatpants, and start crocheting while watching the soaps or a Gilmore Girls rerun... oh, and lots of sorta healthy snacking!), I feel like real life is going to intrude soon enough, and I'll be too soft to return to it. Oh well, I guess I'll just milk it as long as I can, then face the music when the time comes :-)
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 4 -- Avoid food products containing high fructose corn syrup. Mr. Pollan says that it's not because HFCS is any worse for you than sugar but because it is highly processed. He also points out that we get a lot of it unknowingly because it is in a lot of foods that have not traditionally been sweetened, like breads, condiments, and snack foods. Even if products say "no HFCS" or "real cane sugar", don't fall for it -- sugar is sugar, and we need to cut down on it. So, how have I been implementing this rule? I've cut out sodas almost exclusively from my diet. It was tough at first, but by switching to real fruit juice with a splash of club soda or sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea, it hasn't been so bad. I did break down and buy some of the Pepsi Throwback, which is made with real sugar. Even though it's not any better than the soda with HFCS, at least it's not as processed and I think it tastes less sweet.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Snowtastrophy!
Or Snowmaggedon, or Snowpocalyps -- pick your preferred name, but any way you look at it, we've had A LOT of snow. It definitely is different from the storm in December; this one is much denser, icier, just more, more, more. Went walking around a bit, and it's getting colder too, which is definitely not going to help the icy parts. But, it is all very beautiful...
It's been a good crochet day, Mom's Vest now has a back to it and one side. I'm hoping to get the other side done tonight, then it's time for her to try it on again.
I've also been doing a little bit of online shopping. I have to chuckle when I think about how hesitant I was to shop at Amazon when they first got started, I mean, seriously, they were collecting information about me, how shocking. Now, heck, I let them keep my credit card numbers on file so I can one-click order! Besides a couple of new crochet books and some Pyrex glass containers (I'm really try to eliminate using plastic as much as possible), the really exciting purchase I made was a USB microphone that's supposed to be appropriate for podcasting -- I think I am going to take the plunge!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 26 - Drink the Spinach Water. Mr. Pollan explains that the water in which fresh vegetables are cooked is rich in vitamins and other vegetable compounds, so you should keep that water to use in making soups and sauces. So, I kept the water in which I cooked a bunch of beets and actually drank it straight! I have to say, maybe it's psychological to an extent, but I always feel better after taking a swig or two of the beet water ;-)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Let It SNOW!
Argh, I'm feeling like I'm back in upstate New York but without the clean-up! We've had so much snow here in DC, and it's beautiful and all, but really, people around here can't handle it, and I'm starting to get cabin fever. Another big snow is predicted for this weekend, so most likely, another weekend of postponing errands. Well, the upside definitely has been the chance to snuggle up and crochet! Full steam ahead with Mom's Vest, that project remains numero uno priority. I've also got another heart pattern that I've been doublechecking and hopefully will have out in time for Valentine's Day; otherwise, I'll make you all wait til next year ;-)
Nothing on the techie front to report either, though I'm still determined to get my actual website up and running. It has slid in priority, though, since I've been discovering ways to make the blog more interactive and have really been concentrating on developing the crochet tips content. I'm still toying with getting a podcast going as well, but believe me, you don't want to hear my voice right now with the lingering congestion! So, we'll see... baby steps!!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 58 -- Do all of your eating at a table. And, no, a desk doesn't count. Mr. Pollan rightly points out that, when we eat while we're working or driving or watching TV, we tend to eat mindlessly and without attention. So, we end up eating much more than if we were at the dining room table without distractions. So, last night, dinner was served at the dining room table, with no TV or radio on in the background. As a result, we had a nice meal and good conversation (we talked about how in the world humans ever discovered how to make bread!)
Nothing on the techie front to report either, though I'm still determined to get my actual website up and running. It has slid in priority, though, since I've been discovering ways to make the blog more interactive and have really been concentrating on developing the crochet tips content. I'm still toying with getting a podcast going as well, but believe me, you don't want to hear my voice right now with the lingering congestion! So, we'll see... baby steps!!
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 58 -- Do all of your eating at a table. And, no, a desk doesn't count. Mr. Pollan rightly points out that, when we eat while we're working or driving or watching TV, we tend to eat mindlessly and without attention. So, we end up eating much more than if we were at the dining room table without distractions. So, last night, dinner was served at the dining room table, with no TV or radio on in the background. As a result, we had a nice meal and good conversation (we talked about how in the world humans ever discovered how to make bread!)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Last Day for Joining Yarn Club!
If you want in on the Yarn Club, order before midnight EST tomorrow February 1st! I'll need to shut down subscriptions then in order to know how many packages to prepare by mid-February, the first shipment.
Wow, hard to believe it's almost February! Mom's vest is coming along nicely (one side done, now on the back panel) and I've got a couple of other projects in the works. I actually broke out the sewing machine yesterday to come up with some linings for 2 crocheted handbags I just finished, but now, I think I need to hand sew them into place, so that still awaits. Tonight, my plan is to add some tips to http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/, then work on Mom's Vest while watching the Pro Bowl :-)
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 56: limit your snacks to unprocessed plant foods. Thanks to my husband, he came up with a delicious and satisfying snack yesterday -- slices of green peppers with a little bit of cottage cheese and blueberries. He seasoned each one with a little bit of pepper as well. Mmmm, mmmmm!
Wow, hard to believe it's almost February! Mom's vest is coming along nicely (one side done, now on the back panel) and I've got a couple of other projects in the works. I actually broke out the sewing machine yesterday to come up with some linings for 2 crocheted handbags I just finished, but now, I think I need to hand sew them into place, so that still awaits. Tonight, my plan is to add some tips to http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/, then work on Mom's Vest while watching the Pro Bowl :-)
Today's Thought: Food Rule # 56: limit your snacks to unprocessed plant foods. Thanks to my husband, he came up with a delicious and satisfying snack yesterday -- slices of green peppers with a little bit of cottage cheese and blueberries. He seasoned each one with a little bit of pepper as well. Mmmm, mmmmm!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Valentine's Day Crafts eBook
Yippee, so my simple red and pink crocheted hearts are featured in a Valentine's Day Crafts eBook that you can download for free at http://www.favecraftsblog.com/special-feature-valentines-day-blogger-ebook/
The hearts work up really quickly, so you've still got plenty of time to make some by V-Day :-)
So, I am feeling a lot better thankfully, and I have to say, the sight of $$ hitting my PayPal account has definitely lifted my spirits! My Scalloped Baby Hat Pattern and the hat itself sold within hours of my posting them. I'm so happy when I can come up with a crochet pattern that people want to make (and buy, of course, but really, it's about more than that) or want me to make for them. It's like, wow, I created something that others like and appreciate and hopefully got a happy moment from. In many ways, that's what this is about for me -- spreading pretty and happy things into the world (hey, I give out a lot of free patterns too, so you know I'm keeping it real here). I love looking on my Ravelry account and seeing the hearts that crocheters have given some of my projects. Sorry if that sounds sappy, but come on, we need to hold on to all the pretty and happy things we can these days... For you cynics out there, yes, I will freely admit that the ka-ching in my PayPal account is pretty and happy too ;-)
And, to that end, my wonderful blog readers, if you would like to purchase the Scalloped Baby Hat pattern too, I'm offering it at a 10% discount on the left panel of the blog. After your purchase, I will email the pattern to you as a PDF document within 48 hours (probably even sooner!). Thanks very much for reading and following MCG!
Today's Thought: So, I have started to read Michael Pollan's Food Rules and really want to start following them as best as possible. I think I will dedicate this part of the blog to that endeavor, sharing with you a food rule of the day and ways I'm trying to follow it. Stay tuned!
The hearts work up really quickly, so you've still got plenty of time to make some by V-Day :-)
So, I am feeling a lot better thankfully, and I have to say, the sight of $$ hitting my PayPal account has definitely lifted my spirits! My Scalloped Baby Hat Pattern and the hat itself sold within hours of my posting them. I'm so happy when I can come up with a crochet pattern that people want to make (and buy, of course, but really, it's about more than that) or want me to make for them. It's like, wow, I created something that others like and appreciate and hopefully got a happy moment from. In many ways, that's what this is about for me -- spreading pretty and happy things into the world (hey, I give out a lot of free patterns too, so you know I'm keeping it real here). I love looking on my Ravelry account and seeing the hearts that crocheters have given some of my projects. Sorry if that sounds sappy, but come on, we need to hold on to all the pretty and happy things we can these days... For you cynics out there, yes, I will freely admit that the ka-ching in my PayPal account is pretty and happy too ;-)
And, to that end, my wonderful blog readers, if you would like to purchase the Scalloped Baby Hat pattern too, I'm offering it at a 10% discount on the left panel of the blog. After your purchase, I will email the pattern to you as a PDF document within 48 hours (probably even sooner!). Thanks very much for reading and following MCG!
Today's Thought: So, I have started to read Michael Pollan's Food Rules and really want to start following them as best as possible. I think I will dedicate this part of the blog to that endeavor, sharing with you a food rule of the day and ways I'm trying to follow it. Stay tuned!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Silver Lining
Well, I'm starting to feel better, though I'm still sooooo congested! Oh well, at least I think I've lost some of my holiday weight (the silver lining!). I'm hoping taking it easy for another few days will do the trick...
Otherwise, not much to report. I've gotten a few more tips up on the Lifetips site, so I think I'm on track to hit 101 within my self-imposed deadline. Stay tuned!
Today's Thought: If you haven't seen Food Inc. yet, see it! Michael Pollan was on Oprah yesterday, talking about the movie and his new book Food Rules -- it's all quite eye opening, but knowledge is power!
Otherwise, not much to report. I've gotten a few more tips up on the Lifetips site, so I think I'm on track to hit 101 within my self-imposed deadline. Stay tuned!
Today's Thought: If you haven't seen Food Inc. yet, see it! Michael Pollan was on Oprah yesterday, talking about the movie and his new book Food Rules -- it's all quite eye opening, but knowledge is power!
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