Thich Nhat Hanh on Mindfullness

Beloved, I am here for you

A must read article just came across my desk and I have to share with those of us who love our pets like family. Click the link below and read the article for yourself.

Food Pets Die For

share it with as many people as possible and maybe we can make a difference.

Thich Nhat Hanh - On Letting Go

Yoga for better digestion. Reduce bloating, gas, and constipation (+play...

Yoga for a Better Digestion. Poses to help bloating and constipation

Just finished my new Sheep modification and wrote the pattern down to be seamless. This sheep was made for a friend who is crazy about Zombies ... so I knitted this toy for her dog. The hatchet is in his hand and attached to his head intentionally. This makes a great place for the dog to pick up toy (after all it is a small  Chihuahua).
Go to Ravelry to get the free pattern.

 

My Little Cable Bag is finished.

I finally finished the pattern for the Little Cable Bag, and here it is:

Find the pattern in Ravelry: look for "Ladychatia" in designer page Maria Rei-Rod

"No Bake Cashew Goodies" Ingredients: 1/2 cup stevia 4 tablespoons cocoa 1/2 stick butter 1/4 cup almond milk 1/2 cup Cashew butter or Almond Butter 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups chopped cashews (substitute with favorite nuts like hazelnut, almond, pecans) Sesame seeds or shredded coconut (unsweetened) Waxed paper Directions: In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, coconut butter, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add cashew butter or substitute with almond butter, vanilla and chopped nuts. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonful, sprinkle with sesame seeds or coconut shredding, let set until cooled and hardened.

I found a new product in the market that works wonders; proven to do as it advertises. "LIFELINE A HANGOVER DEFENCE" A natural supplement with vitamin and minerals. A product developed and made in IRELAND. LifeLine is the first hangover defence targeted at beating those morning after blues. whether drinking at home or on a night out, two capsules at the start of a moderate night drinking is all it takes to feel less tired, less nauseous, more alert and ready to face the challenges of the next day. If you are interested in trying it out, the website will be up soon... www.LessHangovers.com HOW DOES IT WORK? Activated charcoal acts like a sponge, absorbing the elements in beers, wine and spirit that causes hangovers. Aquamin is an unique Irish ingredient consisting of calcium and magnesium carbonates, and is an antacid which settles the stomach, removing the acidic feeling which often comes after drinking. Vitamin B has been shown to help the body repair itself and also reduce the same of the symptoms of hangovers. Vitamin C helps revive the body after drinking. CAN YOU PROVE IT? Yes they can - LifeLine has been on Irish shelves for nearly 9 years - if it didn't work it wouldn't command the repeat sale it does. Each dose (2 capsules) is sufficient for up to 8 drinks! WILL IT REDUCE THE BUZZ? No. LifeLine does not prevent intoxication or absorb alcohol. We recommend that you DRINK RESPONSIBLY. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Yummy "HOME MADE CHILI' and more

It's been a while since my last post but life happens and sometimes gets in the way of what you really want to do. When I finish the new patterns (hopefully soon) I will post a few of them free, but for now I am just sharing news, views and cooking.

One of my favorite recipes "HOME MADE CHILI" Who says a hearty meal has to be a diet destroyer? Here is a great chili recipe for under 500 calories. time prep: 15 min;total: 2 hrs in a slow cooker; servings total: 4 servings, 1 cup each; what you need: 1 teaspoon of canola or olive oil 1/2 lb. each boneless beef and pork for stew, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 3/4 large onion, chopped 1/2 large each red and green pepper, chopped 1 can stewing tomatoes or 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped 1 cloves medium-size garlic cloves, minced 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced into rounds or small squares 1 stalked of celery chopped in small slices 1 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp cumin 1/4 tbsp oregano 1 can chicken or beef broth 1 cups cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained chopped cilantro add corn, zucchini, optional. Directions: In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium high heat. Saute the beef and pork to seal the juices then add onions, garlic, celery and carrots; sauté until onion is translucent. Add all peppers, zucchini and corn; sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato juice. Then add all salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Stir well. Add chicken or beef stock until liquid covers all ingredients in the crock pot. Slow cook for at least 2 hours. Best taste on the second day when keeped refrigerated.

Below is his Dr. Oz-approved turkey chili recipe to keep your heart healthy and strong. Heart Smart Turkey Chili Ingredients: 1 lb extra lean ground turkey 1 green pepper 1 medium onion, chopped 1 red pepper 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic 1 package of low-sodium chili seasoning 1 (28 oz.) can of crushed tomatoes 1 can of low-sodium white beans 1 can of low-sodium red beans Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Hot sauce to taste Directions: Spray bottom of pot with fat-free non-stick spray. Cook the meat over medium heat until browned. Add meat to pot with chili seasoning and combine with all other ingredients. Simmer for 30-45 minutes. ENJOY!

The Ribbed Neck Warmer improment

A few years ago I knitted a Ribbed neck warmer in a simple light color. Shown below:

I improved the pattern and made another with a front opening.

Today I tried one more time in different colors, with black yarn at the edge for contrast.

Time has passed but a good neck warmer will never be a thing of the past. ********************************************************* Check out Ravelry for the free improved pattern

Monster Mania

I've been busy knitting monsters and it has turned to an obsession... Just take a look at this:

It all started with "The Love Bug" Experiment by Kelsey Leib (also known as Caffeinated Frenzy in Ravelry). Then I knitted a few of my own designs...

This beautiful octopus turned out to have 9 legs, yes I know octo means eight not nine. But I was just having to much fun knitting and did not count the legs until I posted in the internet. Someone noticed my mistake right away and made a comment on it. Next monster was a little kitty:

How about a gingerbread gnome! I made him up with a bunch of I-cord and magic loop knitting. He is just the sweetest knitted toy standing about 4 inches.

Then there where a few more that need no explanations: This was made with the "monster chunk pattern"; check out Ravelry for more:

Little Birdie by Rebecca Danger:

Monster Chunk by Rebecca Danger. You can find the free pattern at: http://www.rebeccadanger.typepad.com/DangerCraftsMonsterChunksKnittingPattern.pdf

or find her in Ravelry under the projects "Monster chuncks"...

October 20, 2011

Beware of the crocodile:

The gang is ready to defend the territory.

Even in death the man was a genius

Healthy Recipes Quinoa with Onion, Peppers 1/4 Onion-chopped 1/3 Cup Quinoa rinsed 2 Cups Organic Chicken Broth 1/4 cup celery chopped 1/4 Cup Red,Green,Yellow Peppers-chopped or use one color if you like Spices: 1 Tsp of the following: cumin, Black Pepper, Dried Mustard, Mrs Dash Table Blend 1/2 Tsp Paprika, Sage, ground oregano, ground bay leaf 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 clove garlic minced Sea Salt to taste Large frying pan with high sides. Add oil, medium heat. Add onions, peppers and celery then Saute for 5-10 minutes. Add garlic and spices, stir. Pour in the rinsed/washed quinoa and mix well. Stir to mixed well, about a minute or so. Add chicken broth, mix well. Bring to a boil. Stir again, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. Makes approximately 2 to 3 servings. A great substitute for rice or potato and goes well with Chicken, Beef, Turkey or even Pork. Refrigerate any leftovers; then all you have to do is re-heat. I personally like to grill chicken or pork spear ribs, broccoli or mix veggies and Quinoa. Veggies on the Grill 1/2 cup broccoli cut in bite size 1/2 cup carrots sliced 1/4 cup green beans cut bite size 1/4 cup green, red and yellow peppers sliced 1/4 onions sliced With aluminum foil make a pocket and add all the ingredients. Close pocket and place in the grill for 15-20 minutes in the top rack. *CAUTION: Be careful opening the foil, contents will be extremely hot. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste. I also add oil and vinegar and serve as a salad. BREAKFAST and / or DESSERT Quinoa Apple Cinnamon 1/4 cup Quinoa rinsed 2 cups low fat milk 2 sticks cinnamon 2 tbs Xylitol 1/2 cup apples cut bite size In a saucepan at medium heat add the cinnamon, milk, and the rinsed Quinoa then bring to a boil. Lower heat and cover for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add the apples. Turn off heat cover and let stand for another 5 minutes and fluff again. Add Xylitol and serve. I am following the Anti-fungal Phase one diet, you can find it at www.knowthecause.com Check it out...

Summer has come and gone

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. The beach, the pool, and vacation time are all rolled up into a few moths of pure pleasure. And who can forget the hours of knitting near a window while watching the rain fall (except when there is a thunderstorm).
check out one of the few projects I managed to design this summer:
Delicate Apron

The pattern will be in Ravelry soon. Still have to modify some parts, and correct a few I forgot to write down. It took a few days (more like 20) to come up with the right calculation or inches versus stitches and rows. But now that it is finished I really think the time was well spent.

Vacation got in the way of my knitting but who's complaining, I really had lots of fun this summer. Here a only a few of the pictures, I managed to take over a thousand pictures this trip alone. An unforgettable trip that will last a lifetime.








A picture is worth a thousand words, and there are no words to describe the pleasure of this amazing trip.

Another Simple but useful pattern

The summer is just around the corner and workouts become more intense. I made this headband with gardening in mind. The heat in Florida becomes overpowering at times so it is helpful to have the right gear.
It is one very simple pattern in rib so it keeps its shape better.
Here it is:


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Here is a poem I thought I would share with the world:
Your Destiny
"Watch your thought for they become words,
choose your word wisely for they become actions,
understand your actions for they become habits,
study your habits for they become character,
develop your character for it becomes your DESTINY"

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I designed another simple project

I Phone Carry Case, a simple pattern that can be finished quickly, you can find the pattern in Ravelry.

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The moment has arrived for most of my patterns to emerge from the drawing board. I have finished several simple ones and one or two for the more advanced knitter.
In the next few weeks I will post some free here in my blog and others will be for sale at Ravelry.
Take a look at what is coming:

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING ...

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

Take a look at my new Minions, aren't they the most adorable things.



Check out the great hats I found at Disney...
LOVE THEM ALL






This is a picture of my miniature Chihuahua named Mikito Yamamoto.




And now we will talk about the Purple Shelf Monster who is here to stay, so don't be afraid because he does not bite. At least he is purple not green and that makes him a Royalty not martian.
If you hear "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER", it might be this wonderful looking monster trying to make you laugh.
You can find the Pattern in ravelry, "Purple Shelf Monster".

Celtic Braid Royal Neck Warmer

I finally finished my new design "Celtic Braid Royal Neck Warmer". I think it is more for the intermediate than for beginners but if you like the challenge give it a try.
It is a combination of two famous patterns sewn together in a perfect harmony. I couldn't help myself and knitted in my favorite color PURPLE witch is also the color of royalty; or so I am told.
Blocking is highly recommended so the intricate work and the braided top can truly be seen.
I am going to ask three or four people to test knit this project before I put it up for sale, just want to make sure there are no errors in the pattern itself. If you are interested it is up for testing in "free pattern tester group" in Ravelry until May 7, 2011.
If you are interested let me know, pm me on Ravelry if you want to test any of my pattern.