Sara Scarf

Here, Toulouse is modeling a scarf I made for my friend Sara for Christmas. I added fringe on the edge. The yarn was really fun to work with. It is simply a plain knitted scarf but the Rimini Rainbow yarn makes it really fun.

Gary L.Scarf

Here is a picture of my husband modeling the scarf I made for my dear friend Gary L. I like the way it turned out. I used a Berroco 50% alpaca and 50% wool. The front came out with a sort of nubby pattern while the back is smooth. I think he likes it.

LBC Freebie of the Day

New Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant

You must answer that you have a lot of problem with perspiration and that cost isn't an issue to get a free sample. Otherwise, you will get a coupon.


Secret Sample

This and That

Thank you for all of your kind comments about my silly eye. It wouldn't be so bad if there weren't icky side effects like not being able to sleep, getting headaches from my wonky vision and extreme light sensitivity. You know how silly I feel having to ask my co-workers if we can turn the lights off in our work area? And also when I walk into Starbucks wearing sunglasses and a hat pulled down around my ears to block out the light? People must think I am some sort of freakshow. Now I know how vampires feel. ;)

In other news, I went to my first African Dance class at my gym. It was fun and a pretty darn good workout. I was red in the face and huffing and puffing. I have always loved to dance. I figure that getting some cardio through dance is a good way of tricking myself into exercising. I wish they offered it more than just once a week. It was a little sobering to see myself in the studio mirror. I have this tendency to think that even though I have gained all of this weight, I still look pretty good. I say to myself, "it's okay, you wear it well." Well, when you see yourself in bright light in a full-length studio mirror, you get a reality check. All my weight is on my hips and upper thighs. I look like a pear. Well.....a pear with big boobs. But, like the President, I'm going to "stay the course." (only it's more of a positive thing when I do it)

Vision Quest

So, if you don't want to hear about my latest health woes, you can skip this post.

My vision started to go bad when I was about six years old. Major astigmatisms in both eyes. When I was in second grade, I developed some small tumors on the upper and lower lids of my left eye. After traipsing from doctor to doctor, we finally found someone who could help. And the tumors were surgically removed leaving me with scars and missing some eyelashes. Fine. No big deal. I never enjoyed wearing contacts because they always felt uncomfortable and made my eyes dry. This was especially bad in Colorado where the climate is so dry.

In May 2005, my mom got me laser eye surgery for my birthday. It changed my life. For the first time in twenty years, I could see. Really see. I felt such freedom. It is still hard for me to believe. I catch myself pushing my "eyeglasses" up on my nose to this day.

Lately, I'm been having some really bad problems with my right eye. Without going into all the gory details, I have ended up with a corneal abrasion that is affecting my vision. It is extremely uncomfortable. When I finally got in to see an eye doctor after wrestling with my HMO, his response was to prescribe an ointment. "If that doesn't work, I don't know what to do. I'll have to refer you to someone else." Gee, thanks.

So, besides being uncomfortable, I am looking at having my vision affected. Did I really only get two years of blissful surgical vision correction? I'm trying to stay positive but it has been months of this mess and it is really starting to wear me down. I am waiting for HMO approval for a second opinion. Wish me luck...

LBC Freebie of the Day Part 2

Snuggles Exhilirations Fabric Softener sample


Snuggles Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day

Get an assortment of Cooking Light goodies for signing up for their e-mail newsletter. Goodies include a DVD on how to start your own supper club and a mini-magazine with menu ideas and recipes.


Cooking Light Promo

Oscars

Well, I have to say I was a little disappointed with the Oscars last night. I thought Ellen did a great job hosting. She is just so cute. My best dressed female award goes to Penelope Cruz who looked stunning. And my best dressed male award goes to George Clooney. I' m not a huge fan of Clooney but he really rocked that tux in an Old Hollywood sort of way.

I managed to get in three Oscar-nominated films this past weekend in my efforts to be prepared for the big night. And I have to say I was really disappointed with THE DEPARTED. It was entertaining and well-acted but I don't think it was an Oscar-caliber film. I wanted LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE to win because it was truly original. I wanted PAN'S LABYRINTH to win Best Foreign Film but I'm glad it got some other awards. Some of the categories were pretty tough. I love love love Helen Mirren so I am happy that she won. But, I was hoping Penelope Cruz would win. Also, Forest Whitaker was great LAST KING OF SCOTLAND but, as much as it hurts me to say this, I think maybe Leonardo had earned that one.

Now, I have all of the post-Oscar dress coverage to look forward to!

LBC Freebie of the Day

Get a sample of Dove's new Cream Oil. I can't wait to try it! Click on the "Free Sample" button at the top of the page.

Dove Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day

You gotta work for this one but it's pretty cool. Especially if you are a Starbucks and "Project Runway" fan.

My favorite designer in the last season of "Project Runway" was Mychael Knight. He is now doing custom t-shirt designs for Starbucks. Every day at 10am PST, they are giving away 250 shirts. You get to punch in the components of your favorite drink and then your drink shows up in an artistic way. You can then order it on a free t-shirt. They are giving away 250 a day until February 28.

It took me a few tries to get in. The site actually goes live between 9:55am and 10:00am. I opened three browsers and kept refreshing them. Normally, there is a message at the bottom of the screen that says they are out of shirts. Right around 10am, the message goes away. That's how you know you got in. I would practice creating the design a few times first so that you can do it really fast.

I hear they also send you a free drink coupon with your t-shirt.

Good luck!!!

Starbucks promotion

Update

1) I got my Police tickets! Woo hoo! I'll be feeling the white reggae love on June 13.

2) I lost 2.6 pounds! Woo hoo! Slowly but surely...

The Dangling Carrot

Okay, I have a confession. I'm an achievement junkie. And just what does that mean?

Well...

Ever since I was very young, I have loved working towards awards and honors. At church, they would offer a bookmark or a Bible for learning a certain number of Bible verses and I would get to work. The local library would give you a certificate if you read a certain number of books and my library card would soon be smoking. I would have been a great Girl Scout. All those nifty badges to earn! I carried this mania with me into high school. The minute I heard about an award that was within reach, I would start gunning for it. I was so burned out after high school that my college years were very lackluster. Instead of focusing on academic achievement, I joined every club I could. (Yes, I'm a joiner.)

After moving to California and joining the local Woman's Club, I set to work getting on the Board. (check!) Now, I am active in a new League and I am already angling to get into a leadership position. Plus, I was reminded about the Presidential Service Award last night. You get a pin for every 100 hours of volunteer service. I happily went home and started entering my hours into the computer. Oh, boy! A pin!

I'm such a dork. I don't know what this addiction is. Maybe it comes from where I grew up. The pressure to succeed was huge and the adults were constantly pitting us against one another.

Or maybe it's just because I like shiny pins.


(by the way....Police tickets go on sale today. I'm squirming in my seat like a little kid. Hang on, Sting! I'm coming!)

Recap

I'm not feeling particularly great today. Woke up with an upset stomach. And, before you ask, it is most definitely NOT pregnancy related.

It is a very dreary day here for Ash Wednesday. But we had a beautiful weekend. Gary and I worked in our garage trying to begin the organization process. His boss took us to see the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys" on Friday night which was really fun. It tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I told Gary that it felt like the Sopranos with music. On Saturday, I screwed my courage to the sticking place (thanks Shakespeare!) and invited a lady from the Woman's club over for dinner. She and her husband are so much fun and we had a good time. I'm working really hard at cultivating friendships! It was really nice to have a long weekend. I needed it. It was great to have the time to work on the house but also take lots of reading and napping breaks.

Now, if I can just make it through today...

LBC Freebie of the Day

Head and Shoulders Restoring Shine Shampoo sample


H&S Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day Part 2

Here is one that just popped up today! A sample of Aveeno's new Positively Ageless product. Just skip the Flash presentation to find the sign-up.

Aveeno sample

ECHO MAKER and BIRTH HOUSE

Finished two books over the long weekend. (gosh...I really needed a long weekend!)

The first was ECHO MAKER by Richard Powers. This book won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2006. It is probably the best written of any book I have read this year. The reviews I read prior to picking up the book decribed the plot as the story of a young man who wakes from a automobile accident-induced coma and believes that his sister has been replaced by an imposter. I think this description is a bit misleading. Yes, that is a plot point. But the book is much more than that. It is about memory and identity and how our perception of the world can shape who we are. There is a wonderful metaphor using cranes that runs through the book that I really enjoyed. However, I failed to connect with the story. The plot seems to be building up to some tremendous resolution but it ultimately let me down. However, the writing makes the book worth reading.

THE BIRTH HOUSE is truly a book for women. The story centers around a small town in Nova Scotia during World War I where tradition is at odds with modernity. The story is narrated by the local midwife. A doctor has arrived in town trying to get the local woman to come down the mountain to a new obstetric facility to have their babies. The book is heavily sympathetic towards traditional ways of childbirth. It makes childbirth at home among women very appealing. The doctor is made to look like a fool. (which he is) There is a great section in the book about early vibrators that reveals the idiotic assumptions that many men used to make about women. While the book offers nothing particularly new, it is a nice story. Fans of SECRET LIFE OF BEES will probably really enjoy it.

LBC Freebie of the Day

Pantene Texturize Shampoo and Condition Sample

Pantene Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day

Ultra Downy sample...Choose from two scents.

Downy sample

What [Malady] Needs

Got this meme from Vieve. It's truly weird. (I used my real name when I did it but substituted my nickname here)

Instructions: google your name and the word needs. Report the top 10 results.

1. Malady needs to either wake-up or start getting some extra will-power.

2. Malady needs some help drinking apparently.

3. Malady needs sleep.

4. Malady needs your help.

5. Malady needs to get out the monkeysicle and do some tests on him and what not. (?!!)

6. Malady needs a crash pad.

7. Malady needs a twitter. (?!!)

8. Malady needs an article.

9. Malady needs to learn responsibility.

10. Malady needs some Carmex.


Oh, Google. You are so wise.

LBC Freebie of the Day

I hope this one works! It is a sample of L'Occitane Very Precious Cream.


L'Occitane Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day

Always Clean Feminine Protection Sample from Marie Claire


Always sample

SUITE FRANCAISE

Well, I finally finished SUITE FRANCAISE by Irene Nemirovsky. It was a little tough to get into but I ended up enjoying it. This book contains the first two parts of what was meant to have been a five part series. Tragically, the author died at Auschwitz before completing her work. The book reminded me of ANNA KARENINA in its style. It has so many characters that it was sometimes difficult to follow but, after a while, you become utterly engrossed in their stories. Nemirovsky seems to have contempt for many of her characters. It is as if she wished to expose the greed, fear and selfishness of many people during the war. There were only a small handful of sympathetic characters in the whole book. It is so frustrating to be without the final three parts because it would have been interesting to see how the book developed. The first two parts end on a note of near hopefulness in mid-1941. I think the finished product would have been a mighty work indeed. Unfortunately, we must make do with the two parts that we have.

Red Letter Day

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone!

Yes, I know that Valentine's is a "Hallmark" holiday. But I have always used the day to remind myself to tell the people in my life that I love them. I even sent out valentines this year.

As you already know, I gave Gary a piece of lunar real estate for Valentine's Day. (yes, it's true, I literally gave him the moon) He bought me a really cool piece of Mexican folk art a few years back and I agreed that he wouldn't need to give me a Valentine's gift for the next couple of years in exchange. So, I wasn't expecting anything.

When I was leaving for work this morning, I saw a box sticking out of my bag. Gary left a note saying that Sting had come to him in a dream and said that Gary HAD to get me something for Valentine's Day. (that Sting is such a romantic!) I opened the box to find a beautiful Bulova watch. It's so delicate and sweet! It will not be an everyday watch. It's too special. But I'm going to wear it all day today. And I'll think of my honey when I check the time.

LBC Freebie of the Day

Murad Skincare samples and catalog

Murad samples

LBC Freebie of the Day Part 2

Oasis Moisturizing Mouthwash Sample


Oasis Sample

An Unlikely American Hero

I am going to express an opinion today that I can almost guarantee will be unpopular among the majority of Americans.

One of my heroes is Jimmy Carter. I think he is a truly great man. His talents were wasted on the Presidency. Carter was never able to figure out Washington politics. It just wasn't the way he did things. But he has managed to gave the greatest and most fruitful ex-Presidency ever. The man is beyond intelligent. And I love the fact that he represents what a liberal Christian should be. He doesn't parade his faith around for political reasons like *some people.* (I'll give you a hint....he's a fake Texan in a big political position) Carter actually lives his faith. And instead of creating the standard Presidential library and hitting the speaker's circuit, he chose to create a Center for Peace and has become one of our greatest diplomats. I have heard it said that Americans will be stunned to see the outpouring that comes from the rest of the world when Carter passes away. It seems he is more valued and respected outside of his country than in it.

If you really want to appreciate Carter, I highly suggest the biography THE UNFINISHED PRESIDENCY by Douglas Brinkley. It chronicles the things that Carter has done since leaving office. Also, if you want to see how someone effectively navigates the waters of religion and politics in a truly moral way, check out Carter's book OUR ENDANGERED VALUES.

I wish all our Presidents could give back as much.

LBC Freebie of the Day

Cucina Countertop Cleaner Sample---Choose one of three scents


Cucina Cleaner Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day

I found this one on a website for an organic living magazine for people with kids. However, it does not say that you can't sign up for the freebie if you DON'T have kids.

Head Original Shampoo sample

NOTES ON A SCANDAL

Well, I had heard mixed reviews about this film. It is based on a novel by Zoe Heller called WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? I read it a few years ago. I really liked the premise but the book left me cold. The characters felt a little two-dimensional. Well, this is one of the few times you will hear me say that the movie is better than the book.

First of all, you can't go wrong with a Judi Dench movie. I love her. She has had such a wide variety of roles. But she really reinvents herself with this one. The movie could have easily devolved into a black and white portrayal of the characters. But Dench and Cate Blanchett manage to give the women depth. While finding their behavior reprehensible, you can still have sympathy for them. The movie felt a little long. Perhaps a bit more editing could have helped. But I think the story was well-told and the acting superb.

(movie reviews can be tough because I feel very strongly against giving anything away...sorry if this one is especially vague)

I Want My $10

So, here is a fact you may not know about me. I love the Police. And Sting. I found them a little bit late. The Police broke up when I was 11. But it's better late than never. In high school, I would listen to "King of Pain" and "Message in a Bottle" with its poignant description of alienation in modern society and think that the Police were writing just about me. I took my enthusiasm with me to college where I was promptly dubbed "Sting" by my sorority.

So, when my mom called to tell me that the Police were opening the Grammys. Well....you can imagine my reaction. I don't care for the Grammys but you can bet I was sitting on the couch quivering with anticipation at 8pm. I placed a bet with Gary on what the Police would play. I had $10 on "Roxanne." Gary countered with "DeDoDoDo." Foolish man! Never go in against a Police fan when money is on the line!

Gary has since promised me that if the Police actually do a tour (which is a rumor I would love to come true) that we will go.

De do do do indeed.

(I am sorry for the lack of Freebies. I combed the internet this weekend but only found sketchy ones. I'll keep looking!)

What to Knit Next

So, I just got my new issue of Interweave Knits (thank you, Vieve!) and there are several projects that I would love to try! I have promised myself that I will finish all the projects currently "on the needles" before I start anything else. Including my much anticipated sweater. So.....sigh...these will have to wait a little bit longer. My favorites are at the top. Anyone want to have a KAL with me?

Grouchy Ladybug

Have you ever had one of those days when you are feeling grouchy for no good reason? Well, I am having one of those days. When I have a day like this, I call myself a "grouchy ladybug." If you have ever read the Eric Carle book of the same name, you will know what I'm talking about it. You just want to rebuff all friendly overtures and you feel really punky and up for a fight. It's raining again. And normally, I love the rain. I think that Garbage song "I'm Only Happy When it Rains" was written for me. But one of the best parts of a rainy day is being curled up in bed or in my big comfy chair with some tea or hot chocolate and a book. NOT stuck in front of a computer in a cold office. Grrr....

Hey you....ya wanna fight?

(by the way, I am thrilled to have "Lost" back and I found the Juliet backstory very interesting. I am very ready to move on from the whole Sawyer/Kate/Jack storyline. Boring. I miss Mr. Eko! Also, I'm going out with a friend tonight to see "Notes on a Scandal" to continue my Oscar viewing preparations. I'll let you know how it is.)

LBC Freebie of the Day

Healing Garden Sensual Therapy Passion Rose

Healing Garden Sample

LBC Freebie of the Day

This isn't the most glamorous freebie but I think it's a good one. Hints from Heloise is sending out a packet of information on being an informed consumer. The packet includes:

2007 Consumer Action Handbook, Federal Citizen Information Center
Insuring Your Deposits, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement, Department of Labor
Get the Facts on Saving and Investing, Securities and Exchange Commission
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws, Department of Justice
Cell Phones, FDA Office of Women's Health
Dietary Supplements, FDA Office of Women's Health
Restaurant and Take-Out Safety, FDA Office of Women's Health
Generic Drugs, FDA Office of Women's Health
Sunscreens and Tanning, FDA Office of Women's Health
Protect Your Move, Department of Transportation
Indoor Air Hazards, Environmental Protection Agency
How to Buy a Home with a Low Downpayment, Mortgage Insurance Companies of America and USDA
ID Theft: What It's All About, AARP and FTC
GET Net Safe, Microsoft and the National Consumers League


Order your packet here.

This and That

1) I had a weird dream last night that someone broke into my house and tried to steal my books. In my dream, I couldn't wake Gary up so I went into the library and confronted the would-be thief with a baseball bat. Hey, nobody messes with my books, okay?

2) I have finished two knitting projects! One is a birthday present for my buddy Gary L. and one is for me! I can't show them now because I just mailed Gary's present and I want it to be a surprise. Once he gets his gift, I'll post them.

3) My nemesis did not show up in the breakroom yesterday. Stay tuned...

4) "LOST" returns tonight! Whoopee!

5) I was thrilled and excited to hear that my long-time buddy B.R. is marrying his boyfriend in August. Gary and I are invited to the shindig and I can't wait. It could not happen to a nicer or sweeter pair of guys.

LBC Freebie of the Day

Okay, I'm not sure if this really qualifies as a freebie but I had to post it.

Follow the link and get a free WHITE HOUSE greeting from the President and his wife for:

1) birth of a baby
2) wedding
3) 50th anniversary or greater
4)80th birthday or greater

I tried it out since I just got married and it came in the mail a few days ago. I thought it would be something amusing to put in my wedding scrapbook.

White House Greetings

I Have a Nemesis!

Guess what, Vieve?! I have a nemesis. Well, calling her a nemesis may be stretching it a bit.

Anyway, since I am back on the Weight Watchers bandwagon, I have been trying to make sure and bring my lunch to work every day. I really enjoy taking whatever book I'm currently reading and heading up to our lovely breakroom for a little food and quiet time. My vision hasn't been very good lately (I'll save the reason for another post) and I have needed a lot of light to be able to read. So, I turn on the lights in the breakroom and sit by a window to read.

Now, when I enter the breakroom, the first thing I do is check to see if anyone else is in there. I know some people don't like having the lights on. If someone is already in there with the lights off, I will just sit next to a window and not turn on the lights. I figure that's being polite. Well, for the past few weeks, I will be sitting in the breakroom by myself with the lights on and one of the librarians walks in and automatically turns the lights off. She never asks first. She just does it. I thought it was my imagination but she has done it to me five times in a row. I have even tried eating lunch at different times to avoid this problem but she always seems to come up there when I am there. I don't know what to make of this.

I'm still pretty new to my job AND I'm shy AND I'm fairly non-confrontational. I can't bring myself to say, "Excuse me. Do you mind? I kind of need lights to read by." So, I sit there in the dark silently fuming. I mean, isn't it just common courtesy to ask first? I guess it would be pretty passive aggressive for me to get up and go over and turn them back on, huh? But it's really annoying!

And so, the battle of the breakroom lights continues...

LBC Daily Freebies Policy

I hope you have been enjoying the LBC Freebies of the Day. I thought I'd let you in on how I find them.

I check in with several freebie-based forums every day to see what people have been finding on the internet. I try to post the best of what I find on LBC. I have pretty strict rules about what I post.

1) It has to be a "no strings attached" freebie. Meaning, you can't be required to buy something or pay something to get the freebie.

2) It has to be from a reputable source.

3) I won't post things that I feel are abusing small companies or the purpose of the freebie. For example, if it is a small hair salon in Minnesota that is trying to get local business with freebies, I'm not going to post that. Also, if it is a company trying to market its products to other businesses, I won't post that either. I have seen some freebie addicts pose as things like "salon owners" just to get free hair products.

4) I will not post freebies meant for specific individuals. Case in point: there was a coupon that showed up on a forum not long ago for a free Staples product. It was meant for specific Staples customers but people were copying the coupon and editing it to be able to use it for themselves. I don't think that's right. I won't post things like that.

That being said, I will continue to try to post a freebie every day. If you don't see one right away, check back later in the day. If I don't find anything good, I won't post one. I can't guarantee that the freebies will always work or that they won't run out but, hey, it's free stuff!

Thanks for dropping by!

LBC Freebie of the Day

You're gonna have to work for this one. Get a free Choxie bar at Target with the following coupon.


Choxie Bar


*UPDATE* This freebie MAY only be good at SuperTargets. So, be aware that not all Targets may honor it. Still, I have used one of these coupons before and it worked.

AENEID

Every year, my friends Greg and Sara join me in a New Year's Reading Project. We try to read something meaty to start off each year. This year, Sara chose the new Fagles translation of the AENEID. I have to be honest, I prefer the ODYSSEY and the ILIAD to the AENEID. The last time I read these works was in college in my very favorite college course, Classical Mythology. (I think part of the appeal of the class may have come from my crush on the professor) I found the AENEID very difficult to get through. It is pretty slow-going. And I'm not sure I really liked the new translation. It seemed a little too modern. Too much slang. It would have been nice to have some sort of chart or other reference to the characters as well. There are so many of them that it can be easy to get confused. But it was also a good refresher course on my Greek and Roman mythology. I would not recommend it, however, unless you are a serious mythology buff. Or unless you have been watching HBO's "Rome."

Farewell, Molly

I was so sad to hear about the loss of Molly Ivins. She lost her long-term battle with breast cancer on Wednesday. What a great lady. I always enjoyed her books and columns.

So, from one Texan to another....

Happy Trails, Molly.

Read her last column here.

Find a tribute to her here.

LBC Freebie of the Day

Luna Bar Tea Cakes Sample


Luna Sample

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am a fairly new knitter so I love trying new yarns. It is still hard for me to knit with yarn that is "fluffy" or that makes it hard to see my stitches. I am not a huge fan of acrylic because I find it itchy.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a homemade needle roll.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting since last August. I took a class at my local yarn shop. I consider myself an advanced beginner/intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I have one at Amazon. Searchable by my real name.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I like light floral scents. I'm not a fan of musky scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Absolutely! I love chocolate. My favorite combo is chocolate and peanut butter. I also have a weakness for cookies.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am also a scrapbooker.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all kinds of music. My favorite artists are Tori Amos, Tom Petty and Keb' Mo'. I am MP3 compatible.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like bright colors. Lately, I have been into pink.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am a newlywed with no kids and one cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear everything except for ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I have been knitting lots of scarves and I just learned how to knit socks. I'm about to start my first sweater.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A small afghan, my second sock, two scarves.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I love handmade gifts! They are so much more personal!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I don't really have preference. It just depends on the project. I have not used aluminum needles.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I do not own either. I just have my LYS do it for me.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Three months.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
I love all holidays. But I especially love Halloween.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect Latin American folk art (especially Day of the Dead stuff) and signed first edition literature.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have lots of knitting books on my Amazon list. I subscribe to Interweave Knits and Knit.1

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I am really excited to learn how to knit a sweater. I also haven't tried a hat yet.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I just started knitting socks. I wear a size 8 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?
May 25

Lookee What I Got!

My wonderful BookSwap pal sent me a package filled with goodies! THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL which I have really been wanting to read, some lavender chocolate, some organic tea and some pretty pink sock yarn. Hooray! Toulouse decided he needed to be in the picture. I caught him mid-yawn but it kind of looks like he's laughing.

LBC Freebie of the Day

Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste

Aquafresh Sample

Choose either a coupon for the store or to receive the item in the mail.

Wear Red on February 2

Tomorrow is Go Red for Women Day. (also known as National Wear Red Day and National Red Dress Day) The idea is to draw attention to heart disease and women. Heart disease is the NUMBER ONE KILLER OF WOMEN.

Wear red tomorrow to raise awareness about heart disease. Change your lifestyle. Get healthy. Know your risks.

Click on the image above for more information.

SHERRYBABY

So, I watched "Sherrybaby" last night and I really liked it. I think Maggie Gyllenhaal is a really good actress.

"Sherrybaby" is about a young woman who has just been released on parole after serving two years on drug-related charges. She spends the movie trying to go straight and be a mother to her young daughter who has been living with Sherry's brother and sister-in-law. The movie is absolutely heart-breaking. Gyllenhaal gets you to feel for Sherry while still recognizing the fact that she is the cause of her own problems. It really made me think about how hard it must be for alcoholics and drug addicts to go straight. In a controlled environment like prison, I think it must be easier for people to clean up. But, once they get out and are faced with all the daily struggles and temptations...

Anyway, while the film is definitely not upbeat, it is very well done and Gyllenhaal is terrific.

Secret Pal 10

Oh, I am so excited! I am always seeing the cool stuff that Vieve gets through her Secret Pal swaps and now I will finally get to do one! Registration opened today for Secret Pal 10!

This is a swap for those who knit and/or crochet. I think swaps are so fun! The only one I have ever done is BookSwap which has been a great experience. I really like the person I am sending packages to and I also think the person sending me stuff is great! What a wonderful way to meet new people!

( wow...this post is filled with exclamation points!)

Anyway.....woo hoo!