sauvageblue

Gourmet

2011-02-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch"

James Beard

Bacon Jam

2011-02-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

This is really amazing stuff Bacon Jam, sigh....

You gather bacon, onions, some brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup, and coffee simmer and viola!!!!

I sliced up two onions and cut up my bacon and make a pot of coffee. I warmed up my pot on med high heat and cooked my bacon until it was nice and crumbly and drained it on napkins.
I then save a bit of the bacon drippings in the pan and sauted my onions until they were nice and caramelized. I returned the cooked and drained bacon to the pan with the lovely onions and added coffee, vinegar, brown sugar and syrup and brought it up to a simmer.
My lovely bacon-y goodness starting to simmer. I cooked it until most of the liquid was reduced and it was nice and thick and I put it in my food processor and blitzed it to a nice spreadable consistency.
I toasted a slice of bread and spread some bacon jam and topped it with a lovely egg. I read that bacon jam was delicious and I am bit late on the bacon jam trend of last year but wow, it is really delicious.

CharcutePalozza

2011-01-31T22:21:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to say I am participating in CharcutePalozza. It is a year long commitment based on Charcuterie by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Poleyn and we will be given a challenge each month introducing us to the amazing world of Charcuterie.

So here is my first challenge turning duck breast into prosciutto. I have my book and I bought a fresh organic, free range, pasture raised duck at the farmers market. I watched a online video on cutting up my duck.
Here are my duck breast are resting in salt overnight, then I will rinse season and wrap and hang to cure. I think it is going to be odd to see hanging meat in my home and not be in a deli.

So I am excited and fascinated that a art that was created before refrigeration was conceived and could be lost except to wonderful places in Europe for example Spain and their serano ham and Italy with salami, prosciutto and parma ham. When the world was being traveled and discovered by ship there were sailors at sea eating cured meats and cured fish it is truly inspiring to know how important salt plays in all of this. Salt is not just in a shaker on the dinner table it really has more important roles than in a shaker our bodies actually need salt.

So as the saying goes you get what you pay for, so for a quality end result I did start with a organically free ranged, pasture raised duck. I will post pictures during the curing process and end result.

Preserved Lemons

2011-01-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

I had five lovely thin skinned lemons on my lemon tree and I decided to preserve them I have read they are easy and add a amazing amount of vavoom to many recipes so here is the start of my jaunt of preserving lemons. I must add since I was a child my sister and I have always love, love, loved eating lemons it makes my mouth water just looking at these pictures. So I have a month to squirrel away some recipes to try with my preserved lemons. I must note I did use a combination of two salts they are celtic sea salt and regular salt.

Almond Torte

2011-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

I am making a lovely almond torte, I am grinding the almonds into a lovely flour
and I kid you not my vitamix blender blended it into a amazing flour.
I am such the novice when it comes to baking and the whole mindset behind it. Here I have a greased pan and my beaten egg whites I am folding into the almond flour in thirds it is so light and lovely.
Here is my lovely almond torte in the oven baking into a light lovely deliciousness almost like a angelcake and we had it for dessert topped with my amazing papaya marmalade/jam.

I can't even explain how amazing it is yum......

Papaya Jam

2011-01-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

I started with a mexican papaya and peeled and seeded it and blended it and basically
prepared it like I would a jam but added grated orange and lime peel to it
just before I put it in the jars so its almost a marmalade. To make it shelf stable I process it in a water bath. Look at my pretty jars of papaya jam, sigh..... I can say this my son and daughter who absolutely hate papaya in any form are smitten with it who would have guessed.

Chilies

2011-01-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

I was reading a few blogs and it seems that its not too early to start planning my summer garden. Since I live in SoCal and we have a warmer climate I thought why not? I have seen seedlings being started and seeds being chosen and ordered and thought maybe its not too early to start. I actually have bought and won seeds from urbanhomestead they are in Pasadena, Ca. and they are a very inspiring family check them out I am impressed they are urban gardening and actually supply produce for local restaurants. You Grow Girl is another site to read too if you are interested in trying a garden.

So since inspired and I was in planning my garden mode I thought I should check on my containers I use and see what shape they are in since I haven't seen them in awhile they are at the far end of the yard. Well my tomato plants are still alive which I have read can happen and well my pepper plants are still producing as you can see they are a interesting bunch so I have serrano's on top left, next are thai chili's top right, bottom right I am not sure?, bottom middle are little purple bell peppers, bottom left are rastra chile's and in the middle is just a bit of sage I wanted to use. I can honestly say I have neglected these containers because I thought they were done.

So since I found a little treasure I decided to put some in my dehydrator and then grind some up for chilis and crumble some up for pastas and pizza and the thai chili's I will keep whole and used for cooking and my pickling. I will then store them in my favorite room in the whole house my stocked pantry.

I did dry most of them but on a whim I decided I would pickle some of the chiles with some other chiles I had on had so there is a mix of serranos, thai, habanero, jalapenos and rastra. I think it is going to end up quite hot but can't wait to try them out on a sandwich let's say, yum...

Lima Bean Soup with Chipotles

2011-01-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I have had this blog for 6 years, wow.... I haven't blogged consistently by any means and I have a long ways to go learning the ways of the blog sphere. I originally started this blog when I was learning how to knit and then started sharing different creative avenues I have taken along the way which include my love of cooking and everything cooking related so "cheers!"

Today I made this lima bean soup, I have made it twice and its really delicious. I love all beans and when I found this recipe Baby Lima Bean Soup with Chipotle Broth at 101 Cookbooks I knew I wanted to try it. So I made it again and it is so simple and easy and so full of flavor. So to go with my lovely pot of lima beans I baked skinless, boneless chicken thighs and made a simple salad of cut romaine with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

I love to read 101 Cookbooks and I have to say what I love the most about Heidi Swanson and her blog is not only is she a inspiring cook using natural foods and simple techniques I love to gaze at her pictures. I can say she really inspires me, I want to learn how to photograph my food properly. Rather I should say I need to learn how to take better pictures period I haven't a clue basically I aim, say "smile" and press the button hahahaha one day.....

Wurstküche

2011-01-22T21:15:00.001-08:00

Wurstküche
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Had a late lunch at Wurstküche and it was a soul satisfying experience........ I had a amazing spicy louisiana sausage sandwich with grilled onions and grilled sweet peppers where do I begin??? It had the perfect bite and pop when I took my first mouthful and as I chewed the incredible balance of flavors the heat kicks in and I chased it with my ice cold beer and the the belgian fries with truffle oil and dipping sauces it was all too incredible I almost teared up. The other sausage or 'wurst' is my daughter L's and I am sad to say I was so besotted with mine I am having a brain lapse of what she had okay... it had grilled onion's and sauerkraut hahaha.... only because I can see that in the picture I did take a bite of hers and she added a bit of a brown mustard and it was delicious but, I have to admit I love spicy, sigh......

I hear this is delicious...

2011-01-22T20:56:00.001-08:00

I hear this is delicious...
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Beef Bourguignon

2011-01-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

My version of Beef Bourguigon

1/2 cup diced pancetta *I know your suppose to use bacon but I had pancetta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 lb of cubed chuck

flour

salt and pepper

I large onion cut into large chunks

1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces

7 cloves of garlic peeled

3 cups beef stock

1/2 cup cognac or brandy *you can omit

1 bottle red wine

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

2 bayleafs

1 pound fresh mushrooms

flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Heat a heavy dutch oven and add about a tablespoon of oil and add bacon I used pancetta since I had some frozen and stir until golden brown and remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Sprinkle cubed meat with flour and add in two batches to pan and brown in hot oil and pancetta drippings until seared on all sides and then remove with slotted spoon to bowl with pancetta. Then to same drippings add onion and carrots and saute for 8-10 minutes and then removed to same bowl with slotted spoon and set aside. Then add garlic cloves lightly saute and add to bowl also.

Then add brandy or cognac and a cup of the broth and stir to pick up all the good drippings and simmer to reduce it then return the meat and all the vegetable back to the pan add the bottle of wine, tomato paste, brown sugar and stir to mix well. Add mushrooms thyme, rosemary and 2 bayleafs and simmer for a few minutes stirring a few times.

Put the lid on the pan and put in the oven for a hour and a half lower heat to 300.

I can tell you as I am writing this my house smells amazing I feel like I am in France sitting at french bistro or in a farm kitchen.

Jam

2011-01-21T12:16:00.001-08:00

Jam
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Here are a few jars of my finished jams I made. I made Fig Jam, a lovely Pear and Vanilla Bean Jam and Blueberry Jam. I really enjoy making jam, preparing the fruits and combining flavors and tasting it as it simmers and I feel proud when my family barrels through it. Honestly the part I dread the most has to be the most important part the sanitizing of the jars and the processing of jam. But of course knowing it has a shelf life and one morning months later and we are having waffles or french toast and I can pop one of the little guys open and have for example that yummy Pear and Vanilla Bean or Blueberry Jam warmed up and drizzled on a fresh warm waffle all I can say is yum.......

January Spice Rack Challenge - Rosemary

2011-01-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

Here are my Roasted Potatoes from Ina Garten and my Popcorn and Rosemary oil from Giada and my Union Square nute from Nigella and all are so yummy.....
I had almonds and pecan which I combined and roasted together really delicious!!!
My popcorn and diced potatoes and rosemary all ready to go....
Olive oil simmering with fresh rosemary it smells delicious.
Red potatoes and fresh rosemary all ready to go and I am sad to say my photos posted in the wrong order due to my lack of blogging and I need refigure this all out again.

So I used Ina Gartens Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Giada's Popcorn with Rosemary Oil and Nigella's Union Square Nuts this challenge turned out delicious......

January Spice Rack Challenge

2011-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Here are the starting ingredients for my January Spice Rack Challenge which is to use Rosemary and I have it growing in my front yard so I decided to use fresh. I am one of those people who cannot go to the grocery store hungry because sad to say I end up with so many thing I would have never bought had I not been hungry. So when I cook and I am hungry I can end up without a theme or a balanced meal which is what happened today hungry + challenge = three recipes. I went straight to the three gals Ina, Giada and Nigella because I know I can depend on them Ina is straight out bold, Giada I can count on for light and flavorful and Nigella is usually quick and to the point. So I went for Ina's Roasted Rosemary Potato's which honestly I don't need a recipe for because I have my own version but I thought I should have something to reference since I am not accurate at writing recipe's. Then onto Giada and I saw her Popcorn with Rosemary Oil which I thought would be interesting and my family like's a snack but are not into heavy and overly sweet well.... maybe a little bit sweet which I went to Nigella who to this day I still make quite a few of her dessert recipes from her Nigella Express even if I do have the time to spend and her Union Square Cafe Nuts which I have made and are seriously yummy... This was fun and I have a garden full of Rosemary plus I had everything I needed right here in my pantry and I never thought to make Rosemary infused oil even though I have made many infused oils and I have to say is Nigella's Garlic infused oil is always on my counter.

Blueberry Jam....

2011-01-17T21:24:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

I started my blueberry jam... I am at a crossroads in my research and I am trying to decide if I will use a store bought pectin or to try apples which can be used as a natural pectin. This will be my first batch of blueberry jam ever so I am going to sleep on it....

Tomatillo salsa and jalapeno salsa

2011-01-17T17:42:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

We have been on a salsa kick lately from making scrambled eggs and adding salsa to chilaquiles or huevos rancheros and of course standing at the counter and dipping tortilla chips yum.....
So I made two fresh salsas the first is in the blender a tomatillo salsa and then a red salsa with charred tomatos, jalapenos, onions and garlic and then blended. The charring of the tomato's and jalapenos add a smokiness to the salsa which is different from your salsa fresca's.
I also have a fig jam simmering in the red pot and a pear and vanilla bean jam in the yellow pot I have my jars simmering and getting ready to get filled. I will post my completed jams including a blueberry jam I am making and a cranberry jalapeno one I experimented and made.

Soap

2010-09-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

I made soap again here are two batch's one is lavender scented with dried lavender sprinkled on top and the other has a lovely cherry almond scent like the old Jergens hand cream my Mother used to use back in the 70's. I made them about two weeks ago so they are in their curing phase right now. I can't wait to use and gift some of it....

Boo!

2010-09-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

I just saw this over at Living with Lindsay you can click on link and it will take you over there. I love how creative it is Boo!

Cool sign up to win

2009-05-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

Go over to Erin Cooks Blog and sign up to win this book if you are interested in attempting too can some fresh fruit or vegetables. But there are also so many other recipes to make marshmallows, pop-tarts and so many other comfort treats.

too fast....

2009-05-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

It is strange to wake up and realize where did 19 years go? and so quickly!!! My baby, my teenie, tiny baby just turned 19 yesterday. Happy Birthday "L" I love you baby and you know to infinity and beyond... "L" decided Disneyland was the plan and it was so much fun and full of laughter and way too many pictures to post.

details

2009-04-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

I went grocery shopping at a asian market a few days ago if you have never been to one its worth a trip. I usually find beautiful fruit and it so well priced and really fresh vegetables and of course there is the really fresh seafood like it is still swimming and you pick what you like and well lets just say you can figure it out. I usually stick to the produce area and condiments.

I had hit that point of the day were I was tired and I was getting grumpy and I knew it was traffic hour, ugh! So there is this beautiful bakery next door and I decided to splurge and get my honey a pretty pastry for dessert and as I was waiting for it to be beautifully wrapped I decided to order a hot tea as a pick me up. Not only were they so polite and asked me if I would like to have a seat it would take a few minutes for it to brew, I didn't I am so used to order and dash at Starbucks. My fresh cup of tea was measured out and made in a beautiful porcelain cup, I just stood and stared in awe at the whole process it was amazing and so gracefully prepared. Then it was gingerly poured into a to-go cup and I was handed this little bag with a sugar stick and a fresh baked biscotti in it and my beautiful wrapped dessert for my honey. When I got into the car I took a picture because I wanted to remember not only was my tea perfect and the added free treat of my biscotti delicious it really made me really, really happy...

I have to say I love attention to detail and polite customer service! How many times in a day can I say I encounter great customer service? Not often sadly to say that is why I was doing the happy dance over a cup of tea and a delicious biscotti.

so how was your day?

2009-04-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Hi! Honey, look what I made today" I can see his mind spinning and those thoughts in his head like, Ricky from I Love Lucy, what new hair-brained idea did Cindy get in her head today.

So I ask "how was work? was it busy?" in the mean time am quickly trying to pick-up my messy clutter from todays projects...

Honey will say " lets go out to eat at that place down the street" and I say "no, really dinner is almost done"

Then there is the big Oops....

So we have a lovely dinner at that great mexican restaurant down the street we love, smile...

So how was your day?

saturday night...

2009-04-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

IMG_3139
Originally uploaded by space15twenty

We attended a event at space15twenty in Hollywood and it was a fun. I fell in love with so many of Mirror/Dash line I need to go back to Urban Outfitters. I am wearing my vintage studded leather jacket, I love this jacket, it holds so many of my fun memories from back in the day I am wearing my favorite old levi's and a leather shirt I made from thrifted leather pants. My daughter "L" is wearing a thrifted jacket and some thrifted pants and my boots she is so stylish and has a such a special way of tossing things together.

closet

2009-04-13T22:52:00.001-07:00

I am going through a fascination with having a somewhat organized closet. I want a big girl closet when I grow up....

Tulips

2009-04-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

my honey bought me tulips, big smile... tulips are one of my favorite flowers I took this picture when they were in full bloom. He surprised me with them, swoon... we had gone to dinner at a local tapas restaurant and decided to go for a walk it was so romantic. We had no idea locally they are doing a family style evening farmers market with entertainment, food stands and there were all local vendors. It was so heart warming to see families together enjoying a warm spring evening eating, dancing, laughing and just enjoying old time family fun. I love this picture it reminds me of my romantic walk with my sweetheart and him buying me beautiful tulips.

d.i.y.

2009-04-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

I bought this vintage merri-widow and studded it out and it came out nice I have to say, my daughter used it for a photo-shoot she did on sunday I got to help out with make-up and styling it was a long day but the pictures my daughter took came out wonderful I will have to get some u soon.

ms. daisy

2009-04-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just love these carts I have three of them... I just picked this one up at the Rose Bowl Flea Market a few months ago and I whipped up this snazzy liner for it. My daughter nicknamed my carts my Ms. Daisy carts so here I introduce the latest addition. I like to use it when I go to the local farmers market and of course if I go to the flea markets...

shameless Mom post!

2009-04-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am doing a shameless Mom post here...

my daughter sent in some pictures to Nylon Magazine and they were posted on NylonBlogs

just click on the title of this post up top there and it will take you right over to NylonBlogs

and it is called Tag! Californication. Living here in So California and driveing freeways as we call them we are blanketed with tagging. My baby aka "L" has a blog here on the left side column go down to my daughters blog and click on it on and check it out, I am proud!!!

Pride & Prejudice

2009-03-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

My second favorite movie ever, Oh, Mr Darcy....

gremlins

2009-03-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

my dog looks like a gremlin...

San Francisco

2009-03-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

A little snippet of our trip to beautiful San Francisco a few weeks ago. The beautiful vintage hat I am wearing in the last photo was gifted to my Dad. I bought it in a thrift store in the Haight & Ashbury district and it is being worn and enjoyed.

treasure hunting

2009-03-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

I went treasure hunting by accident, I stopped by a local thrift store a few weeks ago and found knits & hand knits. Just the thought of the labor of love that went in to those knits. I stood there staring at them I know total softie... and brought them home and lovingly hand washed and blocked theses lovelies. My baby girl has been telling me I should put together a online store? The sweater tee is a Police concert t-shirt dated 1982 it is too cool... The scarf is a vintage wool in garter stitch just lovely. The black extremely deep v-neck sweater with dolman sleeves is a wool/cashmere blend and it could actually be worn either way with the v-neck to the back it would look sexy. The beautiful cabled cardigan is so beautiful and over the top, its a nice thick fishermans wool and I have counted such a variety of stitches some I have never seen except in a book and the top left furry knit sweater is just so fun and fluffy it looks exactly like what a few of the top fashion houses have done for Winter '09 and it is a handknit vintage piece go figure.

Dad...

2009-03-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my Dad he is a true artist in his heart and soul he loves to paint and write music and poetry he is quite talented I do have to say....

a shade of gray

2009-03-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

I was at the Targ*t store today and I found this snazzy gray jacket it is by Alexander McQueen all I can say is I love it! Since I don't see the Balanciaga leather jacket from this past fall in my closet anytime in the near future I think this is fabulous.... I was so excited I took a picture with my phone its just a blast from my past it reminds me of being part of the 80's the rock n' roll influence asymmetrical side zipper and a few studs for accent plus a bit of Americana. I can already see it is going to get a lot of wear this spring and summer... great collaboration. My baby girl is excited too she actually wears some of my clothes and we both agreed this is a go to jacket.

re-purposed leather

2009-03-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

This past Christmas I made these cute purses for gifts... I stumbled on leather pants, skirts & shirts at a few of my favorite thrift stores so I decided to make some of my Christmas gifts these are the purses I made for some fun stylish college gals I know. They are just big enough for a few things like a cell, lip gloss and a wallet and it fits right over the wrist like a bracelet. They could still dance or hold a cold beverage with the bag on their wrist. I did save one for me and I felt so good about making them. You can see the pink bag was originally a skirt, they were so easy to sew up on my sewing machine and I actually used regular thread and just a regular needle on my machine I thought I should use a leather needle but it wasn't necessary. I also made home-made soap from scratch which turned out awesome this past November so my gift to the gals included handmade soap. I will post later about my foray into soap making which was a fun adventure a bit scary but turned out quite a success. I bundled up a variety of the soaps I made & some fun soap dishes as gifts for my family too.

finished

2009-02-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of the completed beanie, it's a classic style made special by the yummy yarn, a lovely cashmere-wool blend it is warm and so very soft... Angelina I hope you love it, Lizbeth modeled it for you...

my inner child.....

2009-02-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

my inner child would love one of these in my backyard, smile....

blue...

2009-02-19T13:34:00.001-08:00

I love the color blue... blue's of the ocean to deep blue of a midnight sky. I am sharing a picture I took this summer of a soft blue yarn I gave as a gift and I can kick my self in the butt because I should have kept it for me, just kidding but I do hope I find this color again one day. Yesterday I started this deep turquoise beanie for a special someone wink... she knows already, I hope you like it. I will pop it in the mail tomorrow for it's trek over the pond.

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-19T00:43:00.000-08:00

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

stitchin'

2009-02-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

I have almost bought this book a few times since this past summer and now I know I really want it. I saw a lovely skirt that reminds me of this book and it is made of recycled t-shirts. Old t-shirts can be washed in bleach and made to look older and softer and then cut and sewn into skirts, jackets and even a quilt.... so lovely and comfy and definitely a shabier chic.

I won't apologize for my knitting.... smile!

2009-02-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Just a bit of knitting I did for V-day! My wonderful children liked to remind me that I have knitted up so many things but, for others. So I had to remedy the situation and I made a charcoal gray beanie for my favorite son and a sweet loose beanie in rust for my favorite daughter and I finished up a delicious green malabrigo baby beanie I designed myself for my baby cousin. I do love knitting .......

repurposing leather

2009-02-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time...I know what a silly start, smile... I was at a few of my favorite thrift stores months ago, these are really delayed posts seriously months old I am trying to catch up. You have to understand I grew up in the 70's & 80's so seriously I do have a shoebox of shoulder pads still. Any way I came across old leather pants I couldn't believe leather pants and some with new price tags on them. Not cheap funky leather pants but soft unworn and a few worn pants. I started throwing them in my cart I was smiling and thinking of old rock concerts and vintage concert tee's and I started to get all warm and fuzzy inside and disco dancing oh, disco...and punk rock clubs. I have always gone across the board with music and okay let me get back on track. Well it depressed me to see this beautiful leatha' here so I rescued it. So I came home and sat on the floor and started to deconstruct the pants and ponder what could I do with all this creamy softness. Cashmere & leather are my favorite fabrics I love to rescue from thrift stores. So I decided to make some leather purses and I do have to say they were well received as Holiday gifts. The clutch with the skull is mine it came out so soft and lovely and I have received many compliments when I use it. I even recycled the zippers and the linings.

october

2009-02-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

this past October a co-worker gave me this darling pup I actually named her Marley in August when she was born I loved the name. Well fast forward a few months and a movie with the same name and well now everyone wants to know if I named her after the movie which I have yet to see. Marley was so tiny and sweet and now she is still sweet but all puppy, loveable and clumsy still she is going to be a big girl oops...I forgot to mention she is a cocker spaniel. I try and watch that program the dog whisperer when ever I can he is quite interesting and I have been learning some interesting techniques....

apple jam...

2009-02-03T21:38:00.001-08:00

Homemade fuji-apple jam, from our home grown apples from the apple tree my father and Robb planted when Robb was really young, maybe about 4 or 5 years old . But these beautiful delicious fabulous tasting apples turn into fabulous treats like ie: apple butter, apple jam, apple bread, apple cake, apple pie and apple bread - all yummy home made and wonderful...and now my fall way of giving back naturally and organic and from the heart....

Best Strawberry Jam ever this Summer it was beyond delicious...

2009-02-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

shopping at Fashion Island...

2009-02-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yohan was well my sidekick shopping at V.S. wasn't his cup of tea oddly enough, smile...

I want one of these...

2009-02-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have always had a secret penchant for one of these for years. Every now and then I daydream of it in the driveway and using it for a creative office or get away time out for myself. A ice cold lemonade, a sandwich on white bread, old school ruffled potato chips with some onion dip yum... then on the other hand I have thought of camp outs on the beach and in the mountains and driving across into a few states and maybe a border way to the north... maybe one day...and a few I love Lucy episodes too, smile....

sock wars III

2008-06-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the beautious weapons of war that killed me aren't they lovely? Aaahhh!!! They were made by 'Elphaba' aka Sarah in Trekking. We had warrior names I was Dauntless, smile! and I do not remember where I came up with that name. It was the wine, must have been that glass of wine. But aren't my sock just wonderful? Thanks Elphaba!

SATC

2008-06-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a swap package I put together last month for the Premier of Sex and The City, I love the movie I missed Carrie and the girls and Big, gotta love the guy, muuuaahh! Aah, yes I will be seeing it again, smile... You didn't think I would sneek in a flask to see it and toast with the girls, naw not me.

The challenge this time was to picka purse one of the characters would use and what would she have in her bag. I went with Carrie, smile I miss that gal and of course a clutch. But I kinda went with thru the years what would you have found in it at any time.

Well you remember what fell out of her purse the first moment she met big, smile yup, stuck a whole bunch in there. Then when she went through her aviator wearing, and big flower phase, and a cupcake holder of course in case she went by Magnolia Bakery. Tampons of course through out all the years they came in handy even getting her and Samantha a table at a new popular restaurant or... you would have had to have seen the all the series, you silly's. Oh, a thong when she was trying to leave some things at Bigs apt, I couldn't resist the nicoret patch when she was dating Aidan I made one and some other goodies too I added in. It was all in good fun and a clever fun swap. I hope my swap partner liked it?

Downtown Los Angeles has so much to see...

2008-06-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Belgian breakfast at Le Pain with tea a few weeks ago delicious baked goods...

2008-06-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

So fun and hApPY feeling

2008-06-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making these aprons the fabrics are so fun and happy feeling. This one reminds me of the beach a tropical beach of course. With yellow polka dot accents and pink ric rac, love that stuff whom ever came up with the concept of ric rac was a clever sort. It can make something that is happy, happier or something that is pretty, prettier. The butterfly apron is seriously really fun and happy, it just has a light heart feel to it plus I love the polka dots. Polka dots and ric rac go together so well like apples and caramel or vanilla ice cream and hot fudge or pancakes and syrup hum... happy food!

a challege

2008-06-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

My challenge was to make a purse from something it wasn't. So I used a vintage quilt top I had it had not been made into a quilt. I did feel a bit guilty cutting it up but I was re-purposing, or another way to look at it as recycling. actually the way I made this bag/purse or tote, it could be reversible. So here is a peek inside which could be the outside, smile...

Bento Experimenting

2008-06-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Okay I love the whole Bento Box Lunch idea and it is a practical idea to take ones own lunch and well I was experimenting. I had been making my lunch and darling daughter wanted a lunch and so I asked darling son if he would too? My first two days of young adult lunches, I forgot to take pictures of them and I have been adjusting quantities and protein vs. carbs. Well I lost my mind on this one I found a microwave cake mix, hum... handy you say and it makes three perfect cupcakes in the microwave in a minute and a half and used my little silicone cupcake liners to make them, ta da! Molten Choolate Cupcakes. Betty Crocker is one heck of a wooden spooned gal, this was genius and I was clever to cupcake lunch them in Bento Box, smile! I also made homemade jello with the little knox unflavored gelatin and grape juice and splenda, smile it was good too. I used some little bonbel cheese's, grapes, carrots, apples, tomato's, homemade japanese potato salad which is delicious, sliced grilled chicken breast left overs, some frozen dim sum each day has been a adventure of either planned ahead or a potpourri of left overs. I did save money taking my lunch to work and it was so much healthier than what I would have ended up eating

Isn't this so coordinated?

2008-06-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

apron so americana

2008-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

This was so much fun to design, smile I made a apron and the theme was Independence Day. I live not too far and not too close to the beach and the Fourth of July is fun and beachy and stars and stripes and down home cooking, comfort food, happy smile. I kinda ran with the beach and fun and festive with a dash of flirty, bIg gRiN. I used a red butterfly bandana inspired fabric for the background and made ruffles with a blue beach inspired fabric with Woodie's cars and palm trees and hibiscus and I used a yellow polka dot to make the pocket which reminds me of the sun and a polka dot red star because you should be a star when you wear this fun apron and the ricrac and white little pompom trim is for fun and light heartedness. Its a fun apron, Enjoy!

This was a picture of my work in progress it was fun, fun, fun...

So special this aprons is....

2008-06-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have recently made a few aprons this one is so sweet and special. You really have to see the fabrics up close. The are so fun and I enjoyed every moment combining them together. If you could see the black accent fabric up close you could see it has strawberries on it. and the yellow applique flowers on the poket are polka dots and the pocket is red and white polka dots. I made a stem and leaf for flowers using ric-rac it is kind of hard to see in the pictures I took. I also accented around the necklineand hemline with different colors of bias tape and ric-rac. I made long waist ties and in one view you can see it tied at the back and in the second view it is tied in front so either way will work. I used such a variety of colors and patterns and trims it is such a special, special apron, CupcakeKat I really hope you like and enjoy it. Oh by the way I hid a red polka dot heart on the inside for a bit of whimsy.

2008-06-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

I love the way this apron came out, it is long gone on its way to a lucky gal I sure hope she like its.

Flirty Apron Swap/Independence

2008-06-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Look at this awesome reversible apron I received in the Flirty Apron Swap Independence Day theme from Kristi isn't it beautious? I love it and I am thinking I need to wear it before July 4th like right now, smile... lovely Suzie is modeling for me.

gas prices?

2008-06-15T00:20:00.003-07:00

Seriously check this out we went to dinner and this was in the parking lot.

I am a Apronista

2008-06-14T20:41:00.001-07:00

View my page on The Apronista

I am shocked

2008-06-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Look at the most amazing swap package I have ever received, it was from AggieKnits from Ravelry Knitters Treasure Swap. I am shocked, insert jaw open and passed out on the floor here, it has a enormous amount of thought and effort put into it and where do I begin? There is a Noni pattern which I have had my eye on and the yarn, handles, fabric for lining it, thread can you believe she sent thread too? and Cscade yarn in a lovely shade of blue and Louet yarn in the softest shade of blue aahhhh! and Panda sock yarn I've been wanting to try out a pair of socks in this. The issue of Knit1 I have been looking for and Pursenalities a book with so many felted bag patterns in it and the cutest, darlingest project bag ever. I don't know how to thank you enough Aggie you are truely special and the attention to detail really touches my heart, Huge, huge, huge Happy Grin.....

panini press oh, how we love thee...

2008-06-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yummers!!! this is a handy dandy device .... I am still coming up with more ideas. This sandwich was on a sourdough loaf I bought at the bakery I sliced it as thin as I could and lightly loaded it with sliced turkey breast, colemans mustard, I spread a creamy brie on both slices and thinly sliced pickles, it was delicious.

last saturday

2008-06-04T21:25:00.001-07:00

My baby and my Dad what a super day, big smile...

lets chat...

2008-05-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Chatting online with my cutie patootie great niece in *ustria way after midnight my time. I look like heck on a stick but she is a doll, big smile....

Long month of may..

2008-05-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Long month and still a bit more yet, two proms, a surprise eighteen birthday party, a presents event and I am blanking out here there are a few things I am missing. Insert deep voice here, "I'll be back..."

long month of may

2008-05-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

more of the long month of may.....

Countdown...

2008-05-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

I am so excited it starts tomorrow, I can't wait they look great in all the photos and interviews. I am seriously looking forward to seeing all the fashions and the Big Apple again. Hello Ladies!

"The Movie" Countdown

2008-05-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

What better than to catch up on old times with the girls with a roast beef sandwich and yarn woo, hoo!! I can't wait for the new movie...

malabrigo

2008-05-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Look at the incredible Malabrigo Gruessa in Damask it is such a incredible color and without saying a incredible yarn. Not one but two patterns I have had my eye on the Neckwarmer by YarnAbuse and the famous Urchin my dd has been wanting me to make Urchin for her but now I will have to make for me first, smile! I also received a beautiful hand carved wooden button for my neckwarmer, smile! Thank You so much KnitKnerd

Apron Swap

2008-05-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Look at these fabulous treasures I received in my apron swap, insert a huge grin and a happy dance here. I am embarassed to say I received it two weeks ago and with my chaotic life right now I have not had a chance to post. Shawnee of CrochetCupcake made this fabulous apron for MmmEEEEEEEeeeee..... Its fitted and she said has over seventeen darts imagine that? I think there is more and even more it is reversible one side has a black background with lovely cupcakes and the otherside is pink with lovely cupcakes and both sides have pockets, I lourve pockets and oversized ric-rac I adore ric-rac, smile... It doesn't end there she sent me a booty of wonderful cupcakey goodness recipe cards, bath cupcake sprinkles, a wooden cupcake magnet on my oven at this very moment, a felt cupcake with lotions, insert yummy smells here... and my favorite of it all a ceramic "cupcake button" and it doesn't end there a cupcake recipe cookbook 'now everyone you all should be jealous' smile... it is wonderful and to top it all off as if all of this wasn't enough she custom made a set of rubber gloves, smile... with the fabric from my apron. All I can say is this is a most incredible above and beyond swap and Shawnee you outdid yourself. I am unworthy, you are truely "Queen of all Cupcakey Goodness!" you need a cupcake Tiara BIG SMILE and cupcake hugs.....

may 3rd 18 years ago

2008-05-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

My baby turned eighteen last saturday on may 3rd and we had a surprise party for her. Her brother with a few friends of hers put it together, she still can't figure out how we got away with it. It was so much fun. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

whimsy and so special

2008-04-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I received this beautiful vintage blue canning jar filled filled with treasures. It has unbelieveable hand spun yarn it is a incredible combination of blue faced leicester wool, alpaca, mohair and silk and it is specially named "Beach Glass" with a starfish adornment. I also recieved sock yarn custom hand-dyed for me in a a soft denim colors named "Blue Jean Baby Queen" big smile here! It doesn't end here theres more lemon mentos and Chowards lemon confections sweeeettt! and a mini-sock blocker key fob, fun cheery ric-rac , Chic chocolate, and fair trade organic Celtic Breakfast Tea and beach scented candle. I couldn't resist I had to photograph it all on a vintage quilt I bought dd a few years ago. It is amazing to me Julie how thoughtful you are and the attention to every detail of what I love there are even a few things you didn't know like Chowards are a childhood favorite my dad would bring me Violet Chowards as a treat, smile and I adore starfish's I just started collecting them.

cupcakes and aprons

2008-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well cupcakes and aprons I have to say do go hand in hand and not just to catch a drip or a splatter. Baking with a fabulous apron on makes it so much more glamourous like having a lovely pair of shoes to go with your outfit. Yesterday I went to order a birthday cake with darling daughter we went to a bakery called Vanilla Bakeshop. Dd picked exactly what she wanted the cake flavor and fillings and since orange is her favorite color it will have orange frosting and orange fondant. This place is also known for the cupcakes and I can say I absolutely have no will power, nope not me! did I buy a cupcake? a cupcake? no I bought a dozen of the mini cupcakes, insert sheepish grin here. The flavors seriously come on now key lime cupcake, its genius and delicious, I love lemons and limes. But I wolfed down in the car, the moms birthday cake cupcake with the cute little posy on the top, in two bites I tell you and thats before I hit the first signal light. My darling daughter is hitting a milestone in her life she is turning 18 and yes I was born pregnant because I am too young to have a 18 year old daughter, just joking smile. I am surprised because it seems like yesterday I had serious cravings I am a foodie to begin with and there are so many wonderful places to eat in L.A. and then there are the landmarks with comfort food. I craved the comfort food, I wanted the french dip sandwiches from Phillipe's fresh rolls with the roasted meats and the au jus it makes me teary eyed. Boxed dozens of taquitos with the tomatillo avocado sauce from Olvera Street. Pastrami sandwiches from the Hat okay seriously I can go on but I wanted to talk about my apron I made. I love it it is so happy and fun and cupcakey.

pink

2008-04-29T13:05:00.001-07:00

Pink buttercream
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Yes sireee this was the frosting for the fundraiser stuff and honest to goodness it was fabulous darhling......

fundraiser

2008-04-29T13:02:00.001-07:00

Cupcakes for fundraiser
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Darling daughter needed baked goods for school fundraiser so I made cupcakes red velvet, mini cupcakes with extra hidden chocolate inside, mini angel food cakes dipped in chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, and just slices of angel food cake. I just had to taste absolutely everything you know to make sure the flavors were balanced and all, smile... I made these last thursday nite just got around to posting.

dish-cloth frenzy

2008-04-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

I made these really neat and fun dishcloths in various fun shapes and I really have not done

much with cotton I made a slice of watermelon and a half a orange.

and these two fish shaped tawashi are smaller scrubers and I added cute lips and eyes to.

I also made cupcake shapes and fun ruffels but, I ran into a bit of trouble seriously I just went into auto pilot and I blocked them. Well I found out you really don't block cotton dishcloths they get a bit crunchy and well I tossed them into the dryer with dryer sheets and well they look softened like denim. I am a bit sad because I made them special and oh dear recipients I made them special for you but I am used to blocking my knits, just that I should have checked first before I tried to block cotton dishcloths.

darling daughter is one lucky girl

2008-04-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

My darling daughter received this lovely gift from mr I wear a brown uniform and drive a matching truck yesterday. It said perishable open immediately and look at the gorgous gift inside this beautiful appliqued box it had a fresh baked cake and a bouquet of flowers tucked in the center. We have good friends who send lovely gifts to my daughter and just because they are unable to attend a upcoming special event some people send regret reply cards but not my classy elegant friend she send fabulous lavish gifts that come fresh baked from far away places. What if I plan a event for myself can I get a pretty gift like this too? I see my good friends son more than I see her I have not seen her since my sons graduation last year June. Plus I drive past her house everyday no, I am not a stal*er its on my way to and from work. She lives close by and she is the one who encouraged me to email years ago when she got her first big smashy new computer that sits on a beautiful desk, the first time I actually saw live computer chatting was our boys chatting online. See my friend has those rare gifts, class and style. She has a way of of spotting the perfect blouse you wish you had spotted first. A piece of furniture that is the perfect table or comfy sofa you want to plop down on and nap, the fabulous plush towels or the perfect creamer holder pourer she just has wonderful taste and she is not a impulse buyer. She will research something she is interested in to find out if they are a animal friendly or a fair trade company. Her garden I kid you not can be photographed for a magazine without a moments notice she will tell you different though, smile. Want a great meal she can recommend a restaurant and a even a plate to try, trying to sort through your closet and can't decide what to toss or keep she's the one to call she will tell me honestly which is the better fabric and fit and even ask me what was I thinking when I bought that funky top, insert a sheepish look here on my face okay, I am a impulse buyer. She even let me hide christmas presents for my kids one year at her house. She can find the rare pearl or the hidden gem in a place or person she has that gift. But me well its so hard for me to make plans, and punctual well I lack there too, smile... she is organized and can make plans well ahead and carrys a agenda that even has birthdays in it and me well I am scattered here there and everywhere. She is the better friend. But look at the wonderful gift my classy friend who is elegant and proper and a rare gem herself who has fabulous taste, sent my darling daughter....

In my handbag

2008-04-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

I carry this little bag with knitting stuff at all times never know when I can cast on or finish a little something. I love small little goodies there is even a sewing thing tucked in here. I have this silver vintage needle holder I adore and some small sissors and a thimble and stitch counter and that animal print thingy is my glam measuring tape and there are some circulars tucked in there and a stitch holder and stitch markers and antihistimenes for either of my children because darling daughter likes to say she is allergic to yarn shops and fabric stores. Well I can fix that I am a mom and I carry stuff just in case I need to go get a yarn fix and she is with me, smile. Actually its the dust and fibers floating in air that get her going but she is a trooper she will go with me and keep a straight face even if she has hit the point where she is beyond board and is climbing the walls.

evidence of sewing

2008-04-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to sew but its so much work to drag my machine out and all my tools iefor example cutting mat, sissors, pins, fabric, iron board, iron etc, etc, etc...

Is it real?

2008-04-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

My dd made this in art class it is really amazing it is suppose to be her father, smile. But he as a matter of fact does not think it resembles him at all. She even put a v-necked undershirt on him exactly like he wears and she claims to have perfected all his wrinkles, smile. Well is it hard to look in the mirror and see the person looking back at you looks a bit like your parents. Smile crinkles around the eyes a few or in my case a lot of grey hair and I am not saying this for any type of compliment its a fact. I decided a few years ago I was really tired of coloring my hair every 4 to 6 weeks was enough but due to a medication I take daily oddly enough permanent hair coloring especially for grey hair just washes out as if it is temporary hair coloring. So I decided to let my hair go grey I see all those attractive models in the over 40 magazines like More or O magazine and it just looks wonderful okay, I know there is fancy lighting and stylists and makeup artists and it may not all be reality but they sure make over 40ish women look great. Not to change the subject but all those dove soap ads and I think its hanes underwear ads with real women with wrinkles and lovehandles. My family sat me down after about 3 to 4 inches of truely grey hair and said NO. Kinda funny I was questioning it myself do I truely want to admit my age? do I like being asked my age? I have been grey since 17 my kiddos never believed me when I said I was greying as a teen. But some genes do pass and oddly enough yes my son does have his few random grey hairs and we started or I noticed when he was 18. Its odd I look in the mirror and I do see someone else a older version of the person I have in my mind and I think I am in my twenties still. I am actually double that plus a bit but its okay. Will I feel the same way my honey does if my daughter makes a bust of me I don't know but I can say when I look at the pictures I have taken recently, I wonder do I like technology as advanced as it is when I take pictures with these new digital cameras seriously I can see if I have a chin hair and ugh, if I forgot to pluck my eyebrows but also it shows the extra weight I have put on. I don't know if I like the reality of it all yet and the new HD televisions try watching something I video'd on that is another reality you can see sweat and unshaved legs too.

a picture speaks

2008-04-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

fruitcloths farmers markets

2008-04-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Do you think it can be a bit silly to make fruit shaped dishcloths? well I do think they are silly fun and a bit of silly happiness to get through the drudgery of washing dishes and I am up for any silly happiness. I cook everyday atleast once sometimes three complete balanced meals. My family well they have their standards set a bit high and I am guilty. I love going to the farmers market and buying wonderful just picked vegetables and fruit. I admit I don't get to the farmers market as often as I would like but it is a special ritual I share with my daughter, a big exhale a big smile insterted here. I have as she is appropriately named my Miss Daisy cart it is one of those vintage wire basket wheeled carts and its old and I bought it at a garage sale. I made a liner for it out of a bunch of vintage shabby chic fabrics and I love her she is the right bit

of ridged strength and sass. I can fill her up and still plop a hard sided basket on top for herbs and soft fruits and tadaah we are in business. My daughter is my inspiration she is brillant and has a wiked sense of humor and she likes to lead at the farmers market ever curious she will ask me whats that and what can you make ( that would be me) out of it, smile. It can be root vegetables turnips, a hoard of potatoes every shape color and size fruit oh how we love the fruit organic and sweet and I love to bake so I try to make sure there is something for my honeys huge sweet tooth. Fresh herbs and fresh salad greens yum, there is one booth at the Santa Monica Farmers Market that has the most fabulous salads mixes and baby spinach the leaves are so tender and sweet and when you walk past the table the scent of the herbs is amazing. There is a table next to it that has fresh cheese and you get to taste a minute piece of each. There are fresh eggs and breads and there is a stand that carries mushrooms just picked from Northern Ca.. There are dried fruits and flowers and it is so inspiring for me. The drive it is quite a ways for us but it has not disapointed me yet. Oh, yeah the dish cloths I am trying to be a bit more green I tried my dish cloth I made and I'll be darned I love it, I cleaned the counters and washed glasses and pans and I want MORE dishcloths!

A bonnet for Isabella "Izzy"

2008-04-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

I made this precious top down bonnet from debbie bliss cashmerino and I added a little flower I crocheted, it is so soft and sweet. My cousin adopted a sweet baby girl and named her after my mother Belle. I lost my mother when I was a little girl and when I found out my cousin named her sweet baby after my mother I was so touched. Initally my cousin and her husband who have three girls already were told it was a boy but, it turned out to be a precious baby girl. Congrats!

Flirty Apron Swap

2008-04-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am in love, I love this pretty flirty apron I received. I can't wait to wear it. I kinda wish it had a back because I would wear it as a summer dress, smile! I mean it....
Look at the other goodies I got too, lovely candles yummm.... and my partner must have been reading my blog because she sent two perfect recipes a Tango Martini recipe I can't wait to try it out it has all my favorite ingredients woo, hoo! and a Sundried Tomato Torte that has pecans yummers can't wait. Thank you ever so much I am so spoilt rotten!

so tiny

2008-04-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Look at how tiny those are they are toothpicks not regular toothpicks, tiny toothpicks I can't believe there is knitting on them. Thank you Bernie!

My friend Bernie is a sweetheart!

2008-04-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Look at what my friend Bernie sent I can't believe it. There is so many goodies and I love all of them. If you look on top of the pink needle holder there is a tiny pair of knitting needles with pearls and the tinest ball of yarn and actual knitting on them and it has a magnet on the back it is precious.
She also sent me a skein of her own hand dyed yarn isn't it beautiful?
She also sent me dye and look at the chocolate with a sheep on it it is so sweet.
and this needle holder, Bernie how did you know I needled a needle holder? It is made by Country Lou and the combination of fabrics is brillant I absolutely love it!!! Thank you Bernie I Love everything!!!!

YarnSmackdown

2008-04-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

yellow mitered mittens

2008-04-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

I am so inspired by Elizabeth Zimmermans style of knitting she is really brillant but I won't get on my soap box about it, smile. I have over some time collected a few of her books and dvd's. I had a few months ago dashed by purlbee and saw the mitered mittens in a lovely yellow yarn. I have lovely yellow malabrigo yarn so it was one of my projects I took on vacation. I like EZ idea of knitting winter warmth during the warm weather and it being a small totable project I love handknit socks and I always try to have some with me or in the car for that down time or appointment that has a longer wait that I expected. I have almost finished them I blocked them and I have to get my thumbs on.

grey for my son

2008-04-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

I casted on a beanie for my son in this lovely wool cotton yarn, Okay! I admit I misplaced the label. I have a hard time when I wind the skeins into lovely yarn cakes I always lose those labels. I am trying to keep inventory on ravelry, so right now its a mystery yarn other than by touch I can tell fabric content. All those years in the industry and the schooling some things I still know, big smile. It is one of those loose beanies some of the cool trendy young people are wearing now adays. I feel old... I made it for my college son who sometimes oversleeps and needs a dash outta the house bed head coverup. Love ya son

drum roll "Ta Da!"

2008-04-09T11:23:00.001-07:00

*pod co*y
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

*pod cozy

2008-04-09T11:22:00.001-07:00

*pod cozy
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Well I have had this for awhile and while on vacation I was tossing it in my purse in my beach tote on the towel and well I decided I should make a protective cozy so I checked the stashed sock yarn and lookie look I actually had yarn that matches.

shades of blue

2008-04-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

Tulum, Riviera Maya Cancun
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

The shades of blue in this photo are incredible yes blue is my favorite color. We had a wonderful vacation and the food was beyond incredible.

Tulum, Riviera Maya - Cancun

2008-04-07T09:55:00.001-07:00

Tulum, Riviera Maya - Cancun
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Isn't this incredibly beautiful... We went sight seeing to Playas del Carmen. This is Tulum and the waters were amazing.

Mayakoba

2008-04-07T09:41:00.001-07:00

Mayakoba
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

Of course there was golf involved. I am the happiest golf widow ever, smile!

Mayakoba - clapotis & listening to podcasts

2008-04-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

Mayakoba - Clapotis & podcasts
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

I was so deliriously relaxed, I was working on my Clapotis and listening to a bunch of podcast I had downloaded. I am almost through the third section, I had read it can get boring but with the podcasts it was really mindless knitting I loved it.

mellow yellow

2008-03-28T18:45:00.001-07:00

I received yesterday from ErikaKnitz my opponet in YarnSmackdown this hat I am naming Mellow Yellow. It arrived yesterday a week after she mailed it to me. It is such a lovely Spring color, but it is ginormous. My baby is wearing it rasta style, she has really long thick hair and there is still plenty of room. My daughter asked me if she could keep it, smile...I love my baby girl! She saw something like it in one of her TeenVogue Magazines. I think it is a combination of the acrylic yarn and needle size that made it so loose and roomy.

Here it is on me and it is super super roomy.

The color isn't posting very accurately. It is a light spring yellow, a very fresh and happy color.

Thank you ErikaKnitz for my YarnSmackdown Mellow Yellow!

malabrigo irish hiking hat

2008-03-23T22:51:00.001-07:00

malabrigo irish hiking hat
Originally uploaded by sauvageblue

I finished this last saturday but haven't had a chance to post. It is malabrigo and lush and a super knit. I did have to think as I was knitting the band then picking up stitches was a real thinker for me, smile. I was a easy knit and I really like the end result.

Squash Hat

2008-03-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

I made this darhling baby squash hat from one-skein wonders. It is so cute and soft and using rowan yarn cashsoft dk make it a lushous yummy quick knit. But two days after I finished it the intended baby boy per a sonogram was a baby girl in fact, smile! so I am debating do I add something girlyish to the hat? or do I knit a new hat? It feels so yummy because of the combination of dk and cashmere.

YarnSmackdown

2008-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:00