T's Daily Treasures

Happy Friday!

2012-02-17T21:36:00.001+03:00

My favorite kinda day. At home, doing what I love.

Crocheting and baking.

And Jingles doing what she loves. Spending time on the balcony. Bird watching. And taking a cat nap.

We hope your day is enjoyable too!

Some Finished Projects

2012-02-15T17:33:00.000+03:00

I have bookmarked so many projects that I would like to try. So many projects, so little time. But yesterday I did crochet my first little teacup using a pattern posted at Treasures Made From Yarn. I'm not always successful with every pattern I try, but this was one very easy!

I continue to save jars and then crochet covers for them ... no pattern required. I just make it up as I go along. A few of these were given as gifts yesterday along with matchboxes that I decorated with bits of scrapbook paper and lace.

Another basket, this time with the top folded down

And finally, this was supposed to be a bookmark made with thread but I was using thicker cotton so didn't finish the whole pattern. Can you tell what the design is supposed to be?

I hope your Valentine's Day was filled with lots of love and sweet surprises!

Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T19:48:00.000+03:00

Sending sweet wishes your way ...

With love and friendship, Tammy

Meet Bob

2012-02-13T22:09:00.000+03:00

Hello there! I hope your week is off to a great start!

Our weather has been pretty near perfect lately with cool mornings and evenings and very comfortable afternoon temperatures.

I've only managed a bit of crocheting the past couple of days. These little pouches are so easy to make and can be filled with small gifts, chocolate or baked goods.

If you are in need of some inspiration, you must read the story of Bob, an 82 year old man in Allendale, Michigan who crochets for charity. I love the article and what he said about crocheting versus an iPod. I happened upon his story when I came across a new to me blog called Insomniac With a Hook. She calls Bob her hero. He truly is an inspiration and a role model.

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. Rabindranath Tagore

Have a wonderful day!

Looking Up

2012-02-12T22:24:00.001+03:00

I've never looked at the sky so much as I do now. This morning's sunrise was so very bright all I could do was point the camera and shoot.

As you can see, it was a perfect day for exploring.

Last week, Linda at Forever Austine Allen got a gorgeous shot of this month's full moon. Everyone kept talking about it, but somehow I missed it. The moon is full no more, but still beautiful.

Another day is done and I don't feel like I accomplished much at all. Some days are just like that.

Hope you are having a great day in your corner of the world.

Spreading the love

2012-02-11T18:48:00.001+03:00

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I've been taking some time to crochet hearts. The pattern for these small hearts can be found over at Lorraine's place.

And this bigger one can be found here.

If you would like to send a little love by snail mail, you can check out Debbie's post about Hope Unlimited for Children, an organization in Brazil that rescues children from the streets. They are asking that Valentines be sent for the young girls they have rescued. The valentines will be handed out early summer so there's still plenty of time. You can read about Hope Unlimited's Mission at The Least of These.

Send your valentines to Hope Unlimited for Children, PO Box 2707, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

Although I don't really do awards, I would like to thank Barbina at Little Things Made with Love and LoveStitch for being so sweet to think of me and mention me on their blogs. Both ladies are very talented crocheters so pop on over their way for a visit.

The weekend is quickly coming to an end. I've enjoyed another quiet day at home, cooking (lentil soup with baked sambousa, baking (donuts with chocolate glaze and chopped pecans) ...

and cleaning. Guess who the blob is under my fresh, clean sheets.

Just need to prepare things for tomorrow and then will crochet the evening away.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Another Gray Day

2012-02-10T23:57:00.000+03:00

Dust and clouds make for a very gray day.

A day for soup.

And for baking.

Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

1/2 cup butter melted; 1 egg; 1/3 cup white sugar; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1 cup flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Place spoonfuls 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet and bake in a 375 degree oven until golden brown.

A day for crocheting.

FINALLY finished the granny stripe baby afghan.

I do love a quiet day at home.

Hope your Friday is a good one.

Describing Words

2012-02-08T23:18:00.000+03:00

Cozy

Cozier

Coziest

My outside kitty is cozy too.

Dusty!

That little spot in the sky was actually our afternoon sun.

We had parent conferences tonight at school so it's been a long day. Time to hit the hay!

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday.

Cookies, Clouds and Tea

2012-02-07T17:28:00.000+03:00

Over the weekend, I tried a recipe for sprinkle cookies found over at Mimi's Kitchen.

The dough was so easy to put together, so easy to work with and the results were so very tasty. In fact, I made two batches and as of today, there's not a crumb left.

Our pretty pink skies of this morning ...

turned completely to gray by the time we left school this afternoon. Gray and dreary, cold and windy.

It's the perfect time to join Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for a cup of Twinings Organic African Honeybush & Lemon tea and a sprinkle cookie.

Sending warm wishes your way for a wonderful day!

Color from Dawn til Dusk

2012-02-06T21:10:00.001+03:00

We sleep, but the loom of life never stops and the pattern which was weaving when the sun went down is weaving when it comes up tomorrow. Henry Ward Beecher

Over the weekend I started crocheting colorful granny squares. They are easy to make and just what's needed for a quick fix during busy weekdays.

Along with clear skies the past few days come bright sunrises ..

and watercolor sunsets.

The sunrise is God's greeting - the sunset, his signature. (Author unknown)

Wishing you a great new week!

Yesterday Out and About

2012-02-05T18:13:00.000+03:00

We had some pretty amazing cloud cover yesterday.

After spending two and a half days at home, it was time to get out and about.

We met friends, who are hosting members of the Italian-Kuwaiti Friendship Association, at Al Muhallab Restaurant for lunch. The restaurant is decorated with antiques and memorabilia from Kuwait.

Along with our order of grilled fish and shrimp, we were served a large selection of appetizers (cold mezza), hot fresh bread, rice and sauce

Dessert (fresh fruits and traditional sweets) and tea were also served with the meal. Muhallabia (milk pudding) is one of my favorites.

Food is our common ground, a universal experience.

James Beard

We had a lovely afternoon. Good food and good company are always a perfect combination.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Memories of Mammaw

2012-02-04T11:11:00.000+03:00

Good morning everyone! Hope your Saturday is off to a great start. This morning I am having toast with fig & ginger jam. Whenever I eat figs, I think of my Mammaw, my dad's mom.

She used to make the best ever fig preserves. Piled up on a biscuit with butter. Boy was it good. From what I'm told, she also used to give me coffee in my bottle -- more milk than coffee, of course, and sweet, just the way she liked it. Maybe that's why I prefer a latte to this day. Of course, now I choose to have a skinny latte with 1/2 tsp of brown sugar.

On my birthday, February 26, 1988, I received the call that Mammaw had suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, we were all able to visit her in the hospital, to spend quality time with her, before she passed away in March of that year. Her birthday would have been the end of January. I still think of her. Still add up all the years and imagine how old she would be today had she lived.

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

Wishing you a day filled with wonderful memories!

Morning Matters

2012-02-03T16:57:00.001+03:00

I make sure that my boys eat breakfast every day before school. Toast with pb&j and a banana. Oatmeal with chocolate chips and pecans. Scrambled eggs with buttered toast and jam. Easy but healthy is what I am going for. So on weekend mornings, it is nice to fix something a little more special.

The whole wheat pancake recipe I use was given to me by my friend, Renee. Handwritten in a recipe book she gave me years ago. Strawberries and bananas with powdered sugar on the side.

After breakfast, I spent time rolling my yarn into balls. I find it makes crocheting much easier.

Another day at home, my favorite place to be.

You must have a room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what was in the morning paper ... a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be ... At first you may find nothing's happening ... But if you have a sacred place and use it, take of advantage of it, something will happen. (Joseph Campbell)

I hope you have a fabulous Friday!

Not Again!

2012-02-02T18:57:00.001+03:00

That's usually what I hear when I've made yet another pot of soup. What can I say? I love soup! It's healthy, filling and comforting on dreary days.

This time I made Red lentil soup with spinach and lemon, served with a dollop of yogurt and pita chips on the side (brush olive oil on pita bread and sprinkle with creole seasoning; broil, turning once, until crisp).

The good news is everyone liked it.

I crocheted another basket using a different yarn that is stiffer and thicker so the sides hold up really well.

We had a really hard rain last night. Today has been quiet. A day at home in pj's. Blogging, cooking, crocheting. My favorite kinda day.

Hope you are having a good one, too!

It's the Weekend Already

2012-02-01T18:00:00.000+03:00

It's a gray day here. Gray and hazy. Dreary and dusty.

In my book, every day is a soup day, but even moreso on days like this. I made roasted cauliflower soup. Few ingredients, really easy and delicious, served up with Monterey Jack cheese and seasoned croutons.

Despite the weather, Jingles insisted on heading outdoors, tip-toeing her way around all the puddles.

The good news is we have a three-day weekend, so I shall happily don my favorite at-home attire, color my world with my newly purchased yarn, and cozy up on the couch for a crafty evening.

What's happening in your corner of the world?

Tea on Tuesday: Upside Down and Drizzly

2012-01-31T17:58:00.003+03:00

The mild weather we were having yesterday turned into cloudy, cold and drizzly weather today. That makes it an especially good day for tea. Even better, tea with dessert. Twinings Organic African Honeybush & Lemon tea along with Upside Down Pear & Ginger Cake.

I've made this cake many times in the past. So easy and always turns out perfect.

Melt 1 stick of butter. Drizzle about 1 TBS of the melted butter in a small loaf pan, sprinkle in some brown sugar, then layer sliced pears. Mix together the rest of the melted butter with 4 TBS of brown sugar, 6 TBS of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 2 tsp of powdered ginger and 1 egg. Pour your batter over the sliced pears. Bake in 350 degree oven until golden. Yum!

Uh oh! I just saw lightning and the wind is howling. Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

More Cooking than Crafting

2012-01-30T20:51:00.000+03:00

I used to think making risotto took a lot of time and effort. If you listen to chefs on tv, that would seem to be the case. The other night, I decided to make mushroom risotto, no recipe necessary.

I sauteed mushrooms in a bit of butter, added the risotto and stirred until coated, then began to add vegetable stock in stages. It doesn't really take constant stirring or watching. Cook over medium-low heat, let the liquid cook out, stir, add more liquid, and continue the process until the risotto is soft. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parmesan cheese and some black pepper finished it off. Delicious!

I also tried out a Lunchbox Muesli Bar recipe that I am sure I saw on someone's blog but unfortunately did not write that bit of information down when I copied the recipe.

1 cup oats, 1/2 cup coconut, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 stick of butter melted, 2 TBS honey. Mix, press into greased pan, bake, cool, cut. (I didn't have dried apricots and substituted dried cranberries for the raisins but think I'll try the original recipe next time.)

We've had mild weather for several days now. Jingles likes hanging out on the balcony on days like this.

But she doesn't like it when hubby closes the screen door while she is still out there.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Happy at Home

2012-01-29T21:56:00.000+03:00

That's what I was all weekend long. Happy at home. Inspired by Melanie's post about organizing her kitchen cabinets and drawers, I organized one of my cupboards.

Made a pot of lentil soup.

To 8 cups of vege stock add 1 cup of red lentils, 1 onion roughly chopped, 1 carrot chopped, 2 small potatoes diced and boil until until lentils break up. Reduce heat and simmer until desired consistency. Add cumin powder, salt and black pepper to taste. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir through. Serve with fried pita bread.

And tried a new recipe (coconut biscuits) found at Tammi's blog Littlepoppa. They were a hit here at home and at school today.

Speaking of Happy@Home, that just happens to be the name of Kim's blog. She was baking yesterday too.

Hope your day is a happy one!

Sympathies and Soup

2012-01-28T10:59:00.000+03:00

My heart goes out to Jane at Mamie Jane's on the recent passing of her husband. Bruce was only 54 years. On Thursday he lost his battle with ALS.

Jane's blog was one of the first I stumbled upon early on in my blogging journey. She is such a kind and very thrifty, crafty lady who is always inspiring. She and her husband both remained so strong and optimistic since his diagnosis a couple of years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

We had a quiet Friday here that included a little cleaning, crocheting and cooking on my part. More of the same today.

Native American Cornbread: 1 cup of flour; 1/1/3 cups of cornmeal; 1 TBS baking powder; 1/2 tsp of salt; 1 cup nonfat milk; 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of honey; 2 TBS canola oil; 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional). Mix dry and then wet ingredients til just blended then pour into a greased pan and bake at 400 til golden.

I made a simple vegetable soup. Water, vege extract, a bag of mixed vegetables, vermicelli, black pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning all to taste. The organic vege extract I use already has salt in it and seasons everything perfectly. I used to make this as a chicken soup by first sauteeing chopped chicken in a bit of oil before adding all the ingredients. The Italian seasoning really gives it a unique taste and it cooks up in about 10 minutes. I felt like I was having a big bowl of Thanksgiving with the mix of the salty soup and the sweet from the cranberries in the cornbread.

A big bowl of comfort on a cloudy day!

Time to Catch Up

2012-01-26T23:25:00.002+03:00

I'm so happy it is the weekend in my little corner of the world. Although I enjoyed spending time with friends after school on Monday and Tuesday, it kinda put me off schedule for the rest of the week, so now I need to play catch up.

Whenever I get behind, I get blah. And when I get blah, my creative mojo takes a hike. One of those vicious cycles we all deal with. Hopefully I can do some cleaning and crafting over the weekend to get back on track.

Hope all is well where you are!

And that you are having a productive, creative day! Or at least a restful one!

No Tea for Me Today

2012-01-24T21:47:00.000+03:00

I met friends for lunch at The Chocolate Bar, but instead of lunch, I had a skinny latte and a vanilla cupcake with vanilla icing.

Boy oh boy was it good! Of course, that meant I needed something nutritious for dinner. Thankfully I had cooked up a big pot of spiced lentil soup Sunday night.

I've shared the recipe before and am glad to hear that it has become a favorite for Val and Glor, too.

Brown 1/2 cup of diced onions, 1/3 cup barley and 3 cloves of minced garlic in 1 TBS of olive oil. Add 3 quarts of vege stock and 1 cup of brown lentils to the pot and cook til tender. Stir in 1 can of chickpeas, 1/2-lb of spinach and 12 oz of salsa and warm through.

Kimmie is having a wet tea day in her corner of the world

so I am sending wishes her way for a warm and wonderful day.

Lovely Lunch

2012-01-23T21:54:00.000+03:00

Creamed spinach with feta and pine nuts on a croissant with vegetable soup.

Dessert

Green tea

A gift

Knitted potholders

My crocheted doilies being put to good use under a bowl

and a decorative pot.

It's nice to break up the routine of the every day. Lunch with my friend, Shereen, always feels like an afternoon of pampering.

But every memory of friendship shared, even for a short time, is a treasure, like sunshine and warmth in our lives, like a cool breeze on a humid day, like a shower of rain refreshing the earth. - Author Unknown

Wishing you a wonderful new week filled with special moments.

Those Things With Holes

2012-01-22T17:16:00.000+03:00

Seven years ago, I cut out processed foods, fast food and junk food from my diet. To my kids dismay, I started reading labels, watching what we eat, and no longer bought any of their favorite packaged foods or cereal.

However, I am a firm believer of everything in moderation (and once in a while I do give in just to make them happy). At least when you make and bake at home, you know what is going into your food and can cut back on certain ingredients (I almost always cut back on the sugar called for and don't make anything that requires more than a 1/2 cup of oil).

On Friday, I tried a baked donut recipe from Lorraine's blog With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart. Glazed chocolate with chopped pecans, powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar.

They were a hit! Even better the second day. I will definitely be making them again. If you head over to Lorraine's blog now, you will also be tempted with a Triple Lemon Cheesecake, and other Improv Challenge recipes using lemon and sour cream. You really can't go wrong with those two ingredients.

Sending warm hugs and sweet wishes your way for a wonderful Sunday!

A Chilly Celebration

2012-01-21T18:19:00.000+03:00

Yesterday the clouds rolled in and the wind kicked up bringing colder air with it.

Today's sky was drab with just a bit of dust.

I met friends at Taal Indian Restaurant for lunch.

The decor is very warm and cozy. Just what we needed on this cold and windy day.

Friends are a lot like the sun--dependable and warm, and they brighten your day.

Melissa's birthday was on Wednesday so we wanted to help her celebrate.

Happy Birthday, Melissa, my true blue friend!

Hope you are having a warm and cozy day in your corner of the world.

So Far, So Good

2012-01-20T13:04:00.000+03:00

Good Friday morning! Last night while watching America Idol I crocheted another bowl.

The light colored yarn is Ecologico Camel made in Germany (15% camel hair and 85% new wool) and the variegated part is Red Heart Yarn sent to me by Jodie of Everything Vintage for my birthday last year, or was it the year before? My how time flies.

Our Friday has gotten off to a nice start with brilliant blue skies. We'll just have to see when that predicted dust storm will start to kick up. For now, it's a beautiful day.

Progress is being made on my baby granny stripe. I'm using leftover yarn, though, and am afraid I will run out before I'm able to finish. That's the only thing about using your stash.

Jan at A Journey asked about progress on the kids bedroom makeover. Once we started back to school, my organizing mojo was interrupted so haven't done much else in there. As you can see, I did get some things hung on the wall, although my oldest son asked that I not do so.

The caricatures were done of the boys when we were in Madrid about 6 years ago by an Iraqi artist who had been in Spain for years. The one to the right of the window is of Zack. And this one of Yusef is just above his electric drum set.

Yusef had a friend over yesterday who looked around and said "you have a lot of stuff." Yep! I hear that all the time.

Wishing you all a fabulous Friday!

Weekend Wishes

2012-01-19T20:59:00.001+03:00

Another weekend has arrived in my corner of the world.

Weather was nice today, but the predicted forecast calls for a wind or dust storm to roll in by Saturday along with a drop in temperature.

Hubby returned from a business trip to Jordan with January's O Magazine and Dead Sea bath salts and body mud.

Crochet on the hook and American Idol on tv. Looking forward to a relaxing evening.

Happy Thursday!

Easy Bowls

2012-01-18T18:48:00.000+03:00

Bowls filled with easy, healthy meals.

Sundried tomato couscous with onions, cucumber, chickpeas and feta drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Brown rice, black beans, salsa and sour cream served with tortilla chips and chopped avocado

A new recipe. Curried green lentil soup served with seasoned croutons and feta.

And my first crocheted bowl (or basket). Pattern found at Design Sponge. I added a frilly ridge to the top. Definitely will be making more of these.

I checked at work today and the pop-up window for comments works with Internet Explorer. Seems that one little change in my settings has fixed the problem for those of you who were having problems commenting.

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!

Tea on Tuesday and Blogger Comments

2012-01-17T19:11:00.001+03:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons is having a snowy tea day in her neck of the woods. Although our high temperature reached about 60 today, it sure felt nippy out there.

Hubby had a business associate arrive from Jordan with a box of chocolates, each one wrapped in colorful foil. I had a few along with my rooibus vanilla tea. Of course, there aren't many days where I don't have a bit of chocolate.

I've received many emails from bloggers who haven't been able to comment on my blog the past few days. I checked from my computer at school where we use Internet Explorer and have the same problem. But at home, where I use Google Chrome, it's not an issue. Shane from Roses, Lace and Brocante suggested I change my comment settings to pop-up window rather than embedded so I've done that even though I switched from the pop-up window last year because of problems.

It seems that every time blogger wants to update one thing, something else goes wrong. Brings to mind the old saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Let me know if any of you still have problems.

Hope your day is a good one!

Instant Inspiration

2012-01-16T17:43:00.001+03:00

On December 28th, Lorraine posted a 2011 craft/project recap. When I saw the boutique bags I immediately grabbed whatever yarn I had close at hand and crocheted one up within an hour's time . The pattern was originally posted by Sara at Tangled Happy and was really easy to follow. (Sara's blog is where I finally learned how to crochet a granny square).

My first boutique bag was presented to my friend, Melissa, with a few gifts inside. I will definitely be making more using different yarns (but think I'll make a smaller flower next time).

Flowers are those little colorful beacons of the sun from which we get sunshine when dark, somber skies blanket our thoughts. ~Dodinsky

We've had another beautiful day in my corner of the world. Sending wishes your way for a great new week.

Feel Good Blues

2012-01-15T18:43:00.000+03:00

And they were canopied by the blue sky,So cloudless, clear, and purely beautiful,That God alone was to be seen in Heaven.~Lord Byron

Brilliant blue skies were a welcome sight today after all the dreary, gray of last week. Somehow they just seem to make everything right in the world.

A blue plate filled with homemade oatmeal-chocolate chip-cranberry cookies doesn't hurt either.

1/2 cup of butter softened; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp ground allspice; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla; 3/4 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup quick cooking oats; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/3 cup dried fruit. Preheat oven to 375. Beat butter with sugar. Add powders and spices. Blend in egg and vanilla. Beat in flour and oats. Stir in chocolate chips and dried fruit. Drop cookies onto baking sheet about 2 inches a part and bake 6-8 minutes or until golden. Transfer to plate and cool.

Sweet Sunday wishes to you all!

Staying In

2012-01-14T10:30:00.000+03:00

Happy Saturday everyone! Our first week back to school after winter break sure went by fast. I got a bit sidetracked with everything that needed to be done each and every day. Since yesterday was very gray and gloomy, I stayed indoors and did as little as possible. Scrounged around for yarn so I could start a baby granny stripe.

My boss went to Italy over winter break with his family and brought us back a package of Italian pasta. He said that he hoped the boys enjoyed eating the Italian flag.

The artisanal pasta shop they visited in Venice has been in business since 1905. He shared with me this picture of a mechanical machine (there's a name for it but can't think of it right now) that sits in the front window of the store making pasta all day.

I cooked some up along with sauteed onion and zucchini for lunch yesterday. A big bowl of comfort food on a cloudy day.

I hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Time for Tea

2012-01-10T22:43:00.001+03:00

Last month before winter break, we had a Secret Santa exchange at school. The person I was buying for is a tea drinker, so I made this little cross-stitch piece for her and put it in a green frame (her favorite color).

Though I love trying all sorts of teas, my favorite tea to drink on a daily basis is green tea. We always have some with our meal when we go to our favorite Japanese restaurant.

Tea is especially good on all these cloudy days we've been having lately.

As the centerpiece of a cherished ritual, it's a talisman against the chill of winter, a respite from the ho-hum routine of the day. (Sarah Engler)

I'm joining Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for tea today. Hope you are all having a terrific Tuesday!

P.S. If you get a chance, stop by Mariette's Back to Basics for her international giveaway.

Crafting Inspiration

2012-01-09T21:15:00.001+03:00

Last Thursday after I posted about all the new craft books I've gotten, I realized Cross Stitch Keepsakes was a book by Helen Phillips. In fact, I have two of her books. She has a wonderful blog where she shares her cozy home and pretty projects so if you haven't visited her before, head on over there. She's currently knitting up a fair isle scarf.

I learned to cross-stitch while I was in high school and have loved doing it over the years, but crochet has become my favorite hobby of late since it is easier to carry around (I crocheted this dishcloth while playing the waiting game at the doctor's office on Saturday) and I don't need reading glasses to work with hook and yarn.

While my friend, Mona, was here, she introduced me to 8 count aida that I had not used before. Below is my first stitching with yarn and a big embroidery needle. The perfect blending of my two favorite crafts.

It's not always easy to find time for crafting during the week, but I just have to remind myself that even something small is an accomplishment.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Darkness and a Bright Spot

2012-01-08T22:21:00.000+03:00

Boy oh boy, was it ever dark when we woke up this morning. Makes it hard to get going. Clouds hung around all day.

Then this evening there were huge cracks of thunder and lightning along with bursts of rain showers that caused problems with our tv and internet connections.

The bright spot in my day was receiving cards from Shane (Roses, Lace and Brocante) and Val (Yarni Gras). Val even sent along a ladybug bookmark she made.

Thanks ladies! Our first day back at school went well, but the day has gone by way too fast. Time for the sandman to sprinkle his magic.

Sweet Dreams!

Friendship, Food, Comfort

2012-01-07T21:16:00.000+03:00

Yesterday we had lunch with Mona and her family (minus her younger son who was spending time with other friends).

We were seated in the family room at Benihanas where the chef entertained and cooked for us.

Today Mona and the boys headed back to Lebanon. It's been great having her here the past two weeks while we've been on winter break.

Tomorrow it is back to reality, back to school and work. Not sure I'm ready for it.

It's been a rather dark and cloudy day here. I went to the doctor this morning for my annual exams (that I skipped last year). Sure wish I hadn't had that cup of coffee before going. Blood tests now will have to be done tomorrow morning after I check in at school.

After putting the bookshelf together for the kids room, I really felt the need for a big bowl of comfort food so made risotto for the very first time. It was from a mix I picked up at an Italian restaurant here, along with fresh parmesan cheese, and boy was it good! I had two big bowls and had to stop myself from going for the third.

Everyone is off to bed now. That 6 am wake-up is gonna be a shock to the system

Hope your Saturday is a good one!

Market Morning

2012-01-06T22:56:00.000+03:00

Making over the kids room meant that a new rug was needed so hubby and I headed out to Friday Market this morning.

He wanted to buy a light brown rug but I have a thing for color so this is the one that came home with us.

And since the rug was purchased rather quickly, we had time to do a bit of browsing.

And shopping. Two dallahs (Arabic coffee pots) and a teapot came home with us, too.

After 17 years in the Middle East, I've decided they might be a good thing to collect.

Tomorrow I will be putting together a bookshelf we bought this afternoon at Ikea. After a bit more organizing, the kids room will be almost complete. This project has been on my to-do list for quite a while so feels good to get it done.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Books

2012-01-05T16:13:00.000+03:00

Yesterday was hubby's birthday. Since he's not real big on celebrations, I just cooked a special meal and bought him the annual Guinness Book of World Records which has become a tradition. Not much you can get a guy who has everything.

Lots of great craft books have come my way of late. Last week while craft shopping with Mona, the cover of this book caught my eye so it came home with me.

Lots of great projects and ideas.

And while getting hubby's book yesterday, I picked up a cross-stitch and two crochet books on sale.

Then Melissa gave both me and Mona this Granny Squares Now book that she bought while on a new year's trip to Dubai.

I'm certainly not lacking for inspiration to get stitching, whether with yarn or thread.

With the new year, I decided it was time for a new blog look. It's always nice to mix things up a bit. Hope your Thursday is a good one!

Nirvana

2012-01-04T20:45:00.002+03:00

Mona and I met Melissa at a new Indian restaurant today for lunch.

We had the whole restaurant to ourselves so it was quiet and relaxing.

We enjoyed garlic naan, cucumber raita, fish curry, mixed vegetables, chicken tikka masala and beriyani. Delicious!

One of the delights of life is eating with friends, second to that is talking about eating. And, for an unsurpassed double whammy, there is talking about eating while you are eating with friends. (Laurie Colwin 'Home Cooking')

Melissa gave us both a container of homemade cookies so I'm having dessert for dinner.

Sending sweet wishes your way for a wonderful day!

While She Lay Sleeping

2012-01-03T23:56:00.000+03:00

Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely? (Karen Brademeyer)

While I was moving, sorting, purging, organizing, cleaning, climbing, painting the kids room, Jingles was fast asleep. I don't know how anyone could sleep amongst this chaos.

After working 10 hours yesterday and several hours this afternoon (once the new furniture was delivered and put together), I can say that I am about 80% finished with the room. This corner went from this ...

to this.

There's still work to do. My oldest son doesn't want anything hung up. He says I put too many things on all our walls.

Dining area

tv room

Yep ... guilty as charged. To me, every wall is a blank canvas just waiting to be filled with photos, travel mementos and handiwork.

Why do we love certain houses, and why do they seem to love us? It is the warmth of our individual hearts reflected in our surroundings. (T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings)

I may not have a clean house, but it sure is cozy! What does your home say about you?

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-01T09:28:00.001+03:00

So how did you ring in the new year? We were safe and sound at home. Mona and her family came over for dinner and dessert. Hubby was in bed early while I managed to stay up past the stroke of midnight for once.

This bilingual 2012 Atlantic Canada calendar was a gift from my boss and his wife.

Remember all the beautiful blue skies we had last week. Well, this first day of the new year has gotten off to a cloudy, blustery start.

The sun is back there somewhere

While I am up early, the rest of the house is sleeping. Work in the kids bedroom will have to wait until they arise from slumber.

When Mona came to our place last week, she saw this pillow that I had crocheted last year (I can say "last year" with confidence since I have no idea exactly when I made it, but definitely was in 2011).

She requested that I make one for her in colors of maroon and blue.

Ask and ye shall receive.

Home is the heart of life ... Home is where we feel at ease, where we belong, we can create surroundings that reflect our tastes and pleasures ... Making a home is a form of creativity open to everyone. (Terence Conran)

May your home be filled with peace and joy; your life filled with the love of family and friends; and your heart filled to overflowing with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T00:30:00.000+03:00

I must say, I admire everyone who has been able to post a 2011 review. I decided to take my own walk down memory lane, going back through my archives, but after 45 minutes and only having gotten through the month of May, I decided to heck with it. Out with the old, in with the new. Welcome 2012!

Thanks to everyone who has followed along with me this past year. I am constantly inspired and encouraged by each and every one of you. May your new year be filled with health and happiness, creativity and contentment, light and love, peace and joy!

A Full Day

2011-12-30T22:56:00.000+03:00

Is it wrong to have rice pudding for breakfast? Mona made more for us so I sprinkled it with cinnamon and nutmeg and had a cup of coffee. Yum!

We headed out bright and early to one of the largest furniture stores in Kuwait. I've been looking to update the kids bedroom for some time and finally found what I was looking for and it was on sale.

Since Wasabi is practically across the street, we scooted over there for lunch.

And when we got back home, hubby whipped up fresh mango juice. We received 2 boxes of coconuts and 4 boxes of mangoes from our friends in Sri Lanka. More than enough to share and keep. My oldest son loves coconut water and the younger one loves mangoes.

The rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning, sorting and organizing in the kids bedroom. I have much to do before their furniture arrives on Tuesday. I did, however, manage to get in a bit of crocheting this evening. Even if it is only one small project, I feel like I did something creative and that's a good thing.

Now it is time to think about hitting the hay!

Hard to believe tomorrow is the last day of the month. December has flown by! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

This Week

2011-12-29T19:10:00.000+03:00

I can't believe we are already one week in to our winter break. Most every day has been spent out and about with my girlfriend, Mona, who is visiting from Lebanon.

We have gone antiquing.

Enjoyed beautiful weather.

Met with friends (Susana is taking the picture).

Given and received gifts.

Shopped for yarn and craft supplies.

It's been a fun and busy week that has gone by way too fast! Hope you are having a great week, too.

Brunch on a Beautiful Day

2011-12-28T19:46:00.000+03:00

I met friends at Le Pain Quotidien this morning for brunch.

We've been blessed with beautiful weather this past week.

It was nice to be outside in the fresh air,
walking and talking.

"A Friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of Nature."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) US poet & essayist.

Tea on Tuesday: Sharing is Caring

2011-12-27T17:39:00.000+03:00

Mona knows how much I love her rice pudding so, after breakfast yesterday, she sent me home with two small containers of it. I enjoyed a small bowl along with a cup of Tetley Earl Grey tea and then my kids polished off the rest.

Mona is a very creative person. She paints and sews, knits and crochets, does embroidery and cross-stitch. This crocheted table cover was my Christmas gift.

For her, I whipped up three doilies to match the colors in her living room.

We are enjoying our days together but they are whizzing by so fast.

When just being together is more important than what you do, you are with a friend.

I'm joining Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for tea today. Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday.

Keshek for Breakfast

2011-12-26T15:51:00.000+03:00

Mona invited me and Melissa for breakfast at her place this morning.
Along with cucumber, tomato and olives, a variety of cheeses, labaneh and zaatar, Mona made keshek.

Keshek is a very traditional food made every year by Lebanese villagers with bulgur and milk (either cow’s or goat’s) at the end of summer as part of winter’s provisions.

Coarse bulgur is rubbed with milk and left to ferment a few days; it is then placed on the rooftop (traditional homes are built with a flat rooftop) and left to dry under the sun for several days; then taken to the village mill and ground fine into a powder; the powdered keshk is once again dried in the sun for several day in order to dry thoroughly.'

It is cooked up like a thick soup and eaten with bread. Very yummy and filling!

We've had very mild weather lately which makes it nice to get out and about.

Wishing you all a great new week!

Have a Merry Day!

2011-12-25T09:51:00.000+03:00

Dee Dee at Dee Dee's Craft Spot introduced me by email to Jesse the Jack Russell Terrier. This little dog can do it all from everyday chores to aerobics.

I sure could have used Jesse to help with holiday decorating around here.

Merry Christmas everyone!

On Our First Day of Winter Break ...

2011-12-23T22:55:00.000+03:00

I ate too much homemade toffee. A gift from a friend, along with a handmade tag.
We downloaded a free iPad app for Jingles called Cat Fishing. They say that "the colors, movement and game-play have been researched and tested for maximum feline fun." But Jingles was not interested at all. She would much rather watch what is going on outside.
We went to lunch at PF Chang's.

Then to the plant souk. I spent a couple of hours cleaning up our two balconies and repotting plants.

And I finally got around to making Christmas Ring Wreath Ornaments using the pattern on Doni's blog Whiskers & Wool. They work up really quick!

One of my very good friends is coming in tonight from Lebanon with her two boys. Can't wait to see them tomorrow.

I hope your holiday weekend is filled with all things merry and bright!

It's Official!

2011-12-22T23:57:00.000+03:00

Winter Break has begun!

Happy holidays to one and all!

Sweet Treats and Sounds

2011-12-20T20:50:00.000+03:00

My girlfriend, Leslie, and her 8-year old daughter, Renee, gave us individually wrapped cookies the other day. Our family in gingerbread.

Sam and me.

Yusef and Zack.

So sweet!

Days have been crazy busy of late. Last night Zack played sax in a holiday concert at school. It was hard to get a good picture.

We have two more days of school and then our 2-week winter break will begin. I can't wait!

Have a great week!

No Schedule Required

2011-12-16T22:19:00.000+03:00

I love days without schedules. Our Friday started off with blue skies and a slight spattering of clouds.
Increased cloud cover as the day progressed, a chance of rain predicted, but nothing so far.

A perfect pajama day with stockings to crochet.

Icicles to make.

New patterns to try found at Whiskers & Wool. A Six Point Snowflake. And Lacy Snowflake Rings.

If you have 2-inch rings and are looking to make Christmas ornaments or gift toppers, Doni shares 12 free patterns in a series she calls Ringing in Christmas. Today I will be making her Christmas Ring Wreath Ornament.

I hope your weekend is productive in a relaxing sort of way. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

A White Christmas Lunch

2011-12-14T21:05:00.000+03:00

After school today, I went to my friend Shereen's for lunch.

It was obvious right away that she decided to make this a white Christmas.

Lunch was a potato and feta patty along with a warm orzo salad with tomatoes, olive, pine nuts and parsley and a balsamic/olive oil dressing. Yum!

Green tea, shortbread cookies and stollen for dessert.

Early Christmas presents.

And a beautiful sunset to end the day.

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday too!

Tea on Tuesday

2011-12-13T20:17:00.000+03:00

Beautiful weather today. Crisp cool air. Blue skies.

I am joining Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for tea. Twinings Organic Ginger Mandarin along with chocolate covered dates for a snack.

Planning to get more work done on my Christmas light garland this evening.

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday!

Shine On

2011-12-12T21:16:00.000+03:00

The sun was nowhere to be found this morning but the moon was big and beautiful.

I am lighting a candle again tonight, this time in remembrance of our much loved furbabies. Mary at Vintage Comfort posted on Saturday that her sweet dog Kona had passed away. He was 10 years old and had diabetes.

Our pets certainly do become a big part of our family.

I will light a candle for Kona and for all the homeless, abandoned and abused animals.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

May Your Light Always Shine

2011-12-11T22:15:00.008+03:00

Yesterday's balmy weather was short lived. We woke this morning to dust and blustery conditions. The sun was unable to shine through all that haze.

Today while visiting Patty's blog, Magpie's Nest, I learned of a worldwide candle lighting event to take place tonight at 7:00 pm. Patty, along with millions of others around the world, will be lighting candles from 7-8 pm in honor of the children they have lost.

You can learn more about The Compassionate Friends by visiting their website.

Wishing you peace and blessings.

A Simply Perfect Day

2011-12-10T22:10:00.001+03:00

Our weather was much warmer today with the temperature hitting around 70 degrees.

Jingles joined me outside while I watered plants and swept both balconies.

Birds were flitting overheard filling the air with their birdsong.

I collected an eggshell, different colored dried leaves, flower petals and a feather. I always wonder where the birds build their nests here.

A couple of months ago, I spied this tree with a little clump of twigs in its center. They were so perfectly positioned, I knew it had to be a nest. It is the one and only time I have ever seen one around here.

After a bit of cleaning inside, I sat down to make a couple more covered jars.

And then made cream of zucchini soup for dinner.

Saute 1 small chopped onion, 4 cloves of minced garlic and 6 diced zucchini in a little bit of olive oil til soft. Add 8 cups of vegetable stock, salt and black pepper to taste and about a tsp of curry powder. Bring to a boil, then simmer til tender. Add 4 TSB of sour cream and blend in batches til smooth. Serve with a sprinkling of paprika powder.

Hope you are having a simply perfect day, too.

Crochet Central

2011-12-09T23:00:00.000+03:00

Our weekend officially began yesterday afternoon and since all the boys, even hubby, had plans with friends, I was able to don my pajamas and crochet the night away.

More Christmas trees with the sparkly green yarn and icicles made from a pattern found at Debi's blog Dly's Hooks and Yarns.

Lorraine (With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart) posted a washcloth pattern yesterday so I whipped one up this morning using some worsted cotton from the States.

I'm still making little Christmas stockings from whatever yarn I have around me, using the pattern posted by Angie at Le monde de Sucrette

And just to switch things up, another heart using the pattern posted by Marilyn at Room on the Left.

It's so fun to blog hop and be inspired. Thanks to all of you who share your talents with us.

Have a great weekend!

Jackets Required

2011-12-07T22:30:00.001+03:00

Whenever I visit someone in their home, especially for the first time, I always take along a gift, usually something homemade. Last week I made jam thumbprint cookies for the yarn and fiber group. They taste good but I think I need to learn to make them a little neater.

When the jam is finished, the jar is cleaned and gets a jacket. Simple crochet that doesn't require a pattern or much thought. I have lots and lots of jars that need little jackets.

We were to have another textile meeting tonight but it was cancelled due to illness and other conflicts. Of course, that doesn't mean that I didn't have my own little yarn session going on. Yesterday Marilyn at Room on the Left posted a heart pattern that I tried out.

I added my own white lacy bit around the whole thing. And I found this green sparkly yarn that I bought years ago so am making more Christmas trees.

Unfortunately, it is time for me to put the hook and yarn away and call it a night in my corner of the world. Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!

Tea on Tuesday: Breakfast Rice Pudding

2011-12-06T18:50:00.001+03:00

The boys and I love rice pudding for dessert. But I'm the only one who likes this version for breakfast, along with Bigelow's Spiced Chai.

My friend, Renee, gave me an actual recipe for the breakfast rice pudding , but since I don't follow recipes, this is how I make it.

Cook 1-1/2 cups of brown rice according to directions. In a separate pot, add 1-1/2 cups skim milk, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes covered (don't let your milk scald). Stir in about a cup or so of the cooked brown rice, an additional 1/2 cup of milk, craisins or raisins and 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Simmer a few more minutes until desired consistency. (When I heat it for breakfast, I usually add a bit more milk and pop it in the microwave.)

Garlic and chopped walnuts or cashews are sauteed in olive oil, then cooked green beans (or broccoli) are stirred in and served over the extra brown rice for lunch or dinner.

I'm joining Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for tea today. If you get the chance, swing by her place to see the tea shop in her town.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-05T22:41:00.000+03:00

No, not my Christmas tree, but one I snapped while out and about over the weekend.

And another that I crocheted from a pattern found at The Royal Sisters.

I'm trying to find a balance between school, the upkeep of the every day and crafting for sanity's sake. Needless to say, my days are full. I know you know what I'm talking about.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2011-12-04T22:50:00.000+03:00

Yesterday our internet connection was so very slow. But I was able to browse some of my favorite blogs and came across a snowflake square pattern posted by Marilyn at Room on the Left. Since I just happened to have some red and white yarn sitting next to me, I decided to give it a go.

Yea! My first attempt was a success. Marilyn's post was titled "Just Do It" and I did!

I also came across a crochet snowflake garland while at Claudia's Mockingbird Hill Cottage, so immediately started making some snowflakes from her pattern. No garland yet, just the snowflakes. And proof that no two snowflakes are alike.

And since we have a theme going on here, I thought I would show you these snowflakes that I made last weekend from a pattern found at Attic 24. She blocked hers to get nice points, but I think they are fine just the way they are.

Obviously this is the only kinda snow we are going to be getting around here.

Hope you are safe and warm in your little corner of the world.

Textile Meeting

2011-12-02T09:34:00.008+03:00

There were 5 of us at the Textile meeting Wednesday night, hosted by one of our members. We gathered around the dining table with all our supplies and sustenance for the evening.

Our task was to test a crochet pattern that will possibly be used to make and donate afghans to patients of the senior citizen home.

Since the 4 other ladies are all knitters, I was the only one who actually finished a square ... and learned a different way to do a granny.

The wise learn from the experience of others, and the creative know how to make a crumb of experience go a long way. (Eric Hoffer)

At the beginning of each meeting, we have show-n-tell for projects we've been working on at home. I showed them my mini stockings and a couple of the ladies showed off the cutest and funniest knitted items I've ever seen.

How about sausage, fries, egg and a slice of bacon for breakfast? Don't forget the peas.

Or if you are more health conscious, how about an apple or a pear?

Accessories for Christmas.

Frosty the Snowman.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Angels we have heard on high.

These pretty flowers will bloom in your home all year round.

It was a fun couple of hours of creative companionship.

Happy December everyone!

Cold and Cloudy Calls for Soup

2011-11-30T16:49:00.006+03:00

We've had many cloudy days of late which means cooler weather, too.

40's at night and 60's during the day.

Funny how people complain about the heat all year and then winter comes and they complain about the cold.

The only thing I can't get used to is the fact that it is still dark when we get up in the morning.

Although I make soup year-round, a big bowl of hot, hearty soup is especially enjoyable when it is cold and cloudy. I made Herb Lentil Soup last night from a recipe I tore out of a 1996 Country Home magazine.

Rinse and set aside one cup of brown lentils. Heat 1 TBS of olive oil in a large pot and saute one cup chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic til tender but not brown. Stir in lentils, one can of chopped tomatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 TBS of worcertershire, 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme, 1 tsp of fresh chopped parsley, 1/8 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp of black pepper and 1 bay leaf. Bring to boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of chopped carrots and 1/2 cup of chopped celery and simmer an additional 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaf before serving.

I never follow any recipe to a tee. I only use vegetable broth. Didn't have fresh herbs so used Italian seasoning. Didn't have celery so used green pepper. And always add more spices than what is called for. I like to jazz things up to suit my taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes never hurts either.

I'm headed this evening to a Textile Group meeting where crochet is on the agenda. Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday.

Christmas at Ikea

2011-11-29T17:54:00.005+03:00

When it comes to Christmas shopping and holiday festivity, Ikea is the place to go.

I went there over the weekend for candles and whatever else happened to find its way into my basket.

Also picked up these cute holiday cards.

Ironically, while blog hopping yesterday, I came across a giveaway hosted by Maaike at creJJtion. She bought fabric from Ikea that depicts the same Santa around the world as on the postcard above, and made little pillow ornaments from it. The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, December 7th and will be able to choose which Santa they want.

I'm off to crochet more stockings. Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday!

Stockings to Stuff

2011-11-28T17:21:00.002+03:00

While visiting Angie at Le monde de Sucrette the other day, I came across her pattern for Little Christmas Socks and immediately decided to try it out.

I made the first one with leftover scraps of cotton yarn. The second one is from acrylic. And the third from cotton yarn. I wound up with stockings in large, medium and small sizes.

Angie's instructions were so easy to follow. And best of all, it is a simple pattern that is quick to work up. She put some really cute embellishments on hers which I haven't done yet. I will definitely be making a bunch more.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

Long Time No See

2011-11-27T07:04:00.005+03:00

It doesn't matter how much time goes in between visits with these gals; when we get together, it is like we've never been apart. Conversation flows easily and the affection we have one for the other is evident.

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. (Edna Buchanan)

We met for brunch yesterday on a cool, cloudy morning at one of my favorite places.

By the time our first dish arrived, I forgot all about taking pictures of food.

Afterwards, we walked next door to Nestle Toll House Cafe. It seems this is one of four in the Middle East and there are nearly 100 Cafes by Chip across the United States.

I didn't know the franchise existed until this one opened up.

Melissa gave me this magnet yesterday.

Melissa and Elena.

Me and Zainab.

Melissa and Zainab looking at us from inside the Nestle Toll House Cafe.

There are many people That we meet in our lives. But only a very few Will make a lasting impression On our minds and hearts. It is these people that we will Think of often And who will always remain Important to us As True Friends.

Friendship blessings, Tammy

Finding Beauty

2011-11-26T08:30:00.011+03:00

Shanda at A Pause on the Path hosts a Finding Beauty Blog Hop so I thought today I would participate for the very first time.

November through March marks the rainy season in Kuwait.

And today is a cloudy day in my corner of the world.

Although we don't usually get a lot of rain, it does mean that this is our growing season since the rest of the year is too hot for much to survive.

This is the time of year when everyone goes out to the nurseries for flowering plants and trees and bushes.

Bougainvillea do really well in this climate all year round but can be seen in all their colorful glory now.

Yesterday I spied a pretty yellow butterfly flitting about outside on the balcony.

And this morning, Jingles decided to enjoy some fresh air.

But after a few minutes with no sun to warm her, she decided hunkering down in a pot of moss roses was much more comfortable.

Today marks the Islamic New Year on the Hijrah calendar. Although a new year is not traditionally celebrated, the passing of time is acknowledged and it is a time to reflect on our own mortality.

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!

(William Arthur Ward - American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

I think we should consider every day as the beginning of a bright new year filled with possibilities. Wishing you much peace and many blessings today and every day!

Friday Market on Black Friday

2011-11-25T11:23:00.008+03:00

For the first time this season, hubby and I ventured out to Souk Al Jumaa (Friday Market). We are having blue skies and beautiful weather today.

There's lots of used items and things you can buy on the cheap, but I like to check out the antiques section.

It turned out to be more of a photo opportunity than anything else.

Hubby got a kick out of seeing this balance scale for food items as it is the type used when he was little.

He came home with a carpet for his office, but I didn't buy a thing.

Today is Black Friday in the States. I don't do crowds or crazy.

Did any of you kick off the holiday shopping season with a mad dash to the stores?

“Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T21:24:00.002+03:00

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you a day of peace and blessings.

Prayers of Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T16:44:00.004+03:00

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude! ~Henry Ward Beecher

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

Peace and blessings to one and all!

Tea on Tuesday and Another Thank You

2011-11-22T21:34:00.006+03:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I am joining Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for tea.

This evening I had Tazo Refresh tea which is an herbal infusion described as "a bracing blend of mint with a pinch of tarragon". It went really well with the brownies I made this afternoon.

We had rain during the night and the sky was so dark this morning, but the afternoon turned out to be cool and absolutely beautiful.

It seems that the postal workers in this country finally did a bit of work since I received three packages all on the same day. The third came from Sweden.

In August, Sussie from the blog Lotusblommans had an August giveaway of her Marie Antoinette art cards and I was the winner. This package arrived at the mail sorting center in Kuwait on September 19th; it was then sent to the Salmiya post office on October 27th; and I received it on November 20th. If only these packages could tell the story of what they've been through to get here.

Thank you so much Sussie for your lovely cards. And thanks Kimmie for hosting Tea on Tuesday.

Blessings to one and all!

Meatless Monday and More Surprises

2011-11-21T18:00:00.000+03:00

I've posted this soup recipe before but it is one of my go-to's because it is so easy to make, healthy and delicious.

Spiced Lentil Soup: Brown 1/2 cup diced onions, 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/3 cup of barley in 1 TBS of olive oil. Add 3 quarts of vegetable stock and 1 cup of orange lentils. Cook til tender. Add in 1 can of chickpeas, 1/2 lb of spinach and 12 oz of salsa. Heat through and serve. (I use more salsa than called for and frozen spinach.)

Even better the next day.

Yesterday I posted about the lovely giveaway I received (finally by mail) from Val. She happens to live in the same town in Louisiana where I graduated high school and lived before I moved to Kuwait. Talk about a small world.

In October, Yvonne from Ink Spillers Attic had a studio stash giveaway and I was one of the winners. Her package arrived yesterday (and only took 5 weeks to get to me).

The envelope was filled with a card, handmade book and all sorts of things to craft with.

Now I just gotta get those creative juices flowing! Thanks Yvonne. I appreciate you taking the chance to send some of your stash to my little corner of the world.

Best wishes and blessings to one and all for a wonderful week of thanksgiving.

Dear Val

2011-11-20T18:00:00.000+03:00

Finally! Your package has arrived! It took exactly 75 days to reach me.

Jingles was hanging out on the balcony, but ...

then she got a whiff of something and rushed inside to check things out.

Let the love fest begin!

Thank you for the sweet card that opens up into a sewing kit.

Thank you for the ladybug card and colorful yarn.

And thank you especially for the handmade teacup apron. I love it! I tried to get my kids to take a picture of me wearing it but they were hopeless.

The arrival of your package certainly made our day!

Val can be found at Yarni Gras. She had a giveaway in July; announced in August that I was the winner; then made the apron and catnip mouse special for us. She mailed her package to Kuwait on September 6th and I know it didn't take that long to get here, but as I've said before, mail is hit or miss in this country. Thanks again Val! I appreciate everything.

Sending best wishes and blessings to one and all. Tammy

Comfy, Cozy, Cloudy Day

2011-11-18T20:06:00.009+03:00

My husband loves to go, go, go. But today, I just wanted to ...

Clean a little. Jingles helped with making the bed.

Have leftovers for lunch. Black beans and rice with salsa, avocado, sour cream and a few tortilla chips. Yum!

Craft a little. I decided to put a black row around the granny squares I've already made.

Photograph the sky. I love the clouds. Hubby thinks I'm crazy.

(I even caught an airplane flying by.)

And I tried a shortbread recipe posted by The Lazy Hobbyhopper. I love shortbread! And it is yummy.

Hope you are having a comfy, cozy day too.

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-17T17:40:00.000+03:00

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.-- Henry Ward Beecher

It's the weekend! And I plan to rest as much as I can.

Today I didn't have that stabbing pain that I've had the past several days in my ankle. Walking was easier, though my ankle still feels tight, sore, tired. I appreciate all your well wishes.

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Our first real rain shower of the season came through about 4 am this morning.

Flowers are still blooming.

The house is quiet as all the boys have gone off with friends.

Another day is done.

Quiet time for me.

Happy Thursday everyone!

Unplugged and Unsteady

2011-11-16T21:50:00.000+03:00

When we travel, I don't take a cellphone or a laptop.

Isn't the purpose of vacation to unplug?

Doilies were crocheted last week while on airplanes and car rides.

During travel times and layovers, just give me a hook and some yarn and I'm a happy camper.

But I am not such a happy camper right now when it comes to my ankle. At the urging of friends, I did go to the emergency room yesterday to have it checked out. An xray showed nothing. I was told to do what I've been doing, pain relief cream and wrap it, but it's not helping. Walking is painful, especially first thing in the morning.

I hope my ankle will be better with some rest over the weekend. But if not, then I have an appointment Saturday morning with an orthopedist. Hopefully he can tell me what's wrong and give me some relief. Limping my way through each day is no fun at all.

Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Spice Cookies and Clouds

2011-11-14T22:00:00.000+03:00

Last night Zack exclaimed that these Fall Spice Cookies are the best I've ever made. I used a recipe posted by Alisa Burke. Easy to make and they turned out great.

My mom used to make really big and really moist molasses cookies when I was growing up. I always thought they were the best. Wonder if she still has that recipe?

More Fall-like weather has arrived to our corner of the world. Major fluctuations in temperatures. Cool, hot, muggy. Lots of clouds as there is a chance for rain.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

Comfort Food Required

2011-11-13T21:10:00.000+03:00

Yesterday Creative Carmelina posted a recipe for cheese biscuits that I decided to make along with my chickpea, tomato and pasta soup. Although they didn't turn out looking like hers (maybe because I used wheat flour), they were really good with a nice big bowl of hot soup.

After 9 days off, it was back to school today for me and the boys. Seems that cold and flu season has arrived as so many of my co-workers returned sniffling and sneezing. I was the gimpy one limping my way through the day. Sure wish homemade soup could make my ankle feel better.

Here I am when we first arrived to the hotel in Bentota. Little did I know what was to come.

Besides the ankle sprain, I have an allergy to the sun. When I was younger, I would get fever blisters around my lips. I grew out of that in my 20's but after the age of 40, I started getting an itchy, blistery rash.

Even though I was only on the beach for about an hour and a half watching the boys, and it was a cloudy day, I am still suffering the consequences.

I sure could use one of these right now.

Guess I'll go eat some more of these.

Hope your Sunday is a good one.

Bentota Day Two

2011-11-12T13:00:00.000+03:00

Masala dosa and fresh fruit for breakfast.

Beach time. I was entertained by hermit crabs while the boys swam.

A furry visitor to our balcony.

An afternoon excursion into town.

Hubby commented on how these people have so little and yet seem so happy; while so many in this world have so much yet happiness eludes them.

A trip to the nearest herbal garden where I received treatment for my ankle sprain. Natural oils were massaged onto the area and hot leaves were wrapped and pressed on the ankle.

Another day is done.

...travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. (Miriam Beard)

Wishing you a peaceful day. Tammy

Bentota Beach

2011-11-11T10:53:00.015+03:00

Our previous trips to Sri Lanka have taken us to its largest city of Colombo;

Kandy where the elephant orphanage is found;

and the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya.

But this time, we decided to head to the beach in Bentota.

Yusef tried surfing for the first time.

Zack enjoyed digging holes in the sand.

And hubby and I did some beach exploration.

At the end of a beautiful day, we watched the sun set from our balcony.

And then, the accident happened. We were heading downstairs for dinner, Zack tripped on his shoestrings, pushed me from behind and I missed the last two stairs, landed wrong and twisted my ankle. It immediately began to swell and has gotten worse in the days since.

It's one thing when you twist your ankle at home, but when you are on vacation and unable to walk properly, it means your beachcombing days are over.

Today and tomorrow I will rest as much as I can.

Today is Veteran's Day (thanks to all our military men and women) and it is also my brother's 44th birthday (Happy Birthday, Eric).

Wishing you all a fabulous Friday. Peace & blessings, Tammy

We're Back

2011-11-10T21:20:00.005+03:00

“Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its colors appear.”

Aside from the fact that I sprained my ankle, hubby lost his Ray Bans, Zack's glasses are floating somewhere in the Indian Ocean, our return flight was delayed and luggage for all passengers was placed on another airline which meant an additional 2 hour wait for it to arrive in Kuwait ... we did manage to spend 4 wonderful days in Sri Lanka.

Sunday afternoon we saw a bit of rain, a beautiful rainbow (excuse the electrical wires) and then an amazing sunset over the ocean.

Unfortunately, today's trip didn't help my ankle at all. In fact, it's beginning to turn every color of that sunset and is as big as a tree stump. Time to rest. I hope all is well where you are. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Eid Al Adha

2011-11-06T08:00:00.002+03:00

We're on holiday this week from school in observance of Eid Al Adha so I'm taking a break. Be back next weekend.

Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Friday Night With Friends

2011-11-05T15:03:00.009+03:00

It's always nice to find that there is a nice, new place to check out in Kuwait.

We met friends last night at a new restaurant complex called The Village.

One of my favorite restaurants here serves a fusion of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine.

While everyone else only ordered coffee or tea.

I had the vegetarian tabliya. It's a thin crust pizza in three sections: roasted eggplant with yogurt sauce, spinach and basil, and tomato/onions/garlic. Delicious!

Hope you had a great Friday, too.

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend. Tammy

Things that Start with "C"

2011-11-04T12:29:00.009+03:00

Coffee and crochet.

Cozy cat.

Clouds.

Cloudy.

Cloudier.

Caramel Corn Candle.

It's been rather dark around here today with all the cloud cover. A nice day to cozy up with yarn and hook for a bit of crochet.

I hope you are having a cozy day in your corner of the world.

Thankful Thursday: A Forever Home

2011-11-03T16:14:00.002+03:00

I am so, so, so, so happy to report that the little Persian kitty I rescued a week and a half ago has been adopted by my very good friend, Leslie. And her daughter, Renee, is so, so, so, so happy to have a pet of her own.

The shelter had to shave her fur because it was so matted. She's had her shots, was spade and now she has a forever home. Renee named her Chloe. Isn't that sweet? I keep telling everyone I am an aunt. Now whenever I go visit Leslie and Renee, I get to see sweet Chloe, too.

A cat improves the garden wall in sunshine, and the hearth in foul weather. ~Judith Merkle Riley.

What are you thankful for today?

November Tea, Cake and Crochet

2011-11-02T17:15:00.000+03:00

Happy November! Hard to believe another month has come and gone.

I missed Kimmie's tea party yesterday. Our internet connection was so slow I couldn't upload a thing. I had pumpkin cake and spiced chai for my afternoon tea.

The cake recipe was found on the side of this can of sweet potato pie filling which just happens to be manufactured in New Iberia, LA. When I was 11, we lived in Broussard, LA and my dad worked for an oil tool company in New Iberia.

I'm back to crocheting granny squares because they are so easy to whip up.

The colors were inspired by this antique Indian quilt I bought while in Jaipur last year. One of these days, I'll have enough squares to make an afghan for the living room.

I hope your November is off to a great start. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T17:50:00.001+03:00

After Saturday's dusty weather, skies have been blue and filled with clouds.

According to weather reports, we had a few drops of rain somewhere in Kuwait. Not enough to really talk about obviously.

Jingles is keeping watch for things that go bump in the night.

Witches flying past on broomsticks,
Black cats leaping here and there,
White-robed spooks on every corner,
Mournful moaning in the air,

Goblins peering out of windows,
Spirit-things that rap and run-
But don't be scared-it's just October,
Having one last hour of fun!
(Mary Jane Carr)

I hope today you get more treats than tricks.

Eat, drink and be scary! Tammy

Handcrafted Bazaar and Back to Viaggio

2011-10-30T15:57:00.013+03:00

Yesterday I headed to Sadu House where The Kuwait Textiles Art Association was holding its annual Handcrafted Bazaar.

These camel quilts were only on display.

But I did buy 10 raffle tickets for this elephant quilt. Unfortunately, did not receive that 3 pm call to say that I had won.

I didn't take any pictures inside the display area -- small space and too many people.

There were a couple of Bedouin women who were selling their Sadu weavings. I bought one of their wallhangings but have a slight problem -- no blank wall space on which to hang it.

After shopping, I headed with friends to Viaggio for lunch.

My tastebuds were ready for another culinary journey.

And I just couldn't get the risotto with mushrooms and asparagus out of my head.

Yum! It was just as good as I thought it would be.

Hope you are having a peaceful, relaxing Sunday in your corner of the world. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Weather Woes

2011-10-29T16:29:00.012+03:00

Weather started off nice this morning.

But as the day progressed.

The wind picked up and a dust storm rolled in.

The birds dropped by for a snack before it got too bad.

Jingles thought they were there just for her entertainment.

So tell me, what's happening outside your window today?

Hope it's better than what we got going on here. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Last Friday

2011-10-28T08:17:00.005+03:00

Most Fridays are family day here. It's the only entire day hubby has off so we usually go out for lunch.

Although hubby is not a big fan of pasta, and therefore says he doesn't like Italian food, our oldest son kept telling us about a new restaurant we should try called Viaggio.

From the bread basket to the salad.

To my order of linguine pesto with potatoes, pine nuts and parmesan.

And all the way to dessert, which came with my meal, I did not leave even one morsel, one crumb, one bite behind.

Hubby was happy too because he ordered beef tenderloin.

I looked up their website and it turns out that Viaggio in Italian translates to "journey". I can tell you that my tastebuds certainly were taken on a wonderful culinary journey.

There are locations in Chicago, Saratoga, CA, Germany and, of course, Italy. I will definitely be going back again. I think the risotto is calling my name.

Hope you have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

From Tween to Teen

2011-10-26T16:02:00.005+03:00

My inquisitive, outspoken, wild and crazy child turns 13 today.

Let's see ... Yusef turned 16 earlier this month, we had our 17th wedding anniversary, and Zack turned 13. Those numbers just happen to add up to how old I'll be when my birthday rolls around in February.

My how time flies. Hope you are having a great day! Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Ginger for Tea on Tuesday

2011-10-25T18:25:00.000+03:00

Ginger has been revered in Indian and Chinese civilizations for over 5000 years for its powerful health imparting properties.

Today I am having Ginger & Mandarin tea.

Ginger is said to have properties that ease cramps and nausea; benefit those with circulatory disorders and lessen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis; prevent inflammation of blood vessels in the brain that lead to migraines; and stimulate disgestion.

I wonder if stem ginger baked up in a cookie and covered in dark chocolate has the same health benefits?

For more tea, please stop by Kimmie's place at Art in Red Wagons.

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Mary Go Round

2011-10-24T22:05:00.001+03:00

This is a pattern I have wanted to try for awhile. An unused bracelet, some yarn ...

and I have my very first Mary Go Round.

My bracelet was a bit bigger so I have more shells than the pattern calls for. Check out Lola Nova for the pattern and to see how she used them as frames. Bolman De Marco used her Mary Go Rounds to frame fabric. So pretty!

Today has actually been a doozy. No crochet has taken place since the weekend. Time to hit the hay for tomorrow is another day. Hope all is well in your corner of the world. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

It's Hard to Make the Bed

2011-10-22T12:53:00.009+03:00

When the cat gets in the way.

Yes, that lump is Jingles.

It took a while to coax her out.

I'm happy to report that several of our teachers at school are involved in cat rescue. Today I took the abandoned Persian kitty to one of them who will keep her until Wednesday. At that time, kitty will be taken to the shelter where she will be cleaned and groomed, given shots and spayed. When rescues are taken in, the shelter asks for a donation to offset costs and I was more than glad to pay. At least now I can sleep at night knowing that I did the right thing for her. She really is such a sweet little thing. I hope now she can find a forever home.

Wishing you all a sensational Sunday. Peace & blessings, Tammy

Cooler Days

2011-10-22T08:00:00.001+03:00

How doth the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour,
And gather honey all the day
From every opening flower!
~Isaac Watts, "Divine Songs"

We had blustery weather Thursday and Friday. A bit of haze and dust caused the morning and evening temps to drop into the 60's.

But today is a lovely cool morning with beautiful blue skies.

Moss roses close up into tiny little buds at night and during dreary weather.

But once they are sunkissed, they become brilliant and pink and beautiful.

I cozied up with some cotton while weather conditions were less than idea.

But today doors are wide open.

There is weather to be enjoyed and flowers to smell.

Hope your day is bright and beautiful too. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

An Anniversary

2011-10-20T19:15:00.001+03:00

17 years.

Neither one of us has hair like that anymore. I like to think of myself like a fine wine; and hubby is like aged cheese. Ha-ha!

I received flowers at my office today. Didn't have my camera with me; a friend took pictures but hasn't sent them to me yet.

Let's just say the bouquet was WAY too big to carry home so those flowers are still at school.

Weekend has begun here. No special plans. Hope you are having a great day in your corner of the world. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Making Time

2011-10-19T20:38:00.008+03:00

Why oh why are some days just filled with such busyness? After school it was cooking, cleaning, washing, drying, folding, tidying, putting away, picking up, sweeping, carrying, planning, ironing, fixing.

I made myself sit down with this roll of cotton purchased in Paris and the crocheted heart made while on our trip to Nepal, to finally make another heart sachet.

It's the only thing I've managed to create this week. I'm totally pooped at the moment. Time to sit back and relax for a bit before hitting the hay.

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday! Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

Tea on Tuesday with Scones

2011-10-18T16:03:00.008+03:00

Steam rises from a cup of tea
and we are wrapped in history,
inhaling ancient times and lands,
comfort of ages in our hands. (Faith Greenbowl)

I hope your Tuesday is off to a great start.

Rooibos is an all day drink which can be used as a pick-me-up in the morning, a superb thirst-quencher during the day and at night it helps you to relax and sleep well. (MontegoTea.com)

Rooibos on its own is rather strong but Rooibos & Vanilla is quite tasty. And having it along with a cranberry scone makes it all the better.

Preheat oven to 425. Combine 3 cups of flour, 3 TBS sugar, 1 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 6 TBS of butter until mixture resembles fine meal. Add 1/4 dried cranberries. Mix in 1 lightly beaten large egg and 3/4 cup of buttermilk to form a soft dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface and pat to 3/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter and transfer to lightly floured cookie sheet. Brush tops with a bit of buttermilk Bake about 18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

The scone recipe is from the January 2008 issue of Good Housekeeping (Courtney Cox's Currant Scones); I prefer dried cranberries rather than raisins.

Best wishes to one and all, Tammy

Outside Kitties

2011-10-17T16:27:00.011+03:00

The other day Kimmie from Art in Red Wagons asked about my outside kitty, so here she is.

Several weeks ago, hubby came home from a business trip to find that I had set up house for her. In the picture above, you can see the wound on her right side -- the good news is that it is 1/4 the size it used to be. It's healing slow but sure.

She used to have a box to sleep in, but she chewed off both short sides so that only the long sides were left. I got rid of it, put some foam out there and an old towel. She won't let me touch her, but she will let me take care of her. Hubby was surprised to see that she moves to the side and waits until I finish tidying up her bed or cleaning out her litter box.

Now that temperatures are cooling off a bit, the street cats are move visible. Many of them have had kittens and they are running around too.

This little kitty has been coming around for a few days now. I am leaning towards taking her to the animal shelter. She was skittish at first but today she let me pet her and started purring.

It really does break my heart to think of all these poor cats left to their own defenses in a big scary world.

I believe in animal rights, and high among them is the right to the gentle stroke of a human hand. ~Robert Brault

Wishing you peace and blessings, Tammy

Joy and Hope

2011-10-16T16:56:00.009+03:00

Do you ever feel like your inner joy has decided to take the day off? I guess sometimes it happens to all of us. When I mentioned that to a friend last week, she gifted me with a book to encourage and inspire.

Page 14 is actually entitled Source of Joy.

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD,
You have filled my heart
with greater joy than when their grain and
new wine abound.
(PSALM 4:6-7)

I made the tag above using one of my favorite quotes from Emily Dickinson:

HOPE is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune --
without the words,
And never stops at all.

And this little stitching I finished last night reminds of the birds outside my window.

I haven't cross-stitched in a while so there are a few mistakes but that's okay.

My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet. ~ Mahatma Ghandi

(India, September 2010)

Wishing you a joyful day, Tammy