Hello all!  The holidays are upon us and I find it such a finicky time of year.  While it’s always exciting and festive, it can be a little overwhelming and all around stressful.  I try to keep such holiday tension to a minimum, but inevitably, some always seems to find it’s way in. I’m a firm believer in not getting wrapped up (no pun intended) in … Continue reading The Countdown To Christmas Begins…

Well, as promised, here it is.  I was at the co-op the other day and found some beautiful yellow on-the-vine tomatoes.  I was immediately inspired by their gorgeous golden color.  I knew that I had a fresh batard (a shorter, wider baguette-type bread) from the King Arthur Flour bakery at home and was suddenly craving some bruschetta. Most bruschettas are made fresh mozzarella, tomatoes (of … Continue reading This dish is gonna be trouble….in a good way…

We are in full-blown farmers market mode here in Vermont, and I’m loving every second of it.  While cucumbers are available all year round and can always be found in my fridge, nothing beats the fresh, crispy, oh-so-versatile cucumbers I covet from our local farmers.  I serve them plain with a pinch of kosher salt, in salsas, relishes, on sandwiches, hell I even puree & strain … Continue reading Introducing….the Quickle

Hello all!  I hope this entry finds you all in good health and good spirits!  This past 4th of July took us on a very long road trip for a very short visit.  Ten hours of driving for one night was a bit much,  but my family definitely makes it all worth while!  Since we didn’t leave until 9:00pm Friday, it stands to reason I … Continue reading Patterns and skill level – a little positive reinforcement

Hello all!  As we head into the summer months up here in Vermont, the hooks are flying, and this time they are fishing hooks!  My husband is an avid fly-fisherman, so by default, so am I.  While my time fishing with him pre-kids meant sitting on the shore reading cookbooks or crocheting, now it’s making sure the little ones stay out of the water, minimizing … Continue reading The real “hook it and cook it”

I hope this post finds all of you readers well!  I recently took at 4 1/2 hour (turned 6 hour thanks to toddler puke and traffic) road trip to Pennsylvania and was able to do lots of crocheting in the car.  I made sure to pack lots of yarn, patterns and tools.  I’d like to share with you some things that I packed and find … Continue reading Everyone loves helpful hints

…like a crocheter who ran out of the same dyelot mid project.  Unfortunately, I am well versed in this catastrophe.  After it happening a few times though, you can bet your fantastic fiberart fanny that it won’t be happening again if I can help it. Now, for those of you that are unfamiliar with the phenomenon called the dyelot, it is a number that is … Continue reading Hell hath no fury….

Well, for those of you that know me, I love a good cocktail.  Now, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of something new than with a good drink.  Today I whipped up a true nod to Vermont and the sweet summertime.  Here is my take on a mojito: The Citrus Maple Mojito.  Everything here in Vermont comes in a maple version, and this … Continue reading Let’s Get This Party Started!