Kristin's Knit Crochet and More Week in Review 8/13/10

Happy Friday the 13th everyone!

It's been a busy week here. Between returning from vacation, to summer nearing the end, to a book manuscript deadline duedate, it's been busy to say the least - but always fun! :)

I'd like to give a few shout outs to some of the interesting things I've found on the web this week:

Happy Birthday Elisabeth Zimmerman! If you know who she is, please celebrate her! If you don't, read this lovely article called "An Ode to a Pioneer: Elisabeth Zimmerman" on Etsy.com : EZ Article
Gina Wilde, the beautiful and talented owner of Alchemy Yarns is painting silk in beautiful greens for Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2011 Collection! What an exciting week. I sure wish I could see photos! It must be exquisite!
Stephanie Japel talks aobut knitting and math fun/geekery on her blog. What is not to love about that! Here is the article: SJ Math-Knit Article

I'm working on a project to TAKE BACK MY KITCHEN! Through years of rushing and disorganization I have come to the realization that I probably spend double what I should be spending on groceries because of my lack of efficiency and organization in the kitchen. I gave myself a fixed budget, in cash per week, of what I can spend on groceries. I think putting cash in the equation (instead of the magical debit card) I am valuing what I spend a lot more. I am also calculating how to store the produce best and using it all instead of throwing half out. When I make a big meal, the leftovers go in the freezer immediately. And, I am threading the special fresh ingredients I buy for the week throughout the week's menus.

Over the last month, I have reduced my grocery spending by 50%!!!

Here are some of this week's menus:
Entrees: Chicken Cacciatore, Parmegiano-Reggiano Fritatta, Garlicky Chicken Thighs, Cheesy Enchiladas, Baked Ziti with sausage.
Sides: Bean & Kale Soup, Greek Roasted Potatoes, Cucumber salad with crumbled feta, Cucumber/apple/salami/onion/lettuce/cheese chopped salad
Desserts: smores bars (like rice crispy treats but with Golden Graham cereal and chocolate chips), chocolate/banana sundaes, chocolate/banana milkshakes

Last Friday night I was invited to be on Planet Purl's live Webchat. It was so much fun! I talked about Crochet So Fine, Knitting Daily TV and lots of other things, answered viewers questions and had a great time. The photo of the cover of my new knitting book "A Knitting Wrapsody: Innovative Designs to Wrap Drape and Tie" debuted on the show. The photo is only available there, so far! And, the book comes out Feb 2011, so be sure I'll post more info soon. If you attended the webchat, thank you! If you had other plans, no problem! The entire show will be available to watch as a recording sometime this week. When it's available I'll add the link!
While on Twitter, I found a very nice review of "Wrapped In Crochet"

On my hook this week: SWATCHES!! I'm working on a new crochet book that will have a stitch dictionary included! I'm really excited about this project but it brings new meaning to the word SWATCHES!! I wish I could tell you more, but you know the drill. :) The best part about working with swatches (especially when the kids are on summer break) is that they are PORTABLE! I have crocheted swatches at the pool, at the beach, at camp, on the train, on an airplane, in a waiting line, while watching a movie, etc... you get the point. In this photo, I'm watching my Shark Hunter body surfing at the beach while crochet swatching with Caron Yarn's Simply Soft.
On my needles this week: a beautiful knit sweater I'm working on for my Styled By Kristin pattern line. It is in Blue Sky Alpaca's Melange in cornflower and I'm knitting with Lantern Moon Destiny Circular Needles, size US5. When I'm a little further along, I'll show photos. At this point I only have 1/2 of one sleeve finished. Not much to show yet. But I think it will be STUNNING soon!

I am on a committe for a St. Jude Children's Fundraising 5K Walk right now. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 20, 2010. I am going to have a fundraising drive on the website here, starting very soon. If you are in the area and can join my team of walkers, that would be wonderful! I'll have an invite link here soon, too. In the meantime, please save the date, ok?

Here are some of my favorite inspirational quotes from this week. The first one I want framed at my desk:
~ A new day has dawned, and you can choose to make it the best day ever!
~ Many great achievements in this world were acomplished by those who were tired and discouraged but kept working anyway! Rev Run Wisdom
~ When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears. Anthony Robbins
~ Today tell yourself, "everything is possible, no matter what!" Deepak Chopra

Update on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 10:13AM by Kristin Omdahl

Planet Purl Web Chat with Kristin Omdahl: Recorded Archive of Web Chat Here