Day 29

Some place I'd Like to Visit

I'd like to visit a lot of places. so to save time I'll post a coloured Map

There's not a lot there; but some are some so far flung that I have to  explain them.

America - I want New york, Portland, Florida, San Fransico and Grand Canyon.
Canada - Vancoover and Montreal

Toodles Aki XXX

Day 28

Day 28
A skill I'd like to learn

nuff said

Aki XXX

Day 27

Day 27
Myself one year ago today

I have no pictures from a year ago today. Mostly because I was running around frantic at the thought of trying to finish 4 pairs of socks, 3 of which I hadn't started yet. and I had a christmas show to get ready for and everything.

This year the INVER Garden centre are not having a christmas craft show... I will therefore be hunting down someone to see if Carrick or even my Church are hosting any sort of event.

My dream would be for a table at St. George's Market. Altough I think the items I'd be selling would be very commonly done in that sot of place (jewellery) and I don't think I'd make much of a profit. I would love it though. Maybe next year.

So instead of a picture of me a year ago: here's a picture of me today. Complete with Craig looking thoughtfully at the TV.

Toodles

Aki XXX

Day 26

Day 26
Something I'm looking forward to

 

I actually have no photos of our  Christmas tree. Which is What I would have liked as the photo for this.

I'm so looking forward to christmas. I know that because of my Work scedule we will be putting up the tree on the First Friday of December. (this happens to be the 2nd of December) Then the Friday after that I will be holding the Christmas party., which I will be baking for during that week. Everyone loves my gingerbread when it comes out of the oven. (and Yes I ran out of Smarties for the Last little dress of the little girl in the picture)

Toodles

Aki

XXX

Day 25

Day 25: A childhood Anecdote

( I just had to look up what an anecdote is)

I remember when I was about 7 or 8 I had a baking fit with my friend who lived up my street. We used to make 'potions' from bits and bobs that we found in the garden. we'd then leave them in the kitchen or in the fridge for Mum to find or to try.

These were not the nice potions. we mostly started with either water or Mud. we'd then add grass, weeds and Rhubarb from my dad's rhubarb patch. we'd then finish it up with sugar (sand) and leave in the mug while we played.

One day: I was obviously sick of going to the fridge and all my lovely potions would be gone. (Mum always said that Daddy drank it all lol) and decided instead to make a cake.

I took a bowl from the kitchen cupboard; and this was a special cake; so it was one of the special bowls that mum only takes out for christmas. And went into the Garden. I had a buscuit base (gravel and sand) with a Mud and water filling. I then decoreted the top with more sand and grass
There was no rhubarb in this cake. God only knows why.

I then decided that the cake needed to bake. so I put the bowl in the oven.

It was here that my mum discovered what I was doing. According to her the conversation went like this:

Me: Mummy how do you turn the cooker on?
Mum: .......... why?
Me: I'm baking Daddy a cake (proudly)
Mum: no you're not
Me: BUT MUM! it's made and all; it just has to be heated!

My mum then came up to the kitchen and found me with the oven door open and me twidling the knobs on the oven.

I still get told that this is why my mother won't allow me to cook. As a joke. My dad still tells me about the amount of times I shouted at him for drinking all my potion.

I was more of a boy than a girl lol

Aki XXX

Day 24

Day 24 - Something that means a lot to me

Fwends are Spectacular.

I love this picture. ==>

I would love it more if Nicole and Nicola were in it. (nicole was in Liverpool and Nicola was taking the photo)

Day 23

Day 23 - Eight things you don't know about me

1. I would really love to move out. If I won the Lottery the First thing I'd buy would be a house for me and Craig somewhere in the country; with room for an extension.
2. I keep EVERYTHING craig gives to me. I have the wrapping paper from the first christmas present he gave me, I have tages and boxes and bags. I even have the movie stub from our first date.
3. I dislike people who think I'm poor becasue I'm knitting myself clothing. It is actually usually more expensive to knit the item from scratch. Socks are famous for this. I have been told very seriously by people (who must think I'm stupid) that you can get socks in big packs of 5 pairs for next to nothing instead of knitting them. I used to say 'i know' but now I actually do a full routine. including taking down the name of a store they suggest where I can find thse 'socks'
4. Children annoy me so much sometimes. yet I enjoy making things for them and writing stories for them. I hate hearing spoiled ones in Tescos. I know that's not their fault that they're spoilt... but I do think they have something to do with it.
5. As much as I have tried I cannot crochet. I now see it as a terrible craft and will never learn or endorse it. Do you know that crocheting an item takes 3 times as much Yarn as knitting the item could take? wasteful!!!
6. The big ideas in my head rarely come into fruition.
7. it is too expensive for me and Craig to go on holiday this year. we are therefore: not
8. Impulse buys by the counter at primark get me quite often. I don't know how many times I've came home with those cotton eye makeup remover pads even tho I know they are terrible.

Toodles
Aki XXX

PS: Ice scating rocked; but we weren't allowed to take pictures (BOO!)

Day 22

Day 22 - Some place I've traveled

Craig and I went to Spain in the summer; Costa Dorada to be more exact, we spent one day in Barcelona... which was great.

I've already shown most of the pictures of this trip so... here's a picture of where we'll be at tomorrow night.

Carrick on Ice (or Carrickfergus Ice rink)

I hope I won't fall on my Arse. I also hope I won't do a Tsuga-san and fall on my face.

Craig is quite good at skating and when were at Dundonald Ice skating last year I was really impreseed by how gracefull my man can look with blades straped to his feet while I am gripping the sides of the barriers; holding on for dear life and trying not to do the splits.

I had pictured us going round the rink hand in hand like they do in vintage movies, only craig pointed out that if we do that and either of us (most likely me) falls then the other will come down too; then we'd be screwed. I'll be taking my camera so hopefully I'll be getting some shots of me and Craig on the ice to show to all of you.

Tomorrow I am also meeting up with Jenni; we're checking out the new Yarn Store in Carrick (it's called Parlour Yarns, it's in the scotch quarter Courtyard. Out through the archway. I hope it'll be good. we'll be knitting until I have to leave at about 4 for Criag coming home :)

I also have to say that tomorrow it will be exactly 1 week til the end on the month. that means only one more week of blogging everyday. I think I'll miss it. I know that hardly anyone reads this little thing I have going; I caught Craig out the other day; even he's stopped following this.

So I know I'm probably speaking to no-one when I write this. it's funny that when I say something wrong that every person and their mother is on me; saying I'm terrible; but when I write about the normal stuff; the kntting and the baking and the random exerpts into my life: no-one comes up to me and says 'I read your blog. it was fantastic' (that may be reaching too far) or even 'I read ur blog' as far as I know 3 ppl read this blog. It's annoying if you know you're speaking to no-one, but I at least have 3.

A big hi and gracious 'how ya doin?' to the ppl who read this. All I'd ask for is a like on FB or a little comment here or there to spir me on.

Thanks

Aki XXX

Dad's leg

My dad has been laid up this past week or so with cellulitis in his left leg. It's a good 30cm of infected area, about 10cm below the knee. Picture attached may be gruesome. (it's at the bottom) just scroll past it if u don't want to see it

So my dad's lying in bed. And he sees a cobweb on the ceiling. Shocked: he calls my OCD mother. Who quickly gets onto the bed with a duster and flings it to the corner to catch the spiderweb. She stupidly try's to catch it and falls off the bed. 1 leg first. Straight into a wall.

Needless to say; both my parents are at the moment bedridden; both not really able to walk; but one feels picked on; the other just feels stupid.

I am however playing nanny to both these people. And a dog; who wonders where everybody is most of the time. Which has affected my knitting time and my blogging time.

Please bear with me
Aki XXX

What I wore today

-Day 21-
---What I wore today---

Well presently I'm in my pjs. I will be dressing soon tho; so I will be posting a picture then

Today I wore grey Jeans, a top that I got from primark for 50p and my bear scarf. Rawr!
Also purple leather pumps and mittens that aren't in the picture. (iPhone+gloves - doesn't work)

Toodles; Aki XXX

Day 20

Day 20

---On my days off---

I actually consider myself to be a very good cook. I have enough cookbooks to paper the house; at nights there's nothing that I love more than sitting down infront of a good cooking programme. My sky + planner is full of Barefoot Contessa, Masterchef, 2 greddy italians and Heston's feasts.

I am however not really allowed to cook in my mother's kitchen. My mother thinks that a good plate of food is something that doesn't involve that much prep or cleaning up afterwards. which is why I have been brought up on one-pot stews, pre-made pies and mountains of Freezer chips

My mother doesn't believe in herbs; which is why whenever I grew corriander this spring the Garden's brown bin got more of it than we ever did.

I have to give my mum 2 weeks notice if I'm to cook ANYTHING at the moment on her calendar I have written for a baking day sometime next week.

I plan on making gingerbread families and vanilla hearts. If I can't do it; then I want to do it the week after; cus then I'll have home-baked goodies for the christmas party that I'm planning.

Pictured is a Chicken and Mushroom pie I made during the summer for Our dinner. It was done in Craig's house; cus mum won't allow me to cook.

Toodles
Aki XXX

Day 19

Day 19

---The Happiest moment of my Life so Far---

hmmm......

I think the first time that Craig said 'I love you' Is very high on that list. Also the first time we kissed would be a good one.

Craig is by far the best sourse of happyness for me. anything that Craig says or does has a profound effect on me.

that's it for today.... I'm kind of in a hurry; sorry

Toodles Aki XXX

Day 18

Day 18

---The contents of my purse---

My purse at the moment is a red twisty closure I got while Craig and I were in Spain. At this precise moment it contains...

• Money - percisely £6.27
• Recepts - 3, one from New Look, where I got my Tapdance shoes, Another from Costa Coffee for a mince Pie and a Gingerbread Latte, and another repcept from Tescos; for a toffee yoghurt
• Sewing needles - I can never seem to find one when I need it, so I stash some in my purse
• Credit card - Never used
• Pass Card - For ATMs
• Various loyalty cards - including Boots, Waterstones,Cookiebox, Argento and Nandos
• My Tesco cards - Staff room card and staff discount card
• Vouchers - Various. mostly for tescos and Boots
• Plasters - Again,never know when you need it
• A big blue button - Came off one of my favourite coats; I'm going to sew it pack on when I get blue thread.
• An elastic Band

Toodles
Aki
XXX

Day 17

Day 17

---My family---
My Mummy and Daddy are not my biological Mother and Father. I am adopted. Not many people know this about me. I always find that when I tell them I get a high pitched 'Are ya?' then an Awww as if I'm a small child.

I don't know my real Mother or Father. Nor will I ever. They left me; I have a fantastic Life and I have no want for them.

I will however show everyone pictures of people that I consider my family.

---My Mommy and Daddy---

(taken at a wedding. I just kinda went MUM! and took a photo)

---Hubby---

(Craig- again taken at the same wedding; only he knew I wanted a photo. Note the gorgeous face and lovely blue tie :) lols)

 

---Daughters---

Quite a few people call me Mommy.they are not biologically my daughters; but they're just as close anyway.

According to Facebook I have 6 daughters. That's not counting the MOB at GB which calls me mommy ( you all know who you are ¬ ¬)

I'm not posting any pictures of them; there's far too  many. They all know I love them altoghter dearly and not one more than the other.

---Pets---

Few have seen and like Lady (even fewer ppl Lady acually likes herself)

Pictured here asleep on Craig's foot. (Poor craig didn't want to move. 'What if I hurt her?' lols)

---Friends---

Even if you don't call me mommy and are just freinds with me I do believe that friends are actually better. that way: it doesn't make me feel old.

I still concider all me friends as almost family. because; as my very early life shows: blood means nothing :)

Toodles

From Aki

(aka; Mommy, Mum, Mama, Lise, Mommy Lise and just plain Ellisa)

XXX

Day 16

---Day 16---
A self portrait (me; in my room)

Day 15

Day 15: Some style inspiration for the season.

It's cold. Gosh Darn cold out there. We seem to get horror stories of snow coming next week or tomorrow or similar types of things.

Wrapping up warm is essential. A lot of people loved a couple of days ago when I posted the Tommy Hilfliger tunic and said I could make the thing and save over £100. so I'm going to do that a little bit more, purely for wrapping up warm-ness that is this season

---Head---

Get some Yarn/wool on that lovely head of yours! my first comparison is this >
That's a white beret, siple ribbed bottom with cable pattern and traveling stitch pattern in a cream Aran weight yarn. I read the Label; it's 97% Acrylic (plastic) and 3% Elastene (cus their ribbing was obviously not tight enough.

Now; I could make this Hat. I don't even have to go out and buy the Yarn; as I have it in my stash. Now if memoory serves me I believe I bought the ball on Yarn in Question at £8. (and that's a 400g ball- a biggie; I could make 5 hats out of a ball that big)

So that's £8 for Yarn and say I didn't have the needles (I do; but still), they'd cost me £2
So £10 for the hat in total; and I'd have a LOT of yarn left over... sounds about right.

But what does the major designer want to charge you; the customer?

£15.95.

That's an almost 60% markupand you don't even get the Yarn left over???
















---Body---

Arm yourself with a padded bra, t-shirt and Cabled Jacket. These are becoming popualar. With Designers coming out with Cabled Capes, Sweaters,  and the ever popular cardi; there's a lot to choose from. Take this example >

It is again Cream Aran weight Yarn (also 100% acylic/plastic) and I'll say that you'd need about 2-3 balls of the Aran weight yarn that I'm talking about to re-produce this cardi.

So 8x3 = £24
and again for the needles (again:I have them; but still)
£4 (circular needles that are needed are expensive)

so that £28 altogether, and say I didn't like the crossing cables up the button band (I don't; they're hideous) then I could change them.... leave them plain or do some other cabling that wasn't tight, one sided, cross cable.

How much I hear you ask!

£69.95. that is a 120% mark-up. that means for the price I'd pay for this Cardi I could knit myself 2.
And because Yarn comes in more shades than designer clothes; I could make it in a colour that won't drain the colour out of my face (like cream would)

Also; I've just realised; I'd have to work 10 hours to get the designer; I'd only have to work 4 to get my own.


Let's see what's next









---Other---
I know girls my age will never wear a wollen/knitted skirt or trousers (because I will never wear them either) so I'll post an other category.

Scarfs are those one things that a knitter has always tried. it is the downfall of many 1st time knitters because they see it as easy. (a nice big long rectangle; how hard can in be?) and they cast on.
Within the first 20 rows (or 10 if you're unlucky) a 1st time knitter will have added a stitch (accidentally) , dropped 2 (accidentally) and probably lost all intrest in the yarn, the craft and even wanting a scarf in the first place.

It never occured to that first time knitter that the average scarf is 6 ft long... and will take at least 5 balls (100g) of the yarn she's chosen. and if my calulations are correct that would mean 457 rows (4mm) before even coming near the 6 foot mark.

Scarfs however are nice and warm. Here's a nice simple one I found in the same designer store as the hat and the cardi. >

It's a very large guage moss stitch  cowl done in the same Aran weight yarn as before (can you sense that this store likes cream?)

This scarf can only really take 1 400g ball. if it takes any more... I'd be really surprised to say the least.

So that's £8 and again £2 for the needles. = £10

Price of said scarf in the designer shop that when you look in their window there's a giant pair of knitting neddles, A big ball of cloth and  a big plaqard saying that they only choose the best Yarn to make all their knitted items (plastic? that's the best you can find?)

is £25.95

That is again a 150% mark-up. (I even managed to get the label in the photo showing it's 100% Acylic; arent I smart :)

I think that's all the ranting I can do for today on this subject

Toodles

Aki XXX

Day 14

Day 14: A Favourite movie

I thought long and hard about this one... and I think it has to be this:

Bridesmaids:

I downloaded it a little while ago (*ahemlegallyahem*) and I love it; I still would like it on DVD/ Bluray but it is by far the best movie I have seen in a while.

it's out today lol (I didn't even know; I went on Amazon and was like; 'damn it's out... today.... nice')

Believe it or not; I don't actually watch that many movies that make me just go 'wow' I watch things mostly on either youtube or through downloading. if I like the movie; then I buy it if I can.

I also buy movies if they are really cheap. I only have Love Actually becasue it was on for like £3 in tescos.

There we have it.

Toodles

Aki XXX

Day 13 - NaBloPoMo

Day 13: Something/ someone I'm proud of

I'm proud of Craig. I love him exceptionally much. He's my hero. I'm proud that one day I'll get to call this amazing man my fiance. Then my Husband.

I love him so much; more than I ever beleived I could love somebody.

(As I know he'll probably read this)

I love you Sweetie; and you're the thing/person I'm most proud of

Ellisa (Aki) XXX

<3

Day 12 - NaBloPoMO

Day 12: 3 blogs I can't get enough of

Yarn Harlot blog
This was the first blog that made me want to get a blog of my own and show the world how and what I do.

(and now; becasue I don't really follow any other blogs as much as I do Yarn Harlot's I will list something else that helps me knit ; podcasts)

2 podcasts I can't get enough of

Knit Happens

I love this podcast; they talk about nearly everything but knitting; they're itunes Explicit; which means they swaer and stuff, but they are very good

Cast on

This is the first knitting podcast I ever listened to. I really got into her style of story telling. A must-listen for anyone with sticks and an ipod/iphone/iwhatever

That's us until tomorrow

Toodles

Aki XXX

Day 11

Day 11:

Wish 1:

nuff said.

Wish 2:

I would like a house. preferbly far away from my mother...

what? she'd end up cleaning MY house too

Wish 3:

Lets Face it; you knew there was going to be Yarn in here somewhere. This is Handspun Laceweight done by my Etsy shop favourite, Lunayarns.

she actually lives in England (Colcester actually) and most of her handspun makes me weak at the knees, this skein was sold recently for £41; which is out of me pre-christmas price range but her sock yarn (at £15) calls to me in a sweeter... almost ' you actually can hgave me' tone. wandering around etsy is dagerous... escpecailly for me.

That's about it lol

Toodles

Aki XXX