Crochet step by step {Book Review}

I have been knitting for many years and remember my Grandmother also trying to teach me to crochet. I have decided I would like to try again and with the help of this Crochet step by step book I am learning. The step by step instructions help as do the pictures. I am really looking forward to tackling some of the patterns included in the book. There is a Patchwork Blanket that would be great for cuddling up with when reading a great book. 

Are We Raising Unhealthy Kids? How Parents Can Turn this Trend Around {Guest Post}

I try to make a conscious effort to lead a healthy live and hope to be an active role model for my little one. I think I may be doing a few things right because she is excited that we are doing a Mom and Daughter run this summer. Also we were at a restaurant the other night and she noticed a little boy drinking pop and said "Mommy that's not healthy." I believe as parents we need to ensure our children are active and eating healthy.  This guest post by Deb discusses this as well.

SpongeTowels® - Sending a lucky Top Chef Canada viewer to meet Carl Heinrich

I love watching cooking shows.  By no means though do I like to cook. I would much rather eat. Top Chef Canada is a great program that showcases a tremendous amount of Canadian talent.  Top Chef Canada is now entering its third season and introducing new talent to Canadians who will be competing for the grand prize of $100,000 presented by SpongeTowels®. 

Wicker Emporium and a Busy Family

Every day the toys and books in ourhouse seem to multiply and for weeks I have been meaning to buy something toput everything in. Anyone with young children knows what I mean. Where do they all come from? This opportunity with the Wicker Emporium could not havehappened at a better time.

We ventured to our nearest WickerEmporium store to see what would suit our needs. We had an idea of what we wanted but still wanted to leave our options open. Plus it had to be kid anddog friendly. There were many things to choose from but we needed up going withour original item. It is a bicast brown Leather Ottoman table for our livingroom. It now holds all the little ones games and some of her books. It alsoserves as extra seating for when we have company. A also have discovered thelittle one lying up here playing or watching a favorite show. I love relaxingwith my legs up after everything is done at night – you know those 10 minutesbefore I head to bed!

We need to go back and buy a couple ofthe Tray Ottomans  to hold more toys and books. (I alsoneed to go through those toys she no longer plays with and donate them. Thiscan only be done though when she is not home because she says she plays withthem all!) Plus some great baskets would come in handy. The accessories andfurniture at Wicker Emporium are all so unique to items I see at other storesthat I know I will be going back.  

Besure to drop by soon.

Tracey

Classic Knits {Book Review}

I love to knit. It is so relaxing and it is great to finish a project and see what I have accomplished. My Grandmother taught me when I was very young and it is something I hope my little one wants to learn when she is bigger. She likes to help me know and always has lots of requests for items she would like for herself and her dolls. 

Classic Knits from DK Canada shows very detailed instructions for someone who is a beginner to some expert stitches that I am anxious to try. I have many patterns in the book that I plan to make for others and giving on birthdays and holidays. I am finally working on something for myself too - a pretty summer sweater. I cannot wait to finish it and hope it is done before summer is over.

About the Book

An all-in-one guide toknitting for just about anything and everything knitters want to make, ClassicKnits covers equipment, techniques, stitch patterns, and includes more thantwenty designs for cute things to craft and warm things to wear.

Whether it's a newearflap hat or bright, cozy socks, Classic Knits will be the knitting"recipe book" crafters keep on their shelves for years to come.

Happy knitting!
Tracey