Link-tastic Friday (Saturday)

Last Sunday, as part of our morning worship with our church, I spun some soft, Shetland wool into thick, bulky singles on stage.  (Spinner's gibberish translation: "singles" = yarn that has not been twisted with another yarn to make a multi-ply strand.  So there is one "ply".  Which means it's not a ply at all, but a "singles".  I know, all of you really cared.  I share because I care.)  This is 2 pounds, which I continued to spin over the week:


 


 


 

The spinning was part of a sermon illustration, and this week the intention was to knit the handspun into a project for charity...except, as it turns out the only yarn acceptable for charity is non-wool, machine-wash-only.  So.  Back to the drawing board!  I went out yesterday and bought some soft acrylic/poly blend (I was cringing at the register, but you gotta do what you gotta do -- and yes, I could have bought cotton, but I had limited time to shop, etc., so I ended up at a Big Craft Chain Store), and several knitting friends and I will be knitting that into tiny preemie hats for the NICU at a local hospital.

Link time!

Newly in love with this blog:

• The Sisters 4 Say More is More.  They come up with cute thrifty, and creative outfits and make me wish that my sisters and I could agree on anything to write a blog about!

Random greatness from the web:

• Breastfeeding = Breastfeeding.  This encouraging article promotes breastfeeding as "just plain normal", yet doesn't heap guilt on those who choose not to.  I love the overall tone, and the thoughtfulness.  A great read!
• When I first got married and was left to my own devices in the kitchen, I really wish that I'd known about a site like Food Pickle!  In fact, I am going to keep this saved to my favorites for those moments when I'm in a bind and can't figure out a food/cooking dilemma on my own.

Looking Fabulous: 

• This Seamstress Bracelette is so cute, and a great little different touch to an outfit.

Crafty:

• I am all about this cool/modern take on kitchen gardening over at Ten June: My Love Buckets
• Repairing clothing isn't something that usually inspires me, but when I looked over this list of Creative Mending, I immediately started imaginging things that I could do to some of the blah or torn things in mine and my children's closets.
• Refashion Favorites!  Great inspiration for putting some new spunk in your wardrobe.

Food (savory):

• A beautiful and delicious looking salad: Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pineapple Poppy Seed Vinaigrette via Joy The Baker.
• Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Zucchini -- an excellent idea for this warmer weather that's pushing us straight into a long, hot Texas summer. (Via Pioneer Woman)
• I have a bag of parsnips just waiting to be turned into this Parsnip Soup from Orangette.
• Wholesome Quesadillas from 101Cookbooks -- sparked with the flavors of capers, wholesome with eggs and wrapped in a corn tortilla, what's not to love?
• Greek Style Macaroni and Cheese.  I am saving this dinner idea for a day when it's not so hot outside, but it looks delicious!
• You all know that I am pretty ridiculous about doing everything from scratch in my kitchen, but what you might not realize is that I'll always have a soft spot for those little instant packages of Ramen noodles.  I love these 30 Ramen Hacks that breath new life in to the bowl of my favorite little guilty (savory) pleasure!

Food (sweet):

• Scotch Whiskey Oat Cake.  Need I say more?  (Via Everybody Likes Sandwiches)
• Probably, I don't actually want to know JUST HOW GOOD these are.  But maybe I do.  Peanut Butter Pretzel and Toffee Bonbons, via Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
• These Lemon Meringue Cookies look like they'd be a great way to have a lemon meringue pie without the commitment of eating an entire pie.  Unless I ate the entire batch of cookies. (Via Joy the Baker)
• Oh sweet and salty goodness!  Chewy Caramel Popcorn and Prezel Bars, via Culinary in the Country.

This video makes me smile and inspires me:


Have a lovely weekend!!