Tuesday 25 December 2012

Episode 86 - Tuesday December 25, 2012

Link to Episode 86!

Creativity Studio

Link to Silly Owner Cat Beanie on the Mysterious cat blog by Ana Yogui. Free pattern.

Crochet Bow pattern by KT and the Squid is available only on Ravlery.  Free pattern.

Slipped Shawlette by Rebecca Velasquez is part of the ebook Slip Stitch Savvy.  Available only on Ravelry.  $ pattern.

Link to craftsy.com, where I am taking all sorts of creative courses.

Country Living

Link to Apple Cider Doughnuts with Apple Cider Cheesecake filling recipe on www.1finecookie.com

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Episode 85 - I Did It! - Tuesday December 18, 2012

Link to Episode 85!

Country Living

Link to smashwords.com - a website for ebooks from independent authors and publishers.

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Episode 84 - Getting Things Done! - Tuesday December 11, 2012

Link to Episode 84!

Creativity Studio

A few crochet project pics:


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Rustic Sun Cowl

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Alpaca Cowl

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Summer Festival Shawl

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Sundara Shawlette

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Episode 83 - Calm Seas - Tuesday December 4, 2012

Link to Episode 83!

Creativity Studio

Link to mypicot.com  The edging I am using for my cowl is  Crochet Edging #3032.

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Next episode delayed

Yet again, it has been a very quiet week.  Episode 83 will be out next week.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Episode 82 - Down the Rabbit Hole - Tuesday November 20, 2012

Link to Episode 82!

Creativity Studio

Link to craftsy.com

Country Living

Link to Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream on pc.ca/blacklabel

Link to the Eclair Pastry recipe I used over on foodnetwork.com.  NB: Read the comments for tips!

Chocolate Ganache

1/2 cup whipping cream (heavy cream) 35% fat
1 cup/6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, or chocolate in chunks
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Heat cream in the microwave on full power until it starts to boil.  This took about 1 minute in my microwave. Pour over chocolate, and stir until melted and smooth.  Stir in vanilla.  Easier to work with while warm.  Refrigerate and re-warm gently in the microwave when needed.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Episode 81 - Novel - Tuesday November 13, 2012

Link to Episode 81!

Creativity Studio

Link to Flue Socks pattern by Lindsey Stephens. $ pattern.

Link to Andalusia blanket pattern by Berrocco Design Team. Free pattern.

Country Living

Link to Peanut Butter Chocolate Revel bars on Better Homes and Gardens website.

Link to Lemon Bars on Better Homes and Gardens website.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Skipping a week

Episode 81 will be coming out next week. My life is kind of dull right now, and I want to make sure I have enough interesting content to actually make it worthwhile to record and listen to.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Episode 80 - Be Prepared - Tuesday October 30, 2012

Link to Episode 80!

Creativity Studio

Hope's Hat pattern by Becky Simmons is only available on ravelry.com .  $ pattern

Critter Corner 

Link to Betta sized tanks emergency preparedness.


Link to larger sized fish tank emergency preparedness.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Episode 79 - Mittens - Tuesday October 23, 2012

Link to Episode 79!

Creativity Studio

Link to the pattern Malabrigo Mittens by Elisa Purnell. This is a blog entry with a link to the .pdf.

The pattern for Rugged Warmth Winter Set by April Garwood is only available on ravelry.com . $ pattern.




Tuesday 16 October 2012

Episode 78 - Road Trip! - Tuesday October 16, 2012

Link to Episode 78!

Creativity Studio

Link to River City Yarns website.

Link to Noro Karuta yarn on Jimmy Bean's website.  I have colourway 04.

Link to Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn on WEBS website.  I got colourway 252.

Link to Zauberball 100 on Skacel's website.  I have colourway 1701.  The colours in my ball are definitely more mustard and pink.

Link to DROPS Lace on Garnstudio's website. I got turquoise.

Critter Corner

Link to Big Al's online store.  They sell things for other pets than just fish.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Episode 76 - Gifted - Tuesday October 2, 2012

Link to Episode 76!

Creativity Studio

The Sonata Shawl pattern by Sharon Silverman appears to only be available on ravelry.com.  $ pattern.

Foundation Single Crochet by FuturegirlCraftBlog



The Stephanie's Shawl by Julie Blagojevich appears only to be available on ravelry.com.  $ patten.

Link to discontinuedbrandnameyarn.com

Link to yarn.com, WEBS Yarn sale site.  Link to entry on WEBS for Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace; scroll down for "Citrus" colorway.

The Summer Festival Shawl pattern by Julie Blagojevich appears only to be available on ravelry.com  Free pattern.


Country Living

I have three glitch.com invites if you are interested!  Contact me!

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Episode 74 - Regular Programming - Tuesday September 18, 2012

Link to Episode 74!

Creativity Studio

Link to James Jean's blog entry for Rift.

Link to Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner on amazon.ca

Country Living

Link to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson on amazon.ca


Tuesday 11 September 2012

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Episode 72 - The Gentle Path Into Autumn - Tuesday September 4, 2012

Please note:  Episodes will now be released on Tuesdays instead of Mondays.

Link to Episode 72!

Creativity Studio

Link to our home wall hanging by jessica dawn dipaolo.  Free pattern.

A few pics I took last week:

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Untitled

Untitled

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Country Living

Link to Bread Pudding recipe on food.com.  Be aware you need to add the melted butter/margarine to the bread before the brown sugar spice mixture is added.

Decadent Butterscotch Sauce for Bread Pudding

1/2 c unsalted butter
1 c brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 t vanilla
1/4 - 1/2 cup rum, bourbon, cream, or whipping cream (see note at end of recipe)

In a small pot, bring butter and brown sugar to a boil, and boil for one minute.  Remove from heat, and stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.  Serve warmed over bread pudding.
N.B. Add the lesser amount of thin liquids (like rum) or the greater amount of thick liquids (like whipping cream).  Use your judgement and taste as you go.

Link to Delicious Chicken Pot Pie recipe on food.com.

Monday 27 August 2012

Episode 71 - Dash To The Finish Line - Snack Size Version - Monday, August 27, 2012

Link to Episode 71!

Today's episode is rather short at under 15 minutes; therefore it is snack sized!

No show notes today.

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Episode 68 - Patience is a Virtue... Why? - Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Link to Episode 68!

Creativity Studio

IMG_6665

The top of the backdrop is on your left, so just lean your head to the left to get "the full effect" ; ).

Country Living

Link to SuperBetter.com, a "self help" website in the format of a game.

Monday 6 August 2012

Episode 68 Delay

Hey everyone.  I am feeling very out of sorts today, and so am delaying the next episode until tomorrow.

Monday 30 July 2012

Episode 67 - Blocked - Monday, July 30, 2012

Link to Episode 67!

Creativity Studio

Link to colourmart.com, who sell all sorts of industrial (but gorgeous!) yarn.

Monday 23 July 2012

Episode 66 - Hidden Strengths - Monday, July 23, 2012

Link to Episode 66!

Critter Corner

Link to my new aquarium blog!

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Our new aquarium!

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Stormie thinks the new crocheted background should be a cat blanket!

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Episode 65 - Cycling - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Link to Episode 65!

Critter Corner

Link to aqadvisor.com, a website that helps you plan for stocking your aquarium.

Monday 16 July 2012

Episode 65 Delays

Hey everyone:  Due to a small house-hold problem, today's episode will be delayed for 24 hours.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Monday 9 July 2012

Episode 64 - Feeling Hot Hot Hot - Monday, July 9, 2012

Link to Episode 64!

Critter Corner

Link to aquaticcommunity.com.  In the podcast, I said "Aquarium Community" instead of "Aquatic Community".  Sorry for any confusion.

Link to fishlore.com

Monday 2 July 2012

Episode 63 - Summer Class - Snack Sized Version - Monday, July 2, 2012

Link to Episode 63!

Creativity Studio

The Slip Stitch Savvy patterns e-book is only available over on ravelry.com

Link to The Color of Dreams Boutique over on etsy.com  This is where I purchased my new stitch markers!

Monday 25 June 2012

Episode 62 - Of Lists and Fluff - Monday, June 25, 2012

Link to Episode 62!

Creativity Studio

Link to Sundara Yarn main site.  Link to all available colours in silk lace.

Link to All The Pretty Fibers' shop on etsy.  Direct link to one of her handspun lace weights.  Yes, it is more than $90-$100, but it is 780yds of plied lace weight yarn!

Link to Everything Old Crafts on etsy, and a link to her shop on artfire.  Direct link to Fairy Lights colourway on sock yarn.

Link to Skein Yarn.  Direct link #1 to the colourway "Chinatown" (I mistakenly thought there was chartreuse in there.  Sorry for the error.)  Direct link #2 to the colourway "Outlaw".  Direct link #3 to the colourway "Metallurgy".

Link to The Unique Sheep.  Direct link #1 to all Gradiance colourways.  Direct link #2 to Colours for a Cause where proceeds go to charity.

Wiki link about qiviut.

Monday 18 June 2012

Episode 61 - Disconnect - Monday, June 18, 2012

Link to Episode 61!

Creativity Studio

Link to Art Gallery of Grande Prairie's exhibit: Bill Burns: Bird Radio

Link to Americo Original Yarns website, with the Cotton Flamme yarn page.  They don't seem to show the colour I bought, though.

Critter Corner

Link to Nature's Miracle Just for Cats Orange-Oxy Cleaner (did not work for us).  Link to Nature's Miracle Just for Cats Urine Remover (so far, working well)

Link to World's Best Cat Litter Multicats from corn.

Link to Blue Buffalo's Multicat Clumping Cat Litter from walnut shells.

Monday 11 June 2012

Episode 60 - Follow Through - Monday, June 11, 2012

Link to Episode 60!  Please note:  On June 18, 2012, I noticed the file for this episode was missing.  It is now re-uploaded.

Creativity Studio

The U.F.O.s have invaded!


Country Living

Link to Rhubarb Coffee Cake over on food.com

Swiss Chard Pasta

150gm (about 1/4 lb) pancetta, diced
5-6 shallots, halved and sliced
1 bunch swiss chard, thick stems removed and sliced, and greens chopped coarsely
1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced thinly
5 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
350 gm package of fresh pasta (about .75 lb-ish)
olive oil, if needed

Have a pot of hot water ready to cook pasta.
Saute pancetta in a large non-stick pan until crispy and some fat has rendered. Remove pancetta and some of the fat and set aside, leaving about 1 tbs. fat in the pan. Add the shallots and sliced chard stems to the pan, and saute until well softened, adding extra pancetta fat or olive oil as necessary. Add jalapeno and saute until slightly soft. Add garlic and saute until fragrant and softened. Add chopped chard and reserved pancetta. Put pasta on to cook. Saute chard until wilted and reduced and not much water is left in the pan. Keep chard mixture warm while pasta cooks. When pasta is cooked, drain, and add chard mixture to the pot. Stir well (this is a bit challenging), and place in a serving dish.
Serves about 2-4, depending on hunger.

Monday 4 June 2012

Episode 59 - I Have A Plan - Monday, June 4, 2012

Link to Episode 59!

Creativity Studio

Link to free pattern on redheart.com : Brimming with Love Hats by Valerie Whetten.

Country Living

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

1 boneless pork roast about 3-4kgs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 tbs. brown sugar
few dashes cayenne
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. coriander
2 onions, sliced
1 bottle barbecue or pulled pork sauce

Remove net from roast. Rinse roast thoroughly and pat dry.  Rub all over with seasonings.  Put sliced onions in bottom of crockpot.  Rest roast on top.  Cover and cook on low for about 8 hrs. or until pork flakes easily.  Remove roast, onions and collected juices from crockpot, discarding onions and juice.  Remove fat and gristle from roast.  Flake roast into strands and return to crockpot. Pour sauce over pork and stir to combine.  Heat pulled pork on high 45 min to 1 hr or until hot and bubbly.  Serve on sub buns.


Friday 1 June 2012

The Summer of U.F.O.s

Right now, this very minute, a craft-a-long is going on over on the RAICAS board on www.ravelry.com. Its concept is simple: finish up some of those U.F.O.s that have been hanging around far too long!

This craft-a-long is running from June 1 2012 to August 31 2012.  Participants have the chance to win a prize: a shawlette, made by me, called the Passionate Podcaster.  It is a small lacy shawl in a very vibrant red.

To get one ballot to enter, simple post in the Summer of U.F.O.s thread in the RAICAS group over on Ravelry.  You *must* post at least one post per month (total 3 posts) to get one chance to win.

Now, not everyone is a crafter.  Or maybe you don't have any Un-Finished Objects (U.F.O.s) that need finishing.  Or maybe you just don't want to join Ravelry.  That's okay!  You can have a chance of winning too!  Just comment here on this post once sometime during the time the craft-a-long is running (just one comment is fine) to get one ballot for the draw.  If you are commenting here, please don't forget to add a way of contacting you: either email address or Ravelry name will do.  More than one comment does not mean more ballots.  One ballot per person.

I will add to this post as need be over the course of the craft-a-long.

Happy U.F.O.ing and good luck!

Monday 28 May 2012

Episode 58 - Welcome Back - Monday, May 28, 2012

Link to Episode 58!

Creativity Studio

Link to Crocheted Shawl with Sequins by Rozetti yarns.  Free pattern; .pdf on universalyarns.com

Country Living

Link to Today in iOs website with podcast.  Tii app available in iTunes.

Monday 21 May 2012

Monday 14 May 2012

Episode 56 - Motoring - Monday, May 14, 2012

Link to Episode 56!

Creativity Studio

Link to my friend's website: johnmorrisonart.com

Critter Corner

Link to High Tech Pet's website, where they sell Humane Contain Pet Containment System.

Monday 23 April 2012

Monday 16 April 2012

Episode 52 - New Connections - Monday, April 16, 2012

Link to Episode 52!

Creativity Studio

The Rippled Wrap pattern by Cheri McEwan is only available as a free Ravelry download at ravelry.com

Link to Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet on amazon.ca

Critter Corner

Orbit Lucky 3-of-9 McFluffy

Monday 9 April 2012

Episode 51 - Spring Fling - Monday, April 9, 2012

Link to Episode 51!

Creativity Studio

Link to Melissa Mall's blogpost with a free crochet flower pattern.

Hmm.  I can't really seem to find a relevant link to Ravelympics 2012 on the internet.  You will have to wander over to ravelry.com and sign up for free to get info.

Monday 2 April 2012

Episode 50 - On The Road Again - Monday, April 2, 2012

Link to Episode 50!

Creativity Studio

Link to doodleordie.com, insanely addictive drawing game/website.  Be warned, it is a time suck!

Link to firefox plug-in to add extra colours and pen sizes to your doodleordie profile.

Link one and link two to information about artist Louis Wain and his cat illustrations.  The second link is the first article I read about him.

Country Living

Link to Zombie Parkour Runner trailer (1 min. long).  Free in iTunes app store.

Link to developer page of "Free Books - 23 469 classics to go".  Although info on the 'net says it is a pay app, in the iTunes app store it is free.

Link to screen shots of "Classics2Go HD" app.  Free app in the iTunes store.

Link to Apple's page about iTunes U.  Must have iTunes on your computer/device to use.  Vast majority of lectures and handouts are free.

Monday 26 March 2012

Episode 49 - Patiently Waiting - Monday, March 26, 2012

Link to Episode 49!

Creativity Studio

Link to 750words.com, a journaling website that encourages you to write 750 words per day.

Link to "yarnkarma"'s Yarn Stash Room of Love.

Country Living

Link to Backflip Studio's page on Shape Shift game.  Free app in iTunes.

Link to sjdphotography.ca, Scott's photography website.

Monday 19 March 2012

Episode 48 - In Like A Lion In A China Shop - Monday, March 19, 2012

Link to Episode 48!

Country Living

Link to appversity.com review of "Rune Trails", an app for Apple iPad/iPod Touch/iPhone.  Link is on the site to download the game, as well as a vidoe of game play.  $0.99, but there is a free "lite" version.

Monday 12 March 2012

No episode today - Monday, March 12, 2012

Hey everyone:

I won't be putting out a podcast today, Monday March 12, 2012.  The last week has really kicked my behind, and I am just too wiped to create the episode for today.  I am sorry for the late notice.  I promise I'll be back next week!

Anne

Monday 5 March 2012

Episode 47 - Living in My Head - Monday, March 5, 2012

Link to Episode 47!

Country Living

Link to LOWA Boots USA.

Link to donutgames.com, where you can play a free online flash version of the iPhone app Lucky Coins.  App is $0.99 in the Apple app store.

Monday 27 February 2012

Episode 46 - Truth but no Hugh - Monday, February 27, 2012

Link to Episode 46!

Critter Corner

Wiki link to wolverines.

Pics of the paw prints I saw near my house:

Note the line from the tail between the prints.


Sanity Sanctuary

Wiki link to "Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations" (what I am calling internal and external motivations).

Monday 13 February 2012

Episode 44 - Old and New - Monday, February 13, 2012

Link to Episode 44!

Country Living

The walking app I am using is Mapmydogwalk and is available in the iTunes app store.  Free app.  The website is http://mapmywalk.com

YarnluvingLizzy's Butter Tart Filling
(makes 12)

1 c. raisins (soaked in hot water for 5 min. then drained)

Add to the raisins:

1 c. dark brown sugar
2 tbsps. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 beaten egg

Mix very thoroughly until few sugar grains remain.  Bake in prepared individual tart crusts until puffy.

Monday 6 February 2012

Episode 43 - Pathways - Monday, February 6, 2012

Link to Episode 43!

Creativity Studio

Link to Pierrot Yarns patterns page.  If you scroll down, you will see shawl 24-25-21.  If you click on the picture, a .pdf with the pattern will automatically start downloading.  Free pattern.

Link to The Pagan Knitter's website.  The podcast is available on iTunes.  Ursa, the podcaster, is ThePaganKnitter over on ravelry.com.

Link to Creative Accounting podcast website.  Right now, you can listen to the podcast through the Libsyn website.  Patricia, the podcaster, is SpindleLady108 over on ravelry.com

Link to Eric Maisel's website.  He wrote The Creativity Book (link to amazon.com)
 
Link to South Bay Shawlette pattern on Lion Brand's website.  Free pattern, but you have to create a free account to get to the pattern.

Quest of the Butter Tarts

Link to The Joy of Baking website with their Butter Tart recipe,

Monday 30 January 2012

Episode 42 - Tipping Point - Monday, January 30, 2012

Link to Episode 42!

Creativity Studio

Link to Kigali Lace Wrap by Cari Clement.  Free pattern.

Country Living

Link to Crock Pot Chicken Corn Chowder on food.com.  Free recipe.

Link to "It Might Get Loud" documentary main site.

Monday 23 January 2012

Episode 41 - Step by Step - Monday, January 23, 2012

Link to Episode 41!

Creativity Studio

Link to Vintage Crocheted Throw and Afghan by Churchmouse Yarns & Tea at their site.  Pay pattern.

Monday 9 January 2012

Episode 39 - January Thaw - Monday, January 9, 2012

Link to Episode 39!

Creativity Studio

Link to "Granny's Vibe" (a granny ripple) pattern by Teresa Wakefield.  Free pattern.

Monday 2 January 2012

Episode 38 - Back to Routine - Monday, January 2, 2012

Link to Episode 38!  No, your ears are not deceiving you.  There is new music for the opening and closing of the podcast.

Creativity Studio

The pattern "Isar Scarf" by Julia Vaconsin is only available through ravelry.com. Free pattern.

Country Living

Link to smittenkitten.com Cheese Straws recipe.  I subbed cayenne powder for the chili flakes.  I probably would omit the salt next time.

Critter Corner

Hmm.  I cannot find the tags for the cat tree to find the name of the company that makes them.  Will research and follow up next week.