Monthly Crochet Review: January

January was a great month to finish up some big projects, and also start work on Christmas gifts.

I stocked up on some new yarn, and organized my stockpile into projects.

My goals for the month were to finish the King-sized blanket once and for all, finish up the grey throw, and make a few Valentine’s Day pillows for the Summer daybed.

I made a quick three hour scarf as a gift for a very kind teacher.

I worked on some grannysquares too.

I also started working on a third blanket for Christmas.

I see lots of little squares in my future.

I practiced the triple-crochet stitch.

A little more practice here and there, and I think I’ll get the hang of it.

I was thinking that the house could use a few more pillows. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I decided that Valentine hued big and comfy granny-square pillows would do the job.

I made enough for four pillows. Now I just need to sew some liners, and stuff them.

The Grey Throw was next on my list to complete. This project was fairly quick.

I’ve been working on it here and there during the evenings.

It is one of the big kitty’s favorite nap spots.

The finished throw is extra cozy, and there is plenty of snuggle room.

I really liked this project. It was easy to crochet, and it added a little more warmth to the bedroom.

Lastly, the beast that I have been working on for about a year-and-a-half-or-so.

I decided that this was the month that I was going to complete the king-sized blanket once and for all.

I crocheted until I ran out of yarn, weaved in all of the ends, and called it done.

I love it! This was my biggest project as of yet, and I am really happy with the completed project.

It fit our bed nicely, and I love how warm this blanket is. It is perfect for cold Kansas weather.

Now that February is in full swing I’ve found myself working on the three Christmas blankets whenever I have a free moment. I also started a project for me. I’ll have some more photos up soon.

January’s Veggie Meals

Well. I made it through the first month. I’m feeling pretty darn good about my decision to go back to being a vegetarian. The first few weeks were a little tough, but after a bit I settled in, and got used to the changes. I’ve noticed a little bit of savings on the grocery bill, and I’m feeling a bit better too.

I’m also happy to be cooking new dishes. I’m using fresh ingredients, and getting creative with what I have on hand. I’ve been taking a few photos of what’s been going on in the kitchen, veggie style.

I love burritos, and salsa verde!

Sauteed Onions, Sweet Corn, and Monterey Jack cheese. Pretty tasty indeed.

Corn Pudding or Corn Casserole which ever you choose to call it, I am in.

My kids love Pizza Rolls, and so do I. I made one pepperoni batch for the kids, and one veggie batch for me. Add in plenty of Mozzarella Cheese, and whatever veggies you choose. I’ve got Black Olives, Green Olives, Sauteed Onions, and Broccoli in this batch.

Thade requested a few homemade pizzas for his birthday. I made one with Broccoli, Black Olives, Green Olives, and Sliced Roma Tomatoes for me. It was crazy tasty!

Lastly, what my hubby calls “those are NOT tacos”, and I call them Veggie Tacos.

These “tacos” have a filling of Homemade Salsa infused Rice, with Corn, Black Beans, and Tomatoes. I top it off with a little shredded lettuce. The side is sliced Roma Tomatoes with Salsa Verde. I know it sounds strange, but it is filling, and tasty.

January’s Favorite Photos

It seemed that I didn’t take quite as many photos in January as I wanted to. I’ll have to do a bit better in February. I do have a few favorites to share.

Thade turned 11!

Dylan had a fun program.

Agnes was all smiles.

My hubby had a convention, and he brought me back some pretty awesome coffee cups.

I kept busy at the craft table.

The big kitty took a few extra naps.

 

 

January’s Tasty Treats

January truly was a blur. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, and a lot of time on the couch with migraines. I hope February goes a little bit better, and I get to spend more time cooking than with headaches.

Lately I’ve been baking batches of Cinnamon Rolls to keep in the fridge. I like to send them along for my hubby’s breakfast.

My favorite breakfast Cream of Wheat with Irish Breakfast Tea or some Hazelnut coffee.

However, on migraine days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner look pretty much like this.

A few days later I was feeling better. I baked some over-sized and extra soft Cakerdoodles for the kids.

Towards the end of the month it was Thade’s birthday. I needed to make cupcakes for school, cupcakes for home, and a few birthday cakes too.

The cupcakes were a big hit at school. I sent the extra ones home with Grandma.

Thade also requested a Bread Cake for his birthday.

It turned out pretty well, and he was thrilled with the surprise.

For Kansas Day I signed up for room-mom duties at Agnes’ school.

I made Kansas Krispies treats for the kiddos. We placed a little star on them for our town. I made a few too many, so the leftovers went to Dylan. He was pretty happy about that, Rice Krispies Treats are one of his favorites.

We finished up the month with a birthday party at home for Thade.

The party was so much fun, and the kids were awesome too. Thade had a fantastic birthday, so that makes me extra happy.