I'm craving a trip to the beach.  The east coast shoreline.  Where we used to find sand dollars and shake the doves around.  I would love if my children were to experiment that.  I'm not actually sure it is even still legal to collect them.  

When I spotted these cookies in the Summertime Anytime Cookbook, I knew I had to give them a whirl.  The shape and flavors caught my eye.  Problem is, I have been on a gluten-free diet since April 1st to try to clear my eczema issues.  Yep, that darn skin issue that I was able to keep under control with  a magic steroid cream that a doctor, in San Mateo, California, developed and the attached Pharmacy created.  Problem was, the doctor passed away and the compounding pharmacy went out of business.  I called the office and begged and pleaded to get the name of pharmacist.  Offering monetary gifts and even place mats for her kids, and all the kids she knew, if she could just share his information.  I'm surprised she didn't have me arrested.  I'm sure she thought I was cRaZy.  I just HAD to have the cream and I couldn't find another Pharmacy that could duplicate it. (I swear he never gave his whole formula.)  I was a total addict of this magic cream. Anyhow, that was a couple of years ago.  I googled causes of eczema and one was gluten.  And, because I have had it all my life, decided to try the gluten free thing.  I did it for a few months and low and behold my eczema started to go away.  But then, I started to crave cookies and the good pasta and breads and it returned.  So, here I am at it again.  And in the end, clearing something the natural way is a much better way to go.  

This recipe was not gluten-free, however, i just used the gluten free flour and viola!  Gluten-free cookies!

Well, I finally finished a sweater.  And boy, did it feel good.  Just looking for the time to knit has been my problem lately. I still have plenty of desire, trust me.  It's just all. about. time.  

I love how this turned out.  And to tell you the truth, i think it's the perfect little sweater. Great for spring.  Or fall.  Or winter if you are on the warmer side.  A lot of stockinette.  Seed stitch edging.  A little cable detail.  Sleeves that end just as soon as you cast on.  Perfect!

When in Beaver Creek we had lunch at Zach's cabin where I was served an awesome meal. The menu referred to it as zucchini pasta with a smoked sun dried tomato pesto.

I have been craving it ever since we came home and had to try to duplicate it.  

Not the smokey part.  Just the rest.  The yummy sun dried tomatoes, the basil and parmesan from the pesto.  

We thought they probably used the little, baby zucchini.   

That way, you could use the peeler to slice down the entire length of the zucchini, while managing to keep the width in tact.  

I thought about sauteing the zucchini, but decided to just steam it instead by placing the slices in a colander and steaming them over a pot of boiling water.  

It really was one of the most delicious little combinations, I just had to share.  

Happy April!  

Can you believe it?  

April!  

Just back from our Spring Break where the boys and I headed to Colorado so the boys could ski.  Libby took a girls trip with her best friend to my extremely fun, awesome sisters home in Florida.  

Everyone was happy.  So, so happy.  Love that.  

I finally finished a hat.  (AND, I have a finished sweater!  Really excited to show that, too!) 

A hat that Nichole designed and is published in the One + One : Hats.

The triangular wedge hat is knit just like that.  In two wedges with opposite patterns.  You then pick up stitches for the crown of the hat.  Nichole knit the pattern in two colors.  I decided to switch it up a bit and knit it in one color.  I must admit, I like it in two colors better, but I like that we can see how one color looks.  

Save our sweaters?  Yes, please!  I need something to do just that.  I get so bummed when my sweaters pill.  Who doesn't!  Especially our hand knit beauties.  All that hard work, time and love, and then they can look old and worn with just a few wears.  Ugh.  

I have tried several things to de-pill but when I tried the Lilly Brush, I fell in love.  It's so gentle.  No razor to cut the fibers.  Just a gentle stroke and off come the "balls".  

I tried to photograph one of my "balliest" hand knit sweaters.  I also have cashmere and for some reason, I feel like the newer cashmere sweaters pill easier than my old ones.  

The phone rang at 5am.  After making the rounds to turn off alarms, I fell back asleep in a quiet house until 8am.  It was lovely!  

Cinnamon scones were requested. Mostly by my stomach.   (I left off the cinnamon/sugar topping.)

Perfect for a slow morning.  

For the rest of the day, I pretty much did nothing.  Libby curled my hair.  I drove kids.  I knit 10 rows of a hat that I look forward to sharing.  Answered a few emails.  Leftovers for dinner.  

It was the best.  

Have I ever told you I LOVE snow days!

The random number generator chose two numbers/names.  

#6 Kelly and #68 Gina.  

Please email me (address in sidebar) with your address and I will make sure you receive this fun book!

Well, I finally made it to Purl Soho!  Charming.  Everything about it.  The yarn and fabric were so delicious.  The girls working were helpful and kind.  The place was buzzing with happy customers.  Great, great energy!  It really was a thrill for me.  I even traveled with my Knit New York book!  

The fun little book is filled with 10 iconic NewYork projects.  There is a Broadway street sign to knit a cute pillow.   

A street vendor hot dog.  (A bun!  Mustard!)

Of course, a yellow taxi cab.  (I soooo would have been knitting that for my guys.)

There is a pattern for "the big apple", Statton island ferry, the Statue of Liberty, don't walk-walk sign, a fire hydrant and a flat iron building.  (I keep counting... that is nine.  I don't have the book in front of me to tell you the tenth.  I guess it would be a surprise.)

Ten great knits to remember your trip, dream about a trip to NYC or just knit something different... because you can!

Plymouth yarn, Gina.  I just loved the colors.  

Take out my grandmothers pinking sheers.

Add her sweet baby rick rack. (.15¢ baby rick rack! Gotta love that!)

Along with left over felt from some who knows what project. (Maybe you will get a scrap that looks like a fish.  And then you will have to stop and assemble hearts and fish on a place mat.  Bubbles help give the fish life.)

Well, the drive began after the flight. 

The northern California coastline.  I was smitten.  

Too many fun sights and photos.  I just had to share. 

I'm not exactly sure if the gentleman said to the woman or vis a vera... but one said to the other, "is wool your dirtly little secret, too?"  (I sort of dig their sweaters.)

This side of the tin says, "Ever fantasized about knitting your own work clothes?  Or instantly whipping up some winter mitts and matching scarf?  Don't fool yourself, it's gonna take some serious money to learn how.  That's where we come in with our easy-to-use Magic Wool Fund.  We'll have you savin' up before you can holler, knit one, purl two. You love wool?  That's your problem.  Our problem is helping you find the funds."  

Love this girl on the phone.  She is speaking to someone who is gonna come through for her.  "I need a half gram of wool and quick!  I'm starting to come down..."

This tin was from Blue Q.  

That one took me an entire year to cut and sew after purchasing the materials.  And about 30 minutes from start to finish.  Oh boy.

The materials were purchased from Purl Soho and the tutorial is on Purl bee. (Materials are listed in the tutorial.) Super easy.  Super quick.   Pretty darn cute.