Photo Op - Thanks Janet

Last night I attended the book signing at Twisted Yarns.  There is a little blurb about it here.  Franklin Habit was in town last night and today and was hosted by the lovely ladies at Twisted Yarns.  Yesterday was also National Chocolate Cake Day.  WHO knew....

Wait back to last night.  I was able to leave work at 3:45 PM so that I could head up to the store.  I knew that traffic would/could get heavy since I would have to pass by the main arteries leading to the airport.  I'm glad that I made that effort, as there ended up being an accident a few exits ahead of the one I needed and traffic was already building.  I arrived at approximately 4:50 PM.  Since the signing didn't start until 5:30 PM I knew I could get some browsing accomplished....cough, cough....you know yarn came home with me.

I brought home two skeins of ShiBui Sock in the 4013 colorway, one skein of Cascade Heritage in the Bark colorway (5609) and one skein of Punta Lace (Hand Paint - 100% Merino) in color HP66.  I promise pictures will come too but I have not had time to get them today.

Franklin was wonderful.  He is warm and witty.  I was amazed with his steady autographing.  He was concentrated and yet effortless all at the same time.  I think I could have chatted with him and the ladies in attendance all evening.  Thanks to Janet and her daughter for having their camera, I have this to share:



Yes, I did schooch down a bit because with heals on I felt too talk to stand up straight.  And yes, you can tell that I HATE having my picture taken.  Thanks again Janet!  It was WONDERFUL to see you again and a pleasure to meet your daughter.  Oh and Janet, who made the blue sweater ( it looks like a February Lady Sweater with long sleeves) and what yarn did they use?  Inquiring minds MUST know!  Oh, and remind Gail to post her brownine recipe soon....

Friday Fill-Ins 2011-004

And...here we go!

1. Up early tomorrow to attend the car show with SF.

2. I'm keeping to myself today because some mystery bug is going around.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: things my sister in New Jersey needs these days with the snow storms.

4. I would love a romantic dinner, a soak in the tub and a nice back rub.

5. I'm thinking about brats cooked in beer and sauerkraut.

6. Looking through old magazine clippings I saved I found a picture that will be my first attempt at designing a knitted garment pattern.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to happy hour with SF, tomorrow my plans include attending the car show and Sunday, I want to finish the toe on the "Blame It On Jordan" and get more done on the test knitting that I started for two wonderful ladies!

Friday Fill-Ins 2011-03

And...here we go!

1. So many of us forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.

2. Love endures even in hardship.

3. Those who are accepting of people in spite of themselves make the best friends.

4. My knitting is waiting quietly.

5. Light is in both the heart and eyes of SF.

6. Sometimes happiness can be the heart of all that is ordinary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing absolutely nothing, tomorrow my plans include getting all my chores and errands done and Sunday, I want to knit and watch the Packers move closer to the Super Bowl!

What a Wonderful Way to Start This Week!

Last Friday was such a long and dreary day that I didn't even stop at the mail boxes to see if we had received anything.  It was also rainy and dreary on Saturday.  The only time I left the house was to take Sassy to get her annual check-up.  So, this morning after I was finished getting the oil changed and the fuel system cleaned, I stopped at the mail boxes.  I was thrilled to find a soft-sided envelope there addressed to me from Wendy.

LOOK at what was inside:





















Wendy did a lovely job on the scarf and I love the color.  The bamboo yarn is soft and will be warm enough for the Houston Metro area climate.  The cards are a lovely touch and the project bag will be PERFECT for the 2011 Self-Imposed Sock Club from my stash.

Thank you again Wendy and it was well worth the wait!

Friday Fill-Ins #2011-02

And...here we go!

1. Right now I need a tropical vacation someplace where I can relax and get a tan.

2. Water is what's in my glass.

3. A copy of this letter will be scanned and electronically filed.

4. A warm brownie is best with a spoon.

5. The best movie I've seen lately is a tie between Salt and Knight and Day.

6. Candy I like; Chocolate I love.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to soaking in a bubble bath with wine and a good book, tomorrow my plans include taking Sassy to the Vet, watching the Vols and Lady Vols and then the Packers and Sunday, I want to knit and not much else!

Friday Fill-Ins 2011-001

And...here we go (thanks to my cousin for reminding me)!

1. It's 2011; I will learn to pamper myself more.

2. I wish I could make bread and butter pickles.

3. Thankfully I have my knitting to relax me.

4. My other half and my kids are the best things in life.

5. I am so ready fro Spring.

6. I love the College bowl games.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the Cotton Bowl, tomorrow my plans include a much needed over-haul to the hair cut and Sunday, I want to watch football and finish the scarf!

Handmade Pay It Forward 2011

My friend Knittymuggins posted a little thing onher blog called “Homemade Pay It Forward 2011″.  It goes a little something like this: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here.  They in turn must post this and send something they make to the first 5 people to comment on their blog.  The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 recipients sometime in 2011.  So, since I commented on her status and am now obligated to pay it forward to 5 others, I’m giving you the chance to receive something and gift some things in return!  Who couldn’t use a little sunshine this upcoming year?  Oh and just so you know…. if you play along with me, you are about 99.9% certain to receive something hand knit :) since I don’t have time for much else these days!


Looking forward to paying it forward to some of you wonderful readers! I hope you’ll join me in the fun!

Phatt Fiber Photos....Music Box

December 2010 I finally broke down and got a Phatt Fiber Box.  Check out the pictures below....the contents are amazing and I am considering what to make with all the yarn samples...

Metabolic Types

Just a QUICK post.  I wanted to share a few links where you can test yourself to see what metabolic type you are.  It is really a good thing to know, as it helps you learn how to eat in a manner better suited to your body's specific needs.

Link One

Link Two

Link Three

Now remember, I am not on a diet really.  I am choosing foods that better suit my metabolic type to ensure that I can reduce cravings while eating foods that suit my needs.  I know that carbs are higher on my needs than protein but I also know that I need protein in the morning to make my workouts more successful.

Okay, packing it up to head out for the evening.  I have more stuff to report on so tomorrow may be a big post.  I still have to blog about the Phatt FIber box...

Simple things

Okay, so here at Chez Ruby Ringz we have been on an eating binge of sorts.  SF has been off her diet since Thanksgiving and I have been bad on my eating plan too.  Not to fret, as we have made it a goal for 2011 to eliminate as much processed foods as possible.

What does that translate to exactly?  That means that we will be removing as many prepared foods as possible.  We will be purchasing organic fruits and veggies, with as much as possible coming from the three closest local farmers' markets.  We will be purchasing organic eggs and meats that have not been grain fed and pumped with growth hormones.  We will also be mindful of our body types.  SF is more of a protein metabolic person and I am a mixed type with my body needing more carbs than she does.

We have already moved from sugar to Stevia and have removed margarine and moved to organic butter.  We are on the hunt for coconut oil to use in place of other cooking oils.  Over the next moth, we will be eliminated all the snack foods in the pantry and replacing then with raw veggies and organic nut butters.  The key is to remove as much hydrogenated oils and added sugars as possible.  All of these changes come at a cost.  The food is more expensive and we will need to spend a little more time in the kitchen preparing them but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting some of the meal plans that I have developed for my body type and also trying to post about our successes and failures.  The gym will be a big friend for me, as I can shed more and tone faster by increasing my workouts.  SF does not have that luxury with her work schedule, so it will be interesting to see if that plays a role in my success.

Today is the last day of random eating, so I plan on enjoying it and not having any regrets.  Life is short, so enjoy and make the best of every day!

Friday Fill-Ins #205

Happy New Year to all! So...here we go!

1. I feel peaceful and content with my life.

2. Nothing is better on New Years Ever than a glass of good wine, Dick Clarks's Countdown and song.

3. It's important to learn from your mistakes and grow.

4. I'm looking forward to a fresh start in 2011 and how.

5. On New Year's Eve I love to snuggle up with SF and let the evening just unfold.

6. I can master anything if I just practice.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to college bowl games and basketball (Go Rockets), tomorrow my plans include spending the day with Kevin and Kathy, eating black-eyed peas and pork, watching college bowl games and knitting and Sunday, I want to start taking down the holiday decorations!

And here are the answers to last week's:

28. JOSNLYETW: jolly old st nicholas lean your ear this way
29. GKWLLOOTFOS: good king wencelas looked out on the feast of stephen
30. UOTRRPOJGOSC: up on the rooftop reindeer pause out jumps good old santa clause
31. JBJBJBR: jingle bell jingle bell jingle bell rock
32. IHABCWY: ill have a blue chrismas without you
33. WUNWTAGC: way up north where the air gets cold
34. JHTSBRTTTT: just hear those sleigh bells jingling ting ting tingling too
35. CTTMPRPPP: come the told me pa rum pa pa pum
36. AWHHOH: angels we have heard on high
37. HAHJC: have a holly jolly chrismas
38. AIAMNCFAB: away in the manger no crib for a bed