Knitting Words

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-29T13:56:00.000-06:00

The Hunger Games

2012-01-26T10:11:00.002-06:00

I should give a disclaimer: There are SPOILERS in this blog post. If you have yet to read The Hunger Games, then DON'T read this post yet!

Last week, in like two days, I read The Hunger Games. I am currently well into the second book in the series. I cannot recommend these books enough! Go out and read them. That being said, here are my thoughts.

The book takes place quite far in the future on the continent of N. America, now referred to as Panem. The country is divided into (13) districts, but during a period of unrest and uprise, the Capitol destroyed the 13th district and invented the Hunger Games as a way to remind the country that the capitol is ALWAYS in charge. Basically they can kill you as soon as look at you if you do anything they have deemed illegal (including hunting past a fence that is placed around the woods).

So, in this the 75th year of The Hunger Games, one Katniss Everdeen and one Peeta Mellark from District 12 are chosen to be the tributes for their district. They are taken to a training area, where they are cleaned up, fed lots of good food and trained to kill the 22 other tributes. The person surviving at the end of the games is the winner. Their district is then given food once a month for a year. The winner is also given enough money and a huge house to live very well off of for the rest of their life.

Once the training is over, Katniss, Peeta and the 22 other tributes from the remaining 11 districts are pitched into an arena where they must fight to the death. There is a giant cornucopia right when they are lifted to the arena that is full of food and fighting supplies. So, right off the bat, about 12 people get killed. That leaves Katniss and Peeta fighting career tributes from Districts 1-4 as well as a small 12 year old girl from one district and a girl Katniss has nicknamed FoxFace.

Now that I've given a bunch of stuff away, let me tell you, by the time I got to the end, I really wanted Katniss to be the only survivor. I really did. BUT, that was not the case. So, before I ruin anything else, here are some thoughts:

-I am so glad I don't live somewhere like Panem, because here in the US, we may have people trying to strip away our freedom, but we still have the power to fight and stand up for ourselves.

-I am glad I don't have to hunt for my food or kill other people like that, because the happy happy veggie passive side of me says I would probably starve to death before I allowed myself to do something like that.

-I was happy to see that Katniss grew a pair by the end of the book and stood up to the Capitol.

-Last thought: The book is, hands down, the best young adult book I have ever read! If you haven't read it yet, you need too!

Happy reading :)

Tuesday (On Wednesday) Trivia

2012-01-25T10:47:00.004-06:00

I'm a day late posting my trivia, but I really wanted to do it this week. The first person to comment on this post and guess the show this quote is from and the person who spoke it will get 25% off in my Etsy shop!

"I'm not insane. My mother had me tested."

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-15T13:30:00.002-06:00

Tuesday Trivia

2012-01-10T10:10:00.003-06:00

Well, it's been a few weeks since I posted. Holiday time caught up with me. Anyway, it's time again for Tuesday Trivia! This weeks trivia is from one of my favorite shows. Whoever comments below and guesses the show and who spoke the quote first will get a coupon code for 12% off any purchase in my shop!

"That's your room. Finish up. We'll holds hands and skip afterwards."

Tuesday Trivia

2011-12-20T09:57:00.002-06:00

Hi gang. It's time again for my favorite part of the week: Trivia! This week, whoever guesses the quote below by telling me who said it and what show it's from will get 12% off in my etsy shop!

"Hello, Day Old News? Yeah, I'd like to cancel Will Trumans subscription. Yeah, he's going to be giving his business to behind the times. Okay. Okay, okay. Okay. Love you too. Bye-Bye."

Sunday Funnies

2011-12-18T13:38:00.001-06:00

Holiday Cheer and Sales

2011-12-18T13:33:00.002-06:00

I like to do sales. I don't do them often, but I do enjoy them. In case you haven't noticed, the Christmas season is basically upon us. This week and next week I shall be bestowing upon all YOU some fun sales/discounts in my Etsy Shop, starting with a special 25% off code you can use today through Friday! Stop by and enter the code DECEMBER25 to get that discount now through Friday :) Enjoy!

One way to help.....

2011-12-10T07:58:00.001-06:00

The other day on Twitter, I read about someone who, once a week, sends herself a blank envelope. She just gets a stamp, slaps it on an empty envelope, writes her address on it and sends it. Why? Because it helps pump more money into the US Postal service. I don't know if you've heard, but the USPS is struggling. No surprise there. Many businesses are struggling right now. But here's the thing: The USPS is a HUGE organization. It's also a business that we rely upon big time. Without it, we have no easy way to send mail or packages.

Therefore, I propose this: That every person who is old enough to write get an envelope, put a stamp on it, then mail it to yourself. Or, if you feel like writing a letter, write a letter to someone else. Mail it immediately. Do that at least once a month, but more if you feel like it. If every person who was old enough to write did this at least once a month, the USPS would generate millions of dollars of revenue every month. What a great way to stimulate the economy!

Please spread the word about this grand notion through facebook, twitter, or even on your own blogs. This is a great and inexpensive way for millions of people to help our economy!

Wednesday Cheer Ups

2011-12-07T09:48:00.003-06:00

I love thinking about things that can make me a little more happy or cheerful! Here are a couple things that can bring a smile to your face and cheer you up!

*Puppies - who doesn't love puppies?
*Sunshine - it gives you vitamin D and warms you up!
*Flowers - smell good, looks good and fun to receive!

Tuesday Trivia

2011-12-06T09:59:00.003-06:00

Time again for that fab Tuesday Trivia. This week, whoever guesses the show it's from and who said it will get a gift code for 20% off in my Etsy shop. Good Luck!

"Whenever I get mad, I stop being mad and start being awesome!"

Young Living Peppermint Oil

2011-12-06T09:52:00.003-06:00

So, here's another little plug for one of my favorite things in the whole world: Peppermint Oil. I have a bottle of it at my apartment and I love it! Let me tell you why. Recently I've been having some crazy muscle aches. Nothing could make them go away.... Until I rubbed some peppermint oil on them. And now, they're gone! The oil works that quickly on headaches as well. Within ten minutes of rubbing peppermint oil on any aches, they disappear. It's a great way to cut OTC painkillers out of your life. If you want to know more about this, ask me. I'd love to share more :)

I vow too....

2011-12-03T15:32:00.003-06:00

Occasionally I get these feelings of being a little off kilter and out of whack. Lately I've been really tired, achey, and just a little bit to stressed out. This is a really bad thing. Being tired can lead to more stress, being overly stressed can lead to high blood pressure, high blood pressure can lead to a higher risk of stroke, heart disease or heart attack. So, I know there are several things I must do to help myself sleep better and all that jazz. (I feel very Elizabeth Gilbert like as I write this, and I promise that is not my intention. I'm not going to go off to Italy or India for a year... I just want to get back in sync)

1. Eat more raw fruits and veggies. The average human digests (or should digest) raw fruits and veggies so much quicker. This means you get it all out of your body a lot faster than you do with other foods. Whenever I eat more raw fruits and veggies I feel a lot lighter and I sleep better.

2. Actually drink more water each day. I always say that I'm going to drink more water. And sometimes (like this past summer when it was 120 degrees outside) I do really well at that. But many times, I turn to other stuff like pop or coffee. Which leads me to my next...

3. Drink less (read NO) pop and coffee. All that caffeine and sugar can lead to some serious health issues and side effects. I read in a health journal that even just two cans of pop a day can adversely affect a woman's heart and lead to heart disease later in life. That was a real wake up for me, as I have family members, bother men and women, who have issues with heart health. Also, caffeine can get me, and in fact many people, to wired and can cause insomnia.

4. Work out for at least 30 minutes every morning. This one will take some going, as I've been slacking off lately about working out. I've got to get going at it again at least 3 to 5 days a week, and I prefer to do it in the morning, because it gets the blood flowing and wakes me up. (When I worked out at night, I had trouble sleeping.)

5. Shut off my alarm and wake up when I feel like it, instead of when the alarm wakes me up. Everyone should do this. Alissa Cohen once said in her book Living on Live Food that if you rely on an alarm clock to get you out of bed, chances are you're not getting enough sleep. You should be able to wake up in the morning, every morning, feeling refreshed and fully alert and aware. If you're not, go back to sleep. I'm serious! I plan on taking this advice to heart from now on. Even in today's fast paced society, there is no reason to not get enough sleep. Everything else can wait.

6. Do something like meditation a couple times a week if not daily. Taking some time to breath deep, relax and just tune everything out can be really beneficial. It gives you time to tune out the rest of the world and just focus on what you really need for a while. Plus, deep breathing can help get more oxygen to your body which can help relieve muscle aches and help you relax. Who doesn't like the feeling of being relaxed?

All that being said and done, I'm going to go home, drink a glass of spearmint tea(caffeine free of course) and eat a banana.

I Shop Local and Small Businesses because...

2011-12-01T11:33:00.002-06:00

There are so many reasons to shop local and small businesses, including:

1. They are run by people who live in your community
2. They are run by people who shop at other local stores in your community
3. They are run by people who donate money to the local schools, churches or other community organizations.
4. They are run by people who know your name and will greet you with a genuine smile when you walk in the door.

There are so many other reasons, but these few should be more than enough to keep you shopping local and small businesses. What are YOUR reasons for going local or small?

Tuesday Trivia

2011-11-29T10:00:00.003-06:00

Today's trivia quote is from one of my favorite shows. Something that will make you laugh, make you cry, make you laugh so hard you'll cry. Ok, so I'm being dramatic. But I know you'll enjoy. The first person to comment here and guess the TV show this quote is from and who said it will get a gift code for 15% off in my Etsy shop! It's a long one, but it's great!

"Any little details you wanna tell mommy?"
"Jess and Dean got in the fight."
"Over you."
"I was a contributing factor."
"Was anyone hurt?"
"No."
"And that's why the cops came and broke up the party?"
"Yes."
"So, not only did you go to a cop raided party, but you started the raid?"
"Yes."
"This fence is broken because of you. This crap is on the ground because of you."
"What's your point?"
(Singing)"Did you ever know that you're my hero."

New Items in the House

2011-11-27T16:09:00.002-06:00

Sunday Funnies

2011-11-27T15:01:00.002-06:00

Etsyveg Weekend Sales!

2011-11-25T06:07:00.001-06:00

Thanks to a fellow teamie for writing and sharing this blogpost. THIS is why you should shop local and small businesses!

Friday kicks off a huge weekend of shopping, getting holiday shoppers all aflutter! Black Friday precedes a Saturday of supporting small businesses (Small Business Saturday) and Cyber Monday, online shopping's biggest day of the year. EtsyVeg member shops on Etsy (your place to buy and sell all things handmade) are celebrating by offering great sales and perks, giving you a chance to not only support small businesses by shopping with our independent artisans, but the chance to support handmade and more compassionate living!

Take the Pledge to Buy Handmade for the Holidays and the pledge to Shop Small, while supporting vegan and vegetarian artisans- kick the holiday shopping season off ethically while buying gifts that are unique, made with a personal touch, and filled with love! :)

Check out these shops for awesome savings:

AndLive~
30% OFF everything in shop Thanksgiving morning through midnight on Cyber Monday.
Code: ETSYONSALE

Arthurs Plaid Pants~
10% OFF everything in shop on Black Friday, 11/25/11 only!
Code: BLK10
15 % OFF everything in shop on Cyber Monday, 11/28/11 ONLY!
Code: CYB15

ClaynFiber~
20% OFF from Thursday, November 24th through Monday, November 28th.
Code: HOLIDAY20

Ideology~
Save 30% on everything in shop from Black Friday through Cyber Monday (the weekend included)! Cyber Monday buyers will also receive a free gift!
Code: 30PERCENT

KarinaManarin~
FREE SHIPPING on all domestic orders through Monday the 28th!

Krug's Eco-Logic~
$20 & up ... 20% off code: 20PERCENT
$40 & up ... 30% off code: 30PERCENT
$60 & up ... 40% off code: 40PERCENT
$110 & up ... 50% off code: 50PERCENT

LuniqueUK~
20% OFF Friday through Monday.
Code: LOVEXMAS

M's Knits and Things~
25% OFF orders from Friday morning through Monday night at midnight.
Code: BLACKFRIDAY25

Mom, Baby & Me~
FREE SHIPPING NOW thru Black Friday/Cyber Monday Weekend!
Code: FREESHIPPING

Twig & Leaf Botanicals~
30% OFF on black friday, small business saturday, and cyber monday!
Code: ETSYONSALE

Veganville~
30 percent off everything in shop (except gift certificates) from midnight Thanksgiving through midnight cyber Monday. Yay!
Code: BIG30

Vivace Crafts~
15% OFF everything from Black Friday to Cyber Monday! :)
Code: BLACKFRIDAY1

Have fun! Support Small Businesses! Buy Handmade! Go Veg!

Gratitude Moments

2011-11-21T09:26:00.001-06:00

Today I am grateful for local, organic fruits and veggies.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-11-20T14:49:00.001-06:00

Today I am grateful for the FMVeg groups gentle Thanksgiving. All vegan, all delicious!

What are you grateful for today?

Tuesday Trivia

2011-11-15T10:42:00.003-06:00

Time again for my favorite thing ever: name the quote Tuesday! The first person who can tell me who said it and what show it's from will get a gift code for 15% off in my Etsy Shop! Simply post a comment here and let me know :)

"Hello, "Day-Old News?" Yeah, I'd like to cancel Will Truman's subscription. Yeah. he's going to be giving his business to "Behind the Times." OK. OK, OK. OK. I love you, too. Bye-bye."

Gratitude Moments

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-06:00

Today I am grateful for all the fun, fabulous, beautiful EtsyVeg treasuries that fellow team members have been kind enough to create for us!

What are you grateful for today?

Treasuries

2011-11-09T09:49:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to stop by and share some treasuries from Etsy that a couple of EtsyVeg teammies have made. Stop on over and check them out. I hope you enjoy them!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE2MzQ4NDh8MTA2Mjk5Nzk2MQ/et-c-veg-is-yummy

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE2MzQ4NDh8MTA1MjU0NjY3MQ/etsyveg-taking-over-etsy

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQyMTMxMzR8MTA1OTg1NzUxMA/cuddle-up

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE2MzQ4NDh8MTA0MzAwMjQxOQ/etsyveg-rocks-my-sox

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTg4MTV8MTA2MTEzNTk3MQ/black-white-red-all-over

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTU1NTg0NDd8MTA2NTA5NTA5MQ/au-naturel

Gratitude Moments

2011-11-05T16:07:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for the Occupy Wall Street Movement and the people who are working so hard to bring about real and lasting change in our country and our world.

What are you grateful for today?

Oh Twilight

2011-10-22T11:47:00.000-05:00

This is my second read of New Moon, and though I like the story, I can't help but wonder why on earth the books are so bleeding sexist. I admit, like everyone, I dream of having a romance, but one of equals, one that is balanced and fair. I wondered how Bella could stand her sexist, codependent relationship with Edward. Anyway, I will read Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, but for now I'm going to take a break from that series and read Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.

Ready, Set READ

2011-10-22T08:15:00.002-05:00

It's time. Snacks are go. Books are go. 24 hour readathon is on. Planned on sharing my books yesterday, but the day got away from me. Anyway, here's my day in books:

I've started with New Moon.

After that I plan on moving on to the following (not necessarily in this order):
*Eclipse
*Breaking Dawn
*The Golden Compass
*The Subtle Knife
*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (audiobook)
*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
*Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (audiobook)
*Harry Poter and the Deathly Hallows

If you're reading as well, good luck and have fun!!

Tuesday Trivia

2011-10-18T09:59:00.002-05:00

Here's another Tuesday Trivia quote. Will you guess it correctly? If you're the first one to guess the speaker and show, you'll get a code for 18% off in my Etsy Shop!

"Well, today we tried masturbating for money."

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for the lovely fall weather we are having here (Again).

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments - Etsy Treasuries

2011-10-14T09:14:00.003-05:00

Today I am grateful for Etsy treasuries. This week I've been featured in three beautiful treasuries on Etsy! Stop on over and check them out.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjczODUxMHw4NTYxMDA3ODc/cinnamon-and-sage

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjI3OTk0N3w4Nzk0OTc3NDU/when-the-earth-speaks-i-listen

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTEwOTYwMDN8ODc3MTg2NDk4/tis-the-seasonwell-not-just-yet

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for vegan baked goods, because they are so divinely delicious.

What are you grateful for today?

Tuesday Trivia

2011-10-11T09:58:00.002-05:00

Time for another little quote trivia moment. This week, a quote from a show I just adore! The first person to guess the show and the person who said the line will get a code for 15% off in my Etsy Shop.

"Honey, these aren't pills. They're vitamins."
"What vitamins are in percodan."
"Alright, so take em with a banana!"

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-10T09:52:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk, because it is just fantastic!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-07T09:19:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for treasuries on Etsy, because it gives everyone a chance to show off some great work by fellow artisans!

What are you grateful for today?

The Importance of Being Happy

2011-10-06T09:43:00.002-05:00

Everyone has their days when they may get a little down. Have you ever noticed when that happens that everything else just seems a little down as well? And when you're happy and cheerful everything else seems to fall into place and go well.

That's why it's so important to be cheerful, happy and grateful. There are so many things you can do to boost your cheer level so that everything else just falls into place, like:

Dance
Sing out loud
Hang with your friends
Drink a glass of wine

That list can go on and on and on. Find something you love and do it, and I promise, you will be even just a little more cheerful and happy!

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-05T18:34:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for the awesome weather we've been having into October!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for people who are Pro Choice and who understand that what a person does with their own body is in fact their choice!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-10-03T10:42:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for the beautiful weather and the sun shining!

What are you grateful for today?

Sunday Funnies

2011-10-02T13:15:00.002-05:00

Scarf Saturday

2011-10-01T16:15:00.002-05:00

As promised (though a little later in the day than I had wished for) here's my first Scarf Saturday deal of 2011. Since I didn't post this in the AM, this deal will be good through midnight on October 2 (technically I think that would mean through the very wee hour of October 3.) Now, with the code SCARFSATURDAYSECOND you can get 15% off your purchase over at my shop, and get any of the following scarves or more:

24 Hour Readathon

2011-10-01T12:58:00.005-05:00

That's right, it's that special time of year again. The time when readers around the world go crazy staying up for 24 hours to read. Are we out of our minds? Probably. Do we love to do it? Absolutely!

Yep, I've gone and signed up again to participate in Dewey's 24 Hour ReadAThon again. I've yet to pick out the books, as they vary based on what I'm in the mood to read. So stay tuned to what I decide and how I feel after making it through this crazy event.

Wash Cloth Time

2011-10-01T12:47:00.002-05:00

I dig wash cloths. They are fun, versatile and easy to make. Now in my Etsy Shop, I've got some of these great wash cloths to share with you! Stop on over and check them out.

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-30T09:30:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for the cooler fall weather we've got sweeping through Minnesota. It's so lovely :)

What are you grateful for today?

Quote Contest - Week 1

2011-09-27T09:10:00.002-05:00

Hi gang, for those who don't know, I love movies and weird tv shows. I also love to read and randomly spout quotes from the things I've seen or read. Sometimes I find that I have to stop and explain that quote. It's weird and fun! Well, I also love contests and etsy! Big surprise :) Anyway, I'd like to introduce a new fun little thing I'm going to do on occasion when the fancy strikes me. I'm going to post a quote to some movie or tv show and the first person to guess it correctly will get a coupon code for 10% off their order in my etsy shop.

The Rules:
1. Guess who said the quote and what movie or tv show it's from.
2. Only ONE winner will be picked. The first person to get it right gets it.

Now, the quote for this round:

"I'm holy Fred. Get it? Holey!"

Sunday Funnies

2011-09-25T15:04:00.002-05:00

Technically, what I am posting is not a comic, but it IS good for some comic relief. Enjoy the laugh.

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-25T14:24:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for Creative Memories, because they have enough rockin paper and pens to keep me in scrapbooking for life!

What are you grateful for today?

Zine it up

2011-09-24T10:59:00.001-05:00

If you love zines about life and being positive in a crazy world, then I've got something you'll love. Stop by my shop to get the first 2 issues of my new zine: Life Out Loud.

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-23T13:06:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful that my local public library is now offering books for checkout via kindle!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-20T10:40:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for all the fantastic crafters I know, because when all is said and done, crafters rock it!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for books, because they provide fun, laughter, joy and knowledge to so many people.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-12T11:01:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for the cooler weather going on in Minnesota this week, because it means fall is here!!!!!!!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-11T13:06:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for all the men and women in the armed forces who have given their lives to keep our country safe. I am a pacifist, but the ramifications of war ring through to my very core, and I support our troops for everything they do for us.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude moments

2011-09-10T13:32:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for Sisters Sojourn, a fun conference happening next week in Northern Minnesota, because it gives such exciting opportunities to explore crafts, dance, art, food and fellowship.

What are you grateful for today?

Zine City

2011-09-07T09:42:00.001-05:00

Long time no post. At least it feels that way because I've not posted for a week. Anyway, I had to stop by and share that I've started a zine. That's right, a zine! It's a fun, funky zine about life, staying positive, and any other host of things that can come up in life. Stop by my Etsy Shop and check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Gratitude Moments

2011-09-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for Passage to India restaurant in Fargo, because the food is amazing and they have great vegetarian and vegan options!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-30T16:55:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for local stores, local handmade items and local artists.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-25T09:25:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for the impending season change, because I love, love, love Fall.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-24T17:44:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for days when I get off work a little earlier.

What are you grateful for?

Vote Vote Vote

2011-08-23T19:34:00.001-05:00

I am giving a big push for the Etsy Veg team's voter that we have going on right now on our blog! I highly encourage all of you to stop over and vote for your fave item from the fantastic veggies :)

Card Crazy

2011-08-17T10:11:00.005-05:00

Had to stop by and share some more new cards in the old Shop. Stop on over and check them out:

Gratitude Moment

2011-08-16T07:34:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for live theater.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for all the awesome Etsy teams out there that support and help one another out.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-11T09:19:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for e-readers, especially my little kindle, because even though I still read paper books like crazy, having a kindle makes reading just a little easier!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for 4 day weekends and my brothers.

What are you grateful for?

Gratitude Moments

2011-08-01T18:04:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Even though they are simple, sometimes they are just the perfect meal!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-07-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for Glee music because they are all such amazing singers!

What are you grateful for today?

It all started with the cupboard under the stairs...

2011-07-18T19:55:00.000-05:00

...And ended with the death that would change the wizard world. Yep, I'm talking about Harry Potter. 11 years ago I bought Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I was hooked from page one and promptly went out and purchased The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire. I read them all with complete abandon.

After finishing The Goblet of Fire I waited very impatiently for The Order of the Phoenix, The Half Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows to come out. I devoured them. I cried at the loss of favorite characters. When they were sad I was sad. When they were happy, I was. I sat in the Great Hall with them. I watched Harry, Ron and Hermione drink polyjuice potion, fight a troll, find the deathly hallows, destroy a prophecy and kill Lord Voldemort.

Last Friday at midnight I joined millions of Harry Potter fans for a final hurrah to Harry as HP and The Deathly Hallows part 2 came out in movie theaters. I watched everything I had read in the book came to life on the big screen. I watched Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall bringing statues to life. I watched Neville Longbottom running from the snatchers and killed Nagini. I watched as Hermione, Ron and Harry stole into the room of requirement and destroyed Rowena Ravenclaws diadem. I watched as Snape, the death eater turned Potter supporter lost his life. And I watched as Harry fought the battle to end all battles and killed Lord Voldemort.

After 11 long, fantastic, joyful and tear filled years, my parting words are these: Thank you Jo Rowling for providing millions of fans with such an amazing world and bringing its characters to life. Hogwarts will not be forgotten.

Gratitude Moments

2011-07-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for my local vegan group for hosting such fantastic potlucks!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-07-05T18:39:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for hidden surprises!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-07-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful that I've got a local CSA that grows such awesome veggies!

What are you grateful for?

Happy 4th America!

2011-07-01T09:33:00.002-05:00

This coming Monday marks America's Independence day! We do fireworks, grilling, hanging with our families and friends and all that fun stuff.

This weekend, starting today and going through Monday, for Independence Day I am having a sale in my Etsy Shop. Anytime between now and Monday July 4th, you get 15% off your entire purchase when you enter the code 4JULY15

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Postcard Love

2011-06-30T18:18:00.007-05:00

Lately I've gotten a bit more into card making, mostly postcards. They are super simple and fun. Just wanted to share some that I've got in my Etsy Shop with you. Enjoy!.

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-30T18:16:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for my impending three day weekend.

What are you grateful for today?

New Scarves

2011-06-25T14:06:00.007-05:00

It's time to show off a bunch of new scarves I've got in the old Etsy Shop. Enjoy checking them out!

Music Monday

2011-06-20T18:22:00.001-05:00

Being the complete heavy metal/rock fan that I am, I'm always searching for bands that have a style I like. I'm lucky to have a boss who listens to a lot of the same kind of music I do, because about a year ago, he suggested a band to me that I've come to like called Therapy?. It started over a discussion about Ulysses, which I was reading at the time, because Therapy? has a song in which they mention James Joyce. Anyway, I had a listen and find them to be very enjoyable. I recommend them.

* Babyteeth (1991)
* Pleasure Death (1992)
* Nurse (1992)
* Troublegum (1994)
* Infernal Love (1995)
* Semi-Detached (1998)
* Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
* So Much For the Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
* Shameless (2001)
* High Anxiety (2003)
* Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
* One Cure Fits All (2006)
* Music Through A Cheap Transistor: The BBC Sessions (2007)
* Crooked Timber (2009)
* We're Here to the End (2010)

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-19T16:50:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful that we finally got a nice sunny weekend here in Minnesota.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-16T19:23:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for my ever sturdy circular knitting needles because they make knitting blankets so much easier.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-14T18:27:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for public libraries, because they always have so many books available, including banned books!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-12T18:27:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for Young Living Lavender Oil because it has such a great soothing quality.

What are you grateful today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for ABC Cookies, the best vegan cookies ever!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-10T09:28:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for reusable shopping bags, because they hold more food and I don't have to use plastic to go grocery shopping!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-07T17:47:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for mesh fabric on shoes, because wearing them when it is 90 degrees outside makes my feet feel just a little cooler!

What are you grateful for today?

Shout Out - Love Luca

2011-06-06T18:06:00.002-05:00

Soooo, as many of you may have heard, I'm a big V-E-G-A-N! That's right, a vegan! That means I am always looking for ways to make my life more animal and planet friendly.

I've got this great friend on the Etsy Veg team who runs a little shop called Love Luca. Over the holidays, we do a gift exchange and she got my name, and sent me not only a cute journal and a kickass pin with Jack Skeleton on it, but also this fantastic Vanilla Soy Candle that she made and sells in her shop! I fell in love with that candle, and I just knew I would be ordering from her shop in the future. And order I did! I got this awesome Bay Rum Bubble Bath/Body Wash/Shampoo.

Believe me when I tell you, I have never had anything work so well on my hair as this product! It is truly amazing. I've had it since April, and I've still only used half the bottle, so it lasts a really long time. It lathers so well, and it smells great. The scent I ordered is made to appeal more to men, and it totally will if you order it for a guy, but even as a woman, I love it!

I promise if you order something from Love Luca, you won't be disappointed!

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-05T19:02:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for Boucle, an awesome local yarn store that sells the most amazing stuff!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-06-04T09:56:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for avocadoes, especially in guacamole, because avocadoes are just amazing!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude moments

2011-06-02T18:08:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for sea salt pita chips, because they are so delicious!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude moments

2011-05-31T19:53:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for good friends, good food and board games.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for Richard O'Brian, because without him, the world wouldn't have The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Shock Treatment.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-27T09:36:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for the Bigelow tea company for making such fantastic tea!

What are you greatful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for co workers who make life interesting and better because they have fun at work and make an effort to be nice to all people.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-23T09:49:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for small towns, because everything there is slower and a little more mellow.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-21T14:01:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for Jim Henson creating such great movies as The Labyrinth.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for workers who actually work when they are at their jobs!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-18T09:29:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels, because of all the yarn!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-17T12:52:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for good surprises.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-15T13:17:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for peppermint and spearmint teas, because they taste so good!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for moviefone, because it makes looking up movies I may want to see so much easier.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-13T11:53:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for weekends, so I can have two days to relax before I work again.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-11T09:56:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for soft shell tacos and hummus, which taste so good together!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Moments

2011-05-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for Almond Breeze's Chocolate Almond Milk, because it tastes so good, and can be put in almost anything, including smoothies and cereal!

What are you grateful for today?

Shout out - Daisy Wares

2011-05-09T12:10:00.004-05:00

So, for those of you who don't know, I have really dry skin, and in the winter it gets even worse. So, a while back I ordered some lotion from my friend Roni who owns the company Daisy Wares.

Let me tell ya, I fell in love with it immediately! I got the lavendar scent, and it is fantastic. Not only does it smell really good, but because it's shea butter, it's a little thicker and I don't have to use as much. That means it's lasted a while :)

The best part: it's all vegan! So, if you need some great cream, check her shop out. You won't be disappointed :)