Yarn Fanatic Party #9

Another Monday, another Yarn Fanatic Party!  This week is the ninth party.  I always love to see what you've been creating with yarn.

Source. 

Be sure to check out some of the baby beanies shared last week, like this Granny Square Beanie, and then go crochet yourself a Mini-Pumpkin.

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Smartphone Portable Printer & $50 Gift Card (Ends 10/7) US

Do you love finding bargains on the hottest new products? Are you a gadget girl, or perhaps a fashionista? If your budget is limited, but you still want to step out in style, then SassySteals is just the site for you! Not only does this website have a name that makes you smile, it is chock full of great deals for you to grab. Shopping this site will give you the hottest trends for you, your kids, your spouse and your friends at some of the lowest prices around!

 Every day SassySteals strives to bring you the best products at hot prices. Not only do they carry great small business sales on things like baby items, fashion accessories and home décor – they care tons of great name brand products at huge discounts. SassySteals is a great site to watch for deals as the holidays roll in. Not only can you sign up for their newsletter so you know right when the hot deals start happening, but you can be also be alerted to their great weekly giveaways! We are excited to share this great site with our readers! Whether you are trying to stay in fashion with the latest trends on a budget, or buy some great gifts for your friends and family, SassySteals is your site. They provide you with the ability to shop for almost everyone on your holiday list in one place this year! Make sure to check out their awesome deals on cute baby accessories and jewelry. You won't be disappointed in the variety offered, or the price!

 Mom Powered Media is super excited to bring you a great giveaway from SassySteals! We get to give you, our readers, the chance to enter and possibly win this Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Portable Printer! This printer is perfect for the on the go amateur photographer with it's easy Wi-Fi ability to print straight from your smart phone, laptop or tablet!

I don't have a smartphone, but if I did I know that I'd want to have this product to print pictures of my adorable kiddos!

One winner will receive a $50 SassySteals Gift Certificate and Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Portable Printer.

Giveaway ends October 7, 2014 at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers, including The Philosopher's Wife, were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

WIPS: Pink Sweater and Chunky Blanket

I cordially invite everyone to share their projects at my Yarn Fanatic Party!

I have settled on a pattern for the body of the pink sweater that I'm crocheting.  Since I'm pretty much winging it I would crochet a few rows, decide I didn't like it, and then frog it.  Now that I've figured it out progress should be pretty quick.  Catherine is eagerly awaiting the finished product.

While I was going through my stash the other day I came across this Big yarn, from Lion Brand.  (I think it has been discontinued.)  It is super soft, and super big.  I've never worked with yarn so thick before.  Since I have quite a few skeins I thought that I'd make a blanket.  Although, I have no idea how big or small it will end up.  Catherine has decided that it will be for her too.

I'm really going to rue the day when my little girl decides that handmade items from Mommy aren't cool.  Do you make things for your kids?  If yours are older, do they still want and appreciate handmade items?

Check out my finished knit Swirl Hat!

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Book Review: Confessions of a Murder Suspect

This post contains affiliate links. 

Confessions of a Murder Suspect
By: James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Like all of Patterson's works, this is a quick read.  Big type, large margins, tiny chapters, all help to make this a fast page turner.  Of course, the premise is intriguing, and that's what got me hooked.

Although I did find myself compelled to read the story, it felt a bit like some of his other works, i.e., there's the lead character who seems to be something more than normal, parents are gone, there's a bigger conspiracy than first thought, etc.   We've seen this from Patterson before.

While the level of writing certainly is aimed to a young adult crowd, maybe even middle school to some extent, there are adult themes: murder, crazy parents, suicide, affairs (nothing graphic or anything, they're simply there), etc..  Maybe I'm getting more sensitive as my baby gets closer to the target audience, but I'm not sure when I'd want her reading this too soon.  However, it's a bit juvenile to be an adult mystery.

The conclusion is rather anti-climactic, and it certainly leaves the reader with a lot of questions.  (I think to get you to read the next book in the series, Confessions: The Private School Murders.)

I rate this book as okay.  I spent two afternoons an it, and that's about what it deserved.  Borrow it from the library, but don't buy it.

That's my two cents.

The Swirl Hat: Knit with Never Enough Thyme Yarn

I received a skein of yarn to review.  This post contains affiliate links.

I have finished knitting the Swirl Hat.  It is off the needles, ends are woven in, and well, I might have skipped blocking.  (I know, I know.)  Catherine was super excited to model this hat for me.  There are about fifty awesome pictures from our little photo shoot, but I realize that you might not want to see quite that many of my girl, so I tried to limit myself.  (I just love those curls at the ends of her braids!)

This pattern, which is on Ravelry,  was a super easy knit, a great hat pattern for beginners.  I managed to use the magic loop technique, which (in my limited experience) I highly approve of, even if it takes a bit of time to master.  The fun swirl pattern is made with simple increases and decreases in the round, nothing too complicated.  While Catherine looks simply adorable wearing this hat, it does stretch quite nicely to fit me too.

Oh! The Yarn!  I love it.  It's from Never Enough Thyme Yarn on Etsy.  This is one of their lovely fall colorways called "Apple Picking".  (Be sure to favorite their shop and follow them on Facebook-- where they share updates, coupon codes, and even giveaways!)  This yarn was hand dyed beautifully.  The colors really characterize autumn, don't you agree?  It works up very nicely.  It's soft and wonderful to wear.  Overall, just a great yarn.

I love to share my projects at various parties, like these and at the Fine Craft Guild.  

It would be so awesome if you would follow me!

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

I did receive a skein of yarn to review.  All opinions are my own.  As always, I strive for honesty.

Affiliate links:

Yarn Fanatic Party #8

It's Monday again, that means it's time for another Yarn Fanatic Party!  I can totally relate to this poor bear, how about you?

Isn't this Candy Apple Blanket by Darlene so cozy?  I love the bright red.

I finished my Swirl Hat, I think my daughter looks pretty adorable wearing it.  (Check out the post for more cuteness and pattern and yarn details.)

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Affiliate links:

WIPS

I'd love to have you share your projects at my Yarn Fanatic Party!

Catherine has been begging me to make her some sweaters.  (A pink one, a purple one, and a blue one.)  I finally gave in and started crocheting her a pink sweater.  After browsing through various patterns, and a book on crochet sweater construction, I decided to strike out on my own and make the pattern as I go.  It can't be too hard, right?  Time will tell!

I really, really, really need an hour or so to finish my swirl hat.  Crocheting is possible while holding Dominic, but knitting just doesn't work, and life has been busy lately.

Did you see that I finished the Baby Sophisticate sweater?  I'm pretty happy with it!

PS: Do you see the crochet hook in the above picture?  I'll be having a giveaway in October for a complete set of Clover Amour Crochet Hooks!  October is going to be a great month for crafty giveaways, so make sure to stay tuned!

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Pocket Sous Chef & Amazon Giveaway (Ends 10/17) US

Sponsor: Pocket Sous Chef

Host: Mom Powered Media

The Pocket Sous Chef “Da Vinci’s Guide To Cooking For 1+1,” written by Your Life After 25 blogazine founder Da Vinci, is a cookbook that promotes falling in love with cooking again!

Da Vinci wanted to write an easy to follow cookbook that was jam packed with a variety of recipes as well as useful tips and guides. The Pocket Sous Chef has over 60 recipes that all feature an image. In addition, readers will find an accessory list, shopping tips, conversion charts and more.

The Pocket Sous Chef was written with small families, singles, newlyweds/couples, students and busy professionals in mind. No longer will you need to slave over a hot stove just to make one meal for yourself or smaller portions of food.

The Pocket Sous Chef would make the perfect gift for the holidays, bridal showers, Valentine’s day, or any other occasion for a fellow foodie or home cook.

To launch the site and give you the opportunity to pre-order a SIGNED copy of The Pocket Sous Chef, we’re giving THREE lucky fans a chance to WIN a “The Pocket Sous Chef Prize Pack.”

And because we appreciate all your love and support, everyone who signs up for our monthly newsletter during the giveaway period will receive a FREE $5 coupon for www.PocketSousChef.com. You can use it for the cookbook, one of our fabulous limited edition aprons, or our sassy wine glasses - the choice is yours!

Twitter Party Details: RSVP here- http://bit.ly/PSCLaunchTwitterParty

Date: October 15

Time: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST

Hosts: @PocketSousChef, @YourLifeAfter25, @KristaMarieB

Prizes: Ikea, Macy's, Amazon Gift Cards, and The Pocket Sous Chef coupons.

Hashtag: #PocketSousChef

About The Author

Da Vinci is a lifestyle blogger and author who works to “Entertain – Educate – Empower” her audience. With her desire to help people and passion for food Da Vinci hopes to enrich the lives of her fellow home cooks while letting everyone know you can cook and be fabulous. For more information, please visit www.pocketsouschef..com or www.yourlifeafter25.com. Follow Da Vinci on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram @PocketSousChef.

Da Vinci is all about giving back! She is even doing something for Breast Cancer! Her wine glasses have very cute pink stems!

Good Luck To You All And Please Help Spread The Word!

The Pocket Sous Chef Launch Giveaway

• 3 Prizes Available; Grand Prize: $100 Amazon gift card + $20 The Pocket Sous Chef e-gift., 2nd Prize: $50 Amazon gift card + $20 The Pocket Sous Chef e-gift., 3rd Prize: $50 Amazon gift card + $10 The Pocket Sous Chef e-gift.

• Open to US & Canada.

• Winners will be chosen at random through Gleam.

• Giveaway ends October 17th at 11:59pm ET.

• Winners will be notified via email or Twitter DM.

• Each winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

• Mom Powered Media & associated bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

• Must be 18 years or older to enter.

• Unlimited Entries

• Void where prohibited.

• Entering the giveaway means you agree to terms above.

• Good Luck!

Enter To Win Over $100 & More for The Pocket Sous Chef's Site Launch Giveaway!

Disclaimer: The Philosopher's Wife did not receive compensation of any sort for this post.  Facebook, twitter, pinterest etc are NOT responsible or liable in anyway! Purple Monster Coupons and all participating bloggers, including The Philosopher's Wife, are not responsible for the prizes in anyway!

If you have questions email Natasha at natasha@mompoweredmedia.com.

Yarn Fanatic Party #7

Happy Monday, friends!  Welcome to the seventh Yarn Fanatic Party!  I can't wait to see what goodies you have to share this week.

This baby dress by My Bit of Earth is jaw dropping gorgeous.

I have a few patterns saved to make baby and toddler footwear, but this is the first crochet Boat Shoe Pattern that I've wanted to make for myself.

In my own knitting news, check out my finished Baby Sophisticate Sweater.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Baby Sophisticate Sweater

This post contains affiliate links. 

Here is my finished Baby Sophisticate.  I finished it a little while ago, but it was a gift and I needed to wait until the recipient received it!  Overall, I am pretty happy with how it turned out.  There are a few minor imperfections, but overall I think it's pretty nice.

My favorite part of this sweater is the collar, I just love it!  That's what drew me to this pattern in the first place.  (In fact, this pattern is one that I've had on my list since long before I figured out how to knit!)

I found some cute little owl buttons at JoAnn's, but I can't find them online.  (Despite their absolute adorableness they are a bear to photograph!)  The yarn is Simply Soft in Ocean.  I really love this particular shade of blue!

Before I started knitting I read through all of the comments and notes on the Ravelry page, something I recommend for any pattern found there.  Many people commented that the finished sweater was rather small, so I both upped my needle size from a US 8 to a US 9 and I split the difference between the two given sizes (0-3 and 6-12 months).

I had Dominic try the sweater on for me as soon as I wove in the ends.  He's wearing it pre-blocking and pre-buttons in the above picture.  The sweater was a little snug on him, so I'd say it ended up being roughly size 3 months, maybe a little bit larger, but not 6 months.

I do really like, and recommend, the Baby Sophisticate pattern, and I think I might even pay for the Child and Adult versions to make one for Catherine and myself!

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

I love to share my projects at these parties and Hookin' on Hump Day.

7 Quick Takes: What I've Been Reading

This post contains affiliate links. 

1.  I've mentioned it before, but I really enjoy Rick Riodan's children's book.  I just finished House of Hades and I can't wait for the next book to come out!  I must say though, while these are considered "children's" I don't think I'd hand them over to just any kid -- many of the themes are a bit too grown up.  This particular book is even more for the older crowd than any of the previous books, in my humble opinion.

2.  While browsing the 700's aisle at the library I came across this crochet book: Crochet-opedia: The Only Crochet Reference You'll Ever Need .  While I haven't come across any stunning new information or techniques, the book is well put together with lots of information from basic to advanced, and has great pictures. 

  

3.  I also picked up Seed Bead Fusion.  I don't know if I'll get around to creating any of the projects in this book, but it's just so much fun to look at the pictures! 

4.  I'm about four chapters into Heist Society.  So far it is proving to be entertaining. (Yep, it's another young adult book.  I love YA fiction.)

5.  It would no longer be 7 Quick Takes if I listed all the children's books we've been reading this week, but Never Ask a Bear is one that we've read quite a bit.

6.  We also checked out just about every book on bees from one of the (smaller) branches of our library.  I think we will be having quite the unit study on bees next week.

Photo Source

7. Have I mentioned how much I love the library?  

For more Quick Takes visit Jen!

$250 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway (Ends 9/26) US/CA

This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the Hipoglos Amazon $250 Gift Card Event

Sponsored by Hipoglos Diaper Rash Cream.

Hosted by Mom Powered Media

 

 For more than 60 (sixty) years, babies in Latin America have enjoyed the delight of this premium diaper rash cream, Hipoglos. Trusted by millions, Hipoglos is one of the most amazing diaper rash ointments available! Hipoglos helps prevent and treat diaper rash and skin irritation. It also helps protect chafed skin while helping to seal out wetness. Hipoglos goes on smoothly and wipes off easily, giving your baby relief from the very first use. Hipoglos ointment provides extra gentle care for your baby’s bottom, leaving your baby happy. Hipoglos is NOW AVAILABLE at Sedanos, Navarro and Walgreens! Or you can purchase it online at Amazon!

   

 One lucky winner will win a $250 Amazon gift card to get their little one Hipoglos and something special for themselves! So head below for your chance to win! Giveaway ends on 9/26 at 11:59pm and is open to US and CA.

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers, including The Philosopher's Wife, were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact Elia@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

WIPS

I am almost ready to begin the decrease on the swirl hat, just another inch or so.  I needed a few super quick projects the past couple of days so I grabbed my crochet hooks and some of my partial skeins and whipped up a hat and a headwarmer.  (Patterns soon to follow.)  I still need to weave in the ends.  It's so easy, but I often find myself procrastinating on that last step.

I also have figured out a way to crochet while holding the Baby, but I can't knit with him.  It might just be that I'm more familiar with crochet, but I'm thinking that knitting might simply be impossible.  He's teething so he's needed lots of cuddles the past week.  Can you knit or crochet while holding a baby?

I'd love to see you share your projects at my Yarn Fanatic Party! 

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

What I'm Wearing: Teething Bling

Smart Mom sent me a Teething Bling gift package.  All opinions are my own.

Here are the kids and I last Sunday.  Do you see what I'm wearing?  A necklace!  This necklace. AND I'm holding a sweet and grabby five month old!

If you want to recreate my outfit, because I am such a fashion icon (Wink. Wink.) here are the rest of the details!  The black top is from Motherhood Maternity's nursing wear, although I don't see it online.  (It was a gift.)  It's super comfortable, although a cami is necessary.  My skirt is from Old Navy and I'm quite excited that it fits.  Also not found online.  (I found it at a thrift store.)  So, good luck recreating this exact outfit . . . but you can still get the necklace!

Have you seen the awesome Teething Bling by Smart Mom LLC?

So, I'm sure you're wondering, what exactly is "teething bling"?  In a nutshell, it's jewelry for mom to wear that baby can also safely enjoy.  It's a win-win!  These fun for everyone pieces of jewelry do not have any known harmful chemicals.  That means no phthalates, BPAs, PVCs, lead, or latex.  (Is it just me, or does everything these days contain something know to be dangerous?)  You can check out their FAQ section for more information.

Dominic highly approves of my necklace.  I think I had it on for about two minutes before it was covered in adorable baby slobber.

Here are a few more drool worthy necklaces:

Isn't this limited edition Red Sugar Cube Necklace adorable?

They even have some that are inspired by NFL team colors!

And check out these very fashionable Black & Grey Doubles!

I also received two bracelets, an onyx one and a pearl one.  These also are great for mommies and babies alike!

Check out Teething Bling on Facebook!

Thank you for the gifts, Teething Bling.  

As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Yarn Fanatic Party #6

Welcome to the sixth Yarn Fanatic Party!

Is this true for you?

I am contemplating making a few of these headwraps as a stash buster project.

Did you see this pretty purple poncho by Darlene?  I just love those daisy granny squares!

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links. (One of mine and the features!)
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)