Wednesday, July 30, 2014

One more day of July!!

I can't believe the July we've had in southwestern Ontario!  Apart from a few hot days, most have been bearable, and the nights, especially recently, are cool enough that a blanket is called for.  My husband keeps asking "Should I take the window air conditioner out and just put in a box fan?"
My reply is always an adamant "NO."  Because as soon as we do that, *that's* when the really hot, sticky weather will hit.  Murphy's Law may have a section devoted to stuff like that.

I thought I'd pick some nice, sunshine-y items from team members as my last post of the month, enjoy!


Crochet Pattern from akuadesigns.

Cotton crochet thread from crochetgal.

Pattern to crochet this fun sunshine wand from hertercrochetdesigns.

Silk sari yarn from mandalayarn

Sunshine for the bathroom, soap saver and face scrubbies from samscrochet

Fun beverage cozies from smudgekitty

Wouldn't any fashion doll love to wear this to the beach?  From rianasbarbiecloset
Crochet pattern, girl with summer's favourite fruit!  from crochetsal

Sunday, July 20, 2014

More Hot Stuff

Some more summery bright colours, and a couple of Hot Sales! 

From HerterCrochetDesigns, a cute amigurumi dachshund: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/159988061/crochet-toy-dog-amigurumi-dachshund
(Save!  $4 total purchase of $8 or more in this shop, till July 31, use coupon code ETSYJULY14 when checking out.  Does not include shipping, shipping costs are stated in listings)

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 Check out MandalaYarn's silk sari yarns like this vibrant multi colour yarn



https://www.etsy.com/listing/193712330/handspun-pure-silk-art-yarn-chunky













                                                                  




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More yarn from crochetgal
https://www.etsy.com/listing/123546597/red-heart-vivid-yarn-neon-mix
 

















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Keep a bit of bold summer colours through the cold winter with this bright afghan from smudgekitty
https://www.etsy.com/listing/101047177/crochet-afghan-rainbow-granny

Save 25% on purchases over $20, valid on all listings in this shop, shipping is not included and is extra as stated in listings.  Use coupon code HAZYDAYS25 when checking out.















Saturday, July 12, 2014

Summertime Fun

Summertime, summertime.....
To me, bright, hot sun in the day, the smell of clover and freshly cut grass...
Sipping icy beverages while sitting in the shade crocheting, or just sitting back listening to the distant lazy drone of a lawnmower...
Barbecued burgers with baked beans and potato salad...now, burgers and baked beans you can eat anytime, but for some reason, potato salad for me has always been a summer recipe, and it just doesn't feel right eating it when there's two feet of snow blanketing the ground.  (Keep scrolling for my 'recipe' for potato salad)

Bright, bold colours:  blues, reds, yellows and greens...and lots of neons!  A few things from team members in summertime colours (click on pictures to see listings, link will open in a new window)

Something to set those icy beverages on to help prevent that pool of condensation on your side table
https://www.etsy.com/listing/91330392

Something bright for your kitchen, the set includes matching dishtowel
https://www.etsy.com/listing/98795908

 (Pattern for above dishcloths, with matching hotpad and coaster can be purchased HERE pattern for dishtowel will be available soon)
And we can't forget some bright yarn for those projects you're working on in the shade or inside in air conditioned comfort (these would work great for the above pattern!)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/74808455

https://www.etsy.com/listing/89304241


 Sally's Potato Salad (adapted from my mother's potato salad)
Quantities are approximate, I never measure but just throw stuff in! and can be easily adjusted, use more or less of each item according to your taste and amount needed.

  • 2 lbs of potatoes, I use just about any kind, and have even used the red/white/blue mini potatoes
  • 1 cup of elbow macaroni
  • 4 eggs, hard boiled and cooled
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • small amount of sliced mini carrots (the multi coloured mini carrots make for nice colour if you can find them) to add colour.  You could also use pre-shredded carrots.
  • mayonnaise  (app 1/3 c)
  • mustard, app 1/4 t

Boil potatoes till they are cooked, but still somewhat firm.  Drain, rinse and refrigerate.  (I prefer leaving my potatoes for several hours/overnight in the fridge before cutting up)
Prepare elbow macaroni, I prefer mine 'al dente', drain, rinse and refrigerate.

To prepare:  
Into a large bowl, cut potatoes into bite sized pieces.  Peel eggs and cut into small pieces (I also crumble the egg yolk into the salad).  Add macaroni, green onions and mini carrots.
In a small dish, mix mayonnaise and mustard, add to large bowl and mix well.  If needed, add more mayonnaise.
Refrigerate till well chilled.  

I have also used chopped sweet peppers and/or thinly sliced radishes in my salad.