A Rough Start

So my knitting adventure last night didn't go quite as planned. Let's just say I am a complete buffoon when it comes to knitting.

To summarize:

I dropped my needles on the floor about seven times. I knew I was in for struggle when K, our instructor, said to hold the needles like chopsticks - I can't work chopsticks to save my life.

K had to unravel my work and re-"cast-on" my yarn to my needles twice.

I couldn't decide whether I should be right- or left-handed. This is a common issue for me, but more on that another time.

The gal next to me, M, was an absolute pro. She had completed about 10 stitches before K had finished explaining the chopsticks method for holding the needles. Luckily she was super nice and ended up giving me a couple of great tips.

When the rest of the class was learning to "purl" because they had completed the requisite five rows of the "knit" stitch on our practice swatch, I didn't even have one good row. After two hours I never did get those five rows so I didn't graduate to purling. To avoid getting too far behind, I have to try to teach myself via an online tutorial or perhaps by watching someone knit on you tube this week. Yeah, as if that is going to work. Know any good tutorials or videos?

We did not exactly get to choose our yarn. So no pretty pink or orange cashmere for me. K thought we should use something as thick and as light in color as possible since beginners are such slow knitters and light colors make it easier to see your stitches. So I am going to have pale yellow of this for my scarf.

I have to admit that even despite all of my troubles, I absolutely loved it! I practiced after class at home and have gotten a little better. My husband, Mr. Prepster, thought I was absolutely nuts when he walked into our bedroom and I was knitting in the bed. Oh well, let's hope I improve before we actually start the scarf pattern next week!

Loop de Loop

Tonight I start a knitting class at Loop. It meets every Tuesday in September so I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress. I was inspired to give knitting a try after seeing this lovely bathmat from the Purl Bee but I have a feeling I won't be advanced enough to pull that off for quite a while.

Apparently we will be making a scarf and a hat. I want to do mine in cashmere yarn and like the orange color shown on the scarf pictured to the right. That one is great for fall but there are so many pretty yarn colors to choose from that I know it will be difficult to decide. I may just trust my instincts and grab some pink. If you're a Philly local who's into knitting, quilting or sewing, definitely check out Loop and its next door neighbor on South Street, Spool. Very cool places with quite a selection of yarn and fabric.

Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday Banana!

In honor of its 30th birthday celebration, Banana Republic is offering 30% your entire purchase and free shipping (the code is HAPPY30). Hurry ladies, this offer is good today only. This is a perfect excuse to pick out something cute and new for fall so I plan to take a break and cash in this afternoon. I find Banana to have classic staples for work, reasonably-priced, well-fitting sweaters, occasional fab going-out tops and great statement jewelry. Here are a couple of things I'm considering:

Button sweater dress in camel heather

This is a great work option for fall that is cute enough to wear to happy hour afterwards. It is normally $120.00 but is only $84.00 today.

Elbow-sleeve pocket cardigan in flaming ember orange (what a fantastic color name)

This sweater is adorable and memorable. I especially love the sleeve-length. It is still a bit pricey at $91.00 (from $130.00) and is one of those things that I'm not sure "real" people can pull off as well as the model shown. What do you think?

Dot bracelets in black, purple, coral and french blue

These bracelets are a steal at $27.30 (from $39.00) and come in four colors so you can have one to match every outfit.

What's on your Banana wish list for fall?

Hunkering Down for Hanna

With Hanna headed squarely for the East Coast, we've decided to hunker down and stay inside all day. With the many outdoor adventures that come with summer weekends, I think it's the first time we've really hunkered in months. So in honor of the rainy day and the coming of fall, it's chili time. I like a chili that cooks almost all day but that can be left to simmer with little supervision after the initial prep work is done. The recipe below is so incredibly easy and works well in a crock pot or a dutch oven like this pretty azure blue one from Le Creuset via Williams Sonoma.

2 lbs. ground beef (I use 90% lean)
1 large onion, diced
28 oz. can diced tomatoes

16 oz. can tomato puree

16 oz. can kidney beans, undrained

4 oz. can diced green chilis

1 cup water

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 T mild chili powder

2 t salt

1 t pepper

2 t ground cumin

cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top

Brown the beef and onion in a skillet. Drain and place in your chili pot over high heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook on high for 30 minutes. Cover and simmer 4 to 6 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally. The longer you have to let it simmer, the better the flavor becomes. Top with cheddar cheese and serve. This recipe goes well with with something sweet on the side like corn muffins. You'll have enough for 8 to 10 so this chili is perfect for football game (or tropical storm) watching parties. Happy hunkering!

Fall-ing Into Place

Fall is just around the corner and it's time to switch out those linen skirts and flip flops still lingering in our closets in favor of chic scarves, belts and, of course, cashmere cardigans. Here are some objects of desire in case you want to spice up your wardrobe with warm neutrals and fall folliage-inspired brights.

Looking Back...

One year ago today... was my favorite day ever. Here are some wedding pictures to give you a flavor of our decor. Click on them to see a larger version. We were here for the reception. Our general scheme was pink, green and hydrangeas. Enjoy. I have to admit I got a little teary just thinking about it.

Late Summer Fling in Charlottesville

My fondess for Charlottesville grows heaps every time I visit. How cute is the downtown pedestrian mall pictured below? Yes, I am quite biased. After all, I did meet the man of my dreams here, get engaged here and get married here (and am here celebrating our anniversary now). But still, what's not to love about this place? The countryside surrounding the town is stunning and filled with vineyards, it has great weather most of the year, there are a ridiculous amount of delicious restaurants, especially for such a small area, several absolutely picturesque hotels (see here, here and here) and even more great shops. It has the perfect combination of southerness, sophistication and charm. My kind of place indeed. Check it out sometime when you want to be south, but not too far south, and when you want to eat or shop your way through an all in all cool, preppy locale. You might just fall in love...