These Are Some of My Favorite Things

HSKS Incoming Package from Autunnnights

2012-01-14T14:07:00.001-06:00

I just received my swap package. I tired and quite cold owl from Canada just barely made it to my doorstep this afternoon. Luckily the poor thing is now warming up near the heater of the reptile room.

Below is what was delivered.

Three skeins of yarn. A lovely green cotton, a holiday berry, and some great flame colors in a nice soft sock yarn that might become some Fawkes socks. Also included was a tube of clear and white beads and some 10.5 wooden knitting needles.

I received a knitted hat in a lovely purple. In this picture you can also see the painted tree ornament and a Gryffindor bookmark. Also included is a small package of wizardy charms.

Food stuff! Three different types of tea. I already tried the pumpkin spice and it is super delish. A thick candy cane. A tube of chocolates filled with scotch- mmmm. Also, some yummy green tea mochi.

Thank you very much for the lovely package.

Charade tutorial

2011-04-22T15:40:00.001-05:00

Step 1: Slip stitch

Slipped stitch now on right needle

Step 2: Knit One

Step 3: Yarn Over

Step 4: Pass slipped stitch over knit 1 and YO

Step 4: Complete- move slipped stitch off left needle

Stitch is complete- Note knit 2 then two stitches (k1, YO with slipped stitch around bottom)

My Package Has Arrived

2010-12-15T20:03:00.000-06:00

Only a delay in posting this since I was not notified that the owl and package had in fact arrived yesterday when I came home from work. So... today I took my package with me to work to open and ended up with a small audience.

This is what was awaiting me when I opened the box. Look at all of the goodies and wrapped in fabulous Slytherin paper.

I received the Slytherin Pride Socks by Anne!!! Oh how I love these socks. I think they are absolutely beautiful. I need to get cracking on my fair isle skills. Once I have that tackled I look forward to working on those since they look super warm and I would love to show them off.

Some wonderful treats: my fav Ferrero, some cheerful looking chocolate frogs, and some very interesting looking elf candy (which I am looking forward to eating) :)

In the back you will see Twinkle, she doesn't bite but will eat coins. The small owl tin hold some lovely Slytherin stitch markers (which you will see in another picture). Some lovely owl erasers, paper, pen, and pencils. A tiny little owl- Minerva's owl can also be seen. It is a lovely and heavy figurine. I <3 all of the owls :)

Pictured here is the card (and wax seal) that was sent to me, a fantastic mini skein of Half Blood Prince colorway, some Soak, a crochet bookmark in Slytherin colors and the beads match the stitch markers, a lovely mini Slytherin journal, a view of the stitch markers (that are in the owl tin), and Salazar Slytherin's locket. I have another picture of the inside below - which did have me cracking up when I opened it myself.

Told you so!!! Isn't it awesome!?!?!

Last but certainly not least... a keyhole scarf!!! It is made of some super soft wool and has the most awesome back story: Made of BFL that was sheared, spun, and dyed in Lizzie's home county. How amazing is that!!! And the yarn even came in Slytherin colors!!! I love it so much. I still cannot get over how soft it is- I'm talking possibly softer that Malabrigo soft people!!!

Thank you so very much Lizzie. I am sure you were quite worried about the owl and box since you mentioned it took over two weeks to arrive from when you shipped. I love absolutely everything and there were many praising comments from my co-workers as they watched me unwrap everything.

End of Swap

2010-11-27T14:02:00.000-06:00

Time just seemed to fly by. I cannot wait until my owl arrives in Canada to my spoilee. Hopefully the trip goes well. I will be using one of the Post's owls since mine would not be able to carry the heavy package that I am sending. My poor owl just isn't "heavy duty" enough. I am planning on sending him out for a shorter delivery just so he feels all important and gets to stretch.

Week 9 Blogging

2010-11-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

To which prison was Gellert Grindelwald sent after he was defeated by Dumbledore in 1945? Nurmengard
Who is the first casualty in The Deathly Hallows? Charity Burbage
What does Draco Malfoy name his son? Scorpius
Before Harry gains control of it, who is the master of the Elder Wand? Draco
Severus Snape’s Patronus takes the same form as which other character’s? Lily
Where do Ron, Hermione and Harry apparate when Death Eaters invade Bill and Fleur’s wedding? Tottenham Court Road
Who does Harry send to search for Mundungus Fletcher and the missing locket? Kreacher
Who destroys Salazar Slytherin’s locket? Ron
What does Hermione use to destroy Helga Hufflepuff’s cup? Basilisk Fangs
Following the death of Lord Voldemort, who is named temporary Minister of Magic? Kingsley Shacklebolt

Week 8 Blogging

2010-11-06T18:16:00.000-05:00

SPARSE VENUES ---> Severus Snape
GO UNLOAD LOVE ---> Luna Lovegood
A MOTH SEDAN ---> Dean Thomas
FLUSH CIGAR ---> Argus Filch
SLICK AIRBUS ----> Sirius Black
DUMB ANALOG ---> Ludo Bagman
A DRY MOO-CALF ---> Draco Malfoy
UNSNAP THE SKI ---> Stan Shunpike
PIT-A-PAT RIVAL ---> Parvati Patil
AN OLD JEE ---> Lee Jordan

Week 7 Blogging

2010-10-30T11:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I missed a week. Bloody me for being busy. Last week like this week just seemed to completely get away from me. I really liked having Friday off of work even if it meant working on Saturday or Sunday. I have some exciting things I am working on for my spoilee. I cannot wait until everything arrives so that I can send her kit off. :)

Horcruxes:

Harry:

Nagini:

Ravenclaw's Diadem:

Hufflepuff's Cup:

Riddle's Diary:

Slytherin's Locket:

Gaunt's Ring:

Week 5 Blogging

2010-10-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

Vine wood and Dragon Heartstring --> Hermione
Walnut and Dragon Heartstring --> Belatrix
Hawthorn and Unicorn tail hair --> Draco
Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring --> Viktor
Ash and Unicorn hair --> Cedric
Rosewood and Veela Hair --> Fleur
Elder and Thestral Hair --> Dumbledore
Mahogany and an unknown core --> James Potter
Elm and Dragon Heartstring --> Lucius
Cherry and Unicorn hair --> Mary Cattermole
Yew and Phoenix Feather --> Tom Riddle
Holly and Phoenix Feather --> Harry Potter
Willow and Unicorn Hair --> Ron

Week 4 Blogging

2010-10-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

Why does Harry accuse Remus Lupin of being a coward? --> because he would rather go off in the face of danger than to stay at home protecting his wife and their unborn child.
Who is R.A.B.? --> Regulus Arcturus Black
According to legend, what would a person become if he could assemble the Deathly Hallows?
What is Ariana Dumbledore rumored to be? --> a squib
What is written on Harry’s parents’ gravestone? --> The last enemy that shall be defeated is Death
Why does Krum want to fight Xenophilius Lovegood? --> he is wearing the symbol of Grindewald
Why does Voldemort seek the Elder Wand?
Where did Dumbledore’s family live? --> Godric's Hollow
Whose eye does Harry see in his magic mirror shard?
What item does Harry steal from Gringotts? Helga's cup
Where does Rita Skeeter get her information about Dumbledore?
What is inside the Snitch that Dumbledore leaves Harry?
Why does Dumbledore leave Ron a Deluminator? --> so he can find his way back to those that need him
Why has Hermione not read The Tales of Beedle the Bard? --> she is a muggle born and did not learn those tales as a child
What is Dumbledore’s greatest regret?
Whose mail did Snape open?
What form does Snape’s Patronus take? --> a doe
Why can the Sword of Gryffindor destroy Horcruxes? --> it is forged with basilisk venom
What name is given to wizards who help Mudbloods? --> blood traitor
How do Harry and his friends enter the Ministry of Magic? --> by getting flushed in the loo
Who made Harry’s wand? --> Ollivander

I was recently RAOK'd by the lovely and wonderful Meggie Black....

2010-10-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

The Lot (well, not entirely). Meggie did send me some Lindt chocolate truffles, one milk, one dark, and one white chocolate. Sadly, they did not survive to the taking of the picture a few days later. The unfortunate trio was gobbled up soon after opening due to me being hungry after a long day at work. They were absolutely delicious though! Thank you for everything!!! Below are some detail shots showing the even more amazing package.

An adorable sock keychain with needle size holes as well as a 2" ruler!!! (I had to take this off of my keychain to photograph it beautifully since it is already traveling with me.)

Look at the OWLS!!! Absolutely lovely and amazing stitch markers. If only I could make them larger and come to life to carry some things for the post from time to time. I can't wait to use them. I <3 stitch markers so much.

Look at the pandas of this adorable mini project holder! PANDAS!!! :) This tiny bag is so freaking sweet!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Meggie!!!! I love every single item. I apologize for the chocolates not surviving for the picture.

Now to find someone to RAOK :) Hmmmmm...... ^_^

Week 3 Blogging

2010-09-27T20:54:00.000-05:00

1. Pumpkin - pie

2. Owl - Hedwig

3. Leaf - Maple

4. Weasley - ginger

5. Quaffle - quidditch

6. Hallow - eve

7. Mad - eye

8. Dragon - Norbert

9. Crystal - ball

10. Trees - burning

11. Hermione - library

12. Hogwarts - castle

13. Burrow - amazing

14. Dobby - sock

15. Horcrux - locket

16. Ministry - fallen

17. Magic - spells

18. Sirius - animagus

19. Apple - Mac

20. Juice - box

21. Candle - flame

22. Ghost - basement

23. Snake - Athena

24. Wand - swish

25. Invisibility - cloak

26. Tent - camping

27. Spell - sectumsempra

28. Umbridge - PINK :(

29. Dursely - Dudley

30. Prophet - Rita

HSKS12 Week 2 Blogging

2010-09-25T12:34:00.002-05:00

What 5 things would you not leave home without if you were going into hiding or running away and WHY.

My number one thing to take if I was going into hiding or running away would be a Time Lord. I mean, how useful would that be? One minute we are here, then the next we hop in the Tardis and land on some distant planet, some alternate universe, or somewhere in the past or future. Talk about the perfect dream to hide or run away. (And who wouldn't want a dreamy and quirky companion like him to travel with and bring about excitement in your fleeing pursuits.)

My second thing to take would be a bag with an undetectable extension charm to fit all the rest of my items. This could be way too useful and make carrying a plethora of items around.

My third thing would be a small library of books to read along my travels as well as knitting and crochet books and patterns. I love to read and would be great at occupying time while running away or hiding from others.

My fourth thing would be my roll of circular needles, DPNs, and crochet hooks for all my knitting or crochet needs. You have to craft somehow ;)

My fifth thing would be as much yarn as I could stash inside my bag. The top of my stash would have to be Malabrigo in all yarn weights.

HSKS12 Week 1

2010-09-15T17:49:00.000-05:00

My answers to help you out...
1. I knit, crochet, sew, make costumes, dye, and drop spin (some year I will have a wheel)
2. July
3. USA here
4. That's not me.
5. I have been in 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and now 12... wow that's 6 times around
6. I have a large stash, but have not put it up... ahhh one of these days I will do that.
7. I knit and crochet
8. Black, black, and more black
9. Autumn is my favorite season and of course Halloween is my favorite Holiday!
10. Merino wool or alpaca

Who I found...
1. Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
Quietus - makes her costumes as well
2. Someone who was born in the same month as you.
Wisty
3. Someone from a different country.
Hermione - soon to be ex- Italy and resident of Germany
4. A new HSKS Family member.
Acromantula
5. Someone who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.
Emma Wigworthy
6. Someone who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!
Megaera Black
7. Someone who both knits and crochets.
Emma Diggory
8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you.
Selana - black
9. Someone who has the same favorite season/holiday as you.
Morgianna Defeufaucon - Halloween
10. Someone who has the same favorite fiber as you.
Fleur - Alpaca and mmmmmMalabrigo ^_^

SQUEEE!!!

2010-09-11T12:21:00.000-05:00

This weekend is going to be "fabulous"!!! Today (Saturday) I am going to Wisconsin Sheep and Wool. Which is packed with lovely vendors... and sheep! I so want to smuggle a little fluffy sheep out of there. And in excess of the sheep and fibery goodness... there is an afterparty with food, drinks, and prizes! YAY!!!! I am in heaven!

Tomorrow is the finale of True Blood, so if you have been checking my blog you will have seen some of the yummy delights that I have made for the episodes. (I do still have more to upload. I have been taking pics but failed at posting.) Anyways Yay for that!

Monday starts HSKS12! Yours truely is heading up Draco's Pure Bloods and Dark Arts group. One of 4 groups within the swap and based upon the last book since Part 1 of The Deathly Hallows comes out during the swap or around the swap end (sorry I don't have my calendar handy at the moment.)

Anywho, stay tuned for my mass pic uploads. Yes, I will be uploading. ;)

Kit From Celestina

2010-08-15T22:36:00.000-05:00

According to the house elf, my kit arrived sometime on Friday. Luckily they were kind enough to bring the parcel as well as the owl inside while I was away. I may be Slytherin, but I still treat them well. When I came home from the fair on Saturday evening I opened up the kit and squeed the entire time I was unpacking it. Sadly, I was completely exhausted so the pictures and blogging had to wait until today.

This is the kit all laid out for all to see :D I completely love it all!!!

Some wonderful yarn to make a fantastic Slytherin hat!!! I really need to make myself some hats since I do enjoy wearing them. Here is the perfect opportunity.

Look at the lovely owl pouch! This is coming with me to the Ministry of Education tomorrow. Inside the wee owl was a Slytherin sticker, some Harry Potter trading cards, yummy chocolates in House colors (yes, some are missing from this picture... I couldn't help myself), some wizardry buttons, and this tin which has a surprise inside (you will see it soon).

Told you, you would see it soon. ;) The buttons and thread are actually magnets in Hogwarts house colors! How awesome is that!!! These will also be going to the Ministry of Education tomorrow as well.

Here is another wonderful picture of this delightful owl which is just too adorable for words! He really is quite soft and squishy :)

These were also inside the little owl. Sadly they escaped the picture above. They are little buttons!!! Too adorable! I can't wait to find the perfect place to use them.

This picture came out quite dark, but the green is really lovely and vibrant. A perfect color for these Slytherin socks. I have found a love for knitting socks and I think these might just be queued in next :) The yarn is so soft and lovely; I am really looking forward to knitting with it.

Again, thank you so very much for everything Celestina!!! This kit is amazing! You totally spoiled me this summer! :D

Bah! Where Has The Time Gone?

2010-08-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

Okay... so not much is new. My computer is still broken and I am still using my previous one. I am closing out another week at work and right now I just feel drained. I think it is due to an overabundance of information in my training and minimal first hand experience to go off of and put what has been taught to use. I just really don't want to be confused and not knowing what to say/do during my first few weeks/months of actually working my job.

The hours are fine but with the additional 3 hours of time on the road and waking up at 5 am to leave by 6 really takes a toll. I am really looking forward to being able to (I hope) move in closer to my job so my commute and gas money is lessened.

Well... off to study for my second assessment test which is tomorrow. I really hope I do well.

Work Joy and Computer Woe

2010-08-05T19:32:00.001-05:00

This week I started my new job. I have two weeks of training and then I am set loose amongst the masses. My position is Student Advisor which means that I am the person that someone works with and contacts with any questions once they have gotten beyond their initial class. The Student Advisor is with them through to graduation. I am looking forward to it, but like anything else... it can be stressful.

This week has basically been nothing but information getting thrown at us in hopes that we can accurately answer everything in our end of the week exam (which happens to be tomorrow).

Oh boy Thursday was a great day... or at least it was until I came home from work. I was all ready to hide some wonderful water balloons for campers to find... and my computer said, "no". Something is wrong with it all around. It won't get on the internet (IE or Safari), the browsers just won't open at all. To top that off my computer doesn't want to hibernate or even shut down. It just does nothing and sits there.

So... now I am on my old laptop which I haven't used in a few years. This thing works, but it is outdated and heavy. Oh well, it gets the job done, right?

I am really hoping that I do well on this test tomorrow since it will reflect on how my training will continue for next week.

The only downside to this job is the distance. I am driving about an hour and a half each way... which means three hours on the road in addition to the nine at work. By the time I get home I cam completely beat and there isn't much time before I am off to bed. I am really hoping to move into an area close to work before winter... really really hoping.

True Blood Episode 6 (?)

2010-08-01T19:35:00.000-05:00

I think we are up to episode 6 now. I could completely be wrong. Last week I made some lemon blueberry muffins. They were lovely and went before I thought about taking a picture.

This is my current cooking exploration!!! I tried out my brand new set of ramekins (which I love). I ended up putting a tad too much batter into them, so I got some overflow... but who cares!

Dark chocolate batter layer at the bottom, a layer of some Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips, and a covering of more dark chocolate batter. Once they came out, I melted the remaining dark chocolate chips and put some quick designs to top them.

I can't wait to eat!!! Yum!!!

Activity 3 - Scavenger Hunt!

2010-07-30T12:27:00.000-05:00

I tried to get as many pictures as possible from Ravelry. The links below them should go back to the pattern of the project pictured. A few are just plain amusing and stem from icanhascheezeburger (and their plethora of other sites.

creature that lives in the lake

bird feather

yarn

House Pride

Headmistress in a bikini!!!

Activity 2 - WINGO!!!

2010-07-20T12:17:00.004-05:00

W1 - Andromeda spins (her Slytherin Pride skein is so lovely)
W2 - Ambyr has seen every HP movie in the cinema
W3 - Celestina takes the commuter train to work
W4 - I don't think there are any summer campers that live within 100 miles of me :(
W5 - Gryphon knows ASL

WINGO Help

2010-07-20T11:59:00.000-05:00

Things that I have done and tid bits about me...

N1 - I have been on a train. The Metra (commuter train) to Chicago and all around the Chicago suburbs. I have also been on the El (Chicago above and underground mass transit) and the Subway in NYC.
G1 - I love Claudia Handpainted, and Malabrigo (who doesn't )
O1 - I can speak French, German, and Spanish although I am more adept as reading them.
O2 - I currently have 313 items in my queue.
W3 - My patronus is a Phoenix.
I3 - My collection would have to be yarn and books. I am an avid reader, so my library is a nice size.
N3 - I have a hat like Prof. McGonagall, I have wands made of paper, oak, birch, and metal (my lovely crochet wands).
O3 - I do make stitch markers, though they tend to be either for my use or with kits. I don't sell them (yet).
G4 - I have played quidditch away from the computer and over land. We have a team in the area I live in.
O4 - Yes, this is true.
W5 - This is my 5th HSKS.
I5 - I have been on multi-day camping excursions for Burning Man and while living in New Mexico.
N5 - I play trumpet and piano.
G5 - My birth month is July.
O5 - I brought Stig, my owl and Hades, my snake to summer camp.

Activity 1 - list of things about me

2010-07-12T21:32:00.001-05:00

Knit or crochet or both? I knit and crochet. Right now I have been knitting more, but I enjoy doing both.
Brands you would like to try but don't have easy access to: I love smaller independent dyers with interesting colorways. Wolmeise is something I would love to eventually get my hands on.
Favorite fibers/least favorite fibers: Favorite: Wool, silk, bamboo, cotton - Least Favorite: Acrylic - I found out I am allergic to it, my skin breaks out in hives.
Favorite colors/least favorite colors: Favorite: Black, green, grey, red, blue, rich hues - Least: yellow, pink, orange, white, pastels
Yarn weight preferences: Fingering or worsted
Favorite projects: socks from the top down, fingerless gloves, hats, amigurumi, and other things worked in the round ;)
Favorite gadgets: My computer, Blackberry, stitch markers, project bags, organizers, tarot deck, runes
Favorite designers: Ysolda Teague
Salty or Sweet or...? Both
Tea or Coffee or...? Neither
Allergies: Acrylic, Angora bunnies, peaches, potent cinnamon or mint flavored things
Other things you like, i.e., buttons, pens, fabric, stitch markers, etc.: I love all of those things along with note pads, darning needles
Currently Craving: Blue Moon ice cream (mainly cream with a hint of anise and it is heaven), more hours in the day and the energy to accomplish everything.
Where you might have wish lists (Loopy Ewe, Amazon, Etsy): I have lists at all of those, and they can be found on my sidebar
Measurements (feet for socks, wrists, head circumference): 64 sts on 2.75mm cuff for socks - 9" length of foot from toe to heel, 22" head circ, 7.5" wrist

I also have a lot of info in my side bar :)

True Blood Episode 4

2010-07-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

Oh this week was way better than the previous episode. The best part that my friends and I enjoy are the totally quotable lines in the script. For example: "Some days I think that boy's cheese done slid off his cracker." and "I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it." And Eric's dream sequence was awesome! He is fantastic and I totally love him in the book series. Based upon the preview, next week looks like it will be completely action packed. It also seems like Tara has gotten mixed up in a right mess.

Earlier on Sunday, my friend steeked her first sweater. She loves the color pink so I made her some pink cupcakes. They have a hint of strawberry which turned the batter pink and I also colored the frosting to be pink. They were quite nummy and are now one of my favorites. Next time I think I might try to make some orange ones.

Camping Fun!!!

2010-07-08T18:07:00.000-05:00

In a few short days, HSKS11 - Summer Camp will be starting!!!

I am the counselor for Shell Cottage and cannot wait to start working with everyone :D

I am super excited for matches to come out so I can find out who I will be spoiling and who will be spoiling me!! Off to get working on our cabin blog...

True Blood Ep 3

2010-06-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

Pros - You get to see Alcide and he is quite adorable
Cons - A majority of the remainder of the episode

I love Talbot and his... umm... persuasion. He brought much more humor to the previous episode but was still great. Can Jason quit seeing bullet holes in everyone's head, please? Really, this isn't needed and is yet another unnecessary stretch away from the book. Eric, Jessica, Lafayette, and Pam... I love you more than bunnies on fire!!! The characters and the actors that play them rock hard.

Another con... this was a weak episode all around and you show this before a break??? Seriously??? When you take a break in a show, you should leave viewers wanting and craving more! Episode 2 would have been a great place for a break because it had humor, great plot movement, and an awesome cliffhanger for the next week. Episode 3 just seemed jumbled, excess, and left you with a blah/ meh feeling. And we have two weeks of that blah feeling to stew with. Not good! This is all because of the holiday (July 4th) there is no new episode, so instead they will be playing the 2 great episodes and 1 bleh episode as filler until it returns on the 11th.

And the ending... really??? seriously??? NO NO NO!!! I would have been much happier if they would have kept to the book as to how Bill ends up in Mississippi. I cannot stand Lorena, but I would have been much happier with her torturing Bill (like it is in the book) rather than both of them being guests of the King and milling around and... doing that at the end of the episode!!! Was it really necessary? Absolutely not! And it is something I do not think I can erase from my mind.

I hope they put some awesome things to keep us interested during the break either on HBO's site or Jessica's blog. Oooh maybe Jessica can have Pam over for a girly night in and blog/ vlog it. That would be fantastic!!!

In other news, for this episode, I made blueberry coffee cake. Sadly, I did not get a picture of it because it was eaten that fast. Plus I was having a bad reaction to a pain pill so I was feeling quite under the weather at that point.

Food I made for True Blood Episode 2

2010-06-20T19:29:00.001-05:00

This week I decided to try out some new recipes. The orange rolls are more of a breakfast item, but I think they sound fantastic anytime of the day. They are in fact absolutely delightful.

The second item I made was S'mores cupcakes. This recipe has a graham cracker bottom with some grated chocolate on top of that, then comes the chocolate cake batter and is topped with more graham cracker crumbs. After everything is all baked, you top it with some homemade marshmallow.

Fresh out of the oven!!!

Waiting for the topping.

Topped with yummy marshmallow sweetness.

I had too much batter so I made some mini chocolate cupcakes.

And like everything else I made, I had way too much of the marshmallow mixture so I topped the mini cupcakes as well.

And I still had more to use, so I dropped it on some paper for quick divinity.

True Blood Party!!!

2010-06-15T00:40:00.003-05:00

So... as many of you (at least those that know me on Facebook) know I threw a Season 3 premier party on Sunday for True Blood. Yes I am a geek and I take pride in that moniker! Below are some pictures of the food that I made. But I do love how the goodies turned out and everything was yummy. My friends that joined me laughed at how much I did for just a simple gathering, but I really enjoyed going through all the fuss. I can be artsy in a pinch and love doing simple but memorable things.

Here are some pictures...

Fangbanger cupcakes!!!

Here is a better pic at the pictures I used to decorate them.

Blood and Chocolate cookies

Yes even the cookies had some promo pictures to decorate them ;)

And a picture of the spread (minus the chocolate covered strawberries)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

On a separate and unrelated note... my owl, Stig, who has been patiently waiting for me to finish wrapping and placing everything the box, will be taking flight tomorrow morning to deliver a kit to Madam Ferula McGonagall. Yes, it is way past the time I had set out to get it in the mail, but my personal life sort of spiraled and got super chaotic for a bit. Things are better, but could be greatly improved.

Anyways... here is a preview ;)

Persephone Has Arrived from Italy!!!

2010-06-11T17:17:00.001-05:00

I heard this chirruping noise and a light pecking on our glass/screen door. When I opened it I saw a wonderful, but extremely tired owl, her little chest what moving quite fast from her journey. I am amazed that Persephone lugged the large (and heavy) box all the way from Italy to Illinois. Needless to say, she is thrilled to be inside and out of the heat as well as munching on some owl treats. Once the owl was situated, I tended to the wondrous box from Hermione.

This is what greeted me upon opening the box!

Once unpacked I had quite the spread on the couch!

The card that I was to open first was absolutely lovely! You totally rock the handmade cards Hermione:D

Since I have OCD tendencies and love order (to an extent). I sorted the packages by the store's they came from.

I decided to start off with Flourish & Blotts.

How awesome! Always good to be able to defend yourself from others. This book contained several sock patterns from my queue and favorites. Such as the Seduction Sock seen below.

- - - - - -

Also enclosed from Flourish & Blotts was an adorable journal and some bookmarks. I love bookmarks!!! I read so much I tend to never have enough bookmarks :)

I really doubt that she found this at Flourish, but however she did manage to get her hands on it... I am thoroughly grateful to have Snape's copy of Advanced Potion Making (including the notes in the margins). This book contains so many wonderful potions (recipes) to brew!!! I cannot wait to start making some.

A wonderful and aged page from the Potions book!!! This is too awesome for words! :D

- - - - - - - - -

From Flourish & Blotts I moved onto the packages from Olivander.

I received a 32" size US2 (my fav size for socks) circ to learn magic loop on. Now I only need to find a teacher ^_^ She also sent me a wand with the Death Eater symbol on it made by Meladia Starseeker. I love the wand so very much!

Here is a better picture of the beautiful wand!!! It is so very perfect. I can't wait to start casting with it!

- - - - - - -

Next I opened the packages that came from Gladrags Wizard Wear

I received a lovely green and super soft cowl for the cooler months, and some lovely fingerless mittens out of the same plush yarn. Hermione also sent some fantastic flip flops that are super comfy with the covered straps.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Hermione also went shopping at the apothecary in Diagon Alley.

During her travels she picked up some flavored Extravirgin Olive Oil in truffle, mushroom, basil, lemon, and chili pepper flavors. I cannot wait to try these with some bread.

I got some wonderful cotton fingering weight yarn in a lovely green and a rich black. I am sure that the colors were something Snape wore on a regular basis. I can't wait to get knitting with them.

- - - - - - - - - -

Next I opened the items that came from Wonder Witch that she picked up from WWW.

So many adorable items! A pouch filled with pins and stickers. The pins are of the Slytherin emblem, Snape, a death eater, my ref jersey, my ravatar, and my facebook "pic". The death eater stickers are way too cute! Included was also a pair of bat earrings for Snape. I also received a beautiful Venetian glass snake pendant necklace that she also picked up on her travels. It is absolutely lovely, in fact I have it on right now :)

- - - - - - - - - -

The final grouping was from Borgin and Burke's. Hard to believe that a Ravenclaw managed to end up in Knockturn Alley, let alone at that store.

A yummy pumpkin spice candle, one of my all time favorite scents no matter the time of year. I also got two "cup socks" for my caffeine fixes. The stitch markers are so lovely! Gorgeous beads and Dark Mark charms. I love them!!! I love stitch markers and they will be put to use. :)

Last but certainly not least is this too beautiful for words Venetian mask. I will be wearing this during masquerades! I love it so very much! It really will go so well with my ball gowns and the detail is absolutely exquisite!!! I really am looking forward to wearing it! :D

- - - - - - - -

Upon opening the letter that contained details of the items I received, one more thing was waiting for me... death eater tattoos!!! I can not wait to put one on! lol They are so groovy! You really thought of everything, didn't you?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thank you so very very very (insert infinitive very) much Hermione! I am absolutely astounded by this Severus Snape kit. Everything is wonderful and completely, absolutely amazing!!! The Potions book alone must have taken forever to compile. I am so looking forward to using/ wearing/ making everything that you have sent in my kit. You rock!!! You rock so very hard!!! :D

Books!!! Squee :D

2010-06-03T12:45:00.001-05:00

If you have seen my Shelfari virtual bookshelf, you know that I like to read. Well this past month has been no different. I read the five books of Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson series. From there I moved onto the two books of the Alpha and Omega series, which is an off shoot of the Thompson series. I love these (obviously). The characters are amazing, the plot moves, and the books leave you fulfilled but wanting more.

I also read the new Vampire Academy book. I really do love this series but I hate how they just end and then you have to wait 6-12 months for the next one to get released. The books move along beautifully but BAH I hate the waiting game!

Hunted - from The House of Night series follows the same suit. This book was probably the most stagnant and whiny of the series so far. I really enjoyed the others, but this one just felt dead for the most part. I will read the next one too simply for the fact that like with VA, it just cut off! Ooooh it really is frustrating.

I read Club Dead (book 3 Sookie Stackhouse series) in about 12 hours. That book was so nummy. I have read the series, but I wanted to re-read book 3 since Season 3 will be starting on the 13th. I just didn't exactly expect to read through it that fast. I am re-reading book 4 right now.

The next book I am super excited to read is Bullet from the Anita Blake series. It just came out on the 1st and I have not picked it up yet. However I have read a bit about the book through the writer's blog. I am thrilled that Anita will be back in St. Louis. This means that there will be more of Jean Claude and Asher (yummy) in this book! About time :) The past few books she was away from the city on her own escapades. While those books were fabulous, I missed the guys.

And then at the end of this month the fifth Blue Bloods month... oh I can't wait to read that book. The series is a completely different but interesting twist on vampirism.

Okay... enough book talk for now ;)

Week 9 Homework

2010-05-24T17:06:00.001-05:00

Puzzle 1: Dobby

Puzzle 2: Harry Potter

Puzzle 3: Hogs Head

In other news... I am putting the finishing touches on my kit for Ferula. She should be getting an item I sent in the post as a short teaser shortly. I hope she likes it. My owl will be taking flight with her kit during the early send. I can't wait until she gets it.

Harry Potter Mad Libs

2010-05-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

This is the result of the mad lib that I did pertaining to the Chamber of Secrets ;)

In his second term at Hogwarts School of Snake and Wizardry, Harry Potter (Sir Ruldophus Quint) is warned by a/an Pegasus named Dobby that Leg will Mutate when he returns to Hogwarts. Besides the fact that he is still Stumbled by Professor Snape (Autumnus Finley) and Diagnosed by Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Harry gets off to a Suspicious start with his two best Snows, Ron Weasly (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Bryant Jackson). Also, famous Professor Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) has joined the Hogwarts staff and is the new Defense Against the Suspicious Arts teacher. But now, Hogwarts students areIncorrectly being turned into Cotton. But who is the one doing it? Malfoy? Dancer Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane)? or even Harry? But what if it`s Lord Voldemort trying to make hisAblaze return?

Partially funny ;)

HSKS Charity Quidditch

2010-05-15T08:55:00.004-05:00

Today - Saturday May 15 I will be participating in a hats quidditch through HPKCHC - all of my makings will be donated to either SPEW or Race for the Cure...

Here is one picture of a starting stash to get me going...

Additional Yarns

Even More Yarn...

Progress So Far @ 6:37pm CST

Final progress at 1:27am CST

Here are the 22 baby and preemie hats for charity!!! :D I am thrilled with how many I kicked out today!

Sadly while acrylic yarn might be easier to care for... my skin does not like it and tends to throw hives from time to time when I am working with it... I'm not a yarn snob... my body is lol ;)

It doesn't show the inflammation or redness as accurate as what my arm looked like... but you get the idea.

Anyways, I am signing off :D

Week 6 Homework... Potions!

2010-05-05T13:47:00.001-05:00

My Originality Marker

Part 1:

Bleeding Heart aka Dicentra spectabilis

This plant had uses in revenge potions. When the flowers (bleeding hearts) are stewed for a fortnight and combined with essence of aconite and the root of nightshade, one has procured a potion that when slipped into an enemy's food will render them ill. Consecutive lacings can render an enemy to become deceased, and they will die of a slow bleeding heart.

Chives aka Allium schoenosprasum

Chives are one of my favorite flavoring herb for culinary concoctions. I love chives in tons of food for extra flavoring. A medicinal use of chives is to slowly boil the plant in water over an open flame. Once they reach a boil, one can drain excess water and use the chives to help with sun burns and rashes.

Sedum aka Sedum glaucophyllum

The leaves of the sedum plant are used in Fred and George's WWW Stomach Malade bars. The leaves of the seedum plant are known to cause cramping and stomach pain. Of course this can be reversed with another one of their products so that you can go on your merry way once you have gotten out of class/ detention/ or any other thing you don't want to do.

Pygmy Pansies aka Viola tricolor hortensis

The pansy plant has had a well known history, from appearing in painted artwork to literary works. However the pansy's flowers can be used, once picked and washed in the water from a wild stream, when applied as a mask to the face to help clear up light to moderate skin blemishes and acne.

Lily of the Valley aka Convallaria majalis

This plant has a light fragrant smell and is has become a common addition to some soaps and salves. A property of this plant is that it sharpens one's wit and memory. It is this property that makes it a powerful addition to many memory draughts and potions as well as ones that may be used before divination to be able to pick up the subtle hints at a quicker pace.

Part 2:

1. Sneezewort, scurvy grass, and lovage are used to make what?

A: Allergen Solution

B:Confusing Draught

C: Babbling Befuddlement

D: Wandering Agent

2. Porcupine quills are to be added when to a Boil Cure Potion?

A: It is the second ingredient you add

B: Before it is removed from the fire

C: You don't add them, they aren't part of the potion

D: After it is removed from the fire

3. What potion, if brewed correctly, should change color numerous times throughout brewing including deep purple, lilac, and finishing clear?

A: The Draught of Living Death

B: Amortentia

C: Calming Draft

D: Elixir to Induce Euphoria

4. This ingredient in the Draught of Peace, would likely bring you permanent peace since it is poisonous, what is it?

A: Murlap

B: Belladonna

C: Mugwort

D: Hellebore

5. Chopped daisy roots, skinned shrivel-fig, sliced caterpillar, one rat spleen, dash of leech juice are all ingredients to what?

A: Swelling Solution

B: Deflating Draught

C: Shrinking Solution

D: Sleeping Draught

Part 3:

After the week that I have had (and sadly it is only Wednesday) I decided to make myself a screwdriver. I don't really measure anything out... (sometime more vodka in the ratio is needed)

Ingredients:

Smirnoff vodka (my favorite, yup it's cheap)

Orange juice (I prefer Tropicana - most true orangey taste)

Lemon juice (optional, but I like lemon juice and it adds a nice bite) use to taste

Later tonight I might end up making a Slytherin colored concoction ;)

Week 5 Blogging...

2010-04-27T14:32:00.000-05:00

This Saturday is Slytherin's first quidditch game of the term! I am super excited to watch it happen. I really wish I could compete but as HoH I have to be all authoritative like. ;) Oh well at least I get to watch and cheer on my fellow Slytherins. ^_^

In other news, I am still job hunting and hoping I hear something soon. Right now I am really keeping my fingers crossed and praying that I land the teaching position at a University in South Korea. It would be for a duration of 2 years, but the experience would be absolutely awesome! I should hear something hopefully during the first half of May. The position wouldn't start until the fall but I really hope that I get it.

Week 4 Blogging...

2010-04-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

A fun, but possibly not so helpful teaser for my spoilee ^_^

I am currently making _____________. I have planned to make some _____________ and ___________ as well. If I can get my sewing machine working I will definitely be making a __________________. I already have some gorgeous ____________________ that I found at a LYS to send. And of course I will be adding and making more things like ____________, ___________, and ____________. I can't wait for everything to come together and also get some ___________ to send. Oh and I will end up missing quidditch this week because I will be attending my graduation. While I am there I am hoping to pick up ______________ too.

Muahahahahahaha ;)

An Awesome and Unexpected Parcel from the Post...

2010-04-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

I heard this faint tapping on the screen/glass door just a bit ago and when I opened it I found an owl with an unexpected box for me. Needless to say, I was quite intrigued...

Sure enough, no problems locating me ^_^ where else would I be? In one of the towers... ha yeah right! :)
The package came from Z. Fafnir Lovecraft, a fellow Slytherin in HPLBOE that I sent an RAOK to.

As I began unwrapping the items from the box, something in there smelled so lovely so I had to unwrap faster to find it ;)

The first items to catch my eyes were the yarn!!! YARN!!! A great skein of cotton (of which I have one skein of already, but this second skein means... MARKET BAG! woo hoo :D and that is what it will become.
The next skein couldn't come at a better time because just this morning I came across a pattern that I had put in my favorites quite some time ago, but after drooling over it today, I realized I didn't have the yarn for it... then this package came. So this gorgeous black lace yarn will soon be making its way to becoming the Bat Shawl! Woo hoo!!! Wa na na na na na na na na Bat Shawl will be gracing my back later this year!

I finally got to the nummy smell and it ended up being a bar of rosemary and lavender shampoo! I love bar shampoo. They really are easier to travel with, I mean who wants to haul bottles around when you are camping or at Burning Man ^_^ Along with the nummy smell was also packed some nummy tasting caramel and ginger candies!!! Squee :D

And last but not least, a teacup/coffee cup and saucer! Awesome!!! I am not so much of a tea fan, but I do love doing tea leaf readings (tasseography)- odd combo I know. So it will be put to use :)

Again, thank you so very very much Z. for this completely surprising package! I love everything that you sent and cannot wait to use/ eat/ cast on with what you sent ^_^

Rest In Peace Peter Steele

2010-04-15T13:08:00.000-05:00

Your voice was a greatly inspiring and comforting one and I am so glad that I was able to meet you and hang with you and the guys quite a few times. Your eyes always showed the struggle beneath your skin that you tried to hide. Although you were a troubled soul, you were nothing but kind and your laughter would echo throughout the room. It was hard not to laugh when you did. Your presence will be missed by so many.

Week 3 Homework: Care of Magical Creatures and S.P.E.W.

2010-04-15T00:04:00.001-05:00

Part 1: Five items I would use for care of magical creatures...

My Originality Marker

1. A shield for protection from those mutant Blast Ended Skrewts

2. Gloves to shield the hands from any thing dangerous, which seems to be a majority of the creatures.

3. Some meat for the Thestrals

4. Shiny coins to distract the Nifflers

5. Head of lettuce for the Flobberworms

Part 2: Questions
1. Please describe the physical appearance of a house elf.
one meter or so in height with large floppy ears, long thin arms, rounded body, huge round eyes

2. Kreacher is the house elf of which wizarding family?
The Black family, which after Sirius' death ends up "inheriting"

3. What is Hermione Granger making for the house elves?
hats and socks

4. How do you free a house elf?
A piece of clothing is given to them from their "owner"

5. What does S.P.E.W. stand for?
Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare

Part 3: S.P.E.W. Project

Week 2 Homework... Transfiguration With Some Charms Thrown In :)

2010-04-06T13:26:00.003-05:00

I will be posting my pics as I complete each Transfiguration. This is not one of my strongest classes.

My originality marker...

Bowtruckle

Yarnio Mutatio Stikio

Rememberall

Yarnio Mutatio Memoria

Golden Snitch

Yarnio Mutatius Snitchus

Hagrid's Rock Cakes (aka nummy lemon rock cakes)

1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 egg- well beaten
1/3 cup fine sugar
1/3 cup butter
grated lemon rind and the juice of one lemon (I used 2 or was it 3 tbsp of lemon juice since I was missing my lemon... darn nargles) I say make it to taste ^_^

The dough will be stiff and sticky. This recipe makes quite a few mini rock cakes (like I made) or a few large rock cakes. Just enough to eat while in Hagrid's hut. So if you are having a large gathering, you may want to double or even triple the recipe.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 10 to 15 minutes

Ingrediento Mutatio Cilicis Crustum

Decoy Detonator

Yarnio Mutatio Detonare Esca

Nose Biting Teacup

Itemio Mutatio Naso Pungente Acqua

Spectrespecs

Itemio Mutatio Bicchiere Spettro

Time Turner

Yarnio Mutatio Tornitore del Tempo

House Unity On Egg Day

2010-04-04T12:40:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately the writing didn't come out great, but I still like them :)

Some Noms...

2010-04-03T20:13:00.001-05:00

for Zombie Jesus Day... I really like how these came out. They were just too super easy to make. ^_^

NOM

This Was Posted...

2010-04-03T13:37:00.001-05:00

In another swap (The Twilight Swap) that I have been a part of, and the questions just looked fun so here I go ;)

-What kind of cheese do you like? Cheddar, White Cheddar and Cranberry, Colby Jack, oh geez.. the list goes on (especially if I am at Whole Foods)
-If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself? No, I don't care for hot dogs, chicken brats are up my alley ^_^
-Kennedy Assassination – conspiracy or did Lee Harvey Oswald act alone? Conspiracy
-Did you like Jurassic Park III? – if yes, you must explain why. Yes. Two words- Sam Neil!
-Do you like GUC & Cleolinda? No idea who these people are...
-How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? 13? But then I am more of a sucker than a licker lol
-Did you witness Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah’s couch? No! But sadly I did see the replay on The Soup.
-Do you consider bowling a sport? No
-Do you know what “FPS” stands for? (note: contrary to popular belief, it is not “Free Patrick Stewart”) Yes... First Person Shooter! W00t for Halo, GoW, Splinter Cell, CoD, and many others!
-Speaking of Patrick Stewart, what is your favorite Star Trek series? The Next Generation, duh!
-Which Buffy character do you identify with? Umm... I don't really identify with any of them, but I love me some Spike!
-Did you want Joey to end up with Pacey or Dawson? Who are these people?
-What color is your hair? Brownish
-Do you find Howard Stern offensive? yes
-How many chucks would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? I don't know but I am pretty sure a beaver does it better.
-Do you have a favorite “indie-dyer”? If so, who? Gypsy Girl. She is a local (for me) dyer and comes to our weekly knit group ;)
-Do you use hand-knit dishcloths? I don't have any but I love making them as gifts.
-What new technique would you like to try? (dye yarn, felting, lace, socks, etc.) I would like to learn how to spin yarn on a spinning wheel (provided I can borrow or use or even buy said wheel if I really like it) and also knit socks two at a time- I have books that use this, but haven't been able to grasp the technique.
-Do you know what Sparkle Motion is? Sadly yes
-Do you like Starbucks? Of course! I love a mocha late or mocha frap
-Do you eat fast food? If yes, what is your favorite? yes. umm i don't really have a favorite but I do have a usual of what I eat at certain places.
-Coke or Pepsi? Sprite, not a fan of the brown pop.
-Tea or Coffee? or hot chocolate ? Coffee or hot chocolate
-Do you wear hand-knit items? If yes, what is your favorite? of course! I love hats, scarves, shawls, gloves, and I am working on my first pair of socks Yay!
-Do you have any favorite Etsy shops? hmmm... no favorite etsy shops, just some awesome things that I find.
-What is one pattern you love, but would never make for yourself? probably the Cookie A socks that are like 16 pages of grid pattern (have not seen these, only heard about them) or some super complicated lacy shawl.
-What are your feelings on stalking RPattz? I am against stalking celebrities period- they are people too! How would you like it if you had people following you with cameras scrutinizing your every move and shouting rude comments at you? It would get old fast. I am good friends with some high profile musicians and know just how much they hate what attention they get. I can only imagine the trouble and pain that makes high profile actors and actresses.
-Do you like Harry Potter? YES
-What is your favorite non-Twilight book? I don't have a favorite book, but just check out my Shelfari shelf- all of those books on there that I have read are favorites to me.
-Did you read the leaked copy of the Twilight movie script? No
-Did you read Midnight Sun? Yes
-Have you read all four published books? (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) Yes
-Which of the books in the Twilight Saga is your favorite? Twilight or Eclipse, it has been awhile since I have read them.
-What is your favorite song? Never Enough, Solitary Ground, Dance of Fate, Quietus, Trois Vierges, all by Epica
-What is your favorite band? at the moment- Epica if you can't tell from the above question
-Are there any celebrities you would like to meet? Who/Why? I have had the opportunity to meet quite a few. I have no idea, off the top of my head, what celebrity I would like to meet to carry on an intellectual conversation with.
-Do you like Green Eggs & Ham? Is that green eggs and ham made that way with green food dye, or mold? I prefer the former rather than the later.
-Are you a monogamous knitter? Or a WIP-Hoor? WIP Whore lol - I think I have 5 Wips right now lol
-Finish this sentence: EMMETT, I REALLY WISH YOU WOULD NOT … drive my car!
-Have you listened to RPattz musicality over at YouTube? (did you even know RPattz had musicality?? No
-What is your favorite TV show? Supernatural, NCIS, Lost, The Big Bang Theory, Smallville, and I could likely keep going.
-Who would win in a duel? Edward Cullen or Harry Potter? explain your answer. Likely Edward because he could easily kill Potter with his super speed and strength way before Potter could get his wand out or speak to cast something.
-Have you seen Meet the Feebles? (and will you admit it, if you did??) I have not even heard of this.
-VanHalen - Sammy Hagar or David Lee Roth? Not a VanHalen fan so I have no idea.
-Are there any non-knit/crochet crafts you enjoy? costume making
-Why is the rum always gone? Because it is yummy!
-What is the secret of life? Money might not by happiness... but it sure buys lots and lots of yarn, sheep, needles, looms, wheels, and many more things. Who wouldn't be happy with all that?
-If you could fight anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be? Any one of my exes.
-If you’re riding in the car late at night with the windows down, what cd is playing on the stereo? A Stabbing Westward, Epica, Manson, or Rob Zombie cd
-If you were on a deserted island and had only one skein of yarn, which would it be? Malabrigo... mmm
-If you could have lunch with any fictional character, who would it be (movies, books, or tv)? Gil Grissom
-If your life were a television program, would it be a half-hour sitcom or a one hour drama? What would be the title of said show? One hour drama. What else can happen?
-Do you know how to pronounce Clapotis correctly? no idea.. Clah-po-tee???
-If they made a movie of your life, which actor would you want to play you? Eliza Dushku
-What one superhero power would you want and why? Super Speed or the ability to blink to other locations
-What was the weirdest job you ever had? all of the jobs I have had, I don't think would surprise anyone that knows me. The characteristically out of the norm job according to society's standards would have to be dominatrix.
-Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? If so, what is it? Nope. No stuffed animal. I do instead have my BlackBerry and a book in bed with me usually.
-Describe your style in one word. Black.
-What is your favorite book genre? It depends upon which store and where they classify my fav books. They either fall into the Sci-fi or Horror genres.
-If you were a vampire what kind of animal do you think you would most likely enjoy hunting and why? Bear. Those things are huge, but as long as they were not endangered.
-Which animal would you not want to hunt? Dogs. And large cats unless they are pissy and come at me first.
-If you had to be one Twilight Saga Character (except: Bella, Jacob & Edward) who would it be and why? Alice, I love her personality and the ability to see future events.
-If you were a vampire what special power would you want to have? As mentioned, Alice's future, perhaps even Aro's ability as well.
-What age would you like to be if you were change to a vampire? 21- 25. So over the high school era but I would love to attend different colleges.
-What vehicle would you like to own? Lamborghini Reventon or Murcielago
-What knit or crochet item do you think would look good on Edward or Jacob? Jacob- knit caps of some sort or fingerless gloves, Edward... no idea, maybe knit socks of some sort
-If you had to give Edward a present, what would it be? Something historical of some sort.
-If you made Jacob a gift (since he made all of Bella’s gifts) what would it be? knit fingerless glove with a suede palm in the shape of a paw print.
-If you were Bella what would be your ideal first date? Walking around outside somewhere
-What’s another blonde joke Jacob could have thrown at Rosalie? no idea
-If you were Alice what would be your favorite wardrobe item? shawls or scarves
-Do you collect anything? stitch markers, books lol, anything dealing with HR Giger
-What’s your favorite smell? Least favorite? Autumn scents. Mints, cinnamons, or peach or the horrific scent of Abercrombie, Rhuel, and which other store they have (all will make me breakout in hives, my throat close up, or something due to me being allergic.
-What do you do in your leisure time? read, knit, watch tv, ride bicycle, or drive horses
-What do you like to do on weekends? it doesn't really differ from what i like to do in my leisure time
-What is the strangest thing you’d wear on your head? one of my reptiles lol. they like sitting on heads.
-What’s your favorite blood-type? Type O Negative ^_^ lol
-Why is the rum always gone? I drank it
-If you were to fill the sun with rats, how many rats would you need? would these be rats that have been dunked in some sort of toxic waste that are unable to burn up or decompress in the sun?

HPLBOE 3 Spoiled!!!

2010-03-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

Daisy Dumbledore is absolutely awesome!!!

Here is what slid out of the box that her owl came with. :) Below is what I unwrapped!

A lovely skein of Socks that Rock! This is my first skein from this company. I have heard of its greatness from my knit group and Daisy mentioned that she loves this yarn as well.

An awesome knit potato chip scarf (if I am using the right term). It is soooo soft and I love the black and purple together. It is a super cute scarf that I will be wearing while it is still chilly this Spring.

Coffee goodies! Need I say more? Mmmm the coffee smells so nummy, I can't wait to brew some. An adorable felted cup cozy. Perfect for protecting my hand from heat and damp cups. And something that I have not had in awhile... chocolate covered coffee beans. I am going to be wired ;)

Look at this cute Slytherin bag! The fabric looks like snake skin hehehehehe ^_^ It is perfect to take along with me and hold miscellaneous projects/ items.

Here is the awesome personalized zipper fob that she made as well ;) What an awesome idea!

And some delicious chocolates and biscotti. Sadly within 5 minutes of taking this picture, less than half of these items remain. My family always loves it when I get goodies in my swap packages.

Thank you so very much Daisy!!! I love everything so very much! You spoiled me so very well :D

Assignments Already??? Bleh ;)

2010-03-28T22:43:00.001-05:00

Well one of our first tasks is to write about why we chose the three characters we did...

The three characters that I chose were Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, and Bellatrix Lestrange.

I enjoy all three of these characters, their personalities, development of them over time ; although the first two are more well known that the third.

Snape rocks because he is basically a potion master. I love potions (chemistry and herbology) and find it completely fascinating. I also in the past, have created my own potions for a variety of things. Also as revealed in a small glimpse of his home he seems to be quite the book collector, and I can totally identify with that because I am as well. I love old and first edition tomes. I also love his sense of style, who doesn't love black?

Draco Malfoy always intrigued me as a character because he always seemed to display a facade to everyone and not let anyone see what was truly underneath. I think this was mainly due to him wanting to live up to the expectations of his parents, notably his father. Unfortunately he also seemed to love attention of any kind, even if it was negative attention. My theory for this is that he was overlooked at home. Basically like the parrot syndrome.

Bellatrix Lestrange always seemed to me like the one seeking love and acceptance and would do anything to achieve it, even follow an evil wizard to the death. While this path ultimately led to her doom, I in my own pursuits of love and acceptance have been led down a similar although less severe one.

A New Term is Near!

2010-03-17T23:33:00.001-05:00

A new term at Hogwarts is starting up on the 22nd. With luck we will be receiving our matches on the 25th. This will tell us who we will be spoiling and getting spoiled by! ^_^ I cannot wait to be back in the Slytherin dungeon. It is so nice and dark down there... ahhh home sweet home. Here is a picture of me reading on the couch with Stig ;)

Divination LBOE

2010-02-24T22:10:00.000-06:00

This is a "granny square" cozy for my Tarot cards... perhaps now I can keep track of them and they won't disappear.

Valentines Day nummies

2010-02-24T22:07:00.000-06:00

These are pictures of the goodies I made for this year's Valentine's Day...

Awesome RAOK

2010-02-13T16:05:00.000-06:00

Today I got a great RAOK from a very generous Ravenclaw - Selina Starfire

I got a lovely Knitter's magazine with some fantastic and inspiring patterns, a Dixie coffee cup with the fixings for a homemade mocha late- and seen on that cup is a cute cup cozy (and the opposite side has skull fabric-- too cool ;) lol), some vampirey hearts, a lovely postcard from Selina, and super squishy skeins of some lovely yarn fit for a Slytherin ^_^

Thank you so very much! I love it all and the candy and late is already gone :D

Colin Creevey Challenge

2010-02-07T11:31:00.000-06:00

1) my boggart - that previously appeared as a dementor... now a harmless statue ;)

2) Lupin's full moon wolfsbane potion

3) Harry's unsigned Hogsmede permission slip

4) The missing fat lady's portrait... she is still missing since he painting has yet to be repaired

5) The Marauder's Map

The Trophy

2009-12-23T21:16:00.000-06:00

I give up... I have no idea. Clues point both to Diagon Alley in London and Hogsmeade Village. I am going to have to go with the latter since the items included could be purchased but the Hogs Head is just too much of a clue.

So... I vote to look in Hogsmeade.

OWL POST!!! SQUEE :D

2009-12-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

I was out of town when an adorable owl showed up at home. Thank goodness my mom was nice enough to take him in and look after him while he warmed up before making his way back to Agatha. I am so happy that the little owl missed out on our horrible snowfall that started last night. :( We really don't need more snow.

What I unpacked from the adorable box :)

As I began to rip off carefully remove the tissue paper look at what I found...

Two nummy pumpkin pie candles. Mmmmm my favorite :) Two adorable post it pads of paper. And look at the lovely Wanderer earrings!!! I love them and am wearing the round pair right now :D

An absolutely adorable bag! I love the way it looks and it really is so very roomy; perfect for toting my other kit and knitting items.

Nummy nummy nummies :) Snickers, Ferrero (squee) and nutella :) Nuts galore! Unfortunately the Ferrero is already gone but they were just so good ;)

Rounding out my kit is... some lovely red and black Galway worsted wool. Hat and fingerless mittens patterns from my Ravelry favorites. And a Brittany hook!!! SQUEE :) oh how I love them so much!

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much Agatha! I love everything so much :)

I think I am going to get cracking on those patterns soon because it is getting quite cold and very snowy here.

You are totally awesome and thank you again!!!

To Do: Jose Cuervo Cookies

2009-12-15T20:14:00.000-06:00

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl,
check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality,
pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter
in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point
it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another
cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup
of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry
it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves
a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can
find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall
over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the
Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.

Cherry Mistmas !

Early Xmas Present

2009-12-15T18:32:00.000-06:00

Today I got my grade for a super tough and intensive course that has plagued me for the past 5 weeks. The subject matter wasn't exactly mind bending but the fact that there wasn't a break in between the previous class and this most recent class made my brain want to cry. However I am happy to say that I have passed through the class with a 97.5% and maintaining my lovely 4.0 gpa. Only one more class to go that starts January 4th. I am so looking forward to February 7th, my graduate degree program will be completed at that time.

Now I need to find myself a job. I am really up for moving anywhere although I would love to land on the northeast or northwest coasts somewhere. Let the MBA job hunting begin. I have until August when my loans will be wanting to get repaid. Wish me luck :)

An Owl is Off...

2009-12-12T07:42:00.000-06:00

Well, at least soon. The post isn't open just yet, but today Stig will be taking off and heading his way to Cassandra with some delightful gifts. I would have gotten the package out much earlier than the deadline, in fact I had hoped on it, but this class as well as other life goings on just seemed to snowball. But I am happy to say that everything is completed, and ready to go. I hope that she enjoys the crocheted and knitted items. Yes, you heard right, knitted as well. I decided to test out my newly regained knitting skills by doing a couple of simple items. Okay... I will supplement this later. Right now I am off to work on my final class assignment before holiday break (which is due tomorrow). And later I have a birthday party for my friend, so I have yummy yarn to wind as well.

A Quick Post

2009-12-05T13:39:00.000-06:00

This week has been one large headache. I have a group project due and because everyone else didn't want the responsibility, I am group leader. The assignment was extremely vague and I finally got an explanation from the professor.. yesterday. The project, both the individual and group portions are due tomorrow before midnight. And to do the group portion, each member of the group must complete the individual portions first. Yes... such a joy.

Okay, well I better get back to my homework and get this cracked out before my group meeting at 7.

Wish me luck ;)

Wants to go the way of the bear and hibernate!!!

2009-11-28T21:45:00.001-06:00

Well this has been some week... There is proof that I did things but it feels way too much like one reaaaaallly long day just ran together with a few small intermittent naps. I have no idea where the time has gone, I really don't. I swear I got stuck in some time-space continuum and just stepped out with nearly a week elapsing. Wtf!

Class is going well. Is it done yet? Sadly, no. I still have a bit over two weeks left of class before the holiday break. This coming week is a "group" project which so far it seems our group is quite dysfunctional. Joy.

I ran to the store a bit ago to get more yarn for my spoilee's item. I ran out of yarn and after everything I hope it fits nicely. At some point in time I think I will make it for myself.

I have two three packages to get out in Monday's mail. I will post an edit to this with more info on Monday.

Turkey day was... turkey day... not too thrilling although the Packers won (my dad's team so yay)

Our xmas tree is up which means... it is now the Nightmare Before Christmas at home. Halloween should be everyday (imo) and here it nearly is ;)

Okay well I am off to bed to wake up before dawn so that I can get my homework done tomorrow. (My typical Sunday routine.)

Edit:

The three packages are on their way. One is headed to Minerva Lovegood and the other two are care packages to my wonderful assistant captain, Rowan and Perenelle, who is still recovering from surgery.

And here is our tree: -- Click on it to see it larger.

And here are just a few things that can be found on the tree:

And the inspiration for my tattoos :

I Am Thankful For...

2009-11-21T17:50:00.000-06:00

My family, my friend Nick, Ravelry and all my friends throughout the site, Lush and their wonderful products, all of the fantastic sheep that give up their coats so that I can crochet, spin, and knit, learning how to knit again, the Windy City knit group, the Stateline knit group, and my animals (Zeus, Athena, Hades, Wolf, and Ziggy)

Real Quick Post...

2009-11-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

This week blew by fast. I have made good headway with my spoilee's package. Only bit more to go of things to make and a few more finishing touches. I am really hoping to send during the early send which begins tomorrow!!! Well off to relax for a small bit before working on my homework.

Look Look Look!!!

2009-11-04T20:16:00.001-06:00

After many attempts to make my hands and my brain reconnect as to the right things to do so that I can once again knit... IT FINALLY WORKED AND... I'M KNITTING!!!

::happy dance::

::squee::

::happy dance::

I can do a long-tail cast on, and knit and purl in the Continental method! Even though I more dominant with my right hand, holding my yarn with my left hand is just more natural especially since I have been crocheting so much. I can not tell you how many times I have been attempting to get the hang of knitting again. I finally (after way too many tries) figured out that I was going wrong in my method. I have been trying the American way and it just felt way too cumbersome and I couldn't get the hang of things, which would lead to needles flying and me being pissed. Yesterday I nailed down the long tail cast on and Continental knit stitch through the help of a few books at home and some internet videos. Today I finally got the hang of the purl stitch and figured out what I was doing wrong. Even though it doesn't look like much, here is a tiny swatch of my CO, and 2x2 rib stitch! YAY!!!

Here is an extension I have 2x2, 3x3, and 1x1 all separated with rows of garter. I am so thrilled! :D

Some Visitors...

2009-11-03T19:26:00.000-06:00

We have quite a few visiting animals frequenting our back yard. There is a constant influx of birds that are quite humorous to see dive into the bush and then pop back out. Unfortunately due to the sudden drop in temperature, the bush has lost most of its leaves in a short amount of time. Another comical critter in our yard, that I have dubbed Jabba Squirrel because he is a portly sight and just seems to get fatter. I swear, pretty soon he probably won't be able to fit into his winter home. He is so chunky I want to just poke him ;)

A Boring Post...

2009-10-31T20:52:00.000-05:00

Let's see what has happened this week...

I had high hopes of going to an awesome party area of Chicago for Halloween with my friend. Unfortunately plans fell through. I could say plenty more but I will just leave it at that. Any plans that I do make on Halloween seem to fall through. It has been that way for years. I swear I have been cursed on what I consider my "new year". So instead of going out and having fun, I retired to the basement away from the ringing of the doorbell, that I let my parents answer. I had to get as far away from the doorbell because everytime it rings, my heart jumps (even if I know it is going to ring) and my heart is in a tricky state as it is. So no use trying to make it stop sooner than it should.

My car, Isis, is starting to die. It's sad because even though she is technically my second car, I have had her the longest and I got her when she was brand new back in 2002. I can't believe I have had her for seven years. I also can't believe just how much traveling I have done with her. I got her while I was living in Florida and she has been with me all through my moving including when I was living out in New Mexico. Ahhh those super long rides out in the desert, how I miss them so. Sadly, her breaks, spark plugs, wires, air filter, oil, O2 sensor, belts (which I found out are the original ones) need to all be fixed or replaced. And all costing way more money than I have. And because of this predicament I will be stranded in this prison of a town that I am living even more than I already am due to lack of a vehicle.

Thursday was fun. We actually got to finish three games of quidditch before we were rained out. I swear this Fall, if you can count on anything it is that it will rain on Thursday evening (when we have quidditch games scheduled). Oh well, it is still tons of fun even though we are out in the freezing rain and slipping and sliding around in the mud. Our matches this week were Ravagers vs Falcons, Falcons vs Hemlock, and Ravagers vs Hemlock. We (my team, the Ravagers) beat the Falcons easy-peasy. Their seeker is quite slow which makes us laugh because the snitch loves to taunt him. Unfortunately we lost to the Hemlocks. Their team is quite good and even though our chasers were scoring quite well against their team and our keeper did an excellent job of blocking their attempts, their seeker is one tough little bugger and ended up winning the game.

Well that is all I have to say... I could ramble on about my lovely MBA class having a group project due this weekend (lovely) but I will stop.

ttfn

What a Week...

2009-10-24T20:42:00.001-05:00

This week seemed to fly by. I don't know where the time has gone. This week also seemed to be the week for never ending rain. And this week's quidditch match got rained out, yet again... What is it with rain and Thursdays?!? While I do quite enjoy the rain, the constant hard rainfall can get bothersome, especially when there are crops that should be getting harvested. This year's corn crop has seemed to be plagued by problems. First there wasn't enough warm weather to get the crops grown fast enough. Now the rain is preventing them from being dried out enough to get combined. If you do it while they are still wet, you will end up with a lovely moldy mess in your silo. Poor corn :(

On a side note, 2.5 pumpkins down and 1.5 left to finish before Friday.
The baby blanket is roughly 40% done and that needs to be kicked out soon as well.
Hopefully I can get some good work done on Monday when I am riding the train for 4 hours or so into the not so local- LYS.

Where in the World is Winnie?

2009-10-17T15:22:00.013-05:00

10/15- Winnie gave us a clue in her letter as to where she is. I think she is at the Ministry of Magic in London. Poor Winnie having to deal with pesky wizards spouting lies. Don't they know any better?
- - -  - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - - -
10/24- Our second letter from Winnie has given us some interesting clues. It sounds like she is traveling all over. The first place I think she stopped this week was Larnach Castle in New Zealand. How lovely to travel there and skip out on Winter all together and go right into Spring ;) The second clue I am going to have to say is Stanstead, Quebec. Stanstead was combined with Rock Island and Beebe and were previously known as Tois Villages. I am unsure what the CLR and CLS clues mean in her letter though.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
10/31- From Winnie's clues I am guessing that she was looking for Cyprian Youdle in Queerditch Marsh and then ended up going to Appleby village located in Lincolnshire, which was sadly void of any shops. Clues- DNT
- -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
10/7- One of the stops Winnie mentions is a Capital city which lies where there once was a lake. I am going to say that this is Mexico City. Her second place this week gives a clue that kites are flown and made there. I found little on this but am throwing out my guess that it is Chile because it is tradition to fly them during their independence celebration. Her third stop this week landed her in a location with a pink library and nearby carnival. I am going to guess she landed in Brasil. Curious Letters- OT
- - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

11/14- Looks like Winnie has traded in South America for somewhere not as humid and has a lot more sand. She mentioned a book shaped library. Well, I found the Library in Dubai, UAE that is book shaped (i guess) Seen Here -->

But I think this building is much more book like - Don't you?

This building is located in Turkmenistan and is the National Press Building. I have found little about the building itself except where it is located and the name of it. However, I think they took their inspiration from the Derek Zoolander Center For Children Who Can't Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too. The second place Winnie mentions going is to see the pyramids in Giza, Egypt.

And more interesting letters -- DOTEOU

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12/5 - After Winnie seemingly going AWOL for nearly two weeks, Olive found some letters caught amongst the clutter on Siobhan's desk.

With her first clue, I think that she has been visiting the notoriously religious city of Rome which also contains the Vatican City. She must need to stock up on holy water and crosses for a reason. Her second place must be riddled with Vampires. I think she is somewhere in Romania. Perhaps in the famous area of Transylvania.

And even more mysterious letters -- HPCHWPYIQ

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12/12 - Winnie this week mentions going somewhere that was the beginning of Christmas which is also seemingly freezing in temperature. My guess is that she is up at the North Pole.

Clue letters- IR

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12/19- Oh my a mysterious package... whatever could be inside. It looks like the letters as to what has been going on throughout Winnie's travels has been about the STOLEN QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP TROPHY

Week 1 Assignment

2009-10-13T21:42:00.002-05:00

1.Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
Quietus- we both create our own costumes :D
2. Someone who was born in the same month.
Wisty - Both Cancers and July babies
3. Someone from a different country.
Emma Wigworthy- UK
4. A new HSKS Quidditch player.
Albatross Harbinger- Yay for the newbie :)
5. A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.
Hermoine!
6. A player who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!)
Rowan Dragonsinger- she claims 15 tubs of fibery goodness. I think she needs to open a store.
7. A player who both knits and crochets.
Ceelena Cree- Hooray for the best of both worlds
8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you.
Andromeda- Go black and red!

Ravatars!!!

2009-10-13T15:22:00.004-05:00

Stig Arrived Back Home

2009-10-10T20:23:00.001-05:00

Stig arrived back home... with a package!!! Oh my goodness! I was shocked when my little owl returned home with a package in tow. Cym sent back some amazing goodies with my little one.

This yarn is absolutely amazing! It is suuuuuuper soft. I love it. Don't worry, the lace weight is perfect and will become a beautiful shawl! I am still amazed at how soft it is. I am not sure what the other two are going to become, but the possibilities are near limitless. :) (I was just squeeing over the lace weight) lol

Yummy goodies!!! I can't wait to nom on these tomorrow while I am working on my homework.

Look at this gorgeous roving! Stig even loves it (as they totally match his colors). I can not wait to spin this. I think I am going to spin it to a fingering weight. The colors are so pretty and are not fully represented in this picture.

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much!!! I love everything :D This certainly was an awesome surprise. Cym, you totally rock :D

HP:LBOE Adorable RAOK

2009-10-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

Look at this very cute little snakey sock that I got from Lady Felula the Forgetful :) This sock is just too adorable. I absolutely love it :D What an awesome RAOK!

Hooray!!!

2009-10-02T14:30:00.003-05:00

Quidditch season is upon us!!! Can you believe it? Oh I am so excited for this season to be happening. I am really hoping that I make it as a beater or chaser this this season. Being a keeper is fine and all, but I really want to be deep in the action all over on the pitch rather than just in the scoring end.

Stay tuned for updates!!! :D

LBOE - Herbology

2009-09-01T16:28:00.002-05:00

A favorite muggle plant of mine is the herb plant- Chives, also known in the scientific world as Allium Schoenoprasum (gotta love seemingly nonsensical Latin). The Chive plant is a perennial plant and belong to the onion family, which is the main reason that I love them so much. The chive plant is very similar to the green onion plant with its growth of hollow tubes that make up the plant. There are several different types of chives, even a Chinese one that not only tastes of onion but garlic as well. How wonderful ;) Along with these different types, the flowers that are part of the plant vary in color too. Harvesting of chives needs to take place before August, unless you have a greenhouse or other indoor locale that you can grow and harvest from year round.

At The End...

2009-08-28T19:03:00.002-05:00

Sadly, tomorrow is the end of summer camp. I have really enjoyed my time meeting new people, hanging out with friends, and making more friends.

I hope that everyone had just as much fun as I did.

I can't wait until HSKS9! Quidditch, here I come :)

-Clara

LBOE Potions

2009-08-24T14:46:00.002-05:00

1 What were two potions made during Harry’s first year in Potions class?
*Boil cure potion
*Forgetfulness potion

2 What potion were the students making during the second year when Harry threw a firecracker in Goyle’s cauldron to create a diversion?
Swelling Solution

3 What potion imported from Peru did the Weasley brothers give Harry when he visited their store in Hogsmeade in Half Blood Prince?
Instant Darkness Powder

4 Name 5 ingredients available in the Students Store cupboard at Hogwarts.
*Knotgrass
*Lacewing Flies
*Fluxweed
*Nettle
*Moonstone

5 What tricky potion, which is an O.W.L. standard, is taught in fifth-year Potions?
Draught of Peace

6 What is the N.E.W.T.-level textbook for Potions during Harry’s sixth year?
Advanced Potion Making by Libatius Borage

7 Who invented Wolfsbane potion and who’s uncle was he?
Damocles, Marcus Belby's uncle

8 What 2 ingredients in your kitchen will make a fizzy potion? (used in home remedies to help
with bee stings)
Baking soda and Vinegar... though with me it had better be an epi pen

9 What ingredient added to a carbonated drink will make the drink foam? ( We all love these!)
Hint: A tree has …, your pint of ….. is on the bar , and you ….down a river
Ice cream. Rootbeer Float :D

Lily May's Owl has Arrived

2009-08-19T16:26:00.003-05:00

Caution... Yummy goodness and kit pron to follow :)

The package that was waiting for me on the porch along with a patient owl that definitely needed some care after such a long (and fast) journey.

Look at this adorable bag!!! There are three zippered compartments which all had goodies waiting inside for me. I can't believe how much she was able to cram in here ;) I think Hermoine must have put a charm on it for everything to fit.

These were waiting in the front pocket (they were wrapped of course, but I couldn't wait). The pen has a cute blue floral pattern on it. I also got a set of Slytherin stitch markers that I absolutely loooove. And look at that bracelet!!! Absolutely gorgeous blue and green beads that are so tiny. I love it so much. I have been trying to master that stitch, perhaps one day I will be able to :)

This is what was waiting in the middle pocket. Look at all the nummy treats. Mmmmm :)

When I unwrapped everything, I have a very nice set of dpn needles. I have been having trouble mastering these. But I really can't wait until I can and make soooo many more things. The hard candies are so nummy. I have already sampled a few. She also sent me some strawberry Chewits. I haven't ever had these before. But I can't wait to try them. And look at that cute journal with supply pictures on it. I love journal books. I always have one with me in my purse.

And this is what was waiting in the back zippered pouch. More candy, :) some mini sharpie markers, two balls of super soft and beautiful yarn, and patterns for berets!!! Now I really need to get better at my knitting techniques so that I can make these. :D

Inside that wrapped package was this beautiful shawl!!! Look at how amazing it is :) This looks like it is made of the same yarn that I was sent for the berets. I can't get over just how gorgeous it is. I can't wait to wear it out this Saturday.

Here is a closer look at the super soft beautiful yarn. The color is truly lovely :) The patterns are Springtime in Philadelphia, but the two are are a bit different in their designs. I just looked at some fo's on Ravelry and they look so amazing. I can't wait until I am able to make myself one.

Here is my entire kit. Thank you so very much Lily May!!! I completely love everything, you have really spoiled me! :D I am looking forward to showing off the beautiful shawl and making myself one of these beautiful berets once my knitting is up to par (which I really need to act on once I find a good lys with some classes).

Lily May you totally rock!!! :D

Stig Has Taken Flight!!!

2009-08-14T18:22:00.003-05:00

Here is the wonderful and terrific Stig :) He was thrilled to be taking flight. I hope he is able to get there safe and fast. Luckily Minnesota isn't far away.

And here is a teaser for Wisty :D

::crosses fingers:: Hopefully I added enough tissue paper so that shifting should be minimal.

HP: LBOE - DADA Assignment

2009-08-07T13:52:00.002-05:00

1) Which is the incantation one must say to repel a Dementor?
a. Anapneo
b. Riddikulus
c. Braccium Immendo
d. Expelliarmus
e. Expecto Patronum

2) Name the three “Unforgivable Curses.”
* The Imperius Curse
* The Cruciatus Curse
* The Killing Curse

3) What is the name given to the language of snakes, which is usually associated with the Dark Arts but that Harry Potter can speak?
Parseltongue

4) The ability to penetrate another’s mind and read their thoughts is…
a. Mind-reading
b. Psychology
c. Memory Alteration
d. Legilimency
e. Occlumency

5) What is the difference between a werewolf and an animagus?
A werewolf is someone that has been bitten and infected with lycanthropy. They have no choice but to change during the full moon. An animagus is a witch or wizard, that through transfiguration, can shift form into another animal at will. This animal is not necessarily a wolf form.

6) What Unforgivable Curse killed Harry Potter’s parents, the Riddle family and – in “Half-Blood Prince” – a certain main character?
The killing curse

7) What creature lurks in places where blood has been shed, waiting to attack unwary travellers?
a. Vampire
b. Redcap
c. Hag
d. Kappa
e. Banshee

8) How can a Petrified person be restored to their original state?
a. They can’t
b. Mandrake Draft
c. Pheonix Tears
d. Essence of Dittany
e. Skele-Gro

9) If a dementor kisses you, what has it done?
Consumed your soul

10) What is the name of a creature that is reanimated by a Dark Wizard to do his or her bidding?
a. Dementor
b. Inferius
c. Flobberworm
d. Boggart
e. Banshee

11) Which is the incantation one must say to repel a Boggart?
a. Obliviate
b. Protego
c. Expecto Patronum
d. Riddikulus
e. Stupefy

12) A Patronus by itself is not enough to repel a Dementor. What else is necessary?
a. A sad memory
b. A happy memory
c. A general memory
d. An angry memory
e. A confusing memory

13) The first basilisk is believed to have been bred by what wizard?
a. Uric the Oddball
b. Herpo the Foul
c. Emeric the Evil
d. Loxias
e. Antioch Peverell

14) The ability to conceal one’s thoughts from external penetration is…
a. Levitation
b. Occlumency
c. Mind Cloaking
d. The “GET THE HELL OUTTA MY BRAIN” Focusing Charm
e. Legilimency

15) What is the only cure to basilisk poison?
a. Essence of Dittany
b. Centaur Tears
c. Pheonix Tears
d. Unicorn Blood
e. Gillyweed

A WWW Owl Flew In

2009-08-05T15:11:00.003-05:00

An adorable owl flew in from Prendolyn with a Witch and Wizardly Wisecracks package. I love everything! Unfortunately she has been having some problems with her house elf. Her poor house elf made some stitch markers super tiny!!! But they are still totally adorable :) (The money is there to see just how tiny those really are)

She also sent me some pretty stitch markers that her house elf had not gotten hold of. And look at that yarn!!! It is soooo squishable. I'm not sure what to make with it just yet but whatever it will be, it's going to be lovely.

Here is the whole package for your perusing pleasure :) Thank you so much Prendolyn. Now to find someone to pass on the WWW goodnness ;)

An Interesting Day with the Horses

2009-07-31T18:43:00.002-05:00

::collapses onto her bunk:: Whew I am exhausted after working with the horses. One ended up getting loose and I had to go catch her. If I had hung on I most likely would have ended up getting hurt in one way or another, she is a really strong horse. Finally got her caught and calmed down and back in a pen in the barn.

And before that I had a colt get spooked and start rearing and bucking. Unfortunately I could not risk letting the colt go because it would have gotten injured if it was left to run free (because it isn't as familiar with the farm as the older horses are). We finally got him calmed down and into a pen with the three other babies.

Beyond that, things were going quite well.

Busy Busy Busy...

2009-07-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

Wow! I can't believe that today is already Thursday. Where has the week gone? So much left to do and not much time to do it.

Yesterday I did have quite a bit of fun out with the horses. It's amazing how much of the mother's personality is passed down into the babies. The one mare that is bipolar (she can be really sweet at times and at others she will try to kick you), her baby is a little spitfire that bosses around the other colt she is kept with. That other colt is Sammy, and he is as docile and sweet as can be, and his mother is just the same. She will work hard, not put up any fights and is a really nice horse. Her daughter has those same characteristics. And even though she is only two, she has been easy to train and is totally gentle with everyone. She is one of my favorites horses at the farm, but unfortunately she has been sold and will be leaving the farm in a month or two.

Summer Camp Activity #6

2009-07-30T16:38:00.007-05:00

1. What potion contains powdered moonstone and syrup of hellbore?

Draught of Peace

2. What potion is used what someone gets petrified?

Mandrake Draught

3. What potion would you give someone if you wanted to hear nothing but nonsense coming from them?

Babbling Beverage

4. Fred and George suggested that Lee Jordan use WHAT potion after he had tested their Fever Fudge?

Murlap Essence

5. Mrs. Scower's Magical Mess Remover

6. Shrinking Solution

7. Wit Sharpening Potion

*Forgetfulness Potion (for s&g) lol

HP: LBOE

2009-07-28T14:20:00.005-05:00

Care of Magical Creatures

1. What are two magical creatures that are kept as domestic pets in magical households?

Owls and cats

2. What creature resembles a ferret?

Jarvey

3. Are unicorn babies- a. Pink b. Green c. Blue d. Gold

d. gold

4. Name 4 breeds of dragons.

Chinese Fireball

Peruvian Vipertooth

Ukranian Ironbelly

Norbert - Norwegian Ridgeback

5. What are the magical properties of a phoenix?

Potent healing qualities from their tears, can carry great weight when flying, immune to a Basilisk's stare, disappear and reappear at will, song can inspire or bring fear to enemies

This little guy is Coal. He at one time used to be a adorned with lovely shaggy black/ blue fur. Unfortunately he got into some trouble when a witch (that shall remain nameless) hit him (accidentally) with an incendio spell. Luckily i put him out in time before more harm was done, but my poor little Coal only has remnants of some stray hair sprouting on his blackened body. He gets quite scared around anything lit, flashes, and flickers. He looks so scared in this picture because he knew there would be a flash, the poor little guy. Even though he has had a traumatic experience, he is just as lovable as ever.

HSKS8 Activity #5

2009-07-22T13:36:00.005-05:00

My camera battery finally died and at the moment I can not locate the charger. Lovely muggle devices. If I do find it and get a chance to take all new pics before the game is up... I will :) However the source is listed, some were taken by me and others I found online.

1. Animagus

- I found this animagus strutting about in the Brookfield Zoo. They are loud and annoying but so pretty.
* Taken at the zoo in 2007
2. Daily Prophet

- They need your help!!!
* Found on photobucket
3. Bowtruckle

An elusive Bowtruckle hiding amongst the trees on Washington Island

* Taken in 2007
4. Extendable Ear

- A little dangling, spying ear

*Found on Potter wiki
5. Radish Earrings

- A pretty radish
* found through flikr

6. Forbidden Forest

- Washington Island, WI
* View from the ferry heading from the little island (Rock Island) to the big island (Washington Island) 2007

7. Golden Cherub

- Taken in Rockafeller Center
*I took this in 2000 when I lived in NYC

8. Thestral

- A picture of the Horntail, Aragog, and a Thestral at the Harry Potter Exhibit in Chicago
*from a newspaper

9. High Inquisitor

- A High Inquisitor - one of my former instructors. She knows how to put the fear in others.

*2007 Graduation

10. Educational Decree

- Me and a friend at graduation - Note the Diploma folder

*2007 Graduation

HP: LBOE Homework 7/21

2009-07-21T18:00:00.004-05:00

Arithmancy:

Character Number: 6

Six represents harmony, friendship, and family life. Sixes are loyal, reliable, and loving. They adapt easily. They do well in teaching and the arts, but are often unsuccessful in business. They are sometimes prone to gossip and complacency.

Heart Number : 7

Perceptive, understanding, and bright, sevens enjoy hard work and challenges. They are often serious, scholarly, and interested in all things mysterious. Originality and imagination are more important than money and material possessions. Sevens can also be pessimistic, sarcastic, and insecure.

Social Number: 8

Eight indicates the possibility of great success in business, finance, and politics. Eights are practical, ambitious, committed, and hard working. They can also be jealous, greedy, domineering, and power-hungry. Eight is said to be the most unpredictable of numbers and can indicate the pinnacle of success or the depths of failure; the potential to go either way is present from the beginning.

This is a seven pointed star that represents my heart number. I would have done it in black, but the stitches would have been more difficult to see. My favorite trait of a seven is pessimistic (not everyone's favorite, I know). I represent this aspect quite well. I am not overly pessimistic, but always someone that points out the reality of a theory.

Astronomy:

The Moon (as in Earth's Moon)

First off why does Earth's only natural satellite have no other name than "the moon"? Other celestial bodies have proper names for their satellites such as Saturn's Titan, Jupiter's Io, or even Mars' Phobos; but Earth only has Moon. However the term "moon" is used to describe these natural satellites revolving around the other planets. Okay, off of my soap box and onto some information.

I chose the moon because I am a Cancer, astrology wise, and am "ruled" by the moon. The moon completes an orbit around the Earth every 27.3 days, and with the Earth orbiting around the sun at the same time, it takes around 29.5 days for the same phase of the moon to repeat itself for us to see on Earth. Confusing, I know. Although I was always told the moon completes a cycle in 28 days.

* The moon also holds the key to the oceans tides through it's gravitational force on the Earth.

* The phrase "once in a blue moon" comes from the unusual happening of having two full moons occur within a month. The second full moon is called a "blue moon". Later this year the blue moon will occur on December 31. The next blue moon will be on August 31, 2012.

The New Moon - For starting new ventures, looking for a new job, beginning new relationships

The Waxing Moon - For constructive spells: love, wealth, health, luck, and other things that need time to grow

The Full Moon - The best time to look to the future. Spells concerning divination and forecasting. This is also a time to put protection spells into effect. Also the best time to allow your tools to soak in the power of the full moon

The Waning Moon - Time for banishment as well as binding. A time to kick addictions, rid yourself of struggles and troubles.

My "triple goddess" kerchief for Pagan Pride coming up. The blue represents the waxing, full, and waning moons.

HSKS8 - Another Week

2009-07-21T17:39:00.002-05:00

Oh my... it is only Tuesday and I am already ready for the week to be through with. I have been sleeping, unfortunately I have not been sleeping well so I feel constantly tired. I saw HBP on Saturday night and loved it! I am going to see it again tomorrow with a friend sporting my Slytherin gear again.

I was supposed to head out to the horse farm today, but my aunt wasn't feeling well so I picked her up. I will proabably head out to the horse farm on Thursday.

Oh and Monday was the beginining of my next class: Leadership and Ethics in Management. So for the next five weeks, I get to do that. I am so ready to be done with this degree. Online classes are much more difficult and not near as fun as on campus courses.

I have over half of my squares to finish sewing in ends on. They are coming along, just slowly... grr the clock is counting down to July 31. On a good note, I finished the baby blanket. I am still going to make a baby hat or something as well. Oooh and I found out I can still knit and purl, so now I just have to master working with DPN when my knitpicks shipment comes in.

I have stuff gathered and incoming for my spoilee, I also have a few things to finish. So many things to do, so little time to do it. I am working on making task lists, since I am the master of lists lol

Off to work on something else...

Events of the week

2009-07-16T11:25:00.006-05:00

Well this week has certainly gone by in a flash. I have been working on finishing two afghans. One for myself which needs to be done at the end of this month and the other for my cousin's wife who is having a baby and the shower is at the beginning of August. Oh such fun.

And then...

Tuesday I met up with a friend and we went roaming around for awhile then headed out to the library and a bookstore. Odd places to find a Slytherin, I know. But what can I say, one of my best friends is a Ravenclaw. And oddly enough I know my way around the library and am able to search for things better than he is. lol

Wednesday I went and had fun with the horses. I rode Candle for awhile. It has been nearly ten years since I have been riding and was the third time I have ridden in my entire life. I have mostly dealt with the large draft horses that were for working in one way or another. Needless to say, my butt and thighs are kicking today.

After riding, we worked with the babies a bit to get them better accustomed to people. They are weaned and no longer with their mums. We have been trying to get them to not be as skittish. Yesterday it seems after working with them for hours that we accomplished that. Even as far as being able to walk them on a lead out of their pen, down the long driveway and onto the country road. During their walk we were teaching them simple commands like walk, stop, back, and just getting used to being led and touched. These are the two babies: Flicker and Sammy (the pics are from when they were much smaller)

Lucky me that this weekend is the Midwest Fiber and Folk Festival. Woo hoo fibery goodness as birthday presents :) lol This will be my very first fiber festival! I can't wait!!! I am going on Friday alone to browse and squish and possibly squee... oh who are we kidding, there most definitely will be squeeing, especially since animals will be there :D

There is going to be a spinning guild that is somewhat near me in attendance there so I am taking my new spindle, roving to practice with, and some pretty purple roving in hopes that I can start spinning myself some yarn.

And... in honor of some good old Slytherin Pride... I painted my nails our pretty house colors.

This Week...

2009-07-09T12:34:00.002-05:00

I sent out three packages to fellow campers earlier this week and they should all be delivered this week. Is it just me, or are the camp owls really snails? lol Perhaps I should have just set the packages on their beds. Oh well I didn't want anyone other than the packages' intended owners to get a hold of them.

This camp just gets more and more amazing. I found an equestrian area with a ring, stables, and lots of horses. While they might be muggle and not magical, that doesn't make them any less fun. I spent a good amount of time with them on Monday and I am going back out there soon. And there is a yummy... what's the word... ranch hand... stable boy... anyways he works at the stables and his name is Dragoslav.

Speaking of yummyness. I saw our DADA counselor stalking about the grounds the other night. I didn't dare make myself known, instead I just watched in awe as he walked about.

Anyways... off to go check on others before I head out to visit the horses.

Activity 3

2009-07-09T12:00:00.003-05:00

Boggart!!!

::cupboard opens::
Riddikulus!!!

Now look at the frightful dementor! lol :)

Happenings at Camp

2009-07-02T15:12:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I took a fantastic hike around the camp at dusk. I ended up wandering around and found out there there is a group of about 20 hot guys camping across the lake from us. While I am pretty sure that they are muggles, they are still quite steamy. I plan on ~~sneaking out~~ visiting our camping neighbors. I want to make sure they feel "at home and welcome". ;)

In other news, I am working hard at finishing my house unity blanket. It is coming along nicely, just taking more yarn than I thought for the border color. I think I am going to have to send a letter to my parents to send an owl with more yarn. I am really looking forward to having this blanket adorn my bed here.

Athena and Zeus are having a blast here at camp. They love playing on my bed and in my yarn. No they aren't making a mess! I think they just like nuzzling against the soft yarn.

I am also working on compiling goodies for my inner-cabin spoilee Wisteria. ;) I also have an owl on its way here right now with prizes for my fellow campers. As soon as the owl arrives, the pretty goodness will be given to Piper and Violet.

Summer Camp Activity #2

2009-06-30T15:19:00.004-05:00

Part One:
In the second volume of the HP books by JK Rowling, The (#1)Chrome Cab Festers, we continue to learn the incredible adventures of Hogwarts student (#2) Parry He Trot and his friends (#3) Oral Weensy and (#4) Angering Her More. Belonging to the house of (#5) Dry Off Grin, they attend Defense Against the (#6) Ark Darts taught by Wizarding celebrity (#7) Oracle Dorky Light, a none-too-bright fellow who cannot even handle pixies!
In The (#8) Chrome Cab Festers, we also meet Dobby a (#9)See Flu Oh for the first time. Determined Dobby seeks to sabotage the return of (#10) Parry He Trot to Hogwarts and is pretty persistent but is unsuccessful. After a few weeks at school, the deceased Ravenclaw student who haunts the girls lavatory, also known as (#11) My Molten Grain, shows (#12) Parry He Trot and (#13) Oral Weensy an old empty diary that dropped through her ghostly form out of thin air!
Many nifty things continue to happen for the next several months… we won’t go into all the juicy details right now… however, the ending is prime reading indeed!! (#14) Parry He Trot finally kills Tom Riddle’s (a.k.a #15 Mold Voter) sneaky diary (which we now know is a #16 Crux Rho) and saves the sister of (#17) Oral Weensy, (#18) Gayly Nine Sew!!!
Oh! Of course, we must mention that the thickheaded (#19) Oracle Dorky Light unintentionally erased his own memory, so he won’t be back for book three, The (#20) Snob In A Froze Parka…

1. Chamber of Secrets

2. Harry Potter

3. Ron Weasley

4. Hermoine Granger

5. Gryffindor

6. Dark Arts

7. Gilderoy Lockhart

8. Chamber of Secrets

9. House Elf

10. Harry Potter

11. Moaning Myrtle

12. Harry Potter

13. Ron Weasley

14. Harry Potter

15. Voldemort

16. Horcrux

17. Ron Weasley

18. Ginny Weasley

19. Gilderoy Lockhart

20. Prizoner of Azkaban

Part Two:

17-4, 14-1, 9-6, 3-3
18-2, 3-3
19-4, 11-2, 9-3, 8-5, 15-9
7-1, 11-2
15-9, 11-2
15-9, 14-1, 9-6
13-8, 18-2, 8-5, 16-3, 6-5, 16-3, 5-3!

"W, H, E, N
I, N

D, O, U, B, T

G, O

T, O

T, H, E

L, I, B, R, A, R, Y!" - Ron Weasley. Why? Because that's what Hermoine does. ;)

Oh The Fun ;)

2009-06-25T18:59:00.003-05:00

Well this week has been quite exciting...

It was awesome chatting with all of the campers at the Campfire on Tuesday. Unfortunately other campers have been causing some havok in our cabin. Thistle, Wisty's relative (how she can be related to her, I am not sure) set frogs lose in the cabin and I came in to find Zeus and Athena eating them. Why, I don't know because they have never eaten frogs before, and they were letting Lily May's spider Ollie boss them around. It was a sight to see, although kind of disgusting.

Wisty also had some mean pixies or something else that made a horrible mess or nest in some of her pretty yarn. Thistle was at it again. I swear one of these days Thistle will be walking around blue, purple, or perhaps even green ;) Keep a watch out for a colorful camper.

But in the mean time I am working on an anti-Thistle spell while Wisty is away.

Summer Games Week 1

2009-06-16T21:07:00.004-05:00

Part 1

10 things I brought to camp that begin with the letter C:
cashews
candy
cards
cookies
chamomile face mask
candles
crochet hooks
clothing
cactus
chocolate

Part 2
WINGO
W1 - Allitrya Spelling (Peoria, IL) (closest person to me at 150 miles)
W2 - Hermoine Bagnold
W3 - Lily May Clearwater (Phoenix)
W4 - Casandra Crimsonchin
W5 - Penelope of Flitwick
I1 - Prendolyn the Weird
I2 - Gryphon the Great (3)
I3 - Lizzie Wychwood (Edinburgh)
I4 - Wisteria Lovegood (July)
I5 - Emma Wigworthy
N1 -
N2 - Piper Poplartree
N3 - Rowan Dragonsinger
N4 - Fleur Dolohov (piano)
N5 - Clara Clovenhoof (Chicago)
G1 - Bridget the Bloodthirsty
G2 - Luna Lovegood (391)
G3 - Patagonia Pinkstone
G4 - Intarsia Bindoff (dragon)
G5 - Emma Gorodok (German)
O1 - Helga Ze Horrid (Denmark)
O2 - Antionio de la Weasley
O3 - Quietus Snape (masks)
O4 - Cassandra Grubbly Plank
O5 -

Part 3

Spoiler - Lily May Clearwater - I am in awe of how many finished projects she has posted. While there were so many to choose from, my eyes were immediately drawn to her Slythering Snakes fingerless gloves that she made for her spoilee in HSKS6. They are so adorable! The snakes even have little tongues!

Spoilee - Wisteria Lovegood - Made an amazing Lucy bag for her HSKS5 spoilee. It was done in puffball colors, but she added stripes and an awesome fair isle border pattern around the top of the bag. Her alterations made the pattern look even cooler than it already is.

It's Time for HSKS8 -- Summer Camp!!!

2009-06-12T15:07:00.003-05:00

Hello all of my fellow campers!

I'm Clara Clovenhoof of Slytherin and here at Summer Camp, I am the couselor for Ashwinder Cabin.

Summer Camp is quite different than Hogwarts. Here at camp, we are striving for House Unity. This is meant to be an fun and friend building experience. I'm not saying this is going to be easy, but it will bring all of our campers the opportunity to reachout and participate more with others that are not within their house. I hope everyone enjoys their activites with their cabin mates as well with other campers.

Like at Hogwarts, things you do count for points. Although this time, it is towards our cabin points rather than house points. Please help Ashwinder Cabin by keeping up on your blogging. We will have activites and games to help you for your blogging requirement.
__________________________________________________

Now onto some fun with your first activity!!!

This activity is to get familiar with your cabin mates of Ashwinder Cabin.
Please blog on your blog, not the cabin blog --> 3 truths and 1 lie about yourself (NOT your Potter character).
*Refer to my 3 truths and a lie below for an example. (I am also posting the example on the cabin blog, just for your reference)
*Please have this posted by the end of week 1 for fun and participation points
*During week 1 and 2, please comment on each other's 3 truths and a lie post as to which one you think is a LIE
_____________________________________________

Clara Clovenhoof's 3 truths and a lie:
1. I am an avid reader
2. I am the caretaker for an assortment of reptiles
3. I know how to install drywall and hang windows
4. I have an older brother and a younger sister

HPKCHC OWL Half

2009-06-10T19:40:00.004-05:00

Half of the afghan... this is the width and half of the length.

Piles of the squares

One big pile of the squares. 6 of each.

HPKCHC OWL

2009-05-30T14:12:00.003-05:00

HPKCHC May

2009-05-28T19:11:00.006-05:00

An Awesome RAoK Package for Rowena Weasley

2009-04-28T08:01:00.002-05:00

An owl was waiting on my doorstep yesterday with a RAoK package from Rowena Weasley!!! She sent some amazing Eco light green yarn (perfect for now and the lovely season coming up). She also stalked my queue for two patterns, Hermoine's hat and the Lace-Up Opera gloves :) I also got my very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard!!! I love everything. Thank you sssssssoooo much Rowena!

I Just Got My Package from Ella!!!

2009-04-21T11:38:00.004-05:00

A beautiful Slytherin Crest. Absolutely awesome! :)
Here is my package in its entirety. Oogle it and take in its splendor ;) Ella certainly did spoil me well! I love absolutely everything!!!! :D Thank you so very much!
I got 4 balls of sock yarn! Woo hoo! Now I can get cracking on my first pair of socks. I love the colors of both types. The one has blues and greens and I think it is the self striping kind ;) The second set is way greener than it appears in the photo. In fact, it is a perfect Slytherin green with a hint of grey spun into it. Once I finish this post I am going to cast on my first pair of socks using this yarn :) The circ is just the perfect size to use the magic loop. Wish me luck!!! ;)Look at the pretty Slytherin color bags. Not only did I get 1, but I got 3 awesome project bags. They are just the perfect size to stuff in a WIP and toss in my purse so that my wallet doesn't attach itself to my yarn... yeah that has happened before.

There was so much... I had to turn this into two posts! Continue reading below...

Part 2 of My Package

2009-04-21T11:08:00.002-05:00

I got a Vogue knitting magazine with some amazing and inspiring patterns inside. Ella also sent me two books. I love to read and these two books are right up my alley. The cool thing is that the books get registered and when you are done reading, you pass them along to someone else... or at least that's what I gathered from the tag inside. I haven't checked out the website yet.

Look at all the wonderful goodies. I got some firewhiskey chocolate.... mmmm ;) There's the cute card with the little knitting sheep (look below). A multi inked pen. Some adorably awesome ducky index tabs for marking pages. (They are almost too cute to use) I also got a neat puzzle like post card of Taiwan. There is also a cool plastic Slytherin Crest ( it is in the picture just a bit hidden). Do you see what else there is??? Slytherin colored paper clips!!! How cool is that!

An adorable close up of the knitting sheep on the card that came in my package. I absolutely love it :)

Thank you SSSSSSSOOOO much Elladora!!!! Everything is absolutely fabulous! I am in the process of casting on my first pair of socks with the lovely green and silver sock yarn. I can't wait to wear them when they are done.

Quidditch Round 3

2009-04-15T12:27:00.004-05:00

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?
a. Black
b. Lupin
c. Pucey
d. Finnigan

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?
a. Evans
b. Malfoy
c. McGonagall
d. Flitwick

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?
Nicholas Flammel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?
a. Theodore
b. Cedric
c. Viktor... mmm Viktor
d. Vincent

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
a. Creevey
b. Patil
c. Zabini
d. Vane

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?
a. Maurice Sendak
b. Chris Van Allsberg
c. Ezra Jack Keats
d. John Steptoe

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?
a. The Flagrante Curse
b. The Thieves’ Downfall
c. Anti-summoning Enchantments
d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
a. Another Death Eater’s back
b. George’s wand hand
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand
d. George’s face

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
a. James was older
b. 6 months
c. 1 month
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?
a. Grimp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
c. Gamp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration
d. Grimp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

George

McGonagall

Patil

Where The Wild Things Are

Stig will be taking flight!!!

2009-04-12T19:00:00.006-05:00

Monday Stig will be taking flight from the post headed to Kaae in Denmark. I may need to hire a second owl if everything does not fit in one box. Tracking numbers... well customs numbers will be posted later so you can hopefully keep track of my little owl. I am sure he will be exhausted when he arrives to Kaae.

Should I post a teaser picture for you to oogle? I have some pictures of all the lovely gifts all wrapped and ready to go.

As always... Watch for updates ;)

Update 4/15

Everything managed to fit in one box. Although my owl Stig was unable to carry it. He was just too small for the package. Instead it's being delivered by a lovely bird named Mara. Feel free to check her flight through USPS tracking code CP987257951US. Poor Mara has to fly all the way to Denmark although she should be there before the end of this month. Although the post says 6-10 days, you never know.

Update 4/16

Mara left the country with her package to Kaae around 6am this morning. I hope she doesn't run into any problems while crossing the ocean. Hopefully she takes a rest somewhere in the EU once she reaches land again.

Update 4/21

Mara has touched down in Denmark at 8:15 this morning. I'm not sure, but that is probably Kaae's local time so hopefully she should be getting the package when she arrives home today. :) Or maybe with the time difference, she already has!!!

Gift From My Spoiler

2009-04-07T09:58:00.004-05:00

While Elladora was traveling to and from Edinburgh to meet up with Lizzie, Emma G., Emma W., Hermoine, and Lily she collected some things to send to me. :)

Yes the package of the Kagifretli is open ;) I couldn't help it. They are so nummy!!! She also sent chocolate frogs, but said she decided to keep the cards for herself. I got some awesome pins from Scotland. They rule! The beautiful green sock yarn has aloe vera in it. How cool is that! The sock yarn also came with thread to sew (or repair). I think I might use the yarn to make the no purl Monkey socks. And she also sent a groovy Slytherin worthy bank. And just like the store (or Slytherins) once you give it money, you don't get it back. Perhaps the money automatically gets deposited into Gringotts. I absolutely love everything!!! Thank you so much Elladora :)

Calm in the Eye of the Storm

2009-04-03T08:21:00.002-05:00

This past week has been interesting. Last weekend, I finally moved and Monday was spent cleaning my apartment. You know the fun cleaning - dusting, vaccuuming, mopping, washing everything. To top it all off this has all been happening during class. I still have to do this week's homework. joy. And this weekend, I need to make sense of the boxes that are packed so that things are put away. And my room (as well as most of the house) stops looking like a storage unit.

The ducks came back to our pond, these are the same ones that we have had for the past three years. These ducks were sweet, they knew who we were and would come close to you when you went outside. Then a few days ago I noticed another male on top of the neighbor's house. This is where all the trouble began. Yesterday morning there was a fight in our pond between three males. Since then I have not seen our mated pair. Yesterday afternoon a pair was in the pond, but it was not the usual one because they acted like they didn't know me. (the regular ones, see me and practically come running towards me) This morning there is just another lone male in the pond. I wish our backyard and pond did not become a territory argument. I miss our bonded pair. I really hope that they come back soon.