8:30 Mar.26 - Earth Hour

Saturday March 26 at 8:30 p.m.

Turn off your lights for Earth Hour.

Let's be good to our earth.

Flowers for Spring

Flowers for Spring

I was inspired when I found The Sisterhood of the Flower group on facebook ...

... and then found the tutorial at Dawn's blog - though we've changed it up a bit and instead of making a fabric-covered button we make a tiny yoyo and a button. 

Oh, and use dental floss - it's so much stronger!

They are rather addictive and fun so I'll enjoy them now and then as a break from knitting and crochet! 

I don't think I'll be making them for my etsy shop but they're still a fun little thing to work on every now and then.

Aw, my Poor Magnolia!!!

Darn those critters!

I think it might have been bunnies.

The snow melted and look at my Magnolia!!!

I am not so sure it will survive this. 

I'm so bummed.

I'm not much of a gardener so when I have a beautiful plant/bush/tree, I really treasure it. 

And we'd never had to do anything to protect our Magnolia before so finding that something had chewed all round the trunk is pretty sad.

Here are some blooms to remember .. and hope for a miracle that the Magnolia survives.

 

Thankfully I do have my photos ... I have more available in my etsy shop ~ ennadoolf ~ to keep my flowers year 'round.

Spring Ahead!

Ack!  We're going to lose an hour's sleep tonight! 

At least it means Spring is on its way!

So, before you go to bed, or as soon as you get up - remember to set your clocks ahead!!

Tips When Visiting the Dominican Republic

I received these recently and thought I'd share. If you have any tips you'd like to share, please leave a comment!

And if you've travelled to the Dominican and are wishing you were back on vacation, you need one of my Caribbean Memories dishcloths to remind you of your vacation while back at home!

TIPS:

Bring pen in carry-on to fill out customs/tourist info on the plane

 

All visitors Must get a Mandatory $10 US cash only Tourist Card Upon Arrival.

All visitors Must pay $20 US per person when leaving the Dominican Republic.

Make a couple of photocopies of the identification page of your passport. Leave one photocopy at home and take one with you, but keep it in an separate place to your passport.

The resort will keep a copy of your hotel confirmation (attached to your e-ticket, so be sure to print a copy for them)

Take a travel mug with stainless steel inside & lid - this will keep your drinks extra cold and also keep sand and bugs out of it.

Pack a swim suit and flip flops in your carry on. When you arrive at the resort your room may not be ready.

Clothes pins to hang your swim suit.

Watch as your luggage is put on your bus, get on the bus and relax and see the countryside on the way to your resort and watch to be sure your luggage is taken off the bus!

Men be sure to bring one pair slacks for a la carte restaurants

Bring $1 US dollar bills for tips (such as for maids, person who fills the fridge in your room, bartenders, waiters, bell hops etc.)

US funds widely accepted at hotel or when out shopping. If you are planning any souvenirs US dollars are accepted by everyone

There is lots of food at the resort. There is always a restaurant open somewhere and usually room service but if you crave snacks like potato chips, etc. you may want to bring some along.

Voltage the same as North America so no adaptor necessary

Bringing a floatie for the pool might be fun - and you can leave it behind for others to enjoy after you leave.

There are lots of activities at all resorts to keep you busy, but if you like, bring a book or magazine - or your knitting!  :)

My First Official Crochet Project

 My first official crochet project!

This is my first “real” project after learning to crochet a few weeks ago.

Since I need to make 2, I thought I’d work on both at the same time just to make sure they turn out the same.

I am using the recommended hook size and some yarn from my stash that is just a worsted weight or so. I wanted to see the size I would make with these since my gauge is not very good, etc.

For my first project, it’s not too bad. I know it is full of mistakes but I just kept going as I’m not good enough yet to recognize errors or fix them. I did not use a contrasting colour for the loop to minimize anyone noticing the errors. :) hehe

For the next pair I will go to a smaller hook and/or a lighter weight of yarn to make the smaller pair that I was asked to make.

Here is the pattern for these Mary Jane Slippers.

I really enjoyed this pattern and have switched to a smaller hook - 4.5 mm - and a smaller yarn and have started the next pair ... one at a time this time!

Visit me on Ravelry to watch my progress.

I may also post updates on my facebook page.