Sep 25th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
Well, that’s actually not entirely true. Because this Friday isn’t completely about the cocktail, it’s also about the vodka. My new favorite vodka to be exact. Saw this in Trader Joe’s a few weeks ago…
and was intrigued enough to try it out. Okay, I’ll admit it was the bottle’s design that drew me in. I’m a sucker for great packaging. But upon closer inspection, I learned that not only is the bottle made from 85% recycled glass, the label on the bottle is made with 100% post consumer paper with special water based inks that won’t harm the environment, each bottle comes with a pre-paid envelope to use for returning the bottle’s metal swing top closure, AND for each bottle closure returned $1.00 is donated to a local environmental organization. Even their retail shipping containers and marketing materials are are made with recycled products!
Not to mention, should you decide not to recycle the bottle, it makes a great olive oil container! But I digress…
All of this eco-friendliness means nothing if the vodka in the bottle sucks. Which it doesn’t. In fact, it’s quite good! 360 Vodka is distilled 4x and filtered 5x which makes it very, very smooth. Perfect for a vodka rocks, a dirty martini or anything in-between.
Apparently I’m not the only one smitten because it’s always sold out at TJ’s these days. And as for price.. about $18 at TJ’s and about $25-31 everywhere else, but well worth the cost.
Of course I couldn’t end this post without a fancy cocktail, so I present to you a new favorite…
The 360 Solar Flare
- 1-1/4 oz 360 Vodka
- 2 strawberries, sliced
- 6 mint leaves, torn in half
- 1 oz simple syrup
Muddle above ingredients in glass. Top with 1-2 oz lemon-line soda. Serve over ice. Drink responsibly!
Posted in: Cocktails, Fancy Cocktail Friday, Vodka.
Sep 22nd, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
And so is my self imposed hiatus. So, what did you do for your summer vacation? And what’s on your needles or hooks?
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Tagged: end of summer
Jul 4th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
Doors open. Doors close. New opportunities appear just as old ones complete themselves. Sometimes change is easy, sometimes not so much. One thing for sure, it’s the one thing in life you can completely count on. Change happens whether you want it to or not.
In fact, as some of you know, I’m in the midst of some of major life changes. On Friday, my shop closed its doors for the last time. On the one hand that may seem like a bad thing, but honestly, I know that one door has to close in order for make room for another to open. And truthfully, I’m looking forward to finding out what’s on the other side of that door. But I will admit to this being a little bittersweet. There are a lot of knitters, crocheters and spinners I’ve come to know and love over the years. I’ll miss seeing them on a daily basis. Getting to know so many amazing crafty divas and dudes, and basking in the glow of their creativity has been illuminating and inspiring.
Thanks to all of you, especially the ladies of the yarn table. You kept me smiling, pitched in to help customers when the shop was busy, shared your lives, loves and triumphs, told your friends, and made A Mano a wonderful place to be. You’ve given me many, many memories that I will cherish forever.
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it one more time… you guys rock my world!
What’s next? Anyone who knows me knows I have many irons in many fires. But for now, I’ll just take a little time to regroup and chill. I’m planning to get back into blogging regularly, I’ll even have time to re-join my knitting groups (whose support and energy I’ve missed). I’ll still be designing as well. In fact, hat season is right around the corner and I’m already thinking up new designs for the fall. And who knows, I may even open a store again one day. If you want to know what I’m up to, be sure to check in here from time to time or you can always find me on Ravelry.
Until then…. knit (or crochet or spin) on, be well, and I’ll see you around. And thanks again for the memories. It’s been an amazing ride. Now… onwards and upwards.
Posted in: Knitting, Uncategorized.
Jun 26th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Jun 25th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
Still doing that. I’m slowly making progress on my green Malabrigo Sock sweater. Here it is on a little road trip to the Playboy Jazz Festival…
The color looks even better in the sun. But honestly, the music was so good that very little progress was made. It’s hard to knit and dance in he aisles at the same time!
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Jun 24th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
This has been one crazy week. Last Saturday I found out a good friend – one of “the girls” – was in the hospital. Sunday I found out she had leukemia, was being treated with a blood thinner to help break up some blood clots, had fallen and hit her head, had several deep brain bleeds, was unconscious and on a ventilator. Sunday evening, I went to see her and when I looked at her I knew the feeling I had when I got the call was right. Somehow, instinctively, I knew I’d never see her alive again.
Monday evening she was taken off the ventilator and peacefully and quietly passed away 20 minutes later.
This week has been filled with old friends, gatherings, reminiscing, tears, laughter, happy memories, prayers, hugs and lots of love. It culminated this Saturday with a birthday party for another of the girls that we’d planned 3 weeks ago when we were all last together & celebration of life.
What I was reminded of is this…
Life is fragile. Everyday is not promised. Love your family and friends, love yourself, tell the people you love that you love them, and live everyday to the fullest.
Janice… I love you girl. We all miss your smile, your honesty, your boldness, your love of life. The girls – all of of us – have been inspired by you and hope to take a little bit of your fabulousness and vivaciousness and make it our own. In that way, you and your spirit continue to live through us.
I, for one, do not mourn your death – I celebrate your life and thank you for being my friend. And I miss you.
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Jun 19th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
The Vodka Martini is (in my opinion) the most perfect drink in the world, especially when it’s dirty and made with really good vodka. The best one I’ve ever had came from the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples, FL. In fact, I took a Martini class there with the man who became my favorite bartender in the world – a man who would see you coming and have your drink waiting for you by the time you sat down at the bar.
He would fill a shaker with crushed ice, then he’d grab a handful of green olives, crush them over the ice and drop them in the shaker, then he added 2 ounces or so (maybe more, who knows…) of Belvedere, waved the unopened bottle of vermouth over the shaker, put a glass over the shaker and shook the crap out of it. Then he’d strain it into a large martini glass. And just when you thought the drink was ready, he pulled some really wonderful bleu cheese out of the fridge, stuffed 3 huge green olives with it, placed them on a skewer and popped them in the glass. Did I mention he did all of this when he saw you walking up to the bar and had it ready by the time you sat down?
I’ve tried, with varying degrees of success, to duplicate this drink. I get close… but never once have I been able to duplicate it. I’m not entirely convinced he didn’t have a secret ingredient that he never disclosed. Haven’t been to the Ritz in Naples for a couple of years, but I still think about that martini and the most amazing bartender ever.
Posted in: Cocktails, Uncategorized, Vodka.
Jun 12th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
It’s Friday, the beginning of the weekend and the prefect day to enjoy a little libation. And being the generous crafty diva that I am, I want to share a virtual drink with my friends. So from now on, Friday is Fancy Cocktail Day! The plan is to spotlight something wonderful from the cocktailosphere . Today’s cocktail is….
The Sage Lady
1 1/2 Parts Absolut Mango
2-3 Leaves Fresh Sage
3 Cucumber Slices
1 part Simple Syrup
1/2 part Cointreau
3/4 Fresh Lime
Dash of Peach Bitters
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber, simple syrup, and sage. Add the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and bitters. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sage leaf.
Yum.
Posted in: Cocktails, Vodka.
Jun 9th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
What is it about June? It seems like every year at this time I get a burning urge to start as many projects as possible. My brain explodes with ideas for hats and sweaters and wraps (oh my). Inspiration is everywhere… needles and stash are organized… patterns are chosen (or designed)… the casting on commences… and then nothing. Once June starts, progress stops.
Last summer was a little better. It was the “Summer of Crochet.” At summer’s end there were 2 dusters, a vest, a shrug, 10 or so hats, and a bunch of headbands completed and being worn. Crochet literally took over my life. But the knitting… not so much. At the first hint of warm weather, the needles with projects on them go into the basket and never see the light of day until the Fall. The creative spark… sputters and dies.
I know I’m not the only one who experiences a Summertime Slump. Visit any yarn shop over the summer and its painfully obvious. The aisles that are bustling with customers in Fall, Spring and Winter are deserted in the Summer. So why is it that knitters stop knitting during summer months?
But this summer will be different. The goal is to complete whatever is cast on and NOT to start things just for the thrill of starting a new project. First assignment… finish the Featherweight. Then start on hat designs for the fall.
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Jun 5th, 2009
by CraftyDiva.
The yarn faeries gave me some pretty amazing birthday yarn last month - 3 skeins of Malabrigo Sock in Turner:
Isn’t this the most perfect green ever? Chartreuse, olive, a little grey and hint of purple… it’s absolutely beautiful. And soft. And knits like a dream. When I saw it, I knew it had to be a sweater. My current obsession is cropped sweaters with 3/4 length sleeves (yes, I’m easily influenced by the First Lady’s sense of style, what of it?). Sure I could design one (and I probably will), but Hannah Fettig beat me to it with her lovely Featherweight Cardigan.
The pattern originally called for Malabrigo Lace, but my gauge with both is similar. So let the knitting begin…
Posted in: Knitting, Uncategorized.
