Chocolate Painting Meditation workshop, QUEST XO Chocolate, Toronto, ON

Gord and I attended a Chocolate Painting Meditation workshop at QUEST XO Chocolate (Liberty Street/Atlantic Avenue) this afternoon. 

Quest is the owner and she is soooooooooooo nice! She started with a short meditation to clear away our day so we could focus. 

We were going to paint on a 5 x 5 square of chocolate with a "love" moment. My head went to when Gord was being wheeled away for his liver transplant and if I'd ever see him again (hence the green heart ... green is the ribbon colour for liver cancer). His head went to a New Years Eve a couple years ago in Mont Tremblant. First we put a "LOVE" label on the piece of chocolate and then painted a white "base". Then we let our paint brushes guide us. 

Basic Beanie

I just finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

Book ~ "Rocky" (2012) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ When Lizzie sees an ad in the paper for a dog in need of a new home, she is immediately concerned. Why is this person so anxious to get rid of their puppy? 

Rocky is a cuddly, couch potato of a Bulldog. He was originally brought in as a guard dog but he would rather nap than protect a store. While fostering Rocky, Lizzie learns that the puppy is very stubborn and not open to changing his lazy ways. 

But every pet owner has a different need and Lizzie is able to find an older couple in need of a companion who are more than happy to accommodate the sleepy puppy's lifestyle.

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie sees an ad in the newspaper that someone is looking to rehome Rocky, a puppy bulldog. Concerned that the dog might be given to just anyone, her family fosters Rocky and try to find a home for him. He had been original bought as a guard dog but he's actually a goofy lazy lovable boy.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Rocky's point of view. It is the twenty-six in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Coconut Candle Company - Valentine 2023

My Valentine Coconut Candle Company subscription box (full size) arrived today.

Our subscription box is the best way to experience our hand poured coconut wax candles. Each themed box has a surprise selection of unique candles that we've never released before.

We have two different boxes available, the full size subscription box with over $100 worth of candles and the mini subscription box with over $80 worth of candles. The full size box also contains a gift from another local business.

Shipping is included in the price of the boxes.

Treat yourself or a loved one to an aromatic journey throughout the year!.

It's always a fun box to receive!

La Boite à Bonbons C’est Bon Bon
Valentine’s Day gummies

SOAK rose petal bath bomb

Book ~ "Bandit" (2012) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Bandit is an adorable black and white Shih Tzu with a mask-like marking over his eyes. Lizzie discovers him at a highway rest stop restaurant. He was abandoned by his owers because he needs an operation and they couldn't afford it.

Lizzie and her family take Bandit in and begin fundraising for the expensive procedure. Maria and her Uncle Teo are also a big help. Maria and Lizzie establish competing dog-walking businesses to raise funds. Everyone who meets Bandit falls instantly in love - except for Uncle Teo, who thinks he's a little too small and fluffy. In the end, Bandit's operation is a success. Uncle Teo is won over by the resilient puppy and agrees to adopt him.

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie is heading with her friend, Maria, to their cottage when they stop for pancakes at a truck stop restaurant. As they are paying, the cashier is holding a Shih Tzu puppy named Bandit and tells them that he was abandoned behind the restaurant because he needs a heart operation and his owners can't afford it. The Petersons agree to foster him and their vet arranges for his surgery. Lizzie and Maria started walking dogs to raise money to pay for the surgery while they work on finding him his furever home. But they are concerned that he may not make it through his operation.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Bandit's point of view. It is the twenty-fourth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Basic Beanie

I just finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

Book ~ "Moose" (2011) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles is determined to help Moose, a giant Great Dane puppy. The problem is that this huge pup is scared of everything-loud noises, other dogs, even his own shadow! Charles has a lot of work cut out for him. 

With the help of his Aunt Amanda, Charles figures out a way to slowly get the dog adjusted to scary noises and fast movements. Once Moose is trained, his original owners are happy to take him back.

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Their aunt Amanda runs a doggy daycare and one of the puppies who attends is Moose, a big Great Dane puppy. Despite his size, Moose is afraid of EVERYTHING and his owners are running out of patience. Moose seems taken with Charles so Amanda asks him if he would accompany her, a couple other dogs and Moose to her getaway cabin for the weekend and work with Moose to make him less afraid.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Moose's point of view. It is the twenty-third in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ ""A" is for Actress" (2015) Rebecca Cantrell and Sean Black

From Goodreads ~ After a decade spent in the glare of the Hollywood spotlight as the star of kids’ TV show "Half Pint Detective", Sofia Salgado has had enough. Desperate to build a life outside showbiz, she quits acting to do something that everyone around her - including her family - thinks is plain nuts. Get a real job.

They think she’s even crazier when she announces that she’s going to become a real detective, instead of playing one on TV. She’s convinced the technical consultant from her TV show, Brendan Maloney, to take her on in his detective agency but can accident-prone Sofia hack it?

Sofia was a child actress who wanted to do something different with her life so she quits acting and joins a detective agency that is run by Brendan, the technical consultant to the show she was in, Half Pint Detective. She is being trained by Brendan and his son, Aidan, who is her age and teases her all the time.

The agency is hired by Melissa ... she wants to know if her husband, Nigel, is screwing around on her. Sofia puts her acting skills to work and goes undercover and tries to see if Nigel will put the moves on her at a bar or if he is meeting someone else. He basically ignores her but he obviously has a lot on his mind and rushes out. The next day he is found murdered and Melissa is the suspect. Her lawyer retains Brendan and his team to find out who murdered Nigel before his client is sentenced to prison for a murder she didn't commit.

This is the first in the Malibu Mystery series and I liked it. It is fairly light and amusing. It is written in third person perspective and focused on Sofia. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Basic Beanie

I just finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

Alltrue, Winter 2023

My winter 2023 Alltrue box, a customizable quarterly subscription box, arrived today. 

We are committed to delivering delightful goods made fairly and sustainably by brands doing their part to better the world. We believe everyone should have access to low-waste, sustainable alternatives without a price barrier to entry.

Here’s what I received:

PHANTOM CHEF Small Dutch Oven ($99 value)

THIS WORKS Stress Check Sleep Spray ($25 value)

Knitted dog sweater

I finished knitting a medium dog sweater.  I recently came across a charity called ElderDog Canada who are looking for knitters to make and donate them.

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations and used a Caron Big Cake.

Book ~ "Sweetie" (2010) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Sweetie is a smart poodle pup, with a knack for learning tricks. Can Charles find an owner that will make use of her talents? 

Charles loves Sweetie at first sight. For such a small pup, she has a whole lot of charisma and she's amazing at learning tricks. But Buddy is jealous every time the new miniature poodle gets near the family. Can Charles find a home for this cuddly sweetheart without upsetting his own puppy?

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Their father brings home a co-worker with a problem ... he'd bought his girlfriend a poodle puppy named Sweetie as a surprise present but she broke up with him last week and he can't keep the puppy. Charles and his family agree to foster Sweetie and find her a home. Charles and his friends discover that Sweetie is really smart and knows a lot of tricks and wonders if she would be a good fit in a circus.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Sweetie and Buddy, the puppies' points of view. It is the eighteenth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Toronto, ON (Front Street W)

I had supper with my pal, Trish, this evening at Chipotle Mexican Grill on Front Street W near York Street. 

Trish had a tofu burrito.

I had a chicken burrito with chicken, brown rice, cheese, black beans and mild salsa.

Both were good ... it's been a while since I've had a burrito.

And it's been a while since I've seen Trish so it was fun to catch up.

KC's tree, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto, ON

I visited KC's tree this afternoon Trinity Bellwoods Park ... I hadn't been since the fall. 

The trees are cold and bare now ... but it won't be long until they are full of leaves again!

Knitted dog sweater

I finished knitting a medium dog sweater.  I recently came across a charity called ElderDog Canada who are looking for knitters to make and donate them. 

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations and used a Caron Big Cake (Grape Jelly).

Book ~ "Muttley" (2011) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters dogs that are in need of a permanent home. 

At first, Muttley the mutt seems untrainable but he quickly becomes a hero when he smells smoke in the Peterson's house and rescues the family.

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie volunteers at an animal shelter and there's a lazy puppy named Muttley who just sleeps all the time. The vet has checked him out and there's nothing wrong with him. The Petersons agree to foster him to see if Buddy can liven him up and show him what it's like being a puppy. He sleeps a lot at the Petersons but they also discover his loyalty and awareness when he awakens the household when there is a fire and becomes a local hero.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Muttley, the puppy's point of view. It is the twentieth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Knitted dog sweater

I finished knitting a medium dog sweater.  I recently came across a charity called ElderDog Canada who are looking for knitters to make and donate them. 

 

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations and used a Caron Big Cake (Grape Jelly).

Book ~ "Primer and Punishment" (2023) Diane Kelly

From Goodreads ~ Carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are looking once again to rehab and resell a house, only this particular house is made of fiberglass, floats and has been dubbed the Skinny Dipper. The old houseboat sure could use some work but the unusual project has Whitney bubbling with excitement.

The charming and handsome Grant Hardisty lives on the cabin cruiser in the adjacent slip but the cousins soon learn he’s left a half dozen angry ex-wives in his wake and made enemies of all sorts of unsavory folks. The man is clearly caught in an increasingly dangerous current with no life preserver in sight.

Whitney and Buck are spraying primer on their houseboat when - KABOOM! - Grant’s boat blows sky high with the man himself inside. Detective Collin Flynn has no shortage of suspects but the waters become muddied when several of them confess to the crime. Is one of those who confessed truly guilty, or are they taking a dive for someone else? When anonymous threats are made against the cousins, Whitney must quickly determine who killed their neighbour at the lake or she and Buck might also be sunk.

Whitney and her cousin, Buck, buy fixer-uppers, repair them and then flip them for a profit and then move on to their next project.  This time they buy something different ... a houseboat.  It should only take a couple weeks to renovate it so they move in.  In the meantime, Buck and Collette, Whitney's best friend and roommate, are getting married and the houseboat would be the perfect spot to have the bachelorette and bachelor parties.

Docked next door to the Skinny Dipper is Grant, who is currently not working because he recently had an accident and needs a cane to walk.  But that doesn't stop him from going fishing with buddies or looking for wife #6 (wife #5 is in the process of divorcing him so he needs to sucker someone else into supporting him).  His boat blows up one day, luckily out in the water so no other boats were damaged, and Grant is killed.  Was it an accident or murder?

I've read many books by this author and I thought this one was okay.  Though it's the fifth in the House-Flipper series, it works as a stand alone (I've read the first four).  It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity (there's no heat at all between Whitney and Collin).  It is written in first person perspective from Whitney's point of view and third person perspective from Sawdust, Whitney's cat's point of view.

Diagonal Garter Stitch Scarf

I finished knitting a scarf tonight ... the pattern is diagonal garter stitch. It was surprisingly an easy pattern, which I found here. It's about 5 feet long and soft and cozy.

Cast on 3 stitches. 

First Section - increases:

• Row 1: KFB, knit to end, KFB.
• Row 2: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 until there are 45 stitches on the needle.

You can adjust the width of the scarf by knitting more or fewer stitches. The finished edges of your beginning triangle (the two edges that do not have live stitches) give a close indication of how wide your scarf will be when complete.

Middle Section - main length of the scarf:

• Row 1: KFB, knit to end, k2tog.
• Row 2: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat these two rows until you are nearly out of yarn.

Final Section - decreases:

• Row 1: Ssk, knit to end, k2tog.
• Row 2: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat these two rows until there are 3 stitches left on the needle. Bind off.