DIY throat lozenges

So far moving to the PNW has been a fairly easy adjustment for us, especially weather-wise.  Yes, it’s cold, and yes, it’s rainy, but I’ll take some cold and rainy days over East Coast weather any day of the week. 

Still, it doesn’t prevent the kids from coming down with runny noses and coughs - especially Charlie.  Right now she has the sickies and is going through cough drops like candy.  Which they are, essentially, but I got a wild hair to make my own after seeing this pin on Pinterest for General Tso’s lozenges.  I figured it was a great idea and I wanted to try making something super potent and effective.

First mistake: I read the ingredients but I didn’t read read them.  Like, hello cayenne pepper and garlic! I’m sure my 9 year old would love to eat that! (no.)

Second mistake: I read the recipe, but I didn’t read read it.  As in, I saw four cloves of garlic and thought four heads of garlic.  OMG WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME SRSLY.  I used this method for peeling the garlic so at least the process didn’t take the rest of my life but shiiiiiiit.  I could actually smack myself.

Needless to say the project was a complete fail.  The lozenges actually would’ve turned out perfectly if not for the fact that they were comprised 90% of minced garlic… but cayenne pepper? AND garlic? AND ginger? What was I thinking?!  Those puppies were so spicy they made my eyes water while I was making them, so there was no way Charlie was going to go near them, let alone put them in her mouth.

Now, I’m going to try this cough drop recipe instead.  I bought some peppermint/spearmint herbal tea, and it’s brewing as I type this.  I’m sure this attempt will not only be more successful (*cough* no garlic) but much more palatable for a kid.

Truth be told the General Tso’s recipe was really easy, and I would absolutely use it for the husband or me over something store-bought.  I happen to have a candy thermometer, but I followed the recipe cooking time instructions exactly and the consistency was great, so I didn’t really need the thermometer.

If you like spicy stuff and feel like being all fancy pants and making your own lozenges then definitely go with General Tso’s.  Just, please, for the love, read read the recipe first.

xo

Knitting up a storm: what I did on Xmas break

On my Christmas break I’ve had lots of free time at home to basically veg the hell out, sit on the couch watching endless Netflix, bake cookies, and knit.

Knitting and I always have a back and forth relationship: there are so many things that I want to make that I get project burnout before I even start. It’s really the perfect thing to do, though, when it’s cold and rainy out, you have a plate of chocolate chip cookies sitting in front of you, and you want to be *slightly* productive while sitting in front of the t.v.

I started on a hat for myself and finished it in about 5-6 hours. I know, I’m terribly slow. But still, it’s really cute and gave me something to do while learning about Inca ruins and the Spanish Conquistadors. Score!

I also started a pair of yellow mittens for Thea literally a year ago. Oh god, the shame. In digging around my knitting bag the single mitten turned up, and Thea found it, put it on, and ran around the house showing everyone. That shamed me into finishing the second one, and making an cord to attach them together through her jacket.

Now, if I could just get paid for eating cookies, watching t.v., knitting, and drinking endless pots of coffee… my life would be complete. P.S. If you’re on Ravelry you can check out my projects here. The mitten pattern is here, and the hat pattern is here. Knit on, my knittahs!

Knotted Ombre Bracelet (from Pinterest)

One day AdriAunt and I were sitting at the computer browsing Pinterest when we came across this tutorial.  She mentioned one or nine times how much she loved that bracelet, so I decided to make it for her.

I’M SO NICE.

I ordered the cord from Jewels in Fiber (it came so fast) and then worked my magic.  It was really easy, but it took me awhile to make the knot and then arrange the cords, rinse and repeat.

It looks so pretty and she loves it, so I win!  I had plans to make all kinds of Christmas gifts, but I think this is about as far as I’m getting.  Quit while you’re ahead, AMIRITE?  

Ack, projects!

The kids go back to school in a few short weeks, and I have yet to sew them a single thing for school.  Gah.  I at least need to make them their typical “first day of school” dresses, and I was hoping to have a few extra things thrown in there for good measure (shorts, tees, casual dresses?), but I’m running short on time.  

Also, I know a few people having babies soon, so I wanted to get some handmade gifts squared away for them.  I’ve started the sweetest afghan pattern ever, and thankfully it’s working up quickly.

I also have my eye on this sweater and this bonnet, but I seriously doubt with my slow-ass knitting skills that I would be done in time.

And that doesn’t cover Halloween, either.  I’m making 3 custom costumes again this year, and they’re pretty ambitious, involving lots of material and hand-made pieces.  I have to sew a leotard.  I’ve never sewn a leotard, people.  I must be losing my mind.

Ah, well.  Too many projects? I wouldn’t have it any other way. :)

Unicorn Cross Stitch

I am so proud of this.  I completed my first cross stitch project, with a design from Grannie Panties on Etsy.  I have to say, this was really easy to do, but it took SO. MUCH. TIME.  Also?  My right hand has been killing me for about 2 weeks now.  I think it’s carpal tunnel from the stitching.  I have a really fancy wrist brace.

I totally don’t even care that I’m an old lady and my hand is on fire, I’m stitching this one next.

I made a few mistakes here and there, but if you can’t see them I’m not pointing them out.  Also, I was only supposed to use 2 strands of thread, and I accidentally used 3.  Whatevs.

Incrediballs.