Let's Bounce

Hi Y'all!
Hey, it's Friday! And boy howdy, it's been one of those weeks! How about we relax with a cocktail?

Going back to some Christmas makings, I bring to the table Vodka Cherry Bounce. Really this goes back to the 4th of July, 2013 because that's when I started this cherry infused vodka. 

Cherry infused vodka? Sounds intriguing, no?

I was inspired to make the "bounce" after learning about it on Outlander Kitchen. Lacking the original ingredients, sour cherries and whiskey, I used what I had on hand, Rainier cherries and vodka. 

To a great big jar, I added two pounds of Ranier cherries, about a 1/2 C sugar, and two liters of vodka. Pretty hoochy stuff too, Costco brand. Eeech.

Once all together in the jar, I gave them a stir and stuck the whole thing in a dark closet for about 5 months, occasionally swishing the liquid around. Now, I'm not going to lie, towards the end it was looking pretty nasty in that jar, I was worried. My husband scared me into thinking I could blind people with this stuff. I did some research and asked some trusted resources who assured me that I could not in fact blind anyone, this isn't moonshine after all.

To my delight, filtering the bounce (two nights and countless coffee filters) produced a bright, clear liquid devoid of any cherry flotsam. 

I dressed up a few bottles for Christmas, special gifts for friends who love Outlander as much as I do. Gosh that story... takes my breath away. Are any of you fans? Let's chat! You know Starz is making a series out of it, yes? Everything about the production so far is perfection, I am SO excited. Here's a peek at the trailer!

Turn up your volume a bit, it seems a little low in this video.

Isn't that awesome?? Jamie speaks!

So how was the bounce? Well, I've had it twice. It's uhh... unique. I don't think I could drink it straight (then again, I don't drink any liquor straight, those days have long since past me by), but mixed with some fizzy water, a squeeze of lime and a dash of grenadine, it was pretty tasty. I'm going to try making traditional Cherry Bounce as soon as cherries are available this spring. I bought and set aside a bottle of whiskey last year, so I am ready. Je Suis Prest!

 Je Suis Prest for this weekend, that's for dang sure. Now where's my cocktail?

oxo,

Lisa

Mollie's Super Simple Stitching Pouch

Hi Everyone!
Happy (belated) New Year! I hope you've all been well! It's been a few weeks since I've been in here, but I've still been lurking in all my favorite blogs keeping up with ya, even if I've been quiet here.

I have some makes still to share from Christmas and I have a few posts lined up to do so, but before I do that, how about a first finish for 2014? This was such a quick project, I have to share it with my stitchy peeps, because I think you'll want to make one, too!

On Monday morning, while enjoying an extra day off for MLK Day, I was perusing my blogroll and read this post by one of my favorites, Wild Olive. This simple hoop holding pouch is one of those sewing projects that pulled me right up off the couch, coffee in hand, straight to my fabric stash and the sewing machine. Less than an hour later and pleased as punch, I had myself  this new little pocket pouch to carry my stitching WIPs in!

I often take stitching with me on the go, especially to & from work. A few minutes stitching here and there on my lunch hour adds up, and it's nice to stitch in the middle of the day, relaxing, I think. Usually I toss my current WIP and my tools & floss in a tote bag, the problem is that inevitably, I put other things in that tote bag as well, and its always made me a bit uneasy having things like my empty coffee tumbler and mail, and maybe the remnants of my lunch in the same tote, rubbing up against my stitching. This little pocket helps guard against any traveling booboo's, and it's pretty and sleek, doesn't take up much space at all.

I chose a bright teal, ditzy floral fabric on the outside and used a pretty, contrasting fabric for the inside lining.

The only thing I did different from Mollie is add a button and elastic loop to keep things closed up, but it's a very simple project, I totally recommend it.

A place for everything and everything in its place.

What's that you ask? Oh, that stitchery there, that's a new cross stitch pattern I'm attempting! I'm being brave tackling cross stitch again, and there's more to come, but this time around, I'm making a biscornu! I've posted a few peeks of the start of this project on Instagram, which I have to say is becoming kind of addictive, it's just so easy & quick! Come find me if you have an account and let me know how to find you too (pretty please!), I need more action in my feed and am looking out for other crafty bloggers to follow there. In all honesty, I feel a little guilty about Instagram because I update there so often and this space tends to sit... Ugh, bad blogger guilt. 

At any rate, more on the biscornu later.

This project is so fast and practical! I know I'm going to get a lot of use out of this pouch, and I'll probably make a few more for smaller or larger hoops, maybe even a big one for my Q-Snap. This one fits hoops up to 7", and my tool tins perfectly.

Isn't this just the nicest idea?? I really like it, I've already taken it to work a few times this week and it works great, thanks Mollie!

oxo,

Lisa

Merry Little Things

Hi Everyone!

Did you have a nice little Christmas? I hope that it was cozy and merry and bright!

Mine? Well, I slept through most of it. No kidding, about 20 hours on Wednesday. Worst cold ever. Coughing, hacking, flop sweats and looking like an extra zombie from the Walking Dead, slime and all. Yee-uck. All my plans, dashed. Christmas dinner? Ha! I'm embarrassed to say that my poor husband and I had Carl's Jr for our Christmas dinner. Ooof, lets call that a "keeping it real moment".  After so much sleep on Wednesday, I felt a LOT better on Thursday and since I took a couple of days of work I made it up to my hard working husband who himself had to return to work and made him a nice Christmas dinner on Thursday, only a day late, not so bad :)

So December was a pretty busy month and I didn't make anywhere near the amount of Christmas goodies and gifts I as I have in years past, and what I have made (and am still making) are yet to be delivered, so I can't share much just yet, but I do have a few little things...

Like this cute little vintage inspired ornament

I went on a pipe cleaner binge early on in December, pinned several cute things and hoped to make a bunch of them. But you know what they say about good intentions, right? Teehee...

I also made this little ice skating snowman. 

Just fun little things... Also this year I actually got to display my little bleached out, dyed & glittered trees that I made last year. I didn't know what I was going to do with them, so I simply put them on a little tray and filled it with "snow". 

I put them under the white/candy colored in our guest room this year, they're so pretty. As much as I love them, I won't be doing them the same way again, my friend shared this pin with me and I think I'd really like to try this next time I want to use little bottle brush trees.

I really like the way these all look sitting together though, each one is different from the others, I like the variety!

So what kinds of little things did you make this season, do tell and point me to it, I'd love to see!

oxo,

Lisa

Merry Christmas!

From our house to yours, 

we're wishing you a season 

of laughter & fun!!

Much love to you, from me!

oxo,

Lisa

Stitched Christmas Stockting

Well hello there!

Boy, time is really flying by and December is no exception, if anything December seems to run faster than all the other months! How are you doing, bloggy chums? Is your Christmas making season in full swing?

I am getting a bit of a late start on making some of my gifts this year, but one little thing I completed was for a quick swap with a few of my stitchy pals. This little felt stocking is something I made for my friend, Crystal. The pattern is from Fa La La La Felt, I think it's just darling, it's one of the first things in the book that I wanted to make when I cracked it open for the first time, and I finally had a reason. (not that you have to have a reason, but it helps with the motivation!)

I love the sweet little flowers & leaves near the bottom and the French knot polka dots...

The fun little diamond shapes  form a sort of argyle pattern ♥

I stuffed that little stocking full of "Sweet Sticks" and send it whizzing over hill and dale all the way to North Carolina.

Fun stuff, swaps! This was a fun item to make, and bigger than it probably looks. I'd say... maybe 6"-8"? Pretty good size anyway.

So yeah, that's the first Christmas item completed! One down, many to go.

In other news, my beloved niece Ana has come home for a quick Christmas vacation, and she's brought her beau! Today we're all heading San Francisco to goof around. Chad has never been to California before so we're smashing in as much Golden State goodness as we can, Saturday we're going to Tahoe to the kids can go snow boarding. I myself will be sitting, warm and snug in a lodge somewhere near the bottom of the mountain stitching or reading and drinking something hot & yummy! Auntie Lisa is NOT a big fan of snow sports beyond lobbing snowballs at unsuspecting family members :)

So I've got to run! Time to get on the road to the City!

Ta ta for now!

oxo,

Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all an abundant, peaceful Thanksgiving!

I know things have been a little thin on the ground here, not to worry, I'll be back soon with lots of great crafty, stitchy adventures to share!

Have a great weekend!

oxo,

Lisa

These Are Days

Blessed & lucky.

Some people are rejuvenated by the ocean, the sea air. Although lovely, to be sure, I'm moved more by the mountains and the trees. For our wedding anniversary this year, we took a day off and made a run for the hills. A simple picnic and a long walk with the dogs at Big Trees. Incredibly beautiful always, this time of year Mother Nature really puts on a show, we felt so lucky to be among the trees and trails in their autumn grandeur.

Afterwards, a cold beer and a pizza at Snowshoe Brewing Company with the pups using their best smiles and most dignified looks to beg little bites of crust. We're total suckers for these faces.

I'm looking forward to another trip up soon after the rains start for yet another incarnation of that gorgeous forest and those magnificent trees.

Wishing you a wondrous weekend.

oxo,

Lisa

Dia de los Muertos

Thank you all so much for your kind words about my sweet kitty, Chyna. I'm so glad to know and there are so many tenderhearted people reading my little ol' blog who feel the same way I do, that our beloved critters are friends, and more than that, they are family. You bless me with your kindness and I thank you most sincerely.

Do you know about Dia de los Muertos? Day of the Dead? Even if you don't, I'm sure you've seen the most commonly associated image, the sugar skulls. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that focuses on prayers & remembrance of friends and family who have died. The celebration begins on October 31st and ends on November 2nd, and the traditions include building private alters called "ofrendas" to honor the deceased, I think it's beautiful.

Ok, now let me back up a little. Back at the beginning of September, my pal Jacquie hosted a crafty party at her place in Santa Rosa. She had a bunch of cool things for us to try, one of which was painting paper mache skull masks (like these) which sounded like fun. Jacquie and I chatted away the afternoon, more chatting than crafting, but a great time nonetheless catching up with her and shooting the breeze. I left with a good start on my mask, promising myself that I'd get it finished by Dia de los Muertos so that I could share it with you guys. And then, as usual, I got swept up with new ideas - like Halloween swaps! I never forgot about my mask, I saw it every time I walked into my craft room, I'm just easily distracted. 

I was discussing Chyna's passing with some friends the day after she'd gone when one of them reminded me about the Day of the Dead and that it was a good time to remember those who've gone on, which in turn reminded me about that unfinished painting project, so I took it up once again, this time with her in mind specifically.

It was nice to do something creative, even if it was sooner than I would have thought possible after losing her. The previous week had been so stressful worrying and watching her every move, listening for her to make any noise, timing her medicines and foods, keeping the dogs from annoying her too much. It was relaxing to zone out, listen to a book and draw & paint for a few hours.

Her name really was Chyna Cat Sunflower, I named her after a Grateful Dead song, the words of which don't really make any sense, it's just lyrical imagery, fun and pretty. I always loved that song, give it a listen, you might be surprised how nice it is. I picked a few little elements from the song to incorporate in my own way...

Candles to remember her...

Shadow cat, watching butterflies near a shower of pearls.

Diamond-eyed Jack.

And sunflowers, of course there had to be sunflowers.

A giant sunflower for my Chyna.

And an alter for her, and for Butch...

 My furry angels.

Bones & treats for Butch

Beer for Chyna, she loved beer. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true, she was forever trying to mooch from Sean. He indulged her sometimes, it made me craxy... those two.

Water to drink and a soft rug for them to lay on, welcoming & familiar. Everything here was gathered from around the house, much of it meaningful and tied to other happy memories.

I left the alter up until last night, a day longer than necessary, but it made us smile every time we walked past it, and that's a good thing. 

I've only shared this with a small handful of friends, and I was so pleased to learn that many of them also have little shrines to the pets they've lost. Do any of you? I'd love to hear about it if you'd like to share.

Thank you again for being so supportive and sweet, you're the best!

oxo,

Lisa

Chyna Cat Sunflower

Hello Friends,

Sad tidings today... I really don't like writing posts like this, and it doesn't seem like it's been two years since I wrote one like it about our Butchie boy. This was so unexpected and so quick, I almost feel like I still don't know quite what to say about it.  

Last week we lost our kitty grand dame, our beautiful Chyna Cat Sunflower. 

Chyna was a regal queen of a cat. She lived a good life and was in good health her whole life, a sturdy, steadfast feline if ever there was one. Late last week, she rather suddenly seemed unwell, she didn't look herself at all and she was weak.

I took her to the veterinarian last Saturday morning and had a gambit of tests run on her only to find out that her kidney's were rapidly failing and she was indeed quite ill. 

Immediately, we began to do everything we could for her, fluids, antibiotics, B-12 injections, liquid iron supplements, Pedialyte, special foods, but she faded so fast. Cats have the rather awful ability to hide their sickness from you, and when it finally becomes apparent that there's something wrong, it's often too late to do much about it. Such was the case with Chyna.

Just five days after diagnosis, in the early hours of Halloween morning, she quietly made her way out of this world and on to the next. Chyna died here at home with Egypt right by her side, he was her constant companion her entire life. 

This is one of the last pictures I took of them together, the evening before she passed away.

They snuggled together every night from the time we added her to our family, twelve and a half years ago, their last night was no exception. He seemed so protective, so worried that night...

I think he and I both knew that she was at the end of her road. Egypt hasn't been well either, and I'm so worried about him. He's over 19 years old himself, and I'll be honest - I'm so scared that now she's gone he won't stay with me long, either. I hope with all my heart that my worries amount to nothing, only time will tell.

It never, never crossed my mind that we might lose her first, she was seven years younger than he is, and apart from being a hefty gal, she had always been in good health. 

Oh, sweet Chyna Cat, you are missed so much.

When we found her Thursday morning, we sat together for a long time, us at the critters. Egypt of course had been with her, but the dogs had not and we wanted them to see and smell her a bit so that they would understand that she was gone, they nosed her gently, then jumped up on the bed with me and sat very still and quiet. I think they were mourning, too.

I took this picture of the three of them, Egypt, Lola & Boswell that morning as we sat with her, before taking her body to the veterinarians for cremation. Those sunbeams are falling exactly where we found her, just outside her bed, right under the window. I didn't see them until after I'd taken the picture and they struck me as so beautiful... Even though Chyna was already gone, it felt like this quiet, still time was our last moment together. Bittersweet.

Thank you for visiting today and kindly reading about our sweet Chy, I could go on & on about her, she was quite a gal... You would have loved her.

oxo,

Lisa