August In Review

August was not mild, not in weather or temper. 

This month was mostly about work and health, some of each were good and bad. But August was also about moving forward and getting through. I'm hoping September adds more to the good column than the other, but I'll take what I can get. 

1) A neighbor in Allenhurst. 2) Tom's stare. 3) Bippi's curl (and sore chin). 4) A Parade on Main Street. 

1) A neighbor in Allenhurst. 2) Tom's stare. 3) Bippi's curl (and sore chin). 4) A Parade on Main Street. 

Although we didn't travel in August, walking around and heading to the beach was a priority. Whether it was hot or mild, I tried to make it to the beach. We tried to get out and about around town as well, and were rewarded with some local adventures. 

1) My very first at home #smoothiebowl. 2) A delicious one from Juice Beach. 3) My sweetest bowl yet! Mangos, peaches, bananas, all the fixins. 4) Easy and simple with figs from my dad. 

1) My very first at home #smoothiebowl. 2) A delicious one from Juice Beach. 3) My sweetest bowl yet! Mangos, peaches, bananas, all the fixins. 4) Easy and simple with figs from my dad. 

Since moving, my esthetic and ideals have been changing. One thing I've been more conscious about is what I eat and where it comes from. I thought summer would be my month for local foods, but it was tough to get out to the markets. I made some food discoveries in August that I hope to continue learning about and eating! 

1) A perfect angel. 2) My #watchercat. 3) new morning rituals. 4) Exploring our surroundings.

1) A perfect angel. 2) My #watchercat. 3) new morning rituals. 4) Exploring our surroundings.

Watchercats were few, and quilting was almost non existent this month. I'm hoping cooler temps will bring out both in spades soon. 

1) Atlantic Farms. 2) Thrift and vintage finds. 3) Blossom season at work. 4) Summer sky in overdrive. 

1) Atlantic Farms. 2) Thrift and vintage finds. 3) Blossom season at work. 4) Summer sky in overdrive. 

I've spent many Summers in New Jersey, but this August felt all brand new. Since we moved into our new home last Fall, the first few days of September have got me feeling nostalgic. Comfort vs newness, renewal and remembrance, the end of seasons, whatever September brings, I think I'm ready.  

Saga: Book 1 - 4

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here. 
I added a new addition to this goal in June, which is to read at least one comic book trade paper back per month. 

Saga by Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples is probably my favorite comic to come out in recent years.  

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Landfall and Wreath have been at war for what seems like forever. But they and the worlds they've out sourced the fighting to have forgotten what the war's about. Some fight blindly, but some are starting to see that war might not be the answer. When a feisty Landfall guard falls in love with a pacifist Wreath defector, all hell breaks loose.  

I had read the first two or three books of Saga back when they first came out. I've been wanting to pick the story up ever since. When I decided I wanted to be reading more comics this year, these were the first books I went for. I read more than my months worth and I'm glad I did. This isn't a beginner's comic, as it jumps in time and is narrated by a character that is only a baby. But the love story in the midst of struggle and strife is compelling, and the characters are really interesting, both good guys and bad guys. Sometimes you're not sure who you're rooting for. Plus there's a giant talking cat. Can't go wrong there. 
If you're a comic book fan, particularly a indie or super hero parody fan, you should be reading Saga. I would also recommend these books to people who like sci-fi love stories, wartime stories, and space adventures. If you're new to comics, it might take a little effort to get the hang of this book, but stick with it, the simple, colorful artwork, and heartfelt story are worth it!  

YOTS Check In: August & Fabric Gifts

A package arrived from Tennessee the other day... but what it contained had traveled from Alabama, via Tennessee, to NJ, to me!
Much to my delight and surprise, it was full of fabric from my brother in law and sister in law! I'm not entirely sure where they found it all, but they thought I could use it and I'm excited to try!

There were also a few good rummage and yard sales, so I added even more to my stash. 

But besides these surprises, and/or not to be passed up mostly vintage finds, I have been very good about not adding to my stash this year. Although I have been tempted a few times to buy new pretty fabric, I have abstained. 

Unfortunately, I haven't used as much stash as I would like so far this year. I'm hoping and waiting for the cool weather, the slow down of work outside the home, and getting back to sewing everyday. 

Here's what my fabric intake/usage looks like so far this year:
Fabric Added Since last Update: Approximately 15 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date:  Aprroximately 21 yards
Fabric Used Since last update: approximately .25 yard
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 8 yards

July in Review

I'm learning a lot this year. Life has been busy. July was busy. 

But July was also great! We did so much this month, had plenty of visitors, got to the beach, worked hard, and spent time with family. 

1) Tommy Boy. 2) Bippi The Ravenous. 3) Elvis as a black hole. 4) A change of scenery. 

1) Tommy Boy. 2) Bippi The Ravenous. 3) Elvis as a black hole. 4) A change of scenery. 

One of the highlights of July was how much swimming we got to do! We managed to get to the beach a few times but we also made it to the pool! Hot days and pool sessions at night are the best!

1) Lovely objects from Arcana Obscura. 2) Evenings poolside. 3) Leisurely breakfasts. 4) That golden hour. 

1) Lovely objects from Arcana Obscura. 2) Evenings poolside. 3) Leisurely breakfasts. 4) That golden hour. 

We had many guests, and one of the best parts about it is trying new things near us, or seeing the things we love with new eyes. 

1) Ocean Grove. 2) Lakewood. 3) Brick. 4) Ocean Grove again. 

1) Ocean Grove. 2) Lakewood. 3) Brick. 4) Ocean Grove again. 

Not much quilting qot done this month, but some did, so that's something. We were able to explore some new places, see a minor league game, have our first official 4th as New Jerseans. 

1) Local fireworks. 2) Local roses. 3) Backyard surprises. 4) Favorite sights.  

1) Local fireworks. 2) Local roses. 3) Backyard surprises. 4) Favorite sights.  

I was able to walk around this month; My favorite things to do! There were some watchercats and watcherdogs out! And now that the cats have gotten used to our new house and having open windows, our family has some watchercats of their own! 

1) Shopdog in Red Bank. 2) Watchercat in Asbury Park. 3) Cats at home. 4) Front yard friends.

1) Shopdog in Red Bank. 2) Watchercat in Asbury Park. 3) Cats at home. 4) Front yard friends.

July wasn't easy but it was Summer fun. The first few days of August have been mild but what will the rest feel like?

OMG July Goal

July is here, the 2nd quarter of the finish along is over, the third is beginning, and it's time to pick my July OMG (One Monthly Goal). But first, let's check in and see how I did with the first six months of OMGs. 

January - OC/GC Baby Quilt - Not Completed in Jan but...
February - OC/GC Baby Quilt - Completed.
March - Baby Quilt Commission #2 - Completed.
April - Orignial Mini - Completed.
May  - Finish Ohio Star Quilt - Not completed. 

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So, for June I attempted to finish two quilts (Ohio Star Quilt and Tree of Life Baby Quilt) and that didn't work. At the moment I'm 3/6 of my goals and that's not too bad. 

I'm keeping it simple for July, setting aside my defeated June goals, and picking up a quilt that is on my Q2 and Q3 lists. So for July I'll try to quilt the Maybe Lyz Quilt. Just the quilting on this one is my goal. This one is an old top that needs finished!

How's everyone else's OMG year going?

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June OMG: So Close

So, while I definitely didn't finish my June goal (two quilts? what was I thinking??), I got pretty far and hope to still add one of them to my Q2 finish list. I am calling this a partial win bc it's not a real finish, but it's sooo close!

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I've been working on this quilt forever! I'm proud to be so close to finished. Linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching and trying to get this one all the way done in the next day or so. 

OK, bring it on July!

June in Review

June went so fast. 

I feel like not much got done, but I'm sure that's not true. It is true that we stayed home most of the month, spending a lot of time walking around the neighborhood, visiting the beach, seeing family and having friends visit, and working. June involved lot's of working. We tried to see some new NJ spots, and take care of our little family. 

Since it seems like I was writing about May only 5 minutes ago, I'll let the pictures do the talking. 

1) #catsinbed 2) Front yard fellows. 3) Bee boy. 4)The doctor is in. 

1) #catsinbed 2) Front yard fellows. 3) Bee boy. 4)The doctor is in. 

1) Whitesbog, New Jersey. 2) Deal, New Jersey. 3) Ocean Grove, New Jersey. 4) The bog at Whitesbog.

1) Whitesbog, New Jersey. 2) Deal, New Jersey. 3) Ocean Grove, New Jersey. 4) The bog at Whitesbog.

1) Tom as #watchercat. 2) Watcher in the dark. 3) Neighbor. 4) All american #porchcat. 

1) Tom as #watchercat. 2) Watcher in the dark. 3) Neighbor. 4) All american #porchcat. 

1) Art on the boardwalk. 2) Lazybones. 3) Brother and sister. 4) Escape in town. 

1) Art on the boardwalk. 2) Lazybones. 3) Brother and sister. 4) Escape in town. 

Phew, June, you wore me out. July, try to go a little easy, would you?

Asbury Park Reborn

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here.

My mother gifted me Asbury Park Reborn: Lost to Time and Restored to Glory by Joseph G Bilby and Harry Zielger bc she knows I have a deep nerdy love of the history of my surroundings. 

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Asbury Park, NJ, has a rich and varied history that i s clear to anyone who walks through the city. By looking at the architecture, one wonders how the city developed over time and wonders at the stories and significance of many buildings. Asbury Park Reborn... has the answers. 

One of the reasons we moved to Asbury Park was it's distinct, infamous, and controversial history and the mark the city has made on the world. So, it was a great pleasure to read more on this history, and especially of buildings we pass every day. Concisely written with a small chapter on each building, some demolished, most still standing, Asbury Park Reborn... is packed with information. The histories are more than just of the buildings, but also of the city as a whole and how each piece fits together. This book also illuminates how Asbury Park looks today and sheds some light on the future of the city. 

Asbury Park Reborn... is a fascinating, brief and enjoyable read! the authors were thorough and clearly love the city they were researching which makes this book even better in my opinion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's interested in US history, shore towns, small towns, gay rights, racial rights in America, or New Jersey. 

YOTS Check In: June

In April, I was doing really well and had hardly added any yardage to my stash since Jan. But towards the end of April, it all fell apart!
I got quite a haul at various yard sales in late April - early May. I expected this to continue... but it hasn't and I'm proud to say, as of mid June, I feel like I'm really on track with Year Of The Stash!!

In the last few month I've worked on or finished 2 quilt tops! I've done a few new blocks and worked on my MadCatBOM. I'm happy to have used some of my stash fabric for those!  

Here's what my fabric intake/usage looks like so far this year:
Fabric Added Since last Update: 0
Fabric Added Year to Date:  6 yards
Fabric Used Since last update: approximately 3.5 yard
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 7.75 yards

Auditioning backing fabric.  

Auditioning backing fabric.  

How's everyone else doing using up their stash?

New Block: Failed Star

Here we are six months into my MadCatQuiltsBOM! How did we get here so fast!? I've had such a great time coming up with new blocks to make and pushing myself to try new things!
For June I'd chosen a star block using diamond shapes I'd glimpsed. It was an 8 point star, similar to a Sawtooth Star.    

My inspiration came from Pomegranate and Chintz, but I can remember what post...

My inspiration came from Pomegranate and Chintz, but I can remember what post...

Here's where my no measuring, no rulers method kinda falls down. I cut out eight diamonds in what I thought looked like a good approximation of what I needed and started sewing them together. And immediately hit some problems. No points, bunching, ugh. I decided to take two of the points out and try again.... But that made the sewing of the background awkward at best. I ended up making it way bigger to compensate. 

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So, although this block got a little out of hand, I'm keeping it in the BOM. It was a great learning experience, for sure. I hope to try diamond shapes again... but not too soon.  

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Juicy Update

First off:
Give me all your juice recipes, please!!

We've been juicing for about five months now and we are still loving it. My husband has jumped on board and it really helps me keep on track. Here are a few more tips I've learned to help with a juicing lifestyle:

Benefits - We find that we feel better when we juice. We are less tired, more energized, sleep better, and dream more. My skin is clearer, my mood is better. Juicing has helped us consume more greens, more regularly. Personally I could eat a salad every day, but they start to bore my better half. And honestly, I don't eat salad every day. If we juice, at least I feel we are getting some good leafy greens. Since we don't eat meat, juicing helps us get iron and other vitamins. We use all our veggies/fruits and have less waste. Buying lots of fresh veggies but not eating them before they went bad was really bumming me out. Now we don't have that problem.

Routine - It really helps me to keep up a routine with my juicing. We try to drink juice every day, but sometimes it goes a little longer. Rarely we will have more than one juice per day. We don't juice more than once a day for several reasons (I eat a ton of fruits and veggies besides what I juice, the machine is a pain to clean, juicing is time consuming etc...) but it's not a hard and fast rule. I try to keep track of when we juice, how many we drink and recipes in my Bullet Journal. We have mostly been juicing in the evening when my husband gets home from work. 

Simple is Key - For a while, we were adding a million fruits and veggies into our juices. More is better, right? Turns out adding too many flavors is like the equivalent of mixing all the paint colors: you just get muddy brown. Since this realization I've been trying to limit to 4 ingredients plus apple. Apple almost doesn't count. I like to use apple as a sweetener, and to add liquid. I think apples do a good job of blending a juice. And an apple a day.... Although apples are good for you, I know store bought conventional apples aren't the best (factory farms, pesticides, etc...) This summer I plan to get apples in bulk (keep em in the cool basement) from local farms for all our juicing needs! 

No Juice Fruits and Veg List - Along the way we have come up with a few things we do not like in our juices. In the earlier months, I used quite a bit of grapefruit bc I had a lot of it. But I've decided that I'd rather eat it than juice it. The bitter flavor doesn't enhance my juicing experience. I've tried romaine lettuce a few times and just don't like the flavor. Again, romaine is something I'd much rather eat than drink. We like celery and cucumber but only in low doses. We like the taste of mango, but not the texture. Try as I might, I'm not a fan of carrot juice. We also have had a few instances of having a veg we really like make our juice undrinkable. We got some kale that was so bitter and peppery that neither my husband our I could bare it. If it's questionable (something new, strong smell, etc... ) I try to taste test it first. 

Juices We Love: There have only been a few juices that we have recreated more than once of twice. Here are three of our favorite recipes so far:
Apple, Spinach, Red Pepper, Lime
Apple, Orange, Cherry Tomatoes, Blackberries, Kale Stalks, Lime  
Mixed Berry (Bluebs, Raz, Black, or whatever is at hand/needs to be used), Kale, Cucumber, Green Apple

Anyone else working on their juice journey? Please share links to your juice posts, favorite recipes, or ideas!