Month: September 2013

Water change whiteboard

One of my three goals* for this post-daycare/pre-job stretch was to finally learn how to do water changes and maintenance on the new tank. For a long time it was Kevin’s job because he knew how and I was too pregnant to easily do any of the bucket lifting. Later, I seemed to perpetually be holding a newborn or infant, and it seemed easier for him to sneak in a quick waterchange when it fit, instead of finding some way for us both to have a free 45 minutes with no kids so that he could explain and I could take notes. But last night we finally headed out to the garage, so that I could reduce the maintenance on all of this:

To this:

Next week, I’ll fly solo. Wish me luck!

* The other two goals are: 1. Find a job, and 2. Do the 10 week 5K training program.

Colorblock dress

This was a LONG project (at least six months, on and off), but I finally finished the little colorblock dress!

I’m delighted with the way it turned out. I didn’t have a pattern, I was improvising (I used one of her store-bought sweater dresses as a very rough sizing guide for an 18 month fit, but this was mostly made up as I went). It was my first time trying crochet as a surface embellishment – it took a few tries to find the right size hook and get the knack of it, but I really like the way it turned out, I will do more of this. Here’s the back:

What WILL I do with my knitting time, now? Maybe finally knit that nativity set?

Pretty centerpiece

While I was planting Kevin’s succulents, I also made one for us at home.

I didn’t have the right size planter – I wanted something super low and easy to see over while we’re all sitting at the table. I ended up settling on one of our bowls from the cabinet – we have plenty, and the colors compliment the plants perfectly.

It makes such a nice spot for your eye to rest, I am enjoying it immensely. This is the first time I’ve had succulents since the plant my brother and sister gave me for my birthday in high school, and I’ve missed them.