More Hearts

So, here I was thinking my blog had disappeared into obscurity and completely giving up on it and all along people have been checking it out. I'm pretty happy about that and in fact its very touching to know.

In my life I get very distracted by my medical and mental conditions. They take up most of every single day. I pretty much sit in worry and anxiety trying all day to think about anything but them. Through this introverted battle of paranoia, illness, and depression, I spend most of my foggy days just thinking about how crappy I feel.

On some days, the real world punches through and I get a glimpsed at what my life is supposed to be like and what's really important. This blog is important. That's hard for me to remember sometimes.

Thank you to Devi for submitting a comment and letting me know that one of the links for free heart crochet patterns was not working.

Here are some suitable (I hope) alternatives for you guys. <3

http://www.crochetdoilies.com/crochet_heart_coaster.html

http://creativeyarnsource.com/Heart.pdf

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/warm-hearted-spirits

http://www.caron.com/projects/op/op_hearts.html

If you're good at reading diagrams, this page has loads to choose from! 

http://crochet-plaisir.over-blog.com/categorie-12330740.html

*The first few times I clicked this link not more than an hour ago, it worked. It has since stopped working for me. I'm sorry in advance if it doesn't work. :(

Please note that all of these pictures belong solely to their creators as listed in the links below them. I did not make these crochet creations, patterns, or take the pictures. Give credit where credit is due and be sure to read the guidelines for use of the pattern if and when they are listed. 

Thank you so much for reading!

Love,

Mery Ann

Ugh, cleaning....

Every Saturday morning growing up, my mom would blast some old school Salsa music and get my sister, my brother, and myself up for our weekly deep cleaning session. We would all eat a nice big breakfast and set to work cleaning the house room to room systematically.

She taught me a lot about cleaning and tried to instill a sunny morning disposition in me. I can't say it was a rousing success but I will say that I appreciate it.

In honor of my mother's cleanly habit forming teachings I wanted to make a super neat blog chock full of useful household crochet patterns and cleaning and cooking tips.

Here's a poppy granny square design that would make an awesome dishcloth or hot pad!

http://colourinasimplelife.blogspot.com/2012/06/granny-bobble-spiral.html

If you want an even intricate design, this hot pad from Naztazia,com could be just what you're looking for:  (requires Ravelry.com account)

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weaved-hotpad


Every one could use some coasters. Try some neon colors for summer or pumpkin spice and burnt umber for the upcoming fall season:

http://www.lululoves.co.uk/index.php/item/crochet-coasters

If you're looking to purchase some sweet coasters instead, check these out for your wine glasses!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoolBeansandThings?section_id=11609311

COOKING:

Crockpot Strawbery Jam!

2 lbs of strawberries all cut up 

4 cups white sugar 

1/4 cup lemon juice 

(I think to keep them looking red)

 Crockpot, high setting, 2-4 hours depending on size of strawberries.

Gotta love Jello!

For a much quicker and more chocolatey snack, check out this microwave delight:

Cleaning:

Want to save money on fabric freshner? Check this out:

What you need:

• 1/8 cup of your favorite fabric softener
• 2 Tbsp baking soda
• hot water
• spray bottle (32 oz)

What you do:Add fabric softener and baking soda to spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with hot water. Shake it all up. Use as you would Febreeze.

I hope you liked all these useful hints and tips and as always, thank you for reading.

Love,

Mery Ann