2014 is almost here…. Happy New Year!

As 2013 draws to a close, I think about the year that's passed and what I'd like to change in the future. I don't like to call these changes resolutions, since resolutions are something that aren't really stuck to. I like to make changes that stick.

Of course, every year ending leads to some measure of reflection. For me, I'm another year older, a little wiser (at least I think), and a better person as time goes on. So, without further ado… a list of things I'd like to keep doing, and things I'd like to start doing ahead of the new year.

1. Keep up with my fitness routine. 2013 was great for that. I really started working out in February, and I've found myself very near the 30 pound weight loss mark. I'm proud of myself, and plan to keep going. I have loved the feeling of pushing myself and making changes that will last for years to come.

2. Be a more consistent writer. Not just blog posts, but writing in general. Writing is something that I have always loved to do, but something I haven't made as much time for as I would like. Of course, I am still figuring out my blogging voice, and am planning to continue and improve.

3. Keep on crafting. I didn't do as well with my business this year as I would have liked, but it is not something I want to give up on. I want to continue making things in my offseason and do what I can to have a ton of new stuff in 2014. In case you didn't know, my business, Blackheart Knits & Crafts, is located on Etsy here.

4. Meet some new people. I think everyone wants to expand their circle of friends, but this is one thing I am really terrible at. I would like to maybe find a knitting circle or book club, and be more outgoing all things considered. I have to get over myself and realize that not everything is a negative when it comes to other people.

5. Get better at cooking. I have found a few recipes to try in 2013 that I've really loved, and I really love putting everything together. From store to pan, cooking is something I really want to get better at.

There's mine! What are your New Year's non-resolutions?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

a digital copy of our actual Christmas cards!

On my first 28 years.

In case you didn't know, today is my birthday. I'm 28 years old. 28! There was a part of me that never thought I would see 25, much less where I am today. I find myself looking back, really having no idea how twelve years have passed since I got my driver's license and ten years have passed since I graduated high school. Where does it all go? It's crazy to think that 28 years ago today I came into this world. Wait… shouldn't this crisis be happening when I turn 30? Oh well, better early than never, is what I like to say!

I found some old scanned photos on my computer - here's a good one:

I was really, really stoked about that pumpkin, apparently. 

Birthdays make me happy, but in a way they also kind of bum me out. One thing I came to realize through years of trying too hard was that nobody gives a rat's ass about your birthday. You wanna go bowling, go to dinner? Have fun going by yourself, because nobody else wants to. Even if it's something fun like bowling, you'll inexplicably have people get "sick" at the last minute, and wind up in your living room alone with a pile of beer cans in your living room. Let's pretend that didn't actually happen. 

Last year, I got dragged out to the bar by my work boys, and you know what? I had a great time. I guess to me it just blows that nobody can genuinely care about someone else's day anymore. It's a Facebook post and that's it. Really? It's looking like the same thing is happening this year, and you know? A few beers, good people, and some pizza? This gal is not complaining.

Here's to 28 more.

New hair, no cares!

from this...

to this!

I haven't dyed my hair in months. It had been black, and then the black all washed out, and it was black with chunks of green and old colors in it. Once it gets cold, I usually go red. And this year was definitely not an exception to the rule. I missed it! I love it!

How-To Tuesday: Ladder Yarn Necklaces

A few months ago, I taught myself how to make ladder yarn necklaces, which have gotten pretty popular on the craft show circuit! In case you aren't familiar, they look like this:

All it is is just yarn, crocheted into a chain, tied together and adjustable via a bead in the back. While I was thinking of ideas for a HTT post, I thought this would be the perfect thing.

So, what you need is:

• ball of ladder yarn (also called trellis yarn)
• ruler or yardstick
• scissors
• crochet hooks (large and small)
• beads with a hole large enough to fit yarn's ends

Once you get all of that together, we can get started:

Cut five 2 1/2 yard pieces of yarn. I like to roll them up into themselves as I go, so I can keep track of how many I have. Also, since I make more than one at a time, it keeps me organized.

Measure 9 inches from one end, and tie a slip knot. 

Use a crochet hook and the chain stitch (I found this YouTube link to help), chain until you reach 9 inches from the other side, and knot.

Repeat four more times, until all four strands are completed.

Hold all five strands in one hand, pull knots until they are even, knot together. Repeat on other side.

                                     

Use small crochet hook to pull ends of yarn through the bead. Knot after you reach the bead, cut strands evenly.

                       

There you have it! Let me know if you try it out in the comments!