Searching For Pineapples...

Way back when, I was browsing the aisles of Wal-Mart. At 3AM. Where I live, that's the best time to shop. Almost no one, is in the store. And in a college town, that's rare. Where our local store is booming with college aged shoppers until 2AM. And the "family types," take over around 6AM.

Well, on this particular day, I found some pineapple candles. I can just imagine what you are thinking. But I have a soft place in my heart, for the pineapple. Since I was little, I've always preferred pineapple juice, over all other juices. Weird? I don't know. But it's the truth.

So at 3AM, I found myself buying 12 pineapple candles. It didn't hurt, that the sweet yellow color, matched my guest bathroom perfectly. The scent was light. And not overly sweet. But it scented the bathroom nicely. Just a light hint, of pineapple. Fresh pineapple. Not something artificial.

This went well with everything else in my life. At the time. The palm trees, that were in my backyard. My daily fresh pineapple snack. The soft glow of candles, when I'd get home, from a long day at work.

Fast forward. 2 or 3 years. And I was on my last 2 candles. During any other time in my life, I'd have gone through those candles, in less than a year. But I was no splitting my time, between 2 homes, and the open road. It was a good thing. It extended my little stash. But now, I'm missing those candles. And that time in my life...

I took to Wal-Mart, about 18 months ago. Searching for my beloved candles. With no luck! I searched and searched. Spent months. Asked friends. Looked for other candles. Searched on eBay. But I've had no luck!

So I figured, I'd take to my blog. And ask, has anyone seen a pineapple candle? Any brand. Any store. But I'm looking for just a pineapple candle. I've found candles, a variety of combinations. But the other scents, overwhelm the pineapple.

I hope someone can help me. Point me in the right direction. I know, years ago I found those candles in Spring. So maybe someone has seen something. Or maybe you know of a good Etsy shop. I want a realistic scent. Something that reminds me of fresh pineapple. Thank You ahead of time, for all your help! ♥  

Inspired By Spring

I don't know about you, but around here, the weather has been nuts! We were in sunny Florida, for about 2 weeks. And it wasn't very warm. It didn't feel like Florida at all! Then we come home to the South, and it's freezing!

It makes me want Spring and Summer, more than ever! My Bestie and I, we took to Pinterest over the weekend, for a little inspiration. And I have to say this, I was so inspired by the warm weather outfits! Like this one...

This outfit reminds me a lot of Easter. Can you believe, I'm already talking about Easter? I know! This year is flying by! I'm not complaining though. Spring is my favorite season. I adore everything about it! Spring cleaning, the plants blooming, birds chirping, the clothes, fresh food, holidays, and beautiful colors. Oh ya, my birthday is also in Spring! :)

I've actually been looking for something similar to this outfit. I've got a similar cardigan and jewelry. But I'm searching for a dress like this. Oh, and that bag! I'm a sucker for ruffles, bows, and pretty jewelry. Spring can't come fast enough for this gal! ♥  

Mix and Match for Fall

One of my absolute, favorite things about Fall, are the colors. The rich colors. The mix of textures. Oh, I could just go on and on, for days. Instead, I was searching through Polyvore last night. Passing some time, before calling a friend.

What did I find? Well, lots of things. But there was one board, that completely stuck out to me. I don't know what it was. But I adored it. What do you think?

Mostly, I like the colors. The variety of colors. But more than anything, I like the idea of mixing textures. Of mixing, and matching pieces, from different seasons. For example, that dress might be from Spring or Summer. Those shoes, and that ring, are definitely Summer pieces. But that jacket, and the makeup, scream Fall and Winter to me.

That's the thing I love about Fall. You can mix and match so much. To get that perfect look. OK, I'm not in love with these shoes. But I like the color. Maybe I'd pair this outfit, with a similarly colored clutch. Perhaps find a pair of coral and pink earrings. And a turquoise blue ring. Taking these colors, but using them in a slightly, different way.

Quite in fact, this little picture, has inspired me. I'm sort of challenged by it. And now, I'm dying to dig through my closet. To see what I can pair together. What pieces would go well. As we transition from Summer, to Fall. ♥

California Cobb Salad

I'm IN LOVE with the fact, that my friends are in town for a few days. OK, 2 weeks! But who's counting? In the midst of all the craziness, that is a gig schedule, I've carved out some time. To spend some much needed time, with some of my closest and dearest friends. I LOVE you guys!!!

And early this week, I decided we needed to have a little "get to together." I knew, I wanted to take advantage of our AMAZING backyard. It's like paradise back there. And we rarely use it. It's a shame! But I figured, the kiddos would have a wonderful place, to run around. :) Perfection!!!

But it's been H-O-T as heck! We keep hearing about this tropical storm...that should be here next week. But honestly, it's just been hot. Just plain hot and sticky! And that means, I don't want to cook. Heck, I barely want to eat. So I want something light, and fresh. Oh, thank goodness for Gooseberry Patch! And this week's Recipe of the Week. The California Cobb Salad.




California Cobb Salad

1 head lettuce, shredded
3 c. cooked turkey, cubed
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
3 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
3/4 c. crumbled blue cheese
1 c. green onion, chopped
8-oz. bottle Ranch salad dressing

Divide lettuce among 4 to 6 salad plates. Arrange remaining ingredients except dressing in rows over lettuce. Drizzle with dressing to taste. Makes 4 to 6 servings.



Well, I use most recipes, as a guide. And inspiration. This one, is no different. I made my own Ranch dressing. From scratch. Yum! I need to do that again. And soon! I also made a few upgrades. I used Romaine lettuce. I had some Roast Beef, that we had on hand. A cut up some cucumbers and carrots. The perfect additions.

This was the perfect little meal. In all this heat. With a HUGE variety of fruit. And some rather delicious cookies. You know how I LOVE to bake! Let's not forget, the fresh raspberry lemonade! The perfect summer lunch. Not too heavy. Just perfect in this summer heat! We must do it once again. :) And very soon! ♥

Baby Animals Blankie

I've been looking for a fun baby blanket to crochet. I've been crocheting, just as fast as I can! So many of my friend's are welcoming the most gorgeous babies!!! Two of my friends in particular, are too cute! They're married to 2 guys in the BBs. And love the "Good 'ol Farm Life!!!" So I needed something very special.

I took to Annie's Attic. To be honest, I hadn't searched this website in a long time! I'm still a little bitter, that they don't offer their "Free Daily Pattern" anymore. And that they longer sell 2 of my favorite patterns. That I can't find anywhere else. But I sucked it up. And took to searching.



That's when I found this adorable pattern!!! Baby Animals Blankie. Hello. It's just perfect! For these precious 2 baby girls. I bought it. Downloaded it immediately. And I've gotten to work. Never mind, that one of these sweet baby girls is already here! Her Nana is working, as fast as her crochet hook will go. :) ♥

I Want to Make These

If there was just more time. Between now and Easter. If we weren't traveling. Or actually knew, where we'd be spending Easter. If only. I feel like lately, that's my little motto. If only...

Well, if I had a few more hours in my day, I'd make a few things. To make our home happy. To give as gifts. To calm myself, just a bit. Recently, a friend, sent me a few pictures. Here's my inspiration.



How about a pretty wreath? Something fun, and unexpected. A little whimsical. I'd love to whip something like this, up for our front door.



How about these simple decorations? Not too Easter-y. That means, we could get away with having them up, just a little longer! I like the simplicity. :)



Or how about some cute, little sheep pillows. I'm really LOVING these pillows! They could go well with our new, buttercup yellow blanket. Sheep and chicks!!! It doesn't get more Spring like than that!!! :)



A fun pillowcase. I want to make a few of these. For some very special little girls. With some minor adjustments. I NEED to make some time, to make these precious pillowcases!



Maybe even this bunny. It's so unusual. But fun! I like the long eyelashes. That the body shape is a little quirky. This could be another fun gift!

These are a few things, that I'd LOVE to make right now! To add a little fun, Spring, and color into our home. What are some projects, that you're wanting to make? Or what are some things, that are inspiring you, this Spring. It could be clothing, pictures, flowers, food, or anything else. I'd LOVE to know!!! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 5

This week is exciting! We're beginning Week 5, of our Crochet Along. And at the end of this week, we'll be done with the basic pattern. The only thing left, will be the edging!

Our goal for this week is, rows 67-87. The same "Bunny Block," as Week 3. This is really exciting! Now I'm anxious, to finish up my blankets. :)



I have to confess, I'm a little behind this week. Work has been extra crazy. So today, I'll be taking a lot of time to crochet. :) My goal for the day, is rows 50-67. See, I told you, I fell behind. But I'm sure, that this week, will be much better! How are your blankets going? ♥

Happy Spring!

Today is the first day of Spring!!! I'm so excited! Words cannot describe my happiness. Spring has ALWAYS been my favorite season. And not just because, I was born on the first day of Spring...just a few years ago! :) But I love how Spring makes you feel new, and fresh. It's a time for new beginnings, and growth. A time, to refresh your life. And appreciate nature. Oh yes, I LOVE Spring!!! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 4

Happy Sunday! I think this Crochet Along, is a success! I've had so many positive e-mails this week. Which makes me smile! :) That's the whole reason, that Manders and I wanted to do this. To reach out to fellow crocheters. And create something beautiful, in the process.

This week, we're working on our third, "Bunny Block." Rows 46-66. Pretty much, it's exactly what we did, during Week 2. I'm really excited, to see how big our blankets are going to get. I can tell, this is going to be a good week!



This week, I fell a little behind. I was performing, early in the week. And late in the week, I was doing some last minute things, for my friend's Baby Shower. But I managed to get to row 45. I'm really excited, to have 2 "Bunny Blocks" done. But now, I kinda of wonder, how would the blanket look, if every other bunny, faced the opposite direction? Maybe I'll try that, on the next one! For now, I'm going to tackle rows 46-66! Have a GREAT week! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 3

Welcome Back Crochet Along friends! How are your blankets going? I'm moving along well. Still experimenting a little. With my smaller blanket. But all is well. This week's goal, is rows 25-45. That's one more "Bunny Block!" :) This set of bunnies, will be running in the opposite direction.



Don't worry if you didn't make it to row 24. Remember, we're not on a time crunch. We're just working on this, together. This is supposed to be something fun. Not stressful! Just keep that in mind. :)

I got a few e-mails this week. All having to do with the same "issue." The gauge, is just a little off. The chains are a little loose. And the double crochets, are too tight. So when you're looking at your work, it looks a little "messy."

I've worked on other filet blankets before. And I've worked on filet crochet...with thread. Your work, just doesn't look "neat." That is, your chains look too loose. And your double crochets, tootight. The double crochets "pull" at the chains. And the chains just look really loose. It has to do with the tension of your work. You just need to work on, making all your stitches similar, in tension. Don't stress. With yarn, especially a thicker yarn, it'd not as noticeable.

And remember, if you have a question, or concern, please leave Manders or I, a comment. Or send us an e-mail. That's what we're here for! At the end of this week, we're pretty much, halfway done with our blankets! Now that is exciting!!! ♥

Crochet Along: Some Tips

On Sunday, I had mentioned that I was starting a second blanket. I started it. Stopped, and looked. I was using 4 ply yarn, and a size H hook. But it seemed small. I found myself at a stop. I wanted a slightly larger blanket. One that I could cuddle up under. So I took it apart, and added another bunny block across. This means that you must start with a chain 185. The adjustment will give 5 blocks across. And I'm thinking my finished blanket is going to be 5X6.

Manders also mentioned that she was making a baby blanket. And she didn't like the original size of the pattern. She called me. And I gave her these new adjustments. She's using baby weight yarn, and a size G hook. And according to Manders, this makes for a blanket, that is "crib" size.



But that also got time thinking. I wanted to make a baby blanket. One to add to a growing collection. That I'm donating, to the NICU, where I work. I knew that the original was slightly, too large. Because those babies are itty bitty!

So I started playing with the pattern. I thought. 2 blocks, with more double crochets in between. Making a larger border. But I didn't like it. So I decided to go with, 3 blocks across. You start with a chain 113. Then continue with the pattern. I haven't decided yet, if I'm going to make it 3X3, or 3X4. We'll just have to wait and see. In case you were wondering, I'm using Baby Bernat Sport Yarn, in white. And a G hook.

I told you, that we are here to help out! I just wanted to share a few adjustments, in case you were interested. A few of you were. Because I received, about 10 e-mails, on Monday. I hope this helps. Personally, I think that the odd number of bunnies, is more pleasing to the eye. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Hopefully, this helps with your goal this week. See you Sunday! ♥

Feels Like Spring

It's feeling more and more like Spring, around here. But my love of scarves, is still going strong. And I want to make myself, some Spring inspired scarves. Something fun and colorful. My friend sent me this picture, just yesterday. And I'm getting inspired!



This picture gives me lots of ideas. I'd LOVE to make a scarf like this. With Spring colors. Wouldn't this be fun to wear? With a pair of white pants, and a fun colored tank. Yes, I think I need to sit down today, and figure this out. ♥

Crochet Along: Week 2

Welcome Back! It's Week 2 of our Crochet Along. And this week, we begin our projects. That means, we're crocheting! But first, how did your shopping go? Did you find everything you need? Were you like me? Sitting in the middle of the yarn aisle, trying to decide, which yarn you wanted. That was really me!

For Week 2, our goal is to begin our blankets. And work to row 24. That will complete the first block. Or what we're going to refer to as, a "Bunny Block." Which means, by Saturday, we should, have some cute bunnies to admire!



For me, I have to admit something. I started crocheting my blanket already! I started last week. Because I didn't have another project to work on. And we were on the road. I'm making a baby blanket, in a soft yellow color. Last Monday, I almost finished the first "Bunny Block." I know!

But don't fear. I'm starting a second one. In a pretty yellow, 4 ply yarn. I have no clue what the color is! Because the label, is not on, this skein of yarn. But it's more of a muted color. I was tempted to buy Red Heart's Bright Yellow. It's so pretty! But I'm making this for our living room. And the more muted color, goes better with our decor.

I know that Manders started her blanket as well. But only got 3 or 4 rows done. She was trying to work ahead. Just a bit. Because she is in the middle, of planning 2 birthday parties. And didn't want to fall behind. I told you, the Crochet Along, is just about an outline. More of a support system.

This week should be fun. And interesting. I want to get both of my blankets, to row 24. By Saturday! I'm positive that I can have it done. I'm really interested in seeing, what the size difference is going to be. Should be interesting.

Don't forget, if you have any problems or questions, please contact us. Or leave a comment. Maybe someone else is struggling too. We're a supportive group. Ready to help, wherever we can! Happy Crocheting! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 1

Welcome to Week 1 of our Crochet Along! Manders and I, are super excited about this! We received just under 30 e-mails. Definitely made us smile! And we're looking forward to the next 6 weeks, of crochet time! If you are still interested, you can still contact us. Leave us a comment, on either of our blogs, or e-mails. :)

Week 1 is super easy! And hopefully a lot of fun! All you have to do is, print off the pattern. And do a little shopping. My favorite part! You are going to need 35 oz of 4 ply yarn. And a size H crochet hook.

Right now, I'm sort of having a mini issue. Do I make this for Easter? And use the 4 ply yarn. Or do I make this for a baby? Using "baby weight" yarn? And the colors. Oh the colors! Can you tell what I spend most of my projects doing? Trying to make decisions about yarn. I'm leaning towards a bright yellow. In a "Baby Yarn." But it will all depend on, what I can find at the stores.



I was thinking about this step. And I have a little note for you. I make a similar blanket. All the time! For baby girls. The filet pattern is of hearts. And I use baby weight yarn. With a size G hook. If you are considering this route, I would buy a large ball of yarn. I usually use Lion Brand Baby, or Bernat Baby Sport. One large skein, is more than enough!

What are your ideas? I think a bright yellow, 4 ply yarn, would also be nice. Something bright and fun. Potentially for a toddler. Or a more muted color, for an Easter throw. I've also seen a pretty lavender color, that I'm sorta in love with! Oh the decisions. ♥

I Miss This...

It's that time of year. When it's almost "between" seasons. We've lived through months of cold weather. "Locked" up indoors. And you know what, I'm ready for Spring!



I miss getting dirt under my fingernails. Of digging for hours and hours, in our garden. Smelling the fresh dirt. Feeling the grit. Being part of nature.



I miss seeing all the beautiful flowers. Smelling all of these beautiful scents. Remembering, that God gave us, some of the most beautiful things in nature. To love. Beautiful scents. And scenes.



I really do miss planting new flowers. Watching our yard fill up, with the most beautiful colors. All the birds, butterflies, and other creatures, as they play in our garden. I miss the cool evenings outside.

Yes, I'm definitely ready for Spring to come! We've ordered so many bulbs, seeds, and plants. Honestly, I can't wait to plant them! If only, the weather would just get a little warmer. And stay like that. Oh Spring, where are you? ♥

Crochet Along: Filet Crochet Bunny Blanket

Hi there! I've got some exciting news for you! Manders and I, decided to host another Crochet Along. We had wanted to do one, last summer. But time just got away from us. Then we planned one in the fall. But I don't know why, we never actually hosted it. We even had a pattern picked out!

But never fear, we've picked out something fun! After much thought, and hunting on just about every crochet website, we picked Red Heart's Filet Crochet Bunny Blanket.The main reason we picked this pattern, is it's a "user friendly" pattern. Meaning that a new crocheter can follow it. But it's interesting enough, that a more advanced crocheter, will also enjoy it!



Another thing, that grabbed my attention is, this blanket can be used for a variety of reasons. Wouldn't this look amazing, as a baby gift? It's gender neutral. Perfect for your next Baby Shower! And if you are anything like me, you have quite a few coming up!

But I can also see this same blanket, as a nice throw for Easter. You know how the weather is right now. Warm one minute, cold the next. So this would be a nice addition, to your Family Room. Something to cover you, while you watch your favorite show.

If I've convinced you, please sign up! Either leave me a comment on this post, or go visit Manders. :) You can also e-mail me at SweetNightingaleSing (at) gmail (dot) com. Or send Manders an e-mail at MandersinLove (at) yahoo (dot) com.

We'd LOVE to hear from you! We'd also like a little feedback. Do you like our pattern selections? Would you like us to host a Crochet Along, with a certain pattern? Or at a certain time? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

And don't feel like we're forcing you along. We are hosting this Crochet Along, just to encourage our fellow crocheters. I know, from personal experience, sometimes I just get bored with a project. Or frustrated. This Crochet Along, is designed with the idea, that we are here to encourage and help each other out.

Manders and I sat down the other night, and worked out our entire plan. Every Sunday, we will post our goal for the week. In that post, feel free to comment. If you are struggling with something, or have some information you want to share, we'd love to hear about it.

And with our plan, we should be done the first week in April. Of course, you could also work, ahead of our pace. I hope that a few of you, are interested. Because Crochet Alongs, are a lot of fun to be a part of! I hope to hear from you soon! ♥