Moon and stars bandanna design to color

In 2006, I made a hat for my friend Melissa, just started crocheting working off the idea "What would be a good Melissa hat?" (includes crochet pattern for stars, but not the pattern for the hat)

A few days ago, I thought "What would make a good bandanna for Melissa?" and this was the result. I colored my example in her favorites, teal and lime. The 8x8 inch version below can be colored however you wish. I hope you like it! Click on the image for the larger transparent PNG version.

Argyle boxes!

Two argyle patterned printable gift boxes! These are good every occasion boxes in the 2x2x2 inch cube and the 3x3x1 inch size. Click on the images to download larger versions. Print on card stock, score, fold, glue! For argyles to color, I have a plain argyle pattern and an argyle mandala here.

It's really very cold here lately. About -7F or -22C. If it's cold where you are, stay warm. If you're in Australia or someplace summery, LUCKY! Err.. I mean, stay cool!

Book Review- On A Stick!

My first review of 2012!

On A Stick! 80 Party-Perfect Recipes by Matt Armendariz is a themed cookbook built around the idea of foods on a stick. Think more fair type mini-meals on a stick than tiny little appetizers on picks. These foods are fun and not at all fussy.

When I get a new cookbook, my daughter and I both go through it with sticky notes marking which recipes we want to try out first. This one looks like it's exploded with sticky notes.

I started with the deep fried mushroom recipe because it's a family favorite. The mushroom recipe is simple and tasty and  it's paired with a roasted onion dip that's super flavorful and rich. The dip is one that I plan to make for a lot more things.

She wants to make the fried mac and cheese or the really cute take on Scotch eggs next, and I'm eagerly looking forward to warmer weather to try some of the grilled recipes.

A lot of the recipes in here are fried, but there is also a lot of selection for people who prefer not to eat fried foods. The Caprese Sticks are a fun way to serve a reconstructed version of the popular salad, and the beef teriyaki skewers have a not-too-sweet teriyaki sauce and are grilled for smoky flavor.

Lots of meat skewer recipes for people who want something heartier, as well as seafood recipes. Since my family is pretty crazy about seafood and Alaskan cod is very inexpensive in Alaska, the beer battered fish and chips are a meal I could see having at least once a month. I plan to make that later this week for dinner. (Using Alaskan grown potatoes and Alaskan brewed beer for a locally sourced meal!)

You could quite literally serve dinner all on a stick to guests with the recipes in here. Starting with appetizers and salads, a main course and side dish, dessert and even an after dinner cocktail.

The recipes that should have dips have recipes for dips and all the recipes are clear with ingredients on a side bar to the instructions for making them. They are well-photographed as well if you like to see photos of how the finished product should look.

It's a cookbook for people who like fun food that's well prepared with attention to detail but that's still easy to make and present. There are lots of Asian inspired and influenced recipes along side Western favorites which make it a great cookbook for people with a wide range of tastes.

Not recommended for vegans since so many of the recipes call for meat or dairy products. There are some good vegetarian recipes in here though.

Published by Quirk Books

My reviews are always my personal and honest opinion. You can read more about my review policy here.

Two Thousand and Sweet! (with a coloring page)

My friend Liza from Brazil told me-

"Do you know what people have been calling the New Year here? Dois mil e doce (two thousand and sweet), because doze (twelve) sounds similar to doce (sweet). So a very very sweet year for you, too!"

I hope the year is sweet for all of you. Click on the candy mandala for a larger version. Transparent PNG as usual!

 Last year was the first time I started drawing mandalas on a regular basis, and it's a habit that I plan to keep.

My resolutions for this year are:

• Get an F.A.Q. written!
• Write the e-book about how to draw different radially symmetrical designs
• make lots and lots of things and write tutorials for them!
• Make a list of nearly painless ways to help out local charities
• Work out more regularly

The last one is easy. I've been going to the gym with an old friend regularly for water aerobics, which is a lot of fun because it's easy on my arthritis and I get to chat with her while we work out. My husband wants us to start lifting weights again as well. 

For the list of nearly painless ways to help out local charities, I'd love suggestions! I'd like to post that in the next few days. If you want me to link to your page, include it in comments or email. You can email me at shala (at) donteatthepaste (.) com.

The F.A.Q.- well.. honestly it's something I've meant to do for the last couple of months. So hopefully it gets done soon.

Tutorials- Working on one now for bird cage veils!

The e-book will take a bit more time.

I hope it truly is two thousand and sweet for all of you!
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