Knit Wit

Just recently I started teaching myself to knit. After checking out several library books and extensive online "research," I settled on a project. This adorable snood from By Hand London. Seemed easy enough, and would help me towards my greater goal, knitting us a cozy couch blanket. 

Easy is a relative term. Despite some pretty good YouTube videos, circular knitting was quite the challenge for this newbie. I'd recommend at least a little experience before spending an entire afternoon trying to join the cast-on stitches while they're twisting all around. Eventually I gave up!

That was okay though. 

At the library, I had found this great book, Simple Knitting by Erika Knight.

 

  

Inside was this adorable dishcloth project! I knew from the minute I saw it I'd have to try them. Sure enough, dishcloths were a lot more manageable for this first time knitter. After completing one, and almost another one, I called it a night. Only to find the next morning, our precious pooch had helped himself to snacking on my bamboo needles, the 1.5 dishcloths, and remaining yarn. Plenty of curse words and a call to the vet later..... nothing to show.

So instead of sharing with you photos of finished projects, here's some advice:

Or a glass of bourbon in my case :) Here are also some knitting links to keep us inspired.  Even if life may not be gong as planned right now.

Martha Stewart Knit Blanket

Two Purl Bee Classics

 

Dutch-Style Knit Throw 

   

The Purl Bee's Pixie Dust Lap Blanket 

Techie Troubles & Accessories

Two weeks ago the inevitable finally happened, My five year old MacBook Air bit the dust.

It had been showing serious signs of collapse, and I thankfully purchased an external harddrive to back up my photos and most important documents. Despite haivng what I need off it, I am still mourning, its loss to a ridiculous degree. It was the first big purchase I had EVER made for myself, and without it (and my digital subscription to The New Yorker), I don't think I would have made it through my graduate school's three hour long lectures.

So my questions have begun: Now what do I get? Another MacBook Air? A MacBook Pro? Are they really that different? Or do I just go with a desktop? Because when was really the last time I took my laptop anywhere? Decisions. Decisions.

Any advice would be welcomed! I would love to hear what you use and recommend! Sadly, posts will be rare until I'm able to get a new computer. 

In honor of this techie theme, I put together a list of a few of my favorite tech accessories all from Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, or J.Crew (links below):

 

 

Starting from the top (left to right):

J.Crew USB Charger // J.Crew Leather iPhone Case
Driftwood iPhone Dock // OBEY Sierra Laptop Sleeve // Anthropologie Earbuds
Vers 2Q Wireless Stereo Speaker // Herschel Supply Co. iPad Mini Sleeve

October Instagrams

These just about sum up the month; Time well spent with my dog, drinking coffee, obessing over all things pumpkin, embarking on a few rare craft projects, and letting myself get wrapped up reading e-books. How have you celebrated October?

You can follow me, livkrysti, on instagram, here!

Mulled Wine Recipe

Last December, we were snowed in for three days - the best three days ever - I might add. During that time, we perfected our mulled wine (or Glogg) method. Mulled wine is something we make from what we have available so it may vary slightly from batch to batch. 

The essential ingredients for mulled wine include: Wine, Bbandy, sugar, orange, and mulling spices.

Last night we used Chewing the Cud's mulling spices (from my October OliveBox), which made a great drink without much hassle at all. You may already have the spices you need around your kitchen though. 2 Cinnamon sticks, 2 star of anise, and 8 cloves are all you really have to have. Ginger is sometimes added, but we never seem to have any. For that extra bite ginger would add, I have sometimes substituted all spice in its place. A sweeter red wine will work best, but when you are snowed in you use whatever you have - and can always add more sugar as you cook!

Once you get your ingredients together, place 1/4 cup of sugar (to one bottle of wine) in the bottom of a sauce pan adding just enough wine to cover. Heat liquid, stiring until it begins to thicken. Add your spices and let simmer 3-4 minutes before adding the remaing wine and then 1/4 cup brandy. Bring the liquid back to a simmer until aromatic, about 15 minutes, tasting and adjusting the sweetness as you go. Strain and serve in your favorite mug. Enjoy!

Real BHLDN Brides

Just in case you missed it....

BHLDN posted new photos to their Real Brides album on Facebook.

We were totally honored BHLDN (pronounced "beholden") chose one of our wedding photos to feature! My wedding dress was by the super talented Catherine Deane, and like many brides I knew it would be my dress the first time I saw it.  

Scroll through, and see if you notice a familiar face :)

 

 

 

 

Weather Essentials

In general, I like a nice rainy day. They seem to move at a slower pace, and have to be the best excuse for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book or magazine. It's not until I'm  caught off guard in the rain that I cuss it. Because by then my hair is frizzing, my entire face feels sticky, and whatever new item of clothing I decided to wear is getting drenched. Ugh.

Someday I'll be old and maybe I'll watch the weather channel like my parents, but until then here a few items that could bright 'em up any rainy day:

 (1) Hunter Rain Boots (2) J.Crew Camp Socks (3) Madewell Parka (4) J.Crew Hair Ties


Hunter + Rag & Bone Boots


 

Classic Camp Socks  

 

Madewell + Penfield Kasson Parka 

 
 Metallic Hair Ties

Get Cozy! Curl up with a Pendleton Blanket

As I type this, I am warm and cozy drinking coffee under my very favorite blanket. Last Valentine's, I got Sam the Chimayo Throw, and the days I don't totally hog it are few-and-far in between. I love it so much, I wanted to share a couple other blankets from Pendleton I adore! They make such wonderful gifts for special people in your life. I know I'd be happy to even have a second one lying around our home. Check them out here: