Ah, Valentine’s Day. The holiday cooked up by restaurants to ensure that they have a packed house full of couples, effectively banishing those pesky single people who linger around with their books and knitting.
This year, I’ve decided to try and focus on the positive things. For example, I’m saving so much money right now, since I’m not at a fancy restaurant buying a $60 / plate dinner! See, look how positive I am? So here’s some more things I love.
1. I love felted slippers.
I finished these last week, and I am absolutely in love. The pattern is so great, and the slippers come out so well defined after felting. I’ve made felted socks before, but they just never fit my feet right. These slippers are a different approach, that makes such a nice shape, it really feels like you’re wearing some store bought slippers. And using your own hand-dyed yarn is even better!
- Pattern: Felted Clogs by Fiber Trends
- Yarn: 1 skein of Yarn Nerd 1700 MHz BFL in an over-dyed shade, and 1.25 skeins of Cascade 220 in Jet.
- Needles: US #13 (16″ and 24″ circulars)
- Felting: Tossed in the washing machine for about 30 minutes with some towels and hot water.
Then to give them some extra traction, I used zigzag stitch’s awesome tutorial for suede bottoms. This technique is inexpensive and easy, and it really helps on my tile floors. When you’re a klutz like me, you need all the traction you can get!
I think Dallas loves them too :)
2. I love Beer.
I just couldn’t resist (sorry Mom!), because a good beer is just so tasty. Especially when paired with the takeout you picked up, since sitting in a restaurant on Valentine’s Day is kinda crummy. It’s much better to eat delicious food at home, paired with a tasty brew and some mediocre TV. (30 Rock, I miss you! Come back soon ok?)
3. I love Brussels Sprouts.
Yeah, you read right, Brussels Sprouts. I’ve gone 23 years without ever trying one, and I decided it was high time that changed. So armed with a bag of the suckers, and this fantastic recipe, I remedied this grave injustice. And man oh man, what have I been missing all these years? Those little guys are phenomenal! So crispy and tender, and perfect when nice and charred on the bottom, with a generous dash of salt and pepper.
Just pretend that stove isn’t dirty ok? I’ll clean it first thing tomorrow, I promise.
So there you have it. This year, my Valentine’s are Slippers, Beer and Brussels Sprouts. Pretty exciting eh? Maybe next year I’ll have a lady to add to the list…although if my most recent blind date is an indication…
Oh wait, I’m supposed to be positive! Drat! ;)
