Yarn Along Wednesday

Wednesday is finally here, which means the weekend if half full or half empty, right? Let's say half full just to be an optimist, right?

Today and for the first time (ever) I am linking with Yarn Along and showing one of the few crochet project I have going on right now...

Like I mentioned the other day, I am working on a hat for my SIL as she and my brother are moving back to Canada at the end of November, I am going to miss them A LOT!

Anyway, her favorite color is green so I decided to use "Tea Leaf" green and Lavender to give it a little extra... Here's what I have done so far.

The hat should look like this at the end...

And if you would like to get your hands on this free pattern visit the ravelry page here. If you can't access it because you are not a ravelry member, just let me know and I can send you the pattern via email.

On the weather front, I have to say that today is remarkably sunny out there, the storm should be just about the hit Jamaica today so we are expecting on and off shower during the afternoon/night... but other than that looks like we are not going to be too affected, thank you all for your nice words yesterday!

Happy Hump Day

Sandy stay away!

Having a Tropical Storm (in this case Sandy) in the neighborhood is not very much fun. Skies are very gray this morning with howling wind and on & off rain.

But according to the weather forecast the storm is heading north so it will hit Jamaica straight on and although according to the NOAA National Hurricane Centers graphic (below) we are not even in the cone, but even with the storm so far away from us (more than 200 miles to Jamaica), we should expect 3 to 6 inches of rain.

In the graphic above, our tiny island is located just below the "2 AM" and the Cayman Islands Sister Islands (Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) are just below the "Thur".

So anyway, as I am writing this, it's raining hard out, I am getting ready to go into work and thinking this might be a very boring day because I doubt it this weather makes people wanna go shopping, here's hoping I am wrong!

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Weekend Projects

Oh what a great feeling is to start the weekend knowing that some projects are done and others are pretty much right on schedule.

During the weekend I got some stuff done and did not procrastinate so now I can say I have one more project under my belt and ready to giveaway in November when I see my cousin at the Madonna Concert trip.

The finalized project is the monkey for my godson Julian.

This Monkey project is probably the hardest I've ever done, but not because it is too big, but because the pattern I used is from an advance level of crochet and the stitched were not explained in detail so in some cases I had to do math myself and in my case, that is just a recipe for disaster!

But I did manage and the end result looks good, now, if only I can get a hidden camera inside the monkey so I can see Julian's face when he gets it, that would make it even more worth it!!!

But other than the Monkey I worked in other projects.

I got my hair done, cut it a bit and got some color to cover those crazy gray hairs I am starting to get thanks to my Dad genes!

Also, I have started a hat for my SIL (sister in law) and also I am working on the paper mache figure head for the Pirates Week Boat float we are putting in the Parade (from work!)... I have some photos of that but until I am 100% sure I will be able to finish it I won't be sharing any...

On Saturday we went to the Cayman Islands Veteran's Association Fundraiser Ball as my husband served on the Navy for 6 years. It was a black tie affair (which we are not very used to) so we had to dress up a bit.

In my husband's case all he had to do was pull out of the closet his Navy uniform from 1985 and wear it, which by the way fit him just fine (insert jealous -sigh- here!)... from 27 years ago!!!!

And that is all I have to report from my two day weekend.

Looks like we might be getting some weather in the next couple of days, there seems to be a disturbance that has the potential to become a Tropical Storm, here's hoping it won't!

Have a great week!!! 

HAPPY Friday ☺

Back when I lived in Cayman Brac (circa 2005) I didn't have many options for daytime tv, so the days I worked from 7am to 3pm I used to come home and have a late lunch while watching The Ellen Show.

But them I moved to Grand Cayman and my work schedule changed and also the fact that we don't have cable TV so I never watched it again.

Well, a few days ago I decided to go to YouTube to find something to amuse myself with, and since I haven't watched the show for so long, I though "Oh I'll just watch one or two clips of Ellen"...

... 2 hours later I was still here!

She is totally awesome, fun and clever. But mostly what I really love is the way she laughs... it's so contagious and unique, she really does enjoy life.... Now, more than 5 years later,  I still love all the pranks she pulls on her guests.

So today and to kick off the Weekend, I decided to share this funny video, and since Halloween and coming up, what a better way to celebrate it than watching people getting scared, right?

Wasn't that Hi-la-ri-ous??? Hope it got at least a giggle outta ya'

And now...

Also, enjoy your weekend!!!

Throwback Thursday

Hello All! Hope your week is going well so far, we are getting closer to the weekend and that makes me smile!

So, are you ready to "travel" back to a place and time in my past capture by a photo? Hope so...

1. This photo was taken back in 2003 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

2. The photographer is my friend Peter Solti from Canada.

3. That day the photo was taken we visited "Playa" (as the locals call it) for the day and Peter just took photos all over, we had a great time.

4. It was cold Superior beer and feta salad kind of day!

5. This was taken at my favorite restaurant in Playa called Babes, which is a sushi and noodle bar, when I came back to visit 2 years ago with my husband, we made sure to stop by again, it was still good!

And now if you are ready to share a piece of your past, make sure to link back to me and add your own blog. Otherwise just leave me a comment, I heart comments!!!

Have a great Thursday!!!

don't care to care...

Happy Hump Day everybody...

As most of my readers are Americans (including my husband) I think it's important and necessary to tell you guys how I feel and it's my position on the upcoming elections, the candidates, the debates and all things politics...

But, I do have to make clear that my attitude is not directly related to the elections in the USA, but politics worldwide. More and more the so called "leaders" of the world disappoint me and make me think that they harm their countries and people more than they actually help.

So, there I said it.

If there's such a thing as being a atheist towards politicians and presidents, that's me! Although I still have faith that maybe one day somebody will rise and make a difference... Here's to hope in the future and always!

On a different note, tomorrow is Throwback Thursdays, if you feel like joining the fun, go search for that old photo album and share and picture of your past with 5 facts about the photo, then come and link up with me so others can visit your Throwback Thursday!

Happy Hump Day!

10 on Tuesday

Hello there!

All done with Monday, so here's another edition of 10 on Tuesday, and linking back to linny's vault.

[1]

Today I am starting with a very important and close to home "issue"... Our little islands are in great need to protect their nature as the Government's been sitting on their ass (literally) for a few years now and
the (very much needed) National Conservation Law is still not approved. It sucks.

[2]
Please refer to the side bar ==========>
 to sign our Petition to Protect and keep Stingrays in their Natural Habitat...
Thanks! Every single signature helps :)

[3]
If you want to read a bit more about this issue with the Stingrays, please visit
cayCompass.com :: Return and protect stingrays

[4]
This past weekend I watched the movie "Seeking a friend for the End of the World" and I have to say I quite liked it, makes you think about many things that do not matter and appreciate those that do...
(Steve Carell is always good!)

[5]
Something in the lines of this, is what the movie (I just mention above) makes you appreciate!

[6]
This past weekend I decided to take on a Paper Mache project for the Pirates Week Parade coming up, hopefully it won't be too bad and I will be able to pull it off. I am scared!!!

It's going to be something around the lines of this...

I am so nervous, the good thing is that nobody knows I am doing it, so if it doesn't work out, I just won't use it!

[7]
This is funny... but Way to Go Felix!!!

[8]
Dear Island Traffic:
On a regular day it take me 25 minutes to drive into work, today the roads collapsed because of a major car accident (including 2 people killed), so instead of my usual time it took me 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach work... This is what happens where there are only 2 main road on the whole island, and Government is even considering closing part of one, crazy!!!!

[9]
I have so many crochet project in mind that I feel I am getting too much on my plate, but can't help it, I love to crochet, now I just new to grow a new set of hands and I'll be all set!

[10]
In exactly 1 month and 1 day I will be leaving for the MDNA- Madonna Concert in MIA, can't wait!!!

Happy Tuesday to all!!!

Pink is the new healthy!

Hello All, I hope everybody had a wonderful weekend. Mine was very nice and pink all over!!!

Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a.k.a Pink Month and in some cases Boobies Month... 

And in my case it has a very special meaning since my Mom is a survivor from this terrible and awful disease.

So, in order to give some support I joined one of our local dive shops in their effort to get some donations for the Cancer Society of the Cayman Islands and specially the Breast Cancer research and projects.

It was a diving activity that required participants to wear something pink, because of my back issues I did not participate on the diving part, but I did give them a donation and came over for the prize giving and some raffles!

my friend Emma giving a speech

some of the prices and donation box

yummy cupcakes

Joe and Helen ready to enjoy some pink "juice" and cupcakes!

It's so great to see more and more people and business joining the campaign of awareness about this very real and critical disease that affects some many women and even man... 

I tell you, if you think "this won't ever happen to me", you are wrong, it could happen and it's very important to detect it early to fight it and win, just like my Mom did.

So, get tested and do not take for granted all the education and support that it's out there. 

In the case of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, they give away free mammograms during the month of October if in case it's not cover by your insurance and you need to get tested. I am not sure if this is the case of the city where you live, but perhaps some research on the matter is necessary. 

But besides Mammograms, it's very important to check yourself and if you ever feel that there's something you don't feel or think it's right, talk to somebody and see a doctor.... 

And remember;

Have a wonderful day!!!

a Winning day!

Yesterday I had the day off, my boss is going away for a couple of weeks and I have to be in charge so she gave me an extra day. I decided to take Thursday mainly because I wanted to take our dog Sheba to the Vet and so I did.

After the visit to the Vet I took her to the beach and had a fabulous time, she is so well behaved that I can even take her off the leash and she won't wonder around, approaches anybody and behaves super well among other dogs, we had a great time together and she made me very proud!

The day was a bit cloudy but it work out fine because otherwise it would've been too hot.

As soon as we got to the beach a little tiny doggie approach her (later on we found out he was a male named Max). She was very nice to him and even allowed him to drink off of her water bowl.

Here's a photo of lil' Max...

 

Then we went for a long walk (about a mile and a half) and did some very nice swimming... I specially pushed Sheba because the Vet says she needs to exercise more and go on a diet, she's gain two pounds since her last appointment and now she is 82 lbs!!!

Doesn't she look like she was having so much fun?!?!?!? We really did have a great time :)

Well, now off to some winning matters...

Today is the day of the winner of the I Love Yarn Day 2012 Giveaway....

And the winner is: Colleen Schnell

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Colleen, the lil' Owl is flying all the way up to upstate NY to keep her company in the coming winter and beyond.

Again, thanks to everybody that participated, I was overwhelmed by the amount of entries (32 in total) and cannot wait until my next giveaway.

Have a wonderful Weekend and Happy I love Yarn Day 2012!!!!

Throwback Thursday

Hello everybody, today is Thursday which means another edition of Throwback Thursday.

So lets get down to business, here's today's photo.

1. This is a picture of the very first official Amigurumi animal that I gave away.

2. The little turtle now belongs to my friend Trudy, but before I gave it to her, I changed the eyes cause the first ones were horrible.

3. This lil' turtle now lives in the island of Cayman Brac.

4. The photo was taken in public beach of Seven Mile Beach.

5. The exact date of the photo is 09.24.10 which means I've been officially crocheting for 2 years... and counting!!!!

Well, those that have not sign up to my I Love Yarn Day giveaway, still have a chance to do it, just go right here.

Thanks to everybody that is already participating, I am glad u guys liked the little "chunky" Owl and I can't wait to reveal the winner, Good Luck!

Have a great day :)

I love [Yarn Day] Giveaway

Hello All! I am very excited and happy to announce my latest giveaway which is in honor of I Love Yarn Day 2012 coming up on Friday Oct. 12, 2012.

If you've been following my blog, you probably know by now that I love to crochet, which also means I love Yarn...

But, if you are here for the very first time, welcome, make yourself at home and please join in the fun by signing up to the giveaway.

So, what's in it for you?

Well, this time it's a beautiful handmade Amigurumi Owl, made with yarn, stuffed with Poly-Fil® which is 100% hypoallergenic and makes the owl very nice and chunky...

 Pretty cute, don't you agree?

The giveaway is open to anybody that wants to participate but depending on where you are in the world sometimes the mail can be a bit of slow coming from our little islands... so the winner, pleeease bear with me and be patient.

Even though the big prize is the Owl I sometimes add a bit more to the final package, but that is between is me and the winner...

So go ahead, make my day (or yours!).... The sign up is open until 10.12.2012 at 1am EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIN ME!!!!

Wishing everybody good luck and a wonderful day, thanks for participating!!!

10 on Tuesday

Takes more than a whole day to get used to a new week, but Tuesday is here so it's another day and another chance to share a 10 for Tuesday, linking with Linny's Vault.

[10]

30 Rock is back, but after watching back to back episodes of the previous season, one episode a week doesn't really cut it for me... 

[9]

For those that are not part of Instagram or do not follow me (which I am sure it's not the case, cause I am awesome and a total leader to follow, LOL!)... Here are my latest shots!

birchtree

Breakfast Bowl

Taking a Stroll

Invisible Spiderweb

[8]

Liked any of the previous photos? Well, my instacanvas gallery is officially opened, if you would like to see my photos and perhaps buy some, please visit my gallery here.

[7]

Officially lovin' that google trick of the "askew"... if you don't know what I mean just open a google search and type askew

Tell if it worked for you (it didn't for my husband!)

[6]

I am super excited because tomorrow is Wednesday and I will be having a new giveaway, so stay tuned!

[5]

Although I live in the tropics and there's no such thing as "Fall or Autumn", I can't help but love this little cartoon, specially cause Snoopy is my favorite!

[4]

But it's not only Snoopy who has a special place in my heart, all dogs do too... can't help but smile when I see this image... although wish it was me lying down instead, LOL!

[3]
Love Tuesdays when I go to the gym early in the a.m. and exercise my little butt off... today I literally sweat as if I was given birth to triplets!!!!

[2]
I think Family Guy is quite funny some times, but it can also be quite rude and offensive as well... I do have to say that I enjoy Consuela's jokes, and although I am not very fond of Jesus/God's jokes, I found this one very funny!

[1]
Hope everybody has a wonderful Tuesday and remember to stop by tomorrow and sign up for my very special giveaway, can't wait :)

two days, too fast!

Happy Monday, I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!!! Mine was very low key, on Saturday I stayed home all day, I catch up and finished one of the three ongoing crochet project I've had on my desk for a while...

This is my latest project,  a lovely bathmat, I didn't use any pattern and pretty much changed and added as I wanted, I think it came our pretty nice, don't you agree?

But the bathmat was not all I did, I managed to start another project, I cannot go into details today but I will reveal more in the next couple of days, so stay tuned!!!

So, remember my Nikon J1 camera I bought a couple of months ago?!?!? Well, I am still in love with it and now even more since I just bought a book that explains how to make the most out of it and I am hoping to buy a new lens for it in the next coming days...

Here are photos I took with it over the weekend.

Please don't mind the background mess... thanks!

Our cats are always great subject matters for photography.

So are flowers, right?

Have a wonderful week!!!!