Meret for Malbec

Ok, so I will admit that I do not have a scientific way of choosing wine. My method is typically if I think the label is clever, interesting, or pretty, then I will try the wine. This does not always work out, however this time it did. This Malbec is much lighter and fruitier than most, which makes it a very nice choice for a summer red. I picked this up at the local grocery store for $10. This same company also makes other reds and whites if you are not a fan of Malbec.

While my method is not without it's flaws, I also used this same method for selecting my next knitting project, The Meret. Since I am a big fan of hats and this one is just pretty, it is my next project. I am making it out of some inexpensive acrylic yarn first to get the feel of the pattern. Check out the website in it's entirety, Wooly Wormhead. Live Free, Laugh Long, and Knit Hard!

Sangria Sisters

I went to Durham to visit my sister Jennifer. I love spending time with her and her family. Her husband offered to stay at home with their boys while Jennifer and I went out for dinner. We went to Blue Corn Cafe. Both Jennifer and I love sangria. Jennifer would always make a batch of sangria when the 'KAK Sisters' would get together. She even named her recipe 'KAK Sister Sangria'. I will explain the 'KAK Sisters' at another time.

So, in honor of my upcoming nuptials, we got a pitcher of sangria. It was deelish! There is nothing better on a hot summer day than some refreshing sangria and some smokey, spicey Mexican food. So, whip up a pitcher with some of your closest friends and enjoy drink, food, and laughter. Try this recipe for a base and add whatever fruit is in season. Also, a cinnamon stick in each glass is a nice touch:

• 1 Bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz)
• 1 Lemon cut into wedges
• 1 Orange cut into wedges
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Shot brandy
• 2 Cups ginger ale or club soda

Malbec and Merino

Malbec is my favorite wine. I discovered it by accident a couple of years ago and my favorite is still the first vineyard I tried. Trapiche Malbecs are amazing. They are deep colored, rich, fruity like plums and blackberries, with a hint of woody flavor. Trapiche has created some really affordable Malbecs. All are under $10 and compliment any meal or knitting project, see how I threw that in there.

I enjoyed a few glasses of Malbec while knitting a sweet hoodie out of some fine Merino Wool. The hoodie is an easy pattern found at: Baby Hoodie.
I picked 2 lovely fall colors for my friend's daughter Lil P. This is the finished product:

And check out Lil P's Mom's Blog: http://anurbanfarmwife.blogspot.com/

Box Wine and Blogging

I have been remiss. All this talk about yarn and knitting without the influence of wine. I enjoy wine. I would venture to say I love it. But, do not get me wrong. I am not a wine snob. Back in the day, I was know to partake of the Boone’s Farm Kuntry Kwencher. That’s right. I am not ashamed to admit that I would throw down some MD 20/20. If it was a special night, I would break out a jug of Gallo Hearty Burgundy mixed with Sprite in a Solo cup, drinking, listening to Van Halen on 8 track. Good times.

So, while I appreciate a good Malbec from Argentina or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, I have my standard that never fails me. My Franzia Box of Merlot. Laugh all you want, but if you just want to have a glass before bed, there is nothing better. And it’s convenient and stays fresh for a looooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg time due to the mylar bag.

So, go out, buy yourself a box (usually around 17 bucks or so), put on some great tunes, and pick up those sticks and knit.

Wedding Wrap

I am getting married on October 10, 2009! Whooo hooo! Most of the planning is done and we are in the home stretch but it has been a long ride so far. Paul officially proposed to me on 1/10/09. Paul was at work until 8pm, but I was at home making dinner for us. While I was cooking, I heard the dogs going crazy in the backyard. I went out to investigate and heard whimpering noises. As I approached the back fence, I realized that the neighbors dog was in labor and had already had 2 puppies. I was worried because it was cold outside and the momma dog was not taking care of them. I ran inside and got a blanket, tried to throw it over the fence to warm the puppies, but it wasn't working.

Paul got home and I re-capped what had happened. I said 'will you ride over to the neighbors and see if they are home because their dog is having puppies and it is cold.' His reply was 'let's get in the car and go over there.' So, we got in the car and I told him, 'this is why I love you. you don't even question going over to someones house we don't know. you just do it because I asked.' And then, he looked at me, and said, 'I love you and I love puppies. And, you are getting a ring tonight.' Then, he put the ring on my finger and asked if I would be his wife. Of course I said yes and cried a little....I am a big sap.

So, the puppies ended up fine. Here they are.... so cute right?

So, now that most of the prep work is done for the wedding, I have started knitting a wedding wrap. I picked a shell pink alpaca, very soft. Here it is so far.