Grow Your Blog 2015 and Giveaway

     Welcome! My name is Karen and I am so happy that you have stopped by Alaska Blue Moose today whether you just happened in or came along via Vicki's 2015 Grow Your Blog. This is always exciting and I have loved the last two years, joining in the festivities.

     During 2014 my "blog" didn't grow as much as I would have liked due to recuperation from traumatized muscle tissue (sitting and moving were difficult) - however, all is on the mend with physical therapy and I am totally looking forward to adding energy and love to this area with new photography, projects, and information about Alaska. The sidebar has a little intro on "who I am" and a photo - not too scary - with my Email (kareninkenai@gmail.com - in case it is too small to read). I love hearing from you and hope you enjoy my continuing artistic endeavors. 

     Last year I was in Canada for a month when the GYB launched and was very fortunate to meet the winner of my giveaway on my return trip home. It is always such a thrill to meet new friends this way. I have knitted newborn snuggle sacks, taken jewelry and art classes, exchanged ideas, and initiated or accepted heartwarming friendships by corresponding with those who follow me or those I follow. It is truly a rewarding and inspirational journey. I am thankful for each of you.  

     The link below will take you to Vicki's GYB with over 400 more blogs to visit. Vicki is such a beautiful woman, compassionate and enthusiastic in all that she does. Seeing the gorgeous photos of her and her "gardener's" travels, sharing in her charitable projects, and seeing her own beautiful signature nests and knitting is a feast to our senses. 

     Before you venture away, read about my "GIVEAWAY."

GROW YOUR BLOG 2015 - TWO BAGS FULL

MY GIVEAWAY.......  tada!

     Bookarts, beading and photography have been my longtime passions; adding a renewed interest in fiber arts with lacebooks and knitting the last couple of years. This year I am giving away a journal.

     I would love to have you follow my blog if you are interested, but you do not have to do so to enter the giveaway; you don't have to live in the United States - all you must do is leave a comment on this post to sign up. (An email to me directly will not enter you for the gift.) I will do a random drawing on February 15, post the winner here and contact you to mail the journal. In order to contact you, please be sure to at least have a means of reaching you via your comment. 

     Please read some of my posts and follow the Grow Your Blog link. 

Enjoy.

MY GIVEAWAY IS:

a little 1/4 page journal with 8 signatures and 144 pages,

room for notes and photos.

lovely for your purse or by your computer or to regift.

Thank you sincerely for visiting and GOOD LUCK!

Bowl Hotpad Protector

     Three weeks ago I met Sandy who was giving a "bowl hotpad protector" to my friend Barb as a late Christmas gift. Sandy told us about a youtube video which gives excellent directions. So, I thought I would provide one link below for your perusal.

DIY Sewing Project Bowl Hotpad Protector or Holder

     The hotpad is to protect one's hands from a hot bowl after microwaving. In fact Sandy has made the 10", 12" and 15" sizes, if I recall correctly, and given them as sets in varying combinations. Since I don't use a microwave I still wanted to give the project a try to protect my hands from a hot bowl of soup, beans or stew.

     I am pleased at how my first 10" protector has turned out - you can see the photos with "one" reversible holder and two different bowls that I have in my cupboard.

If you make one, I hope you will like it as much. Enjoy!

Knitting Since October Review

     Since October a few smallish projects have all come to fruition even if the photo doesn't portray it! Yeah! (Dates indicate completion.)

     I am currently knitting on the smaller of the two brioche and calling it "Northern Lights."

CURRENT - Big, Fluffy Brioche Cowls

Noro NOT Striped Scarf #3 (January 16, 2015)

Sheila Fae's Feb BD Hat (January 7, 2015)

Entrelac Scarf, to be blocked (December 19, 2014)

Chris' Xmas gift (December 12, 2014)

Headbands for the two granddaughters (December 8 and 9, 2014)

Miski Slouch for Devin's Xmas gift (December 7, 2014)

This matches the Noro NOT Scarf #1.

Pei Cowl, to be blocked (November 6, 2014)

Birthday Mitts for Jenn (November 29, 2014)

Noro NOT Striped Scarf #2 (November 16, 2014)

Alicia's Xmas gifts (November 7 and 17, 2014)

Fingerless Mitts Variation, Devin grabbed them. (November 3 2014)

"Mad Men" Party Pics

     Heidi posted the photos taken at her 4th Annual Mad Men Party. (I used to be able to find a public link at the bottom of the albums, but this doesn't seem to have one or FB isn't providing it with the new updates.) Therefore, no link available. These are from Heidi's album.
     Amanda took the "yellower" photos using her iPad and the Hipstamatic App. What a fun party - I met Christa at the 1st Mad Men party and then missed the last two years because of traveling south in February. This year the party was held earlier in January and we had such a great time visiting with everyone, meeting friends and making new ones. 
     This is the party I made the ammonia cookies for - from the recipe I posted earlier.

Thank you, Heidi, for the festive evening!

1963 Treat - Ammonia Cookies

     My girlfriend, Cathy Schroeder, and I used to make these cookies in 1963 - we were juniors in high school at the time. Today I am making them for a "Mad Men 50's and 60's - Glamorous" themed party and though I may not be dressing as "glamorous" as some, I can contribute thematically! (Smiles.) Cathy died at the age of 47 and I had fond memories today of our times together. 

     In 1971 (here in Kenai) I used to buy the ammonia spirits liquid from Georgia at Carrs pharmacy when it was located at the now Malston's. 2015, when I went looking around town, I could not find it, so ordered a powder form called Ammonium Carbonate (Bakers Ammonia) to make these today... A half batch made approximately 40 cookies and since I made the decision to eliminate refined sugar from my diet, I only had one! [Whew! And, it was melt in your mouth goodness. LOL]

     An aside, I have so much to "put up" on this blog and have sciatica physical therapy work this next week so should be easier to concentrate on the computer for a little bit to post past events and projects.  

     Hugs and love and cheers! Karen