Tulip Meets Daffodil

Mango, Blueberry and Ginger Fruit Salad

Yesterday we were invited to a friend's house in DC for brunch. After arriving late (I put the wrong address into the GPS! Hate being late!) - we had a wonderful time, a delicious meal, and great conversation.

I wanted to bring some kind of (easy) fruit salad, went perusing online and found this recipe for a Mango Blueberry & Ginger salad on Epicurious. I have to admit, I'm not the biggest mango fan (even though I lived in South Florida for six long years...) but the salad was actually very tasty (even the hubby said he liked it). It was quite easy to make - just make a simple syrup with lime, cut up the mango, add the blueberries, toss with the syrup and sprinkle some crystallized ginger (yum) on top.

Highly recommend if you're looking to try something different than your typical "Fruit Salad with Yogurt". ♥

My Current Afghan Work in Progress and some Linky Links

The problem with a very large afghan project, even one fawned over and loved, is that - there aren't many exciting updates to make or pictures to share! Regardless, here is a snap of my current progress:

I have only recently gotten back into the swing of this project and become besties again with my sea foam afghan. This summer has been truly chaotic (the move, work... life) so I have not been able to sit down very often with my hook for long stretches at a time.

Here is a close-up of both the back and front sides.

So, considering I've not touched this project much at all this summer... it is moving along. The remaining three quarters should be a breeze (ugh).

Also, I've not had any flowers in the house since - I don't remember when. And I've not snapped a picture (besides maybe one of Patrick the dog doing something super cute) in - Forevah.

This will change. :)

And to not make this post super-duper boring, I thought I'd also share some interesting items I've stumbled across on the web recently.

***

Reading this post was definitely an 'ah-ha' moment. I am most definitely trying this the next time I work on an acrylic yarn project.

Soften Scratchy Yarn

(Seriously though, why didn't I think of that?)

Here is a link to another blogger whom I admire greatly and truly enjoy reading. I recently read her About page and she captured so beautifully why blogging can be an important part of creativity - and life. It really struck a chord with me and I agree wholeheartedly (I just couldn't put it into words so beautifully however!)

Artfully Carin

And lastly, here is my bestie (since we were 8!) She just started a new blog and it is wonderful. She is an amazing person and reading her writing has been such a joy.

Beyond the Gym

Til next time. ♥

Back to Blogging and my Finished Crochet Rug Project

You know, I really don't have a very good excuse.

Not one reasonable enough to explain my absence from my dear blog for... what is it... six weeks now? Feels longer actually. And to be honest, I've missed posting on this blog. It keeps me happy and (somewhat) sane.

But - I will provide one excuse... my hubby and I moved to a new house at the beginning of July. Just across town but - a move is a move. I am the type of person that thrives on Order and Routine and - in the past six weeks - I've had very little of that. Thankfully though... things are getting back to normal here. (And I LOVE love love my new home!)

And - after not picking up the hook for several weeks, I got back into it and finished the rug I had promised my sister. I was SO happy with how it came out. (And kind of surprised actually... I really think it came out that good. Very proud of myself on this one.)

Here's a couple of quick snaps I took of it before I sent it off to her.

I used Lily Sugar & Cream in White and "Country Stripes". And this Red Heart pattern, (although I did not add the fringe or add a border around it... seemed a bit much actually.)

And yes, I plan on making myself one (or two) of these for my new digs.

So thanks for reading... it's great sharing and chatting with you again. I will be back again soon. ♥