Housework Rules

I hoard even the smallest scraps

2009-03-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine is about to have a baby girl and so I've been churning through knitting ideas. I could make a blanket, but they always take too long. I could make a cute hat because I love making hats. But I haven't made a baby sweater. Ever. I've started baby sweaters -- I have two nieces that have the beginnings of sweaters stuffed in a basket in my closet -- but never finished baby sweaters. What it really comes down to is the yarn, I tried to branch out to other fiber types and new brands. But what I really want to do is knit with wool. Hot. Pink. Wool.

In my mind there is no other yarn but #47 Cerise by Manos del Uruguay.

nobleknits.com

Bright and Clean and Ready for Spring

2009-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before and after:

I didn't think our deck had weathered very much until I look at this photo. The left side of the deck is gray and dull. The right side is bright with rich tans and reds. We scrubbed it this weekend using Messmer's Wood and Deck Cleaner. The cleaner was easy to use, and all that's needed is a garden sprayer, hose and scrub brush. (A little sunshine doesn't hurt either.) Best of all, the cleaner is biodegradable and it does a great job.

messmers.com

Homemade Gyros

2009-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last week we bought a boneless leg of lamb just because it sounded good. We stuck it in the oven and had a fabulous roast dinner on Thursday night. It wasn't until I was cleaning up and stowing away the leftovers that I realized we bought a giant hunk of meat for two people. So instead of having regular repeat leftover dinners, Thomas came up with gyros! Gyros are sort of a Greek "lamb sandwich" and whenever we have them they're hot, quick and fabulous. So we gave them a try.

It was simple. Shave thin slices from the leftover lamb and warm. Chop a tomato. Stuff it all in a warm pita and top with a simple yogurt sauce. We used this one from cooks.com.

Gyros Sauce
1/2 c grated cucumbers
1 c plain yogurt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Squeeze cucumbers after grating. Blend with yogurt and garlic powder. Refrigerate to cool.

They were so delicious we made them for lunch on Saturday and Sunday in between busy backyard projects. I hope there's enough in the fridge for another round for lunch today!

How To: Coordinating Needle Cases

2009-03-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Are you knitting needles shoved in baskets in your closet? Are your crochet hooks hiding at the bottom of tote bags? Then follow this tutorial on how to make a set of these Coordinating Needle Cases. They're fast, easy and can be made from scraps of fabric. Give them as a gift with a pair of needles tucked inside or keep them all for yourself.

Supplies
1/2 yard of cotton fabric in solid color (A)
1/2 yard of cotton fabric in coordinating print (B)
1.5 yards 1" velvet ribbon
1 spool thread
Scissors
Tape measure
Sewing gauge ruler
Pins
Needle
Iron and ironing board

You can choose to work on the cases individually or in tandem. Be sure all fabric is washed and ironed before you begin.

1. Cut - From Fabric A, cut two 16.5 x 15.75 inch pieces for exterior of knitting needle case and one 11 x 5.25 inch piece for crochet hook pocket. From Fabric B, cut one 16.5 x 9.25 inch piece for knitting needle pocket and two 11 x 9.5 inch pieces for exterior of crochet hook case. Cut ribbon into two 18" pieces for knitting needle case and two 9" pieces for crochet hook case.

2. Make Pockets - Fold and pin 1/2 along one long edge of pocket pieces. Iron flat.

Match the cut edges of the pocket to the matching edges of one of the exterior pieces with right sides facing you. Mark for pockets, with stitch gauge measure and pin 1.5" from left raw edge. For next pocket and following two pockets measure and pin 1" to the right from previous pin. Continue measuring and pinning increasing the measurement by 1/2" for larger pockets. If you have mostly small needles then make mostly 1" pockets, for a collection of larger needles create 1.5 to 2" pockets. Stitch at each pin from folded pocket edge to raw edge back-stitching at each end.

4. Attach ribbon - Match ribbon edge to right edge of exterior piece with top edge of ribbon. The top edge of the ribbon can be visually centered on the needle case. Pin with wrong side showing. Pin the second piece of ribbon, right side showing, with bottom edge 1/8" from the top edge of the first piece of ribbon. Stitch 1/4" seam back-stitching at both ends.

5. Sew case together - Pin exterior pieces with right sides together making sure not to catch ribbon in pins or stitching. Stitch 1/2" seam around perimeter leaving a 2" opening on left side being sure to pivot at corners and back-stitching at each end.

6. Turn, sew and iron - Trim corners. Turn work right side out. Stitch opening closed by hand with needle and thread. Press seams and edges flat.

7. Fill and enjoy!

I'd love to see yours, email me photos today!

Recipe Review

2009-03-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Lobster Pot Pie
by Ina Garten

My husband and I saw this recipe on tv a few weeks ago and he's been talking about it ever since. We stumbled across some lump lobster meat at Costco and the rest is history. Watching a recipe come together on television always makes me think I could do that. And this time it was true. The ingredient list seems long and a little overwhelming but everything is easily prepped ahead of time and most of it you'll already have in your kitchen. Making the filling is easy and straight forward. The dough comes together quickly in a food processor and turns into an incredibly flaky crust when baked. I can't wait to make it again, until then I'm heading to the kitchen for leftovers.

Rating: 5 out of 5. Dreamy.

foodnetwork.com

Fiber Fun

2009-03-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

I love this new scarf kit over at NobleKnits. I am a knitter through and through but I think I want to try felting. Feverishly jabbing needles into an inanimate object to create wearable art sounds pretty fun! I love the colors in this kit and I think the interlocking rings give it a cool dimension. Great for a Saturday afternoon project. Me, a margarita and this scarf kit!

nobleknits.com

A Little Motivation

2009-03-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

I love these little sticky notes from CB2, Crate & Barrel's urban store. As I might have mentioned once or twice before, I love notes. Sticky notes are an added bonus, and these notes with their perfunctory instructions are sure to keep me on task.

cb2.com

Friday Finds: Etsy

2009-02-27T14:37:00.000-08:00

Are you a list hound? I am definitely unable to function without a list. I usually have lists that have lists. That's why I love lined note and little pads full of adorable illustrations. My favorite is this Shopping List by boygirlparty. That little tweety-bird just keeps me going.

etsy.com

Now it's even better

2009-02-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

If you've been pondering a new purse then now's the time to start one. One of my favorite fabric designers, Anna Maria Horner has just launched a new line of oil cloth fabrics. Oil cloth is just your favorite cotton coated with polyurethane which makes it incredibly durable and a little shiny. It's the perfect fabric to use when making a handbag or other tote that needs to be stain-resistant and fabulous.

annamariahorner.com

What am I working on?

2009-02-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

Out of all the hobbies and crafts I do knitting is by far my favorite. I love looking through patterns, touching yarn and and sorting my needles. I spend almost as much time admiring my knitting as I do actually knitting. I love to knit big, fast projects but I also take the time to knit more delicate and dramatic projects. That's what I would consider what's currently on my needles, socks. Small needles and a pretty lace pattern give me comfort during these waning winter nights. This pattern is Monkey from Knitty, Winter 2006.

Having a fun stitch pattern really helps me move more quickly through a pair of socks and so does having a yarn I love. I'm using Maizy by Crystal Palace. It's a corn fiber yarn! Yep, you read that right. Corn. It's soft, bouncy and hypo-allergenic. Go get some. Make socks with me!

knitty.com
yarnmarket.com

Is it a Shawl, a Cardigan or a Scarf?

2009-02-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's all of those things, plus it's a shrug and it's fabulous. That's why this knitted garment is aptly named Versatility. Knit on big needles with a bobble lace stitch this big scarf can be worn many ways with the simple addition of buttons.

knitty.com

Get Organized and Stay Organized

2009-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tax time is just around the corner and nothing gets me more frustrated than looking for all my paperwork. Every year I vow to be more organized for next year. Ha! That never happens. Until now. This Financial Organizer from See Jane Work is so simple in concept but so brilliant in execution. Inside is a pocket for every month so you don't have to sort anything ahead of time, just shove it in and forget it until that evil tax season rolls around next year.

seejanework.com

Waiting and Waiting

2009-02-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

I can feel that it's almost Spring. Even though we're only in February this winter has been so cold all I can do is hope for the warmer sun-filled days of Spring. And when I think of those sunny days I imagine myself surrounded by bright, blooming flowers. Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply has a huge selection of organic bulbs and seeds. Order now so you can start planting when the first crocus peeks it head out of the earth.

groworganic.com

Grommetted Gift Tags

2008-10-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

The holidays are going to be here before we know it and it's never too late to start planning how cute your packages are going to look. I love these gift tags from Hable Construction. They're peppy, preppy and snazzy.

hableconstruction.com

Fabulous Fabric Site

2008-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to a brand new website with the hippest and most chic fabrics available. My friend Jamie Christina is behind the coolness that is Phat Fabric. You can find fabric by Alexander Henry and Amy Butler along with inspiring sewing patterns to get you inspired. Go check it out!

phatfabric.com

Terrific Terrarium

2008-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

As we head into winter and the days become shorter there will be less time to spend outside in the garden. But your gardening doesn't have to stop, bring it inside. This steel terrarium will provide the green your missing.

smithandhawken.com

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

My girl Jamie, the hotness that is behind Pretty Ditty, tagged me!

Rules:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 4 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 facts about me:

1. I learned to knit six months before opening a yarn store. I didn't know how to purl.

2. I work as a freelance graphic designer.

3. I always meet deadlines for work but I am awful at finishing craft projects.

4. My mom taught me how to sew at a very young age. I've always enjoyed it but I like it more and more each year.

5. I don't listen to music, I read the news and the rest of the internet.

6. Cooking is my therapy.

7. I am obsessed with the colors in my garden, I never think there is enough. There could never be too much!

I tag:
@ny Price
The Simple Wife
Lesley Vance
Nancy Queen Studio

Be Back Soon!

2008-10-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Boston for a couple days. Posting will be back to normal on Monday!

Quick Inspiration

2008-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you sit down and you're all ready to scrap a project. You have all your supplies set out in front of you, but suddenly you just don't know what to do with them. That's where Becky Fleck's Page Maps come in handy. Becky has multiple page layout ideas for just about any project you can dream up. Need a half page idea? What about some cute gift tags? It's all there, so get inspired.

pagemaps.com

Congratulations!

2008-10-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

The winners of the Giveaway! are:

1. Samantha from Gauge Before Beauty

2. Addicted To Knitting

I will be emailing you with the details of your prize.

Thank you for participating in our first giveaway. We had a lot of fun and we hope you did too! Check back at Housework Rules for daily posts about your favorite hobbies, and who knows, maybe more giveaways!

Giveaway! It's Knitting Season

2008-09-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Housework Rules, get ready to get knitting! As our first giveaway we'd like you to have the chance to win one of two $25US gift certificates to NobleKnits.com.

So here's the deal. Go to NobleKnits.com, find your favorite item -- it could be a wool yarn, a new purse pattern or bamboo circular knitting needles -- and come back to this blog post and tell us that item in the comments. It's that simple!

I'll choose a winner at 12PM PST on Friday, October 3, 2008 by using the fancy Random Integer Generator. Don't forget to leave your email address or website in the comment.

What better way to kick off your holiday knitting than with free yarn money? Go!

THIS GIVEAWAY CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Roundup: Autumn

2008-09-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

The weather's changing, it's time to warm yourself up with cozy autumn reds.

1. Rio samba journal with pocket from Henry Road.
2. Leaftree fabric made from hemp and organic cotton at Volksfaden.
3. Copper plant markers from the National Gardening Association shop.
4. Malabrigo kettle dyed merino wool from Fabulous Yarn.
5. Rustic pasta bowl set from Italian Cooking Supply.
6. Enjoy the Journey scrapbook album from Two Peas in a Bucket.

Defying Gravity

2008-09-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

A reader named Kelly sent me a link to these awesome floating shelves by Umbra. She said, "I know these don't fit in a specific Housework Rules category but I think they're so cool you should post them anyway." Well, I think they will find a very comfortable home in the paper category. Books are made from paper, lots of it, and you need a stylish place to put all that paper! The shelves have a hidden bracket that neatly attaches to the wall. The bottom book is held in place by a tiny clip and you can stack up to a total of 15 pounds. Now where can I put these in my house?

barnesandnoble.com

Relax Dramatically

2008-09-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

Enough gardening for now. Lay down and relax in this gorgeous piece of lawn art. The hammock stand is made from heavy steal then wrapped in synthetic wicker to soothe the senses. Curl up with a book and enjoy your afternoon!

ballarddesigns.com

An Office Picnic

2008-09-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Sue sent me this adorable tip. She is the coolest girl in the office lunch room with this Tiffin Food Box by Vivo. Sue told me the bright combination of melamine containers lifts her spirits after a long training meeting. The metal clip secures the layers and adds an easy-carry handle. Chow down girlfriend!

vivodirect.com

High Tech Hotness

2008-09-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a new Amy Butler pattern? Her patterns are always well written and easy to follow. Check out this chic laptop cover and mp3 case. The beautiful cases are full of rigid interfacing and canvas to keep your precious electronics safe.

amybutlerdesign.com

Fresh Antique

2008-09-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

New York based designer John Derian has launched a line of home goods at Target. The vintage-inspire collection includes trays, stationery and this beautiful scrapbook kit. Get a taste of nature.

target.com

Decadent Delight

2008-09-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

This velvet ribbon would be the perfect finishing touch to any project. M&J Trimming has a huge selection of colors ranging vibrant pinks and reds to deep greens and browns. The ribbons, available from 1/4" to 2" wide, are high quality and luxurious. Fun!

mjtrim.com

Cafe Chocolate

2008-09-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

As the days get shorter the nights will surely get cooler and there's nothing better than snuggling up with a big mug of hot chocolate. Top your fireside treat with whipped cream and fresh chocolate shavings from this special mill. The mill perfectly shaves your favorite chocolate on to drinks, desserts or straight in your mouth. Yum!

williams-sonoma.com

Autumn's Coming!

2008-09-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

Look at this great sweater. It's not a boring old sweater vest but rather a spiraling circle that flatters any figure. Made with Manos del Uruguay, this sweater should knit up fast and fun. Yay for chilly weather!

nobleknits.com

Stainless Steel Compost Pail

2008-09-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Do you compost? I have a composter in my backyard but unfortunately it doesn't see my kitchen scraps too often. It's so much easier to grind tomato ends and potato peels right away than walk all the way to the bottom of the yard to dispose of them. I find that if I put them in a bowl on the counter it just begins to stink and attract flies before I have had a chance to go to the compost bin.

This little contraption solves all my issues! This pale has two charcoal filters to keep those bad odors at bay. At one gallon in size it's large enough to hold a few days worth of food scraps, and once emptied it can go right in the dishwasher for easy clean up. Great!

lehmans.com

Blooming Ric Rac

2008-07-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Sue Price

Do you need a cute embellishment for the new tote bag you just finished? Knick Knacks & Ric Racs has a great tutorial on how to make ric rac flowers. Make them out of bright colors, big ric rac or some of grandma's vintage stash. Have fun!

madewithlovebyhannah.com

An Unbeatable Sheen

2008-07-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the softness and loft of alpaca is one of the great joys of knitting. The shine and drape of a finished silk sweater can't be beat. So what happens when you combine supple alpaca and elegant silk? Misti Baby Suri Alpaca & Silk. The combination makes this yarn a pleasure to knit and to wear. Get those needles clicking, isn't it almost Autumn?

mistialpaca.com

Just Add Butter

2008-07-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

For fluffier and loftier mashed potatoes give this potato masher from The Museum of Useful Things a spin. Rather than pounding on your boiled potatoes, simply rotate the Simply Mashed from side to side. Brilliant!

themut.com

Fresh, New, Fresh Cut

2008-07-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

Today, fabric design darling Heather Bailey launched her new online store. Along with the store she also has an entirely new line of Fresh Cut scrapbooking supplies. The line has specialty papers, cardstock, clear stamps, ink and tons of rub-ons and embellishments. Mix and match from across the line to get just the look you want. And there's a Grand Opening Special, if you order now you can receive 10% off your entire order with the code on the left side of her page! Go check it out.

heatherbaileystore.com

Recipe Review

2008-07-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Incredible Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli Cannelloni
By Jamie Oliver

Even with the considerable amount of prep time required to get this meal in the oven it's worth every minute. The ingredients are simple, easy to put together and formulate into a fabulous result. The cannelloni tubes are stuffed with a broccoli, cauliflower and garlic mash and then placed in a simple tomato sauce. Next is a layer of fresh basil followed by a layer of a rich creme fraiche cream sauce. The dish is topped with parmesan and mozzarella and baked for about a half an hour. This vegetarian pasta dish is a crowd pleaser.

Rating: 4 out of 5. Keep it, crave it.

foodnetwork.com

Terrific Tags

2008-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Design guru and master of the screen print, Lotta Jansdotter offers these graphic gift tags exclusively on her website. Their fabulously whimsy design is sure to spruce up any present, just add twine or cotton ribbon. Isn't your sister's birthday coming up?

jansdotter.com

Cage Dwellers

2008-07-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Get the most out of your tomato plants with these sturdy Ultimate Tomato Cages from Clean Air Gardening. These heavy duty tomato cages are made from a weather-resistant plastic that can be reused year after year. At 47 inches tall, these cages can bolster your best stock of giant heirloom tomatoes. Go get dirty!

cleanairgardening.com

Practical, Protected, Pretty

2008-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler paired up with K and Company to bring you these fabulous craft bags. Perfect for scrapbooking, inside is two 12x12 padded pockets perfect for carrying your album and working pages. It's rigid exterior keeps your memories safe from tragic bends and wrinkles. They look so good your girlfriends will be jealous!

kandcompany.com

Cute, Custom

2008-07-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Headed to a wedding shower or just looking for a great gift idea? These note cards from Neiman Marcus are sure to brighten up anybody's day. Available in three bold designs, the cards can be personalized for you or your best friend. Send some love.

neimanmarcus.com

Get a Good Grip

2008-07-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just in time for big, red, summer strawberries, the new OXO strawberry huller makes it easier than ever to clean ripe berries. In one fast motion the huller scoops out the small pith and greenery. Push the button on the end to release the pit. Preserve that little taste of summer through the winter months with some homemade strawberry jam.

oxo.com

Garden Delight

2008-07-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

Inspired by vintage table linens and lush gardens, fabric designer Anna Maria Horner launched her newest collection Garden Party. With nods to the 1940s and 50s this collection has vintage modern written all over it. It combines the bright morning sun with the rich, dark colors of a summer evening. Now, what do I make?

annamariahorner.blogspot.com

Fantastically Free

2008-07-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

Looking for something new to knit or just some inspiration? Then head over to Yada, Yada, Yarn to browse the free patterns. There's felted tote bags, baby toys, hats, scarves, vests, and so much more. Free! Go!

nobleknits.blogspot.com

From Your Fridge to Your Desk

2008-07-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Notebooks with purpose and cause are the latest offering from Remarkable, a UK firm specializing in recycled products. Both the pages and the cover are made from recycled juice cartons leading you to think about the world around you.

remarkable.co.uk

Rolling On Through

2008-06-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Chopping garlic has suddenly become a whole lot easier and more fun. With the help of the Garlic Zoom by Chef'n you can chop peeled garlic cloves in a flash. Lift the lid, insert a couple pieces of the stinking rose close the lid and roll on the counter top. The stainless steel blade uniformly slices and dices your garlic in a fraction of the time it requires to conventionally chop garlic. Another bonus: no stinky fingers!

cooking.com

Stickers Made Easy

2008-06-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

Kelly, my correspondent at the front lines of scrapbooking let me in on a product that rocked her world. The Xyron 150 Create-A-Sticker makes any photograph, clipart, or die-cut letters and numbers into a permanent or repositionable sticker. Just feed your artwork into the X, as Kelly and her fellow scrappers call it, and presto! A sticker. Wouldn't it be fun to make stickers for the kids' birthday parties?

hsn.com

The Perfect Gift

2008-06-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Every knitter I know would love to receive this bowl by designer Alyssa Ettinger as a birthday gift. Look at it, sitting in its own angelic halo. It's natural, unglazed exterior has a knit design pressed into it while the inside is smooth and glazed. I think it would be perfect to hold some popcorn next to me while I'm cuddled on the couch with my knitting.

alyssaettinger.com

Eco-Friendly, Safe to Touch

2008-06-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

This new natural-hued stationery set is perfect for writing letters to your favorite environmentalist. Made from elephant poo poo, as Target.com so gently puts it, the paper is made from recycled elephant waste fibers. Would some people be offended if they received a letter written on poop? Maybe, but the prettiness should more than make up for it!

target.com

Bloom and Grow Forever

2008-06-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

Take a stroll through the edelweiss fields in the Swiss Alps with this vintage garden tote from P.O.S.H. Made of sturdy canvas and leather this Swiss tote is large enough to fit a small shovel and other necessary tools. Take this tote with you when you wander off to tend the horse trail, or, better yet, set it on your fireplace next to a beautiful "small and white, clean and bright" hand-picked edelweiss bouquet.

poshchicago.com

Tidy and Stylish

2008-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Keep your hose out of site with this bronzed hose pot from Smith & Hawken. A hole in the bottom of the pot lets the connection end of hose discretely attach to the faucet. Holding up to 100 ft of hose, this pot is designed to make coiling easy. Get outside!

smithandhawken.com

Keeping Consistency

2008-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

This new plastic template from Clover makes it easy to create dozens of yo-yos for any project you can dream up. Not only will each yo-yo be the same size, but the template also ensures consistent stitching. Cover a new tote bag with the cheerful little fabric pouches. Make a gorgeous yo-yo quilt.

Photo courtesy of Made by Tess.

clover-usa.com

Bigger = Better

2008-06-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

Can't find the right look and layout at the scrapbook store? Is nothing exciting enough for your fancy books? Love to design? Maybe you need a Cricut Expression. The Expression can die-cut any design you can dream up. With a 12 x 24 inch cutting area the possibilities abound. Cut vinyl, greeting cards, signage, party decorations or scrapbook pages. Stop sitting around and get designing!

amazon.com

Mid-Century Modern

2008-06-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

Have you been searching for the perfect fabric for that vintage dress pattern you found at the thrift store? Look no further! Fabric Attic offers fabric reproductions from the good ol' days. Search through selections from the 1800s and 1900s. I thought these four were too cute to pass up. Stop cleaning and get sewing!

fabricattic.com

Heather Ross Papers

2008-06-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

Chronicle Books has just released Goldfish I Have Loved (Too Much?), a new mix and match stationery by fabric design darling Heather Ross. The set includes 16 stationery sheets and envelopes, four of four different designs featuring adorable goldfish and their playful names. Go, write a note to your best friend!

chroniclebooks.com

Quick Cleanup

2008-06-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Finishing any job is the hardest part. With these jumbo leaf scoops cleanup is done in a quarter of the time it normally would have taken. You won't have to mess around with a rake and just one hand, these leaf scoops will help you fill your compost bin quickly and efficiently. Stop smelling the flowers and get dirty!

cleanairgardening.com

Chill Out

2008-05-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

What's better in Summer than homemade ice cream? With this Supreme Ice Cream Maker from Cuisinart you can have whatever flavor ice cream imaginable in about a half an hour. This commercial-style machine requires no pre-chilling, ice or salt to get the job done. The brushed aluminum exterior will keep a cool look on the kitchen counter all season. Stop doing the dishes and make ice cream cones for everyone!

amazon.com

Just For Knitters

2008-05-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Perfectly practical and fantastically fun, this handmade knitter's tote from Made by Tess will make you and your knitting amazingly organized. Inside its durable canvas exterior is pockets for patterns, knitting needles, notions and yarn, of course. This bag is great for a girl on the go, all your stitch 'n bitch friends will be so jealous. Don't be a homebody, go knit with the girls tonight! I am.

madebytess.com

Luxury Lunch

2008-05-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

Nothing but the best for your feathered friends outside! This porcelain-plated bird feeder, designed by Droog, has a modern roof to let small sweet birds eat in style. Just think how hip it will look hanging from the old oak tree. Stop raking and spruce things up a bit! The birds will thank you.

unicahome.com

Make A List

2008-05-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Keep all your shopping ideas together in one cute and functional place. This Little Shopping Book from Good On Paper makes it easy to organize your shopping ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Plus I'm sure you'll be able to find some extra room to jot down notes about those cute summer sandals you're budgeting for!

goodonpaperdesign.com

Just Say It

2008-05-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Making Memories makes it easy to say just what you need to say when you need to say it. Simply add and remove rubber pieces to and from the stamp base. This magnetic stamp kit comes with lowercase and uppercase letters in a playful font and a whole bundle of special occasion words to make your pages look great. Stop cleaning and make a mess!

scrapbook.com

Magical Marimekko

2008-05-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Repro Depot, the main stop for the coolest and hippest fabric finds, just hit me like a freight train with this vintage Marimekko reprint. Originally designed in 1969, Paaryna or Pears is as fresh and modern as the day it was first screen printed. Each pear is over two feet wide and almost three feet tall! Pear curtains for the kitchen?

reprodepot.com

Right Where You Want Him

2008-05-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love the hunky fast-talking Englishman Jamie Oliver and all the recipes that come along with him? Known as The Naked Chef because his cooking uses only fresh basic ingredients, his website is far from sparse. You'll find refreshing dishes like simple summer spaghetti, hot smoked salmon with an amazing chili salsa and lavender creme brulee. Stop eating take out and make something fresh and fabulous!

jamieoliver.com

New Needle Case Necessity

2008-05-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Lantern Moon, the socially and environmentally conscious purveyor of quality knitting accessories, debuted a new silk taffetta needle case. "Isabella" with her graphic, gray rose print inside features eight narrow sleeves for straight needles and six for circular needles plus a pocket to keep notions and other necessities. Stop dusting and get out those needles!

lanternmoon.com

Perfectly Petite

2008-05-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

This new dessert bar pan from Calphalon is just the right size for making lemon bars or individually-sized cheesecakes, perfect for a tea party. Don't hassle around with making a huge birthday cake, in this nonstick pan you can make everybody at the party their own personal cake. Stop making layer cakes and get modern!

calphalon.com

Soothe The Senses

2008-05-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Bring your gardening inside with this healing aromatherapy set from Red Envelope. Plant the three mood-lifting herbs, lavender, chamomile and lemon balm in the accompanying stylish white porcelain pots and the world will instantly feel calmer. Stop stressing and get planting!

redenvelope.com

Fuzzy Friends For Your Furry Friends

2008-05-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Don't have enough other things to knit? Make some felted mice for your kitten. The kit by Bully Woolies includes enough yarn to make five mice. It also includes catnip and a jingle bell! The dog toy kit makes into two striped balls with squeakers. How cute. Stop feeding everybody and get knitting!

nobleknits.com

Simple. Bold. Limited.

2008-05-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Target has launched a new stationery line by Japanese designer Ayomi Yoshida. Her designs have strong contrast, simple designs and bold colors. The collection includes note cards, journals, wrapping paper, photo albums and more. It's only available for a limited time, so hurry over and check it out. Stop grocery shopping and buy something fun!

target.com

New Kaffe Fassatt

2008-05-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

Extraordinary designer Kaffe Fassatt has a bold new line of cotton fabrics. The New Prints collection features small-print designs with names like Star Flower and Flower Dot. It also has larger colorful motifs such as Cabbage and Asian Circles. In usual Fassatt style, each fabric brings unique color combinations together with mystifying beauty. Stop balancing the checkbook and get quilting!

westminsterfabrics.com

Rad Rub-Ons

2008-05-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hambly Screen Prints has a huge new selection of pop art rub-ons. These in-your-face designs give a modern edge to vintage silhouettes and graphic prints. Their bold colors and chic styling will make them jump off any page you design. Stop dusting and get scrapping!

hamblyscreenprints.com

Pivoting Power

2008-05-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Ever innovative Fiskars is revolutionizing gardening with these new ergonomic bypass pruners. With the Power-Pivot seated at the back of the tool rather than the middle, pruning woody branches becomes as easy as picking daisies. The new design allows the stronger part of the hand do to the majority of the cutting work. Stop sweeping and prune that topiary!

fiskars.com

M by Staples

2008-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Office superstore Staples has just launched a fresh, new line of stylish office products, luggage and paper goods. If your in a pinch for something cute, M by Staples may be just what you're looking for. These modern flower cards, with matching lined envelopes, will bring a smile to anyone's face. Stop dusting and write to your daughter! It will make her day.

staples.com

Stylish Stiches

2008-05-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Want to combine some hobbies? A reader named Kelly turned me on to a fun find! Add stitching to a new scrapbook page with these adorable In Stitch'z. Bazzill's new spring assortment comes with ten colors of thread and ten cute designs for all sorts of differently themed pages or notecards. Doesn't your niece need a note with that "Girlie Girl" design? Stop scheduling and get scrapping!

orientaltrading.com

One For Every Possible Circumstance

2008-05-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

This new set of Gourmet Series Microplane graters covers all the bases. Make decorative ribbons of cheese, grate spices and zest all the fresh lemons you can find. Each grater has a comfortable handle and a stay-in-place rubber gripping base. The set also comes with an attachment to keep your fingers safe. Stop chasing dust bunnies and have some friends over for dinner!

microplane.com

Chunky Champion

2008-05-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Taiyo, a new delivery from Noro, is a blend of cotton and silk making it great for springtime knitting. Working up at three stitches per inch and available in six beautiful colorways, this yarn can be knit into a multitude of different projects and look great. Don't empty the dishwasher, pick up those knitting needles!

knittingfever.com

New Anna Maria Horner

2008-05-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Not afraid of too many prints or too much color, Anna Maria Horner's new home decorator fabric from Free Spirit excites the imagination. The collection, titled Drawing Room, is a series of mix-and-match blues, browns, reds, pinks and yellows with the occasional burst of lime for added tangy-ness. The lively prints will make any room more fun. Stop chasing dust bunnies and reupholster that wing-back!

freespiritfabric.com

Gift Wrap Worth Getting

2008-05-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Julia Rothman designed these fun, great-for-any-occasion wrapping papers for Hello Lucky. Making old new again, the classic chairs and chandeliers are turned modern by bold colors and in-your-face design. Accent them with a contrasting ribbon and you'll give a gift nobody will forget! Stop sweeping and get cutting!

hellolucky.com

Serrated Fantasy

2008-05-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Need a twist in your martini? Need to peel some pesky tomatoes? Need a fancy garnish? Grab the OXO Good Grips serrated swivel peeler and you'll never go back to a regular peeler. The serrated edge on the inside of the blade has miniature tines that gently lift the thinest layer of skin away from fleshy fruits. You can peel peaches until you pass out. You can even peel grapes with this magical precision tool. Stop slaving away and make something delicious!

chefscatalog.com

Not Your Basic Brass

2008-05-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook about your other hobbies! These fun shaped brads from Oriental Trading Company add just the right amount of 3D to your page. Garden gnomes bring a smile to everyone's face, use them when you scrap about the spring flowers you just planted. Does everybody love your Grandma's cookies? You could make your daughter an adorable recipe book that compiles these brads and all the family favorites. Stop scrubbing and get scrapping!

orientaltrading.com

Perfect For Anything

2008-05-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

At two feet long, the size of this trough planter from Smith & Hawken makes it versatile and modern. Plant all your kitchen herbs in one easy-to-maintain location. Fill three of them with coordinating colors of smiling pansies. Or use river rocks to set off the bright green of water-conscious succulents. The possiblities are endless. Stop working and get dirty!

smithandhawken.com

Pretty Asymmetry

2008-05-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Berroco lunges into Spring with this beautiful, jagged-edge linen cardigan. The short-sleeved Leilani cardi, available in book #270, is knit in Berroco's new heathery Linen Jeans yarn. With colors ranging from natural linen to the likes of Beet Root magenta and Maritime blue, Linen Jeans can turn this sweater into your season favorite. Stop exercising and get knitting!

berroco.com

Cooking And Camping

2008-05-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Leap back into the 1950s with these cute new letterpressed note cards from Elum. The lively little patterns tell a story of kitchen life or roughing it in the great outdoors. Made on pure cotton rag paper these note cards are great to give as a birthday gift or just pick them up for yourself. Haven't you been meaning to write to Granny?

elumdesigns.com

Squeeze Some Sunshine

2008-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just in time for summer, these die-cast aluminum juicers make lemons into lemonade. This unique design releases every last drop from those sumptuous sunkissed oranges. By placing the fruit with the round end pointing up (the opposite of what feels natural), the juicer inverts the peel, saves the seeds and delivers everything the doctor ordered. Make fresh-squeezed orange juice for weekend brunch. Have lemonade ready when the kids come in from the yard. Or better yet? Sit down and have a margarita!

surlatable.com

Do The Jitterbug!

2008-05-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

Dancing into yarn stores soon, a new sock yarn from Colinette! Jitterbug is a fingering weight merino wool that can be machine washed and dried. With a free pattern on every label, one 289 yard skein can be worked into a pair of socks. Jitterbug comes in a multitude of your favorite coordinating Colinette colorways. Stop folding laundry and get knitting!

uniquekolours.com

New Amy Butler

2008-05-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

What a way to start the morning, fresh finds from a new home decorator fabric line by Amy Butler. Called August Fields, the new line has bright green, moss green, a vibrant salmon orange and a deep chocolate brown. The designs are fluid and fun, Butler has a few of the floral prints she's famous for, but has injected smaller designs into this collection. Stop dusting and make some new pillows!

westminsterfabrics.com

IKEA Gardening Bags

2008-05-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

New for Summer, IKEA has these durable, tote-able gardening bags. SOMMAR, meaning Summer in Swedish, could be used for planting bright blooms or keep a couple stashed around your yard so you can grab them the second you have the urge to pull weeds. The fun patterns will keep you motivated for hours! Stop sitting there and get outside!

ikea.com

Asian Inspiration

2008-05-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Check out this new Asian inspired paper collection from Stemma. I love the soft movement of the flowing graphic images. These would work great as a background. Based on a pallette of pink, black and cream, these papers are available in 12x12 inch sheets. Stop dusting and get cutting!

scrapbookingsuppliesrus.com

New Denyse Schmidt

2008-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Old favorites back again! Denyse Schmidt has launched a new line of home decorator weight fabrics. The Country Fair collection lets you two-step your way through mix-and-match projects. Charming floral prints and lively polka dots bring the comforts of the prairie straight into your modern home.

If that wasn't enough the collection has a bonus fabric that marries the entire collection. Stop tidying and go reupholster that old chair!

dsquilts.com

April Showers

2008-05-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

...bring May flowers. Even though it's already May, it's not too late to get an adorable pair of daisy Wellingtons. Don't let the rain get you down, you're not afraid of mud and muck, get out there and look cute!

gardeners.com

DIY Kit

2008-05-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

Dye It Yourself! An awesome new kit from Culinary Colors lets you dye your yarn before you knit it. The kit is available in four different yummy colorways, Plum Pudding, Pumpkin Pie, Autumn Harvest and my favorite Caribbean Kiwi. The yarn, a mohair and silk blend, has enough yardage to knit either a triangle shawl or two scarves. Oh, and the patterns are included too! Stop scrubbing and make a mess with this project!

nobleknits.com

Perfect Paper Poppies

2008-05-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

I just about fell off my chair when I spotted this kit with adorable, bursting-with-color poppies! Every thing's included, pre-cut flower petals, floral wire, floral tape and of course instructions. Just in time for Spring, how adorable would a bouquet of these look in a vase on the middle of the dining table? Stop organizing and make these!

papersource.com

Open Up Albums

2008-05-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

New from Melissa Frances these Open Up albums add an extra funky edge to your book. I love the natural kraft brown covers. The die-cut albums are available in a sassy star, a fancy scallop, a quaint house and a perfect circle. Get cutting, vacuum later!

scrapbook.com

Malibu Monkeys

2008-05-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

I loved the Erin Michael designed sock monkey fabric so much I taught myself to quilt just so I could fit as many fabrics from the series as possible onto a pillow. Now she's at it again with Moda Fabrics launching "Malibu Monkeys." These cute little sock-monkeys are hitting the beach in style! Get sewing, stop doing laundry!

modafabrics.com

Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-05-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite recipe blogs, 24 Boxes, has a great recipe for when you have some nearly rotten bananas and you're so tired of making banana bread. They make up fast with normal ingredients you have around the house, and they taste great. I substituted granola for the old-fashioned rolled oats and did not include the walnuts. Make them your own, and ignore the dishes!

24boxes.blogspot.com