What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
This week I continued working away at my kitty squares. I’m glad I decided to make a round number of 6 of the difficult ones. I’ve got a bit faster at doing them but constantly make mistakes and have to undo it. The final one, which I decided to make to represent a Siamese cat, proved to be the most difficult – it may be because I was tired when I made it but it took me hours and hours and every bit that I did had to be redone because of mistakes. When I’d finished the crochet (forgot to photograph it) it looked awful and nothing like a cat at all. I added quite a lot of embroidery and this is the result. I can’t say I’m mad keen on this one but I’ll include it now I’ve spent so many hours on it!
Here are all six of this design, together.
I’m really glad I’ve now completed my complement of six of these and can revert to the easy peasy squares to complete the required set of 80 squares. I’ve made two or three more since finishing the kitty faces, and am now in…
The final countdown
Only ten more squares to make!! This reminds me of the countdown I made when I was approaching the end of my chemo (only this is a whole lot more fun) – suddenly as you approach single figures, either in days or in squares, the countdown seems to race away in no time at all. By this time next week I am hoping to have completed all 80 squares and will be able to get them blocked, and have some fun in Mum’s bedroom in the flat, working on the layout. Then crocheting them together initially in strips, and making the embellishments.
Food
Spicy Hummus Wraps
I shared this as a Recipe of the Week back in June last year (that post now updated with photo). I made it again this week – really delicious with the extra crunch of the apple. I used my hummus which I make regularly from pulp left over from making almond milk. This is really delicious, with added tahini, garlic, lemon juice and cumin, and we never tire of it.
More on green smoothie bowls
Continuing to enjoy my new Vitamix blender. The first recipe I tried from the free eBook from last week’s YouTube video was Pineapple Kale Smoothie.
Again, really really green!! Here it is with toppings.
Clockwise from top: red grapes, chia oat pudding, fresh pineapple, shelled hemp seeds, clementine, chopped pistachios, dessicated coconut. Centre: home-made sugar-free granola. You can basically use anything you’ve got to hand. I am looking forward to the summer when there will be an abundance of fresh berries to enjoy.
This time, there was no bitter aftertaste from the 2 handfuls of kale that went into this smoothie bowl. Also included was some coconut, a banana, some fresh pineapple and a little almond milk. I also added a tablespoon of flax seed to get my daily dose (excellent source of omega 3 and a great cholesterol reducer).
Later in the week, I made another one from the eBook, Spinach Kiwi Smoothie. This consisted of a couple of kiwis, a banana, some spinach, some soya yoghurt and a little almond milk. I reduced the amount of liquid as before, to make it thicker for a bowl. Again, I added some flax seeds. There was enough for two days. Not quite so green as the other one! More like khaki.
Here it is with the toppings, similar to those added before.
Contrary to what some people believe, eating a smoothie bowl is not equivalent to eating baby food. We all like the experience of chewing our food (and it’s much better for our digestion and nutrition too), and the addition of plenty of differently textured toppings makes the eating of the bowl a great sensory experience with plenty of crunch and variety. I really feel that I am eating a good textured bowl of food with some moisture added, rather than the other way around, and with a green smoothie bowl you are getting a good dose of green leafy vegetables (the most nutrient dense foods around) in a highly palatable form.
As I have said before, I am not a fan of smoothies to drink – not keen on the gloopy texture, and no opportunity for adding toppings, and already too pre-digested, and usually consumed much too fast to be beneficial for your system and introducing too much sugar all in a rush. A smoothie bowl is much more food than drink, and with the toppings you have to chew it! (Remember the Chattanooga Chew Chew!)
I have also discovered that eating a green smoothie bowl with healthy toppings for breakfast is incredibly sustaining. I feel satiated for hours! I did not expect this because I believed that a smoothie bowl, because the ingredients are already broken down, would pass through one’s system much too quickly and leave one hungry fairly soon after consuming it.
I am having a couple of smoothie bowls a week for breakfast, and the rest of the time, eating my usual chia oat pudding which remains a firm favourite with its blueberries and added cinnamon. I make up a batch of this and store it in a Mason jar in the fridge, and it lasts four or five days. Breakfast is really my favourite meal of the day! I tend to get up fairly late due to my disrupted sleep pattern, and like to enjoy a leisurely breakfast watching Netflix or Prime, with a kitty or two on my legs. Then it’s time to burst into action and achieve something useful with the rest of my day!
Those were the days…
All this modern food… Funny how when I was growing up, nobody had ever heard of a smoothie. They’d probably have thought it was some kind of slimy lounge lizard out to seduce their daughter, intending to run off with her for her money, and definitely not to be trusted. Last week my best friend from school sent me this – those of you of a certain age will remember the following with a rosy glow of nostalgic fondness.
More fun from Tesco
This week when I did my online order from Tesco, again they were suggesting substituting non-available red grapefruits with pasta! However, they weren’t quite as unavailable as they’d have had me believe…
Is there some dark conspiracy trying to prevent me from buying grapefruits?
Then some Swedes with very questionable morals…
Swedes replaced with swedes? That shows real imagination. Full marks, Tesco. I must say, online shopping is a lot more entertaining than traipsing around the supermarket with a trolley with squeaky wheels that won’t steer straight.
Last week they had dark grey fur fabric throws on offer for £5 so I decided to buy one to lay over my hubby’s chair until the kitty throw is finished. Afterwards I wished I’d bought two because they were so cheap, so I was delighted that they still had them this week. I now have the pair. What I am intending is to use them to make arm protectors for the new furniture – the colour is almost identical. Anything left can go in my stash to be used as fur fabric. There was another kitty project I had in mind, which has been on the back burner for several years, and this fabric would be just the thing for it. The throws are fairly thin, and not as thick and warm as my favourite dark red one which goes over my legs when I’m on the recliner, keeping me warm and provides an extra layer of protection from kitty claws, but they have a lovely soft feel.
Blender woes
It is now three weeks since I had a phone conversation with someone from the failed blender firm. This phone conversation a complete waste of time because all it did was to go over old ground already covered, and no further progress was made. They told me they would be contacting the manufacturer (again…) about it, although I can’t for the life of me think why that would help – all they need to do is the decent thing, and replace a defunct blender still in its guarantee period with a new one. A couple of days ago I emailed them again to remind them that they promised to get back to me, and also pointed out that what they had said about the blade unit being a “user component” subject to wear and tear and therefore not covered by the guarantee was an extraordinary statement. Surely the blade is an essential, integral component of any blender, which would be pointless and completely non-functioning without it – which is the same that can be said for the motor. Also, this is supposed to be a high-powered blender suitable for commercial use, and for the blade unit to fail within a year seems quite unreasonable – my use of the blender 1-3 times a day in a domestic setting hardly compares with heavy commercial use, churning out smoothies all day. At the end of my email I again stated how dissatisfied I was with this whole situation and that I thought they were just looking for excuses to wriggle out of their responsibility, and that maybe Trading Standards would be interested to hear about it. So far, no reply.
Thank goodness for my Vitamix, that’s all I can say. This rubbish has been going on for nearly six weeks now.
Kitties
They’ve been working hard at sleeping again this week. My hubby keeps saying it’s too cold and wet for them to go out and play in the garden so they’ve only had a few outings lately. He has spoilt them so much that they are not hardy enough (in his opinion) to get their delicate little paws wet. They love to take up their position as soon as I get my legs up on the recliner. There’s just room under my little table for them.
Synchronised kitties. One arm from each kitty.
Cleaning
With my cleaning lady not being able to come at the moment, my hubby has been valiantly wielding the hoover each week. The dust, however, has been accumulating so I decided to start having a blitz on it, a little bit at a time, energy permitting.
A little while ago I came across a brilliant idea for a DIY anti-static cleaning fluid which is cheap to make and very effective. You just mix 1 part hair conditioner (I use the Simple brand, with no perfume, and not too expensive) with 2 parts each of white vinegar and water. I have put it into an empty spray bottle, and just moisten a duster with it, and away you go. Vinegar is an extremely effective cleaner and the hair conditioner makes it anti-static. The sitting room is looking a lot better now. I’ve also made up a spray bottle of DIY multi-surface cleaner (1 part washing up liquid, 2 parts bottled lemon juice, 4 parts white vinegar and 5 parts water) – it is very effective for all sorts of cleaning jobs. There are also cleaning products that you can make with baking soda which is also extremely effective and very cheap. I find a lot of commercial cleaning products have a most unpleasant smell – I am mildly chemical-sensitive with my ME and always have to smell everything before I buy it! – and a lot of the chemicals they put into such things (and beauty products too), especially fragrances, are not regulated and are actually harmful. Keeping it simple is best, and DIY varieties are also very cheap, and environmentally friendly.
Snowed up in the English Riviera
We’re snowed up! If we don’t get a thaw soon, we’ll have to get supplies airlifted in by helicopter.
This is as bad as it normally gets here in the mildest corner of the UK. Anything worse would probably attract the attentions of the world media.
Finally…
Witness protection for kitties
Glad I went back to the recipe link! The green mohair jumper is lovely (although far too scratchy for me, I’m sure. Anything over 17% wool and I am an itchy mess!) I was looking for the recipe using the sludge from making almond milk. Did I miss it in that post somehow?
Cat blankie coming on – 10 to go is amazing progress. Can’t wit for the big reveal.
Oh and I would 100% post a negative review on the company website (or amazon if you bought it there) as they should want to move heaven and earth to correct THAT. Don’t be polite – if the Customer Service sucks, make sure they know.
Oops. My American is showing…. 😛
Re: the blender. Tell them you’ll be contacting the BBC Watchdog programme – that might stir them into action.
Would love to know how Tesco does its algorithms to suggest replacement items; pasta instead of grapefruit? I’m not allowed to do online grocery shopping. I have a hubby who actually enjoys shopping! He’s much better at finding the bargain items than I am.
I’m like you in that I have to be careful what I put on my face. I have many allergies and anything too scented just makes my eyes run. I used to be an Avon Lady, but I couldn’t actually use any of their skincare as it is so heavily scented.
The witness protection for kitties picture rally made me smile Shoshi. Hope you get a bit further with the mixer now that you have mentioned Trading Standards. Loving the 6 kitty squares – including the Siamese. Glad you managed to get a second throw! Stay safe, meow to Ruby and Lily. Sarah #5
The cat squares continue to make me smile – they have such distinct personalities! You’re on the homeward stretch now, the laying out of the squares will be fun and at least you can leave it in your mum’s flat and not be worried that your hubby will discover his surprise!
Hugs LLJ 9 xxx
Oh wow, okay it did take me a few seconds as I wasn’t wearing my glasses but the new cat pic (square) is brilliant, it suddenly reappeared as the loverly cat that is was/is! I’m going to have to go back and relook at your smoothy beakfast bowl, it all sounds really nice and good for you-and not walking up to ten miles everyday whilst dog walking any more, I’m definitely getting fat-ter! The Puss and the Pens are so funny! Stay safe, keep crafting, Happy WOYWW 610 Lyn # 20
ps it won’t let me paste in my blog address- so I’ve just put Spyders Corner!
Well, I love your new cat square. I just wish they were easier for you to do and you were doing a dozen of the they are so nice. Your husband will be delighted with it when he finally gets it, what a loving gift, to put so much time and effort in is worth much more than money could buy.
Had a chortle over the 50’s piece. Brought back quite a few memories for me – showing my age now. As usual I loved the photographs of the kitties, especially the one where they are both lying with one leg out – synchronisation is the order of the day here.
So upsetting to hear how Shaz is suffering. Straight away I thought “Shoshi, it will hit her hard when she reads this”.
Take care and keep crocheting.
Hugs, Neet 6 xx
That’s about as much snow as we’ve had in the West Midlands as well! All round us has been snowing but here! I’m so disappointed! The kitty squares look very fiddly – funny you would liken working on them to chemo LOL! A bit like I felt working on my puzzle but then I really missed it when it was finished! Your Tesco substitutions are funny – sometimes we get weird things and I don’t like sending stuff back, but when they send something that’s obviously not suitable or not good value – I have no choice. Last Easter I ordered some chocolates for hubs (Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut – his favourite) – the large 200 g bars were on offer for £1.50 each (normally £2) – I ordered 2 but it was out of stock – instead they sent us 2 X 100g at the regular price of £1.50 each=£3.00 – so basically they made us pay the same amount for half the chocolate! I thought that was poor but I couldn’t send it back as we needed the chocolate and I couldn’t get through to customer services either as it was during the beginning of the pandemic, when customer services were non-existent. Anyway, I let it slide. First world problem, right? We still use Tesco’s but that was a good example of a poor substitution. They’ve made up for it since though – we’ve got twice the cheese and twice the eggs the other day because the smaller packs were not available, so all forgiven. Eating in the 50’s was fun to read – the cat joke is funny too – I’ve seen a similar one with a ginger cat amongst meerkats with the caption “student exchange programme”. I’ve also seen the “artificial stupidity” cartoon in your previous post! I had to send it to my husband who works with AI – I knew he would appreciate it. He emailed it to all his colleagues in the lab LOL! Lovely tribute to Shaz and Doug in there, by the way! Such worrying news though… Hope we’ll have better news next time. Have a lovely week, Shoshi! Cuddle those two adorable fur balls for me xx
The cat blanket is looking great and only 10 squares to go – you are certainly whizzing through it fast. I love the little faces – the Siamese one looks lovely with those beautiful blue eyes and really stands out. Adorable pictures of the real kitties this week, don’t they look comfy! I love the idea of homemade cleaners – I use Bicarbonate of soda a lot, but I might try making my own anti-static cleaner – so much better for the environment, and cheaper too.
Hope you have a good week, stay safe and well,
Diana xx #21
Love the synchronised kitties photo! Your cat squares are amazing. Happy WOYWW. Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#20)
I love the kittie squares – well done for getting so much of it done! I did smile a your “snowed in” pic!! we didn’t have much here this time (thank goodness) and the pavements are now just about clear – it’s the icy patches I don’t like. Have a good week and good luck finishing the blanket. Helen #2
Your making great progress with the cat throw, isn’t it always the way that the last of the bunch causes us more problems than the first the siamese cat is very sweet. I’m not a fan of smoothie on it’s own either much better with unmushed fruit in it too. I really hope you get your blender issue sorted soon, so annoying when tools don’t stand up to the job. The kitties are so cute cuddled up together.
Stay warm & well Tracey #36
Loving the new kitty square and the photo of your back garden with it’s sprinkle of snow is gorgeous. Now that is because I live in sunny OZ that can swing from bush fires, floods, dust storms, drought to deluge in a couple of months. Stay safe and keep crocheting.
Sandra de @39
well dome on getting so much done on the cat blanket, and bet it will be lovely when finished, Looking forward to seeing it,
Take care and stay safe,
Hi Shoshi. yes – Tesco seem to have a really interesting way of putting substitutes in!! I have been doing on line shopping with Asda – and actually decided to put “no substitutes” on the order. Basically because of my allergy issues – but also because I would never know what I was going to get. Was disappointed though, yesterday, when there was no cabbage.. like I said to the lovely man who delivered the order “How on earth can I do a stir fry without cabbage?” He agreed!
Loved the snowed in picture – I walked across the valley here the other day (30 feet above sea level on a good day with the tide out) and there, under the fence, was snow! Just had to send a photo to the girls and tell them I was above the snowline!!
Nearly there with the squares – well done. I like that siamese – he is really giving folks the eye!
Take care. God bless
Margaret #4
Shoshi, sorry this is so late getting to you!!! I always leave my comment to you last because I like reading of our antics and I can’t really concentrate here at work. That being said I do it at home in the evening, however, last evening turned into grown children needing my attention. Sheesh!! I know I will be sad and miss them when they finally do leave home, but right now, I’m wondering!!!!! Just kidding!! So here I am this morning trying to check-in whilst boss man is in a meeting! Sneeky, aye? LOL Ok ma’am, you continue to be fussy about yourself concerning those kitty squares….BUT I say, they are gorge!! I know I am not there for the process (I can only imagine) but you’ve done a brilliant job with those little squares! I can’t wait to see it all come together! I continue to love, love the recipes you share! I don’t remember the spicy hummus wrap share before, but yesterday seems a fog sometimes!! LOL But at any rate it look scrumptious! I am the hummus queen! I ALWAYS have some in my fridge whether it’s homemade or lazily bought!! I am definitely want to make these wraps though!! I need to do the smoothie bowls more often. Mornings are a mad rush and I don’t have time to get something like that together so it’s a weekend treat. I have yet to make that chia oat pudding, but it is on my list!! It always looks so yummy!!! The Spinach Kiwi Smoothie is probably devine! I make one similar without the yoghurt, but with spinach, kiwi, lime, grapes and ginger (lots of ginger…I love it) and it is one of my faves. Now I drink this one, so probably not what you would want, but you could probably make it into a bowl!!
Your eating in the 50’s chart was cool. I wasn’t born until 64, so I can’t go there with you, but it was neat to read!! I have yet to order from the grocers. Folks around here do it regular and can either go pick it up or have it delivered. I think its that I am too OCD to let someone else make choices for me when my first choice isn’t available. And, I’m super picky about my fruits and veggies and spend loads of time smelling, and handling to see if it’s right. I don’t trust anyone else to do the same. Your stores online purchasing is a hoot! I will NOT even go there on the blender woes. You can probably already know my thoughts there!!! LOL
I LOVE your back garden! Is that a “she shed” out there or just housing yard materials? It looks like it would be the perfect arty place to hang out!! Your “snow” comments are tooooo funny! That is exactly how it is here! We don’t typically get snow, but if we get flurries or any little bit on the ground the shelves in the market will be picked clean! Lord help us all!!! LOL Well my friend, here’s hoping you are remaining healthy and safe. Take care and until next week, happy crafting! 🙂
Hi Shoshi, I’m late this week as my mum has gone in a Nursing home for physio so we had to take her the stuff she needed yesterday and go for our vaccine so I’d had enough after that. I’m not surprised you’ve spent many hours on the crochet but they are lovely. I love the history of eating in the Fifties but I’m saying nothing! Kitties look cosy so all’s well there. Happy belated woyww, Angela x18x
I love the witness protection program – hilarious! Your blanket is almost done! I can’t wait to see it all put together. You are far too hard on yourself regarding the Siamese cat – very cute! Perhaps it’s time to actually go through with your threats of contacting the Trading Standards (I don’t really know what that is, but it sounds ominous!) about your blender woes. I have been using homemade cleaners for awhile now, I use a great one for the tub that makes everything gleam! Just vinegar and Dawn liquid detergent, sprayed on the tub and left for awhile, and then rinsed off. I used to break my back scrubbing the darn tub! Have a good week, stay safe, and give our love to the kitties! Lindart #32
Shoshi – don’t shoot me, but your Siamese kitty is fabulous, all you need to do is take away the smile and it looks like a Siamese sitting down, the rest of the colour is his body. If you did the smile in a dark colour, but upside down, it would look liked his paws. What do you think?
Love the witness protection image. Angela #12
The Siamese kitty square is too cute, and your hummus wrap looks very tasty!! Happy Valentine’s Day ~ Love, Karen #28
AS ever I loved reading your post – from lovely kitty squares to the Eating in the 50s poster. That struck a chord with me! The Tesco substitutions also amused me!
Happy WOYWW!
Stay safe and keep well!
Update on here in Victoria – we are in a snap lockdown again – hopefully only for a few days – but 5k limit, no visitors or gatherings, only leave the house for the 4 special reasons, only essential shops open…
And the rainbow lorikeets are eating our peaches!
Susan #22
Calling All Crafters! – My Blog!
Hi Shoshi, I love your cats, both embroidered and sleeping. And your witness protection make me laugh!
I hope you get your blender sorted out; disputes like that are stressful. You could try the Guardian’s consumer issues editor. They’ve had some successes.
Aaagh Camp coffee! I’d almost forgotten!
Take care and stay safe
Hugs
Lynnecrafts 7
I haven’t heard from you in such a long time. It is so good to see that you are well and able to enjoy life and do some of the things that bring you pleasure. Your cat squares are wonderful . . . you’re so talented 🙂
Have a lovely day . . . as for snow I am snowed in. My back is not in a place to shovel snow, so I’m just waiting for it to warm up and melt away, unless some dear friend notices and decides to plow me out 🙂
Hi Shoshi, I have emailed you a picture of what I meant. Siamese faces are less round than other cats. I probably should keep my ideas to myself 🙂 Your one sits well with the others. Speak to you on Wednesday x Sorry if this posts twice.