Project Sweater : Seaming and Finishing

November 10, 2015March 24, 2016 by Katie | 4 Comments

Do you also think that this time of the year with its chilly days, long dark evenings, and plenty of new TV is perfect for knitting? If so, maybe you want to knit some Christmas stockings or a new hat.

If you’ve been following along for a while, you may remember the big sweater project I’ve been working on. A quick recap : my friend had a sweater that she loved, but had been worn a lot and was slightly felted from washing. She asked me to knit another sweater just like the first, but slightly longer. In the first post I introduced the project and share my process swatches as I figured out the stitch patterns, then I wrote about finding the right yarn for the job, and in February I shared an update and the detailed stitch patterns. The project took a minor hiatus when we moved and had a baby, and finally, when things settled down this summer and fall, I finished the sweater! I wouldn’t let myself work on any other knitting projects until this was done, so there was major motivation to move it along :-).

In addition to sharing photos of the finished sweater, today I wanted to talk about constructing the yoke (the area of the sweater around the shoulders, across the chest and back, and up to the neck).

If you’re new(ish) to sweater knitting, let me start by explaining that there are a variety of ways to construct a sweater. Broadly speaking, some sweaters are knit flat and others in the round. When knitting flat, you will knit one piece for the front, one for the back, and one for each sleeve. Those pieces are then sewn together, creating seams up the sides of the body, along the sleeves, and then between the sleeves and body. Sweaters knit in the round are almost completely seamless, except for minor seams in the armpits, and you can start from either the top and work your way down or from the bottom and work your way up.

Sarah’s Current Podcast Subscriptions

November 9, 2015 by Sarah | 2 Comments

Every month or so, I tweak this list to my liking, so check back to keep your podcast subscriptions inspiring. I also share themed podcasting lists like this Earth Day Edition.

At the start of 2015, I shared my goals and one of them was to ‘push podcasts on everyone,’ so here I am, still pushing them on you. I’ve been on the podcast train for about five years now and it has totally transformed all of my time in the car. Driving is actually one of my favorite activities, I love having this mini space that’s all mine no matter where I am in the country, but listening to bad radio or feeling like I’m wasting time in the car can really start to irritate me. Instead of listening to poll projections or my own incessant mind chatter, I simply plug in my iPod and get lost in a podcast.

What is a podcast? It’s simply a digital file that you can download on the internet, usually part of a series, and once you subscribe to a podcast it will automatically download to your computer or device each time a new one is released. Think of a podcast as a radio show that gets saved to your itunes or whichever program you use to listen to music.

How do I download them? If you don’t know how to download or subscribe to podcasts, there are a million and one tutorials out there and I’m sure they do a better job of explaining it than I can. Basically, you can download individual podcasts or you can subscribe to a podcast, which means your computer or phone will automatically download the newest episodes as they come out. I always subscribe to my favorite podcasts and I even search the archives to individually download episodes I may have missed that look interesting.

Where do I find them? Well, you can search for them on the web, you can click the links provided below, or you can search for them in your music listening application. I search for podcasts in iTunes, but sometimes I look for new-to-me podcasts on google so I can use a wide variety of search terms to find something I haven’t heard of before. Then I search the name of the podcast in iTunes and subscribe to it.

Here is a list of podcasts I currently subscribe to:

NPR favorites:

Ask Me Another – NPR & WNYC’s weekend game show featuring word games, puzzles and trivia played by a live audience. It’s an upbeat hour where you can quiz yourself on current events, grammar and other brain busting subjects. I play this podcast whenever I’m feeling a little irritated in the car. Case of road rage? Construction zone continuing on for miles? Play Ask Me Another.

Fresh Air – is considered a talk show, but to me it is a series of intimate conversations with artists, creatives and innovators in today’s society. I usually pick and choose which episodes to listen to depending on the guest, but even if I’m not familiar with the subject, each episode inspires or intrigues me in some way.

How To Do Everything – answers readers’ (pretty absurd) questions each week. The co-hosts, Mike Danforth & Ian Chillag, are super silly and laid back, which makes listening to these podcasts a real treat. You never really know what you’re in for when you play How To Do Everything and that’s half the reason it’s so interesting.

Invisibilia – is in its infancy with only one season completed, but each episode is so.stinkin.good. I listened to each episode twice, picking up on things I missed the first time around. Invisibilia focuses on the intangible forces that shape human behavior like ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions. If you’re interested in psychology and the brain, Invisibilia is a must.

Serial – actually brought a lot of attention towards podcasts in general. It’s crazy how one show can completely take off and shine a light on a whole world that a lot of folks were overlooking. Serial investigates a murder trial that took place over a decade ago and looks for more clues into what really happened. Serial is a spinoff of This American Life, which means the producers and staff of the show know what they’re doing. Serial will keep you on the edge of your seat. I listened to the series as it was debuting in early 2015. I was biting my nails each week until the newest episode was released.

Snap Judgment – is storytelling with a beat. Host and producer, Glynn Washington, is absolutely captivating. Each week has a different theme and stories that go along with it. Snap Judgment is a deep (and sometimes difficult) conversation about race, politics, social responsibility, activism, family life, human rights, etc. You should probably dive right in.

This American Life – was actually the first podcast I ever downloaded. I’ve been listening to This American Life for over a decade now. In the past, I was a bummed when I would miss an episode on the radio, but podcasts have eliminated that issue. Just like the name suggests, each week This American Life features a variety of stories about Americans that pertain to a certain theme.

Educational

Freakonomics Radio – I learn so much (and soon forget it) during each and every one of these episodes. Freakonomics is about the hidden side of everything, basically how economics plays a role in our every day life. It’s co-hosted by Stephen Dubner, an author and journalist, and Steven Levitt, an award-winning economist. Together they make economics accessible for half-witted listeners like myself. I still have yet to buy their books, but they’re on my list. Just listening to these two joke, laugh and teach together makes the podcast worth listening to.

Stuff You Should Know – kind of has the same feeling as How To Do Everything. The co-hosts are smart and hilarious and you never know what topic they’ll be covering next.

TEDTalks Business – there are thousands of TED talks out there, but my favorites are usually in the business section. I’m usually left with an inspiring thought or feeling that keeps me wanting to push forward instead of crying under a stack of unfinished photography estimates.

The Memory Palace – is a quick snippet of history that you’ve probably never heard of. These podcasts are extremely short by comparison, but each one is extremely powerful. The Memory Palace gets you to contemplate the past whether through events or individuals and leaves you feeling moved by the memory you’ve just learned about.

Storytelling and Conversational & Possibly Educational

Love + Radio is described as, “featuring in-depth, otherworldly-produced interviews with an eclectic range of subjects, from the seedy to the sublime. You’ve never heard anything like it before.” I couldn’t agree more (or write a better synopsis), Love + Radio is captivating and raw, you should give it a listen.

Radiolab – explores topics with the curiosity of a (really well educated) child. Radiolab explores topics with a type of fluidity that blurs the lines between science, philosophy, and human experience. I recently listened to this episode about the birth of Candid Camera and it had me thinking a lot about reality television and our fascination (or disgust) with fame.

The Tim Ferriss Show – breaks down tools that highly productive people use to get sh!t done. It’s both educational and inspiring, but sometimes leaves me feeling like I’m the laziest person on earth. Tim features intriguing guests like Ed Catmull (President of Pixar), Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn), and Neil Strauss (7 time New York Times bestselling author) among many others. There are plenty of great insights to be learned from Ferriss and his guests.

Savage Lovecast – is a Q&A podcast hosted by Dan Savage. It’s kind of like Dear Ann for a younger (sexier) generation. If you’re listening at work or in public, you definitely need headphones. I really enjoy this podcast because there is a lot I’m completely clueless about when it comes to discussing gay rights, religiosity, and politics pertaining to sexuality. In a way, this podcast exposes me to different types of relationships that I may not have firsthand experience with and in turn creates understanding and empathy for individuals in those relationships.

Mysterious Universe – is a little bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I treat it like listening to stories around a campfire, unsure if it’s fact, but not caring just the same. Mysterious Universe explores the strange, extraordinary, weird, and wonderful happenings on earth (and in space). It can be spooky, unsettling, and inspiring.

Hilarious + Silly – Definitely Not Serious

Your Mom’s House – is a completely filthy and dirty podcast hosted by husband and wife comedians Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky. This podcast definitely is not for everyone. If you identify with a ninth grade boy it’s probably for you though. I would suggest watching Completely Normal (it’s on Netflix) and if you dig it download Your Mom’s House.

That’s Deep Bro – is produced and hosted by Christina Pazsitzky from Your Mom’s House. The podcast explores serious questions hashed out by silly people. Christina P. is a comedian, but she has a degree in philosophy so she discusses age old questions and other philosophical topics for your pontificating pleasure. This podcast is her side project, but it has really blossomed over the past year.

The Joe Rogan Experience – is another pretty raunchy podcast, but if you like his comedy, you’ll probably dig his podcast. I usually pick and choose which episodes to listen to depending on the guests. The Joe Rogan Experience is a great way to pass a few hours because he addresses a lot of serious topics in a not so serious (and sometimes not so well-researched) way, so you can form your own opinions while laughing along with Joe and his guest.

The Mortified Podcast – is THE BEST PODCAST NO MATTER THE MOOD. Sorry, I had to make sure this podcast didn’t get overlooked. The Mortified Podcast will have you choking on your water, slapping the steering wheel, and crying on the highway because it’s that funny. It’s a podcast where people read their teenage diaries in front of a live audience. There’s no need to say anything more, except maybe download all the past episodes you missed, because this podcast is an absolute MUST.

Image by Water In My Paint

Two Bits

November 6, 2015June 17, 2016 by Katie | Leave a comment

Each Friday we share some tidbits from our week. We want to break down these internet barriers and invite you into our lives and we’re hoping you’ll do the same. You are welcome to share a bit of your week or day in the comments, or if they’re better represented by a photo, tag us on instagram @liveseasoned

Katie here :

Ack, this was one of those weeks when I was really playing adult. Checking things off the list every day, and it felt good, but also kept me hoping to find one really slow week before the holiday craziness hits. This week was all about the mundane errands. Taking cars to the garage, picking them up, taking them back, etc. Faxing forms, and then faxing them again, and being surprised that a simple email wouldn’t do. Trying to winterize the house because, BAM! we got our first snow of the season!

Everyone in the house woke up excited yesterday to see the snow. Calder and I are planning a little trip up into the higher mountains again this weekend. We want to get Alex out on his skis, but we’re thinking of keeping it simple and mellow. Rather than go to a resort, we’re going to go to one of the state forests where Calder can put on his alpine touring gear and ski along beside Alex as he finds his balance on skis for the first time. Meanwhile, I’ll keep it really mellow and head out on the snowshoes with Luc in the Ergo.

Sarah here :

Just like Kate, I’ve been adulting a lot this week. Buying things like daylight bulbs, windshield wipers and draino and feeling pretty great about it 😉 It was cloudy every stinkin’ day this week, but I made use of the days by working pretty hard. I squeezed in a few days at the pottery studio and darkroom. I also worked on an architectural shoot in an enormous mansion; it was different from my usual gigs and I really enjoyed it. The only downfall? I have so many blog post ideas floating around in my little head, but no time to act on them. Right now I’m about to head out the door for a weekend in Saxis. Only a five hour drive separates me from a salty, beachy breeze. Have a nice weekend!

Cauliflower Soup!

November 5, 2015January 18, 2016 by Katie | 2 Comments

I know what you’re thinking. Cauliflower soup? Where’s the pumpkin? Well, this chunky soup is packed with our favorite fall gourd.

Kidding! This wasn’t a post we were planning, but I cooked a pot of this soup on Tuesday and had to share it with everyone because it was so delicious. In addition to eating leftovers for lunch, Alex also requested it for breakfast the past couple of days!

When the days get cooler, I crave all types of soups, and while I make most at home, I’ve always shied away from cheesy soups because I’ve had the bad luck getting the cheese to melt without creating a greasy and clumpy mess. I can’t say for sure what made the difference this time (following instructions, maybe?), but the soup turned out perfectly. I think I may use this same base recipe for a broccoli version next.

The original recipe can be found here, and it was so perfect that I my changes were minor.

Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium carrot, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 medium cauliflower head, broken into florets
2 1/2 cups water
1 vegetable bouillon cube
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups 2% or whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrot, onion, and celery. Cook, stirring once in a while, until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the cauliflower, water, and bouillon. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes as the vegetables cook.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Continue whisking and slowly pour in the milk. Whisk until smooth. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stir once in a while, and cook for about 2 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheese until melted.
Stir the milk mixture into the soup and serve.

https://liveseasoned.com/cauliflower-soup/

We found that this soup reheats well, but doesn’t last long! I think this has started a little cauliflower kick in our house. Up next, this roasted cauliflower and garlic dip.

Cooking with Kids : Pumpkin Muffins

November 3, 2015June 22, 2017 by Katie | Leave a comment

Pumpkin is our ingredient of the season. We have all sorts of sweet and savory dishes, as well as a face mask to wear while drinking your lattes. Cooking with Kids is an ongoing series where we share recipes that are easy enough to make with a two-year-old. If you’re new to the series, read our first post that provides our detailed tips for cooking with little ones; subsequent posts are less detailed.

You may have seen these pumpkin muffins on Instagram, they spent Halloween week masquerading around the house as spiders. After browsing the Halloween baking supplies on sale, Alex picked out the spider holders, and they dictated our afternoon baking activity.

It had been a couple of weeks since Alex helped Calder and I in the kitchen (somehow we had even skipped our usual weekend pancake session), and I didn’t realize how much he was yearning for some kitchen time until we started these muffins. The kiddo went ballistic when I put “his” measuring cup and spoon in front of him. I wish I had a recording of his excited giggles/yelps.

In the first Cooking with Kids post, I mentioned using my phone to look up recipes while in the kitchen. While I do get recipes online, I’m proud to say that just as often I’m using cookbooks as my source. For this particular recipe (and much of my basic baking), I used the King Arthur Flour Baker’s Companion. I recently read an article about how kids today aren’t getting the experience of using phone books, dictionaries, and other physical resources because so often we just search for information online. While I could wax poetic about how much I love cookbooks for their recipe ideas, inspirational photos, and stories, I think Alex will pick up on all of those details himself if I just keep the books around and continue using them during our kitchen adventures.

King Arthur doesn’t have a recipe for pumpkin muffins, but it does have reliable recipe for banana chocolate chip muffins with whole wheat flour. I just subbed pumpkin puree for the banana and white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet. I might have stuck with chocolate chips if we had any, but the white ended up being a delicious alternative, adding an an indulgent candy sweetness to these hearty muffins.

On this particular day, I decided to let Alex try using the can opener. I knew (and I’m sure you do too), that there’s no way he would be strong enough to operate our basic opener, but sometimes I think it’s nice for him to figure out what we can’t do on his own rather than having me always telling him. With a two-year-old, letting them try can actually make your days a lot more peaceful because you won’t have the whole “you can’t do it/you’re too little”, “but i want to/whining” back and forth. Instead, they try, fail, and then we use “teamwork!” to open the can together.

After opening the can (and reminding Alex that the edges were sharp), I gave him a spoon and let him measure out the pumpkin. He started scooping the pumpkin into the measuring cup, but after a few minutes, the temptation was too much, and he ended up tasting the puree. One taste led to two and three, and he completely lost interest in measuring out the puree, so I finished the task. That was no big deal at all. I could have tried to keep him on task, but why cause a fuss that would stop him from eating the healthy pumpkin?

Other than the pumpkin, the rest of our baking proceeded as normal. Alex measured and sampled. He smelled the cinnamon. He sampled, and spit out, the salt. He ate a few walnuts and a few white chocolate chips.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

8 Tbsp butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F.
Cream together the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Scrape down the bowl and then beat in the egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, and milk.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, and then gentle mix them into the pumpkin mixture.
Spoon the batter into 12 muffin cups (grease the muffin cups if not using papers). Bake the muffins for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pan.

https://liveseasoned.com/cooking-kids-pumpkin-muffins/

Bake these muffins, I promise they are anything but scary! Of course, if you’re looking to add a bit of spook to your table, we found the spider holders at Michael’s.

Seasoned View: Vol. 20

November 2, 2015November 1, 2015 by Sarah | 1 Comment

Each month we share our Seasoned View. Snapshots of nature and daily life taken by the Seasoned sisters. Find last month’s last month’s here.

Oi. It’s dark outside and it’s 5p.m. even though this happens every year, there’s no way I can get used to it. To offset the outside, I’ve been sprinkling candles about and making my living room a bit more cozy for fall. In Nepal, most of the landscape was lush and green, but during the Annapurna Circuit trek, there were two days that looked distinctly like autumn. Here are some of the snapshots I took. Enjoy!

You can upload one or all of these photos to use as your desktop background or even as phone and tablet wallpapers. Simply click on the download link below each photo and save the image. Enjoy!

Click for shrub scenery. Click for Annapurna Peaks. Click for her horse. Click for horses. Click for suspension bridge. Click for Yak Kharka.