Hooded Tunic

Raveled.

I can't say enough how much I love this sweater! It's so, so, so soft! And fits my sweet boy perfectly.


The details:
I used the Child's Hooded Tunic #232 pattern by Knitting Pure and Simple. The pattern was very simple and I love how the finished product fits. The yarn colorway is "Stephen", hand dyed by Angelina of Zen String, aka Wildflower Whimsy. It's certified organically grown Merino wool.


Burl loves it and constantly wants to wear it. I can't decide if I want him living in it and acting like a toddler in it, or if I should only let him wear it for special occasions. I think I'll let him live in it and get food and dirt and mud and other essential little boy substances on it.

Meal Planning

A quick search on google produces many links on food and menu planning.

Our system has been pretty simple and effective for our family.
First: We made a long list of all the meals we enjoy. And we continue to add to this list.
Second: We choose 4 meals per week.
Third: One day a week, we go to the store as a family and purchase ingredients to make the four meals.

We don't have a specific day planned to cook each meal, just whatever we feel like eating that particular day. On the nights of the week I don't prepare one of the four planned meals, we eat leftovers or use leftover ingredients to make a spur of the moment meal. For lunches, we eat leftovers, sandwiches, fresh fruits and veggies and other snacks. Breakfasts we usually have oatmeal, cereal or granola.

The key for us is to only go to the market once a week. This is where we're able to save money on our family budget, by eliminating frequent trips to the market. We have a higher food budget because we buy mostly local and organic, which is more expensive but important to us. We shop mostly at our local food Co-Op, Top Foods, PCC, or Whole Foods. During the warmer months, I visit the Farmer's Markets regularly.

What are some tips that help your families save money on a food budget?

Burl's Little Nook

I created this little corner, just for Burl. I wanted him to have a comfortable, inviting corner where he can sit and read some of his books. I'm encouraging him to look through his books and take small moments throughout the day to sit here and rest and read. It's difficult for him, he's so busy and constantly on the go. And he's still in the stage where he loves to rip and peal his books apart. I spend quiet time with him here and encourage him to slow down a bit.

My parents recently gave me my childhood set of "Illustrated Stories from the Book of Mormon", copywrite 1970, and a series of 16 books. Burl absolutely loves them! I remember being captivated by them when I was little. I'm reading him just one at a time, and he's already developing a love for them. My parents spent quite a bit of money on these when my sisters and I were little. I find the complete sets on ebay, from $70 - $150. I recommend them to anyone who's interested.