HomeHomehttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/2013-05-21T06:37:19ZSquarespaceChunky Rib Scarf Crochet Patternhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/chunky-rib-scarf-crochet-pattern.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-21T02:27:51Z2013-05-21T02:27:51ZI've seen versions of this scarf floating around Pinterest but I was never able to find a pattern for it. So…I made my own Chunky Rib Scarf pattern!

I love this mustard color from Lion Brand Vanna's Choice . It's one of my go-to colors for crochet. Using two strands together creates the thick rib and makes for a quick project you can get done in an hour or less!

 

CHUNKY RIB SCARF

Materials

  • US Size P crochet hook
  • 2 skeins worsted weight yarn
  • 1 large button

With 2 strands held together, ch 72.

Row 1: Hdc in third chain from hook and across — 70 hdc.

Row 2: Ch 2, turn: hdc, in back loop of first hdc and each back loop across—70 hdc.

Rows 3-8: repeat row 2

Finish off, weave in ends.

Place finished scarf around neck to determine position of button; sew on button and weave in ends.

Abbreviations

  • ch – chain
  • hdc – half-double crochet

This pattern is not to be sold or copied. DO NOT post this pattern elsewhere online or claim it as your own. Items made from this pattern may be sold. If you want to share this pattern, please refer them to this post. If selling online, please make mention of Being Spiffy and link back to my site.

]]>Belle Pointelle Knit Dishcloth Patternhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/belle-pointelle-knit-dishcloth-pattern.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-17T23:21:39Z2013-05-17T23:21:39ZIt's Week 8 of 52 Weeks of Dishcloths! For previous weeks' patterns, click on the "52 Weeks of Dishcloths" link in the header.

This is a "fit in the palm of your hand" kind of dishcloth. It's smaller than what I normally use, but it's nice to have one small enough to clean the inside of a drinking glass. This uses yarn-overs and decreases to create an openwork pointelle pattern. Because the edges start to curl when finished, I added a crochet border. If you don't crochet, don't worry. The border is completely optional.

This was knit with Bernat Handicrafter Cotton DeLux yarn in Navy. I can't find the DeLux on their website, but there are quite a few options for Bernat Handicrafter Cotton on Amazon.

 

BELLE POINTELLE KNIT DISHCLOTH

Using US size 7 needles, co 19.

Row 1: k5, yo, skp, k2, p1, k2, k2tog, yo, k5

Rows 2, 4 & 6: p9, k1, p9

Row 3: k6, yo, skp, k1, p1, k1 k2tog, yo, k6

Row 5: k7, yo, skp, p1, k2tog, yo, k7

Repeat Rows 1-6 three times.

Bind off.

For crochet border, leave loop and switch from needles to size G crochet hook.

{Sc, ch 1, sc in same st; skip st, sl st in next, skip st} around dishcloth.

Join with sl st to first sc. Finish off and weave in ends.

Abbreviations 

  • co – cast on
  • k – knit
  • p – purl
  • yo – yarn over
  • skp – slip knit pass (decrease) 
  • k2tog – knit 2 together (decrease)
  • st – stitch
  • sc – single crochet
  • ch – chain
  • sl st – slip stitch 

This pattern is not to be sold or copied. DO NOT post this pattern elsewhere online or claim it as your own. Items made from this pattern may be sold. If you want to share this pattern, please refer them to this post. If selling online, please make mention of Being Spiffy and link back to my site.

 

If you make this pattern and post about it on your blog, we'd love to see it. Please link up below!

If you link up, remember to… 

  • refrain from posting links to shops, stores, and giveaways.
  • link to your specific post.
  • link back to me somehow. May I suggest my blog button found in the sidebar? :D

 

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]]>The Magic of Lip Linerhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/the-magic-of-lip-liner.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-16T04:29:11Z2013-05-16T04:29:11ZI was in high school and college in the '90s when lip liner was a must. Lip liner around the outisde and a lighter gloss to fill it in. (Why I thought that looked good I will never know!) Once I grew out of that phase, I banished lip liner from my makeup bag. Years later, now that I'm a little older wiser, I realize that lip liner is a pretty magical tool.

Lip liner is the best way I have found to maximize the color of my lipstick. Filling in your lips with liner that matches a lipstick is typical, but using a liner that DOESN'T match can give you a whole new color of lipstick.

Here are three different colors of lip liner on my hand. I chose these three, all from MAC Cosmetics, to go under MAC Red lipstick.

  1. Half-Red
  2. Brick
  3. Cherry

Each of these liners will create a different look with just one lipstick. Most colors tend to turn pink on my lips, especially if I use a lipstick without liner. So in order to get a true red, I HAVE to use a lip liner.

Check out the pinkness of the lipstick alone on my hand.

Here are the three liners with MAC Red on top. (The bottom is the lipstick by itself.)

Half-Red creates a mauve red, Brick makes the deepest red of the three, and Cherry produces the truest red. Since I wanted to stay true to the red of the lipstick, I chose the Cherry lipliner for my lips.

I didn't intend to be looking at my logo, it just worked out that way.Pretty authentic red, right? Don't be afraid of a little liner. Instead, use it to your advantage! Does this change your mind about lip liner or is it still on your naughty list?

]]>Free Spring Chalkboard Art Printhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/free-spring-chalkboard-art-print.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-14T03:29:54Z2013-05-14T03:29:54ZI've been wanting to change out my chalkboard art to a Spring-y theme, so I started messing around in Photoshop to get the creativity flowing. I liked what I came up with so much, I wanted to share it with all of you. Here's my free Spring Chalkboard Art print.

To download, right-click on the above image. Select "Save Image As" and save it to your folder of choice. I designed the image as an 8x10 but it will also print as an 11x14 or even a 16x20.

Here's my chalkboard art inspired by this print.

Definitely not as nice as the print, but it'll do just fine. Let me know if you use my Spring Chalkboard Art as part of your Spring decor!

]]>Vibrant V-Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Patternhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/vibrant-v-stitch-crochet-dishcloth-pattern.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-10T23:33:06Z2013-05-10T23:33:06ZIt's time for Week 7 of 52 Weeks of Dishcloths! For previous weeks, click on the 52 Weeks link in the header.

This Peaches & Creme yarn in Bright Lime is so fresh and Spring-y. It's definitely vibrant!

A few notes…

ALTERING SIZE

I made this dishcloth a little large, but you can alter it easily. Just do the initial chain in a multiple of 4 plus 9 more. For this pattern, I decided on 28+9=37.

V-STITCH HOW-TO

Double-crochet, chain 1, double crochet, all in the same stitch.

 

VIBRANT V-STITCH CROCHET DISHCLOTH PATTERN

Using US size G hook, ch 37.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, {ch 1, skip next 3 ch, V-st in 4th ch from hook} across until 5 ch remain; ch 1, skip next 3 ch, dc in last two st; turn — 7 V-st

Row 2: Ch 3; skip 1st dc, dc in next, ch 3, skip ch 1 and V-st, {ch 1, work V-st in space between V-sts in previous row} across to final V-st; ch 3, skip next V-st and ch 1 sp, dc in next dc and top of ch 3; turn — 6 V-st

Row 3: Ch 3; skip 1st dc, dc in next, ch 1, work V-st in ch 3 sp below, {ch 1, work V-st in space between V-sts in previous row} across to ch 3 sp; ch 1, V-st in ch 3 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc and top of ch 3; turn — 7 V-st

Rows 4-15: Repeat rows 2 & 3

Finish off and weave in ends.

Abbreviations

  • ch–chain
  • dc–double crochet
  • st–stitch
  • V-st–V-stitch
  • sp–space

This pattern is not to be sold or copied. DO NOT post this pattern elsewhere online or claim it as your own. Items made from this pattern may be sold. If you want to share this pattern, please refer them to this post. If selling online, please make mention of Being Spiffy and link back to my site.

 

If you make the Vibrant V-Stitch dishcloth, post about it and link back here!

If you link up, remember to… 

  • refrain from posting links to shops, stores, and giveaways.
  • link to your specific post.
  • link back to me somehow. May I suggest my blog button found in the sidebar? :D

]]>Last-minute Mother's Day Giveawayhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/last-minute-mothers-day-giveaway.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-10T18:39:45Z2013-05-10T18:39:45ZJust wanted to share a fabulous Mother's Day giveaway from Utah's Best Vacation Rentals. They're giving away a FREE TWO NIGHT STAY in a select vacation property. One winner will also receive a $50.00 Dinner Voucher to Madelines Steak House in Sandy, Utah and a Professional Theraputic Massage. Amazing!

To enter, just use the Rafflecopter widget below and make sure to tell me if you win!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]>Honey Badger Earflap Beanie Crochet Patternhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/honey-badger-earflap-beanie-crochet-pattern.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-09T23:55:02Z2013-05-09T23:55:02Z 

I adore this little model and I adore this Honey Badger Beanie! Of course, any hat with ears is adorable on a child.

 

HONEY BADGER EARFLAP BEANIE

SIZES

  • 0-3 months
  • 3-6 months
  • 6-12 months
  • 1-3 years
  • 3-6 years

MATERIALS (I used Vanna’s Choice)

  • US Size G crochet hook
  • US Size H crochet hook
  • 1 skein worsted weight yarn—white or gray
  • 1 skein worsted weight yarn—black
  • 2 - 3/4-inch buttons—black
  • yarn needle (to weave in ends)

TERMS

  • ch: chain
  • st: stitch
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • hdc: half-double crochet
  • dc: double crochet
  • sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together (decrease)
  • dc2tog: double crochet two stitches together (decrease)
  • sc3tog: single crochet three stitches together (3 decrease)
  • { }: repeat around

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

When making earflaps, initial ch 3 is included in final dc count. Ch 2s are NOT included in final dc counts.

For information on stitches, I suggest viewing tutorials on YouTube. (I’m a visual learner, so it’s helpful for me to view instructions.)

 

HAT―0-3 mos

With size H hook and white or gray yarn, ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 5 {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—42 dc.

Rnd 5-9: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—42 dc.

Do not bind off. Continue to earflap instructions.

EARFLAP

Sl st in next 7 st.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 7 st; ch 2, turn—8 dc.

Row 2: Dc2tog, dc in next 4 st, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—6 dc.

Row 3: Dc, dc2tog twice, dc; ch 2, turn—4 dc.

Row 4: Dc, dc2tog, dc—3 dc.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

For second earflap, count 14 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.

TRIM

Join black to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

HAT―3-6 mos

With size H hook and white or gray yarn, ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.

Rnd 5-10: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.

Do not bind off. Continue to earflap instructions.

EARFLAP

Sl st in next 7 st.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 9 st; ch 2, turn—10 dc.

Row 2: Dc2tog, dc in next 6 st, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—8 dc.

Row 3: Dc, dc2tog, dc in next 2, dc2tog, dc in last; ch 2, turn—6 dc.

Row 4: Dc2tog, dc in next 2, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—4 dc.

Row 5: Dc, dc2tog, dc—3 dc.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

For second earflap, count 17 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.

TRIM

Join black to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

HAT―6-12 mos

With size H hook and white or gray yarn, ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 7 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 7 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—54 dc.

Rnd 6-11: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—54 dc.

Do not bind off. Continue to earflap instructions.

EARFLAP

Sl st in next 8 st.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 9 st; ch 2, turn—10 dc.

Row 2: Dc2tog, 2 dc, dc2tog, 2 dc, dc2tog; ch 2 turn—7 dc.

Row 3: Dc, dc2tog, dc, dc2tog, dc; ch 2, turn—5 dc.

Row 4: Dc2tog, dc, dc2tog—3 dc.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

For second earflap, count 18 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.

TRIM

Join black to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

HAT―1-3 yrs

With size H hook and white or gray yarn, ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 5 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—56 dc.

Rnd 6-12: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—56 dc.

Do not bind off. Continue to earflap instructions.

EARFLAP

Sl st in next 9 st.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 9 st; ch 2, turn—10 dc.

Row 2: Dc2tog, dc in next 6 st, dc2tog; ch 2 turn—8 dc.

Row 3: Dc, dc2tog, dc in next 2 st, dc2tog, dc; ch 2, turn—6 dc.

Row 4: Dc2tog, dc in next 2 st, dc2tog—4 dc.

Row 5: Dc, dc2tog, dc—3 dc.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

For second earflap, count 18 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.

TRIM

Join black to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1. Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

HAT―3-6 yrs

With size H hook and white or gray yarn, ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout rnds), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 3 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—60 dc.

Rnd 6-13: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—60 dc.

Do not bind off. Continue to earflap instructions.

EARFLAP

Sl st in next 9 st.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 11 st; ch 2, turn—12 dc.

Row 2: Dc2tog, dc, dc2tog 3 times, dc, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—7 dc.

Row 3: Dc in each dc across; ch 2, turn—7 dc.

Row 4: Dc, dc2tog, dc, dc2tog, dc; ch 2, turn—5 dc.

Row 5: Dc2tog, dc, dc2tog—3 dc.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

For second earflap, count 21 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.

TRIM

Join black to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

STRIPES―make 2

(for 0-3 month & 3-6 month sizes)

With size H hook and black yarn, ch 2, turn.

Row 1: 2 sc in second sc from hook; ch 1, turn—2 sc.

Row: 2 sc in each st across; ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 3: Sc across: ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 4: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 5: Sc across; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 6: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 4, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Rows 7-8: Sc across; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Row 9: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 6, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—10 sc.

Rows 10-12: Sc across; ch 1, turn—10 sc.

Row 13: Sc2tog, sc in next 6, sc2tog; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Rows 14-15: Sc across; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Row 16: Sc2tog, sc in next 4, sc2tog; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 17: Sc across; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 18: Sc2tog, sc in next 2, sc2tog; ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 19: Sc across; ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 20: Sc2tog twice; ch 1, turn—2 sc.

Row 21: Sc2tog—1 sc.

Sc around to finish edge.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach to hat.

 

STRIPES―make 2

(for 6-12 month, 1-3 year & 3-6 year sizes)

With size H hook and black yarn, ch 2, turn.

Row 1: 2 sc in second sc from hook; ch 1, turn—2 sc.

Row: 2 sc in each st across; ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 3: Sc across: ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 4: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 5: Sc across; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 6: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 4, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Rows 7-8: Sc across; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Row 9: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 6, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—10 sc.

Rows 10-12: Sc across; ch 1, turn—10 sc.

Row 13: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 8, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—12 sc.

Row 14: Sc across; ch 1, turn—12 sc.

Row 15: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 10, 2 sc in last; ch 1, turn—14 sc.

Rows 16-18: Sc across; ch 1, turn—14 sc.

Row 19: Sc2tog, sc in next 10, sc2tog—12 sc.

Row 20: Sc across; ch 1, turn—12 sc.

Row 21: Sc2tog, sc in next 8, sc2tog—10 sc.

Rows 22-24: Sc across; ch 1, turn—10 sc.

Row 25: Sc2tog, sc in next 6, sc2tog—8 sc.

Rows 26-27: Sc across; ch 1, turn—8 sc.

Row 28: Sc2tog, sc in next 4, sc2tog—6 sc.

Row 29: Sc across; ch 1, turn—6 sc.

Row 30: Sc2tog, sc in next 2, sc2tog—4 sc.

Row 31: Sc across; ch 1, turn—4 sc.

Row 32: Sc2tog twice; ch 1, turn—2 sc.

Row 33: Sc2tog—1 sc.

Sc around to finish edge.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach to hat.

 

NOSE

(for 0-3 month & 3-6 month sizes)

With size G hook and black yarn, ch 2.

Rnd 1: Work 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook—4 sc.

Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around—8 sc.

Fasten off, leaving a tail to attach to hat.

NOSE

(for 6-12 month, 1-3 year & 3-6 year sizes)

With size G hook and black yarn, ch 2.

Rnd 1: Work 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook—5 sc.

Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around—10 sc.

Rnd 3: Sc in each sc around—10 sc.

Fasten off, leaving a tail to attach to hat.

 

EARS (make 2 fronts & 2 backs)

(for 0-3 month & 3-6 month sizes)

With size G hook and black yarn for front and white or gray yarn for back, ch 6.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across; ch 1, turn—5 sc.

Row 2: Sc2tog, sc in next, sc2tog; ch 1, turn—3 sc.

Row 3: Sc across; ch 1, turn—3 sc.

Row 4: Sc3tog—1 sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

EARS (make 2 fronts & 2 backs)

(for 6-12 month, 1-3 year & 3-6 year sizes)

With size G hook and black yarn for front and white or gray yarn for back, ch 8.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across; ch 1, turn—7 sc.

Row 2: Sc2tog, sc in next 3, sc2tog; ch 1, turn—5 sc.

Row 3: Sc across; ch 1, turn—5 sc.

Row 4: Sc2tog, sc in next, sc2tog; ch 1, turn—3 sc.

Row 5: Sc across; ch 1, turn—3 sc.

Row 6: Sc3tog—1 sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

EAR ASSEMBLY

With black ear piece on top of white or gray ear piece, join white or gray yarn in bottom corner of both thicknesses with sc.

Sc around two sides, leaving the bottom unworked.

Leave a tail to attach to hat.

 

HAT ASSEMBLY

Using the photo of finished hat as a guide, attach the nose.

Stitch on the stripes.

Attach the ears to top of hat.

Use the buttons as eyes and attach with scrap of white yarn.

Continue to earflap tie instructions.

 

EARFLAP TIES

Cut 6 - 3-foot-long lengths of yarn in black and 6 in white or gray. Loop 3 strands of each color through the bottom of one earflap, pulling through until ends are even. Use all strands to tie in a knot at the base of the earflap.

Braid the yarn until it reaches the desired length and knot again. Trim ends.


This pattern is not to be sold or copied. DO NOT post this pattern elsewhere online or claim it as your own. Items made from this pattern may be sold. If you want to share this pattern, please refer them to this post. If selling online, please make mention of Being Spiffy and link back to my site.

]]>My Online Support System on FamilyShare.comhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/my-online-support-system-on-familysharecom.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-08T16:40:08Z2013-05-08T16:40:08ZI don't know about you, but I'm definitely the perfect wife and mother. I'm attentive to all my husband's needs and fulfill them just like June Cleaver would. I spend at least 6 hours each day reading the classics to my preschooler. My home is immaculate and has been mistaken for a museum at times. I feature a different country's cuisine every night for dinner such as coq au vin from France and paella from Spain.

practically perfect in every way

Oh, and did I mention that I'm a compulsive liar?

I am, by far, NOT the perfect wife and mother. My husband often has to move laundry off the bed before he can sleep at night. Most days all I to read to my preschooler are the menu options on the fast food drive-thru signs. The cleanliness of my home? We don't have a rat infestation, so I'm pretty sure it's clean enough. And in our house, Kraft Mac & Cheese is it's own food group.

reality

I'm not perfect. Neither are you. And that's okay.

It's my goal each day to try a little harder to be a little better. Most of my support comes from my family and friends, but I also have a huge support system online through FamilyShare.com.

FamilyShare.com's mission is to enlighten, strengthen, and inspire hundreds of millions of families worldwide. They do so through a network of users that ask questions, share stories, and generally buoy each other up. It's been great to have a resource when I'm struggling with something and no one I know personally has experienced it. My circle of friends has grown from reading our shared experiences.

There are 16 topics…

  • LOVE
  • MARRIAGE
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY & TODDLER
  • PARENTING CHILDREN
  • ADULT CHILDREN
  • FAMILY TIME
  • MONEY WISE
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • HOME LIFE
  • PERSONAL GROWTH
  • FAITH & SPIRITUALITY
  • LIFE CHALLENGES
  • KIDS ACTIVITIES
  • PORN & ADDICTION
  • GRANDPARENTS 

Not all the topics fit me but there is a topic for everyone. So head to FamilyShare.com and find me. I'm sure we have our own shared experiences!

Which of the topics are you most interested in? Had you heard of FamilyShare.com or is it news to you?

Thank YOU for being a part of my online support system!

]]>Massage Envy GIVEAWAY (locals only)http://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/massage-envy-giveaway-locals-only.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-06T15:17:41Z2013-05-06T15:17:41ZI love being a mother. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. But sometimes…it's rough. Diapers, dishes, and runny noses are my daily routine. Not going to lie, I'd love a break! I was so grateful to visit Massage Envy in Sugarhouse and get my pamper on! (Not to be confused with getting my Pampers on. That's my baby!)

Between the table massage, the chair massage and the sugar foot scrub, I was almost too relaxed to drive home! The therapists were fantastic, asking me about my activities to know exactly where I might need the most work done. Sarah even taught me how to stretch my arms to avoid getting carpal tunnel.

Not only was Massage Envy good to me, they're being GREAT to you!

To celebrate Mother's Day, Massage Envy is giving one of my local readers a complementary 1-hour massage at any Massage Envy location along the Wasatch Front. (The gift card must be redeemed before May 31. If you are unable to do so, please don't enter.)

Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm not the only one offering this awesome prize. For more chances at winning, visit these ladies' blogs!

Becky @ UTAH SWEET SAVINGS

Leanne @ ORGANIZE YOUR STUFF NOW

Marissa @ RAE GUN RAMBLINGS

Melissa @ FABLIFYIT

Stacie @ NITE OWL CREATES

Taralyn @ KEEP MOVING FORWARD WITH ME

Vanessa @ OUR THRIFTY IDEAS

 

]]>Mother's Day Giveaway from Shirley Jhttp://www.beingspiffy.com/blog/mothers-day-giveaway-from-shirley-j.htmlJill Swensen2013-05-05T20:50:02Z2013-05-05T20:50:02ZIn case you couldn't tell from my pancake post, I love Shirley J products. I was able to try four of their cookie mixes for a very special event…my daughter's baptism!

My daughter turned eight in March and, in our church, that's when they can be baptized. All our family came for the baptism so we needed to feed the clan! Enter milk and Shirley J cookies…

I can't imagine a simpler (or more delicious) spread!

Shirley J's cookie mixes couldn't be easier to use. You either add water, shortening, or butter and mix. That's it! I made the Classic Sugar Cookies, Coconutty Macaroons, Oatmeal Jumbles, and Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies.

The sugar cookies have a delicous crunchy outside with a chewy center. It's hard to find a good sugar cookie but these fit the bill.

Macaroons were the crowd favorite. I added cocoa to the mix to make them chocolatey. I also added chocolate chips to the oatmeal cookies. You can never have enough chocolate!

The ginger molasses cookies were the perfect mix of spice and sweet. Basically, all of Shirley J's mixes turned out some delicious cookies! Plus, by using their mixes I minimized time in the kitchen and maximized time with my family, which was the most important thing for me.

To help you maximize time with your family, Shirley J is giving away one lucky winner FOUR cookie mixes, a $25 gift card to their website, and a special Mother's Day Gift Set.

This prize package is worth over $75. What a way to tell Mom how much you love her. Or what a way to treat yourself! Enter by using the Rafflecoptor widget below. The contest ends Friday night, so get your entries in quick. After all, Mother's day is just a week away!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway ]]>