Lazy Sunday

For the first time in a long time, I've had one.  Yes, a lazy Sunday.  With my precious free time I've finally given the old blog a bit of a refresh.

So, officially, welcome to Tanya Today!  I felt a bit restricted by My Grandmotherly Ways, because I am getting the urge more and more to blog about things a bit more varied than would fall into my previously chosen title.

Tanya Today is all about showing you what I'm up to today (not everyday mind).  Don't worry, it's likely still going to largely entail crochet and knitting.  But I have been, and will probably continue to mix it up a bit with other things.  I'm surprised how much I like to look back on my blog to see where I've been.  So the update is just to facilitate that.  You know, for posterity.

So on this lazy Sunday, I'd like to share with you my new toy.

Customary bathroom self portrait which, I understand, is essential on these occasions.  I even cleaned the mirror first. You're welcome. 

Yes, I have joined the ranks of dslr owners, so be prepared to see many, many dodgy photos in the coming weeks.  I got this one, based on a couple of reviews.  I don't know if I've done the right thing.  I got it out of the box and had a mini-panic because it seems so complicated.  But I will persevere.  I think it takes pretty nice photos even though I don't know what I'm doing.  What's an ISO?

And to conclude this post, the first for Tanya Today, and continuing the photography motif, check out this awesome graffiti I spotted down Little Collins Street on Friday:

Sorry blog land, I had to use my blackberry for this picture, but I am of the opinion that that does not detract from it's awesomeness. 

Caturday XXIII

Welcome again to Caturday, the day I dedicate to The Kitten and her cuteness, and invite you to do the same with your kitties!

Today, The Kitten would like to share with you her favourite toy.  This is Blue Mousey.  Once upon a time, Blue Mousey was attached to a string of elastic and a pole, so The Kitten could enjoy playing with it's life-like movements as her cat guardians moved it around in a jaunty fashion.  The Kitten promptly used her wonderfully sharp teeth to sever said elastic string.  Blue Mousey now enjoys a much more independent existence.  The Kitten and Blue Mousey are rarely separated.  You know when The Kitten is spending quality time with Blue Mousey, because Blue Mousey has a bell attached, so Blue Mousey will jingle when The Kitten and Blue Mousey are up to shenanigans.  Blue Mousey often feels like coming out to play when cat guardians are ready to sleep, so Blue Mousey gets put in time out.  The Kitten will also play fetch with Blue Mousey.

How is your kitty doing?  Oh?  That's nice.  I'd love to hear more.  Fill in Mr Linky below and link back to join Caturday!

Boo!

I mean that in the old witch from Princess Bride context...

That's how I feel about this item.

Maybe I'm being overly dramatic, but it's still disappointing that it didn't work!!  I just feel like... booooo.  It's not a huge thang, really only a few hours work, but I was so pleased with my cable skills I didn't think it wouldn't work. booo

I'm not sure what I will do with it.  Finish it off?  Anyone know someone with a big giant head that I can give this to?

Linking to my creative space

WIP: ripples

I am super duper surprised how much of this baby blanket I've been able to complete in the last week.  I've now crocheted 81 of the 108 rows I need.  Then I need to weave in the ends.  Then I need to crochet a border.  Then I need to make a matching matinee jacket, hat and booties.  Despite all the work ahead of me, I have high hopes about getting this gift completed in time for the birth of my new niecicle, who is due mid Sept.  Wish me luck!

I've started (audio) book 3 of the John Carter/Barsoom series.  They're just good background noise, you don't have to listen quite closely.  It's all adventure/sword fights.  I need to find something better to listen to, I just haven't gotten around to it.  Any recommendations?

(via)

Linking to- WIP Wednesday (Tami's Amis) | WIP Wednesday (Ambassador Crochet) | Yarn Along (Small Things) | Keep Calm and Craft On {Crafting on} (Frontier Dreams) | What you doing Wednesday (SusanD1408 Crochet Addict) | Hookin on Hump Day (My Merry Messy Life)

The hunt for the ultimate Melbourne CBD eggs benedict: Twenty Seconds Cafe

My littlest sister got me onto eggs benny.  Prior to her suggestion insistence, the thought of eggs covered in sauce made of more eggs disgusted me.  But now I'm hooked.  However, I think it's quite difficult to find good eggs benny.  Especially during on a week day in the Melbourne CBD.  So, we have set ourselves a challenge.  Lil sis and I are on the hunt for the ultimate Melbourne CBD eggs benny.  Once a week we meet up for breakfast before work to partake in the eggs benny offering of a different cafe.  And I'm going to record my findings here.  Why not right?

I'm no professional food critic, and wouldn't even describe myself as a foodie.  I'm just going to tell you if I like it or not!  We are going to try everywhere! Every cheap and nasty or fancy-pants cafe in this city of restaurants we have.  May the best eggs benny win!

There was no rhyme nor reason for choosing the location for the inaugural eggs benny.  It was close to our meeting place so we scooted in.  I would characterise it as one of the aforementioned 'cheap and nasty' cafes.

Location:  Twenty Seconds Cafe
49 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9654 4181

There were plastics vines wrapped around the pillars inside.  We should have taken this as a sign.

Looks ok at least.

And the review...

Base:  English muffins.  Lil sis and I both prefer muffins over toast, and these were as expected.

Eggs:  Overcooked!  Wayy overcooked.  Where's my runny yolk mister?  Plus I felt there was too much of that vinegary taste some poached eggs have.  I do not like.

Sauce:  Passable but underwhelming.  No flavour almost. 

Ham:  Yummy.  I don't think you can really go wrong with ham anyway. 

Price:  $10.50

Coffee:  Not great.  Just, not great.  And I am no coffee snob, but even my low low standards were not met by this brew.

Overall:  4/10.  Edible but definitely not a venue we will revisit.  I attribute the low score to the disappointing eggs and sauce.  The two key elements really.

A disappointing start to our quest!  But I am heartened by the fact that we have many many more places to try!

Any Melbournians with an eggs benny location for me to try?  Please let me know!

Caturday XXII

Welcome again to Caturday, the day I dedicate to The Kitten and her cuteness, and invite you to do the same with your kitties!

Today, looking at The Kitten from that weird angle where it looks like she has a bald spot.  Weird.  But I've managed to capture her eye so you can see how the convex part is transparent.  Kitties are so amazing.

Got a kitty related post to share?  Fill in the widget below and link back! 

FO: loverly

I've cheated a bit with this FO.  These photos were taken at the same time as my cowl last week.  I just felt like they needed a post of their own.

Again, pictures taken at Hosier Lane, with thanks from Clara for the photography!

Stats

Pattern:  Thinking of You

Needle:  4.5mm

Yarn:  Bendigo Woollen Mills Allegro in Wild Inferno.  After blocking it came out so so so soft!  It was already quite nice, but after blocking it was gor-geous! 

Ravelled Here

Final thoughts:  An ok pattern, but even after blocking it curls.  I'm sure I made a few lots of mistakes on the heart pattern section, but am quite proud of my first lace work.  And finally, I'm not a huge fan of non-reversable patterns for scaves, so I'm fairly sure I won't make this again.  

-Linking with-

Tami's Amis FO Fridays | Fiber Arts Fridays at Wisdom Begins in Wonder | Natural Suburbia for Creative Fridays | I've Made Friday at SusanD1408 Crochet Addict | I ♥ Fridays at Petals to Picots