Figural Napkin Rings

Image by Tiffany
I love cloth napkins and napkin rings.
Especially when used in the home with family member-specific rings. I have read about this and we do it half-heartedly.
But when I read this post over at Soule Mama, my interest was renewed. We have two lovely classic Tiffany rings but I like how she has a mixed set for the family ... especially the figural ones for the kiddies.
As it is today, I am trying to find the perfect figural ring for Baby. Of course the "right" ones always seem to cost too much. But I am patient and Baby still uses bibs, not napkins, thank goodness.

Lassi

Mango Lassi
2 servings
2 small mangos, very ripe and fragrant
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 plain yogurt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup mango puree (optional)
Pinch of cardamom
Peel and pit the mangos and chop into small pieces. Put in the blender with the dairy and sugar. Blend everything in a blender until smooth and frothy. Press through a fine sieve to remove the mango threads before serving and stir in cardamom.

Suggestions are welcome.
Leave your recipe in the comments.

Dharma Initiative

Labels for everything by Max Pictures.

Slinky I Cord

I cords are so useful.
I recently made some for a Mdvanii sheath and came up with a method to make them a little softer and slinkier and more suitable for a 1:6 strap.

Cast on 2 stitches.
Slip first stitch, knit second stitch.
Turn work.
Slip first stitch purlwise, purl second stitch.
Turn work.
Repeat ad nauseum.

(Originally posted at Petit Tricotage.)

Three Shape Sorting Box

At Michael Olaf
Or here for less.

Scented Geraniums

Variegated Nutmeg Geranium
Pelargonium x fragrans 'Variegated'
Uses: Culinary/Aromatic Duration: Perennial (hardy in zones 10-11+)
Attractive variegated version of nutmeg geranium with the same strong nutmeg scent.

Design Sponge's article about Susa Farms
And the feature by Studio Choo/Small Stump

UPDATE: It smells soooo good. Spicy and, yes, like nutmeg.

Tentacles, Part I

So blame it on my trawling around Flickr, Etsy, and the usual haunts but I have reinvigorated my enthusiasm for cephalopods and other tentacled creatures.

Check out the work by Wunderkammer. I like that she stays true to life without getting all Disney/Cutesey/Anime. This means, essentially, that the eyes are in the right place and not necessarily in the best place for a cartoon franchise. But the name, crocheted Cuddlefish (for Cuttlefish), does make me smile. I must add the pattern to my archive.

Dooptheory has some exquisite little octopi and squids.
I am so tempted to buy one but haven't come up with a solid justification just yet. Her design is her own and very cute while not straying far from reality. I am so tempted to commission a red, red, red one.

Image by Dooptheory
Partly to blame for my renewed interest is stumbling across Tokkyu2222 Takoyama.
His Octopi are exquisite and BIG.
When I am rich(er), I would like to commission him to do one.

Image by Tokyo2222

And while not cephalopods, Ugly Gerbil's Cthulhu Babies do have tentacles galore. I find their single, glaring eye irresistable. I confess that a red one is in the mail.

Trims Stores

Mokuba for lots and lots of trims.

Trophy Wife

Image by Yellow Owl Workshop

Get it here from the designers.
You can also find it at Branch.
Or you can get it with flowers (for a great deal more) at Studio Choo.
Did I mention that I love Studio Choo?