New York, I Love You

I have discovered that I am definitely a big city girl at heart, despite my country mouse roots. Taking to the Big Apple like a fish to water only confirmed it. The trip was amazing, so much better than I could have anticipated.

After all, what is there not to love about a trip where you're constantly surrounded by some of the best cappuccinos in the USA? This one was made by my friend Jillian during her practice session, and it was de-li-cious!

Needless to say, our first couple days were a little crazy with coffee. Learning, watching, practicing, crafting...

...And competing under the lights.

But, once we were done competing, the three of us hit the town--trekking all over Soho with a few great stops! Purl Soho, of course, the Chelsea market, lunch in Chinatown, and the extraordinary Harney & Sons. I might have come away with some Madeleine Tosh yarn for my stash, but don't tell FH!

One of the best parts, though? All the time spent in the car to get there and back meant lots of WIP-busting!

Pattern: Here.

Yarn: Quince & Co. Lark

Pattern: Here.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns' Venezia Worsted

♥ And there you have it, one lovely weekend in the city.

Taking The City By Storm

Look out, New York!

  

I'm hitting the road again, though thankfully I'm staying in my native land this time. Two other baristas from Muggswigz and myself will be embarking on a little trip, in order to compete in the Northeast Regional Barista competition.

It's exciting, a little nerve wracking, and definitely going to be a great learning experience.

I'm going mainly to observe, assist, and absorb as much as I can--but I will be competing in the Brewer's Cup, a separate event dedicated entirely to creating the best cup of black coffee possible.

I'm thrilled to be seeing the Big Apple for the first time, and even more thrilled to be participating in something that I have such a passion for. ♥

So much to see, so much to do. Thursday morning can't come soon enough.

Caffeinated

This is what I get to drink today while I sit knitting and talking with my best friend.

♥

Haven

I'm a huge fan of blissfully cool autumn days filled with sunshine--and there's been an abundance of those around here lately. Small town America never looks more beautiful than it does this time of year. I'm back at work this week, which just makes the free time I have to spend outdoors on days like today more poignant. One of my favorite things about this season is how fleeting it is. So I spent my day off luxuriating in all of it as much as possible.

I don't know who invented hammocks, but I think that person might just be my new best friend. The book I'm reading was one I grabbed today at the thrift store, along with a plaid fleece scarf and a couple giant cardigans to nestle into so I can continue to avoid wearing a coat. It was a decent read, just intriguing enough to keep me hooked. 

And, of course, no day off is complete without a little bit of mid-week date time at (where else?) Muggswigz. We talked, played Monopoly Deal, drank giant frou-frou lattes, and I knitted. My current WIP under construction is part of what I have planned for some of that yarn I bought last week, as well as one of the leftover mystery skeins I brought with me from China. The other great thing about autumn? It's the perfect time for tons of knitting and hot drinks--nothing could be more perfect.

Here We Go Home

In the past week, I have:

-Flown about seven thousand miles.

-Kissed a special guy more than once.

-Hugged lots of friends and family that I hadn't seen for 3 months.

-Gotten my perfect wedding dress, with a little help.

-Passed out candy to little bees, princesses, and ghouls.

-Drank about fifty delicious lattes from Muggswigz.

-Been rehired as a barista at said coffeeshop.

-Successfully replicated Xining food for my family to try.

-Beat my fiance at many, many games of Monopoly Deal.

-Finished my Taxi Hat.

-Started knitting a Harpa Sock (my plane project), 

and put it down as many times as I picked it up.

-Finally figured out what was wrong with my sock.

-Gone to sleep at every time but a normal bedtime.

-Gone to a church where I didn't have to prove I had a foreign ID.

-Avoided unpacking, despite my suitcase glaring at me from the corner.

-Smiled. A lot.

Regular blogging returns sometime in this week! :)

And what's with that logo?

Now, THIS is what a latte should look like:

My friends, the fact that I can create what you see above is why I don't drink anything that comes in a Starbucks cup any more.

Ever.