DIY: Giant Snowball Crocheted Winter White Cowl and Free Pattern

DIY Crochet Giant Winter White Cowl

This is a warm, woolly cowl that I crocheted last year. Crocheting with a double strand of yarn makes each stitch thicker and more stiff than a single strand, and that’s what gives this cowl a bit of structure and holds it up around your neck. It works up very quickly because of the thick […]

DIY: Luxe Fuchsia Seed Stitch Cowl and Free Pattern

I have been looking for the perfect cowl knitting pattern for ages, but I couldn’t find one that had everything I needed. It had to snugly fit my neck and be warm enough for the Canadian winter, but also fancy enough to wear at the office. So I designed one for myself using some curious yarn […]

Our New Year’s in Pretty River Valley

New Year's at Pretty River Valley

Every year for the past seven years, we have been spending our New Year’s Eves in Pretty River Valley in rural Ontario. As you can see, it’s in what’s called the ‘snow belt’ of Ontario. We snowshoe and visit the reindeer, horses and chickens, help make the appetizers, spend the evening playing Balderdash, and then […]

DIY: Super Cozy Striped Cowl and Free Pattern

I designed this super cozy knit striped cowl for Donatello’s first Canadian winter last year. You see, he is from Colombia, a beautiful country with beautiful weather. I had to create something so warm that he wouldn’t feel the cold. I didn’t expect the polar vortex, but at least I created the most toasty winter warmer out there.   […]

Homemade Ginger Syrup

This rich ginger syrup has a very concentrated flavour and a rich golden colour. It’s also so easy to make! Donatello and I made two large mason jars of it and found ourselves adding it to just about everything: tea, cocktails, and even salad dressings.