It's been close to a month since my laptop decided While I was on my shopping spree, I bought a cooling mat as well. I decided on a Rosewill mat that is made of aluminum (Great heat sink, I'm told) not plastic. It offers the flexibility of using an AC power cord or USB power from the laptop. It also has a 4-port USB hub. Newegg had an instant rebate of $20 with free shipping. Can't beat that!
Since I plan on watching Hulu with my laptop, I also splurged on a 15ft HDMI cable for less than $12 with free shipping, too. I should be set for computer related purchases for a while.
The cooling mat and HDMI cable have already arrived. If the notification from Fed Ex is correct, I should have the laptop in my hot little (OK, maybe not so little) hands on Thursday. Once I get it set up, the "Dino" is going bye-bye.
COOKING
I tried a new recipe last week: Garlic Cheddar Chicken. It was soooo good. The outside had a crispy goodness and the inside was the moistest chicken ever! I served it with steamed broccoli and mashed red potatoes with the skins left on. The BF made a yummy wine brown gravy.
STITCHY STUFF
Remember how I said I was going to start a new project? Well, I did! I started the first in the series of Sampler aux Bouquets by Jardin Prive. Photos of what the projects will look like can be seen HERE.
I had forgotten that I had a small, portable lap stand: the Elan by Artisan Designs. I had the brainstorm idea that it might be easier to learn how to stitch two-handed on it before using the 33" wide K's Creations lap stand. Hmmm... 17" vs. 33", what do you think? I do have to say that the Elan is a beautifully crafted and well thought out piece of equipment.
I tried to stitch two-handed on JG once before (without a lap stand) and couldn't get the hang of it. Now that I've used a lap stand, I think the issue was not having JG on a lapstand. Trying to balance a 26" scroll frame and stitching two-handed is not the easiest thing! In stitching on Sampler aux Bouquets, it only took me a day to get the hang of two-handed stitching. I worked on SaB all last week and am almost 3/4 done with the first chart:
This week, I will be stitching on JG with the K's Creations lap stand. So, stop back next week for its update!
Until next time,
34 comments:
Nice start on Sampler aux Bouquets.
I like to colors.
The chicken looks good too.
I started stitching two-handed several years ago and its the only way I stitch when I am using a stand. You should be able to finish things quicker - good luck..oh, and great start on the Sampler aux Bouguets. Jardin Prive is one of my favourite designers. Thanks for sharing! Hugs - Chris G
Congratulations on your savings on a computer! I hope is gets there sooner then they say it will.
That is a very cool little lap stand. Beautiful stitches. That piece will be beautiful!
Ack, the music scared me! Your chicken dish looks really yummy! And congrats on getting a deal on your computer. See...two-handed isn't that hard. Great progress!!
Congratulations on the new laptop. I looked it up and it looks just like mine. Did you get the dark umber or steel grey? Only dark umber is available here but I love it. Sure stands out among laptops of other brands ^.^
Your Garlic Cheddar Chicken is making me hungry from just looking at it. Me wants the recipe! Though I'm lousy at cooking but that's not the point :P
Looks like the Elan is working out great for you. SaB is looking wonderful.
Hugs,
Veronica.
Wow, I am so impressed (as always) with your shopping prowess! I have to know, where did you order the cable from? The cheapest I've found it is $25 with free s&h. The sampler looks beautiful! I need to get a table to stitch on!
Sampler aux Bouquets is just gorgeous, Meari.
And that chicken looks amazing, too. :)
Beautiful stitching progress!!
a lap stand would certainly make two-handed stitching easier. I can stitch two-handed but with just using a frame it isn't always handy.
Your stitching looks gorgous.
Beautiful start to your stitching! Very pretty. Amazing savings you got on your new laptop! Dinner looks good as well. Have a wonderful week!
ohhh well done on the new comp etc ... and wow the two handed stitching really suits you :)
these charts are ones one day I will get too heheheh ....
happy stitching :) love mouse xxxx
Congrats on the discounts with your laptop and accessories. Supper sure did look good! Just love watching your stitching come alive and glad your are enjoying your lapstand.
Way 2 go on the laptop!!!!
Looking foward to seeing your progress on your new start. This is a beautiful design.
Great deal on the computer Meari!
Love the stitching progress too! I have a couple of lap and floor stands and couldn't live without them :o)...they sure become addictive, LOL!
Congrats on the new laptop!
I love Sampler aux Bouquets, very pretty indeed!
You did great with your computer shopping. Your Sample aux Bouquets is looking beautiful!!! That chicken looks yummy. Share the recipe?
Betty in AZ (ILCS)
Beautiful Sampler! and congrats on your new laptop!
Hugs,
Laurita
Your sampler is looking great, Meari. Stands really do make a huge difference in stitching. :) I have a floor stand that I haven't used in a while....but I use my table stand all the time. It doesn't sit on the table or in my lap, it actually clamps ont the table, so it'll hold the weight of a huge frame, which is nice. :)
Karin in CA
You have all the luck! I can never find coupons or discounts that make that much difference in the cost of anything.
SaB is so pretty! I've been really tempted by all the lovely designs Jardin Prive has, but I've hesitated only because I'm unsure of fees and such associated with the foreign currency exchange.
You sure got one heck of a great deal on your new computer!! I like your new start - that is on my to-do list.
Meari,
You made a great deal on the new computer! Congrats! Also, congrats for getting as far as you have on your new project. Looks fabulous!
Your stitching looks great, Meari. I know you'll really enjoy the new computer when it comes in. I love having my newer laptop (bought in the fall) after having my old dinosaur for several years.
Sandy in NM
I am so happy you got a new laptop!! One of these days, I will have one too.....lol.....
Your chicken, potatoes and broccoli look scrumptious! Tell BF, the gravy sounds yummmmmy.......
I have one of those scroll frames and have not taken it out of the box. Your Jardin Rrive looks wonderful; great start! I have that pattern too...LOL......what count are you using? I was looking at higher count fabric today at Haus Tirol. Maybe when my eyes are better, I will try 32 ct........!
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Sue
Your cross stitch will be smokin' now that you have figured out the 2 handed stitching!
congratulations Meari on your shopping spree!!! ya just have to buy it when you can get deals like that...
sharyn
Wow! I am impressed with the amount of stitching you accomplished this week. It looks wonderful!
Congrats on a the new computer and the great deal.
Oooh... I love your new project, Meari! It has all my favorite colors in it. Glad you finally broke down and ordered a new laptop--I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks for sharing that yummy recipe with us, too :)
I am starting to catch up with my blog reading again. Congrats on your computer and peripherals deals!!! Your chicken looks yummy! Congrats on working the two hand method on your new project. You got so much done!
Meari love this one it's really going to be pretty.
Mary Louise in IN
Meari
Your stitching looks so lovely and that food too :)
Tinna
Holy Moly!! That's a crazy discount!! Awesome job!! Mmm that chicken looks yummy! I love that Jardin Prive design! It's so pretty!! Love your little table top stand too! So cute!!
I love those designs and I like the stand but still am not sure it would work for me.
Not sure I could get used to two handed stitching!
now I'm jealous! I want to do 2 handed stitching, but with my hands, I'm lucky to do any at all! Maybe I'll spring for a lap stand...I have a big stand...but it's not good for everything.
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