Knitting: It's for young people too!

As you might have noticed, I haven't updated my blog in awhile.  As the Fall semester begins to draw to a close, my professors pile on the homework, projects, and of course, exams.  Sadly, this leaves me less time for blogging.  Especially since I still have tons of things to do around the house in addition to all of the homework.  Lately when I do have some free time I have been working on improving my kitting skills.  Yes, you read that right, knitting skills.  Contrary to the popular belief, knitting isn't only for grandmas!  I started knitting last year.  My husband (then fiancé) was deployed and I was looking for a new hobby to keep me busy.  I am not entirely sure why I chose knitting.  I think it was just that I happened to be in my local craft store one day and noticed how inexpensive the supplies were.  But then again, it could have also been because I found a pattern online.  A lot of that year is a blur to me.  Anyways, my first project was a scarf.  I felt that it turned out well considering that it was my first time knitting.  It took forever.  Thankfully I have improved since then.  You may be wondering, where does a person learn how to knit?  The answer: YouTube.  It sounds silly, but I am completely serious.  At that time, I did not know anyone who knew how to knit, so I spent lots of time looking at various YouTube videos on how to knit.  I haven't knitted too much, mainly because I haven't had as much time as I would have liked.

One of my most recent projects that I knitted was another scarf.  This one came out much better than my first one.  It was also quite a bit longer.  When finished, this scarf measured just over 5 and a half feet long.  It is very thick, but it would definitely keep you warm in the winter.  I actually knitted this scarf as a Christmas gift.  The person I knitted it for doesn't have a blog, and probably doesn't read any, but because I love keeping gifts a surprise, I wont mention it.  If you are really dying to know (which I am sure you aren't) you can ask.

If you would like the pattern to this scarf, check it out here.

(P.S. Sorry for the horribly obnoxious yellow lighting.  For some reason the light in my dining room, one of the few places in my apartment with a decent background for photos, mixed with my laptop's camera turn all of my photos yellow.)

My most recent project was a pair of wrist warmers because, as I am sure you all know, my wrists are always cold here in the frigid state of Florida.  Kidding aside, I chose wrist warmers because I wanted to knit something that I could wear this fall or winter and I thought that wrist warmers would be cute.  Speaking of knitting something for fall, I do believe that is one of the items on my fall challenge (7. Knit something for fall).  I feel that they came out okay for my first attempt, but of course there are several things that I will improve for next time.

Here are some photos of my finished wrist warmers:

If you would like the pattern for this project, check it out on my Ravelry profile.  Side note, Ravelry is an amazing website with lots of free knitting and crocheting projects and patterns.

If you need further proof that knitting isn't just for grandmas, check out my friend Rachel's post about knitting on her fabulous fashion blog, Amapola Style.

How do you feel about knitting?  Is it something you would like to try?  Or do you still feel it is too much of an old lady hobby?  Please tell me what you think by leaving a comment!

Happy knitting!

I (heart) free stuff!

As most of you know, the holidays are quickly approaching.  As a newly married, full time college student, it goes without saying that a little extra money for Christmas presents wouldn't be a bad thing.  I thought I would share two of my favorite websites with you in the hopes that you would be able to earn a few free gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.  I know what you're probably thinking, "Aren't those sites just scams?"  I would never recommend anything that I don't believe in.  The two following websites are ones that I personally use and have redeemed free stuff from.

Site #1: Swagbucks.com

What it is: Swagbucks is a website that is free and easy to use.  You preform searches and do other activities on the website to earn "swagbucks" which can then be redeemed for prizes or used to enter raffles.  The easiest way to win swagbucks is by using the search engine.  You use it like you would use Google.  Type in your search and you may win swagbucks!  Another way to win is to view videos on SBTV (Swagbucks TV).  Watch videos until your meter fills up and then you get swagbucks.  There are also ways to win swagbucks like voting on the daily poll, completing surveys, viewing the no obligation special offers, using coupons, and more!

My experience: I have been using swagbucks for just under a year and a half.  During that time I have redeemed 7 prizes.  In the past two weeks I have been using the site more often that I used to and have redeemed 3 prizes in that period alone!  My favorite prize is the $5 Amazon.com gift card.  I am currently saving up to use them to buy Christmas presents.

If you would like to join swagbucks.com, please consider using my referral info.  That way when you win, I win too! All you have to do is click the banner below and sign up.  :)

Site #2: MyCokeRewards.com

What it is: This site will only be useful if you drink Coke products.  If you didn't know it by now, I LOVE Diet Coke.  So I find this site extremely rewarding.  Have you ever noticed the code on the bottom of your twist off Coke caps?  Simply set up an account on the My Coke Rewards website and start entering your codes.  They can be found on all Coke products.  Once you set up an account online you can even set it up so that you can text your codes and they will add the points to your account.  It's so easy!

My experience: I have been using this website a little longer than the swagbucks.com website.  During the time that I have been a My Coke Rewards I have redeemed prizes such as various magazine subscriptions, gift cards, and even a backpack!  But there are so many other awesome prizes to choose from.  I currently have my eye on some very cool products from Snapfish.com.

Want more info?  Check out mycokerewards.com!

Hopefully you have found this information interesting.  Do you use either swagbucks.com or mycokerewards.com?  Do you have another website that you would like to share?  Let me know, I would love to check it out!

Happy saving!