life – Katie's Blog

Mom Talk: What To Do If You Are Stuck In Life

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies, long time no see. I know I have been MIA for a little bit, but I’m going back to blogging. I just switched jobs, so I have been adjusting to that and trying to come up with a game plan on what I want to do in life.

Lately, I’ve been in a funk, like I know what I want, but I’ve been putting everything on hold for some weird reason, that I don’t know why. I want to make changes in my life, but I don’t know where to start.

Since last year, my brain has been on planet crazy, from learning to co-parent with my ex, raising my daughter, learning how to find myself, going to college, and trying to have some what of a social life. It hasn’t been an easy process for me to do so.

My goal for this new year is simple: Find my purpose is life.

When I mean that, I want to find out what I want to do in life for a career. Something that has always been a question or mystery to me. I want to find my passion in life and actually do it as a career. It doesn’t help that my mind changes what I want all the time, so there’s that to work on.

So, hence why I am stuck in life, right now. I want to be able to do something that I can’t wait to wake up and do. Right now, my current job is great! No problems with it at all and the best part of it, is that I can work from home, which is a HUGE plus since I’ve been trying to do that for awhile now.

However, I like that I get social interaction with actual human beings. I’m not really one for making friends, I’m usually very quiet and keep to myself. I’ve learned it’s easier to do so until you feel comfortable.

Anyway, you are probably wondering what my point is about all of this. Everyone hits a dead end or a fork in the road when it comes to life. I realized it the other day when I looked at my daughter. I wanted to be able to spend more time with my daughter or at least do more for her. I have my license and a car, so the door is open for more possibilities.

Plus, hopefully, if all goes well, my daughter will be starting pre-k this fall, I want to spend this beginning of the year and the summer, making memories with her before she goes off to school. As much as I’m not ready for this, it’s going to happen sooner than later because that’s what our children do, grow up on us.

So, what do you do when you feel like you are stuck?

Anwser to that is different for everyone, but it starts with the simple thing of searching online the different careers you have thought about or a career quiz to find out what is recommended for your skills.

This might seem silly, but it will help you navigate through different skills, hobbies, and interests. Basically, narrowing down what careers would suit you or what might interest you because of those things.

After that, look into what would take to get you to your dream job.

For me, I have a lot of thoughts for what I want to do in life: teacher, medical coding and billing, artist, small business owner, accountant, and writer.

So far, I haven’t decide what I want to do, but I did try the path for medical coding and billing and it really wasn’t for me. After answering patient calls for the past year, I’ve been over the medical field in general. I am glad that I got to learn what it is like to know how a doctor’s office works.

You are probably wondering what my next step is, well, I have no idea, but I know one thing for sure is that I want to be creative, whether it is writing or using my creativity to sell something that people will buy, I won’t know until I try and see what happens.

Let me know in the comments if you have ever been or felt stuck in life.

Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon with a new post, I’ve got some things I’ll be working on this weekend.

Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Loss Of A Child Is Harder Than You Know

Posted on September 28, 2021September 28, 2021 by Katie Night

If you have been following me since the beginning, you know all about my son Liam and how he passed away from complications with HLHS.

A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it can be. This year, it’s 5 years since he has been gone. Which is one of the reasons why I haven’t been as active and that life can get tough when you are going through a lot.

Liam would’ve been 5 years old this year and I just realize that he would’ve started kindergarten this year, which hurts my heart more.

While everyone is taking pictures and getting excited for there kids first day, I’m missing out. Of course I’m not missing out as my daughter will start school next year, but I’m missing out on Liam.

I always wonder how he would act, what his favorite things to do would be, would he be more like me or his father. The questions will always remain a mystery.

Every now and then, I get nightmares of what had happened to him, most of the time I try to snuggle close to his blanket, it’s comfort knowing that he used to use this blanket, that I can still wrap my arms around something of his.

As time goes on, it just gets harder, but I’m grateful for the time I did get to spend with him. Even though it was short, it was all worth it.

Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Self Healing

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies, I know it has been off and on blog posts lately and with everything that has happened in my personal life, I’ve been very lost and overwhelmed. It’s especially hard when this year marks 5 years that my son has been gone.

Which is why I wanted to take a moment to let you all know what I have been doing or trying to do to get myself in a better place where I need to be.

First thing first, I wanted to give everyone a thought to keep in mind because it can be difficult to actually accept it, trust me, it took me a while to realize that in order to be happy, you have to take the time to not only love yourself, but taking the extra time to spend time with yourself.

A lot of people, when they leave a relationship, most of them are quick to jump into another one because they think that having someone is what makes you happy, which if you believe that, all power to you.

I believe that happiness comes from within and it isn’t something you find in a person. Yes, you can be happy with someone, but that person can’t be the only reason that makes you happy. Being happy in a relationship and being happy as yourself are two different things.

So, since I left my daughter’s father, I’ve been trying my best to work on things, such as trying to figure out what in my life that I wanted to change and fix. One of the things that I wanted to start doing was to learn how to love myself.

How to truly love yourself?

Loving yourself can be a lot harder said than done because we are all human and we like to point out the flaws in ourselves so that we can fix them. The one thing that a lot of people have trouble with learning to love about themselves is there appearance.

I for one have had a very difficult time learning to love myself. Even growing up, I was very unhappy with my body. I would tell myself I was too fat. I would look at the smaller girls and wish to be that size so that I would be confident in myself more.

Now, as an adult, I still struggle because I’ve always been “fat” and even though I have started to lose some of the weight that I have been trying to get rid of, I still look at myself in the mirror and see myself as fat.

So, what is something I have been doing to change this?

Well, I’ll be honest, the one thing that I think has been helping me with the weight lost, is that I have been drinking more water, watching how much I eat and what I eat, and trying to do some type of exercise, whether it is yoga or walking.

I didn’t realize how small I was until about a week ago when my co-workers noticed how much weight I have lost since I first started working there. When I did, I felt proud of myself. I felt comfortable, well almost, in my own skin. I even felt confident enough to take a picture of myself in just my undergarments because I actually felt confident.

After having kids, you tend to pack on or keep some of the weight and it can be difficult to get rid of. Now that I’ve seen the change, I have motivation to do more, exercise and working out because I want to stay healthy, but I want to actually stay that size.

Do I truly love myself? I would say almost, well for me. Like I’ve said before, change isn’t something that will happen overnight.

Hobbies: Making extra “me” time

As you all know, I love to crochet and don’t get me wrong, it is one of my favorite hobbies, but depending on what projects I have going on, it’s not something I can do all the time. I also have to be in the mood to crochet as well.

Crocheting isn’t just my only hobby, but it is my go to for sure. My other hobbies that I do from time to time are knitting, writing, painting, and reading. Sometimes I have time for them, other’s I have to make the time.

It’s okay to have more than one hobby too. I even have hobbies that I want to try, but haven’t had the time to start, such as resin molds. I watch a lot of those videos and it looks like fun to try, same with candle and soap making! Trying new things is good thing and it can open doors to meet others with the same passion.

Daily Habits: What to try?

I wanted to bring up daily habits because I have been struggling to attempt to do them. One of the daily habits that I really need to get back into is mediation. I found that doing mediation after work or even early in the morning, kind of refreshes my brain and clears my head of all the thoughts running around.

I want to start doing in once in the morning and once at night, but being a mom, it can be tricky to figure out the best schedule to do so.

Another habit that I have been trying to stay on top of, is journaling more. I love writing and I have found that journaling, whether it is typing or handwriting, putting my emotions and thoughts down, can make it easier for you to figure out the best way to handle it or at least make you not so worried.

They say that if you do something for more that 30-60 days, the habit will be like second nature for you. Which is why I’ve been looking for apps to help me out with staying on task, but I haven’t found one that I like, yet.

Get out of the house more!

Another thing that I’m trying to work on, is being more out of the house. Whether it is to go to work, hang out with friend, or even go to the store. Getting out of the house, is a good thing. Yes, I am one of those that would rather stay home than go somewhere, but I’m learning to be more open about going out and spending time with friends or myself.

I don’t have very many friends, so I’m working on making some and going out more with them because everyone needs to have a social life. Yeah, we all have social media, but it’s more fun to spend time with people in person.

Even if you have a date, get dressed up and make yourself feel pretty and just enjoy life! Life is short and realizing that I haven’t done much since my son passed away, I want to learn to enjoy life more.

Currently, I’m iffy about the whole “dating scene”. Which is okay. A lot of people have asked me, “are you going to start dating again?” and to be honest, I really don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready. I even pushed myself to get on a dating app and I ended up deleting it an hour later.

Don’t rush into anything, if you aren’t ready.

In the future, if I feel comfortable and ready, then yes, I might start dating again, but I think I want a chance to be single and enjoy putting myself first. I will admit, I do miss the comfort of having someone to talk to and cuddle with, but love will come to be when I don’t expect it to.

There is nothing wrong with putting yourself first and making sure that you are happy, both mentally and physically. As parents, we put our kids first and forget about our well being and making sure we are okay.

Take the time to put yourself first because in the end, we are all human and we just need to take it day by day.

Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Breakup Aftermath

Posted on June 12, 2021November 27, 2021 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I know it has been awhile, but lately I have been in a weird funk and I haven’t been in the right mind to really write lately, but after a few events, I really want to keep you all posted on what has been going on in my life lately.

As you all know, I left my daughter’s father and I guess a lot of people were very ‘shocked’ by it, but others weren’t. Long story short, I became very depressed being a stay at home mom last year and with my family far away, it was very difficult for me to handle. I don’t think my father’s daughter really understood what was going on and just thought it was something that I would just get out of.

Anyway, I left at the beginning of the year and his family was more shocked than everyone else that was around us, such as my family. My father daughter ‘didn’t see it coming’, but what he didn’t know, the signs were all there.

I was losing who I was and I wanted someone who wanted to grow with me.

As a mom, it’s hard to do something like this because we put the blame on us that we couldn’t try harder to keep your family together or we think back on what we could of done differently. Sadly, a relationship works both ways, two people have to both put the effort into a relationship, that wasn’t happening in my situation.

I had a very difficult time leaving, just like other moms, including my own, when they wanted to leave their relationship. It’s not easy, but it’s better for the parents to both be happy, whether they are together or not.

Sometimes, you have a break down and realized that you want to fix things, that happened to me a few weeks after I broke up with him. See, let me explain something that most moms like me would understand.

I wanted him to prove that he wanted me, that I was still someone he wanted to be with and spend the rest of our lives together, but the one thing that broke my heart more, he let me walk out the door and didn’t chase me or stop me.

You see, when you are in love with someone, you don’t want them to ever leave your side. That’s your person you want to be with for the rest of your life. Well, it broke my heart that he didn’t chase after me. Even though I left to take care of me, I wanted him to chase me and show me how much he cared for me.

Instead, he didn’t and it crushed me.

We did try to make things work and I gave him questions to answer, which he did. Some of the answers I was impressed, others not so much, but I’m not going to share that with anyone because of the fact that it was between him and I.

He wanted to start fresh, clean slate and work on things, but when I suggested therapy, he wasn’t for it at all. Which isn’t just him, a lot of people doesn’t think it helps when it really can, if you actually let it.

As you can guess, that didn’t happen and I had some time to think about everything. Why I left, what would happen if I went back, would I still be unhappy, the same questions I asked before leaving him. Instead, I made the choice that we should co-parent and be peaceful for our daughter’s sake.

We both agreed that this would be what is best for our daughter, which in a way shocked me because for someone that wanted to work on things, he was really okay with just co-parenting. Which was fine, however, something recent happened that really put me in this weird place.

Before I explained what happened, this upcoming month, our son would’ve been 5 years old and this was going to be the first time that we were going to celebrate it not being together as a couple. This year was going to be even harder because this is the 5 year mark that he has been gone.

I’ll be honest, this has been the hardest year for me to endure. I’ve been trying to be strong for my daughter’s sake, but it’s harder said that done.

Anyway, I was scrolling on social media and I saw something that made my heart fall into my stomach. Another female tagged him in something that was like a ‘cute post’, you know the ones that people do when they are getting to know each other or when they are dating.

I was hurt. I was broken. I was crushed. Most of all, I was angry.

I know what most of you are thinking, “you left him”, “he’s single”. Which you are all right, I shouldn’t make a bigger deal that it should be and I’m not trying to, but it’s hard to not let things like this bug you, especially since this was about 3 weeks after we decided to co-parent.

When you truly love someone, you can’t move on as quickly as you think you can. Everyone is different, but if you really truly love someone, you wouldn’t move on as quick as you could. Healing from a break-up takes time, but everyone is different.

I just thought after 6 years together and 2 kids, I thought I meant more to him than I thought. I feel like he is trying to replace me.

That’s what hurt me the most.

I looked back at all the memories that we made, the good, the bad and all I could think of was it all a lie? Did I not mean anything to him? Am I that easy for people to replace?

This isn’t the first time this has happened to me, my ex before my daughter’s father did the same exact thing. So, to have it happen again, but with someone that you have kids with, all I could think of what is wrong with me?

Is it how I look? Did I not mean anything to him to begin with? What he using me? Did he just dealt with me until I left? Did he want me to leave him? Did he even care? Did he really love me?

All those questions are still running around in my head and I don’t know why. Situations like this either should people’s true colors or makes you wonder if you were the problem. I give so much for others, I’ve always done that. Put other’s before myself and people take advantage of me for that.

So, now, I’m trying my best to pretend like it doesn’t bother me and try to take it one day at a time. All I can do now is be the best mother in the world to my daughter. That’s all I can be.

I know this isn’t a happy post, but I just had to get this all out and don’t worry, I’m going to try my best to come back and start doing my blog again, but with these next 2 months are going to be the hardest, so I may or may not be posting anything for a little bit.

Writing Works

Finally Free – Friday’s Short Stories

Posted on May 8, 2020May 8, 2020 by Katie Night

Finally Free

Hey Dearies! So, this one is another short story based on an idea or prompt! This one inspired me or gave me the idea from Safe Haven, but with a different twist to it. This one has mentions of abuse, so if you are triggered by that, please don’t read!

What would freedom really be for those who are trapped?

Hailey didn’t know what freedom was until she got dropped off at the docks of Hawaii. She had finally left the pain and hurt that had been damaging her for years. She never thought that she would have to be on the run, but she figured being in Hawaii would give herself and her ex more distance between each other.

She looked around in amaze as she took a deep breath of her new surroundings. Picking up her bag pack that only held a few essentials that he grabbed in rush from leaving Kevin. She shook her head as she wandered around the street, she was amazed at the beautiful view of the ocean.

Hailey had always wanted to come to Hawaii, but after high school, her plans completely changed. They had especially changed since she met Kevin. The worse regret of her life. If she would’ve known what he would’ve been like before she had got with him, she would’ve run for her life.

Now she is running for her life.

Discouraging the thought of Kevin, something caught her eyes, as she watched him walk by. He looked familiar to her and it took her only a second to realize it was him, the real reason why she ran to Hawaii, all because of Ethan Brooks.

Her heart started to beat faster as he gazed into her eyes and stopping right in front of her.

“Hailey? Is that really you?” Her heart dropped, he still remembers her. Especially, since it’s been almost 3 years since she last saw him.

She was silent, a tear had fallen from her cheek, as she didn’t expect to cry in front of him. Instead of walking away from him, Ethan embraced her in his arms, holding her tightly. It made her feel safe and at home.

They stood there for a few minutes before Ethan pulled away from his embrace and took another look at her. Even though was in Hawaii, Hailey didn’t dress like she was comfortable. Wearing jeans and a tank top with a sweater covering her arms and zipped up to her neck.

Ethan noticed the bruise that slowly healing on her neck. Once he noticed that, he noticed other bruises of hers that were now more noticeable. “Walk with me, my beach house isn’t that far from here.” He grabbed her hand and took her bag of hers, throwing it over her shoulder, as he led to his beach house that was down the street from the boardwalk.

As soon as they got into Ethan’s beach house, Hailey was shocked at the place that she was in. She never knew that Ethan was rich, but he sure lived like it. She then took a view of the balcony that showed over the ocean, waves crashing onto the beach. It was heaven to her.

“Why didn’t you meet up with me that night?” Ethan spoke, he wasn’t going to catch up with her once he saw her bruises. Hailey beats herself up over not leaving to go with Ethan. She had met him in a nightclub, it was right after she 21, she went out with her friends to celebrate.

Hailey was talking to Kevin, but she was single when she met Ethan. When they danced, they clicked just like that and she followed him home where they had an amazing time. He told her he was leaving to go back to Hawaii and he wanted to take her with him, but before she could, she tried to explain it to Kevin, but it ended badly.

Hailey didn’t want to think about it, but she had to give Ethan an answer. “It’s harder for me to explain.” She spoke, turning to face him, tears fell from her eyes. “You don’t want to know what he did to me.”

Ethan, hugged her again, she hugged him back as she tried to maintain her crying, but it came out like waterfalls. “I’m sorry. I wanted to. I was ready to go and then he found out-”

“You don’t need to explain. You’re here with me now, aren’t you?” Ethan smiled, wiping her tears away as she gave him a smile in return. “Feel free to stay with me. I’m gonna make you something to eat, why don’t you go take a shower.”

Haily nodded as Ethan showed her the bathroom, giving her a set of sweat pants and shirt, then handing her a towel before walking out into the kitchen.

Hailey shut them down and started to strip out of her old clothes and looked at her naked self in the mirror, the black and blue bruises that were up and down on her body. She turned and looked at the deep scar that planted down her back, that hadn’t started to heal.

That scar was what gave her strength to leave Kevin.

After her shower, she got dressed in the clothes Ethan gave her and then headed into the kitchen, he was just finishing up cooking burgers. Her stomach growled, she hadn’t had anything since she left California except a cereal bar.

They ate together in silence. As Hailey was washing the dirty dishes, Ethan noticed the scar on her back, he was shocked at how bad the situation she was in. He turned her around, which scared her, she gazed into his eyes.

Ethan leaned his forehead against hers and studied her eyes, kissing her forehead. “I promise I won’t let anything bad happen to you. Stay with me.” He promised as Hailey was in shock, but it felt so right. She then nodded and then went to kiss his cheek, but Ethan turned his head, having her miss his cheek and plant a kiss onto his lips instead.

They kissed for a second, Hailey’s heart fluttered as she missed his kiss. Ethan pulled her closer and held her close, as they both had missed each other, more than they had known. In his arms, it was like wrapping yourself in a heavy blanket.

In the next few days, Ethan and Hailey caught up on what they missed in each other lives. The more time they spent together, they ended up growing closer to where they before. Hailey started to see a better version of herself in his arms, but having Ethan around made her forget all the pain and hurt that Kevin had ever put her in.

She was finally free from it all. The best part is that she was finally happier, stronger, and more empowered about her life choices. She was a bird that was finally free to fly where ever she wanted to go.

Let me know in the comments of what you thought about this short story! These will be posted every Friday and if you have a prompt or idea that you would like me to try out, let me know in the comments!

Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Top Projects for Crochet/Knitting

Crafty Sassy – Top 10 Free Crochet Bag Patterns

Posted on May 5, 2020August 1, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Since summer is right around the corner, I figured I would show you some free bag patterns. When it comes to crocheting, there are lots of bag patterns, from purses to handbags to market bags and so much more!

It’s crazy to see so many designs and patterns that they have for these super cute bags! I’ve made a few of them myself, which I have ended up using a few of them myself, not to mention, I’ve figured out what type of yarn is the best for crocheting bags, too.

So, these patterns, you can use the yarn that is recommended, but I’m going to put in my suggestion, just in case you don’t like how the cotton or acrylic feels or looks like as a crochet bag.

I recommend using the Bernat Maker Home Dec. I’ve used this yarn to create my make-up travel bag and I love how it’s not fuzzy, but it also looks a little better. Not to mention, this yarn is perfect for creating placemats, seat covers, or even coasters. The link below is where you can find some of this yarn, but you can find this at Walmart as well.

Note: These patterns are not my own, all rights go out to the creators. I will be linking the website for each pattern.

1. Valerie’s Market Bag

I’ve done a few patterns from The Lavender Chair and I just love her designs! I actually made my daughter’s first Easter dress from one of her patterns. Her bags though are just so beautiful! I also love the colors that she chooses for her bags as well!

Link to pattern: https://www.thelavenderchair.com/valeries-market-tote-crochet-pattern/

2. Beginner Market Tote Bag

This one is a simple market bag or for those of you that have little ones, this would be perfect to hold any sand toys, the best part is the gaps that would allow sand to fall out as you are leaving the beach. This is a pretty simple pattern if you are looking to learn how to crochet a market bag.

Link to pattern: https://easycrochet.com/market-tote-bag-crochet-pattern/?utm_content=buffer56f22&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer#.VcZWYCZVikp/

3. Easy Market Tote

I love the colors that they used for this bag! Perfect for the little girls that you know, especially if they want a bag like their mommy. This is another easy bag and has the granny square build into it, which is very simple to follow in a pattern.

Link to pattern: https://loopsandlovecrochet.com/2019/07/18/easy-market-tote-free-crochet-pattern/

4. Beach Please Summer Tote

I actually have this bag save in my ‘to-do’ list for myself! I love the design, but they are also using the same yarn that I recommend! Also, the color combination is perfect for this tote bag! I think I will actually get the yarn to recreate this!

Link to pattern: https://loopsandlovecrochet.com/2019/07/07/beach-please-summer-tote-free-crochet-pattern/

5. 1 Skein Farmer’s Market Bag

Another simple farmer’s market bag, but this one is different from the others. Some of the bags that are on this list or others that you might find somewhere else might require to use more than just one skein, however this pattern, you’ll only need one. This is super helpful if you have a skein of yarn just hanging around and your not quite sure what to make with it, which would make this project perfect for that!

Link to pattern: https://www.sewrella.com/1-skein-crochet-farmers-market-bag/?epik=dj0yJnU9M3pTN2p3ZDBsd0VweXJqS09wZFVoN1hkR1hiNVVoeGYmbj1ZMVVyRHQwRUVVZTFQdk5IWXBEaUFnJm09MyZ0PUFBQUFBRjI1Ny1V

6. Starling Handbag

I love this one as well, a simple, yet beautiful design. I just love how the ribbon intertwines with the bag. This bag looks a little smaller than the others, so if you are looking for a bag that is perfect for a ‘Mommy & me’, this one would be perfect! Not to mention, all you would need to do, to make a smaller bag would be to use a smaller hook size to do so.

Link to pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starling-handbag

7. Solid Granny Square Bottom Bag

This bag is a solid granny square, which is perfect for those beginners wanting to practice with patterns or just to challenge yourself with something new to do! I also love the colors they choose for this, going from white to pink to dark pink into grey!

Link to pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solid-granny-square-bottom-bag-crochet-tutorial

8. Sweet Pea Tote Bag

I would say this is the perfect bag for the beach, just because the stitch is a shell stitch! I also love the yarn they used for this. I think I might add this to my list of endless patterns to try out! However, I might more of an ocean color yarn mix or a blue color yarn mix or add some 3D crochet turtles onto the bag.

Link to pattern: https://capscrochet.webs.com/apps/blog/show/1523376-sweet-pea-tote-bag-pattern

9. Meshy Shells Market Tote

Another shell’s bag, but instead of the shells being really close to together, they are more spaced out, which is makes this a wonderful bag to use for either the market or for the beach or ocean. I also love the handle that she chose for this pattern!

Link to pattern: https://www.thelavenderchair.com/meshy-shells-market-tote-crochet-pattern/

10. Puff Stitch Market Bag

Another granny square stitch, but this bag is a little bigger than the other one, which would be perfect for the beach, not to mention the colors that they chose for the bag, I just love it! I also like how this bag is taller, which is perfect for holding quite a bit of stuff.

Link to pattern: https://crochetbag.einsnummer.com/puff-stitch-market-bag-pattern-free-easy-crochet/

Which patterns were your favorites? Any of them that have caught your eye or get you interested in recreating one of these? Let me know in the comments below!

Make sure to follow me on Facebook for daily updates and if you want to see any of my projects that I’m currently working on!

Books, Reviews

Book Review – Ever After (Laurel-Leaf Books)

Posted on April 28, 2020April 28, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Back with another book review for you all! So, this one I never thought this was really a book, but it is and you can find it on Amazon.

Ever After is a motion picture that Drew Barrymore stars in as the main character, Danielle. This movie is one of my all-time favorite version of a Cinderella story, next to Hillary Duffs more modern version in A Cinderella Story.

The ‘Cinderella’ story has been told in many different ways in, by different writers and in different genres. In my opinion, ‘Cinderella’s story is one of the easiest recreations that any writer can do, but I’m always curious to see what writers come up with and try to do.

The same goes for any other fairy tale story, but I think this version is the best because not only is it in the perfect timeline and location to do it.

The theme of where this Cinderella story is set more like how the original Cinderella story started. Danielle lives with her father, her more died in childbirth and her father raises her the best he can. Of course, when she is 8, he re-marries Baroness Rodmilla of Ghent, otherwise known as her evil stepmother, and has two daughters of her own.

However, the reason why Rodmilla marries Danielle’s father is to get further up the line, or into the castle, basically wanting to live the life of riches. So, she really doesn’t care about Danielle, anyway, makes Danielle a ‘slave’ when her father dies.

I will say, Danielle puts up with a bunch of crap as a servant, but how she meets Prince Henry is even funnier than how the other versions. She ends up meeting him and throws apples at him thinking that he is stealing their horse.

The entire book is an exact play-by-play of the movie, which made me feel like I was just reading the movie and I ended up finishing it in a day. So, instead of watching the movie, you can read it, however, depending on how fast you read, it could take a day, perfect for passing the time.

There are only a few slight things that weren’t in the movie, but even if it wasn’t, it doesn’t change the way the book is, instead, I feel like it gives more of a backstory to some of the parts that are ‘rushed’ when created into a movie, or they were parts that they didn’t put into the movie.

Overall, this is an amazing book, even though it is literally the movie script, but in a book form and since I don’t own the movie, it’s not a bad way to pass the time. Perfect for a rainy or snowy day when you can’t go anywhere and want to snuggle up to a good book.

I also think that it would be a great bedtime story or a book that you could read to your kids before bed, you won’t finish it all before bed, but you could finish a chapter a night before bed no problem.

So, since I’ve reviewed the book, later in this month, I will be reviewing the movie because you know that’s what makes sense to do, right?

What do you think about the book? Were you as shocked as I to find out that there was a book to the movie? Let me know in the comments below.

Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Top Projects for Crochet/Knitting

Crafty Sassy: Top 10 Easter Free Crochet Patterns

Posted on March 31, 2020August 1, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Easter is right around the corner and if you are at a loss of what to make for this year or want to make gifts isn’t just buying chocolate for the kids, then look no further! I have found 10 FREE patterns for you to check out!

There is a mix of patterns that aren’t just for kids, but for babies as well, especially if this is their first Easter!

Note: These are NOT my patterns, I will leave a link to where I found the original pattern. All rights go to the original creators. The only pattern that is mine is the last one.

1. Chocolate Easter Bunny

This little guy is perfect for the kids, especially for the younger ones that aren’t ready to have chocolate, but they don’t have to be left out in not getting a ‘chocolate’ bunny, except this one, they can cuddle with.

Link to pattern: https://crochet-news.com/crochet-easter-bunny-pattern/#_a5y_p=6626917

2. Marshmallow Bunny Baby Booties

This one is for the babies! Especially, if you are unsure what to get them, these booties are super cute and perfect for Easter! The best part about these is that they aren’t just for the bunnies, but they come in 3 different styles.

Link to pattern: https://www.passionatecrafter.com/marshmallow-baby-boots/

3. Easter Bunny Mug Cozy

Of course, knowing me I would have to have a mug cozy on here, this one really fits for the Easter season! This pattern is also super easy to create, not to mention, look at his little fluffy butt! I can’t get over this pattern, it’s just too cute! These look like they would be killer sellers for any craft fair!

Link to pattern: https://haakmaarraak.nl/free-crochet-pattern-easter-bunny-mug-cozy/

4. Belle The Bunny

I had to have another stuffie on this list, but the funniest part about this little guy, is that it has the same name as my daughter, Bella, but instead of an ‘a’ at the end, its an ‘e’. This one is perfect for those younger kiddos to have for a gift!

Link to pattern: https://yarnsociety.com/patterns/belle-the-bunny/

5. Carrot Treat Pouch

These aren’t just for the bigger kids, but for the younger ones too, just instead of jelly beans, you can fill these up with the Gerber puffs or yogurt melts! You can even make these for the older kids to have a little ‘jiggle’ from Easter.

Link to pattern: https://pattern-paradise.com/2019/03/18/free-crochet-pattern-carrot-treat-pouches/

6. Easter Wreath

Another item that I just had to find, but I just had to! Plus you just have to have a wreath for every season. This one might take some time to do, especially when it comes to making the bunny, but once it’s complete, it would look so cute on your door. However, like I’ve said before, I would keep these wreaths away from rain or snowy, just because it can ruin them.

Link to pattern: https://www.dailycrochet.com/fabulous-crochet-easter-wreath-pattern-to-make-now/

7. Bunny Ears Headband

I think this one is for those little girls that actually keep headbands in their hair. The best part about this pattern is that you can try out different colors for the roses to either match what they are wearing for Easter or have them pick out the colors and just have fun with it!

Link to pattern: https://www.graceandyarn.com/2018/03/crochet-bunny-headband-free-pattern.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=586785218_20891078_493480

8. Marshmallow Bunny Peeps

Okay, so ‘Peeps’ are a hit or miss type of item that comes out EVERY Easter, whether you are a fan or not, these ones are too cute to make for the babies. I’m not a big fan of the actually marshmallow ‘Peeps’, but I LOVE the shapes that they have for the chicks and bunnies, which in the end, makes it more fun to create these little guys instead of eatting them.

Link to pattern: http://whiskersandwool.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-marshmallow-bunnies-free-pattern.html

9. Mini Easter Basket

I have to include a type of basket, especially when the you need one for holding the eggs that the Easter bunny left behind for the kiddos. However, this one is more for decoration to hold those mini chocolate eggs or jellybeans for anyone one to take. Or you can get a little creative and put in ‘nips’ for the adults.

Link to pattern: https://www.skiptomylou.org/crochet-basket-pattern/

10. Stuffed Easter Egg

This pattern is the one I posted last year, that went with the actual baskets I was selling for Easter. However, I still think these are an awesome idea to make for the babies to have for Easter. Not to mention, they would look super cute in a photoshoot for Easter!

Link to pattern: https://katiesblog96971617.com/2019/02/26/crafty-sassy-crochet-stuffed-easter-egg-easy/

Which ones are your favorites? Any of them catch your eye for you to want to make this year for Easter? Let me know in the comments down below!

Make sure to like my Facebook page to find out when my next blog post or updates on my blog!

Products, Reviews

Product Review: Make-up Brush Cleaner

Posted on March 10, 2020March 10, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, this month’s product review is actually gonna be for make-up. Now don’t worry, I’m not reviewing any make-up palettes or lipsticks, we are going to be focusing on a product that is supposed to make it easier to clean your brushes.

So, where did I see this product?

As you know, if you have been following me on Instagram, you have probably noticed I’ve been wearing make-up more or testing products out, lately. So, I’ve been using my brushes quite a bit, to the point where I didn’t even know that you had to clean them on daily.

Which, I was told, that you don’t have to clean them every day, but at least once a week, if not more, depending on how often you use them. Which is also what lead me to purchase this make-up brush cleaner.

Now, since I didn’t have any knowledge of how to clean make-up brushes, I figured I would look on Amazon for an easier way to do so. Originally, I wanted to get this product as a gift, for a few people, but me being curious, I wanted to know if it really worked.

All you do is load up your brush, you can choose any of the different options for each different type of brush. Then a drop of dish soap, or make-up brush cleaning solution, to the mixing bowl and slowly dip the brush in and out of the solution, while it’s spinning. Then let it dry spin for a few and it should be dry or barely wet.

The max it should take, for each brush, is about 10 to 30 seconds. Which to a lot of make-up people is AMAZING timing! I like the fact that it’s that quick that it dries.

How’s the quality?

Because I’m not a great make-up artist and almost have no idea what I’m doing, the quality of how clean these brushes get is not bad, but it’s not great either. Setting it up is a pain in the butt, but I feel that it doesn’t clean enough.

Does it work for me?

In all honestly, yes, this product does work, but for someone who isn’t a HUGE make-up guru’s. I recommend getting this for someone who is or does use their make-up brushes all the time. Although it doesn’t clean the brushes well, it does make it quicker for them to get dry quickly.

Is it worth the money?

At the time, I paid about $17.00, for it on Amazon. I’ve seen them range from $9.99 – $25.00, if not more depending on the brand. It is worth the money, but if you don’t use it all the time, this product is more of a waste of space.

Overall, is it something I would use or buy again?

I wouldn’t buy this again since I already own it, but I do see myself using this again, just because it drys the brushes so quickly! I do however, see this as a great gift to those who are make-up lovers.

What do you think about this product? Is it something that you would use or have used? Let me know what you think about it in the comments!

Writing Works

Ain’t Your Mama (Friday’s Short Stories)

Posted on February 28, 2020February 28, 2020 by Katie Night

Ain’t Your Mama

Hey Dearies, so this week is another song that I’ve turned into a short story. I’m a big fan of JLo and ‘Ain’t Your Mama’ is one of my favorite songs that she has done. The song is about how women shouldn’t be treated to be someone’s slave. What I have gathered from it is that women shouldn’t be the only one to do everything, but 50/50 and sharing the responsibility in a partnership because we ‘AINT NO ONE’S MAMA!’ The only mother we want to be is our children’s mama.

Jackie watched as she slaved over the stove, making another meal for her boyfriend, Will. She was already over this life she was doing, ever since she moved in with him. Before that, their life was great.

They would go out for dates at least once a week, they would make time for each other and they were so in love, but that all changed when she agreed to move in with him.

She never thought that she would be cleaning up after him every day and night. She never thought she would have to come home from work and make sure he had a hot meal to eat every night.

Jackie felt more like a zombie, repeating the same things every day. Wake up, clean, cook, go to work, and repeat.

She craved the love that they used to have together, the nights that they would cuddle on the couch together and spent time playing games or watching movies. She missed those times, but now, all Will seemed to want to do was be on his phone or play video games without her.

As she was stirring the boiling pasta, it hit her. She was doing everything that his mother would be doing for him.

For weeks and weeks, she had asked him to help her or split up the chores, like they did with bills, but she would get the same old saying:

“I’ll do it later.”

Which was Will’s code for ‘I ain’t doing it at all.’ Jackie was over it all, she was tired of the same old stuff that she didn’t think she was signing up for when she moved in. She thought that he would do his part, too.

Jackie knew how much she loved Will, but the pattern had to stop, she couldn’t keep living like this, she wanted to respect and help, not because she asked, but because that’s what was needed.

The thought of marriage and having children with Will scared Jackie to think that it would be even worse than it already was now.

As she turned off the stove, drain the pasta, as she heard Will screaming through the headset. She placed the pasta in with the sauce and mixed it, then took the bowl to the kitchen table, where she had hoped they could’ve eaten together since she had gotten everything ready for the kitchen table and not for their TV food trays.

Will finally came into the room, smiling at her and then grabbing what he wanted for food and then walking back in the living room.

Jackie has had enough, she wasn’t going to spend another night sitting at the table alone, she wasn’t going to spend another day catering to his needs while hers are put on the back burner, and she wasn’t going to spend another day waiting for Will to change his ways.

She grabbed the bowl of salad, that she had just made and walked into the living room, dumping the salad all over him.

“I’m so sick of this, Will! I’m done!” She said, dropping the bowl onto the floor as Will didn’t know what to react.

“What the hell? Your gonna clean this up, aren’t you?” He snapped back at her, which made Jackie’s blood boil more.

“I’m going to clean this up? What do you think I am, your maid?” She yelled, crossing her arms across her chest. Will stood up, as the salad pieces fell to the ground. “If you want someone to clean up after you then you might as well go move back in with mommy.”

Jackie then left the living room and went into the bedroom, packing her stuff and leaving Will. As hard as it was to do that, she couldn’t help but cry. Deep down, she knew she couldn’t change him, unless he was willing to change for himself.

As she drove off to her sister’s house, she cursed how lazy he had become and how his mother pampered him so much that he wasn’t able to do anything for himself, but it was one less thing she was worried about.

She was more focused on herself and if love did happen to knock on her doorstep, she would make very clear that she wouldn’t end up being someone bitch ever again.

Let me know what you think about this week’s short story! Comment down below if you have a song in mind for what I should do next for next Friday’s!

Writing Works

Kerosene – Friday’s Short Stories

Posted on February 15, 2020February 15, 2020 by Katie Night

Kerosene

Hey Dearies! Sorry that this one is a little late, but I decided to mix it up by taking a song and turn it into a short story! So, I went with the song Kerosene by Miranda Lambert.

Well I’m giving up on love ’cause love’s given up on me

The sun was setting on a long hot day and Sasha Kendel had just lit a cigarette, sitting outside her shitty trailer. She never liked the taste of cigarettes, but there was nothing else for her to do.

She never thought her life would be exactly like her father’s, living in a small crappy town where everyone knows your business and what you do. That was one of the reasons why her mother left, but Sasha got suckered into coming back to Fairfield, Georgia.

All her plans to leave went down the drain when she met Frankie Londe. He had walked into her life and at the time, made it worth wild. She was also in love with the idea of being in love that she forgets all of her original plans.

But that went all down the drain after Sasha found him with her.

It was a late night, she had taken the late shift at the only dinner they had in Fairfield. It had been a long day that she just wanted to go home and relax. She hoped that Frankie would be at their trailer, waiting for her when she got home.

As she walked to her car, she caught a glimpse of the bar, that was just across the street, she saw drunk people dancing and having a good time, but what stopped her in her tracks as she noticed someone.

Frankie was in the middle of the dance floor locking his lips with some blond that she had never met. At that moment, her heart dropped. She never thought in a million years that the love of her life would betray her.

As Sasha took another drag of her cigarette, then tossing the butt into the grown. She was so angry, she didn’t know what to do. She knew that Frankie was inside, making love to that blond that he was with last night. She never gave a notice that she was home, yet.

She got up from the porch and walked over to the kerosene that had caught her eye and grabbed it. Opening the container and pouring it all over her shitty trailer, dumping it all over the front door, around the trailer and back over to his black Ford truck.

She threw the container in the middle of the field and got into her car, taking out another cigarette and taking a match to lite it, then tossing it to the kerosene path that leads up to her trailer.

The flame took quickly, as it rapidly burned the path of kerosene, leading up to the front door and blazing the entire trailer in flames. Sasha took another drag and drove up the path and onto the highway.

She took one look in her rearview mirror and watched as her old life had burnt away, watching two naked people jumping from the window, half-naked and running away as the trailer blew up.

Sasha smiled and then placed her eyes back on the road. “Cheaters never prosper.” She said, driving down the highway and heading towards her new fresh start.

Mom Talk

Mom Talk: It’s Okay To Not Keep Everything (Baby Stuff)

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies, I wanted to talk about another big problem that us moms have that I don’t think anyone has mentioned. What’s worth keeping and what’s not worth keeping from your baby’s stuff.

I know a few are you are problem screaming at me through the screen saying, ‘WHAT?!’, but let me tell you why.

As a mother who has lost a child and is currently raising one at the moment, we want to keep stuff that they have ever use, such as outfits, blankets, shoes, bibs, toys, etc. The list goes on and on, to the point you have to ask yourself one question:

Where am I going to put this all?

But, I’m here to tell you, it’s okay that you don’t keep everything. If you are like me and live in a tiny trailer, then you understand where I’m coming from. When you have a baby, you get lots of stuff and most of the stuff is NEVER used or is used maybe once or twice.

When my son passed away, I wanted to keep all of his stuff, even stuff that he had never used, not just for memories, but for our next baby. Not to mention, I made sure his stuff, that he did wear, would be in his own tote.

Growing up, my mom make sure us kids had 3 totes. Inside, she had a few of our favorite outfits, first pairs of shoes, baby books, and some other stuff. I loved the idea of keeping a tote for each of my kids, which is exactly what I did.

Even when I kept my son’s stuff, I still had a LOT stuff that I was never been able to use, not to mention, a lot of family member also get you stuff for the baby to be, which can be super helpful, but sometimes you feel like you HAVE to keep stuff like that. But let me tell you something:

ITS OKAY TO NOT WANT TO KEEP IT!

Don’t let friends and family make you think you HAVE to keep stuff that you don’t have room for or you just don’t want to keep. There are plenty of parents and parents-to-be who are in need of stuff as such.

Yes, you can save those items for the next child you plan to have, but if you don’t have space, sell it or give it to those who need it! Don’t have your house cluttered just because you want to save it for the next baby because when you do plan to have another baby, someone else will be willing to give you the same stuff that you gave them.

So, I bet you are probably wondering, why I even wanted to bring this up. Well, let me get to that because it wasn’t just because I had a lot of leftover stuff, it had more to do with the fact that my daughter was getting older and her room was turning more into storage, than an actual bedroom.

Yes, we do have closets, but living in a small trailer, you don’t have much room to begin with, so you have to work with what you got.

Since my daughter was getting older, I decided that it was overdue for me to go through her stuff and figure out what I was going to do with it all because she needed a room that she can actually play in.

I went through any baby stuff, such as clothes, rockers, bouncy seat, bibs, walkers, etc. Since my daughter was too old to be using those, I sold them. Which, to me, isn’t a big deal because they didn’t have any attachment to it.

So, what did I actually keep?

Baby Book
Hospital Bracelets
First outfits
First pairs of shoes
An outfit that she wore, only one from each size.
First pacifier
First blanket
The first dress I crocheted her
The crib
The bassinet
Baby swing

That’s it. The last three are because they had a meaning to me, which I am going to keep for that sake, but everything else fits in her tote. Also, when I mean I’m saving an outfit from each size, it’s one outfit from newborn to 12 months. Anything else, I have either donated or sold to those who really need it.

But as moms or new moms, don’t feel pressured to keep everything, it’s okay to not want to. And it’s okay to keep everything, if you have the room and space for it, go for it!

Whatever preference you decide, it’s okay. Just remember, the moments and memories you create, is worth more than items itself.

Products, Reviews

Product Review: Color Street Nails

Posted on February 3, 2020February 3, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, our first product review of the year will be from Color Street. Now, if you haven’t heard about this product before, they are an ‘MLM’ business that sells an easier way to applying nail polish in less time than it takes you to actually take the time to get your nails painted.

This company also offers the same opportunity to those who would like to be apart of this brand and sell it themselves, kinda like Avon or Paparazzi.

Now, this product, not only does it make it easier to apply nail polish, but there are tons of different designs and colors to try from.

If you are a mom like me, it can be difficult to actually take the time to paint your nails, not to mention having enough time to let them dry as well. So an easier way to not only apply nail polish but also not having to deal with having to air out your room or house because of the smell sounds like a plus to me!

Here’s what they look like:

Color-Street-Nail-Polish-Strips-New-and-Halloween — By the way, if this hasn’t already caught your eye, noticed how photoshopped the nail polish are to the fingers? Not kidding, this is how they show you what it looks like on their website!

I know what you are thinking, ‘Sounds good, but are they really worth it?’.

Well, let’s talk about it some more. So, when I am doing these types of reviews, I like to ask myself a few questions about the product before coming to a final conclusion. Because this is part of an MLM, I’ll be asking myself some other questions, such as these:

How’s the quality?
How long does it last?
Does it work for me?
Is it worth the money?
Would it be worth signing up?
Overall, is it something I would use or buy again?

-How’s the quality?

I would say the quality looks pretty good in person versus online or in pictures. If this product isn’t shown on actual fingers and not ‘photoshopped’ on the same hands over and over, I think it would catch the eyes of customers better.

As you see in the photo above, if I didn’t mention the photo was clearly photoshopped, were you able to notice?

-How long does it last?

These last about a week, depending on how active you are with your hands, it can last longer, but the real problem is that you can’t keep them on for long periods of time. My mom kept her Christmas ones on for little over 3 weeks and they turned her nails yellow.

Not to mention that once they start chipping off, they become pretty easy to peel off and once you start, you’ll keep going until they are completely off.

-Does it work for me?

Yes, it does. Even though the process can be a pain in the ass, they are definitely worth trying at least once. I hate to paint my nails and especially during the wintertime when you can’t or don’t want to open a window to air out the fumes of actual nail polish, they are very easy to put on either during the kiddos nap time or after they go to bed.

-Is it worth the money?

As of February 2020, they are priced at $13.00. You 2 full sets of nail strips to do both of your hands twice. They also have them in different sizes, so they should fit for all sizes if not, they can stretch a little bit to make them fit.

In one of the full strips, they only recommend you to use one of the full strips for each hand, but if your nails aren’t as long, you can definitely get to wear these or try them out 2 times and see if you like them or not to purchase again or give to a friend to have them try it out.

Another downfall with these as well is that once they are opened from that plastic seal they tend to get hard if they are left out for too long. I recommend putting your extra strips in a plastic baggie and making sure there isn’t any air for them to get dried up.

Overall, if you want a quicker way to do your nails, they are worth it, but because they have so many options, it’s hard to want to try out only a few.

-Would it be worth signing up?

The big question that everyone asks or should ask before joining an MLM company, is it truly worth it? Remember, if you aren’t passionate about the product or products you are selling, DON’T waste your money over it!

As always, before joining one of these groups, you have to have the extra money to purchase a ‘kit’ that is needed in order to start selling.

In my honest opinion, as much as I love doing my nails, I wouldn’t sign up. To me, I wouldn’t want to spend $125 dollars on a kit when I can use that money towards something else. Even though its a one time purchase, even after that, you still got to buy more products and get more people to join in order to make money.

This is something that you would have to look into and DO RESEARCH on BEFORE joining. Also, talking to current members and ex-members is very helpful, they can tell you if it’s worth it or not.

-Overall, is it something I would use or buy again?

Sure, it’s an easier way to put nail polish on, but I don’t think this would be something I would buy all the time. I do love the options they have on different colors, designs and glitters to choose from, but with it being $13 dollars for about 2 tries, it might be cheaper for me to get my favorite plastic stick-on nails that it would be to buy these.

I think these are perfect for holiday gifts and even if you want to have salon nails for the holidays. It’s hard to not want to try them all, but the fact that they have to photoshop their nail design, instead of placing them on actual nails, really bothers me.

What do you think about Color Street Nails? Have you tried them or have seen your friends selling them? What do you think about them? Let me know in the comments below!

Writing Works

Rewriting My Story (Friday’s Short Stories)

Posted on February 1, 2020July 16, 2021 by Katie Night

Rewriting My Story

Hey Dearies! So, this one is about heartbreak and how it is to start all over after a relationship ends. Hope you all like it! Let me know in the comments!

A woman who is deeply in love is crushed when her fiancé breaks up with her. “In life, every ending is just a new beginning,” says Dakota Fanning’s character in Uptown Girls.

Natalia never thought she would have to start all over again, but after being crushed by the love of her life, she didn’t know what to do or where to start. It was so unexpected, but she still didn’t understand why.

Collin Mather was someone she never expected to fall in love with, but she did. Having met him freshman year of high school, he was apart of the baseball team and hockey, always busy with sports that she was surprised that he had time with her.

They met at one of the home games of his, Natalia was a reporter for the school newspaper and since no one else that day wanted to go to the baseball game, she ended up going. Natalia never minded sitting by and watching the sports games, as long as she got the score and a little bit of the action, she would be set.

She watched as Collin stepped up to the plate, getting ready to swing his bat, it was the end of the game, as Natalia watched intently as he glared at the pitcher. They needed this win to be in the school finals, they were tied with the other team and just needed a home run.

Natalia sat on the edge of her seat as she wanted Collin to hit the home run, she needed this article to be on the front paper before school. The writing was always her passion, but she wanted to be more than just a side-stage reporter, she wanted to be apart of something huge, and her school winning to go to the finals was what she was waiting for.

The pitcher threw the ball and Collin’s bat hit the ball, as he threw it to the ground and ran as fast as he could to first base. The ball was way out in the field, too far for the outfielders to catch it as he hit first base and ran to second.

Before they even managed to get the ball, Collin They needed this win to be in the school finals, they were tied with the other team and just needed a home run.\nNatalia sat on the edge of her seat as she wanted Collin to hit the home run, she needed this article to be on the front paper before school. The writing was always her passion, but she wanted to be more than just a side-stage reporter, she wanted to be apart of something huge, and her school winning to go to the finals was what she was waiting for.\nThe pitcher threw the ball and Collin\’s bat hit the ball, as he threw it to the ground and ran as fast as he could to first base. The ball was way out in the field, too far for the outfielders to catch it as he hit first base and ran to second.\nBefore they even managed to get the ball, Collin had already hit the third base and was working on getting the home run they needed. Quickly the opposite team grabbed the ball and threw it to third, Collin threw himself to slide into home base, just in time before the ball was thrown to home base\nThey had won the game and made it on the finals. Natalia couldn\’t believe it, but when she looked at Collins\’s face, as the team collapsed around him, she could tell that this was something that he was waiting to happen. He was only a sophomore, but he was the first to take the school to the finals.\nAfter they won, Natalia went to the team and started to interview the captain of the team, Jerry, Collin\’s older brother. As she was taking some notes down, she noticed from the corner of her eye, Collin was watching her.\nThe next school day, they managed to print out the paper early that morning and lots of people were paying to read the main article, her article. Natalia was smiling as she handed out the papers.\n\”I can\’t believe you managed to pull this off!\” Joyce said as she handed out another paper, Natalia smiled at her best friend.\n\”I know, but the best part was, I think I have a crush on Collin,\” Natalia whispered as Joyce giggled, but then turned back to the front of the stand were Collin was standing right there.\n\”Speaking of crushes, I\’m going to go out back and get more copies.\” Joyce winked to Natalia as she didn\’t want her to leave her by herself with her crush.\nCollin smiled as Natalia felt her cheeks get warmed, she had never had a crush before. \”Natalia, isn\’t it?\” Collin asked as she nodded.\nJoyce came back with the extra copies of the paper as Natalia handed one of them to Collin, as she returned the smile. \”I\’ll see you around,\” Collin said, as he started heading down the hall.\n\”Wait till he reads the article, he\’ll be head over heels in love with you,\” Joyce smirked as Natalia covered her eyes.\nLater that day as Natalia was leaving her newspaper club meeting, she was shocked to find Collin waiting outside the room for her. She slowly walked by him, gripping her books tightly around her chest.\nShe feared the worse, thinking that he might have not liked the article and wanted to confront her about what she wrote. \”Natalia, wait a second,\” Collin said, catching up next to her.\nNatalia turned to face him as he looked like he was about to speak, but she stopped him from doing so. \”I\’m sorry if you didn\’t like the article that I wrote. Did I say something wrong? Or was I wasn\’t supposed to put your nickname that your teammates call you. I\’m really sorry, I can go back and see about getting it change-,\”\nCollin had put a finger on her lips to shush her. \”Nothing is wrong with your article. I loved it.\”\nNatalia\’s face started to warm up, she was so thankful that he didn\’t like the article, but what else did he want with her? \”T-Thank you.\” She managed to speak after his finger away.\n\”No problem. Finals are next weekend, are you going?\” He asked as she nodded. \”Alright, how about if we win again, I get to take you out on a date?\”\nYou can probably guess what happened next, Collin won the game and Natalia went on her first date with him. After that, they started dating and stayed together after high school. Natalia never thought that she would be alone, after 6 years together, he finally popped the question.\nNever did she think that two weeks before the wedding was planned to happen, he would call it off. She was heartbroken, but he wanted to focus on his career, while she wanted to start a family. Not to mention, she had found out that there was someone else he wanted to be with instead, too.\nWhen that was all said and done, she felt empty, didn\’t understand why she wasn\’t good enough for him or what she did wrong to make him not love her anymore, but it gave her a new meaning of life. A fresh start.\nShe always wanted to be a writer and decided to write about her relationship, changing the names and town, she wrote her heart out about it all. The first date, first kiss, first time together, and so much more.\nAfter she had finished, she sent it to her publisher and once it was published, it became the next bestseller, it sold out more than Twilight and Hunger Games combined. She got her dream and after finishing the book, she came to understand and realized why he left her and that it\’s always okay to be alone because sometimes that\’s the best.had already hit the third base and was working on getting the home run they needed. Quickly the opposite team grabbed the ball and threw it to third, Collin threw himself to slide into home base, just in time before the ball was thrown to home base

They had won the game and made it on the finals. Natalia couldn’t believe it, but when she looked at Collins’s face, as the team collapsed around him, she could tell that this was something that he was waiting to happen. He was only a sophomore, but he was the first to take the school to the finals.

After they won, Natalia went to the team and started to interview the captain of the team, Jerry, Collin’s older brother. As she was taking some notes down, she noticed from the corner of her eye, Collin was watching her.

The next school day, they managed to print out the paper early that morning and lots of people were paying to read the main article, her article. Natalia was smiling as she handed out the papers.

“I can’t believe you managed to pull this off!” Joyce said as she handed out another paper, Natalia smiled at her best friend.

“I know, but the best part was, I think I have a crush on Collin,” Natalia whispered as Joyce giggled, but then turned back to the front of the stand were Collin was standing right there.

“Speaking of crushes, I’m going to go out back and get more copies.” Joyce winked to Natalia as she didn’t want her to leave her by herself with her crush.

Collin smiled as Natalia felt her cheeks get warmed, she had never had a crush before. “Natalia, isn’t it?” Collin asked as she nodded.

Joyce came back with the extra copies of the paper as Natalia handed one of them to Collin, as she returned the smile. “I’ll see you around,” Collin said, as he started heading down the hall.

“Wait till he reads the article, he’ll be head over heels in love with you,” Joyce smirked as Natalia covered her eyes.

Later that day as Natalia was leaving her newspaper club meeting, she was shocked to find Collin waiting outside the room for her. She slowly walked by him, gripping her books tightly around her chest.

She feared the worse, thinking that he might have not liked the article and wanted to confront her about what she wrote. “Natalia, wait a second,” Collin said, catching up next to her.

Natalia turned to face him as he looked like he was about to speak, but she stopped him from doing so. “I’m sorry if you didn’t like the article that I wrote. Did I say something wrong? Or was I wasn’t supposed to put your nickname that your teammates call you. I’m really sorry, I can go back and see about getting it change-,”

Collin had put a finger on her lips to shush her. “Nothing is wrong with your article. I loved it.”

Natalia’s face started to warm up, she was so thankful that he didn’t like the article, but what else did he want with her? “T-Thank you.” She managed to speak after his finger away.

“No problem. Finals are next weekend, are you going?” He asked as she nodded. “Alright, how about if we win again, I get to take you out on a date?”

You can probably guess what happened next, Collin won the game and Natalia went on her first date with him. After that, they started dating and stayed together after high school. Natalia never thought that she would be alone, after 6 years together, he finally popped the question.

Never did she think that two weeks before the wedding was planned to happen, he would call it off. She was heartbroken, but he wanted to focus on his career, while she wanted to start a family. Not to mention, she had found out that there was someone else he wanted to be with instead, too.

When that was all said and done, she felt empty, didn’t understand why she wasn’t good enough for him or what she did wrong to make him not love her anymore, but it gave her a new meaning of life. A fresh start.

She always wanted to be a writer and decided to write about her relationship, changing the names and town, she wrote her heart out about it all. The first date, first kiss, first time together, and so much more.

After she had finished, she sent it to her publisher and once it was published, it became the next bestseller, it sold out more than Twilight and Hunger Games combined. She got her dream and after finishing the book, she came to understand and realized why he left her and that it’s always okay to be alone because sometimes that’s the best.

Writing Works

The Art of Love (Friday’s Short Stories)

Posted on January 18, 2020January 18, 2020 by Katie Night

The Art of Love

Hey Dearies! I know this one is a little late, but I wanted to make sure I took a little extra time on this one. It’s not exactly like the prompt, but I did add in a little twist of it.

Two dirt-poor art students survive by sharing a nasty little apartment above a bodega. They struggle through four years, barely making ends meet, comforting one another through tragedies and triumph, but never openly admit how they feel about each other…until they graduate, and one of them gets a job in another city. Is it too late to confess their love?

Living in New York City wasn’t easy, let alone being a paint. Jackie Brown wanted to see her name on every billboard, street store, and all over New York. Since she was 3, that was always her dream.

Her father was a famous painter himself, as so as her mother. Once they had her, Jackie’s mother felt that her child was holding her back from becoming famous and so let Jackie and her husband to New York.

Last time Jackie saw her mother, was 10 years ago. Now, she was 23, fresh from college and off to make her hobby into her dream, however, New York was expensive. Jackie’s father wanted to come with her, to make sure her dreams really did come true, but Jackie didn’t want her father to help her on that journey.

She wanted this one by herself.

After being in New York for a few days, she managed to find a place for her to stay in. Kenny Hunt was her only available option, especially with money being so tight, she didn’t want to be left on the streets.

Climbing up to the 3rd floor, onto an old book store, she knocked onto the door, with the faded ‘3C’ that sat on an old wooden door. After a minute or two, the door finally opened with Kenny behind it.

“Jackie, right?” He asked.

“Yes.” She nodded, giving him a soft smile as he opened the door more for her to come in. “Thank you again for this.”

She turned to face him, looking at his dirty blond hair and bright blue eyes. As she gazed into his eyes, he looked like he was hurt inside, like someone has ripped his heart out from his body and stuffed it in a trash can.

Kenny turned away, walking back to his canvas, ignoring her. As she looked around, she notices this was a very old room, it was a room that didn’t look like it was used for sleeping at all. The wide-open space had faded, cracked dark wooden floors. The paint used for the walls was faded and looked like there once were mirrors that inclosed the place.

As she turned to her left, there was a mini hall, looked like there were a few other rooms and hopefully a bathroom. Behind her was a stove, sink, and fridge that looked out of place from this room, but more than an old dance studio was out of place for any of this.

She didn’t see any mattresses or beds for her, in the opened space. Instead, the opened spaces were covered with canvases, paint, and brushes. It was like heaven to Jackie, making this choice the best one she had made for herself.

“Where can I put my stuff?” She asked, as his blue eyes looked up from the canvas.

“Down the hall to the right. Just don’t go into my room.” Kenny snapped as he went back to painting. Jackie was curious to know what he was painted but instead went to put her stuff away.

After being there for a few weeks, Jackie got herself comfortable, but Kenny seemed to rather ignore her. She had tried to work up the courage to place an empty canvas on one of the many empty easels, but hadn’t.

Brushstroke after brushstroke, she watched him from afar, not wanting her to see her eyes on him, she watched him move the brush back and forth like it was a dance he knew how to dance. Not to mention she couldn’t help but notice his arms had a few tattoos, but the one that caught her eye the most was the tree tattoo inside his left arm.

She wanted to ask him about it, it was the only one that she had noticed that was fairly new to his body, as the other tattoos he had were more faded. It took her a minute to realize that the tattoo was the tree from Lord of the Rings.

She got up and walked out of her room and slowly approached Kenny. He looked up for a second but turned away back to his piece. As she got closer, she noticed that his painting wasn’t of any object or item, that she thought it was, it was simply a mess of different colors of blacks and greys.

It was different from what her parents have painted before, but they were more into landscapes, such as mountains, hills, forests, and lakes. This was solid, but it spoke to her that something in his past had made him paint this way.

“What?” Kenny snapped, jumping Jackie, as she was zoned into his piece, rather than him.

“I-I was wondering if could use that spare easel?” She spoke nervously, she wanted to ask about his tree tattoo, but she had forgotten it, getting lost in his eyes.

Kenny changed his emotion, looked rather more confused like he didn’t think she would ask something from him so bold. “You paint too?” He asked as she nodded.

“I do, my parents do, too.” She said as he looked at her.

“Go for it.” He said, going back to his easel. Jackie was so enlightened that she ran to grab her supplies and set them up next to the easel.

Over the next couple of months, the started to bond over their love of painting and art. As much as they wanted to spend all of their time painting, Kenny had a part-time job down at the book store and Jackie had just gotten a job as a florist, that was also down the street.

Jackie had just finished her latest creation, it was of a couple, standing in the middle of the rain, sharing a deep kiss, with the background having rainfall underneath them all, not giving a care in the world as to what would happen.

It reminded her of her last love, that were that couple she painted. He had her heart, but she didn’t want it. She had gotten pregnant, but ended up losing the baby, which changed their relationship although. He wanted to settle down and build a giant family, as Jackie just wanted to paint and when she was ready, start a family.

That was their last kiss goodbye. They didn’t want to hold each other back and wanted to have one last kiss before they moved onto different lifestyles. Hence, why she wanted to leave New York.

Kenny came over, as she signed off of her painting. “Incredible, really.” He touched her shoulder as she watched him look into every detail she put into the painting. “What are going to call it?”

Jackie took a minute to think about it, coming up with the titles of her paintings was harder than it was for her parents. “Not sure yet.” Still admiring her work.

She glanced at Kenny’s easel, he had just a blank canvas, naked, as Jackie liked to call it. Ever since she started to paint in the same room as him, his painting has changed from dark and depression, to more artistic and creative, making them more appealing to the eye.

Her heart fluttered each time he would come up to her and watched her paint, as she would do the same. She had tried to open him and get him to talk to her, but he was a locked door, not letting anyone in.

That all changed. Jackie was working at her job when she got a phone call from the office from her mother. She wanted to let her know she was dying from cancer. That was the real reason why she left in the first place, she didn’t want Jackie to see her.

Jackie’s heart dropped as she got off the phone, it all made sense, she wondered why her father was always upset and depressed, but she thought it was because her mother had left, choosing her work over the family when really she was getting treatment for her breast cancer.

After work, when she got home, she didn’t say anything to Kenny, as he watched as she sadly went into her bedroom. She wasn’t in the mood to talk, didn’t even feel like painting, which was a first for her because she had always loved to paint.

“Jackie?” Kenny called out, but there was no reply from her, he didn’t want to intrude. It made him worry about her. Her happy self was what was keeping him inspired to paint masterpieces ever since his little sister had passed away.

Instead of answering Kenny, she curled herself up in a ball on her mattress and started to cry. There was nothing she could do, but felt like she needed to do something. She wanted to go to her happy place, but painting sounded so foreign to her.

She felt Kenny’s eyes on her like he was drilling a laser into her head. As much as she wanted Kenny’s attention, there was something more that she wanted. A distraction.

Siting up from her bed, she looked over at Kenny, as he sat on the bed beside her, gazing at his blue eyes, but her eyes wandered to his lips. “Is everything okay?” He asked, but instead of answering him, she leaned into his faces and pressed her lips against his.

Kenny froze for a second, not realizing that her lips were upon his, he didn’t know how to react, but before he could embrace the kiss, she had pulled away. Kenny’s mind was questioning if he should kiss her back or leave the room awkwardly.

Jackie looked back at him, waiting for his response, but his face looked confused. Did she kiss him wrong? She thought, but maybe it was too sudden for him, she thought again.

Until he caught her off guard and very slowly placed his lips together with hers.

She was lost into the moment, embracing Kenny’s warmth that she so craved, however, instead of taking their clothes off to get further lost into each other’s arms, they both laid down on her bed, and had him embrace her, snuggling up close together and making her feel something that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Safe.

As he brushed a strand of hair from her face, she finally spoke, telling him about her mother and her condiction.

“Go to her, you should spend your last moments together,” Kenny spoke, as much as it killed him to see her go, not knowing how long she would be gone for or if she would ever come back, he didn’t want to miss out on those final moments that he did with his sister.

“I can’t, I don’t have the money,” Jackie said as he understood her situation, he was in the same boat, being an inspiring artist wasn’t easy. He had been doing odd jobs, just to save up for an apartment, but it was never enough.

The next morning, Jackie was left alone in her bed, Kenny had stayed with her all night long, just to make sure she was okay, but he wasn’t next to her. She got up and started getting ready for the day, when she saw a note on the fridge, with enough money to get her to see her mother and possibly come back.

‘Don’t miss another moment away from your mother. You’ll regret it in the end.’ – Kenny

She smiled, as he was right. Quickly, she packed a few things and took the train to the other side of town, trying to make sure she was able to get to the hospital in time. Once she arrived, she was greeted by her father.

He hugged her tightly in his arms. “I missed you, buttercup.” He said, calling her by her childhood nickname. He started calling her that when she picked out some flowers from their garden and they happened to be buttercups.

Jackie didn’t want to let go from her father’s embrace, but slowly turned to look into the small hospital room, she could see her mother, looking pain and cold.

Her eyes started to water as he came closer to her mother’s bed, she was still alive but looked like she was barely holding on. “Mommy?” She spoke, making her mother awake and open her eyes to see her daughter.

Jackie came closer to her mother and hugged her tightly as she could, she was so weak, but was glad her daughter was sitting next to her. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Her mother spoke, as she held onto Jackie’s hand.

“Don’t worry about it, what matters is that I’m here for you,” Jackie said, kissing her mother’s hand and wiping her tears.

Jackie shared everything that was going on in her life, now. She even talked about Kenny, to her surprise, her mother said that he would be perfect for her. They played a few games, up until her mother was too weak to do so.

She died 2 months later after their last game of Uno. The last thing Jackie told her was to never give on chasing your dreams. Jackie knew she would never forget, but it made her think about Kenny. He was her new dream now, she needed to share her life with someone and he was perfect for her.

After the funeral, she said her last goodbyes to her father and headed back on the train, even though her mother had passed, she was wanting to get back to Kenny and to tell him how she felt about him.

Going up to their apartment, she was worried that he wouldn’t want to talk to her, after taking the money he gave to her to see her dying mother, but maybe he would. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, watching Kenny stand in the middle of the studio, painting, he almost dropped his paintbrush when he saw her.

Jackie dropped her bag, and ran to him, embracing into his arms, not caring if he was covered in paint or not. She looked into his eyes and the waterworks just came down. He understood her pain as to lose something, but kept her in his arms.

“I missed you so much, Jackie. You have no idea.” He said, looking into Jackies eyes, wiping away the tears from her face, as he turned to face her to all the work he had done when she was gone. It was all pictures of her.

One of them was when she was puzzled on painting and ended up getting paint on her face. Another was of her dancing. The more she kept looking at the paintings, she realized that he returned the feelings for her, but there was one painting that caught her eye.

It was a painting of them, laying on her bed together, after their first kiss and how she told him about her mother. She didn’t know how he did it, but it was perfect. “I love this one,” Jackie said as Kenny came closer.

“Not as much as I love you,” Kenny spoke as Jackie stared at him in amazement. “I understand if you don’t return the feelings, but I do love you and I just needed to tell you.”

Jackie then pressed her lips against his, embracing his presence and telling him that she accepted his feelings for her. She pulled away, leaning their foreheads together as she smiled. “I love you too.”

Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update – December 2019 (Finished)

Posted on January 3, 2020January 3, 2020 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I am finally finished with our 2019 temperature blanket! The reason it has taken me a few days to post, because I did have a gap where some more squares could’ve gone, so I crocheted some white ones to fill in the blanket.

The only thing I want to do next adds a simple single crochet border and crochet the numbers to make 2019 and add them to the blanket as well! However, I will try my best to post the update of the blanket on my Facebook Page and Instagram, so make sure you are following me on there to check it out!

December came and went as soon as it did! Lower temperature, lead to more blues and purples when it came to squares. I’m just so grateful that this project is now done and finished!

Makine a temperature blanket isn’t as easy, as I thought it was going to be, but I managed to create one! As this being my first blanket to ever work on, I’m really proud how it came out!

Here is the list of colors I used for the blanket:

20181222_124142 — 100 degrees – Fire Red (I Love This Yarn)
90 degrees – Pumpkin (Red Heart Super Saver)
80 degrees – Bright Yellow (Red Heart Super Saver)
70 degrees – Jelly Bean (I Love This Yarn)
60 degrees – Green (Main Stays Basic Yarn)
50 degrees – Turqia (Red Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – ~~Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)~~ *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
20 degrees – ~~Orchid (I Love This Yarn)~~ *Changed to the following – Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)
10 and below – Light Gray (I Love This Yarn)

How do you tell which color to use?

I, personally, go with the overall temperature. So, let’s go by today, for example:

Today in Maine, the overall temperature is 17 degrees. I would choose the light gray.

Let’s say that it was an overall temperature of 22 degrees, I would choose the Orchid color. All my temperatures, for my colored yarn, has to have the same number first number. If that makes any sense, I’m sorry if it doesn’t!

What was the highest temperature for this month?

Sadly, we didn’t get a 60-degree days, but have had quite of bit of 50 degree days, which isn’t bad, but I prefer my 60 degree days any day!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We did hit below 10 degrees, which isn’t fun, but now, I’ll be able to snuggle in this blanket to keep me nice and warm.

Do you post daily updates?

Yes, I do. On my Facebook page, I post a picture of the square for each day. I also tried to post every week’s worth, but it was hard to keep track of, so I’ll be posting monthly and daily instead.

If you haven’t liked my Facebook Page, here is the link below! It keeps you posted and updated on my temperature blanket and any updates for my blog and YouTube channel, as well!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/?ref=bookmarks

Thank you all for watching how this blanket turned out to be! I’m so glad that it’s finally done and the amount of support and motivation that I had was so helpful, so thank you to all that have watched this blanket go from just a few squares to a giant masterpiece!

Here is a slideshow of the progress of the blanket from month to month:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Note: The month of February, I forgot to take a photo of, but other than that they are all there!

Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Fear Of Losing All Your Adult Teeth

Posted on December 5, 2019December 5, 2019 by Katie Night

Okay, so this is something that really isn’t talked about, but I figured I would brush on it because it has always been a fear of losing an adult tooth. The real why I’m talking about it is because I’m not the only one who fears of losing their teeth.

When you are little, losing teeth was exciting because we would always get a visit from the tooth fairy that took our teeth and replaced us with money, but when you become an adult, losing an adult tooth can cause more anxiety, fear, and panic, especially if you don’t have any control over it.

The real reason why I’m bringing this topic up because a few months ago, I was, still am, freaking out over my teeth. One of my top front teeth was loose, just a little bit, but any adult tooth that moves, to me, it’s gonna fall out. I when to the dentist and they told me to take it easy and not bite into anything hard.

To me, my mind was racing everywhere, my anxiety was making me think that I was gonna lose it, I’m gonna have to get an implant or worse, they’ll pull all my teeth out and I’ll have to get dentures. Not to mention, the big key factor, it’s gonna cost money that I don’t have for it.

You are probably laughing about it, but you don’t understand, this is how my anxiety is.

With that being said, I started to do what you shouldn’t do when your anxiety is as bad as mine is. Google.

I was searching for everything from bad gum disease to implants to getting dentures. Not to mention, I started watching videos about everyday people who have had dentures since they were young.

It was bad, I couldn’t sleep a few nights because of my research.

Anyway, let’s get back to what happened when I felt that my tooth was moving. I was flossing and sometimes, my gums bleed if I floss too hard, not to mention that I haven’t been to the dentist in almost 2 years because I couldn’t afford it. So, I freaked out.

I tried to have breakfast and couldn’t finish it because I thought I felt my top tooth move, so I called my dentist and they scheduled me to come in right away. So, I went in and they took a look at the tooth and did confirm that I wasn’t nuts and it was moving slightly, keyword slightly.

Not to mention, I’m 22 and I STILL have my wisdom teeth in, they told me I needed to go get those pulled. They don’t bother me, but up until now, they are starting to push my teeth together, not to mention if I’m getting one pulled, you might as well get them all pulled.

With that being said, I’ve been brushing, flossing, and mouth rising like it is a religion because I’m afraid to have dentures.

But why are we so afraid to get dentures? Well, because we think it’s for old people, which you aren’t wrong, but there are young people who have them as well. The youngest person to ever wear dentures is 3 years old.

That’s crazy, but depending on what their genetics are, it can force you to be without your teeth. If you go on Youtube, you’ll find lots of people, young and old people, who had dentures and how they are trying to make it so it isn’t just for ‘older’ folks.

Some of them even have dental implants, which can cost a fortune, just to get them. Hearing their stories and what they struggled with losing their teeth, especially at a young age, makes me inspired. Not to mention, it won’t make me feel alone because there are people at my age that have fake teeth.

It’s something no one should be ashamed about, but instead, embrace it.

Especially since I’ve had 2 children and pregnancy can do a HUGE number onto your teeth. So, if it happens to me, it happens. Seeing those videos and reading about these people that have dentures or fake teeth, relaxes me in a way and it lets you know that you aren’t alone.

Do you have fears that your teeth are going to fall out? Leave a comment down below, I would love to know that I’m not the only one that has a fear about it.

Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Travel Bag (Easy)

Posted on August 20, 2019August 20, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Back with another super cute pattern! This is a market back that I had a blast making! Plus it was super simple to make as well. I ended up making this for my nieces 5th birthday and she loved it!

I would say that this bag a normal size for a bag, it’s not huge, but it’s big enough to fit what you would normally put in your purse. Well, for me, but you can use it for anything!

This pattern is going to be split into 3 parts. The base, handle, and gussett (which is a long part than connects both of the bases, I will explain more as we get there to hopefully make a little more sense).

Let’s begin talking about what you will need for this project:

Medium Yarn
- Make sure you have 2 skiens of the colors you want to use. You will be working with 2 strains of yarn with this project.
- I used Red Heart in white and orchard. You don’t have to change colors unless you want to, but I did just to see how it would look like.
- 5.0 mm hook
- Sewing needle
- Stitch markers

Base and Handle (Make 2 of these)

Grab 2 strains of yarn, of your choice, chain 37.

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (36)

Row 2: Chain 1. single crochet across. (36)

Rows 3-12: Repeat row 2. Once row 12 is done, you can change into another 2 strains of color. I dropped the white by cutting it and crocheting over it. I just grabbed the other end of the yarn I was working on to replace my white.

Note: You don’t have to switch colors, but I did.

Row 13: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), skip the first stitch, double crochet in the next stitch and in each st across. Turn. (36)

Rows 14-19: Repeat row 13. Once at row 13, go back to using the 2 main colors that you were working with before. (You don’t have to do this unless you want to!)

Rows 20-27: Repeat row 2. Turn.

Now, we are going to be working on the handle part, we are NOT fasting off, not yet, but I just wanted to make sure before you start to fasten off.

Row 28: Chain 1, single crochet in the next 6 stitches. Chain 50. Single crochet the last 6 stitches.

Row 29: Chain 1. Single crochet in the 6 stitches. Work a single crochet in each of the chains. Single crochet in the last 6 stitches. Fasten off and sew in any loose ends.

Once you have made two of the bases with handles, lets start on the gussett, or the part we are going to use to connect it all together!

Gussett (Make only 1 of these)

Working with 2 strains, again.

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Single crochet across. Turn. (5)

Row 2: Chain 1. Single crochet across. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until it measures out to be about 30in. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends. Fold the gussett, from front to back, at the folded part, place a stitch marker on the row that is in the middle fold.

Assembly:

There are two ways to do this:

Single crochet around the long sides of the gussett and single crochet around the 3 sides of the bases. Sewing them together.
Single crocheting all the pieces together, using 2 strands.

Whichever way you want to do it, is fine. I found that the first one made it a little bit easier for me to connect them, but I also wanted that nice thick border it has.

When you connect them, the short side of the gussett is the closest to the handles.

If you are single crocheting around, to connect them, make sure that when you get to the corner, you single crochet 3 times.

There you have it! I’ve been one of those people that just love the crochet bag idea and I had to share this on with you all! A very simple pattern, but it can be tricky to assemble!

Make sure you follow my Facebook page for updates on my blog and more extra fun stuff! I do lots of giveaways!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/?ref=bookmarks

Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: June

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Another month as went and gone, but we officially in the summer months for sure! I’ve already had to re-stock on the 70 degrees weather since I really didn’t plan this too well, but it was something that was completely new to try out.

Lately, it has been either raining or just too hot to do anything. For us crocheter’s or ‘hookers’, we would rather be inside in the cool AC, working on our projects, especially if you are working on blankets.

Although I will admit, I did go outside a few times with my hook and crocheted outside, but once the sun starts to move around, you just want to find another place with shade. Not to mention the bugs are crazy this year!

Now, let’s take a look at what we have so far:

January, February, March, April, May, and June

As this blanket is getting bigger, it’s been harder to take pictures of it, not to mention each of my squares is bigger than a normal temperature blanket would be.

Oh, and don’t mind the toys that are scattered around the blanket, I was taking this photo, just after my daughter woke up from her nap. I had to rush a little bit, just to make sure that I got the entire blanket in the frame.

Not to mention, my daughter wanted to have fun on the blanket itself!

How do you tell which color to use?

I, personally, go with the overall temperature. So, let’s go by today, for example:

Today in Maine, the overall temperature is 17 degrees. I would choose the light gray.

What was the highest temperature for this month?

Yes, we have hit the high 80’s, which means it won’t be much longer until we start to see some higher temperatures. For the most part, it’s been in the ’70s, but as we start to get into July, the temperature is sure to crank up.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We only had maybe a day or two that was just in the ’60s, which is just the way I like it. As we get more into July, we may not see another 60-degree day for a little bit, but hopefully, it will and give us a chance to cool down.

Do you post daily updates?

If you haven’t liked my Facebook Page, here is the link below! It keeps you posted and updated on my temperature blanket and any updates for my blog and YouTube channel, as well!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/?ref=bookmarks

Arts and Crafts, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Hooks, What Should I Get? (For Beginners)

Posted on April 23, 2019July 3, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Since I am working on a few projects, I figured I would talk to you about the many crochet hooks that you can come to choose from. Especially if you are a beginner, knowing what hooks to get can is very important!

As a beginner myself, I jumped right into buying a set of crochet hooks from Wish and went from there. However, since I got lucky and only paid 3 bucks for a mini set, I wish I would’ve known there was more than just one type of hooks.

Each type of hooks can have a different feel or how they are in general, but before we get into how they feel, let’s talk about the different kinds of hooks you can get:

Aluminum Hooks
Plastic Hooks
Steel Hooks
Wooden/Bamboo Hooks
Japanese Hooks

I’m going to break each of these down just so you can get a picture of how they are like and if they are for you. The only ones that I don’t have in my possession, are the Japanese Hooks, but I will still explain and have a photo of them just so you know what they look like.

Also, I am going to put a chart of the different sizes of hooks you can get and how they are labeled, as well.

As you can see, there are 3 different types of labels for these hooks. USA, English, and Metric. The easiest one to go by is Metric, I found that it was easier to find hook sizes by using their actually metric size.

To me, using letters to determine which size hook, has been confusing and usually if a pattern says a hook size as a letter, I always end up looking up in my crochet books or search in Google, to get the metric size. Hence why my patterns, don’t have the hooks in letter sizes.

If you are a beginner, Metric is the way to go, but you can determine which one you feel most comfortable following. If you are wondering how small these hooks can be, they can get pretty small or really huge.

Now, let’s get down to talking about the actual hooks themselves.

Aluminum Hooks

There are one of the most common hooks you can get. I prefer them/use them, for almost every project! These hooks were one of the first ones that I bought to get into crocheting. They can come in all different colors and can go as little as 0.60!

However, for the little hook sizes, you have to be VERY careful. I actually have a few of the tiny ones and let me tell you, they can bend very easily. I haven’t even used them once, but they bent trying to get them out of the packaging!

Lucky, I haven’t reached a project where I’m required to use them, yet.

Another thing to look out for is that they can’t get wet! When I mean by that is if you have sweaty palms or hands, they can tend to be more difficult to work. First time I used them, I was so excited and nervous that it made it difficult to want to work with them.

Although, you can get grips or even use tape to place around the handle of the hook, making it easier to grip and easier to handle your work better!

Overall, they are perfect for beginners! Plus, I love the different colors you can get them in. My family usually get me crocheting books, and some of them come with these hooks, so I have already started a collection with my metal hooks!

Plastic Hooks

These next hooks are another fun-coloring type of crochet hook. Now, I want to let you all know that I haven’t had the pleasure to work with a plastic hook in a ‘normal’ size, meaning the only sizes I have are an 8.0-11.5.

Have I worked with them? Yes, I actually used one of them to make a basket for my mini balls of yarn. I do plan on getting myself a plastic set, just so I can have them for an option, which a lot of crocheters tend to so that.

These hooks work pretty well, I don’t have any complains, although I have seen and heard from a few people, that they are very easy to break, which I figured they would because they are made up of plastic.

However, I haven’t had one break on me, ‘knock on wood’, but I can see the smaller ones breaking a lot quicker than the bigger ones.

Overall, I see more people use the bigger plastic hooks more than I do the smaller ones.

Steel Hooks

I know you are probably thinking, ‘What’s the difference between these and the aluminum ones?’. Well, there are a few differences, but let me explain why.

These hooks have a built-in handle, which is perfect for if you have sweaty hands, as I do from time to time. Not only that, having a handle makes it easier for you to grip the hook better, but it makes it easier to control smaller hooks.

Yes, they do make them in smaller hooks. I actually bought myself a set, that also came with a storage bag, because I was looking for something to help me better grip my smaller hooks, especially, since I crochet a lot of towel toppers.

Although, these are one of my ‘go to’s’, the only problem I have with them is the grips. Now, the set that I bought, had rubber grips, but they were starting to slide off and it made it bothers me when they do that. Especially, when you are crocheting.

If you do want to get yourself a set of these hooks, go for the ones that are built onto the hook itself. If you do end up getting a rubber set, take some hot glue or craft glue, and glue the inside of the rubber piece, and slide your hook back on.

Overall, they do have some very cute grip holders and they can come in multiple colors. These are definitely a must, especially, if you are a beginner!

Wooden/Bamboo Hooks

These hooks were the first thing that I really wanted, as soon as I got into crocheting! They were handmade and hand-carved, but I really just wanted them as an option and to grow my hook collection.

They are so smooth to the touch and have a point at the top of the hook, which makes going into stitches easier. The size of every hook is hand carved into the hook itself. These were so pretty I didn’t want to use them, but I did have some problems.

The ones I have, they felt weird to use, but when it comes to trying out different hooks, it can take a while to adjust, but it felt weird to use them. It’s not that I didn’t like them, I just the hook itself is very awkward.

I even put on a handle, which I didn’t want to do, but with the handle, it was a little easier.

The smallest size they go, in carving them with would, is a 3.0. Anything smaller is just a metal hook with a wooden grip, which I would like to note, the wooden grip is very strong and I haven’t had any problems with it.

Overall, I like to have a set, just to have it, but I have used them before. It does take some type to get used to, but you also need to be careful because since these are made up of wood/bamboo, they are very easy to break. Hence why they don’t go smaller with size!

Japanese Hooks

Now, as I said in the beginning, I’ve never tried these, so I can’t really give a good detailed explanation whether they are good or bad. I do see quite of bit of other crocheters that do use them.

What I have read, from my crocheting books, these hooks are perfect for people who have small hands and it helps with arthritis. From the looks of these hooks, they do look very comfortable.

Overall, you have to try them to get the feel from them. I do plan on getting a set in the near future.

In order to find out what hook works for you, try them all out! Of course, you don’t have to buy the entire set of them, you can always get just one of each and see how they are for you!

I like to have options, especially when crocheting. Have a set of each different hook can give me more options to choose from, no matter what size hook I need!

Leave a comment down below letting me know what kind of hook you prefer to use! I’d love to know!

Don’t forget to follow my Facebook page, I update my temperature blanket daily on there, go live crocheting, and even have free giveaways! Link is down below!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Books, Reviews

Book Review: A Sucky Love Story (Brittani Louise Taylor)

Posted on April 4, 2019April 4, 2019 by Katie Night

I am a big Youtube fan, I’ve been watching Youtube since I was 13. Always wanting to start a channel of my own and really be myself. There were two big names that I used to watch on the daily: Shane Dawson and Brittani Louise Taylor.

Ever since then, I’ve followed them both on social media, but we are going to talk about Brittani, first. The first video I watched of hers, was the mini two-part episode she did with Shane, ‘Emo Breakup.’

Here is the link, if you would like to see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st8-oYpI_FE

Brittani was one of those people who loved to show herself being herself, which is one of the reasons why I loved watching her videos. She gave me the inspiration to keep being myself. However, little did any of us followers knew, she had been going through something even more frightening. An abusive relationship.

Since she was going through a trial, she wasn’t allowed to say anything about what was going on in her situation, so her lawyer told her to write a book instead, which she did. Out came ‘A Sucky Love Story’.

I’m not going to go completely into details, but as a person who has been watching Youtube for a while, you never would’ve thought anything wrong would be happening in their lives.

Brittani was on Tinder, trying to find her ‘soul mate’, as she says in her book. She had a few failed attempts at Tinder, but was still hopeful, until she found Milos. At first, she didn’t like him, but over time, he changed everything about him to what Brittani was attractive too.

In the end, Brittani had gone through hell and back, figuring out that everything that he told her, was turning into a lie. At one point, multiple detectives and law enforcement officials said that the way Milos actions of him and his so-called ‘mother’, made them think to believe that they were going to try to human traffic her and their son.

Brittani wanted to tell her story so that anyone who does start or is currently trying out online dating, just to make sure you know the signs and that you are careful who you meet. She wanted to make sure that no one goes through the same thing she had to endure.

My Opinion of the Book:

I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep on reading, so that I could find out the real truth and what really happened to her. She does an amazing job and had notes from when everything happened. I ended up getting teary towards the end of the book, but it was amazingly written.

I would 100% recommend it, but I highly recommend it to those that are thinking or already started online dating. It’s good to keep in mind what can happen to you when you meet someone online and how cautious you need to be when it comes to that.

At the end of Brittani’s relationship with Milos, the best thing that came out it all was her son Rex, who is now happy with his mother and grandmother. Brittani is still doing Youtube videos, whenever she has a chance, but because of her relationship, she has to alter her and her son’s life.

If you are one of those people who says, “If he is abusing you, just leave,” it’s a lot hard said than done because that person can manipulate you to change your mind and try to work out things together.

If you are in an abusive relationship, talk to someone and try to make a plan, there are all kinds of people and place who are willing to help, even if you have children, they want to help you. Here is the list of links if you want to reach out for help:

If you want to check out Brittani’s channel and watch the videos she made when she was with Milos or what she is currently doing now:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BrittaniLouiseTaylor

If you want to get somewhat of a sneak peek to what really happens to Brittani, she did make a video with Shane Dawson explaining bits and pieces of what really happened to her, but in order to really find out what happened, you will need to read her book.

Link for Shane Dawson’s video with Brittani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNuKpwX6Tz4

Writing Works

The Black Widow’s Partner In Crime (Friday’s Short Stories)

Posted on January 11, 2019January 17, 2019 by Katie Night

*Just letting all of you know that I really don’t know where this idea came from. I started the beginning of this story when I was tipsy (thanks to the bud lite strawberrita’s I had the night before), and I ended up finishing this story the next morning. I’m sorry if this is a weird story, but hey, a weird story is an interesting story.*

By: Katie Night

Andrea sat at the bar, with a drink in hand. She had been siting at the bar for about 20 minutes, nothing had sparked her attention. Her last husband had been gone for about a month, before she started to crave for another man’s affection.

He had a heart attack and thought that he was the one for her. She thought that she was going to spend the rest of her life with him. Making memories, having children, and growing old together.

She just wanted someone to love her for her. She looked up at the bartender, as he poured her another shot. It burned in the back of her throat, but made it so she could hold back the tears she wan’t to let loose. She checked her phone, once more, looking at her flip phone that had a picture of her and her late husband.

Another 5 minutes had passed and she was getting tired of sitting, waiting for someone to approach her. It was like they knew she had lost her husband and that they were avoiding her like the plague. She struggled her shoulders and downed the rest of her drink, when she felt someone sit down next to her.

“Can I by you a drink?” The man wearing a business suit asked, as she looked at him in shock. She turned and looked around to see if he had might off meant to talk to someone else, but it was only them sitting at the bar.

She moved her hair behind her ear and smiled. “Sure.” He then turned to the bartender and he quickly made a drink.

“So, what is a beautiful lady like you doing in a bar alone?” He asked. She took a slip, waiting him to say more, but she was speak less. She didn’t think anyone would come and approached her tonight.

“It’s better than being home alone.” She responded. He moved his grey-black hair back and placed his hand on hers. She froze, not knowing what he would do.

“You are still alone, aren’t you?” He asked once more. She wondered if he was trying to hit on her, but she couldn’t tell. Although, he noticed that him asking questions about her, bothered her, he pulled his hand away. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be so demanding on questioning you.”

She shrugged her shoulders. She started to feel the alcohol hitting her, making her more relaxed and able to more flirty. “I was really waiting for you to ask me what my name was.” She smirked as his lips formed a small smile. “Andrea.”

She held her hand out as did he, shaking hands. “Kevin.” She felt something different about Kevin. She couldn’t tell what it was, but his aurora said something else. He had a dark soul, but with little room for love. She still wanted to know what was different about him that made him approach her?

The rest of the night, they talked. Nothing, but talked. She told him about her college days, as he told her about the late nights he was doing surgery. By the time they noticed what time it was, the bar was about to close up for the night. Kevin walked Andrea to her car and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Andrea heart had warmed up with excitement and passion. She didn’t want to stop seeing him again. Kevin was all she could think about. The only question she had for him was why her? There were a few other ladies at the bar, but he chose her. She tossed and turned all night long, over thinking about Kevin.

The next night, Kevin, met up with her at her house. They could resist themselves and had to have themselves, right on her kitchen table, the one that her and Jeff had picked out after they got married.

She was lost in the moment, forgot about that table, her late husband, and everything else. The only thing she could think of was how much thrill she was having. making love to a stranger on her husband’s table. The look in Kevin’s eyes during the act of affection. It burned in her mind.

Once they were done, a small idea popped in her head. She gave Kevin a smirk, but he had no idea what she was thinking, or so she thought. Kevin picked up her clothes and threw them at her.

“Don’t even think about playing me, sweetheart.” He spoke and Andrea’s eye’s widened. How could he know what she was thinking? She threw her dress over her head, forgetting about her undergarments.

“How did you-” She tired to speak, but he interrupted her.

“I can read your thoughts and I know what you were thinking.” Kevin spoke as he slowly walked towards her. The only thing she noticed, was his eyes, even though, he was half-naked in front of her, his eyes scared her the most. “I love how your mind thinks, Andrea. I bet if we stick together, we can do exactly what you are thinking, to a couple of rich suckers.”

After that night, Andrea and Kevin worked hand in hand, roping in rich idiots that married Andrea, but they wouldn’t last a week in that house. Kevin grew angry whenever anyone else touched Andrea and would kill the new husband, before the end of the week.

The would make love to each other, with the money that the late husband had left for her the night before. No one noticed what was going on. Kevin would admit the late husbands in for surgery, but they would never make it.

Andrea loved to do it for the thrills. She loved the fact that another man touched her, Kevin would rip him apart. She wanted some to want her so bad, that he would kill any man that touched. her.

Once another one of her husbands had passed, she tried to wait as long as she could, but her cravings for affection always came back. She would go out to wealthy bars, sit and wait, until another sucker wanted to give her the world. She would play off sweet and simple, before getting them so drunk, she would mention to get married.

Those late husbands of Andrea, would fall so hard for her, they always said yes and then married her that same night. Once they would come home for their ‘honeymoon’, Kevin would be waiting.

Andrea and Kevin thought that this was something they would keep on doing forever until, people started to notice the pattern, they were leaving behind. The head of the police department, Steve Jones, had started to look into the case. He watched, from his car for weeks, as multiple men would enter that house alive, but would leave in a body bag.

There was only one man that came and go as he pleased. The head of the surgery department Kevin Rosevelt. He was one of the very known surgeons in the department, that even received an award for donating money to big charity events. It puzzled Jones’ to why he was doing this or what he was getting out of this?

“Dr. Rosevelt, good to see you again.” Jones said as he approached Kevin in the hospital, after the last husband of Andrea Whites’ had died. They shook hands and Kevin gave him a smile.

“You too, Steve. What brings you here?” Kevin asked as he was questionable about the reasoning to why he was here. He figured it was for another award or another patient was a officer.

They both sat down as Jones’ laid them down a few files on his desk. “I wanted to ask you a few questions on these missing men. Some of them you operated on and I just wanted to know how those surgeries went.”

Kevin looked through the files, there were about 6 different men in each of the files, 4 of them, he operated on. He stayed calm, as he had a feeling Jones’ was onto him.

“I only operated on 4 of these men, Jones’, why are these two in the same pile? I’ve never had them for patients either.” Kevin said, giving the files back to Jones’, hoping Jones’ would by them and move on.

“Do you have any relations with Mrs. Andrea White?” Jones asked. Kevin stood puzzled to him, wondering how he knew.

“She is one of my friends. Why are you questioning me about her?” Jones knew right away that if he told Kevin about the investigation, they would either flee the town or kill him.

“We are just asking because she has gotten married to these men and they happened to all of died within the week of them getting married. You operated on 4 of them and called time of death on the other 2. We just making sure that they have been dying of natural causes and not being murdered.” Jones explained. He didn’t wished he didn’t give so much information to him, but he hoped that maybe, he would confess or prove that he didn’t kill these women.

Kevin threw a hand in his face and then took the filed back. Looking through each of them again. He pulled the first man, Lance Drotter, he was a wealthy business man, but he only lasted three days when he was with Andrea.

“Mr. Lance Drotter, he came in, not breathing, we tried to bring him back, but nothing worked, so we called time of death at 15:23. Further look into his death, he had a stroke. Mrs. White had no idea of his medical history until she brought him to the hospital.”

Kevin threw that file down in front of Jones’, as his pager was going off. ” I wish I could go into detail even more, but I have to head down to the ER, so I’ll make it quick with the other cases.” He spoke. “Carl Jenson, alcohol poisoning. Gregory John, blood clot stopped his heart. Mattew Carter, came in unresponsive due to suicide attempt. Donald Heath, liver failure. Last but not least, Parker Adams, brain dead on the table. Happy now?”

Kevin rushed out of his office and Jones’ sensed that talking about these men upset him. Not only did he have the ER to worry about, but something about these deaths, Jones’ could tell it bothered him very much.

Jones’ wondered if he would get Andrea to talk some more, since Kevin didn’t give out too much information. He left the hospital, with the files of the dead 6 men. He figured he would look back into the files to see if he missed any more information.

Kevin knew Jones’ was onto him, he quickly got out of his office and went to one of the empty on call rooms. He dialed Andrea’s number, as quick as he could. “When do you want me at the hospital?” Andrea answered with, he would usually call her for her to spend some time with him in the on call room.

“Get out of the house with your stuff, the cops are on to us.” Kevin snapped as Andrea stayed silent. “We need to get out of here as soon as we can because Jones’ is going to be headed to your house now.”

“I already have the bag packed. You want me to take the SUV?” She replied as that car wouldn’t be detected by the cops right away.

“Yes, then go to the bank, take everything out of the accounts. I’ll meet you at the bank and we will leave.” Kevin said as he feared that she wouldn’t be able to take everything out of the bank right off.

“I’ll come and get you first. If I go to the bank first, they will figured it out. We need to go to the bank in the next town over.” Andrea paused for a second. “I’ll be there in 5 minutes. I’m going to throw my phone in the lake on the way to get you. I love you.”

They bother hung up and Kevin rushed to grab other stuff from his desk.

Andrea quickly got into the SUV and then opened the garage, there was Jones, waiting for her. He wouldn’t move, so she ran him over. After, that she just kept driving, hoping that no one noticed she did a hit an run. Once she reached to the hospital, Kevin quickly jumped into the car and planted a kiss on her lips.

“Go, I just got a call from the hospital that they are doing a locked down.” Kevin said as Andrea stepped on the gas. The drove and drove for hours, Andrea felt that nothing could stop them, once they left town and reached the other bank.

They quickly went in and out of the bank, cashing out their accounts and cards, making it so the cops couldn’t trace their whereabouts. Kevin took over driving. They kept driving and driving, as they heard the sirens on their tail. Andrea never felt so much thrill in her entire life.

She was wanted. So, wasn’t Kevin. She was called the ‘Black Widow’. Kevin and her stayed low, but when they arrived in a new town, the craving for a wealthy man passed her mind and she couldn’t help herself.

She would sit at the bar, and waited patiently for their next victim.

Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Mug/Coffee Cup Cozy w/ a Pocket (Easy)

Posted on January 8, 2019July 3, 2019 by Katie Night

Good morning dearies! Today is it snowing, in Maine, and I wanted to tell you about a pattern that I have found, on Pinterest, the other day, that is actually perfect for today, because of the cold weather we got going on.

As you all know, if you don’t already like my Facebook page, I show two different patterns and which ever one wins, I go live, showing you how to make them! This week, it was the coin purse vs. the mug cozy. So, I guess you can already think what won, by the title of this blog post!

Here is the link for the pattern itself:

https://www.thestitchinmommy.com/2014/09/give-sugar-coffee-cozy.html

I want to shout out to the Stitchin Mommy for making this pattern available for us today! I’ll be making her pattern later tonight on my Facebook Page, when I go live!

You all know that I just love making mug cozies, they are perfect for the cold or chilly weather and they prevent you from burning your hand, when you are craving that hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot coco.

This pattern just showed up, out of no where, but I’m glad it did! I have always wonder if someone had came up with pockets for their mug cozy. This pattern is simple and very easy to make, perfect for holiday gifts, but since the holidays are over, I will be making one of these for myself, or for someone in the family.

Best part of this pattern, is that you get to try out different colors, or mix and match the colors for the pocket and the mug base.

The only downfall of this pattern, is that it isn’t for all mug types. This ‘mug cozy’ is technology a ‘coffee cup cozy’. So, chances are, this won’t find on your favorite coffee mug at home.

HOWEVER! I have came up with another pattern idea, that is based off a simple mug cozy, and all I did was add the pocket on the side! Which is what this pattern is really for.

If you just started to follow me, I made a mug cozy pattern way back when I first started to blog (which wasn’t that long ago). I will be basing it off of that pattern, but making it bigger and adding a pocket.

Things you will need:

Medium Size Yarn
- If you want to feel creative, like myself, grab another color and mix it up!
- I’m using the I Love This Yarn brand for this project.
4.5 mm hook
A button
Yarn needle
- As always! Got to make sure to sew in your loose ends!

Mug Cozy Base

Chain 10.

Row 1: Find the second chain from your hook (Not counting the chain that is already on your hook). Make a single crochet and a double crochet, in that same chain.

Skip the next chain and in the next chain, make a single crochet and a double crochet. Repeat til you reach the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2: Skip the next stitch. Make a single crochet and a double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

Repeat Row 2, until you reach about 8 inches. If you wish to make it longer, you make do so. Also, keep in mind that the next step, we are making the buttonhole.

I would measure your mug first, and debating on adding more or less rows. Not all mugs are the same! You also don’t want your mug cozy to be too loose, otherwise it will fall off, and you don’t want it too tight either!

Don’t be afraid to ‘frog it’. Rippit, rippit!

Buttonhole

Next Row: In the first two stitches, single crochet together (sc2tog). Single crochet across, until you reach the last two stitches, single crochet together (sc2tog) in those last two stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Next Row: Half double crochet into each stitch, making sure that you still have 8 stitches. Keep going for another 2 inches, starting where you started your half double crochets. (This is for bases that have the 8 inches crocheted. If you made it bigger, see the * for more info.)

*Depending on how long you made your mug cozy base, measure it, if your mug cozy base is over lapping itself, then you don’t need to keep crochet for another two inches. These will vary for different mugs. Make sure to measure it around your cup, before crocheting!*

Next Row: Now, we are going to make the actual buttonhole. If you haven’t chained one from the last step, do so now and turn your work.

In the first 2 stitches, make a single crochet together (sc2tog). In the next stitch, make a half double crochet. In the next stitch, make a double crochet and a treble crochet, in that same stitch. Chain 3. In the next stitch, make a treble crochet and a double crochet, in that same stitch. In the next stitch, make a half double crochet. In the last 2 stitches, single crochet together (sc2tog).

You can fasten off, or single crochet all around the mug cozy. This is something you don’t have to do, but if you are like me and like stuff to look neat and even, this is something you would want to do!

Making the pocket:

Using the same size hook, that you used for the base of the mug cozy, we are now going to make the pocket.

Chain 11

Row 1: Find the second chain from the hook and single crochet across. You should have 10 stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2 – 12: Repeat row 1. Or until it has reached the length you would like. Make sure to leave a long tail, as you will use this to sew it onto the mug cozy itself.

Weave in any ends.

Sew on your button and you are done!

I will be posting a video on how to make this mug cozy with pocket on my YouTube channel. I’ll add the video on here, once it is posted.

If you want to see me go live, on making the coffee mug with pocket, make sure you like my Facebook page and keep an eye out on my weekly polls, where you guys get to choose between two items and pick which one you want to see me make live!

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