Valerie Nicola

Learning to Knit

valerienicola — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:26:30 +0000

I have been wanting to learn to knit for so long. I’m so comfortable with crochet that I kept putting it off.

When my sister asked me to make her some hats, she sent me a picture of one style she liked. I told her, “This is knit, I can only crochet, send me another picture.” The next two pictures she sent were also of knit hats. I decided, this is going to be easier to learn how to knit. So I taught myself to knit… With online tutorials from knittinghelp.com of course. They were so easy to follow along, and I got the hang of it very quickly. After learning the basics, I decided to try making my first project, a cabled hat! It turned out pretty good. Come see the finished project on my projects page at Ravelry!

Beaded Lanyards

valerienicola — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:33:06 +0000

I started working as a receptionist about 2 years ago. Several of the women I work with wanted to have beaded lanyards for their ID badges. However, they could only find long ones that hung down to their laps while sitting. Badges got caught up in telephone wires, and under keyboards. Beads went flying everywhere! That isn’t professional, and the customers can’t see your badge down there! To remedy this problem, I started making lanyards that are just the right length. The girls loved my lanyards so much, I thought I would list a few for sale. See them at my Etsy store.

First Etsy Listing – Light Blue Crochet Beanie Cap

valerienicola — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:03:27 +0000

How exciting: I listed my very first handmade crochet item for sale today on Etsy!
This came about when my sister asked me to make her a few warm beanies for the wintertime. I started tinkering around with yarns and ended up creating a pattern for a chunky-yarn beanie cap with a brim. Thinking it would be cute if it could be worn with the brim up or down, I incorporated button holes, and went on the hunt for some big wooden buttons to finish it off. I really like the way it turned out!

I discovered Ravelry

valerienicola — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:09:50 +0000

I just got my invite from Ravelry; this is a great website for people who crochet, knit, spin, and other yarn crafts. I am so amazed at how well it is done and organized. I’ve spend the past couple of weeks exploring all it has to offer. If you are not yet a member, you will need to request an invitation. If you are already a member, come check out my profile, and my projects.

Cooking with Valerie

valerienicola — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:18:38 +0000

I love cooking! I author a blog CookingWithValerie.blogspot.com where I list my own personal recipes, made by me and tested in my own home. There are a good amount of recipes listed, go ahead and check it out!

My 25th Birthday Celebration

valerienicola — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:00:20 +0000

Zak said we were just going to “wing it” in San Diego for my birthday. I was a little worried, seeing as there was a Padres game the same day, I wasn’t so sure we’d be able to get a hotel room. So, we’re driving around, and he pulls up to the valet at the Omni hotel… Um, you can’t just roll up to the Omni without reservations.. Little did I know, he had a bunch of surprises up his sleeve!

Here’s our beautiful room, flowers and champagne were waiting for us.

After we got settled, we walked around the Gaslamp district, and had dinner at a romantic little Thai restaurant.

The next morning, we had breakfast in bed. We drove to Coronado Island, where we chilled at a little coffee shop and did some shopping.

We drove down to the docks in San Diego, and a private sailboat was chartered for us…

We sailed out of the bay on our way into the Pacific Ocean. It was breathtakingly beautiful and serene being out on the ocean, no land in sight!

I ended up getting a little sea sick…

We stayed out until the sun went down, and headed back home.