The HuffleBlog

Sunday Staff

2012-02-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff, the blog post where we introduce our wonderful Huffle-staff members! Today, we're talking to Lleavid, the Hufflepuff Swedish Chef.

What shall we call you? Lleavid or Lisa is fine
What you do in muggle world? I'm a stay at home mom of 2 teenage boys, so a lot of my daytime is open to do crafting. I'm just about to open an Etsy store to sell some of my crafts.
What’s your craft? Knitting is my favorite and I always have a project (or three) going, but I also love to sew, make jewelry, crochet, and I'm just starting to do polymer clay.
What project are you most proud of? I think my Harbor Light Road Trip Tote, although I didn't get great pics, it turned out really pretty in real life and it was only my 2nd intarsia project.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. I got my pilot's license when I was 18, although I haven't piloted a plane in years, I used to fly mainly Cessnas.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? Probably a chain restaurant to make everyone happy, or else a Japanese restaurant with a hibachi grill. Those are fun to eat at, and even though I'm allergic to seafood, they have awesome steak and chicken.
What one thing would you like to see happen this term? Hmm. I would love to see everyone do some (relatively) stress free projects this term. This is supposed to be **fun**!!

Activities Summary: Week 6:

2012-02-11T02:59:00.000-08:00

Spinners: Leaping into February with spinning what you love! What do you do when your spindle is full? New Toy! Half Owl! Kaypendragon is going to be the substitute Kazpatch next week.

Library: Lots of new book recomendations, including “Socks from the toe up”, “The Inquisitor’s Apprentice” and “Lord of the Rings”.

Swedish Chef: Crockpot recipes! Fun Meatloaf! Kids cooking!

Cleaners: Meal Planning and a Less than Successful cleaning week.

Sock-along: Croc socks, Miss Marple socks, January socks and Sock questions.

Pets: Snake in a new knitted house! Puppy! and a Reading Therapy dog!

Hat week in Herbology

2012-02-09T05:16:00.000-08:00

As I was poking around the Hufflepuff homework turn in this week, I discovered that a bunch of our intrepid crafters had made hats for Herbology. (Which alliterates very nicely.)
Look at these stunning examples:

kristelknab posted this interesting swirly hat with pockets in the brim! Quite confusing!

DarlingDhampir is confusing everyone by crafting the same hat to protect everyone in her family.

sandybeach has kindly crafted a lovely beret for her mum so she doesn't get confounded while shopping. Good plan!

Share the love!

2012-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

This month in HECK we're sharin' the love!

In particular, we're sharin' the love for pets by crafting something for Care of Magical Creatures.

If you have a pet, use option 2 = make something for your pet. Pattern ideas here.
If you don't have a pet, use option 1 = make something round - or make a round pet, like this Huffle 'Puffskein! Puff patterns here.

Once you do, be sure to visit HECK or the Badge(r)'s Den to pick up your badges! Huzzah!

Sunday Staff

2012-02-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!

Today, we're going to meet kokopelli99, the amazing Badge Badger!

What shall we call you?
You may call me.......Tim. (Heh.) Barring that, Kristin or Kopi is fine. Earburns are also good. Earburns = Love.
What you do in muggle world?
At the moment, I'm a homemaker, which gives me plenty of time for knitting.
What’s your craft?
Primarily knitting, but I also do a bit of spinning and crocheting, and I sew and do cross-stitch and embroidery. If it's crafty, I probably have attempted it at one time or another.
What project are you most proud of?
It's cheesy, but I'm most proud of my very first (Doctor Who) scarf. I had never ever knitted before, and yet I was able to finish 10 feet of garter stitch. And now I've managed to finish a whole heck of a lot more projects!
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Aw, I have to *choose*? Well, at one point, I was planning on becoming an American Sign Language interpreter, but I had to stop, because signing at both home (my husband is Deaf) and at school was giving me carpal tunnel syndrome. It made me sad, but the year and a half of classes helped me better communicate with the Deaf community in my area, so it wasn't all bad. :)
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going?
Doc Watson's, a local bar/restaurant. They've got an awesome menu, Guinness on tap, and at least two of the servers are knitters, so they're really open to late-night knitters coming in and camping out in their booths.
What one thing would you like to see happen this term?
Quidditch Three-peat! And I plan to do my best to assist in that goal. Huzzah Hufflepuff!

Week 5: February!

2012-02-04T03:39:00.000-08:00

It’s the first week of a new month, and that means new classes! (Confused? Check the Pantry for a quick summary.) It also means new HECK challenges, which you can see here.

Spinners: Ashland Bay Colonial Top in Goldenrod Beginning spinning!

Library: SuperM is orgainzing Elementary Reading Olympics. A visitor! Foyle’s War on DVD. New YA books

Swedish Chef: Breakfast in a crock pot, Low fat desserts.

Cleaners: Getting ready for a new baby! Still tidying from the holidays

Sock-along: Half Socks. Sock blockers

Pets: Pollywogger’s replies post wall, Hufflepets is featured in HECK!

First of February Projects

2012-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

It's a new month and that means new classes at the House Cup!
Amazingly, we've already had 'Puffs turn in homework!

Our first responders were
Lea67000 in Herbology

kokopelli99 in Charms

and Stitchbot in Muggle Studies

Congratulations for being on the ball!

HECK is on fire!

2012-01-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

January is almost over, but HECK is still aflame with last minute class ideas and turn ins. If you think you can squeeze one more assignment in, and need help finding a place for it - don't be shy about playing a round of Stump the HeckMistriss.

The last day of January also means many students are wondering what February will bring! Class descriptions go up tomorrow, and when they do, we'll have a group class challenge. In the meantime, let's Share the Love in February... including our Hufflepets.

If the monthly theme just doesn't work for you, we have alternate and House Pride ideas. Last but not least, we'll have new spreadsheets and other tools to help you succeed in class as well.

So here's to a craft filled February - craft what you LOVE!

Sunday Staff

2012-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!

Today, we're going to meet Lea67000. Lea is one of the heads of the Asian Badger cete and also a quiddich assistant!
What shall we call you?
My real name is Lea. My Ravelry username is Lea67000. My undercover name for the Order of the Phoenix is Narcissa Pigwidgeon. My friends call me “La Tricoteuse” (which means “The Knitter” in French). I think Crazy Knitter would be the most appropriate.
What you do in muggle world?
I have a very interesting job as a project manager at the local art museum, and of course I love to spend my free time knitting!
What’s your craft?
I mostly knit, but sometimes crochet for afghan squares or when I have a crush on a toy pattern.
What project are you most proud of?
My Straight to St Mungo blanket is my largest achievement, but my Strawberry Badger is my favorite project: I’ve found it so cute I’ve decided to keep and pet it.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I’d love to have my own sheep but I don’t think it’s going to happen soon.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going?
To a sushi restaurant, I love the food and find eating with chopsticks a lot of fun.
What one thing would you like to see happen this term?
A 3rd Quidditch Cup!!!

Activities Summary: Week 4

2012-01-28T03:38:00.000-08:00

Lots of chatter around the activities thread this week. Here's what you might have missed:

Spinners: Silk! Using a Navajo Spindle! Lots of Pretty Colors!

Library: The Giver. Amazon as a reviews resource. A long discussion of Required reading for school

Swedish Chef: Whoopie Pies and bread baking.

Cleaners: Earburn reminder for cleaners! Let Travelista know if you'd like to be earburned too.
Garden planning! A Yahoo group with e-mail reminders

Sock-along: Jane Austen Knits. How to make socks that stay up? Silver’s Sock Class is great help for beginners

Pets: Healthy thoughts for an ill puppy

Class Highlights: Potions

2012-01-27T04:54:00.001-08:00

Potions class required emergency crafting, which encouraged a lot of our HECK raisers to submit quick and easy washcloths or blanket squares. But we also had a bunch of unique submissions, like these:
Myrtle2911's slippers!

Sdhsmc86's frilly scarf!

These earrings by Shagma are stunning!

Don't forget to go check out all the amazing easy recipes that were submitted as well!
For example:
Kikipotamus' Fake Out Toffee
Lanismom's Parmesan-Blue Cheese Toasts
Solfjader's Potatoe and leek soup
and grafovna's Baked Eggs

BBBBRRRRNNNNGGGGGG!

2012-01-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

The alarm clock's ringing because there's only one week left to submit homework assignments for January. Take those photos, update those project pages, and be sure to post it in class.

If you haven't completed your one project requirement this month, we have lots of quick ideas in HECK including ways to fit washcloths/squares into class prompts.

If you've already done your required homework, why not do a quick washcloth for another class? It will be a great way to pass the time more while we're waiting for February classes.

If you are a busy badger and have crafted All The Things... you're in charge of setting up the party in the Uncommon Room!

Missions (to be) Accomplished

2012-01-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

I think that we all know about the "secret" society, Order of the Phoenix. For those that don't know, they are the Special Forces of the Wizarding World, stepping on the front lines and taking on the most dangerous missions. This term, I am proud to announce that we have many Hufflepuff members taking on BROOM Missions. This list is secret, so please be certain to keep this information to under wraps.

Central Command

Jenn2291, MsOyster, acwmaiden, and mshuffles will also be taking on the #12 Grimmauld Place Mission. They will be running central command with projects that start at the center.

Kokopelli99, PatriciaO, tinfu, nwheatley, tannina, rubypearl, Marushka, costumer47, finasc, and sdhsmc86 are Secret Keepers. Our thoughts are with them as they attempt to craft in the dark where no eyes can see their work.

Security Operations

Solfjader, Acemom, Grafovna, briezee, minsue, bryshamom, peanutzmom, littlefit, smbennett, lleavid, CanaryBlue, hydra-star, fluttervale, KnitForBrains, hawthorn, and travelista will be patrolling the halls of Hogwarts and disguising themselves as OWLS students to keep the young wizards safe.

kerryespins, hudfamsix, and knittingsheeple will be setting up fortifications around the perimeter of the Forbidden Forest.

Recruitment

We have some wizards working on recruiting allied creatures: Lea67000 will work on recruiting nifflers. Thaurisil will work on recruiting unicorns. Timeless1 will recruit Gryphons. Nargles are craftyshanna's specialty. Kazpatch will work on building relations with the Centaurs.

We also have wizards working on recruiting foreign wizards: lanismom, billingbear, KristiRose, senkatnovo, JMN, and stitchbot will be taking on this important task.

Undercover Operations

High-Risk Spell Casting involves dangerous and complicated spells, and sometimes creating your own spells. I am proud to see that Hufflepuff has so many qualified operatives working on this mission: sleepydaisy, Hale, WomblingStar, Shawn, bellymonster, JMN, bewilderbeast, and toadyjoe.

We also have undercover operatives working at Gringotts. Good luck infiltrating, MediaPeruana, ScarletFever, and cariboustar.

I know that we are all really excited to see the progress made on these missions from our brave operatives! Good luck to all the Hufflepuff Order members. I can't wait to see your BROOMS!

Sunday Staff

2012-01-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!

Today, we're going to meet Jen2291, the HECKmistress!

What shall we call you? Jen. Hey you, whatsername! works too.
What you do in muggle world? I work for a financial advisor, which is boring BUT I get to telecommute

from home, which is great. (And why I’m online all day!)
What’s your craft? I crochet. I crochet like a madwoman.
What project are you most proud of? The one that makes people smile and feel loved. I love my big projects… but it’s the silly hats that pay it forward.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. What an open ended question, how much time do we have? Here’s one: I am also a ‘woo-woo’ medium/angel reader and energy healer, and have been since childhood.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? The park for a picnic. Hopefully near the swings. (Because of multiple severe food allergies I can’t eat at restaurants.)
What one thing would you like to see happen this term? I want everyone to have FUN! (Of course if we continue our domination on the quidditch pitch, I wouldn’t be upset.)

Activities Summary: Week 3

2012-01-21T03:46:00.000-08:00

Spinners:The spinners have been quite chatty during their “SPIN DOWN UNDER” event. Heck stopped by with some ideas for spinning for class. Softnshiny has a tardis spinning wheel! An overplying solution.
and lots of pretty spinning photos!

Library: Super hero Librarians

Swedish Chef: macarons!

Cleaners: Piles! Vertical versus Horizontal organizing. Watching TV while cleaning.

Sock-along: A new and improved heel technique for the short-row heel. BADGES!

Pets: Ponies.

Proud to Bee a Puff!

2012-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hufflepuffs are taking Arithmancy by swarm... with 35 projects to date.

The option to craft something related to bees fits right in with the yellow and black.

If you haven't met your one class requirement for the month, consider joining us in HECK and be Proud to Bee a Puff!

littlefit got us started with this cute little buzzy bee.

stitchbot cleaned up with a beehive dishcloth, as did mshuffles.

The bee on solfjader's yule ball reminds me of finding one on my apple!

nwheatley used honeycomb to make an iTouch cozy... and kirsts used honeycomb to make hexipuffs.

Lots of options that fit the 'bee related' Arithmancy prompt, so join in and Bee Proud!

Huffle-Class Highlights: COMC

2012-01-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

The Care of Magical Creatures prompt for January seems custom picked for our Hufflepuff Sock-a-Long members and many of them have accepted the challenge!

made up a new sock pattern for crocs!
Kaypendragon made baby socks!
Sdhsmc86 made these lovely circle socks!

Sunday Staff!

2012-01-15T03:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!
Today, we're going to meet NWHEATLEY, the Birthday Badger!

What shall we call you? nwheatley, naomi, nw, badger birthday witch?
What you do in muggle world? I work back office support for a bank. Lots of spreadsheets and reports.
What’s your craft? All things fiber :) but mainly knitting and spinning right now
What project are you most proud of? My Fall 2011 OWL aka the teenager’s red sweater

Tell us something interesting about yourself. This one is hard. My mother was from Japan but I have not been there and I haven’t met any of her side of my family.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? Yum. How much money do I have? Regular day, we are having Italian. Special day, we are having Sushi :)
What one thing would you like to see happen this term? Besides everybody having loads of fun? Hufflepuff to keep the Quidditch cup for the 3rd term!

Activities Summary: week 2

2012-01-14T03:45:00.000-08:00

Here's what you might have missed around the Den this week:

Spinners: Spinning to go and Starting with a drop spindle

Library: Reading while knitting

Swedish Chef: Apple Crisp; Bread not rising well

Cleaners: Where are the hufflecleaners? Family help Mt. Washmore

Sock-along: Cast-on tecnhiques Beginner sock patterns Finished Sock!

Pets: Cats!

Detention Bus

2012-01-12T04:58:00.000-08:00

Hi 'Puffs! How many of you caught the Detention Bus yesterday?

I noticed Briezee with her Red dragon Cloth:

and MidwestAliceAnn's fun fur Scarf:Isn't her model adorable?

The day that makes you go HMM...

2012-01-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hey all you busy badgers... it's time to play

"Stump the HECKMistriss"!

(and the crowd goes wild)

Lots of 'Puffs have mentioned in the PBQ that their goal is to have at least one class assignment crafted, photographed and posted by the 10th of the month. HECK projects are a great way to meet this goal, because they're relatively small and quick, leaving the rest of the month to craft as you like.

So... today is "The Day That Makes You Go Hmm". (HMM day! Hufflepuffs Make Magic day!)

It's the 10th of the month, do you know where your homework is?

If it's not been submitted to a class, today is the day for action. Take those photos! Create that project page!

Can't figure out which class to submit it to? Post a link to your project page here and I will give you ideas that fit class prompts. I'd offer a big fantastic prize for stumping me (having no ideas) but I know it's impossible. :oP

So let's get our House Cup requirements met today... and spend the rest of the month crafting happy.

Sunday Staff!

2012-01-08T04:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!
Today, we're going to meet JMN, our Pointsy Prefect!

What shall we call you?
Joannie (as in “loves Chachi”, rhymes with baloney)

What you do in muggle world?
I’m a stay at home mom of 5. Three of them are homeschooled. I basically wander around all day wondering where all this laundry came from. There’s always someone to feed and there’s always someone talking at me.

What’s your craft?
I knit and crochet a lot. I sew when I can. I dabble a little in spinning, weaving, and dying. I’d like more time for the last three so I can get good enough to jump in the conversation but the learning takes thinking and there’s not a lot of thinking time in my day.

What project are you most proud of?
Definitely the Neville Sweater! It’s my crowning achievement!

I’m pretty proud of my Breezy Cables cardigan because it was challenging, gorgeous, and my first sweater.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Other than the 5 kids, I don’t know what would be considered interesting. To the non-muggles out there, my craftiness is interesting. But since everyone here can craft like crazy, I don’t know that I stand out in any way. I’m going to Scotland in May…that’s interesting, right? It’s a second honeymoon for us.

We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going?
To a Chinese restaurant. I love Chinese food but it’s too hard to make (tasty) at home. Everything I try turns out bland.

What one thing would you like to see happen this term?
You know how at the end of each month and at the end of term everyone’ll start chiming in with their points or how many classes/advanced studies they completed? I’d like for everyone to post that they finished everything they meant to without stressing about it or going overboard.

Activities Summary: Week 1

2012-01-07T03:23:00.000-08:00

Here's what you might have missed around the Den this week:

Spinners: Drum Carders and Butterscotch chips
Library: Steampunk books for YA boys and Non-fiction recommendations
Swedish Chef: has New Thread! Breakfast foods! Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day
Cleaners: Post your goals!
Sock-along: Sock Duels and Sock Swatching help
Pets: Holiday Kitties

Anything catch your fancy? Go join the chatter!

Huffle-Class Highlights: Muggle Studies

2012-01-05T17:02:00.001-08:00

It's only the first week of term, but already the 'Puffs are turning in Awesome Projects, like:

Acemom's Tiny Fish Earrings

And

HollyS7282's Cabled Fisherman Sweater-Washcloth

Rock On 'Puffs!

'Puffs Raise a little HECK

2012-01-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to what looks to be a fantastic Winter 2012 term at the HPKCHC!

This term, I will be your HECKMistriss. In case you haven't heard about HECK, it is the House Elf Crafting Klatch - otherwise known as "ideas for getting my homework done". Each month, we'll have ideas for meeting the House Cup's monthly class requirement and hopefully have some fun along the way.

This month, we are crafting washcloths (or blanket squares) along with the Hufflecleaners. In a epic turn of class prompts, Arithmancy is asking for 'bee' themed projects. Bees... black and yellow... hel-lo Hufflepuff! Work your squares in yellow/black yarn or craft one of these other aptly colored bee themed projects and get them turned into Arithmancy in January. (If you have questions or need help, you can find me in HECK.)

These 'Puff Pride projects are quick, so it you haven't done one yet, do it soon. Not only will you meet your one class requirement for the month early (giving you plenty of time to work on what makes you happy the rest of the month), but you can collect this super cool badge!

Huzzah!

jen2291
HECKMistriss

It's started!

2012-01-02T04:18:00.001-08:00

So, the classes have only been up for one day and already we've had 'Puffs turn projects in! GO PUFFS! You guys rock!

Check out:

ToadyJoe's DADA scarf

And 's Arithmancy Bee:

Did you know that HECK is having a BEE challenge for Arithmancy? And there's a badge! Go check it out in the HECK thread!

Sunday Staff!

2012-01-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!
Today, we're going to meet CJCary, our Cete assistant.

What shall we call you? CJ or CJCary

What you do in muggle world? Pharmacy Tech in a grocery store

What’s your craft? Crochet!

What project are you most proud of? Hard to choose, but probably Birthday Monkey

Tell us something interesting about yourself. There’s nothing interesting to tell. :)

We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? Chinese restaurant!

What one thing would you like to see happen this term? I’d love to see a big group project, similar to the giraffe stampede we did in HECK a few terms ago…something to overwhelm a class or two. Whether washcloths or tawashis (I’m thinking small, easy to make projects) or ninjas or something…I think that’s a lot of fun. Maybe something in Puff colors?

Preterm Activities Summary

2011-12-31T03:55:00.000-08:00

Here's what you might have missed around the Den this week:

Spinners: The spinners have discussed a possible spinning challenge, shown off yarn and talked about spinning requirements for classes and owls.

Library: In addition to all the books we’ve been reading, the Library also held discussions of e-readers, and Shawn started a spreadsheet of all the mentioned books.

Sweedish Chef: The chefs have been quiet recently, although there was some cookie chatter and this week they’re looking for gluten-free recipes.

Cleaners: The Hufflecleaners are teaming up with HECK for a washcloth-along and have been talking about a cleaning calendar.

Sock-along: The Sockers have been discussing plans for 12 Socks in 2012 and have been sharing all their favorite sock patterns!

Pets: We’ve been seeing adorable photos of cats, dogs and even a Tree Octopus!

A Badgertastic Sorting

2011-12-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

Knitry stands in his Hufflepuff robes and raises wand to neck and states "Sonorus" and prepares to proceed with his first Firstie Perspective as he welcomes all new and returning Badgers.

Wow folks! It's time to get ready for a new Term, Winter 2012!

Sir SortingHat has finally spoken, read it here!

So thus begins the first Firstie Perspective blog of the soon to be Winter 2012 Term!

My views on sorting is that I've never been so nerve-wracked to date in my life! After filling out the sorting form and probably bugging Sir SortingHat to no end (for which I am sorry, Sir SortingHat, have a chocolate muffin!) I was sorted after several days of checking and waiting impatiently.

It feels great to be a Badger and a First Year! And to think I had only found out about HP Knitting/Crochet House Cup (HPKCHC) within the past week! I'm loving it and the excitement is awesome. It's amazing to see how everyone can get so close knit even when you're a Not-Quite-First-Year (NQFY). I was nervous about which house I would be sorted in (if I was sorted) and was guided by Sir SortingHat to Hufflepuff based on my personality, boy he's never wrong!

Over the past few days I have learned to be a Hufflepuff at heart from my fellow Badgers because I feel at home in Hufflepuff. So I want to say thank you to all of you (especially those of you who have taken me under your wings as a Not-Quite-Hufflepuff, you know who you are) for allowing me to become a part of the Den and to feel at home.

So what are some plans for the Firstie Perspective?

I'm so excited! On top of classes (don't forget one class a month is mandatory, everything else is optional, but get more active if you can), Ordinary Wizarding Levels (OWLs), Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (NEWTs), Quidditch, etc., the Firstie Perspective section of the Huffle-blog will be to give Firstie opinions, ideas, my views (as well as other Firsties) on classes and the Ravelry-sanctioned crafts and projects, and so on.

Come on, Hufflepuffs, we can do this! I've done the math and I've counted a total of 162 Badgers!

Let's take Winter 2012 by our Badgertastic abilities and personalities and have fun at the HPKCHC!

I Wanna be a Hufflepuff!

2011-12-28T03:58:00.000-08:00

Sorting's closed, so I hope you've put in your requests to be in Hufflepuff House. If not, we're always happy to have you join us as a Student-on-sabatical or a Not-quite-first-year.

Speaking of NQFY's -

Knitry is a firsty hopeful who has clearly joined the Hogwarts Poets Society with his sorting hat request. You all need to sing his new song loud and clear!

Oh, I Wanna be a Hufflepuff
(Tune of ”I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”)

Oh, I wanna be a Hufflepuff,
A Hufflepuff, I wanna be.
A Hufflepuff, with black and yellow,
Badgertastic, and a Cete.

SortingHat, I hope you hear me,
Grant me this, my only plea,
As we proceed with the sorting,
Let me be a Hufflepuff, please!

Sort me, will you please,
Sort me, will you please,
Sort me, will you please, to Hufflepuff?
Sort me, will you please,
Sort me, will you please,
Sort me, will you please, to Hufflepuff?

Hanging in the Den with the Badgers,
Hanging in the Den, I’ll be.
Hanging in the Den with the Badgers,
With all the Staff and Cetes.

P, Q, B’s - I know.
O, W, L’s - Too.
N, E, W, T’s - Oh, no.
With all the Staff and Cetes.

Movie Weekend #13 July 29, 30, 31

2011-07-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! The last movie weekend of the term, already! There is sure to be much urgent OWL-finishing up happening, as well as the general end of month/end of term rush to complete! So this weekend, just for something special, there are THREE movies to choose from! And two of them are pretty long! So you can pull up your chair, grab whichever project needs finishing, and tell yourself: I have to watch all these movies! It's the last weekend of the term! Ignore the flower beds, or the lawn-watering, or any other chores and distractions that threaten to pull you away from your end-of-term-crafting, order a pizza and watch some movies!

Besides being the last week of term, this week also has an important holiday that probably usually goes unobserved. "Aunt and Uncle Day" is the 26th, so let's have some movies with Aunts, Uncles, or both:

Wizard of Oz

Gone with the Wind (who could ever forget Aunt Pitty?)

Secondhand Lions (with my favorite eccentric uncles of all time!)

Good luck with your crafting!

Movie Weekend #12 July 22, 23, 24

2011-07-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Moon Day is July 20th - who knew? And does it seem odd to anyone else that there is a holiday called "Moon DAY"? Wouldn't it be more correct if it were called "Moon Night"?. Oh well...I always wonder who thinks this stuff up.

To celebrate Moon Day, here are the movies of the week:

Moonstruck

Twilight: New Moon

Personally however, I think my celebration of Moon Day will be at night. After dark. It just seems more right that way.

Movie Weekend #11 July 15, 16, 17

2011-07-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

I love the holiday we're celebrating this week: it's "Embrace Your Geekness Day" on the 13th. Of course I know that many of us Puffs are way to cool to admit to any geekness...but personally, it's a trait I possess in great quantities, so I want to celebrate it. Somewhere online I found a list of best movies for geeks, or something like that, and here are a couple of them:

Loser (with Jason Biggs, available to view instantly from Netflix)

Serenity (also available to view instantly)

I don't know anything about Serenity, but I know I've seen it discussed in a few threads from time to time. It appeared on a list here: http://listverse.com/2008/01/27/top-20-geek-movies-of-all-time/

And in case you're trying to decide if you're a geek or not, here's a quote from the listverse site: "If you have not seen at least 15 of these movies, you can hand in your geek membership card right now." So go check out their list, and decide for yourself: geek, or not?

Movie Weekend #10 July 8, 9, 10

2011-06-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

National Country Music Day was July 4th, and I'm sure it was rather overlooked, since most people in the US were celebrating Independence Day, instead. Did anyone light any sparklers in honor of country music?

To make up for the lack of attention we paid to this important day, we'll watch movies this week with some country-style music:

Walk the Line

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

June Movie Weekend Recipes

2011-06-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Movie Weekend #8 Movies: The Sandlot and Dirty Dancing
For this weekend I went looking for the sort of things my grandmother made in the 1950s and '60s.

*Seafood Salad:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/seafood-salad/detail.aspx
*Spiced Applesauce Cake:   http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2009/10/spiced-applesauce-cake-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting
*Olive Salad Sandwich:   http://www.cooks.com/rec/story/167/
*Bunko Punch:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/bunko-punch/detail.aspx
*Crepes Florentine:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/crepes-florentine/detail.aspx
*Popcorn Snack Mix:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/popcorn-snack-mix/detail.aspx
*Soft Pretzels:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/soft-pretzels-i/detail.aspx

Movie Weekend #7 Movies: Ever After and Avatar
The following recipe links were originally posted in the Hufflepuff thread forum to go along with the June Movie Weekend Movies..
*Chicken Marsala:   http://theromanticlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/recipe-chicken-marsala.html
*Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie:   http://happilyeverafterhosanna.blogspot.com/2011/02/best-ever-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe.html
*Salmon:   http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/happily-ever-after-salmon/
*Desert menu from The Barefoot Contessa:   http://www.foodnetwork.com/barefoot-contessa/happy-ever-after/index.html
*http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Blueberry-Pound-Cake/Detail.aspx
*http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,blue_food,FF.html (over 700 blue food recipes!!)

Movie Weekend #6 Movies: City Slickers and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
*Paella: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1918,148170-236199,00.html
*Spanish-Style Nougat Candy: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/turron-jijona-spanish-style-nougat-candy/detail.aspx
*Candied Flowers
*Baklava:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baklava/detail.aspx
*Potato Candy:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/potato-candy/detail.aspx

Movie Weekend #5 Movies: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Chocolat
*Gobstopper Drink Recipe:   http://www.idrink.com/v.html?id=49614
*Gobstopper's Candy:   http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,177,152177-253199,00.html
*Slow Cooker Chicken Mole:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-mole-2/detail.aspx
*Chocolate Caramel Candy:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-caramel-candy/detail.aspx
*No Bake Chocolate Candy:   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chewy-chocolate-candies/detail.aspx

Non-Recipe Protection Post

2011-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Worried about data mining? The following website gives help when it comes to deleting your online information(I am not in any way connected to this site, I just like it.): http://www.accountkiller.com/en/

Movie Weekend #9 July 1, 2, 3

2011-06-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July is rapidly approaching, and it's a great celebration of some big-time disobedience. So in keeping with that theme, let's also observe "Disobedience Day", July 3rd, by watching one of these movies:

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Raising Arizona

After all, disobedience can be a great thing (although of course I'm not endorsing skipping school or kidnapping)!

Movie Weekend #8 June 24, 25, 26

2011-06-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Finally Summer Day is June 21st - yay! What a great day to celebrate! When you're not outside celebrating, come inside for one (or two) of our movies of the week:

The Sandlot

Dirty Dancing

May Movie Weekend Recipes

2011-06-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

The following recipe links were originally posted in the Hufflepuff thread forum to go along with the May Movie Weekend Movies...

Movie Weekend #4 Movies: Singin' In The Rain and Chicago
*http://www.food52.com/blog/2169_dinner_a_movie_singin_in_the_rain ( The menu consists of *Magical coffee, Asparagus with Pancetta, Soft Scrambled Eggs, an dPistachio Meringue Stack with Rose Cream and Strawberries).
*Chicago Style Pan Pizza: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicago-style-pan-pizza/detail.aspx
*Chicago Style Hot Dog: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicago-style-hot-dog/detail.aspx

Movie Weekend #3 Movies: How to Steal a Million and Oceans 11
The following recipe links were originally posted in the Hufflepuff thread forum to go along with the May Movie Weekend Movies..

*Millionaire's Cake: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/millionaires-cake/Detail.aspx
*Millionaire's Chicken: http://www.fastrecipes.com/recipe/millionaire-chicken-2009051726387/
*Millionaire's Mousse: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/millionaires_mousse_51330
*Millionaire Pie: http://www.cookiemadness.net/2007/08/millionaire-pie/
*Millionaire's Shortbread Bars: http://www.joyofbaking.com/Millionaire%27sShorbreadBars.html
*Millionaire's Casserole: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/MILLIONAIRES-CASSEROLE-THE-LIGHT-VERSION-1208807

Movie Weekend #2 Movies: Throw Mama From the Train and Unstoppable
The following recipe links were originally posted in the Hufflepuff thread forum to go along with the May Movie Weekend Movies..

*Cho-Choo Train (cake): http://www.meals.com/Recipes/Choo-Choo-Train.aspx?recipeid=128884
*Tijuana Train Wreck Salad: http://longhorninhouston.blogspot.com/2011/02/recipe-tijuana-train-wreck-salad.html
*Train Wreck Casserole: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,168,156169-241194,00.html
*Train Wreck Recipe (breakfast): http://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/recipe/recipe-1149.asp

Movie Weekend #1 Movies: Romeo+Juliet (the Baz Lurhmann version) and The Mask of Zorro

*Romeo & Juliet Dumplings: http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1713,152165-253200,00.html
*Banana Romeo & Juliet Cake: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,176,157182-236200,00.html
*Mexican Pizza: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mexican-pizza-2/detail.aspx
*Mexican Salmon: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mexican-salmon/detail.aspx
*Tinga: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mexican-tinga/detail.aspx

Movie Weekend #7 June 17, 18, 19

2011-06-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I come up blank when looking for an obscure holiday to observe, and can't even find the inspiration to make one up. On those occasions, I resort to my trusty random number generator, and let it just select two movies from the Hufflepuff Favorite Movie List. This week, it's chosen for us:

Ever After

Avatar

So, watch a fairy tale, or a movie about blue beings. Or try to imagine what would happen if the two were combined into one film: Avatar Ever After. Post your thoughts on the movie thread!

Avocado Tzatziki

2011-06-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

Avocado Tzatziki

by: Cat Cora from oregonlive.com

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic (about 1 large clove)
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 cup peeled, seeded and grated cucumber (about 1 medium cucumber)
1 whole peeled avocado, diced small

Directions:
Add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and salt to the yogurt. Add grated cucumber, diced avocado and mix well. Chill for at least one hour.

Serve on top of Greek Slider burgers, or with fresh sliced veggies!

Make 2 1/2 cups

Notes from the House-Elf Liason: this yummy. It can be used in different types of sandwiches, as a dip, we have even used it as a marinate for chicken.

Movie Weekend #6 June 10, 11, 12

2011-05-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

June 8th is Best Friends Day. I couldn't find any movies specifically related to Hufflepuff best friends, so these will have to do:

City Slickers

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Movie Weekend #5 June 3, 4, 5

2011-05-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know that June is National Candy Month? To start such an important month off correctly, let's watch one of these movies:

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (I prefer the Gene Wilder version, but feel free to substitute the newer one if you like it better - we can have some interesting discussions comparing the versions!

Chocolat

Movie Weekend #4 May 27, 28, 29

2011-05-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, dust off your tap shoes, because we need to celebrate Tap Dance Day (May 25).

If you're not much of a dancer, or can't find the shoes, grab your remote and honor the holiday by watching one of these movies:

Singin' In the Rain

Chicago (available to view instantly from Netflix)

Snickerdoodles? Or Cupcakes? Now you don't have to decide.

2011-05-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

I lifted this recipe (with permission) from a friends facebook page.

Bring wet ingredients to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
(frosting & cinnamon-sugar to follow)

1 1/2 c. white flour
1 c. cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 sticks butter
3 eggs
1-1 1/4 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla

Cream the butter in the bowl of your stand-up mixer, or if you aren't lucky enough to have one, in a bowl with your hand mixer. Add the sugar and cream it into the butter. Scrape down the bowl when necessary, but at least once.

Add the vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. A good tip from Ina Garten is to break the egg into a small bowl in case of stray shell or in case the egg is bad it won't ruin the whole batter.

Have your buttermilk measured and ready. Put all your other dry ingredients into a small bowl and mix them together with a fork.

In three additions, add in 1/3 of the dry mixture, incorporating it completely. Add 1/3 of the buttermilk, incoporating it fully. Lather, rinse, repeat til flour mixture and buttermilk are used up.

Fill baking cups about 3/4-ish with batter. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and springy, and the neighbor kids knock on the door because it smells so good.

Cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
Bring wet ingredients to room temp, otherwise the butter & cream cheese won't incorporate.

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 stick butter
2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Again with the mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese. Add the sugar & vanilla. Taste it, add more sugar if you like. Spread on the cupcakes & top with cinnamon-sugar.

Cinnamon-Sugar

2 Tblsp. white sugar to 1 tsp. cinnamon

Make about double this and then sprinkle on top of cupcakes.
Save the rest for toast :)

Hot Cocoa Mix

2011-05-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

This recipe was taken from Ravlery's Hot Chocolate Group courtesy of

1 cup powered sugar (Irene uses 1 Cup Splenda.)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Irene uses Hersheys Dark Chocolate Baking Powder)
1 packet of dry milk powder (the one that says it makes 1 quart, they sell 5 pack boxes and 10 pack boxes at the supermarket).
1 teaspoon cornstarch (keeps everything from clumping)
1/8 teaspoon of salt (salt brings out chocolate flavor).
You sift it all twice, and store in a jar.
Very easy, and yummy!

*I tried the powdered sugar version and liked it. I even brought some of this mix to a friend's house. She was unable to try it though as her kids managed to make it disappear.

Movie Weekend #3 May 20, 21, 22

2011-05-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that May 20th is "Be a Millionaire Day"? I'd like to celebrate that by winning the lottery, but just in case I don't, I'll celebrate it with these movies:

How to Steal a Million, starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole

Oceans 11 (add Oceans 12 and Oceans 13 also if you're in the mood for a marathon or possibly need some cheering up if you, too, fail to win the lottery!)

Movie Weekend #2 May 13, 14, 15

2011-05-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

We should definitely celebrate National Train Day, which is May 9th, so let's do it by watching one of these movies:

Unstoppable, starring Denzel Washington

Throw Momma from the Train, which is available to view instantly.

Hufflepuff Movie Weekends - Spring 2011

2011-05-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

We're going to try something different for Movie Weekends this term - TWO movies every week. Hopefully this way there will be something for everyone! Many of these movies were taken from the "Hufflepuff Favorite Movies" lists, so these movies
are chosen from among your, and your classmates', favorites

Watch the movie you like best! Watch them both! Then come chat about them on the current week's "movie weekend" thread. Tell us why your choice is the best movie, tell us all your favorite parts, tell us why we need to watch it if we haven't seen it already! Tell us about your favorite movie-watching treats, or a menu you'd choose for a movie night built around whichever movie (or movies!) you've chosen. Quote all your favorite lines. Make fun of any terrible lines. Tell us about bloopers, or parts you dislike. Tell us about an alternate ending you'd have chosen if you were in charge of the movie. Tell us why you love (or hate) the actors in it. Tell us who you'd have cast. Whatever. Just choose a movie, and come talk about it!

I'm going to try to keep the blog updated so that you'll have plenty of time to locate any movies you want to watch. I'll update it on Sunday nights, so check back often!

Okay....Movie Weekend #1 May 6, 7, 8

Let's celebrate Cinco de Mayo by watching films shot in Mexico! Your choices for the week are:

Romeo + Juliet (from Baz Lurhmann), which is available to view instantly on Netflix.
-and/or-
The Mask of Zorro!

Pot Pie

2011-04-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

I find pot pies to be the some of the very best kinds of comfort food. This is the recipe as I learned it:

If you like your pot pie to actually look like a pie, then make your crust. Pick the crust recipe you like best. If you are not a fan of that sort of thing, you can always top the pot pie mixture with mashed potatoes.

Thoroughly cook 2-3 chicken breasts. If you don't have any use another meat. The amount of space that three full decks of cards take up - that is the amount of meat you want to use. However, you do not HAVE to put in any type of meat at all - you can use tofu or just add more vegetables.

If you intend to use a mashed potato topping, this is the time to start the mash potato process. Fill a pot with cold water and then toss in 5 potatoes. Make according to the way you like them best. Or shortcut with instant mashed potatoes.

While the meat, if you are using it, is cooking, chop up 2-3 cups of vegetables. Peas and carrots are traditional. Set aside. Chop up an onion - about 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Set aside. Make sure you have butter, flour, salt, pepper, garlic, one egg, chicken broth and milk.

Melt 1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup) on stove top in the sort of pan that works best for you. Add the onions and let them caramelize. Then add 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. If you like pepper it's OK to add more. Remove from heat when the mixture starts to bubble. Add milk and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly and place back on burner until it starts to boil. Add vegetables and chicken. Mix thoroughly and place in cooking dish.

If you made a crust, place the top crust on and brush egg (well-beaten) onto the top. If you decide to take the mashed potato route mix the egg into the potatoes. Top pot pie mixture with mashed potato and egg mixture.

Place the dish in the middle of a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes. Crust should be brown/mashed potato topping should have some browned peaks. Let pot pie stand about 10 minutes before serving.

Food substitutions that I have tried and liked:
Unflavored soy milk in place of milk,
Olive oil in place of butter,
Rice flour instead of regular flour,
Vegetable broth in place of chicken broth,
Sweet potatoes/yams in place of regular potatoes,
The egg can be skipped if necessary.

*Cross posted in my own blog CrochetedKitten.

Death by Jello

2011-04-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

Not really, but made you look! Maybe. I found the Stringativity Blog and wanted to share it with my fellow 'Puffs. The Blogger in question posts about her experiments with Jello on 12/09/2007. She even posts a follow up pic in the post dated 12/14/2007 - so you can see what a jello swatch looks like once its been knitted up.

Jello in the microwave from http://stringativity.blogspot.com/

In a mixing bowl in the order listed:
5 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 pkg regular Jello Berry Blue (color used in the example)
1 cup vinegar.
81 grams of wool

Add wool and swish it around a bit allowing the dye to soak in. Stir with a utensil unless you like the look of colored hands.

You will need a microwaveable bowl. Place jello soaked yarn in bowl and microwave for about 2 minutes on high heat. Allow it rest a bit to cool. Repeat 3 times.

Their is a bit more - the rest of it can be found on the Stringativity blog. A place I am pointing to as it is an amazing blog.

DIY Body Scrub

2011-03-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

The employees at Essential Wholesale are encouraged to come up with recipes. If approved, the recipe is made, blogged about ( http://essentialu.typepad.com/) and then distributed among any interested employees. (I used to work there.) Here is the last employee recipe I was able to take home. If I had been allowed to take more, I would have. Even though I did not come up with this - it's very share-worthy. If you decided to make body scrub, your skin will thank you.

Mediterranean Dream Scrub Creme

1/2 gallon Premium Concentrate Creme
.25 lbs Walnut Shell Powder (1/2 c + 2 T)
1 Tbsp Orange Blossom (Neroli) Distillate (.45 oz)
1 tsp Multiple Fruit Blend Tincture (Organic) (.1 oz)
1 Tbsp Blood Orange Essential Oil (.3 oz)
1 tsp Rosewood-Bois De Rose Essential Oil (.1 oz)

*All oz measurements are by weight

Directions:
Empty the Premium Concentrate Creme into a sterilized glass bowl.
Add walnut shell powder and mix thoroughly.
Add each of the next four ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
Transfer to the container(s) of your choice.

Yummy Website

2011-03-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

If you like cooking and like reading cooking blogs then I would like to introduce: http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/. This is an excellent cooking blog. The recipe I most recently tried: Mexican Hot Chocolate Corn Muffins.

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

pinch of salt

2 eggs

1 + 1/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Mexican chocolate, chopped (1/4 - 1/2 inch pieces) tossed with 1 teaspoon flour

topping:

1/3 cup Mexican chocolate, rough chopped

1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice and a pinch of salt. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together eggs, milk, butter, sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the wet to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined, add chopped chocolate and mix in.

3. Use an ice cream scoop to fill the cups 7/8 of the way full. Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from center.

4. Remove pan to a wire rack to cool. After ten minutes remove muffins from pan and cool completely on wire rack.

5. For topping melt the chocolate with 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream, whisk together adding more heavy cream if needed to make a smooth frosting. Add the frosting to a small plastic bag, cut off the corner and pipe over top of each muffin.

Makes 10-11 muffins

The Amazing Knittermittent and Awesome Pixieaep

2011-03-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

When the opportunity arose to be House-Elf Liason I thought "Wow!", "How fun!" and imagined putting together a fun sort of cookbook that included a contest and prizes. I (and also LadyPinky) put out the call for recipes. It didn't really get off the ground.

As I was crocheting the other day, I was thinking about putting out another blogpost and not really wanting to at that moment. In order to do that I would need to stop crocheting.

This was my A-HA! moment.

If I would rather crochet rather than recipe swap; then that is most likely also true for the other yarn crocheters and the knitters out there. Doubly so for those in groups like HPKCHC which are composed of yarn manipulators that like to create in a competitive setting.

So without further delay I will post the recipes that were sent in by other Hufflepuffs. I would like to add both recipes have been tested by me and tasted by my family. The verdict: Delicious! (And House-Elf Approved)

Recipes were printed in the order they were sent in:

from Knittermittent
sent in on 01/09/2011

This recipe came from allrecipes.com originally. I’ve tried it, and had bake sale success with it. The cookies are really large.
White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. This works better than greasing them.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth.
Add in the eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture.
Finally, stir in the rolled oats, white chocolate chips, and pecans.
Drop by the tablespoonful onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

from pixieaep
sent in on 01/11/2011

I saw in the ‘Puff common room that you were asking for recipes, and since the weather’s been so cold here in Kentucky, it’s the perfect time for comfort food. So I thought I’d share the super-easy potato soup recipe I tried out this weekend.

I based my soup on the recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Aaahh-Potato-Soup/Detail.aspx
but made lots of alterations, some from the comments there and some just because.
This is the recipe I ended up with. It tasted great, and it was perfect for a cold day. I can’t wait to make another batch!

Easy Creamy Potato Soup
Makes 5-6 servings
4-5 potatoes, cut into 1/2” cubes (I used 6 small Yukon Gold and 1 large Russet)
1 can condensed chicken broth
1 1/2 cups of water (or enough to just cover the potatoes in your soup pot, when added along with the chicken broth)
Onion, chopped (to taste; I used about 1/4 onion)
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup half and half
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Green onions, chopped (optional)
Bacon bits (optional)
1.) Add potatoes, chopped onions, chicken broth and enough water to just cover the potatoes to soup pot and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes.
2.) Process soup in blender until soup is the consistency you want. (You can omit this step for a chunkier soup.)
3.) Transfer soup back to pot and add cream, half and half and onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. I also added a little shredded cheese at this point because I LOVE cheese! Heat through.
4.) Top with cheese, green onions and bacon bits if desired, and enjoy!

Valentine Idea - Chocolate Snack Cake

2011-02-13T23:51:00.000-08:00

I like to read cookbooks like regular books. There is no plot, but the reading is compelling all the the same. As I was reading through my Betty Crocker's Cookbook, I ran across a recipe I have not used in some time. This cake is good, warm or cold, with and without frosting. If you want to get a little fancy you can make your own fruit syrup to drizzle over it. I cut up about 4 cups of frozen strawberries and placed them in a pan with 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. I let it simmer for a couple hours. As a bonus the apartment smelled like strawberries all afternoon.

From page 95 of The Big Red Cookbook printed in 2000:
1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour - *Do not use self-rising flour.
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup cold water

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of cake pan with shortening, lightly flour.
2. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Mix oil, vinegar and vanilla. Vigorously stir oil mixture and water into flour mixture about 1 minute or until well blended. Immediately pour into pan.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm or cool with ice cream.

Happy Valentine's Day from this terms house elves.

P.S. Please note this recipe has no milk or eggs in it, so if you know who is a vegan/vegetarian or lactose intolerant AND they like chocolate - this is a good cake for them.

Twenty Five Years Ago Today....

2011-01-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

I was a 16 yr old high school student who had a hard time showing up for class. On that day I did. First period was unremarkable. I do not even remember what class that was. Walking into 2nd period was like walking into a museum it was so quiet. The radio was on and we just sat there; most of the day was spent moving from class to class and then listening to radio updates. Except of course for Algebra; the math teacher shocked everyone with continuing her scheduled lesson plan. She acknowledged that the Challenger Disaster was tragedy for the families of the crew, but did not see why that should delay a pop quiz.

Hello from House Elf Liason Vilkasie

2011-01-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

It only took two days (after being asked for my email address) to realize that -oh yes!- I need to log into my email and accept an invitation to post. I would like to blame the itchiness of this towel but that would not be very elf-liason appropriate. (sigh)

This is the official blog call for recipes. You can PM either myself or LadyPinky. We are asking that you let us know if you have ever tried the recipe you have submitted; how it was received by those who ate it, and if you ever tried any variations of it.

If you have ever made your own lotions, cremes, shampoos, perfumes, laundry detergent, or created your own dye - we would like to have those recipes too. Please add any variations you have come up with and note how well your creation was received. Submissions will be happily accepted until the end of the first week of March. There is a reason for that, but as we are not required to tell you - we won't! You'll just have to wonder...

January Group Projects

2011-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It's that time again. Group projects are live! I've updated the Group Projects Page with the current unity themes going on in January.

I'm not actively playing this term, so I may miss some projects in the house threads. If I don't have your project listed, send me a pm (volkat) with a short write up, and I'll get make sure it's posted.

Happy winter term, everyone!

Winter Term Movie Weekend Schedule

2010-12-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

January 7, 8, 9 Howl's Moving Castle
January 14, 15, 16 Hope Floats
January 21, 22, 23 P.S. I Love You
January 28, 29, 30 Pearl Harbor

February 4, 5, 6 The Dark Knight
February 11, 12, 13 The Little Mermaid
February 18, 19, 20 The Incredibles
February 25, 26, 27 The Bourne Identity

March 4, 5, 6 Spartacus
March 11, 12, 13 Star Wars, the original trilogy
March 18, 19, 20 Strictly Ballroom
March 25, 26, 27 Mrs. Doubtfire

Hufflepuff Favorite Movies

2010-12-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

For everyone who wanted to see the entire list of movie favorites, here it is, with duplicates removed. I'd say our very favorite movie is "The Princess Bride", because it was listed 8 times!

10 things I hate about you
13 going on 30
A cinderella story
A Knight's Tale
About A Boy
Across the Universe
Akeela and the Bee
Alice in Wonderland
Australia
Avatar
Batman Begins
Bend It Like Beckham
Blind Side, The
Bourne Identity, The
breakfast at Tiffani's
Breakfast Club. The
Bride and Prejudice
Bringing Up Baby
Camelot
Castle in the Sky
Catch Me if you Can
Center Stage
Chicago
Chicken Run
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chocolat
Cinderella (Disney version)
City Slickers
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Corporation. The
Dark Crystal, The
Dark Knight, The
Defending Your Life
Dirty Dancing
Duchess, The
Duets
Eight Below
Elizabethtown
Enchanted
Escape to Witch Mountain (1978)
ET
Ever After
Fantasia
Fantastic 4
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Ferris Beuller's Day Off
Fever Pitch
Fever Pitch (2005)
Fifth Element, The
Finding Nemo
Forrest Gump
Freaks
French Kiss
Funny Girl
Galaxy Quest
Gone With the Wind
Groundhog Day
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Hairspray
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Hell House
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Holiday Inn
Hope Floats
How To Steal A Million
Howl's Moving Castle
Incredibles, The
Iron Giant
Iron Man 1
Iron Man 2
It's a Wonderful Life
Jesus Camp
Julie & Julia
Juno
Just Like Heaven
Kiki's Delivery Service
Labyrinth
Ladies in Lavendar
Lake House, The
Lakehouse, The
League o fExtraordinary Gentlemen, The
Legally Blonde
Legend of Bagger Vance, The
Letters to Juliet
Life After Tomorrow
Lilo and Stitch
Little Mermaid
Little Mermaid, The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Loser
Lost In Austen
Mamma Mia
Mean Girls
Men in Black
Milo and Otis
Mirrormask
Miss Congeniality
Miss Potter
Monsters Inc
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Mother
Moulin Rouge
Mr and Mrs Smith
Mrs. Doubtfire
Much Ado About Nothing
Mulan
My Fair Lady
My Neighbor Totoro
Night at the Museum
Ocean's 11 (George Clooney version)
Ocean's 12 (George Clooney version)
Ocean's 13 (George Clooney version)
P.S. I Love You
Painted Veil, The
parent trap
Pearl Harbor
People Will Talk
Pirate Radio
pride and prejudice
Princess Bride, The
Producers, The (2002 Musical Version)
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Raising Arizona
Real Women Have Curves
Rent
Replacements, The
Robin Hood (Russell Crowe)
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Robots
Romeo + Juliet (Baz Luhrman version)
Rudy
Sandlot, The
Saved
Secret Garden, The (1993)
Secret of Roan Inish, The
Serenity
Seven Years in Tibet
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Singing in the Rain
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The
Some Like it Hot
Spartacus
Speed Racer
Spellbound
Spirited Away
Star Trek (2009)
Star Wars - Original Trilogy
Stardust
Stargate (the movie, obviously.not the show)
Strictly Ballroom
superman: the return
Sweet Home ALabama
sydney white
The Matrix - Trilogy
This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Three men and a baby
Time Machine, The
Timeline
Top Gun
Toy Story
Toy Story 2
Toy Story 3
Triplets of Belleville, The
Twilight
Unbreakable
Unconditional Love
Up
Victor Victoria
Walk the Line
Wall-E
War of the Buttons, The
Wedding Singer, The
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
While You Were Sleeping
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (Gene Wilder)
Witches, The
Wizard of Oz, The
Word Wars
You've Got Mail
Zulu

Movie Weekend #13 Nov 26, 27, 28

2010-11-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

The last movie weekend of the term! It will be Thanksgiving weekend in the US, which means a 4-day weekend for a lot of people! It can also be a very busy weekend between holiday festivities, family activities, travel, and the "official start" of the holiday shopping season - "Black Friday".

I've got two movies that take place on Thanksgiving, and two movies with food as their central theme - hopefully, something for everyone! As always, movies indicated *** are available for instant viewing from Netflix.

Julie & Julia ***

Ratatouille

Home for the Holidays

Miracle on 34th Street (1959 version) ***

Leave a comment with your choice, and I'll add them up and post the results on Wednesday. This is one day earlier than usual because of the holiday.

Movie Weekend #12 - November 19, 20, 21

2010-11-13T23:33:00.000-08:00

Because November 20th is "Absurdity Day", the movie choices for this weekend are all musicals.
Why? Well, for one thing, a musical weekend has been requested. The main reason for it though is because to me sometimes musicals seem a little bit absurd. A character is asked a question, and suddenly bursts into song. In the middle of conversations, people suddenly burst into song. Of course, songs are essential in a musical, but to me, sometimes, it does seem a little bit absurd.

It was really difficult to choose only four titles this week, but the choices are:

The Muppets Take Manhattan***

Little Shop of Horrors***

Moonlight Serenade***

Mamma Mia

Movies indicated *** are available for instant viewing on Netflix. Leave a comment with your choice, and the results will be posted on the 18th.

November Group Projects

2010-11-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

*waves* Hey guys! Sorry I'm late updating the Group Projects page, but I've finally done it. If you're looking for a little inspiration with your homework, we've got the project for you =)

Movie Weekend #11 November 12, 13, 14

2010-11-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

No obscure holiday to celebrate this week, because...hey, who needs a holiday to celebrate Alan Rickman? Or could it be that any weekend with an Alan Rickman movie is a celebration?

This week's choices:

Robin Hood Prince of Thieves ***

Quigley Down Under ***

Bottle Shock ***

Galaxy Quest

Leave a comment with your favorite title - I'll post the results November 11th.

(I'm sure there will be comments about the fact that Sense and Sensibility didn't make this list. I didn't forget it -- how could I forget Colonel Brandon? It is simply being saved for something bigger - look for it by December 1st.)

And many thanks to KnitforBrains, who thought up this weekend's theme!

Projects of the Week!

2010-11-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's time for some more gorgeous projects Puffs! You all have done such a wonderful job that I have the hardest time deciding which ones to post. I think you will like the ones I picked this week as much as I do.

TheAlexKlein made some fantastic socks for Herbology. They were knit sideways and then seamed; how cool is that?!

This adorable colour work and steeked sweater was made for Charms by ylleflickan. It was made with a pattern inherited from her grandmother and yarn from her grandfather's favorite cardigan. What a lovely way to preserve their memories and beautifully knit sweater.

SuperM spun up some lovely sport/DK weight singles for History of Magic. Such vibrant colours! I wish I could knit with your yarn.

And last but not least is kirsts' very first sweater. She did a fantastic job and finished it in under a month. Quite an accomplishment.

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

Movie Weekend #10 November 5, 6, and 7

2010-10-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

According the holidayinsights.com, the first week of November is "chemistry week". So our movies for the weekend will all celebrate chemistry, even if it isn't the strictly scientific kind of chemistry.

This week's choices:

Sleepless in Seattle ***

Sweet Home Alabama ***

Serendipity ***

Notting Hill ***

As always, *** means available to view instantly from Netflix. Leave a comment with your favorite, and I'll post the results November 4th.

Projects of the week!

2010-10-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Badgers! Have I got some lovelies for you. Please click the links for their hand ins and show them some love.

Number one is a lovely vest made by knitbunnie for her daughter. A perfect herbology project with leafy goodness.

Up next are a pair of adorable mushroom wrist warmers volkat made for DADA. She did a wonderful job knitting them and then went the extra mile to steek them.

Project the third is a beautiful Ishbel that Bijou3owl made for Muggle Studies. She did an amazing job and finished it in only 6 days.

And last but not least is a cute little cardigan made by frimptes. Fantastic job!

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

Pumpkin Prep with the House Elf Liaison

2010-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and that brings cooler weather, changing leaves and pumpkins! Pumpkin patches pop up everywhere this time of year, and, while most of the pumpkins sold there aren't the tastiest varieties, that doesn't mean we can't talk about our favorite pumpkin recipes!

The House Elves want to know...What's your favorite pumpkin recipe?

Here's mine, we make these every year-

Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup shortening
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix all dry ingredients together thoroughly. Cut in the shortening until fine. In a separate bowl, combine egg, pumpkin and milk. Add this to the dry mixture and mix until just moistened. Stir in raisins. Fill greased muffin pans 2/3 full. (this recipe is for 12 muffins) If desired you can sprinkle a little sugar on top of each muffin. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

Yum!

Halloween Movie Weekend!!

2010-10-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

I put up a poll asking for people's favorite Halloween movies. My original intention was to use a random number generator to choose 4 titles to vote for. But based on a (good!) question by YellowRaincoat, asking why not just choose the top 4 instead of randomly, I looked over the list again. There were 3 clear favorites, one with 8 votes, and two with 5. Six other movies received 2 votes each. So I used the random number generator to choose one from those 6.

So, your favorites (in order of preference):

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Hocus Pocus

Beetlejuice (available for instant viewing)

And the random entry:

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Leave a comment with your choice, and they'll be counted to decide which movie we'll be watching for Halloween weekend!

Going Shopping with the House Elf Liaison

2010-10-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

So, the House Elves have learned about the Muggle invention of grocery stores with their aisles lined with food and they are all atwitter. House Elves just conjure up the things they cook, so they don't really understand what "ingredients" are, except for when you're talking Potions. They want to learn more about these strange places! Let's help them out by sharing our grocery lists with them.

The House Elves want to know...What's on your grocery list?

Hint: you might want to pick up a can or two of pumpkin for next week!

Projects of the Week!

2010-10-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Badgers! Time for some projects of the week from October. Get ready to drool!

This lovely scarf from jaydee is our first POW. This fall inspired project is just wonderful.

Up next we have some Mad Men inspired socks made by sdhsmc86 for Muggle Studies. I absolutely adore Mad Men, and I know Don would love these socks.

Next we have some fabulous purple yarn, ingeniously dyed with beets by Mushroom. I can't believe you dyed it with beets; that is just so cool!

And our final project this week is from our beloved HoH, Leesy. She knit this gorgeous Orenburg lace shawl in 6 days!

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

Movie Weekend #8 October 22, 23, and 24

2010-10-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

Since Halloween is quickly approaching, this weeekend's movie titles are all a little bit scary (or possibly a lot scary, depending on personal opinion!).

As always, movies indicated *** can be watched instantly from Netflix. Leave a comment with your favorite; I'll tally the results and post the winner October 21st.

Dragonfly ***

The Sixth Sense ***

The Skeleton Key ***

What Lies Beneath

Something Special with the House Elf Liaison

2010-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Canadians just celebrated Thanksgiving and it's coming up in the USA too, not to mention all the other holidays and special occasions that come around this time of year. What do you like to eat on a special occasion? Do you like to break out that special gourmet cookbook and whip up a five course meal? Or that tattered, much loved recipe from your grandmother's recipe box? Or would you rather go out to a restaurant and let someone else do the heavy lifting?

The House Elves want to know...What's your favorite special occasion meal? Share your most special recipes, favorite restaurant splurges, or touching stories!

Movie Weekend #7, October 15, 16, 17

2010-10-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

October 11th is "It's my Party Day", so our theme this week is "...and I'll cry if I want to." Grab a box of tissues, and watch a tear-jerker!

Leave a comment with your favorite - I'll tally the votes and post the result on October 14th. Movies indicated with *** are available to view instantly from Netlifx.

Steel Magnolias ***

Ghost ***

Bright Star ***

Titanic (1997 version)

Badger Badger Mushroom

2010-10-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our Giraffe Stampede for History of Magic was a huge success, and in keeping with that, I'm proposing a Mushroom Stomp for DADA this month. Craftyshanna introduced me (and many others, I'm sure!) to the badger-badger-mushroom video, and I think it would be a great start to a group project submission. We're still working out the story bits, but it promises to be a lot of fun. All you have to do is craft something mushroom related, and Ravelry has 65 free patterns to help you do just that. We'll be posting them on the 22nd, to get them finished up and submitted before our House Pride Exhibition starts. To keep up with the Stomp, check in regularly with the Badgertastic Group Projects thread.

Speaking of the HPE, Minsue had the fabulous idea to do a HPE HECK project this month with a House Elf House Pride Drill Team. We're still ironing out the details, but I'll let you know once all the decisions have been finalized. The Quidditch Tie-along is still going strong, as well. Will you be ready to show off your tie during the HPE?

Finally, the October yardage challenge in underway. Congratulations to epazia for using up 5235 yards last month! That's amazing! Even more amazing are the final tally numbers for September: 1300 woven yards, 2614 spun yards, and 38,335.8 knit/crocheted yards. I'm in awe, guys. And I totally need to start calculating my yardage ;)

Time for Breakfast with the House Elf Liaison

2010-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's a new month and every day is a new day. Mom always said that breakfast was the most important meal, and the House Elves agree. Please share your favorite breakfast ideas, recipes, experiences, anything at all about food in the morning!

The House Elves want to know... What is your go-to breakfast?

Movie Weekend #6 October 8, 9, 10

2010-10-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

According to http://www.holidayinsights.com/ , October 9th is Curious Events Day, although it says they were unable to uncover any factual information about this 'holiday'. So to observe this holiday we'll have a list of movies containing events so curious that they can only be described as magical.

The movie choices are:

The Color of Magic***

The NeverEnding Story***

Labyrinth***

The Illusionist

Movies indicated with *** are available to view instantly from Netflix. Please leave a comment with your favorite title - I'll count the votes and post the winner on Thursday.

Projects of the Week!

2010-10-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hey there Puffs! I have some more projects of the week for you to ogle! What with all the last minute submissions at the end of September I had to give you 4 projects this week.

First up we have angel101580's gorgeous Vine Yolk Cardigan. Finishing this baby in a month deserves loads of kudos. A shout out to SuperM who also submitted this cardigan this week.

Next we have some fantastic colourwork mittens made by kikipotamus. Can you believe this was her first major stranded project?

Some beautiful purple handspun by kell13 is up next! Her spinning just keeps getting better and better. Great work!

And last but not least we have this adorable illusion knitting baby blanket by m8land. I'm sure the little one will love it.

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

Pantry Soup with the House Elf Liaison

2010-09-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

You know the day before the big shopping trip? When the food available doesn't quite add up to a meal? Some people call it Pantry Soup, some people call it "Cheesy Grapefruit Surprise", here is your chance to share the food you make with the dregs left in the kitchen.

The House Elves want to know... What is your most (or least!) successful thrown together meal?

Projects of the Week!

2010-09-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Howdy Badgers! Had a busy week, so I apologize for the late post. You guys turned in so many things this week it took me a while to look at them all. Choosing just keeps getting harder and harder...So, let's see what I have come up with this time.

First a gorgeous crocheted shawl made by gardeniapatti. Superb job!

Up next some beautiful cabled gloves made by hydra-star for her boyfriend. Awesome work!

And finally a lovely pair of socks that also serve as banana cozies made by Pluesch. Making me laugh definitely scores bonus points on my non existent point scale. Fantastic crafting!

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

Movie Weekend #5 October 1, 2, 3

2010-09-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

For this movie weekend, we're going to have a belated celebration of International Rabbit Day, which was actually September 26th. So three of this week's movie choices have rabbits in strong roles, and the 4th at least has the word 'rabbit' in the title, which is the best I could do and still have two titles available for instant viewing. :)

This week's choices are:

Rabbit-Proof Fence ***

The Bugs Bunny Road Runner Movie***

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Harvey (Netflix says this will be available for streaming October 1st)

As always, movies with *** are available to watch instantly on Netflix. You can check with your local library and see if they have any of these titles; you may be able to order movies from another branch too.

Leave a comment naming your favorite title, and I'll count them up and post the results on Thursday.

Stampede On!

2010-09-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Giraffe Stampede is offically live. It began here in History of Magic, but we've already seen some spottings in Transfiguration and Herbology. You have all weekend to join in. The giraffes are stampeding the 24th and 25th, leaf-related items to help coax the giraffes back to the Chamber of Spots are scheduled to go out the 25th and 26th, and the clean-up crew will be in full force the 26th and 27th.

Sorry for the short post this week. It's the end of the month...I'm knitting like there's no tomorrow ;) Have a fabulous last week of September!

Snooping with the House Elf Liaison

2010-09-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's a well known fact amongst wizards that House Elves are notoriously nosy. The fact that employed House Elves are bound by strict silencing spells is the only thing that keeps the daily habits of their households under wraps.

So, today, let's let them snoop around a bit in our refrigerators...
The House Elves want to know... What's in your fridge right now?

Projects of the week!

2010-09-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

Howdy Badgers! I am back from Guide camp and I can't wait to announce our Projects of the Week for week 2 of the term. You have all been so busy making amazing stuff that I had trouble choosing.

This week we have a beautiful pair of Latvian colour work mittens by Evucis. This is just one of three pairs she submitted so far this month.

Now for some more gorgeous mitts: a pair of Endpaper mittens by kerryespins. She knit these babies in just 7 days! Amazing work.

And last, but not least, a cabled adult cardigan made in under 2 weeks by mma. Fantastic job!

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

Movie Weekend #4 September 24, 25, 26

2010-09-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Because this is the last movie weekend in September, and our beloved Professor McGonagall, Maggie Smith, is in a movie called "The Last September"(which also has Michael Gambon in it, and is unfortunately rated R), for a theme this week I've chosen movies featuring Maggie Smith!

Your choices are:

Curtain Call***

Murder by Death***

Sister Act***

Ladies in Lavender***

All titles are available to watch instantly from Netflix. Your local library may be able to order movies from other branches if they're not available from your branch.

Leave a comment with your choice below. I'll count them up, and announce the winner on Thursday, September 23.

First Half-Way Check

2010-09-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

So we're officially into the second half of September. How are your projects going? Do you need inspiration?

The Quidditch Tie-Along is expanding to include other houses, and our Captain, Yarnvista, had a Badgertastic idea for our House Pride Exhibition in October:

As Captain, I’d like to make the suggestion that maybe as many ‘Puffs as possible make a House Tie for Regular Quidditch and then we could maybe make a massive Cheer during one of the Exhibition Days, maybe the first day, where we could post pictures of ourselves, loved ones, and pets wearing said ties in a huge yellow and black wave of House Pride!!! That would also free up our Exhibition days to make the other kinds of projects that don’t qualify for regular Quidditch, like bags and washcloths and bookmarks and blankets and every other thing that isn’t a garment. Of course, if you really want to make a garment for the Exhibition, that’s okay too.

The Giraffe Stampede is progressing! We've made the following outline for project submission dates:

So, I’m thinking that the giraffes could stampede on the 24th and 25th. Then any leaf-related projects could help round them up on the 25th and 26th. Finally (this is a new twist because I’m not going to get a giraffe made, but do want to stampede), the giraffe cleanup crew will be along to sweep up any ‘debris’ on the 26th and 27th (I’m going to make a swiffer cover, but a dishcloth would do -- lots of giraffe nose-snuffle marks to wipe up). ~Minsue

This is what we have for the story, which is a compilation of story bits from needlesnswiffers, vspringer, tiggersjp, purplesparkler, and myself. The adorable giraffe picture was created by bellymonster.

The Room of Requirement, a magical part of Hogwarts Castle, is many different things to many different people. Hufflepuffs through the centuries have utilized the Room of Requirement as the Chamber of Spots to study kindness, being gentle, meditation, hugs, and baking. You enter the Chamber of Spots once you have mastered enough purpletongue from your Mama or Papa Badgers to ask the room to enter. The Chamber of Spots earned its name, because Hufflepuffs love giraffes. Giraffes have a quiet, serene nature; they so closely match our colors, and because they’re highly useful when you need to pull ingredients for recipes off of top shelves.

In the spirit of kindness and hugs, the House Elf Crafting Klatch decided to bring some good cheer to the free elf Winky. As everyone who has read Goblet of Fire will know, Winky didn’t enter the ranks of the free house elves gracefully. The members of HECK felt that Winky could find comfort in the giraffes, and learn to be at peace with her new lot in life. We entered the Chamber of Spots looking for gifts for her. We found coasters and cozies, garments and toys. All things we felt would lift the spirits of dear Winky. Upon leaving, however, we discovered that the door to Chamber was ajar, and one of the most curious giraffes had escaped!

After spending most of his Sunday afternoon following the Hufflepuffs as they ran round the corridors attempting to retrieve the Giraffe, Hagrid told us that “giraffes oughter be able to run free”. We didn’t quite like to release it into the Forbidden Forest (how would we look after it?), so we coaxed the giraffe with leaves, leading it to the Transfiguration room. Professor McGonagall enchanted the giraffe into a painting, which we put down in the kitchen for Winky. You can now find our gentle friend wandering paintings throughout the castle.

Currently, I'm planning to post the story to History of Magic the morning of the 24th, and then it will all progress from there. I'm super excited to see all of the giraffe projects come together!

Just Desserts with the House Elf Liaison

2010-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

House Elf Liaison, back from the kitchens...

When life gets busy, frazzled and harried, what to turn to but ~~our crafting~~ chocolate!!!! Or if not chocolate, dessert (but why not just shave, drizzle, or drench it with chocolate?)

Tell me about your favorite sweet treats, the one you make the best, the one you pick over the all the others, or the one that changed your world! Recipes, tips, and general comments are all welcome!
The House Elves want to know: What's the best dessert you've ever eaten?

Movie Weekend #3 - September 17, 18, 19

2010-09-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

To celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day September 19th, the theme for this weekend's movies is (of course!) pirates!

Here are the week's movie choices:

Hook***

Peter Pan*** (2000 Broadway musical version with Cathy Rigby)

Treasure Island*** (2002, animated)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Movies indicated with *** are available from Netflix to "Watch Instantly". Be sure to check with your local library - if they don't have a title available, you may be able to order it from another branch.

Leave a comment below with your preference - I'll count them up and announce the week's winner on Thursday.

Thursday Update: Well, it was close, but Pirates of the Caribbean was the winner for this weekend.

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Projects of the week!

2010-09-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome Puffs, to the first ever POW! Admittedly it has been a bit over a week, but I plan to post these on Saturdays and I figured you would appreciate the extra time to turn in something fabulous. Check out my top 3 this week:

First up what might be our speediest socks ever; roomc's Foggy Bottoms completed in just 3 days! Madness!

Up next is a gorgeous dresser, salvaged and painted by our own Pacasha! What yarn would not be happy in there?

And finally some beautiful, sparkly yarn, spun up by the lovely cariboustar! Don't you just want to play with it? I know I do.

That's all for this week Puffs! So keep on crafting and you just might make the next POW!

A Good Ol' Fashioned Challenge

2010-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's week 2, and the group projects are rolling along. Several students are preparing to storm History of Magic later in the month with the Giraffe Stampede, and maybe a few other classes. We're aiming to submit the giraffes the weekend of the 24th. So far we have a couple of ideas going for the story...Chamber of Spots, Giraffes roaming the castle pictures, and some combination of the two. I'll (hopefully) post the final story next week to get you inspired to finish your giraffes!

The September Yardage Challenge is underway, as well. Calculate the yardage of every project you finish in September. It's ok if it started the month as a wip, just calculate the total yardage for the project and post it in the challenge thread with your running tally. Our Badgertastic winner for August is SuperM, with ~1860 yards. Wow!

Finally, we had our first Yarntastic Yellow Huffleteer last week. Briezee made some badgertastic yellow accented socks and shoes for her 27 year old cabbage patch kid, Tania, and submitted it to Potions. Way to go, Briezee!

Lunch Date with the House Elf Liaison

2010-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

House Elf Liaison, back from the kitchens!

Welcome Hufflepuffs, old and new! It’s a new term and the House Elves want to hear more from you! This term, instead of me just posting recipes, I’ll be asking questions about food- what you like and what you cook, what you eat and what you wish you could eat. I’d love it if you shared your recipes, ingredients, tips, anything that you want. Let’s talk about food!

Now that the term has started and we're all back in classes, the House Elves want to know:

What is your go-to lunch? A sandwich? A salad? A bento box? Tell us all about it!

House Unity and House Elves with a stampede of Giraffes

2010-09-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

September is finally here, and classes are posted for the 7th term of the Harry Potter Knitting/Crochet House Cup. We have some fabulously badgertastic group projects going on that I hope will inspire you to craft and be merry. You can see a list of our current group projects here. I’ll be updating this list montly with the changing of the classes.

First, I would like to remind everyone that Quidditch is underway, and it’s really easy to participate. The goal is to prepare for the release of the first Deathly Hallows movie in November with a lot of house pride. All you have to do is craft a garment in house colors. That’s it! You don’t even have to craft in your own house’s colors. For anyone who needs a reminder: Gryffindor is red and gold, Hufflepuff is black and yellow, Ravenclaw is blue and silver/bronze, and Slytherin is silver and green. Our lovely keeper is Yarnvista. She’s currently accepting applications for the roles of Beater (x2) and Seeker. Please contact her if you’re interested in joining the team! All people who craft for quidditch are considered Chasers this term, so no sign ups are necessary there.

Next, we have HECK, the House Elf Crafting Klatch. Last July, we crafted to send our elves to camp. Now, we’re focusing on the free elves, Dobby and Winky. You’ll find a ton of project ideas in the HECK! It’s September thread in the Hufflepuff House Group on Ravelry. Namely, GIRAFFES! This month, Hufflepuff has been overrun with giraffe-fever. I haven’t contacted the school nurse yet, but if this gets out of hand, you can bet that I will ;) The main idea here is to craft something that would benefit Dobby or Winky, so the options are limitless. I bet Winky would get a lot of comfort out of a little giraffe stuffed animal, though.

Finally, the other idea that seems to be generating a lot of excitement is the house unity color theme. TheAlexKlein got us rolling with a great post of possible color themes in the Badgertastic Group Projects thread. For September, we’re going with the theme proposed by Needlesnswiffers – Yarntastic Yellow! How many projects can you craft in yellow in the month of September?

In the coming weeks, I’ll bring you updates to any cete-based group projects that might be happening, along with quidditch updates and general project progress. Happy Crafting, Everyone!

Congrats! It's FALL!!!

2010-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, how wonderful! It is FINALLY September 1st, and the classes are posted. I (Fluttervale, that is...) finally got to cast on something new. I was So Good in August with my Snap stuff.

Anyways, let's talk a little bit about Quidditch. Quidditch seems to be the most confusing of the classes, so let's break it down. Unless you are a Keeper or Beater (in which case you already know your role and what you've gotta do), you are a Chaser.

Chasers have to knit garments (not headband, not wristie, but gloves/mittens/scarf/sweater/etc.) which are in the colors of one, and only one, house. But the upside: You can make stuff for ANY house, it just has to be consistent: Red & Gold, Yellow & Black, Silver or Bronze & Blue, Silver & Green, OR it can be one of the acceptable House Unity items listed in the first post in the Quidditch thread. Colors are very important this term, so if you aren't sure if your yarn is the "right" color, you'll want to ask in the Quidditch thread.

Here's the great part: You can make as many of these items as you want. The more you make, the more points we get. So me? I have like 20 miles of white Caron Simply Soft. It's going to turn into a big pile of House Unity scarves. And that's in addition to your classwork. The sky is the limit with Quidditch, folks.

Now let's play a clean game, and have fun!

Movie Weekend #1 - White Squall!!

2010-08-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

The "movie weekend" polls may be moved to a tab of their own in the future, but for now, I'm too excited to wait.

Here's how it will work:

On Mondays (or Sundays if I'm too impatient), I'll post a list of movies. Reply in the comments which one you'd prefer, and I'll tally them up and announce the "winner" on Thursday. (In case of a tie, I guess I'll give myself the right to cast the deciding vote, unless anyone objects to that!) I'll start a thread in the H:MoA (Hufflepuff: Made of Awesome) board where we can discuss the movie to our hearts' content.

Our first Movie Weekend will be the upcoming Labor Day holiday - September 3, 4, 5 and 6.

This week's theme is: Stay Out of the Water!

Your movie choices are:

Jaws ****
Jaws II****
White Squall****
The Perfect Storm

Movies indicated with **** are available using the Netflix Watch Instantly feature.

Don't forget to check your local library for available titles - some libraries will let you request titles from other branches as well!

UPDATE - Thursday September 2

The decision's been reached - we'll be watching "White Squall" for this first movie weekend.

Now I'm off the see if I can find anymore ideas for movie-related snacks!

The list of movies for next week should show up on Sunday, at 6:00 pm Princess Onica time.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

Are you ready for September 1st?

2010-08-23T15:58:00.001-07:00

Hi! I'm Fluttervale, TA for DADA this term, and one of your house Bloggers. Are you ready for the Fall Term? Here's what I do before each term.

1. I get the main forum ready to read. I start by ignoring all the old threads (because I find lots of threads visually distracting). Today, I removed everything that wasn't stickied except the Hufflepuff Common Room. (I ignored a few stickies, too, that I'm not participating in.) Just click in the "status" box next to each thread, and the option to ignore comes up. Once term starts, I'll ignore all of the common rooms except my own, and I generally ignore old class threads as well from previous months.

2. I read all of the remaining threads until I was caught up. Because, you know, I get behind on these things.

3. I visited the Hufflepuff House Group and did the same. I checked in on the Blog post (since I'm obviously part of the Blog team!) and will shortly be active in that group, just as soon as this post is posted.

4. I checked my Queue, and made sure that all the patterns that I'd like to work on this term are in my queue, and that all my patterns are printed. I even set aside the yarn in a special bin for classes. My goal this term is to knit up scarves and dishcloths, and I have some mittens/handwear patterns as well that I'd like to do for classes.

July winner

2010-08-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ladies, gentlemen and badgers, the prize winners from July have been announced.

Let's applaud anneadeline who received an award for her extraordinary thigh-high rainbow socks! From what I've heard these socks are not only warm and cute, but they also banish dementors and attract unicorns. How cool is that?

Congratulations, anneadeline!

Fall 2010 Mentoring!

2010-08-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

MENTORING!!!

Fall 2010 Cetes

In fall 2010, we will have 10 Cetes of Badgers. Each Cete will have at least one 4th year or higher leader ("Mama Badger" or "Papa Badger"), one 2nd or 3rd year, and however many firsties that balances out to. If I have more than 10 volunteers from each group, some groups may have additional upperclassmen to help out the firsties.

Each Cete will be given a name (a species/sub-species of Badger) and we will carry those Cetes forward so you can be a permanent member of that Cete. We'll make it up as we go along with the various what-ifs. Members are always welcome to Cete-hop and visit the others, of course, or do one of those "visit to stay" sorts of things! Each Cete will have it's own thread in the Hufflepuff House Group which should make it easier for everyone to stay in touch.

So, if you'd like to be part of the mentoring program, please PM Fluttervale on Ravelry and let her know, as well as your year, so I can make sure to balance out everyone. I need Upperclassman sign-ups by the 28th, please. (If you sign up later, that's cool, I'll still stick you in a Cete, I just would really like to get the upperclassmen figured out before the Firsties.)

If you are a firstie and asked for Hufflepuff, you will almost certainly become a Huff--we are the least-requested house since the books make us out to be the least competitive. But we have a great supportive atmosphere, and at least once a term discuss just about every topic on the planet. Firsties, please do NOT PM me letting me know you want a mentor, you will get one, I promise! ScarlettB gives me a list so that I can match you up.

Remember: Of all the species representing the various houses, we are the highest up on the food chain! Let's have a great term and be welcoming to our Firsties!

July nominations

2010-08-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone. First of all, I'd like to apologize for falling off the face of the earth last month. July was a bad month for me and August isn't much better really, but at least I have some prize announcements to cheer me up. As always we've had some extraordinary projects to represent the noble house of Hufflepuff. You guys are amazing. So without further ado, the talented nominees!

In Quidditch, yarnvista drew everyone's attention with her mega awesome mega blanket for the mega challenge.
In the OWLs, Pacasha was nominated for her Unicorn inspired cabled sweater and Bijou3owl was nominated for her twinkling night sky Aeolian.
In Potions, SuperM received a nomination for her adorable songbird shawl.
In HoM, Evucis was nominated for her Little Dolls sweater, modeled by the cutest little doll ever. And since we're on the subject, StitchyWitchy was nominated for her sweet baby Lily Luna Potter doll.
In Ancient Runes, Evucis was nominated for her cute Flutter-by Daffodil socks.
In DADA, kreachr was nominated for her so beautiful South African Merino handspun, anneadeline was nominated for her extraordinarily long (!) rainbow socks and Evucis was nominated for her amazing dragonfly sweater. Pay special attention when voting for your favorite DADA projects, because the nominations are not in order. I believe Hilltopkatie was so busy drooling over kreachr's handspun that she forgot to nominate anyone else until the very end of the thread.
In charms, Evucis received a nomination for her frosted petals shawl. So romantic!
And, in Herbology, tiggersjp was nominated for her cabled Dixie pillow. Looks really cozy!

Good job, nominees! Congratulations!

Summer Break!

2010-08-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Wow! So another term is over. NEWT's were announced. (Anyone having fun with NEWT's?) Everyone's working on Exploding Snap! and their OWL proposals.

So what sorts of things do you plan on crafting for next term? Me (Fluttervale), I am planning on getting all of the charity cotton knit up into burp/washcloths for charity and some of the acrylic into scarves. I also have two OWL's planned: Charms & Herbology.

Don't forget that now is a good time to start thinking of your holiday crafting. I know I need to get on the ball with shopping and everything before it's the week before Christmas!

Not Sure What to Make?

2010-07-06T16:36:00.001-07:00

Here are some ideas for little items that you can knit or crochet up quickly for an easy 15 class points!

Ancient Runes

A rune is cast for each student, and then you must match yarn, pattern, etc. to the rune (please see the class listing)!! So I cannot give that many quick and easy suggestions.

Charms

Make something light and airy--like lace!

Vine Lace Baby Hat - A quick little lace baby hat.
Lace Juliet Cap - Another quick little lace hat.

D.A.D.A.

Make something to chase away the Dementors of Depression and Werewolf of Anger. i.e. something to represent calm and serenity in your life.

Coffee Mug Cozy - Tea seems to be a theme. A knit coffee cup cozy would fit a teacup as well! 50 yards of yarn.
Coffee Cozy - And a similar project in crochet. About 50 yards of yarn.

Herbology

Cables!

Christmas Capelet Cuff - A Crochet wristie. Just remember to make two!
Cable Baby Beanie - A knit and cabled baby hat.

History of Magic

Make (a) Something for a baby or (b) Something to recognize "The Boy Who Lived."

Modern Cabled Baby Bib - Only a few hours and about 60 yards of scrap yarn, knit.
Oh-So-Soft Baby Washcloth - A small square using about 50 yards of cotton or acrylic, crochet.

Potions

Make something either fiddly or calming. For calming, please see D.A.D.A. since I think tea would be a good fit for either.