Home Again

We got home late last night and I have been busy unloading the car, unpacking our bags, doing laundry, etc.

Before heading home, we stopped at Trader Joe's in Burien, WA. I LOVE this chain of stores! The service and items carried is consistent from store to store and the service is always exceptional!

We then headed toward home but stopped off at Cle Elum to eat dinner. We decided on Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! I will definitely visit this restaurant again!

Since I was able to get to the camera today I took a few pictures of my new iPad case. The lighting today isn't very good but I did the best I could. 

I really wanted leather and since I didn't feel like I could splurge on the Book Book at $80 I was super excited when I saw this one for $30 (regular price $48) at the Nordstrom Rack! I wasn't thrilled with Jessica Simpson's name on the front but couldn't squabble with the price.

I love the super soft feel of the leather and the big pocket on the front.

The inside has elastic/leather loops that hold the iPad nice and tight. Another pocket for a small notebook or receipts. Check out the pockets for cards and the heart shaped slot for my granddaughter's picture:)

Then of course, I wanted it to be able to stand up for when I get a wireless keyboard for it.

Tada! My new iPad case has an easel type stand that snaps down snuggly to the back of the case when not in use.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this new case. Now, to see how it wears! But it should last for a couple of years anyway while I continue my search for the PERFECT iPad case.

Well, I am off to finish my laundry and try to get things straightened up here a little bit. I was reading Carla's post for yesterday at My 1/2 Dozen Daily and I am so far from being the Proverbs 31 woman:( So gotta get this place tidied up! I am still on my mission for the 100 Thing Fling Boogie! I think I am at 40 but will "fling" a few more things and get back to you on that!

What is your favorite restaurant for a sit down meal? My hubby really likes Sweet Tomatoes in Clackamas, OR or Vancouver, WA. However, that is an upscale buffet restaurant. Good food but I really like to be served so I would probably choose a nice Mexican restaurant (like last night) or Olive Garden (love their salad and bread sticks).

Kat

Zero Day

After reading the book Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman I have come to really appreciate the zero day! When Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail a zero day is one spent in a town, in a motel or hostel, eating in restaurants and just taking it easy. 

Coast Gateway Hotel in Seatac

We were able to book our hotel through Hotwire.com for $68/night plus tax. Great deal!! When my husband asked me to join him on a trip to Seattle area I knew exactly what I wanted to do while he was in his training all day. But he and several friends just didn't get it. What! Spend all day in the room...blogging, knitting and reading!!! To me it sounded like bliss to be able to do things I love to do without any responsibilities--no dogs to feed; meals to fix; dishes or laundry to be washed! Like I said, bliss:)

Hospitality Room

The picture above is of the Hospitality Room where a Continental Breakfast is served until 10:00 each morning. They had a good selection so I had a nice breakfast each morning. 

Fitness Room

I promised my husband I would use the fitness room while we were staying at this hotel but was disappointed the treadmill was "out of order".  I ended up the eliptical but could only do about 15 minutes on it. It's just plain hard!!! Give me my treadmill any day! We really enjoyed our visit to this hotel and would be happy to stay here again. Nice facilities, comfortable room, friendly staff!

Last night we ate at Zoopa's in Tukwila then did a bit of shopping. Hubby enjoyed a visit to Nordstrom Rack and I was frustrated by a trip to Joann Fabrics. I purchased a cover for my iPad from Nordstrom Rack but will have to show it later; I sent the camera off in the car with my hubby:(  

Today check out is at noon so will have a few hours to kill before hubby is finished with his training. I'm sure I can find SOMETHING to do:) We will make a visit to Trader Joe's, one of our favorite stores, before heading home! 

What is your idea of the perfect Zero Day?

Have a great day! 

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good Morning! Welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday started each week by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom! I am having a much easier time blogging this morning! The internet is working a lot faster, probably because I don't as much competition for bandwidth:)

So, what's going on this Monday morning?

The Weather...50s, rainy and windy. I am in Seattle today and tomorrow and I do believe Seattle has 100% chance of rain three seasons of the year! But it is green and beautiful:)

Right now I am...Sitting on the bed in my hotel room, watching reports on Hurricane Sandy on TV and writing this post. Oh, where is that cup of tea I was going to have?!! Will get that going and be right back!

Thinking...About what I am going to do tomorrow after I check out of the hotel. I will have five hours between check out and when my hubby gets out of his training.

On my reading pile...Haven't done much reading in the last week so am still working my way through Emilie Richards Happiness Key series. I also brought my latest copies of Stampin' Success, Knit Simple and Weight Watchers magazines. I also have the latest copy of Better Homes & Gardens magazine on my new iPad.

On my tv...Will be watching lots of storm news most of today. Not sure for the rest of the week.

On the menu this week...
Monday--restaurants
Tuesday--restaurants
Wednesday--Vegetable Stew, Coleslaw/Ramen Salad
Thursday--Baked Potatoes, Baked Butternut Squash and Broccoli
Friday--Mushroom Barley Soup
Saturday--I will take homemade bread and a green salad for church potluck
Sunday--not sure yet

On my to do list...I need to do a stamping order today but other than that, I am just planning to read, knit, blog and watch about the storm on TV. Will need to do some laundry and clean house when I get home but don't plan much until Thursday.

What I am crocheting, knitting, sewing or creating...I am knitting a simple infinity scarf in Lion Brand Homespun yarn; knitting a Christmas stocking ornament; might start a pair of socks today if I get really bored:)

Homemaking Tips...To sanitize countertops, sinks, sponges, etc. just fill a small spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray surfaces you want to sanitize! Hydrogen peroxide is cheap, only $1 or less for 16 oz., and safe. There are many uses for hydrogen peroxide besides disinfecting owies! I tried putting bleach in a spray bottle but it ate the spray mechanism:( And bleach is not a safe or green cleaner.

Looking around the house (or in my case, hotel room)...Room a little cluttered with our stuff--jugs of water, crackers, hubby's jeans and socks, my knitting bag. Glad I'm not looking around my HOUSE right now!

From the camera...

Infinity Scarf I am knitting

On my Prayer List...

1. Those in the path of Hurricane Sandy.
2. Friends/family who have recently lost loved ones.
3. Lena--a special blog "friend"

Bible Verse; Devotional...

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3

I hope you are having a great Monday and are safe, healthy and happy. See you tomorrow:)

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

It's time for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat once again! It is frustrating trying to type this post as the Wifi in the hotel is sooo slow:( But I will persevere! I may have this post finished by next Sunday!

My picture today is a cartoon that was in the e-newsletter from my favorite fabric store, Quilter's Roundup! First rule of purchasing fabric, Leave the husband at home!!!

As you know, the Sunday Night Chit-Chat is started each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. So let's get started!

I am...

Reading...Still reading Happiness Key by Emilie Richards! I should finish it this week though as I will have lots of reading time while I am at the hotel. We finished our read aloud Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman and it was one of the best books I have ever read! It was so inspirational! I was truly sorry when we finished it!

Watching...Revenge. I really didn't mean to get caught up in this one but...I am!

Listening to...The TV. I miss the puppy snoring:)

Cooking/Baking...I baked bread before I left for Seattle.

Happy I accomplished this week...I made it through the week without actually coming down with the flu that was trying to take hold. I had a few days with low energy and feeling kinda yucky but never did get really sick. I used lots of Airborne, Wellness Formula, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera juice.

Looking forward to next week...Hubby has training near Seattle so we are staying in a nice hotel, eating in restaurants and enjoying a few days away from home. 

Thankful for today...That I am feeling better so I can enjoy the time in Seattle with my hubby!

*BONUS QUESTION*
Am I located in an area that's supposed to be affected by Hurricane Sandy? No, I live on the West Coast:)

Hooray! I made it through the post:))) I think it's just that a lot of other people are on the internet at the same time so it's slowing everything down. 

Have a great night and I will be back tomorrow. Hope to see you then!

Please join me in praying for all those in the path of Hurricane Sandy!

Kat

5 Things Friday

Welcome to "5 Things Friday"! I love this idea! Carla over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily has started the "5 Things Friday" so you can check her blog to see what her 5 random things for the week are. I like this idea because sometimes I have things to share that just don't fit anywhere. And, Friday is probably the busiest day of my week so if I haven't prepared a post ahead of time it's just one more thing to add to my already long "to do" list! So, "5 Things Friday" is perfect for me:) I hope you enjoy it too!

1. I didn't get my Zippy Wallet done:( The reason being that for the last couple of days I haven't been feeling well. I think I am trying to come down with something--achy, stomach queasy, feverish. Not really sick; just not well. I am on an every 4 hour regimen of Airborne, Wellness Formula, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera juice. One of those ought to do something!!!
2. Trying to decide what to take to Seattle with me! Hubby has some training in Seattle on Monday and Tuesday so we are going up on Sunday. We got a 3 star hotel for $68/night plus tax! Great price and the motel has great reviews! I will be taking Happiness Key by Emilie Richards to read; swimming suit for the pool; a knitting project plus my cross stitch project. I am planning one day to just stay in the motel room and relax:) 
3. Learning to use my iPad. You wouldn't think it would be too difficult since I have had an iPod Touch for 4 years and I use a MacBook Pro to do my blogging. However, it IS a little different but I am getting the hang of it. I am still trying to decide what kind of cover I want. I have been lusting over some beautiful leather ones like the Book Book Case but it's $80 so that's not likely to happen unless I find it on sale. The iTech cover at Costco is $80 but includes a keyboard (big plus)!
4. Making my list of quick, easy but oh so adorable Christmas gifts to make. I will be showing them to you as they come off the assembly line:)
5. Getting a new cell phone plan that INCLUDES texting:) It's time I came into the 21st Century! I have a free texting app on my iPod and iPad but not the same as having it on your phone. I do have texting on my current phone but it costs 20 cents per text--incoming and outgoing. Doesn't sound like much but it can really add up!

Well, now you have my random thoughts for the day! Do you have some random thoughts to share? I would love to hear them!

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! Thank you for visiting! I will be doing the Sunday Night Chit-Chat from my motel room in Seattle IF I don't get really sick in the meantime!

Kat

A Little This; A Little That

Yesterday we had a fire going in our wood stove because of the cool weather. The dogs really enjoyed their time in front of the stove with their Nylabones. I thought this picture particularly cute with both of the chewing away. Rocky holds his bone with his paws like a person would use their hands. So cute! By the time they went to bed last night, the living room looked like their toy box had exploded!!!

I am working on my 100 Thing Fling Boogie (see yesterday's post). I added 25 items of clothing to the list today bringing my total so far to 29:) I have exceeded my weekly goal and I'm not finished yet! The clothing items will be donated to the nearest Goodwill. 

Gift bag made by Heather Summers

Today I will be working on my Patchwork Zippy Wallet and some fabric gift bags I saw today at Stamping with Heather. Heather made the gift bags with fabric bought from the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack for just 99 cents (US) for 3 extra large fat quarters! She figured it only cost her 20 cents per bag!!! She has a video tutorial on how to make these adorable bags! Cute! Cute! Cute! If you want to order some of this fabric please email me!

I have three cards backed up to show you that I am super excited about but they were made for The Cupboard Trilogy as my Design Team projects so can't show them till they go live next month! Be sure to check out the entries for this month's challenge! WOW! I can't believe how many people entered the challenge this month!!! It just keeps growing! 

Well, I guess that's it for today! I hope to have something to show you tomorrow:)

Have a great day! It's hump day today so the rest of the week should be smooth sailing, right?

Kat

The 100 Thing Fling Boogie plus a Flash Card

Brrr...the weather has turned cold. Yesterday's high was about 45 degrees (F) and today we might make 50. So thankful to have a wood stove to back up to! However, we haven't had a frost yet so that's good and bad! Good because we are still eating tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden; bad because I need at least a light frost before we harvest the apples to make applesauce--makes them sweeter. But you didn't visit to hear me complain about the weather, did you?!!!

First up today is The Reverse 100 Things Challenge I mentioned in my last post. I read about it on Carla's blog, My 1/2 Dozen Daily--have you figured out yet that I am Carla's Blog Stalker?!!! Anyhoo, it originally came from Courtney's blog, Be More With Less. As I was just reading Courtney's post she has challenged herself to make this just HER personal items--not household items! Easy peasy for me as I have TOO MUCH STUFF!!! The Fly Lady has a 27 Fling Boogie so to make this challenge more fun for me, I am calling mine The 100 Thing Fling Boogie! So, between now and December 15 I will be getting rid of 100 of my personal possessions--whoo hoo!!! So far I have 3 coats that I no longer need or wear plus a stack of Creating Keepsakes magazines so have a total of 4 items (counting all those magazines as one item) but am planning to have 10 by the end of the day! I will be updating you on my progress on Fridays so be sure to check back!

Well, I will never win an award for photography:( Maybe that should go on my list for next year! The card above was another one of  Connie Stewart's Flash Cards! I am having so much fun with her Flash Cards and her video tutorials are really fun to watch!

For this card I used the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler card stock
• Stamp sets: Christmas Lodge (for sentiments) and Ornament Keepsakes
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Early Espress and Gumball Green
• Big Shot plus Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
• Other: 1/2" Circle Punch and Early Espresso 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon
• What! No Dimensionals?!!! Well, it's true:)

Well, need to get busy on that To Do List! I need to find 6 more things to fling plus get started on my Zippy Wallet! I already have the laundry going but have two more loads to go. On laundry day I am just thankful I have a washer and dryer:)

Have a great day! Are you going to join me in The 100 Thing Fling Boogie? Let me know as I am encouraged by your comments!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Well, in order to get back on track this week I decided to post twice today! I really didn't want to miss out on Happy Homemaker Monday! Happy Homemaker Monday is originated each week by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to check out her blog to see what she has been up to. 

I am posting this in the evening this week so my answers will reflect that.

The Weather...Brrr! It is 42.9 degrees (F). I don't think it got much over 45 degrees today. And rainy--it's a good thing but I don't have to like it.

Right now I am...Winding down for the day. 

Thinking...About getting ready for Thanksgiving and making some Patchwork Zippy Wallets (tutorial by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily).

On my reading pile...Still the Happiness Key series by Emilie Richards. I am really wanting another Amish series and I see that Karen Kingsbury has a new book coming out soon:) I haven't been reading very much lately.

On the tv...I finished Ringer on Netflix so now will finish watching McLeod's Daughters on Netflix. It will likely take awhile. Hmmm...I think The Voice may be on tonight.

On the menu for this week...

• Monday--Leftover Potato Soup
• Tuesday--not sure yet
• Wednesday--Spaghetti, green salad and french bread (didn't happen last week)
• Thursday--Mizidra
• Friday--Vegetable Stew with dumplings
• Saturday--Potluck at church
• Sunday--Baked Potatoes, Butternut Squash (from our garden), Cabbage Salad with Ramen Noodles

On my to do list...

• Thank you cards for October customers
• Zippy wallet
• Laundry
• Reverse 100 Things Challenge or as I call it The 100 Thing Fling Boogie (thanks to the Fly Lady)--more about this one tomorrow:)
• Clean guest apartment after my brother left
• Get package together for Secret Sister Swap
• Get RAK ready to mail

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating...

• Do you want to hear it again?!!! A Patchwork Zippy Wallet!!! I hope to have it made and ready to post before Friday. 
• Slowly cross stitching napkins. Having trouble getting into it.
• I really, really, really want to start a winter scarf.

Homemaking Tips...I use Clorox (or other brands) Wipes to clean the toilet. But the best tip is using Clorox Wipes to clean the floor around the toilet; keeps it smelling fresh and clean--even with men in the house!

Looking around the house...I see three lazy dogs snoozing away and their toys are littering the living room! 

From the camera...

A tease for tomorrow's post:)

On my prayer list...

• My brother as he's working his way through the grieving process after losing his sweet wife in June.
• Our Thanksgiving guest list. 
• A friend who is moving to Texas soon to be near her children.

Bible Verse; Devotional...

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)

Thank you for stopping by. Have a good evening and I will be back with a card tomorrow--the tease from above:)

Kat

Sunday Night...I mean, Monday Morning Chit-Chat

My brother is visiting and we talked late last night so didn't get the Sunday Night Chit-Chat done till this morning. I am so glad he came to visit:) It's been awhile since he's been here. Our house would be a destination spot whereas we can visit him when we go to the city.

As for my quote this morning, I hope to always be the one who is patient and kind:) By nature I am a talker but I try to listen. I love learning about people and what makes them tick.

So on to the Sunday Night/Monday Morning Chit-Chat! This is started each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. She did a fabulous picture tutorial for making a Zippy Wallet and I can hardly wait to get started on it! Hope to do that today or tomorrow:)

I am...

Reading...Still reading Happiness Key by Emilie Richards. Haven't made it very far in the last week. Guess I haven't felt like reading. Too busy playing with my new iPad:) For our read aloud we are still reading Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman but we are nearly finished. This book has been so inspirational so I will likely purchase an extra to share.

Watching...We were visiting with my brother last night so didn't watch anything. I have two more episodes of Ringer on Netflix to watch so will try to get that done this week!

Listening to...Rocky (the English Bulldog) snoring and the fire crackling (love both those sounds).

Cooking/baking...Yesterday I made Potato Soup--yumm! This morning I am planning to make Apple Pie Waffles for breakfast.

Happy I accomplished this week...I got our guest apartment cleaned!!! Whew! That was a job! I hadn't cleaned it all summer and it was super dirty:( But now it is nice and clean. 

Looking forward to next (this) week...Working on the Patchwork Zippy Wallet from Carla's tutorial:) I hope to make two of them this week. I am also looking forward to the Reverse 100 Things Challenge...ready, set, go!

Thankful for today...My brother's wonderful visit:)

**BONUS QUESTION**

What is a character quality about myself I need to work on? I actually have two big ones and they probably go together...

1. I procrastinate--big time!
2. I am disorganized! I am an organizational wannabe just haven't found the method that works best for me. I read the books and work them for awhile but then it all falls apart. 

Thanks for checking in and sorry I am so late but really felt my brother's visit took first place in my life last night and today. 

Kat

My Fabric Wish List

Wednesday I wandered into the local fabric store, Artisan Village in Heppner, to kill some time and maybe get a few fat quarters. I was so inspired by the items that Carla is giving away at My 1/2 Dozen Daily that I decided I HAD to have some lime green fabric. And I found the perfect piece! You can check out the 
incredible selection of fabric on their website at www.quiltersroundup.com. I was able to purchase what I need for Carla's upcoming tutorial.

While I was in the fabric store, some fabric caught my eye and it is a "must have" but will need to wait till next month and will have to make some Christmas gifts with it in order to justify the purchase. It is called BFF Girlfriends manufactured by Elizabeth's Studio. (Please note: as of Tuesday, October 23 this fabric was not on the website yet but you can call the store at 541-676-8282 to order).

BFF Panel Girlfriends

BFF Vignette

BFF Daisies--I want both Brown and Cream

BFF Dots--I want both the Sepia and Brown

Can you see why I am in love with this fabric!!! I can see this fabric as a tote bag, purse, apron or all of the above. How would you use these pieces of fabric?

Is there something on your "must have" list? My last "must have" was an iPad but since hubby made that one a reality for me I'm movin' on! It's highly unlikely that he will purchase fabric for me...just won't happen and I probably wouldn't want it to anyway:)))

Have a great day! I will be back Sunday Night for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat so be sure to visit again soon!

Kat

Vintage Ornament Keepsakes Flash Card

I sure didn't notice that funky light when I took this picture but you get the idea. Hope it's not too distracting:( We made this card last night at our Happy Stampers meeting and everybody loved it! How could you NOT love a card this pretty. I have Connie Stewart at Simply Simple Stamping to thank for this card! If you haven't heard of or tried the Flash Cards, you will want to watch her first Flash Card Video Tutorial. The tutorial for the card above is at Vintage Christmas--the second in Connie's video tutorials on Flash Cards. 

For the above card I used the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Very Vanilla and Soft Suede card stock
• Stamp sets: En Francais and Ornament Keepsakes
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Crumb Cake and Soft Suede
• Big Shot with Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and Holiday Ornaments Framelits
• Other: Stampin' Sponges, Linen Thread, Large Basic Pearl

I could easily see myself making 50 of these cards to send to family and friends. I haven't decided on the card I will make to send out yet but this one is definitely in the running!

I hope you enjoyed this card today and be sure to visit Connie's blog--trust me, you won't be sorry! Just be sure to come back here when you're finished:)

Happy Stamping!

Kat

Funny Pinterest Share

The other day when I was perusing Pinterest--got to stay away from there--I found the above and about laughed myself silly!!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

On stamping club day I spend the whole day in town running errands and visiting friends so need to get packed up and ready to go. Have a great day and I will be back tomorrow with one of our fun Club projects--another Flash Card!!!

Happy Stamping!

Kat

Flash Card

I know, I am a little late today but have been busy getting ready for the Happy Stampers Club (tomorrow night--yay!!!) and brewing the tea to feed my Kombucha Mushroom (more on that another time) and trying to clean up some around here.

I am over-the-top excited about Connie Stewart's Flash Cards (this link is for the basic Flash Card video tutorial). The concept is that you have your base card plus two pieces of card stock--the dark piece is cut at 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" and the light one is cut at 4" x 2 1/2". Connie will show you how to cut your card stock and how to get the most out of each piece! We will be making another one of her designs tomorrow night at our club meeting but for today we will concentrate on the one above. I wanted to stamp inside my card so I stepped out of the Flash Card box just a little by adding a piece of Very Vanilla card stock to the inside of my card.

Connie used the Ornament Punch for her card but since I don't have the Ornament Punch yet, I had to improvise:)

For this card I used the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Card stock: Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla
• Stamp sets: Ornament Keepsakes and Christmas Lodge
• Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad
• Big Shot with Holiday Ornaments Framelits and Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder
• 2 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch
• Dimensionals; Basic Rhinestone; Always Artichoke Seam Binding

Be sure to check out Connie Stewart's blog, Simply Simple Stamping. She has several Flash Cards to show you what to do with your card stock pieces:) Thanks, Connie!

Well, I'm off to do some more stamping before I get everything packed up to go for tomorrow. Happy Stamping!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

I love the picture Sandra chose for the Happy Homemaker Monday Badge for fall! I had to miss last week's Happy Homemaker Monday because I was driving back from a wonderful week at my daughter's but am so happy to be able to participate this week! Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom starts the Happy Homemaker Monday each week so be sure to click on over to see what she's been up to!

Let's get started...

The Weather...58 degrees (F)--a little chilly but too warm yet for a fire. We've had rain the last few days and since we live in high desert country, the rain is welcome!

Right now I am...Sipping a cup of Yerba Mate tea. I am in my pajamas with a sweatshirt for a little extra warmth (should put some socks on). Just finished checking my email and commenting on a few entries to The Cupboard Trilogy Challenge.

Thinking...Of all the stuff I need to do today! I want to start getting ready for the holidays early--especially the cleaning part! Lots of cleaning to do!

On my reading pile...The Happiness Key series by Emilie Richards--I am on the first one; ordered book two from Amazon and have book three ready and waiting. Also starting to read Steps to Christ again for my morning devotional.

On my tv...I got sucked into The Voice on Monday and Tuesday nights and I don't even like that kind of music. What I like is the banter between the judges!

On the menu for this week...

Monday -- Leftover Mushroom Barley Soup and fresh bread
Tuesday -- Spaghetti with a green salad
Wednesday -- Baked Potatoes and broccoli
Thursday -- Tenderbits (veggie "meat") and mashed potatoes
Friday -- Potato Corn Chowder with Double Dill Rye bread
Saturday (potluck at church) -- Gluten "Steaks", green salad
Sunday -- not sure yet

On my to do list...

• Laundry
• Clean apartment
• Sweep and mop kitchen
• Get ready for Wednesday night's stamping club

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating...

I have started the Thanksgiving napkins I am cross stitching (stamped). I am sure I won't get them and the tablecloth finished for this year but next year for sure. I am definitely making cards this week. I want to start a new knitting projects soon--so relaxing!

Homemaking Tips...There are a few recipes I make that call for pimentos but they are very expensive for such a little jar. However, for most recipes you can substitute red bell peppers so when I find them on sale (or now have some still in the garden) I chop or slice them, put them in Ziploc bags and tuck them away in the freezer for when I need them. 

Looking around the house...The kitchen floor needs to be mopped after the dogs tracked in muddy footprints; my desk needs to be tidied and the dogs need to pick up their toys!!!

From the camera...Nothing today:(

On my prayer list...

My sweet girl (lady) friends--you know who you are! Yes, I am praying for YOU this week!!! And Lena that "Murphy" will leave her alone! 

Bible verse; Devotional...

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV) This was the devotional this morning from Proverbs 31 Ministries and it touched my heart.

Have a great day and a thankful heart!

Kat

I Won!

My last post was about a giveaway that Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily has going on at the moment that I am hoping to win. However, I recently won her Upside Down Goldfish Cell Phone (iPod) Pouch! It arrived in the mail on Friday and I was over-the-top excited about it! My family was also excited because for the last year I have had my iPod Touch in a rubbery pink holder (should have taken a picture before I threw it away) that my family thought was super ugly. Now my iPod Touch has a nice, safe and oh so cute new home:) Thank you, Carla for this adorable pouch!

This week will be busy getting ready for the Happy Stampers Club meeting on Wednesday night! We have such a good time and I have some fun projects for us to do this month. Can hardly wait to show them to you!

I am loving my iPad! However, I am surprised and dismayed that magazines cost as much or more in the digital form. Why would you have to pay as much or more for a magazine subscription when there is no paper and no postage. If you have the answer to this please let me know. I did find out that one of my favorite magazines, Simply Knitting from the UK, can be purchased MUCH cheaper in digital form because it doesn't have to mailed internationally! When I purchase this magazine at Joann's I pay $10.99 but I can get the digital copy for $6.99! I was also thrilled to find out that any apps I had purchased for my iPod Touch could be downloaded onto my iPad for free! Hooray for that one! But for every victory there is a bugaboo...my iPod Touch is nearly 4 years old so it won't synch my contacts with the new iPad:( That means I have to enter all contacts manually! I am not complaining. I will soon have everything set up just the way I want it and will enjoy a long and happy relationship with my iPad. Next step is to get a cover and keyboard for it. Any suggestions? I am looking at the Logitech at Costco but am open to suggestions.

Have a great day! Do something to put a smile on someone's face today!!!

Kat

Carla's Wonderful Giveaway

The oh so talented Carla is having a Giveaway over at My Half Dozen Daily!!! She is giving away a set including the Zippy Wallet above, a tissue holder and a coffee/tea sleeve. I love the black and white fabrics she used for this zippy wallet but the best part is the little pop of color inside...

Lime green is my very favoritest color at the moment!!! There is a pop of lime green on the tissue holder and coffee/tea sleeve as well. 

Now after telling you about this, I am going to encourage you NOT to enter so I will have a better chance of winning!  Just kidding!!! Please, click on over to My Half Dozen Daily and get your name in the drawing as well!

Carla is the originator of the Sunday Night Chit-Chat and I "stalk" her blog regularly! After entering her contest, be sure to check out her "sewing/custom orders" page! 

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

My picture for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat is of the beautiful flowers my hubby brought me on Thursday...for no reason at all:) The very best reason is no reason:D

The Sunday Night Chit-Chat is started each week by the very sweet Carla at My Half Dozen Daily. For the rules please check out Carla's website. Sooo, let's get started...

I am...

Reading...Happiness Key by Emilie Richards. It is the first book in a Trilogy. I was able to get the first and third books for 50 cents each but am ordering book two from Amazon. We are also still reading Hiking Though by Paul Stutzman as our read aloud. This book is so inspirational! I LOVE it!!!

Watching...The Note 3.

Listening to...The movie we are watching.

Cooking/Baking...I made Mushroom Barley Soup with a big green salad for dinner. I made a delicious recipe of Honey Mustard Salad Dressing:)

Happy you accomplished this week...I got the house cleaned up after being gone for a week. 

Looking forward to next week...My Happy Stampers Club meeting:) I love those ladies and we have such a good time together!

Thankful for today...My wonderful family:) And for my wonderful blog readers!

**BONUS QUESTION**

What time do I go to bed at and wake up in the morning?  I am usually in bed by 9:00 and asleep by 10:00. I get up at 6:00 in the morning. I would like to get up at 5:00 in the morning to be able to read my Bible and will start working toward that end this week. 

Thank you for visiting tonight! I hope you will visit again soon!

Kat

Why I Don't Have a Real Post for Today

The above photo explains why I don't have a REAL post for today! I know better, really I do but I got on Pinterest and started looking and couldn't stop! There is sooo much to look at! I usually have more restraint but not yesterday. It's like having a bag of potato chips...you just have to eat them until they're gone! So, since I spent a few hours on Pinterest yesterday I had waaayyy more stuff to do today and didn't have time to do a post:( So sorry about that! However, I didn't want to leave you hanging so decided to post about WHY I couldn't post!

Today I made Lasagna and French Bread for tomorrow's potluck plus filled the food dryers with Italian Prunes. Oh my, the prunes are sooo yummy! I also had to clean up the kitchen from last night's supper--why do I put it off till the morning?!!! I know I'm going to hate myself when I see the messy kitchen. But supper was so worth it--Fried Rice and Egg Foo Yung! They turned out perfect! I will share the recipes with you next week if you're interested and of course you are! When you have a hankering for Chinese Food and the restaurant is 1 1/2 hours away, it's nice to be able to make your own!

Well, my dear and wonderful blog readers, I will be back again on Sunday Night for Carla's Sunday Night Chit-Chat so be sure to visit again soon!

Kat