Thankful Thursday

Whoo Hoo! It's time for Thankful Thursday! There is always sooo much to be thankful for, however I will try to concentrate on just a few:)

#1...We have a 3-day trip to the Oregon Coast in the planning stages for the middle of February:) I have been checking out used book stores, coffee shops (I love Iced Chai with Soymilk), a yarn shop which turns out to be a craft store as well, and a tanning salon (looks like it's right next to the yarn/craft store (BONUS)! All of the businesses I found were within 1/2 mile of the place we are staying--walking distance for sure!

#2...We have had wind/sun this week so our off-grid power is working without the aid of the diesel generator!!! That means money saved! 

#3...We have stayed healthy for the last week!!! After the previous month, that is really saying something!

#4...Hubby had a really good January! He works on commission so if he doesn't sell, he doesn't get paid! Sooo, we will have money to put away for a month that isn't so good:)

#5...My mom hasn't had any health crises in the last couple weeks! Now, that's something to be thankful for!!! My sister lives with my mom and dad so keeps me apprised on their situation. No news from my sister is usually good news:)

Okay, it's your turn! What are you Thankful for today?

Have a great day!

Kat

25 Years--Oh My!

For my new readers, I am a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and will celebrate my THREE year anniversary in March:) WOW! Can't believe it has already been that long! I am what you might call a Hobby Demonstrator because I am not currently running it as a "business" although I have two amazing ladies in my downline and have one club meeting a month--my delightful and fun Happy Stampers! So I really am a business just not a growing one at this point! I LOVE what I do!

Stampin' Up! will be celebrating their 25 Year Anniversary all. year. long!!! How fun is that?!!! Check the Stampin' Up! website regularly to make sure you don't miss anything! If you have any questions, just click the "email me" button on the top right of this page.

Today I made the card for The Cupboard Trilogy Design Team project and I really love it! Can hardly wait to show it to you but have to wait till February 1. Being on the design team for The Cupboard Trilogy has really stretched me to come up with my own designs instead of always reproducing someone else's.

Have a great day! I hope you get some time to do some crafting:)

What is your favorite craft or hobby? Are you able to do it regularly or wish you had more crafting time?

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Homemaker "button" courtesy of Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

It's time for Happy Homemaker Monday! Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom is our host and starts us off each week. Let's get started!

The weather...It's 38 degrees and the wind is blowing! We've had some rain in the last couple of days which was needed but now the wind will dry everything up again.

Right now I am...Sitting in front of the wood stove, drinking Yerba Mate tea, enjoying the quiet:)

Thinking...about all the things I need to do today. 

On my reading pile...Finishing up Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber (will probably finish that today). I have been knitting so watching more TV and not reading as much.

On my TV...

• Downton Abbey
• Cash Cab and The Chew while walking on the treadmill
• Hallmark movies on SpiritClips when I want to knit:)

Favorite blog post this week (mine or other)...

Chasing Simplicity by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. This one really touched my heart because we also choose to live a simple life and I am frequently asked, why??? The peace it brings to my soul would be the best answer:)

Something fun to share...The I Like Book. It is a book for the parent to write things they like about their child and for the child to add things they like about themselves. The book is meant to be written in over a one year period of time. What a great idea! Sometimes we don't remember to tell our kids what we appreciate about them and they need to hear even the little things.

On the menu for this week...Ugh! I don't feel like cooking! I normally love to cook but not right now:( However, we still have to eat!

Monday--Leftovers

Tuesday--Tacos with Quinoa Taco Burger (I could eat these every day)

Wednesday--Vegetable Stew with Dumplings

Thursday--Garbanzo Pot Pie with green salad

Friday--Potato Corn Chowder--works good as an end of the week wind-down meal for us

On my "to do" list:

• Thank you cards--make and send (it's starting to get embarrassing)
• Laundry
• The Cupboard Trilogy DT project
• Get February Card Swap organized and emails sent
• Walk on the treadmill 3 x this week
• Clean out the refrigerator
• Send one handwritten note via snail mail:) I am going to try to send one per week--missed last week so will try to send two this week. 
• Finish editing short story for friend and get it sent off to her.

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafting...

• Well, obviously I will be paper crafting the thank you cards and DT project
• Finished knitting the Center Row Lace Headband/Neck Warmer for a friend from a pattern I found on Ravelry by Rewind Knit & Crochet. 
• Need to pick up the socks I was working on and need to finish. I put them down at the point where I was turning the heel and am intimidated to pick them back up. However, I could tear out to the point where I started turning the heel and could easily do it from there. Hmmm...maybe socks and a movie this afternoon???
• Still working on the gift for a special friend:)

Homemaking tips...I haven't tried this one yet but read about it on...Pinterest, of course! I am planning to try it today because my heels are so dry and cracked--ouch! You dissolve 1 cup of Epsom Salt in a foot tub of very warm (but not too hot) water. Soak your feet for 30-45 minutes (good time to read or knit) then use a soft brush (they suggested a tooth brush) to rub the dry skin off. I will let you know how it works:)

Looking around the house...Fortunately not too bad:) Dog toys and dogs in the living room; bed needs to be made; flowers hubby bought me last week need to have water changed (vinegar and sugar solution in water working great); laundry needs to go in the dryer.

From the camera...

Our sweet Graycee napping on her cat post:)

On my prayer list...A very special friend who is going through the itching that I went through recently. He has had the tests done but is just waiting for the results. Also praying for family and friends who are struggling either financially or spiritually.

Bible verse; Devotional...

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all mean. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with God's peace in your heart!

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

I do so love it when the UPS man brings my Stampin' Up! orders!

Oh my! It's time for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat again already!!! This past week just flew by! I didn't accomplish anything on my "to do" list but caught up on some housework that didn't get done the week before when I was sick.

The Sunday Night Chit-Chat is initiated each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. Be sure to hop on over to see what Carla's been up to. Let's get started!

I am...

Reading...Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber; read aloud is The Warrior's Path by Louis L'Amour (#3 in the Sackett series)

Watching...I will be watching Downton Abbey and we will be recording the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, The Makeover, with Julia Stiles.

Listening to...Hubby's internet radio.

Baking/Cooking...Just potatoes and butternut squash tonight but Friday I baked 2 loaves of Double Dill Rye bread and Chocolate Poorman's Cake--yumm!

Happy I accomplished this week...

• I managed to get the house cleaned:)
• Stamping order sent in, received AND delivered!
• Swap card made and sent!

Looking forward to next week...Getting the rest of my January goals accomplished! I have 4 days and 5 goals left to finish!

Thankful for today...I have been well for a whole week and have had about two and a half weeks without itching:) What a blessing that is!!!

*Bonus Question*...What chore around the house do I dread doing most? That would have to be vacuuming mainly because it hurts my lower back. With the dogs I really should vacuum twice a week but I only manage to get it done once.

What household chore do YOU dread the most? 

Have a nice evening!

Kat

January Swap Card

I was going to post this card next week but couldn't wait! It is so unique! Love it! This card was made by Charina who is in a stamping group of my downline Margarita! She was brand new to stamping a year ago but clearly has taken to it like a duck takes to water!

Charina said the Space Needle stamp and the sentiment are from Impress in Tukwila, WA. The snowflakes are from the Snow Swirled stamp set by Stampin' Up! The base card is gray (Basic Gray perhaps) and the top layer is white.

I had to get a close up of the snowflakes and the little glitter dots so you can see how much detail is on this card.

Super cute card! Thank you Charina!

Kat

5 Things Friday

I got really confused yesterday morning when I looked at Carla's blog, My 1/2 Dozen Daily and she had posted 5 Things Friday. I thought I was confused about the days but then realized that she was a day ahead; I wasn't a day behind! But since I had already planned my Thankful Thursday, I decided to put 5 Things Friday where it belongs...on FRIDAY!!! LOL

So, here are my 5 random things I want to share with you...

1.   Hubby brought me a bouquet of beautiful flowers this week. He said with all of the fog and ice he thought I might need some pretty flowers to cheer me up!

2.  I purchased a package of Hexagon templates/instructions and an Add-a-Quarter ruler. I am looking forward to exploring the world of Hexagons. Please tell me they aren't as addicting as the Yo-Yos!

3.   Have you heard of the Sock Bun? Well, I was reading about it on Pinterest and realized we used to have these in...hmmm, was it the 60s? We had a brown thing you used and made a nice bun with it. Nothing is new under the sun, is it? Anyway, I have been waiting for someone around here to wear a hole in their sock so I could cut the toe off and make myself a Sock Bun. Not to fear, someone has already thought of this dilemma! Through Pinterest I found Crochet Dynamite and her instructions to make what she calls Better Than a Sock Bun! I will be crocheting one of these bun shapers soon:)

4.   I am reading Debbie Macomber's Angels at the Table. It was on my Christmas Wish List and DD got it for me:) The angels, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy will make you belly laugh with their antics!

5.   You know those little packets of preservative that come with bouquets of flowers? Well, there is usually only enough preservative to last for one or two water changes. It is usually recommended to change the water on fresh water every other day and Costco flowers last for about two weeks. Needless to say, there isn't enough preservative. In all my reading about vinegar I read that to preserve flowers, add 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to the fresh water in the vase. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Snip the ends of the flowers at an angle (this is important at EVERY water change) and put them in the vase. Tada! Works just like the little packet or better:) Now you know what to do the next time your sweetie brings you flowers!

That's it for my 5 Things Friday! I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

Kat

Thankful Thursday

It's time for Thankful Thursday once again! I missed last week and very nearly missed today as well but slipping in just under the wire! Though feeling MUCH better, I still don't have my energy back so am not getting as much done and it's taking longer to do the little that I am getting done:( I just keep reminding myself to be patient! So, what am I thankful for this week?!!!

#1...I am thankful for a gift from my friend Barb of 4 beautiful hand-knit dishcloths. Check out the different textures! They are almost too pretty to use!

#2...I am thankful for a card I received in the mail from my daughter. We made a few Triple Time Stamping cards when I was at her house in September and she has gone crazy making them. On this one she used one of her new stamp sets, Papillon Potpourri and her new Butterfly Punch! And just the right amount of bling:) 

#3...The ice started melting today and I thought I was going to have sunshine but the fog rolled in again. However, instead of have 20 degree temperatures it warmed up to 33 degrees (F) today!

#4...Hubby has been working steady all month. Usually, he has a slump time in January and February but there hasn't been any slump this month!

#5...The internet! I know that must sound silly but I have found some of the best knit/crochet patterns lately via the internet...and they're FREE! Besides, without the internet, HOW would I connect with YOU?!!!

Be thankful today for the little things:)

Kat

More Ice Pictures

Ice on lilac bush

I have had some wonderful responses to my ice pictures so thought I would share a few more with you before it melts. Not today; maybe tomorrow???

Closeup of ice on lilac bush

I just have a point and shoot camera so can't get the detail in the ice but it is truly beautiful!

Frost-free faucet covered with ice

I looked out the kitchen window this morning and saw the frost-free faucet covered with ice and knew I needed a picture of it! Can you see the fog in the background?

Closeup of the ice on the frost-free faucet

The ice has built up on power lines to the point where they are breaking.  The power company is busy trying to restore power to those who has lost it. For new readers, we generate our own power using a wind generator, solar arrays and a diesel generator; the power is stored in batteries for our use. Though we have power, we are concerned for the fiber optic cable because it runs along with the electric lines.

I hope you are having a great day!

Kat

Happy Stampers January Projects

Another Flash Card from Connie Stewart

At our Happy Stamper's Club meeting last Wednesday night we made another Flash Card from Connie Stewart's Simply Simple Stamping blog. For this card I used the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Card stock: Whisper White, Real Red and Pink Pirouette
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• You Are Loved stamp set
• Punches: Full Heart and Small Heart
• Big Shot with Adorning Accents Folder
• Other: Dimensionals and Basic Rhinestone

Our final project for our stamping club was a fun card from Stamp & Scrap with Frenchie using the Blossom Builder Punch in a new and fun way!

Valentine Kisses

The "kisses" were made by slipping a strip of Silver Glimmer Paper into the Blossom Builder Punch and punching part of the largest petal. France has a video that will show you exactly how to make this card. Her videos are fun as well as instructional.

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

• Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black card stock; Silver Glimmer Paper; Vellum
• Sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Big Shot with Adorning Accents Embossing Folder

I hope you enjoyed seeing our stamping projects. We really enjoyed making them:) 

Have a great day!

Kat

A Little This and a Little That

The Weather in North Central Oregon

High temperature for us today

Ice covering the tree and bushes

We are still living with freezing fog here in North Central Oregon:( We are hoping it will break tomorrow and I don't mean the tree branches! There is ice on everything but you have to admire the beauty of the ice patterns.

Check out the ice on the pickup antennae!

January No/Low Spend and Decluttering Challenge:

Now, on to the January No/Low Spend and Decluttering Challenge...I flunked:( I still have a week to do some more decluttering and I will work on it and plan to continue decluttering through February! By the way, does decluttering my email count? I have been going through and unsubscribing to emails that I'm really not interested in anymore! I have unsubscribed to at least 20 so far--whoo hoo!!!

Where I really flunked was the spending! Last week I spent...

• $10 for 1" Hexie kit and a special ruler that adds 1/4" seam allowance
• $10 donation to Neighborhood Center as part of the January Challenge at My 1/2 Dozen Daily.
• $15.75 to Avon lady for Magix Face Perfector (love this stuff! I am using Maybelline BB Creme currently and don't like it near as well as the Magix); it was buy one get one for 1/2 off:)
• $37.00 to purchase stamping items from a demonstrator who is quitting her business--I think I paid too much because shipping was a killer but it helped her liquidate a little of her inventory.

This week I was hoping to keep my stamping order at $30 but ended up spending twice that! I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator so what I spend is a business expense (that's my justification--is it working?). To make the projects I picked for next month (St. Patrick's Day and Easter), I needed more supplies than normal. I will also be trying to save next month as well so hopefully I will actually be able to save something. 

Happy Stampers Project:

Flash Card inspired by Connie Stewart

The card above was my favorite project from last Wednesday night's Happy Stamper's Club. I added the flower and Love ticket afterward. I am a huge fan of Connie Stewart's Flash Cards and this one has so many fun elements on it!

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

• Very Vanilla and Pink Pirouette card stock
• You are Loved stamp set
• Crumb Cake and Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin' Pads
• Big Shot with Delicate Designs Folder and Hearts Collection Framelits
• 5/8" Victoria Crochet Trim; Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon; Flower and Love Ticket from Artisan Embellishment Kit (Spring Catalog)

What is the weather like where you live? 

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning and welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday! Being sick half of last week put me behind on so many fronts. According to my doctor, my immune system is at an all time low because of the food allergies but as I am not eating the offending foods, it should get better. Right now I am catching everything that flies by in spite of taking Airborne and lots of vitamin C:( I did get over it pretty quick so maybe that means things are getting better??? I can always hope!

Happy Homemaker Monday is initiated each week by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to pop on over to see what she's been up to. She always has a lot going on!!! So let's get started!

Weather...Cold, cold, cold!!! It is 20 degrees (F) and we have had freezing fog for a week or more:( Our deck is like an ice skating rink and it's covered!

Right now I am...Curled up in hubby's extra large recliner with a cup of Yerba Mate tea and for the first time in several days, I am dressed before noon:)

Thinking... of all that must be done today since I haven't done much for nearly a week!

On my reading pile...All the same books as last week:( When I don't feel well it's hard to read--can't concentrate! Sooo, I watched movies and knitted (slowly) instead.

On my tv...Downton Abbey (last night) plus some Hallmark Hall of Fame movies on SpiritClips. I love having SpiritClips:) I will be watching Cash Cab and The Chew while walking on the treadmill.

Favorite Blog post this past week (mine or other)...I have really been enjoying Sandra's Five Senses Saturday! But it's also hard to beat one of Carla's sewing tutorials!

Something fun to share...Do you knit or crochet? Do you know about Ravelry? I have found some of the best free patterns on Ravelry. Many of them I saw on Pinterest and followed the links to Ravelry. Check it out!!!

On the menu this week...
Monday--leftovers
Tuesday--Pasta and green salad
Wednesday--Mizidra (it's a weekly thing)
Thurday--not sure yet
Friday--Potato Corn Chowder
Not sure about the weekend yet.

On my to do list...Everything I didn't get done last week! Looking back it looks like I did get a few things done that were on my list but still need to do:

• Thank you cards--make and send (it's starting to get embarrassing)
• Declutter 50 items since I didn't declutter at all last week.
• The Cupboard Trilogy DT project
• Happy Stampers Swap card
• Dust
• Clean the bathroom
• Send one handwritten note via snail mail:) I am going to try to send one per week. 

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

• Finished knitting a Center Row Lace Headband/Neck Warmer from a pattern I found on Ravelry by Rewind Knit & Crochet. I am knitting another one for a friend.
• Cards, cards and more cards! Will show you soon:)
• Itching to start some granny squares
• Gift for a friend (will have to wait till she gets it to reveal)--working on this week!

Homemaking Tips...Ah, this is a tip I need to start working on again. Several years ago I read about cleaning out one cupboard or closet or drawer a week for an entire year. I did it and it was AMAZING! I am going to start this again this week!

Looking around the house...Dogs everywhere! Seriously, we only have three but one of them is HUGE! Seems like I am stepping over dogs all the time! Also dust everywhere! On Friday when I cleaned house I pooped out before I got the dusting done so it must be done today!

From the camera...

ice buildup on our trees

On my prayer list...

• Hubby to get well
• My brother just going back to work after knee surgery
• My mom--health issues

Bible verse; Devotional...

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

I hope you have a great day! I am hoping to get some fun things done today to be able to show you this week. Tomorrow I will update you on my January No/Low Spend and Declutter Challenge plus show you one of our Happy Stamper's projects from last week! 

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

It's time once again for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat! Thank you for joining me! The Sunday Night Chit-Chat is started each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. I hope you will check out her blog as there are so many fun things there!

Found on Pinterest and oh so true!!!

So, let's get started with the Sunday Night Chit-Chat!

I am...

Reading...I am still reading the same books as last week. I have been Knitting and haven't yet figured out how to knit and read at the same time:) Audio books maybe?!

Watching...Downton Abbey! Also working my way through Hallmark Hall of Fame movies on SpiritClips:) I enjoy watching a movie while crocheting or knitting.

Listening to...Our sweet Rocky snoring and Downton Abbey playing in the background.

Baking/Cooking...We had baked potatoes and baked butternut squash for dinner today. It was sooo yummy with steamed cabbage! Simple but delicious!

Happy I accomplished this week...This was one of those weeks when just getting through it was accomplishment enough! Hubby was sick most of the week and I haven't been feeling so well either:( I did manage to get ready for stamping club (Wednesday night) plus baked cinnamon raisin bread to send to DD so the week wasn't a total waste.

Looking forward to next week...Feeling better this week:) Also hoping for some crafting time. I am super excited about learning to make hexies and I've heard they are addicting! 

Thankful for today...My son got home safely from his sister's and hubby is starting to feel better:)

*BONUS QUESTION*--Am I an optimist or a pessimist? I am an optimist for sure! Sometimes even accused of having my head in the sand because I try to think only of the good things! 

Well, that's it for me this evening! I hope you will hop on over to see what Carla's up to! 

Kat

Mama and Me Book

A couple weeks ago I was perusing Pinterest and found the "Mama & Me" Journal. I immediately thought of my daughter and granddaughter. So, DS is going to visit his sister tomorrow and will take the new journal to them! 

The idea of the "Mama & Me" Journal is for the mom and child to write letters back and forth to each other. I wish I had thought of this when my kids were young.

I used retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper to cover a Composition Book, then I printed off the "Mama & Me" graphic from Mama Jenn's website (there is also a graphic for a boy journal). I covered the journal with clear laminating film. Do you think my daughter and granddaughter will like it?!!!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday! Sandra starts us off each week from her blog over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to hop on over to see what Sandra's been up to! So let's get started!

Weather...At 12:30 pm it is 36 degrees! Our snow is gone but it we have had lots of ice!

Right now I am...Watching The Chew on TV. I just finished walking on the treadmill while watching the first half of The Chew so wanted to finish up their Meatless Monday episode:)

Thinking...of some great dishes to cook while watching The Chew!

On my reading pile...We are reading The Warrior's Path by Louis L'Amour as our read aloud. I am just starting The Covenant (Abram's Daughter book 1) by Beverly Lewis and am also continuing my 21 day journey through The "Do What You Can" Plan by Holley Gerth.  I am also still reading Where is God When it Hurts? by Philip Yancey.

On my TV...I am enjoying watching Cash Cab while I walk on the treadmill and sometimes my workout goes into The Chew which I also enjoy:)

Favorite blog post this week (mine or other)...I hope you don't get tired of me always listing one of Elizabeth Farrar's blog posts as my favorite of the week but her posts have really been speaking to my heart lately. This post actually appeared on the Bella Vita blog in September, 2011 but was reprinted on Heartspoken on December 20. The post is about sending handwritten "love notes"! LOVE it!!!

Something fun to share...I just read this quote today and love it! "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." --Dr. Seuss

On the menu this week...

Monday--Baked potatoes and butternut squash, green salad
Tuesday--Spaghetti, green salad and french bread
Wednesday--Stamping Club so no cooking:)
Thursday--not sure for rest of the week

On my to do list...I thought I didn't do very well on last week's list but when I looked back I decided I was just being hard on myself--like that's something new?!!! So for this week I have to do those things I didn't get to last week

• Thank you cards--make and send (it's starting to get embarrassing)
• Declutter 25+ items 
• Bake Cinnamon Raisin bread to send via son to daughter's this week
• Get ready for Stamping Club
• Clean apartment after brother's recent visit
• The Cupboard Trilogy DT project
• Happy Stampers Swap card

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or crafting...I finished the lime green cowl I was working on but am still working on the socks. I really want to make a granny square afghan this year but should probably finish at least one of my unfinished afghans first!

Homemaking Tip...I don't have anything today but have been using vinegar for EVERYTHING!!! I use it in the laundry, to mop the floor, to rinse my hair--wow! love it!!! And it is so super cheap!

Looking around the house...Kitchen floor needs swept and mopped; need to put the down comforter back in the duvet after washing; load of clothes needs to be folded.

From the camera...I don't have anything this week:(

On my prayer list...

• Friends who have been married for 30-40 years are getting divorced so I am praying for my married friends.

Bible verse/Devotional...

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:40

Have a great day! I hope I have something crafty to show you tomorrow:)

Kat