Sunday Night Chit Chat

Beautiful bouquet of mums for Easter

Whoo Hoo! I made it for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat!!! This is like a little blogging party every week:) Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily jumpstarts us each week so be sure to check out her blog to see what's up in her little corner of the world! So, let's get started!

I am...

Reading...The Widow of Larkspur Inn! Wow! It's better than I thought it would be for a free Kindle book! I just got my new Vegetarian Times and Hobby Home Farm magazines. 

Watching...I will be watching the first episode in the new season of Call the Midwife on PBS! Love this series:)

Listening to...The dog snoring and Call the Midwife

Cooking/Baking...I made Mizidra for dinner today.

Happy I accomplished this week...I am packed and ready to leave for my daughter's in the morning; house is clean; laundry is pretty much caught up.

Looking forward to next week...A visit to my daughter's for the week! My granddaughter will be on Spring Break so we will have lots of time to spend together:) It doesn't get much better than that!

Thankful for this week...Good friends and family:)

*Bonus Question* Do I wear slippers around the house?

Yes! I wear slippers around the house all winter but go either barefoot or wear flip flops in the spring/summer/fall.

I hope you will be back tomorrow for the start of Blogging A to Z Challenge. Thank you so much for visiting:)

Kat

Road to Happiness

The third project we did at our Happy Stampers Club this month was a wedding card using Road to Happiness stamp set. This card was CASed (remember--Copy and Share) from Becky at Inking Idaho! I made two versions, the one above and...

I didn't get the second one inked up very well, but you get the idea! What a fun card! I just ordered another wedding stamp set called Love and Laughter so be looking for a card or two using this stamp set in the upcoming weeks!

For these cards I used the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black and Real Red; Red Glimmer Paper for the hearts
• Road to Happiness stamp set
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Basic Black and Real Red
• Big Shot with Adorning Accents Embossing Folder (hearts) and Finishing Touches Edgelit (eyelet trim)
• Other: Glue Dots

My posts next month are going to be a little different--shorter perhaps but the same eclectic material you are used to. I will be participating in the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge! I am both excited and scared! I love to write but can I really get a post up six days a week for a whole month?!!! This will be a great writing challenge for me! Each day of the week (except Sunday) I will blog a letter of the alphabet starting with A on Monday! Be sure to check back to see what I come up with for all the letters of the alphabet! When I signed up there were only about 450 bloggers participating; today there are 1520!!! This is a little like a blogging party!!!

In the meantime, I will be back on Sunday night for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat (missed it last week) so, see you then!

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

Kat

Thankful Thursday

It's time again for Thankful Thursday! This has been a good week! 

This week I am thankful for...

#1...Spring! It appears that Spring has sprung in my part of the world:) This week we have had much needed rain but could sure use more. Yesterday it was sunny and in the 60s! The longer days are nice too!

#2...finishing the My Digital Studio webinar series! As I said yesterday, it was really good and I learned a lot! Jackie Bolhuis was the instructor and she did a great job!

Our Great Dane, Beau

#3...figuring out how to get our Great Dane, Beau, to eat. He has been a poor eater since we got him a year and a half ago and is super thin even for a Great Dane. His previous owner fed him "people food" including burgers from the drive-through:( So, we have started putting a can of low sodium soup on his dog food and he eats every. last. bite! Maybe now he will put on some weight:)

My Morning Smoothie

#4...my morning Smoothie! For the last month hubby and I have been drinking a yummy Smoothie for breakfast using Sunwarrior protein powder, bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and apples! Since we discovered our food allergies, a lot of typical breakfast foods are off limits so this smoothie has been amazing!

#5...It's only 4 more days till I go to my darling daughter's! I will spend a week with my daughter and granddaughter AND it will be my granddaughter's Spring Break! Lots of fun to be had by all:)

What are you thankful for today?

Kat

My Digital Studio

Last year for Mother's Day I asked for and received the software program My Digital Studio for my computer. It is a scrapbooking and cardmaking program but truly there is so much more you could use it for! How about creating and printing party decorations?!!! Making your own invitations for any event? Creating blog headers? Okay, I can hear you saying, "But I'm just not very creative!" Fortunately for you and for me, Stampin' Up! has what we affectionately call "Download Tuesday"! Wait till you see the hundreds (thousands?) of downloads Stampin' Up! has to offer! I guarantee you will be overwhelmed by the downloads!

For the last several months I have played with the MDS program--made a few cards, a few scrapbook pages, some blog headers but last month my Stampin' Up! upline, Jill Olsen, offered an online MDS class to her downline for $20! That's $20 for four two-hour classes plus homework!!! What a deal! I jumped on it and it was a good thing I did because the class times filled up within just a few hours of the announcement! Today is my fourth class and it has been sooo worth it! 

My first homework assignment was to create a tag...

For the tag I used the Sale-a-bration CD that I got for FREE!

My 2nd homework assignment was to create a scrapbook page with a calendar element. Notice the torn edges on the photo and the two cropped corners! Impressive, right?!!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Rocky...in the windowsill trying to get after Beau outside! Very naughty indeed!!!

My third homework assignment just got turned in yesterday!

Card Front

I was to take a card template and make changes to it. 

Card Inside

The inside of the card was blank on the template so I had to create something but with digital stamps it was a breeze!

Card Back

And, of course, I had to personalize it but that wasn't part of the assignment:)

You can download a free trial version of My Digital Studio that will allow you to play with it for 30 days! Then you can purchase the full My Digital Studio for just $19.95!!! This software previously sold for $79.95! If you decide to get the free trial version or purchase MDS and don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please pick me--Kathy Skinner in Oregon!

Well, it's just about time for my class to start so gotta scoot! Have a great day!

Kat

Betsy's Blossoms Happy Birthday

One of my favorite Stampin' Up! stamp sets is Betsy's Blossoms so I was really excited when I saw the card by Christyne Richardson of Handstamped from the Heart on Pinterest! Thanks, Christyne for great inspiration!

This was project #2 for our Happy Stampers Club last Wednesday. It involved a lot of "fussy cutting" as there were no Framelits to use for the leaves and bird. I enjoy "fussy cutting" but some people don't!

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

• Card stock: Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Rich Razzleberry and Gumball Green
• Stamp sets: Betsy's Blossoms and Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set--retired)
• Punches: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle; 1 3/4" Scallop Circle; Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack
• Big Shot with Framed Tulips Embossing Folder
• Other: Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Have a great day!

Kat

Stippled Blossoms Mother's Day Card

Oh my! It seems I fell of the edge of the earth again:( Not really but have just had no energy and the Fibromyalgia pain was flaring up last week. Today is better but only marginally! I need to get my energy back for my visit to my daughter's next week!

Last Wednesday our Happy Stampers Club met. It was a small group this time but we still had a great time. Always lots of talking and laughing! This group really feeds my soul! Thank you ladies:)

One of the cards we made was using the Stippled Blossoms stamp set! All I can say is WOW! It is a two step stamp set so you stamp the solid image in the lighter color first then the darker color on the second image and stamp right on top of the first. It is truly striking! If you want to see a lot of different cards using this stamp set, go to Pinterest and type Stippled Blossoms in the search bar. The card above was CASed from Michelle Surette at I Stamped That and I found it on Pinterest! Thank you, Michelle for great card inspiration!

I just had to show a closeup of this gorgeous flower! Next month we are planning to do another card using the Stippled Blossoms stamp set only using Midnight Muse and Bashful Blue.

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

• Card stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink and Raspberry Ripple
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink and Raspberry Ripple
• Stamp sets: Stippled Blossoms and Amazing Family
• Big Shot with Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
• Other: Dimensionals (of course), 5/8" Flower Trim, Mini Glue Dots

I took three of the flowers off of the roll of 5/8" Flower Trim and smooshed them a little in the Raspberry Ripple ink pad to give them a little color. There are so many possibilities with the 5/8" Flower Trim!

I hope you enjoyed this card! Stippled Blossoms is definitely a stamp set that will get a lot of use around here!

Kat

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! I hope you are having a wonderful day and that your weather is sunny and bright! Now, didn't that sound a little Pollyanna ish?!!! We have partly cloudy skies today so have seen the sun periodically throughout the day. But the wind is blowing and it is just plain cold!!! It probably wouldn't be too but if it wasn't for the wind.

So, what am I thankful for today?

#1...I am thankful I didn't have a worse reaction to something I ate at potluck last weekend. I ended up being pretty bad on Sunday but by Monday was much better. We (hubby and me) have decided that I need to either stick with what I brought or don't go. Not going is not an option to me because I love the fellowship so will either take my own lunch or eat what I bring. How would you deal with this situation? 

#2...I am thankful that our taxes will be in the mail to the tax accountant tomorrow morning! I procrastinate so bad on this as does hubby but this year I am going to log expenses, mileage, income quarterly so I don't end up with a mess at the end of the year. I was thinking about software to keep track but not sure what so for now will continue with pencil and paper.

#3...I am thankful for some visits yesterday with special friends--three visits! You just can't have a better day than to be able to visit with wonderful people.

#4...Yesterday was my Happy Stampers Club and it was sooo much fun! I am so thankful I have this group of ladies to spend time with each month! The only thing more fun than creating is helping others create:) Thank you ladies for putting a smile on my face!

#5...I am thankful I got my new Knitting Bag! I picked it up from the Post Office yesterday and as soon as I got back in the car, I ripped the box open to see what it looked like up close and personal! It is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you Carla for doing such a good job on this project and "hearing" what I was wanting. And thank you to my son for indulging his mother by purchasing the bag for me as an early Mother's Day gift! I am hoping to get pictures taken to show you tomorrow!

#6...I am so thankful I signed up to take a 4 week online course on using My Digital Studio! The class is one day a week, almost 2 hours each class plus homework. I have learned sooo much! I am excited about creating a new blog header with the skills I am learning (it's time, after all, it's Spring)! I have one more class.

Well, that's it for my Thankful Thursday! Leave me a comment letting me know what YOU are thankful for today!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Homemaker Button via Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Good Morning! And welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday! Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom initiates the Happy Homemaker Monday each week so be sure to check our her post for today to see what she's up to.

So, for today...

Weather...Cold and Windy!!! At 10:00 am it is 40 degrees but with the wind, feels MUCH colder. We had lovely weather the beginning of the month but it appears that March truly will go out like a lion!

Right now I am...Sitting with my feet up near the woodstove, laptop on my lap, writing this blog post.

Thinking...About how I really need to get the taxes ready to send off to the accountant TODAY! No more procrastinating!!! 

On my reading pile...

• Bible
• Mac Life Magazine
• Ride the River by Louis L'Amour and The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson as read alouds

On the tv...

• Call the Midwife on Netflix. I recorded them but then saw they were on Netflix so watching Season 1 in preparation for Season 2 starting the 31st of this month on PBS.
• I think I will watch a couple Hallmark Hall of Fame movies on SpiritClips today while working on taxes.
• Cash Cab and The Chew while walking on the treadmill

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

Food Stamp Challenge Wrap Up from Debby at Nanny's Place.

Something fun to share...

If you enjoy English Bulldogs (and we do) then you will LOVE the website Baggy Bulldogs! Lots of pictures and videos! Super cute!

On the menu for the week...

In looking at last week's menu it seems we only ate a couple of the meals I had planned so this week looks like this...

Monday--Mushroom Barley Soup 
Tuesday--Tacos
Wednesday--Stamping Club day so I will eat out
Thursday--Baked Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Friday--Potato Corn Chowder
Saturday--Potluck so will take Tex-Mex Coleslaw and Corn Bread (I ended up taking something else last week so will try this again this week:)
Sunday--I think the guys will be off skiing so I will just eat leftovers--they didn't go last week because of lots of wind but maybe can make it this week.

On my "to do" list...

• Laundry--3 loads today
• Taxes
• Get ready for Happy Stampers Club (Wednesday)
• March Swap Card--make and send
• My Digital Studio class assignment
• The Cupboard Trilogy Challenges Design Team Project--make and upload
• Walk on the treadmill

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

I couldn't believe it when I read Sandra's answer to this question because I have been struggling. I am trying to make a doily that just might be beyond my skill level. I am half finished with a sock that has been sitting for so long I may just have to tear it out and start over. Maybe I'm just not in the crafting mood:( I will be making lots of cards this week and I am still really wanting to get some sewing done--long list of projects I want to make but no energy to get started. I hope I have a better answer to this question next week!

Homemaking Tips...

I really, really, really like Coconut Oil and all the things you can do with it AND all the health benefits as well. There are lots of websites telling about the uses and health benefits of coconut oil. Today I would like to share with you a tip I saw on Pinterest about using equal parts coconut oil and baking soda to make a sticky adhesive remover (like Goo Gone). You can read about it at Rosy Blu Handmade! I always have coconut oil and baking soda on hand but rarely have Goo Gone! 

Looking around the house...Dogs! Dogs! Everywhere!!! We have a Great Dane who takes up half the living room floor when he's stretched out in front of the wood stove; an English Bulldog who delights in emptying the doggy toy box and our very old Miniature Dachshund who is pretty good most of the time and takes up very little room but barks at EVERYTHING!!! I need to sweep the kitchen floor (dog hair) and make the bed but other than that, all is well:)

From the camera...

Broccoli wintered over and is HUGE! Hubby brought in a couple of heads yesterday that were almost 12" across! And it is super delicious!!!

On my prayer list...

• Cindy--yes, Cindy it's you:)
• My sister--she is in lots of pain but can't have surgery for another month or two.
• My brother's vacation--a mix-up on the vacation schedule might mean he would have to cancel a vacation he's been planning for months; could mean a loss of money in cancellation fees. We should know this week if he will get the two weeks he needs for this vacation.
• Strength and energy for me to do the things I need to do.

Bible verse; Devotional...

Today I want to share with you something I do that is a real benefit to me and those I pray for. There are many "nights" when I wake up at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning and can't go back to sleep. I could get up but my bed is so warm and my hubby is so snuggly so I lay in bed and pray the alphabet. I usually start at A but sometimes start at Z because I want to make sure the people at that end of the alphabet are prayed for too:) A side blessing is that oftentimes I pray for maybe 10 people and then fall asleep. This has really helped me to not get anxious because I can't sleep but to praise God because I woke up to pray for these people. 

Well, dear readers, I am off to see if I can get those taxes ready to go in the mail to our accountant tomorrow...Wednesday at the latest! I hope you have a wonderful day wherever you are!

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

Ah! Spring is almost here:) Hyacinths getting ready to bloom!

Welcome to the Sunday Night Chit-Chat! If you would like to join in, check in with Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily to check out the "rules"! Each Sunday Carla starts us off so here goes!

I am...

Reading...Mac Life magazine is about all at this time. For our read alouds we are reading Ride the River by Louis L'Amour (book 5 in the Sackett series) and The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson. 

Watching...Last night we watched Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close--WOW! Great movie! This week I will be watching season one of Call of the Midwife in preparation for the start of season two starting March 31 on PBS.

Listening to...The wind howling outside! It has been a very windy day today:(

Cooking/baking...I made Mushroom Barley Soup for dinner today plus baked bread.

Happy I accomplished this week...Haven't really accomplished anything special for weeks. I am just happy when I keep up with the laundry and housework. I look forward to being able to do some "extras" soon. I know the energy is coming back, it's just slow.

Looking forward to next week...I believe my new Knitting Bag is at the post office waiting to be picked up:) I should get it tomorrow or Tuesday! Whoo Hoo!

Thankful for today...Spring is on the way! I see signs of it everywhere!

*BONUS QUESTION* Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? We don't really do anything special. The town of Heppner which is about 45 minutes to the east of us is hugely into St. Patrick's Day; the community is largely Irish. 

Well, that's it for my Sunday Night Chit-Chat! I hope you have a wonderful evening!

Kat

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! I started out today thinking of things I wasn't thankful for and thought about doing an Unthankful Thursday but that just wouldn't be right! So, instead I decided to make myself a new Thankful Thursday button and see if I couldn't get a little thankfulness going on! 

So, today I am thankful for...

#1...My husband working away from home today:) He is a wonderful husband and works really hard to provide for us but he often works from home. Most weeks he will be gone two or three days but this week he was home EVERY DAY until today! Just a little too much husband if you know what I mean. So he and I were both happy he had to work away today! But, oh so thankful he has a good job!

#2...All the little things:

• Household appliances that work
• Toilet paper--you may think I am trying to be funny but I take toilet paper very serious; just ask my husband!
• The new laundry detergent we are using that only takes 1 Tablespoon per load and is natural--Charlie's Soap!
• Books to read--lots of them!

You get the idea!

#3...That we can worship God freely. In some countries that is not possible. I can't imagine being fearful about worshipping God. I frequently take this liberty for granted but need to be more mindful of it every day.

#4...Flowers:) Our daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are up and budding which means it won't be long before they start blooming. The lilacs won't be far behind and the world will be beautiful again!

#5...Inspiration! Everywhere you look there is inspiration! I am inspired by other bloggers; by nature; by books, etc. The other day I was inspired by a livingroom decor color combo--to use on a card! Looking out my front window I have a view of wheat fields greening up and Mount Hood in the distance--breathtaking!

I guess I had a few things to be thankful for after all--even if I was a bit grumpy and unthankful this morning! Now it's your turn! 

What are you thankful for? What inspires you?

Have a great day!

Kat

It's Bloomin' Marvelous

Ha! Ha! Funny title but also the name of one of the Sale-a-bration stamp sets that is available for FREE with a $50 Stampin' Up! purchase thru March 22! 

I was perusing Pinterest and of course spending waayyy too much time there but found this delightful card by Sara Rayner! I hadn't even opened my Bloomin' Marvelous stamp set yet but knew I had to make this card!

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

• Card stock: Whisper White, Summer Starfruit and Raspberry Ripple
• Bloomin' Marvelous stamp set (only available thru March 22)
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Lucky Limeade (what am I going to do when this color retires in June???), Summer Starfruit, Island Indigo (another favorite retiring in June)
• Other: Postage Stamp Punch, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dot (to adhere butterfly)

I hope you enjoyed this project today! I would love to have you check out my Pinterest boards at stamphappykat! I currently have 456 cards pinned that I would like to make--so many ideas, so little time!

Have a great day!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

My son was commenting this morning on how fast this month is going by! It sure does seem like it! And this month will seem a whole lot longer until my body acclimates to the time change! Sandra, our host for Happy Homemaker Monday, lives in Arizona where the time NEVER changes:) Ah, I remember the brief time I lived in Arizona! I hear that time doesn't change in Hawaii either--any other state?

The Weather...In the mid 50s today with cloudy skies and some wind. Overall, not too bad. 

Right now I am...Cooking our midday meal, drinking a cup of Yerba Mate and writing this blog.

Thinking...I wish I had the energy to do all the things I need and want to do. Energy level has been down for too long now.

On my reading pile...Like Sandra, I am taking a little break from reading. We have moved on to Ride the River in our Sackett series by Louis L'Amour. We have been reading these aloud in the evenings.

On my tv...Nothing going on there either. Not much that interests me on tv right now.

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

Three's a Crowd by Crystal Escobar at Wannabe Balanced Mom. I remember Crystal blogging when she had one child, then two and now she has three plus is homeschooling! She has no problem giving a realistic picture of her life as a Wannabe:)

Something fun to share...

Photo by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily

This is my new custom made Knitting Bag made by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily! It appears she has been getting a lot of tote bag orders lately and you should stop over to see the different ones. Each one is different! For mine I asked for purples with lime green. I also wanted a notions bag attached with a key fob to the handle plus and extra long zippy wallet to hold knitting needles! I used Carla's photo because my new Knitting Bag is "in the mail". It seems like mail travels Pony Express from Ontario, Canada to Oregon! I expect it to arrive later this week! Now that's what I call FUN!!!

On the menu for this week...I gave you my menu last week and then I don't think we ate a single thing I put on it:( So I will likely have some of the same things on this week's menu!

Monday--Mizidra
Tuesday--Mushroom Barley Soup
Wednesday--Tacos
Thursday--Baked Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Friday--
Saturday--Potluck so will take Tex-Mex Coleslaw and Corn Bread
Sunday--I think the guys will be off skiing so I will just eat leftovers

On my to do list...

• Laundry
• Plan projects for the March Happy Stampers Club
• Make and send Swap Card
• Make Easter cards for granddaughter and friend's kids
• Finish tax prep and get in the mail to tax accountant

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

Haven't been working on anything lately. I took my doily out yesterday and worked on it a bit and then had to rip that part out:( So, I guess the cards will be it for this week.

Homemaking Tips...Don't have one for this week.

From the camera...

Magnum and Graycee

Check out Mag's leg over Graycee! They really do love each other!

On my prayer list...

• Friends trying to sell their restaurant so they can spend more time with their girls.
• My health issues
• Friend's grown daughter in need of a job.
• Other friend's two grown children in need of jobs.

Bible verse; Devotional...

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

"Take therefore no though for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:33, 34

Well, that's it for me today! Have a great day!

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

The Sunday Night Chit-Chat is initiated each week by Carla over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. If you would like to participate just check out Carla's blog to find out the "rules"! First up is a picture or a quote...

Now, on to the Chit-Chat!

I am...

Reading...Nothing at the moment; just magazines.

Watching...Last night we watched The Searchers, a John Wayne movie from 1956. Today we watched Dolphin Tale--great movie!!! I love that it was based on a true story:)

Listening to...Hubby working in his office and the dogs playing with their toys.

Cooking/baking...Banana bread and sandwich bread! Half of the banana bread is gone already! We had Papa Murphy's Take & Bake Pizza (no cheese) tonight with a big salad and homemade Honey Mustard Dressing.

Happy I accomplished this week...I really haven't accomplished anything to be proud of. I did clean the house and kept up with the laundry but nothing extra:( I sure hope I get some energy SOON!

Looking forward to next week...Getting the tax stuff in the mail to the tax accountant! I am shooting for Wednesday!

Thankful for today...My wonderful husband who doesn't try to push me when I have low energy but is oh so patient:) 

*BONUS QUESTIONS* 

Am I shy and quiet or outgoing?

Definitely NOT shy and quiet! I am probably the loudest person in the room! Well, I can think of a few people louder than me but not too many! I talk a mile a minute but can be a good listener too. I frequently give people my unsolicited opinion on products in the store--especially if I have the product and LOVE it! I love people and enjoy hearing their stories.

Well, now it's your turn! I need to work on the My Digital Studio online class assignment and then get off to bed! Moving to Daylight Savings Time will wreak havoc with my circadian rhythm for awhile but I do enjoy the longer days.

Have a nice evening!

Kat

February Swap Card Received

I received my February Happy Stamper's Swap Card the other day from Christy! It is sooo adorable! Our theme was Easter/Spring and this card perfectly depicts both:) She used the Everybunny stamp set; Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder; and Labels Collection Framelits from Stampin' Up! as well as other assorted goodies. 

I love the way she lightly watercolored the image. If I'm not mistaken, she uses the Stampin' Up! Watercolor Wonder Crayons of which I am a huge fan of.

Don't you like the lime green brads as flower centers?!!! I think Christy did a great job and I was very happy to receive this beautiful card:) Thank you, Christy!

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend! I will be back on Sunday night for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat!

Kat

Five Things Friday

I haven't done a 5 Things Friday for awhile! This is when I just share 5 random things with you. Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily started me on this a few months ago but she hasn't been doing it lately. I guess nothing prevents me from doing a 5 Things Friday anyway! Let's see what I can come up with for today!

#1...I was really disappointed when Downton Abbey ended for the season but just found out that Season Two of Call the Midwives will be starting the last Sunday of this month on PBS:) Whoo Hoo! I did read that Downton Abbey has been approved for a fourth season--thank you whoever you are! Are you a fan of Downton Abbey or Call the Midwives?

#2...I am working on getting all the information together for our tax accountant. I procrastinate on this every year because I hate it! Today I was working on my hubby's business mileage. I should be ready to send it off to our tax accountant by the first part of next week! The mileage would be so much easier if I would do it at the end of each month instead of waiting till the end of the year! Hmmm...maybe I should do an Excel spreadsheet. Do you get your taxes done right away or procrastinate? Any good tips on logging business expenses? Do you have a software program you use to keep track of business expenses?

#3...I am really excited about the class I am taking to learn My Digital Studio. It is 2 hours a week for 4 weeks plus homework. The first class was pretty basic and since I had been using the program some already I knew much of what the instructor was sharing but I figure the 25% she shared that I didn't know was well worth the time spent! I am really looking forward to next week's class:) Digital scrapbooking/cardmaking will never replace sitting at a table with paper, stamps and embellishments but it is an interesting avenue to explore. One of the class members gave a GREAT suggestion: Load the Go to Meeting App on an iPad so you can watch what the instructor is doing on the iPad and work in the MDS2 program on the computer! WOW! I will be doing this come Wednesday! 

#4...To cruise or not to cruise...that is the question! Hubby and I have been somewhat resistant to going on a cruise though we have thought it would be fun. On the one hand, it is an inexpensive way to travel as your room, food, entertainment are all included in the purchase price (tips are extra). On the other hand, it has seemed a bit self-indulgent. Could our money be better spent purchasing something for the house, visiting family/friends, putting more money into retirement savings, exploring possible retirement locations, etc. What are your thoughts? If you had the money, would you go on a cruise? Would it make a difference if you were to cruise with family or close friends? What if we made it a reward for me losing 30 pounds???

#5...I have felt like such a slug since September! Is it never going to end?!!! First it was my food allergies. Fast forward to January and finally food allergies confirmed, my rash went away about mid-month but still working on energy level and immune system. Then we went on holiday to the coast February 12-15 and came home with the flu:( I am still not feeling completely well--lethargic, scratchy throat, stuffy nose! I know I need to get on the treadmill anyway and I do force myself to get the basic housework done but above that, nada, nothing, zip! I keep telling myself that spring is coming and I will be able to get out in the sun and will feel more energetic. It also might help if I remember to take my vitamins:P Any suggestions? 

My "to do" list for today includes:

• Vacuum and mop
• Dust
• Clean the bathroom
• Bake banana bread
• Run the dishwasher and put dishes away

I hope you are having a great day!

Kat