Monday, March 31, 2014

Sunday...Monday Chit-Chat

Hello from beautiful Southern Oregon! We arrived safe and sound at our destination in Medford, Oregon about 7:00 last night. Our hotel is amazing! It is a suite with two Queen beds, kitchen with full size refrigerator, stove, dishwasher...my daughter said, "like we plan to cook!!!" Actually, this hotel has a full complimentary breakfast each morning and complimentary dinner Monday thru Thursday evenings! The last motel I stayed in was the Red Lion and this is definitely several steps above:) Thank you to my son-in-law!

I was working on this post last night but could not get the internet to connect so had to wait till today to wrap my brain around the issues and get everything working properly.

My precious granddaughter wanted to visit the pool first thing so I in a chair poolside trying to write this post using Blogsy--at least I could write even if I couldn't post. She enjoyed the pool for an hour so slept really good last night!



Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily, our weekly host for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat, decided to unplug for the day so did the Chit-Chat early thus removing the "night" from our usual chit-chat. However, I was traveling all day so am still doing mine at night!

What...
  • I am reading...Still reading Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis:) It is a good book, just haven't had a lot of time to read lately.
  • I am watching...Not sure...whatever DD and DGD want to watch. My son is recording Selfridges for me tonight so I can watch it when I get home. I think I might need to invest in a DVR. Do you have one; use it?
  • I am looking forward to this week...Obviously some quality time with my daughter and granddaughter in this super comfortable hotel.
  • Lesson I learned last week...Old friends are precious! We had a long phone visit with some friends hubby and I have known since high school. It was like coming home! We don't visit with them often but when we do it's like we just saw or talked to them yesterday. So precious!!!
  • Was my best moment over the last week...Meeting up with my daughter, granddaughter, son and brother for brunch this morning in Portland, OR!
  • Is my #1 goal for next week...To survive the week with my psyche in tack! I am "chilling" today but will visit mom and sister tomorrow. My brother's advice? Keep the visits short:))) Love that!!! 
  • Best/Worst financial decision over the last week...So far, so good! No best and no worst...just spending according to plan which is a good thing:)
  • Recipe is next on my "to try" list... I want to try another bread recipe from my new book, Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Bread! I have tried the Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread with both the Biga starter and the Sourdough Starter--both are delish!!!
Well, that's it for me for today! Tomorrow starts the A to Z Blogging Challenge...6 blog posts a week for a whole month starting with the letter A and ending with Z! My "theme" for the challenge will be all about ME! 

Have a great day!

Kat

Friday, March 28, 2014

March Take 3 Challenge

We are getting some real RAIN today which we need! I live in high desert country and our average rainfall is about 12 inches per year! This rain will bring up the Spring wheat and be a big boost to the winter wheat that was planted! Yay! Rain on!!!

I am leaving on my road trip to Southern Oregon Sunday morning so I may or may not be back for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat! Depends on if I feel chatty after all that riding/driving. It's a 7 hour trip; more with stops and Grammas have to stop!!!



I have been participating in Carla's March Take 3 Challenge over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. I thought I would give you one last update since it is so close to the end of the month! Tuesday I will be starting the A to Z Blogging Challenge AND will be on vacation so I most likely won't get another chance.

Financial: My financial goals are regarding my monthly allowance of $200.
  1. Continue to fund my budgeting envelopes--all funded and up to date!
    • Personal (hair, makeup, personal items)
    • Gifts
    • Trip to daughter's (quarterly trips)
    • Clothes
    • Misc--lunch out, postage, etc.
  2. Purchase 3 gifts this month (from money in "gift" envelope)--Yes! I have the gifts tucked away ready for giving:)
  3. Have $500 saved for trip the end of March--already have $300 saved--Trip fully funded thanks to my hubby who gave me $200 from out tax refund! I would have made it anyway so maybe I will still have money when I get home:) Now that's a novel idea!!!
Decluttering: Finish decluttering my office and start working on craft room.

The decluttering did not go well:( I will put this on my "to list" for April and see if I can make it happen! 

Personal:
  • Walk on treadmill 5 days per week for 60 minutes at 2.8 mph and 4% incline. I am counting this one a success because I am walking 5 days a week for 60+ minutes at 2.8 mph but when I tried to increase to 4% incline it really hurt my back so will continue at 3% and try 4% again next month! I am moving and that's what's important here:)
  • Sauna 3 days per week for 30 minutes--Only twice this week...working on making it more of a priority.
  • Weight training 2 days per week for 20 minutes--Not at all this week; have I told you how much I hate exercise?!!! I tried the workout from Weight Watchers but ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I would have to be 30 years old to do some of those exercises! I will plan out a workout when I get back from vacation.
  • Continue with Weight Watcher's Online through the month--Yes, I am working the program but haven't lost any weight in two months:( I switched to the Simply Filling Option where I have certain Power Foods to eat; hasn't really made a difference. HOWEVER, I have lost some inches this month; not enough to go down a size but good nonetheless!

Well, there you have it! I still have things to work on but I got a good start this month! Am I glad I took this challenge? Yes, indeed! Without it I most likely wouldn't have made the progress I did!

Our motel in Medford has a nice Fitness Room and an indoor pool so will be getting my exercise there as well. Besides, I will need to keep up with my 8 year old granddaughter and that's no small feat!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Spring has Sprung!

Let me first apologize to my friends and readers in the northern US and Canada who are still experiencing all manner of nastiness in the weather category! I don't mean to boast but hopefully my pictures of Spring will give you hope:)

It was gloriously warm for most of yesterday but late in the afternoon it turned off chilly and rainy. It toyed with raining all day and still isn't really serious about doing it's business. We do need the moisture so rain on! Currently it is 46 degrees (F), cloudy with small patches of blue peeking through and WINDY! So, doesn't feel very Springy today but the signs are still all around:)

As I walked through my yard, camera in hand, this is what I saw...



See the little Periwinkle blossoms. They are hiding at the moment but soon the whole plant will be covered with the beautiful purple blooms.


The apricot trees are in bloom so we don't want a frost right now!!! Can you tell it was windy and raining when I took this picture?


We haven't even cleaned out the flower beds from winter yet but I found a purple Hyacinth hiding under the debris!


And beautiful white Hyacinth!


Lilac buds swollen and ready to burst forth with blossoms--lots of blossoms this year:) Last year I got exactly two clusters--one on each bush!


And last but not least, the beautiful, sunny yellow daffodils! Don't they just scream Spring?!!!

Have a great Spring day...even if it's just in your heart and mind:)

Kat


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Gingham Garden Gift Box

Box closed
At our Happy Stampers meeting last week we made these adorable gift boxes using the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper. This project was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest by Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'. I had to hunt a bit to find the right post but finally did. Okay, Pet Peeve Alert! When the person pinning to Pinterest pins to the blog and not the post. Sometimes it can take forever to find the right one!!! And sometimes I never do:(

Box open
We covered Hershey's Treasures with 1" strips of Designer Series Paper. We made a set of 4 cards using the Wildflower Meadow Bundle and covered a box of Tic Tacs with card stock. Check out the cute little heart window!


We stamped the cards in four different colors and also decorated the envelopes to make it a truly fun gift!

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

  • Paper: Whisper White and Melon Mambo card stock; Gingham Garden Design Series Paper
  • Ink: Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo and Melon Mambo
  • Stamp Set: Wildflower Meadow
  • Big Shot and Wildflower Meadow Embossing Folder
  • Small Heart Punch
  • Other: Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon and Sticky Strip
Thanks for visiting today! I hope you enjoyed today's project!

Kat


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Happy Easter In Color Shadow Box Card


Did I make that title long enough?!!! Well I am still hooked on the Shadow Box Card so decided to show my Happy Stampers how to make this card at our meeting last Wednesday night! On this one we stamped the flowers directly onto the Strawberry Slush card stock with Strawberry Slush ink (tone on tone). So happy with the results:)



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

  • Paper: Whisper White and Strawberry Slush card stock
  • Ink: Strawberry Slush, Crisp Cantaloupe and Coastal Cabana
  • Stamp Sets: Flower Shop, Petite Petals and Easter Blossoms (retired)
  • Punches: Pansy and Petite Petals
  • Big Shot with Ovals Collection Framelits
  • Other: Basic Pearls, Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

I was so happy with the way this card turned out! I hope you enjoyed it too!

Kat

Monday, March 24, 2014

Happy Homemaker Monday


Happy Homemaker Monday to one and all! It was a beautiful sunshiny day here earlier but looks like the clouds are rolling in and the wind is starting to blow...just a little!

The weekend was short because of traveling home from Boise on Saturday but I rested most of the day yesterday (minus a few loads of laundry) so am ready to get with the program today! Now, what was the program again???

Our host each week for Happy Homemaker Monday is Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. It looks like she is Spring Cleaning this week!!! My Spring Cleaning will have to wait till I get home from my trip.

As I look outside my window:::
I already described my clouds. It is 56 degrees (F) this afternoon with a slight breeze. Daffodils are blooming! I spotted some Periwinkle in bloom as well. The Hyacinths are budded out and my Lilac bushes are going to be glorious this year:) 

Right now I am:::
I am drinking my Zip Fizz with lots of ice (of course).

Thinking and pondering:::
My mind is consumed with getting ready for my road trip with DD and DGD! Unfortunately it is also working overtime creating scenarios that may or may not happen. I need to just relax and trust that all will be well.

On my bedside table:::
Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis
Redemptive Compassion by Lois M. Tupyi
My newest issue of Women's Health

On my TV tonight:::
Tuesday nights I have been enjoying About a Boy and Growing Up Fisher on NBC. I think I have to wait another two weeks to watch another episode of The Paradise on PBS. 

While at the motel in Boise I did a "binge watch" of House Hunters on HGTV! If I could choose, I would have HGTV, Hallmark and PBS! I guess I could choose...for a price! When you live waayyy out like we do, the options are limited and often come with A LOT you don't need or want.

Listening to:::
Rocky (our bulldog) snoring! He was out playing this morning so is taking his nap. 

On the menu for this week:::

Monday--Curried French Lentil Soup with a HUGE green salad
Tuesday--most likely a repeat of yesterday
Wednesday--Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and ???
Thursday--
Friday--Potato Corn Chowder with a HUGE green salad (love salad with homemade dressing--this week Balsamic Vinaigrette)
Saturday--
Sunday--Leaving for road trip so restaurants for the next 5 days:) I love eating in restaurants but after 5 days will be anxious to eat some home cooking again...even if it is mine!

On my to do list:::

  • Laundry (almost finished)
  • Make Granola
  • Clean Bathroom
  • Swap Squares (need to be in the mail tomorrow--I'm late already)
  • Work on and schedule first 5 A to Z Challenge posts 
  • Complete and post Design Team project for The Cupboard Trilogy Challenges
  • Shabby Chic Swap Card 
  • Dog hair everywhere--need to vacuum!
  • Pack for trip
Happening this week:::
Nothing on a specific day. Just have my "to do" list and need to get it done before Sunday!

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, creating:::
I am working on my Swap Squares, Shabby Chic Swap Card and Design Team Project. I am hoping to get some knitting/crocheting done while on my road trip.

My simple pleasure:::
I love to cook! I enjoy making bread, granola, cookies, yummy soups! Now, there are days when I don't want to cook at all but most of the time I really enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking for my family:)

Lesson learned the past week:::
Sometimes it's best not to plan too much because it's nice to just do nothing occasionally!

Looking around the house:::
Floors really need vacuumed; dining room table needs straightened; dogs need to pick their toys up:)))

From the camera:::


Signs of Spring!


Prayer List:::

  • Sister still recovering from hip/leg surgery. 
  • My trip to visit family (Sunday thru Thursday)
  • Families still needing housing--two of them!
Bible verse/Devotional:::

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let hime give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" 
--2 Corinthians 9:6-8


I hope you are having a great day wherever you are--even if it's not Spring there yet!

Kat


Sunday, March 23, 2014

Sunday Night Chit-Chat


Found on Pinterest
It's time once again for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat hosted each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. So let's get started!

What...

Am I reading...Oh my! I am still finishing up two books I have been reading for a long time--The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter (e-book from the library that I was checking out for a week at a time; having to wait till it was available; check out again--frustrating but then learned how to change setting to check out for 3 weeks at a time:) and Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis. Hopefully will finish up both books this week!

Am I watching...A documentary about Steam Trains (DS loves trains). I watched an episode of The Paradise earlier today--love this BBC production:)

Am I looking forward to this week...Getting ready for Road Trip with DD and DGD--we leave next Sunday and there is so much to do before I leave!

Is one thing I did last week that I don't want to repeat this week...Enjoyed our trip to Boise but don't want to repeat it this week! I had no idea Boise, ID was sooo big!!! Population of Boise is 212,303! This is big time for a girl who lives in a county with 1500 population!!!

Was my best moment over the last week...Spending some quality time with my hubby traveling to and from Boise! Being able to shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's--love those stores!!! We ate at the best Chinese restaurant in LaGrande--super yummy food and excellent service!

Is my #1 goal for next week...Get card swaps finished and in the mail; get Design Team project finished and uploaded before I leave for my trip.

Song I can't get out of my head...Nothing at the moment:) That's a good thing!

Best/Worst financial decision over the last week...Best financial decision was I did not go to the Twisted Ewe Yarn Shop in Boise. I read some reviews that weren't very positive so decided to forego the foray. Worst decision wasn't really a decision at all but a mistake...I accidentally ordered double of a couple Stampin' Up! items on this last order. Grrr! I didn't need to spend the extra money this time even though it was under $20. 

Is something that I'd like to learn to do...I want to knit a sweater! I have been knitting for years but have never knitted a sweater for myself or anyone else so that is definitely on my "bucket list"! 

Well, that's it for me tonight! Have a great evening!

Kat






Friday, March 21, 2014

Five Things Friday


I was thrilled to see that Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily was doing a 5 Things Friday today! This has been a crazy week (for me) so this gives me a good opportunity to share some snippets of what's going on in my world without devoting a whole post to them.

1. Hubby and I drove to Boise, ID yesterday enjoying beautiful Spring weather with temperatures in the low 50s (F)! 

Funny story...we went to Whole Foods to get some goodies to eat. Leaving Whole Foods Hubby asked Siri for directions to get back to the motel. We were started in the right direction, then Siri turned us around and was heading us toward the freeway. Hubby picked up his phone to see what was up and realized Siri was directing us to the Red Lion in Pennsylvania and we would arrive in three days. He pulled over, got the map via Google Maps and we arrived at our motel in about 5 minutes!

2. I have been in a real creative slump for the last couple of months:( I need a really fun project that I can't put down to get my mojo up and running again! Any ideas???

3. Daughter, granddaughter and I will be leaving on our road trip to visit family on Sunday!!! We have been looking forward to/dreading this trip for 3 months! Can't believe it's finally here:) DD is buying DGD a journal so she can journal about the trip. We will take pictures and get them printed so she can add them to her journal and have something truly memorable to take home. DGD loves to write and is enjoying a scrapbooking club she is in so this project should be really fun for her.

4. I recently discovered (via One Good Thing by Jillee) a DIY heavy duty cleaner that I LOVE!!! You mix 1 part Dawn Dish Soap and 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle! This cleaner is truly awesome! It gets oily spots out of fabric as well as dried blood! It also gets those nasty yellow sweat stains out of white (or colored) clothes. A less aggressive cleaner can be made with equal parts water and Hydrogen Peroxide plus a couple drops Dawn Dish Soap.

5. My favorite iPod/iPhone app is Redo by Iterex Ltd. I love to make lists and this app allows me to make lists, check off the items and then put the items back on my list when needed! I use it for trips, shopping and to do lists! I have been using it a lot lately so I don't forget things. When I think of something that needs to go on the list I just put it on and forget it:) The best part? I always know where my list is--no more bits of paper here there and everywhere!!! The cost? A very reasonable $1.99.

I hope you enjoyed my 5 Things Friday!

Kat

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy Homemaker Monday


It's time for Happy Homemaker Monday! Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom is our weekly host. So, on to today's questions...

As I look outside my window:::
The sky is blue; the sun is shining; the wind is blowing---HARD!!! It is so nice to see the tulips, daffodils and hyacinths popping up out of the ground:) Soon there will be beautiful color! The lawn will soon need mowed for the first time since last Fall. The trees are coming alive with beautiful green baby leaves. Ahhh, it looks like I made it through another winter!!! I so enjoy Spring, Summer and Fall but Winter??? Not so much!

Right now I am:::
Sitting by the wood stove, warm and cozy, with my cup of Yerba Mate working on this post.

Thinking and pondering:::
About all I need to get done in the next few days. Also what I would like my next knitting project to be so I will have something in mind when I visit Twisted Ewe yarn shop on Friday.

On my bedside table:::
Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis (still)
Redemptive Compassion by Lois M. Tupyi
New magazines:

  • Knit Simple
  • Women's Health
  • Popular Photography

On my TV tonight:::
Might check in on The Voice tonight but looking forward to watching The Paradise on Sunday. I missed it the first time around so am enjoying this wonderful PBS/BBC series.

Listening to:::
The blustery wind:(

On the menu for this week:::
No menu this week! Just flying by the seat of my pants, as usual! I changed over to the Simply Filling option for Weight Watchers so I just look at the list of Power Foods and see what I feel like eating. Similarly, I just ask the guys what they feel like eating and make it for them. 

On my to do list:::
  • Laundry (as always)
  • Get ready for Happy Stampers Club
  • Shabby Chic card swap project 
  • Easter Sampler Swap squares need to get in the mail
  • Continue to work on decluttering/organizing my office--about 8 more hours of work (it was really bad)!
  • Pack for Boise trip (just a quick one)
Happening this week:::
My Happy Stampers Club meets on Wednesday then Hubby and I leave for Boise on Thursday. Hubby has training for work on Friday so I am hoping to visit a yarn shop called Twisted Ewe.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Still nothing! I will be making cards this week but that's about it! I have a couple knitting/crochet projects I will be taking to Boise with me. 

My simple pleasure:::
I nearly panicked when I saw we had THREE of the four ice cube trays on the counter empty. I realized that one very simple pleasure I enjoy is ICE:) I love ice in my water; in my Zip Fizz; in my tea. I enjoy iced drinks year round. I do like a nice hot cup of tea occasionally--especially Yerba Mate--but the ones that bring me the most pleasure are iced! There you have it! I am officially crazy!!! Even when it's 8 degrees (F) outside I am drinking iced drinks--daily:)

Lesson learned the past week:::
There is a difference between giving someone a "hand out" and a "hand up". So often we satisfy the immediate need that someone has instead of looking at the problem to see how we could help that person become more self-sufficient. It is quicker and often easier to give a "hand out"; a "hand up" takes time and commitment to work through the process.

Looking around the house:::
Laundry piled and waiting to be done; dining room table needs cleaned off (our drop spot); fire burning in the wood stove; dogs lying in front of the fire!

From the camera:::


Two more squares received for the Easter Sampler Swap--more coming on these:)

Prayer List:::
  • My sister has a bit of infection in her incision from the hip surgery/broken leg bone surgery.
  • Friends moving to new area; new work, new school, new church
  • My visit to family the end of the month
  • Friend's son going on spring break mission trip to Belize this week
Bible verse/Devotional:::
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
--Ephesians 4:29

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

It's time again for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat. Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily has some new questions for us to answer tonight! Let's see how I do!


My picture tonight is three squares I received for the Easter Sampler Swap. More on that later this week:)

So, let's get started!

What...

Am I reading...Still reading Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis. I may actually finish it this week.

Am I watching...People Like Us. So good; a different kind of love story. Inspired by a true story.

Am I looking forward to this week...Happy Stampers Club meets this week and trip to Boise with hubby:) Hoping to visit a yarn shop while in Boise called A Twisted Ewe.

Is one thing I did last week that I don't want to repeat this week...I ate a little bit of dairy...I was sick for a whole day following:(

Was my best moment over the last week...Lunch and visiting with my friend Kim. We wait waayyy too long between visits but the time spent with her is special.

Is my #1 goal for next week...To get ready for my Happy Stampers Club and get packed for Boise trip.

Song I can't get out of my head...Nothing running through my head today!

Was the best/worst financial decision over the last week...The best financial decision this week was to NOT buy several things I really wanted. The worst financial decision this week was I DID buy some stamping stuff (surprise!!!)!

Is on the top of my *wish list* right now...Oh my! I just got the item that had been at the top of my list for about 4 years, the Infrared Sauna. Right now I am really wanting an Ott Lite.

Well, I think that's it for me tonight! I will be back tomorrow for Happy Homemaker Monday!

Kat

Friday, March 14, 2014

March: Take 3 Challenge


Today I am updating you on my Take 3 Challenge started by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. I will be linking to her blog with my updates.

Financial: My financial goals are regarding my monthly allowance of $200.
  1. Continue to fund my budgeting envelopes--all funded and up to date!
    • Personal (hair, makeup, personal items)
    • Gifts
    • Trip to daughter's (quarterly trips)
    • Clothes
    • Misc--lunch out, postage, etc.
  2. Purchase 3 gifts this month (from money in "gift" envelope)--I purchased one gift and am planning to purchase two more on my trip to Boise next week, even if they are just gift cards.
  3. Have $500 saved for trip the end of March--already have $300 saved--Trip fully funded thanks to my hubby who gave me $200 from out tax refund! I would have made it anyway so maybe I will still have money when I get home:) Now that's a novel idea!!!
Decluttering: Finish decluttering my office and start working on craft room.

Not good:( I only spent one hour decluttering this week so will have to step that up next week if I am going to complete this challenge successfully.

Personal:
  • Walk on treadmill 5 days per week for 60 minutes at 2.8 mph and 4% incline. I am walking 5 days per week for 60 minutes at 2.8 mph but only at 3% incline. I will see if I can increase that today.
  • Sauna 3 days per week for 30 minutes--Not at all this week so definitely need to work on this next week.
  • Weight training 2 days per week for 20 minutes--Not at all this week; have I told you how much I hate exercise?!!! I just printed out a workout from Weight Watchers that I am starting today.
  • Continue with Weight Watcher's Online through the month--Yes, I am working the program but haven't lost any weight in two months:( I just switched to the Simply Filling Option where I have certain Power Foods to eat and will see if that makes a difference. I am hoping the Power Foods and the addition of Strength Training will make result in weight loss:)))
Well, there you have it! The Good; the Bad; and the Ugly!!! We are only half-way through the month so there is still time to improve, right?

Have a great day! I am going out to walk on the treadmill and try that new strength training workout!

Kat

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Valentine Cards...a Little Late

I had a couple of cards that I realized I forgot to share so today is the day! This card is called a Triple Heart Easel Card. This card was inspired by Glenda Calkins at The Stamp Camp. Each heart fits into the one in front of it. The front one has a Basic Rhinestone for it to fit up against.


Lots of glitz and glitter make this card especially showy!


This is what the card looks like when it's closed! 


This was the Valentine's Day card I received from my friend, Margarita! Isn't it amazing! She used Copics to color the image. So sweet! 

If you have questions regarding the supplies used for these cards, please let me know and I will do my best to help!

Tomorrow I will share an update on my Take 3 Challenge!

Kat

Sweet Sorbet Window Slider Card

I have been waiting to share this card with you till my friend Margarita received it so am hoping it reached it's destination in Japan by now. This was my oh so late swap card last month! 


I CASEd this card from one of my favorite stampers, Dawn Griffith at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. Her video tutorials are so easy to follow!


When you pull the tab you get to see the other side. I should have turned these pictures around because it actually pulls up and down; not side to side. Oh well, you get the idea!

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

  • Whisper White and Basic Black card stock; Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper
  • Stamp Sets: Happy Watercolor and Petal Parade
  • Punches: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle and Crop-a-dile
  • Other: Dimensionals, white uni-ball Signo Pen and Crisp Cantaloupe 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim
Thanks for stopping in today! I love sharing my creations with you:)

Kat

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Petite Flower Shop Shadow Box Card

Today was absolutely beautiful! I think the high temperature was 55 degrees (F) but the sky was blue blue, the sun was bright and there was no wind! We are a little more than a week early for Spring but Spring was definitely here today and looks like it will be here all week! 


I can't believe it's already the middle of the month and I haven't posted my Design Team project for The Cupboard Trilogy Challenges yet! What have I been waiting for? The theme for this month is Mothers so I made a Mother's Day card for my mom. WOW! I am super early!!! 

I am totally loving making Shadow Box cards using the Flower Shop and Petite Petals stamp sets--so fun!

For this card I used the following Stampin' Up supplies:

  • Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Gumball Green and Strawberry Slush card stock; Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper; Silver Glimmer Paper
  • Stamp sets: Messages for Mom (retired), Flower Shop, Petite Petals
  • Ink: Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay, Pink Pirouette
  • Punches: Pansy, Petite Petals, Elegant Butterfly, Bitty Butterfly and Bird Builder Punch
  • Big Shot with Labels Collection Framelits
  • Other: Glue Dots and Basic Pearls
I am working on a Shadow Box Easter card for my Happy Stampers to make next week. I am also working on a Card in a Box! I have been seeing lots of them on Pinterest so am trying my hand at it. I have the box made, just need to decorate it:)

Kat

Monday, March 10, 2014

Happy Homemaker Monday

I am not a big fan of "time change"--either way! It seems to throw me off for about a month before my body finally gets used to it! Oh well, not a choice unless I move to Arizona or Hawaii! Hmmm...now there's a thought:)



It's time for Happy Homemaker Monday! Are you ready??? Sandra has a new Happy Homemaker Monday "button" for us to use--looks inviting, doesn't it! You can check out Sandra's Happy Homemaker Monday at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

As I look outside my window:::
Today was beautiful! Blue sky and mid-50s. However, the wind has been brutal today. I love seeing the daffodils coming out of the ground--promise of spring:)

Right now I am:::
Sitting on my bed writing this post, drinking one more glass of water before bed.

Thinking and pondering:::
I have been making lists and planning my trip. I am really looking forward to my trip with DD and DGD!

On my bedside table:::
Still reading Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis; read aloud is still The Book Thief.

On my TV tonight:::
Hubby and I watched the amazing movie Unfinished Song this afternoon! WOW! This movie was so amazing! Last night we watched 42 and that movie too was well worth watching! 

Listening to:::
The sweet snore of our bull dog:)

On the menu for this week:::
No menus again this week:( Just flying by the seat of my pants!

On my to do list:::

  • Laundry (always)
  • Work on organizing my office
  • Get stuff ready for thrift store
  • Get ready for next week's Happy Stampers Club
Happening this week:::
Hair appointment on Thursday and lunch with friend afterward! Great day indeed!!!

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Still nothing:( So much I want to do and need to do but just haven't felt like being creative lately.

My simple pleasure:::
Making bread! I love making good bread for my family:)

Lesson learned the past week:::
No does not always mean no:) If you don't ask, the answer will always be no!

Looking around the house:::
My desk is a mess but the kitchen is clean! Dog toys litter the living room floor (as usual)! 

From the camera:::



Last night I posted a picture of Rocky in his bed but today the cat took over! Rocky was a little frustrated that the cat had taken over!

Prayer List:::

  • My sister still recuperating from hip surgery
  • Upcoming trip with DD and DGD to visit family
  • Friends who need a house--moving because of new job
Bible verse; Devotional:::
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." --Hebrews 4:16

Okay, that's it for me tonight! I hope you enjoyed a little look into my life via Happy Homemaker Monday!

Kat