Wednesday Message To My Friend

This is my dearest friend, Janay. We have known each other for about 33 years. She and I were roommates back in 1978. Boy did we have FUN! This picture was taken on our Mexico vacation back in 2005. We were having breakfast and I said, "SMILE!" Didn't she do good?!


This was her birthday, May 4, 2005 and in a few days, she will again have a birthday and I would like to dedicate this poem to my dear friend and know that this comes from my heart!

Friendship is something

that grows through the years

Withstanding feelings of anger, joy and tears

It is something you cannot live without

A friend you can turn to when in doubt

They should listen carefull and not speak a word

For you would do the same when they want to be heard

A person you can confide in, learn from and trust

This is a friend and everyone must

Be able to have someone just like this

Now a boyfriend to hug, cuddle and kiss

But a person so special, faithful and true

The only one I can think of is a person like you

Our friendship is strong, healthy and great

Through the years I see its wonderful fate

A fate of laughter, greatness and fun

We have only one life to live and this is the one

The past- full of memories that runs through my head

The bad ones never talked about or said

Every moment of life should glisten with fresh morning dew

This reminds me of the greatest friendship one ever knew.

Love you, JJ

Tuesday Tid-Bit

So are you married to a spender or a saver? I have been married almost 31 years and I still can't get used to my husband not wanting to save! Grinds my teeth! I began reading some on this, how to save my marriage or take him off the accounts?! ha!

They say that opposite money-management styles can really complicate a marriage. (I say, no duh!) This is what I found on the topic. I hope it can help me and anyone out there that suffers the same.

"The differences you may have glossed over before can't be ignored now, because there's less money," says Marcia Brixey, author of The Money Therapist: A Woman's Guide to Creating a Healthy Financial Life. But there are plenty of things you can do to find common ground, says Katherine Yost, Ph.D., a marriage and family therapist in Belluvue, Washington. With planning, everybody can adapt to the new economy and have his or her emotional needs met at the same time.

For starters, they say, let the spender spend. (ummm, ok that's the problem!) People who are told "No" to everything begin to feel resentful and deprived, (ok so what?!) and sooner or later they'll break out with a spending binge. Everybody gets at least a little discretionary cash--and with it a sense of freedom. (I am missing out here!)

Similarly, allow the saver to save. Putting some money away for a rainy day is fiscally sound, yes. (and mature!) But people who keep a tight rein on spending need to continue doing so to ease their sense of helplessness about what's in the news or what's happening at work. A dollar save feels like insurance to them. (so TRUE!)

Most important, though, is to make new couple rules. "When financial guidelines are explicit," says Yost, "the whole family does better."

I have to say, I have tighten the belt these days, but really more on me than my husband. I make sure the savings account is now a bill. Some money has to go into that account. I give myself about $20.00 a week and him, I give $100.00. Your probably asking, "Is she NUTS!?" He has to get some groceries out of that too. Even though he is unemployed, which makes him feel less because he is not taking care of the family and leaving me to be the sole bread winner. I still want to allow him his dignity.

So as for making many rules as some of the marriage therapist list, I have one ground rule. Savings account is a bill and with it is a set amount that goes in. The next is the bills and what's left is to spend. So far it has worked pretty darn good. But I will keep you posted, as we have only done this for three months!

Until then, have a great Tuesday!

Hugs,
Kim

Monday Morning Chat

This past weekend buzzed by for me. We were so very busy. Let me tell you briefly about our passing days.

On Saturday, my husband and I went to a "Kid Day in the Park" event at our local park. We had a booth set up for our "Take Shape For Life" program. My husband was in charge of the balloons for the kids and handing out stickers. It was so much fun! We offered a nice little give away and explained our organization to many of the visitors.

Sunday, day spent doing yard work. I was pulling weeds, getting the Roses trimmed, moving some plants around. It was a beautiful day, but went way to fast. Later in the day I put my new "Curves Toner" shoes, (wanted to try them out!), put the leash on the dog and off we went. If you are ever thinking about getting a pair, "DO IT!" they are wonderful. These shoes are very comfortable and you just keep walking. My poor Jessie was tired. She kept looking up at me and I know that look! Pick me up mommy! We walked for an hour!

Later in the evening I got my second wind and began posting some more of my "Lady Cards" . I found some new color paper designs and made some earrings to match. I was so excited about them that I wanted to get them posted. You can visit my shop to see all the different designs!

http://crazy4cards.etsy.com

Today is Monday and my legs are pretty sore, but a good sore! I was thinking I can perhaps take a smaller walk tonight and of course I will take Jessie. I want her to stay in shape as well as myself! Plus she keeps me company.

So friends, I will chat with you again tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,
Kim

Saturday Morning Coffee

Oh Good morning!!

I have been away for a couple of days and have I had a few problems. My system crashed and I had to restore the whole thing! Have ever had to do that? OMG pain in the you know what! I think I have everything back up and running.

So, I sold one of my adorable 'Lady Card and Earring' cards, which inspired me to make a few more. I went to my local Michaels and found some more cute paper. I have to say, the paper skirt and the earrings match perfectly! Some of the outfits I want to wear.

As a child, I played with a lot of paper dolls. I even created new outfits for them and maybe this is where it all came from. I am almost playing dress up again.

So take a look at a few colors I came up with! Let me know what you think!!!

Here are 4 new designs. I have posted a couple more in my shop. Be my guest to take a look and purchase one of these adorable cards for your mother on her very special day!

www.crazy4cards.etsy.com

Thank you for stopping by and have a fabulous Saturday!

Hugs,

Kim

Wednesday Wake Up Call

Hello!

I am posting this on Tuesday evening, but tagging it for Wednesday. I was off on Monday and was able to tell you all about my wonderful day with my niece. It really was fun!

Later that evening I was playing around with my Cricut machine and made a bunch of flowers. I wanted to come up with a promotional give away. What I came up with was an adorable Mother's Day Card! Just a simple card.

Here are two colors of the designs.

I have other colors I made too, but these I like the best. So once I got these made I thought, now what shall I give these away with??? I got it! A pair of earrings!

So there you have it! Buy any earring set and get a FREE Mother's Day Card!! PLUS, I am still offering FREE SHIPPING in the USA !!!

Awesome deal! Hurry on over to my shop and take a look at all the fabulous earrings I have created. If you don't see what you like, send me a message and let create something wonderful!

http://www.crazy4cards.etsy.com/

I hope to chat with you soon! Have a great Tuesday night and fantastic Wednesday!

Hugs,

Kim

Monday Morning Chatter

Good Morning!

Well, it's almost afternoon! My beautiful niece is visiting me! I love it when we have sleep overs! Last night we were watching a movie and all through the movie it was, "why are they doing that?!" "Why are they going that way?!" It was pretty funny! I got so sleepy, but she wanted to stay up and finish watching the movie. Uncle Curt stayed up with her. Thanks Uncle Curt.

This morning, she was up at 6:30! Wow! Early bird catches the worm, huh?! Day started out having hot cocoa. Actually, Tayah had hot cocoa and Auntie Kim had coffee! Uncle Curt fixed her some egg whites and some OJ, popped in Madagascar and we were set!

Later on, we went into the craft room to create some cards. She loves making cards! It's so much fun to work together and she helps me with my designs and I help her with hers.

In this picture, Tayah is making a birthday card for one of her friends. She wanted to have the birthday candles added to a cake. She needed Auntie Kim to draw her a birthday cake and put it on a table. (That was a bit of a challenge!) Tayah penciled in the frosting and added a bit of color to it.

Look at the concentration, the steady hand!

Tayah has a vivid imagination and she loves making gifts for all her family and friends. Here is the end result! She is so very proud of this card and she can't wait to give it to her friend for her birthday!

Crazy4Cards has a new little designer in training!


It was my pleasure sharing with you my visit with my niece! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I love sharing it with you.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Hugs,
Kim

Sunday Morning Quiet Time

Good Morning!

I am not sure what has gotten in to me lately, but I just can't sleep. I am not sure if it is the beautiful weather we are having or what! The past few mornings I have been waking up at 3:00, 4:00 and can't get back to sleep. Perhaps there is just too much on my mind before I go to sleep and it's racing around during the night and making me restless.

To avoid waking up the rest of the household, I go to my craftroom and begin working on my projects. My latest creation are a couple of pair of earrings. I do like them. Let me show you what I made.

This first pair is a beautifl set of pink earrings. These are made with Swarovski Crystals and pink glass beads. A pretty little silver separator divides the two. Soft and elegant.

I just love those! The next pair is a nice pair you can wear with your jeans. Sometimes you want to go out in jeans and a nice shirt. These would dress them up!

These feature a beautiful set made with Argentinean rhodonite rectangle beads and pink cat's-eye beads. I love these too!

I went ahead and posted these two sets in my shop and can be selected for purchase. With Mother's Day right around the corner, they would make a great gift! Add them to one of the "Lady Cards" and you have not only a gift...but a card as well!

Today I am off to a baby shower with my sister. One of our friends is having her second child. After the shower, my niece is coming to stay the night! Oh I am so excited! I just love that little angel! I will write about our evening tomorrow. We always have a fun adventure!

I wish you all a fabulous Sunday! Get out and enjoy the day!

Hugs,

Kim

Saturday Morning Coffee Break

Something special for my followers! This is to die for!! You like cheesecake? Chocolate? Make this!CHOCOLATE LOVER'S CHEESEPIE

INGREDIENTS:
3 packages (8oz. each)cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups (12-oz. package) HERSHEY'S MINI CHIPS Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
1 extra-serving-size packaged graham cracker crumb crust (9 oz.)
2 tbsp. whipping cream

DIRECTIONS:
1) Heat oven to 450 degree

2) Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir in 1 2/3 cups small chocolate chips; pour into crust.

3) Bake 10 min. Without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 250; continue baking 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven to wire rack. Cool completely. Cover; refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

4) Place remaining 1/3 cup chips and whipping cream in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 20 to 30 seconds or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Cool slightly; spread over top of cheesepie. Refrigerate 15 min. or until topping is set. Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesepie.

Make 10 servings....ENJOY!!

This really is a very good cheescake. Your guests will love it and you will come back for seconds!

Hugs,
Kim

Friday Early Morning

Where did Spring go?

Seriously, where did spring go? I feel like we skipped it and went straight to summer. I mean, I appreciate it, Mother Nature, since you pounded us with numerous rain storms a few weeks ago, but I think this is a little quick. Oh well. I'll just enjoy the "no jacket weather," roll down my car windows, and rock out while I drive. Yes, I'm one of those annoying people in the car next to you singing like I was on American Idol. Ha ha.

Today is going to be a great day! I really woke up early today! 3:00AM!! I can not believe that! I did get a few things done. I balanced the check book, paid some bills, made three pair of earrings, made a posting and went to the chat room to say "hey"! Great morning!

Let me show you what I made and posted!

Pretty huh?! Oh here is another pair!

I really like the black and yellow! I have another pair, but I haven't taken the picture. I will tonight and post it so you can see.

Well, I better get started getting ready for work. Here is wishing you all a great day!

Hugs,
Kim

Wackey Wednesday

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I missed you these last couple of days. I am so very excited! My blog is getting a facelift!! I found this wonderful shop: http://www.enchantedmemories.etsy.com and she is going to help my poor poor page out.

She creates her own graphics to ensure all of her projects are unique. She does not use clip art downloads for her shop. She specializes in Custom Illustrated Etsy banner graphics and Custom Shop Packages. With her range of design skills, she can provide all of your custom digital graphics needs!

Well that sold me and her name is so adorable! Enchanted Memories! Stay tuned for some exciting changes in the next couple of days.

Talk to you soon!

Hugs,
Kim

Monday Evening Chatter

Well, I tell you, I have been trying to update my blog. I was able to get my banner up. As for a background to surround the blue, I am not having any luck. I am sure there is someone out there that is a wiz at these blogs. I even went to this site fro free backgrounds.

http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/free/free-backgrounds.html

Well I am giving up for now. After typing all day, then again tonight, my neck is killing me. Yikes! I will just keep looking.

I am sorry I don't have much to say tonight. Guess I just got a bit frustrated working 4 hours on this. So you all have a fabulous night and I promise I will put something out there tomorrow.

Hugs,
Kim

Sunday Brunch

There isn't anything better than a wonderful Sunday brunch. Everyone is happy! They get to pick their favorite food and best of all, you don't have to cook!

I was pretty busy yesterday. I began on a special order and finished it this morning. It's all packaged up and ready to ship out. Made a couple of extra colors for my Baby Shower Party Favors.

Take a look:


What do you think? Sometimes you don't want to know the sex, just keep it a surprise. Then you can pick from these colors. Perhaps your color theme isn't the traditional pink or blue, now you have options.

Then, I just kept going. I began watching a pretty intense movie and I thought while I was watching this film, I would make a few earrings. OMG! They turned out so good!




So what do you think about these? I like the yellow and black combination. I will have to make a lady card to match those colors. Great Mother's Day Gifts!

So come on over to my shop and take a look at all the items I listed!

http://www.crazy4cards.etsy.com/

Have a great Sunday!

Hugs,
Kim

Saturday Chit Chat

Good Morning!

Happy Saturday! I have to say, this morning I fixed a really good cup of coffee! Every drink was just as good as the first. I was shopping at Walmart yesterday and saw in the coffee section, Folgers Chocolate Truffle. I thought, 'hmm sounds good!' So I bought it and decided to give it a try this morning. Fixed a cup, put two scoops of coffee mate creamer, 2 Tbl of Sugar Free Raspberry Torani syrup. Oh delightful!

I picked up a magazine to read and came across this article that really fits my situation right now. I have been married for 31 years this June and we have been through alot of challenges throughout those years. Now, we are in a financial challenge, probably the biggest challenge we have ever faced.

My husband was laid off and we are trying to get a loan modification on our house. (Wow is that stressful! Tough to deal with the bank.) We face possibly loosing our house and not much we can do about it. So, when I came across this article paragraph it touched my heart strings. I began asking myself, "What am I doing? I keep getting angry at him!" He is my friend and we have to keep it together, I have to keep it together. Changed my whole thought process.

Let me read it to you...

Recession Rift #4:
LOST IDENTIFY
His self-esteem went south when he got laid off and had to take lower-paying joy outside his field. Or your're the one pounding the pavement and wondering what just happened. (my scenario)
EMOTIONAL RESCUE: When the going gets tough, the smart marriage move is to bring on compassion--probably when you least feel like doing so. Don't grill your husband about whether he snt out resumes. Instead, ask exactly what kink of help he needs, then offer it. If your're th eone who lost your job, you should expect your husband to deliver the same tender loving care to you. But also turn to friends. You need to acknowledge your sadness, fears and frustrations, but don't let yourself wallow in the feelings.

So if any of your are facing challenges in your relationship, work together and pray for guidance! I have to say honestly, I pray, but I don't think I am praying deep inside my heart. I need to pray for strength for he and I. I don't want a material object pulling us apart. My house is a material object.

With that said everyone, I am wishing you all peace and love! Thank you for your support and stopping by to visit.

Hugs,
Kim

Thursday Night Cocoa

Aww! Thursday evening and the house is so very quiet. All I hear is the clock ticking and it is so very Peaceful!

So I thought I would come in and show you some of my new creations. I am having a hot cup of cocoa to just melt the tensions of the day away.

Today I began to create some Mother's Day Cards. I know the favorite in my shop around this time a year are my "Lady Card and Earring Sets".

Here is a couple I posted today in my shop.

The earrings below the picture is to give my customers the opportunity to switch the set if they'd like. I like all the sets, but this will give them the option.

Come on to my shop and see the other's I posted today!

http://www.crazy4cards.etsy.com/

I'm sorry I am brief, but I do appreciate you stopping by!

Have a great night!

Hugs,
Kim

Wednesday! A Perfect Day

Is there anything better than Wednesday? Middle of the week and only two days left in the work week. (If you work the Monday through Friday days.)

So far this week has been pretty productive. I got a couple of projects that were due Friday, got done early! Meetings went smoothly and I was able to make a couple items for Crazy4Cards!

Here's a couple of fun little earrings! The colors are so in this spring!



Fun Lime Green Earrings and a set of Fun Blue Earrings! I love these!

You know I am just learning how to make earrings. I have had my share of mistakes, stabbings with the needle nose and I can't tell you how many times I have spilled the beads! OMG! I know in time, it will get better. I make these cute little items for my special "Lady Cards"! You can find two different kinds in my shop!

Remember, Mother's Day is going to be here before you know it and she will love one of these cards! I can make them in her favorite color.

Visit my shop and if you don't see want you want, convo me! I love special orders.

http://www.crazy4cards.etsy.com/

Have a wonderful evening!

Hugs,

Kim

Tuesday Temptations

For The Love Of Pearls


They say that pearls mean love. When your in love, give a pearl! For my wedding gift, my husband gave me a pearl necklace! That was 31 years ago!! I still have it, although the chain is a bit week, I wear it on special occasions.

I made a few pearl earrings that I would like to share with you. If you have a chance, tell me what you think!




Visit my shop for a very sweet deal on my earrings! FREE SHIPPING!!

http://www.crazy4cards.etsy.com/

I found in one of my magazines an article; 7 surprise perks of giving yourself a break. In today's society we are rushing rushing, busy busy, and no time for ourselves. I liked this little tid-bit and would like to share it with you! (FOR ALL YOU WINE LOVERS!)

Revs energy: A glass of wine

True, alcohol is better known for putting people to sleep. But choose red wine--and limit it to 8 oz. or less daily--and you could see your physical stamina and mental energy surge by 100 percent within one week, suggests a preliminary study in the journal Cell. The credit goes to re wine's resveratrol, a phytochemical that optimizes the function of energy-producing mitochondria in cells.

Wow! Isn't that interesting! I have to admit though, sometimes I can't stop with one glass, especially when I am with my girlfriends. But it is educational!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Hugs!
Kim

Monday Morning Chat

Quiet down Baby!

Doesn't she look relaxed?! This is baby, my 10 year old Siamese. You know how chatty a siamese can be. We here is a little tid bit on how you quiet down a chatty cat!

No matter how much attention I give our cat, she still meows and yowls all...day...long. The best way I found to hush my talkative feline? I ignored her when she was having one of her fits. Once she was silent for about 10 minutes, I rewarded her good behaviour by saying something like, "Oh, what a good Baby!" then would begin petting and playing with her. She soon started associating being calm and quiet with positive reinforcement, and she ended the nonstop chatter.

Baby has been such a joy in our family. She originally was a Easter present for my husband who had broken both the bones in one of his legs. This had been the second time he had broken those bones, both times from construction accident. Anyway, I knew this little ball of fur would keep him company while he mended. She was a spit fire too! He kept saying she was a "pain in the butt!" but kept him intertained all the while.

Animals have such a purpose and we should always take care of our pals! Thanks for stopping in and reading my tid-bit for the day!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Hugs,
Kim

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter!

First and most I want to thank God for his beloved son who was sent to earth from heaven to save us all!

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

Today, we celebrate the resurrection and that we can truely believe in miracles. Even though there are many things going on in this world that one would not favor, there are still many positives that come out of it. Second, let me send love and blessings to all my cherished readers!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,
Kim

Saturday Morning Coffee

Happy Saturday!

Oh this morning was a nice cup of cinnamin hazelnut coffee! Yummy! Bit of creamer and so so smooth. Picking up my magazine, First For Women. (love that magazine!) Very nice articles!

Yesterday I quoted one of the 7 suprise perks of giving yourself a break, so I thought I would add another one today that I liked.

Cures the blues: Girls' night out

"Socializing squelches the body's output of cortisol, a stress hormone that contributes to depressive moods," explains a physician. "Plus, it optimizes the brain's production of happiness-inducing neurotransmitters like serotonin." Just ask the women in a recent British study: 72 percent were able to overcome severe clinical depression within 12 months just by talking to with your girlfriends for one hour per week.

Now just so happens, I went to my girlfriends house last night and had a glass of wine! Boy did that relieve the stress of the day! Not that I really was stressed, but it was sure nice chatting with her for a couple of hours.

Well, here is wishing you all a fabulous day!

Hugs,
Kim