Tuesday Tid-Bit

Hi Everyone


I do like to make new cards and try different styles and techniques.  I was poking around some of the "How to make" section on the internet and came across this cute friendship card. This crafter used the colors Pink and Green together, but since we are in our Summer season, I changed the colors for mine.

I thought I would give it a try and make.  It turned out so cute and it was a simple card to make.  I had purchased some unmounted stamps from Stampin Up and thought I would try and use them.  I love that they are selling unmounted stamps now. Yeah! The storage is fantastic as well.

I have a feeling that I'll be using this set a lot especially the flowers. They lend themselves so well for layering.

Thanks for your visit today.

Have a wonderful evening!
 
Hugs,
Kim

Sunday Awareness

Hi Everyone!

I have been away from a while.  I was trying to get a blog facelift, but unfortuniately it didn't work out.  So I just played around with a few of the new templates blogger offered and I am content with what I have.

I started a new church today.  I love it!  While the choir was singing, I thought, "I am home!".  It was such a overwhelming feeling.  I have been wanting to try this church out for sometime and a friend invited me to meet her.  I am so happy that God put her in my life at this exact time.  Such a blessing!

My feelings for the day:

"My emotions are valid. I am beautiful and I deserve to pursue, share, and express unconditional love, pleasure, and happiness. I bring new love into the world. I am empowered by love and my gift is beauty in truth."

Come visit my shop sometime today.. I have a great special going on!!!  Some FREE gifts with each purchase.  The more you buy, the more I throw in your bag!!!

http://crazy4cards.etsy.com/

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful and blessful day!

Hugs,
Kim

Wednesday Evening Talk Time

Hi Everyone!

Sorry about this, but I am having difficulty with my computer.  I am not sure what has happened, hopefully I didn't catch anything.  Perhaps my server is down.  Anyway, I can't really blog about anything tonight.  I do wish you all many blessings and will type something up in a couple of days.

Thank you for understanding!

Hugs,
Kim

http://crazy4cards.etsy.com/

Saturday Evening Post

Hi Everyone

So just a quick post tonight. I did a little project today that I wanted to share here on my blog. It's a different take on the matchbook cover, like the one's in my shop. This time instead of adding a piece of candy or paper to the matchbook I decided to use some leftover seed packets that I didn't plant this year. I think this would make a great gift for my friends.

Oh and a super super super special shout out to CowlickCutie for the FABULOUSLY FABULOUS handmade flower. Can I just tell you that I'm amazed at her talent! I love your handmade flowers.

Let's get started.
You will need:
1 digi stamp - Boy Bear
1 sheet of pattern paper 11" x 4"
Corner rounder
Embellishments
Copics

Step 1
Print out your fantastically cute digi Boy Bear and color with your Copics

Step 2.
Score the 11" x 4" pattern paper at 1" and 6 1/4"

Step 3
Take two strips of sticky strip and place on on the inside of the matchbook and one of the 1" flap of the matchbook (make sure this is close to the crease).

Step 4
Attach your seed packet to the inside of the matchbook. Then attach the 1" strip to the seed packet. NOTE: You will want to make sure that the sticky strip on the 1" piece is at the bottom so you have room to close the matchbook.

 Step 5

Adhere your digi stamp to a piece of card stock and decorate.

Step 6
Spread the love! I think your friends will love this little "Just Because" gift.

Have a great week everyone!

Hugs,
Kim

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Morning Everyone!

Happy Memorial Day!  I would first like to thank all of our armed forces that have and are currently defending our beautiful country!  THANK YOU!  XOXOXO

I follow a website called Craft Project Central that let's you sign up for 10 fun tutorials each month. There are others that are there that make these fun tutorials as well.

This last week I was inspired by a great little desk created by Michelle U over at Mushi's Creative Inspirations blog. You should check out her blog. Michelle is so fantastic and so fun to follow and watch all her fun projects.

Anyway I thought I would take a try and make this cute desk. This was so much fun to put together. I had to keep checking out finished product from fellow crafters that too was attempting to make this darling desk.  It took me a while to get mine done, but not too bad I think. This little desk is great to put paper clips in or loose change for the soda machine. You could even put stamps and return address labels in the little drawers. Anything really your heart desires!

Since my camera was on the blink, I was able to get a picture from another creator so that I can show you a sample of the finished project.  Go check out the web and sign up to make some of the tutorials that they offer.  Great projects to make with the kids!

Hope you are doing well. Thanks so much for your visit!

Have a fabulous day!

Hugs,
Kim

Sunday Morning Chat

Hi Everyone!


The warm weather is finally here and that means evening out on the deck with a great cut of tea.

This is a super super quick box that I've made to hold different flavors of tea that I can take out to the deck with me.

Tea Cup Pippin is great company for a yummy cup.

I also decided to use the decorative edge punch as the handle and I'm loving how it turned out.

Gives it such a Spring lattice look.

I hope you are having a great day.

Thanks so much for your visit!
 
Hugs,
Kim

http://southernbellemarketing.ning.com/page/site-resources

New to business of selling your handmade items and just don't know how to advertise or if you should even advertise?  I found this great person that is so friendly and kind.  She is willing to answer any of your questions, help you set up your page, even teach you how to blog!  (They have a 10 week turbo lesson on blogging coming up!) You may want to consider Southern Belle Marketing for your advertising needs. Their sight is fabulous and many other chatters available to also assist you.  Check it out or email Jackie.

 Jackie Ladner (Owner/Creator)
email: jackieladner@sprint.blackberry.net

Visit Southern Belle Marketing at: http://southernbellemarketing.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
http://southernbellemarketing.ning.com/page/site-resources

Tuesday Tid-Bit

OMG! This is the best cake ever!!!  I am going share this wonderful recipe with you!

OLD FASHIONED CARROT CAKE

Ingredients

For the cake:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 pound carrots, grated
1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple

For the frosting:

3/4 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted

For the decoration:

1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter 2 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.

For the cake:

Beat the sugar, oil, and eggs together in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light yellow. Add the vanilla. In another bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups flour, the cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Toss the raisins and walnuts with 1 tablespoon flour. Fold in the carrots and pineapple. Add to the batter and mix well.

Divide the batter equally between the 2 pans. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans set over a wire rack.

For the frosting:

Mix the cream cheese, butter and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until just combined. Add the sugar and mix until smooth.

Place 1 layer, flat-side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with diced pineapple.

Sunday Afternoon Chat

I got this book some time ago and I never opened it up.  It's a book about dreams! I got it as a birthday gift from someone I used to work with.  I have always had very vivid dreams and always wanted to know what they meant.  Since getting the book, I just placed it on the shelf and never thought about it until today.  Funny how things go huh?!

I had a dream about getting presents for no real reason, just people were giving them to me.  I pulled open the book and here is what it had to say:

Present/Presents

1.  When a present appears in a dream, it can first of all be a play on words.  We are being given a 'here and now'.  We are being reminded to live in the moment, and not the past or future.  A present can also indicate a talent or gift.  If we are receiving a present we are being loved and recognised and are also gaining from the relationship.  If we are giving a present, we appreciate that we have characteristics we are able to offer other people.  A pile of presents in a dream can signify as yet unrecognised talents and skills.  If the presents give some indication of time - e.g. birthday presents - we may expect some success around that time.

2.  To present something in a dream (as in making a presentation) is offering work that we have done for approval and recognition.  We appreciate that the work we have done is more important than we ourselves are.

3.  One of the requirements of spiritual advancement is that we learn to live in the present.  We need to be able to take advantage of anything that life presents - to use it for ourselves, but also to recognise that it has relevance to other people and can affect the way that they live.

This was pretty awesome description!  I think I like writing my vivid dreams down, then looking in the book to see what they in tail.  So, from time to time when I have some of those fun dreams! I will let you all know what the book says.

If any of you would like for me to look up your unique dreams, make a comment and I will be happy to look it up and reply! 

Anyway, have a great evening!

Hugs,
Kim

Monday Evening - Second to below

Hi All,

I wanted to finish what I was writing about last night.  Researchers have come up with a plan to get your kids moving again!  It starts with you making a commitment.

1. Create a healthy chain reaction.  Make one day an 'active day'.
2. Remember what's in it for your kids.  Studies have shown that regular activity can improve their sleep, focus, and their confidence.
3. Make one dietary change at a time.  Try adding one serving of fruits and vegetables a week.
4. Make healthy fun! Add some berries to their cereal or try using yogurt for desert.
5. Eat and cook more meals as a family.  They found that kids that help prepare meals are more interested in eating them.

These are just a few ideas I read and hope that you can incorporate some fun back into their life and be healthy too!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kim

Sunday Morning Chat

Hi Everyone!

I am sorry I have been away recently and haven't blogged.  Many challenges have been knocking at my door. As written below regarding my house and a scheduled sale date of May 13th! OMG! I want to say; Thank you for your prayers! Jesus' hand has been in this one! The sale date is postponed until June 15th, which my legal team is submitting the paperwork again, for the bank to reconsider a loan modification.  If anyone is experiencing what I am going through.. my heart goes out to you, but know that  God will prevail! He loves us so much and all he asks is to trust him, give it to him and don't take it back.

Yesterday, we went to a seminar that was so wonderful.  My husband and I have been on this weight loss program that has been a fantastic journey.  It has been so successful!  He lost 65 pounds in 5 months and I have lost 75.5 pounds in 8 months.  He hit his goal and is back to the weight he was when we got married! (mmmm!) I have 32 pounds to go! SWEET! Just in time for summer!! I introduced the program to my girlfriend, (picture below) and she lost 58 pounds since January 3rd of this year! She looks great!

What was discussed is our children and how the obesity rate is climbing.  Bad food choices and very little exercise is what is happening!  They stay inside and play video games, Wii, watch TV and munch munch munch away.  Diabetes in children have climbed as well as them having high cholesterol levels.  Where will this take them into adulthood?

We all know that Michelle Obama launched her "Let's Move" initiative aimed at eliminating childhood obesity in a generation, she was right to call this problem "an epidemic."  Everyone knows making the right choices is enough to make your head spin.

Families should focus on the fundamentals: that calories are the energy you get from food.  If you eat more calories than you expend in a day you risk gaining weight.  Modifying your lifestyle to include small 'balancing' changes will help your family develop life-long habits and enable them to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

So let's get our children back outside playing!  Get them on their skates, bikes, walking, take them to the play grounds, enroll them in gymnastics, dance, something that gets them moving; instead of remaining in a sedentary position!  It's our responsibility because we love our families and want them to be of healthy mind and body.

Thanks everyone! I wish you a very happy Sunday.

Hugs,

Kim 

PS:  If you too are experiencing yo-yo dieting, leave me a comment with your email address.  I will respond quickly and you too can join our journey! Love to all!

Spiritual Sunday

I've never read

Mary Had a Little Lamb

poem written that way before and I agree so I had to pass it on!

Kings 8:24

*********************

Wishing you a day Full of God's Blessings!

Please feel free to pass this on.  Bless you!

Saturday Morning Coffee Break

Good Morning,

I find myself in a situation that makes me just want to cry! Instead, I want to share my story. I need to write this down so that I don't cry. I took a chance and now this is what is happening.

This is my house and I have to say, the experience I have gone through in the past few months have been challenging. I have worked, as my husband has too for the past 35 years. We have had top notch credit rating. Then a series of events started happening in the past two years. First it started with a motorcycle accident in which my hub was pretty broken up. Thank goodness he survived and is doing pretty good.

Once he healed he knew he could not go back to construction, instead he did some electrical work. Then about 10 months ago, the company folded and he was laid off. It was a struggle to pay a first mortgage as well as a second mortgage. So in an effort to save my house, we applied for a remodification. To help us pay along the way, we used Curtis' inheritance after losing his dad to cancer. We were able to keep up with the house payment and all our bills with my paycheck and unemployment. We knew we had to make some cutbacks, so the cable went and a few more fun things we had that was an extra expense, GONE!

In October I knew we could not keep it up and could no longer make the payments. There was no supplement to my income as the inheritance money was gone. Hub couldn't find work, so we defaulted. I knew once we did this, our outstanding credit would be gone. What could I do? We had a legal team working with the bank to get the modification through.

If anyone has gone through this, you know what I am experiencing. I have never never not paid my bills and it was the most difficult decision I made. I knew I risked the chance of loosing my home. So here I am today and received notice that my house is up for auction on May 13, 2010.

Sad, very very sad that the bank does not want to work with us. We tried to work with them and refinance in the beginning, but they didn't want to do that, which brought us to the decision to tried the modification.

My heart is heavy and all I can do is pray. Pray for strength as the days count down to when May 13th comes around. I pray for guidance, as I don't know what will to be. I leave this in the lords hands. He will guide us and not leave me alone.

Thank you for listening..

Hugs,
Kim

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

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

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

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

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