Sunday Ramblings

I am ready to start a new week – HEALTHY!  My kids and my hubby have been fighting illnesses that they just can’t seem to get past.  It’s the yucky stomach virus that can last for up to three weeks according to the doctor!  I am seriously tired of cleaning up vomit and wiping raw butts!

My hubby on the other hand is FINALLY going to the doctor.  His started out as the stomach virus but I’m thinking we need to make sure it isn’t something else related to his gallbladder or anything like that.  He is in pain ALL of the time and it’s finally to the point where he can’t stand it anymore.  He even went to the ER when he was out of town because of the severity of the pain.  How horrible would that be?  Several hours from home, in a hotel room and having to go to the ER?!  I feel horrible that I wasn’t able to be there for him when he needed me the most.  I’m just glad he’s home now!

It seems that I am the only one that hasn’t gotten sick through all of this {knock on wood}.  I’m hoping I stay healthy.  It’s no fun when momma is down.

It looks likes it’s going to be another week where the kids don’t get in a full week of school.  We have a MAJOR storm coming in tonight that consists of ice tonight and 40-50 mph winds with snow starting tomorrow with accumulations totaling anywhere from 8 to 14 inches!  I don’t know about you, but I am ready for Spring.  I don’t mind snow – one or two times.  Then I’m ready for it to be over.

My sweet daughter went to her “Winter Royalty” dance last night and she looked amazing!  I will post a pic tomorrow for you.  Promise!  Honestly, I’m just to lazy to get up and get my camera right now.  She was asked by a boy but she told him “no” and went with some of her girlfriends!  I am so blessed to have a teenager that isn’t swayed by “having to have a date” when it comes to going places.  She is very confident in herself and I am very happy about that!

I have a crazy busy two weeks ahead of me!  I have THREE craft shows/ladies nights that I am doing, still have things I need to make, and a book to finish editing!  Even though it’s going to be busy, it’s going to be fun!!

The best thing I am looking forward to this week is Friday!  My kids are ecstatic that we are going to be taking them on a small getaway to the Cosmosphere.  Here in Kansas we have the 2nd largest Cosmosphere and in my 34 years of living in Kansas, I have never been!  I’m sure I’m going to have some amazing pics to show when we return.  We need to get away for awhile.  It’s been too long!

Here I go just rambling on and on and not talking about anything that you care about.  I guess that’s my cue that I need to go to bed.  Sweet dreams and STAY WARM!

The Bold and the Beautiful

I am so excited to be part of a very unique blog hop. Gail @My Repurposed Life and MeganDVD @ Beauty in the Attempt are hosting “The Bold and the Beautiful-your blog reviewed”.

Please take a look around my blog, check out the layout, pages, buttons, sidebar and gadgets. I would love for you to gently critique my blog. I’m hoping you will leave me some positive feedback about my blog. It would be great if you could give me constructive criticism but be sure to tell me what you like about my blog too! Do you like my pictures? Does my blog load quickly for you? How about the font? All tips and tidbits welcome!

You are welcome to join the party, it starts Thursday night and is open for a week.

You can join HERE!

I’m Doing A Happy Dance!

WOO HOO!!

I hit over 100 followers today…106 to be exact!  I can’t believe it!!

I want to thank all of you who follow me and listen to all of my random posts about anything and everything.

I love all of your comments and support and hope that you continue following along with me!

Just because of this special occasion, I’m going to do a giveaway sponsored by CHUNKY BLING!

Stayed tuned for details in the next couple days!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU AGAIN!!

FABRIC SWAP

I have some TOTALLY awesome fabric that I bought at one point in time and never used it!  Now I can’t decide what to do with it.

SO……

I’m putting together a FABRIC SWAP!

DO’s

1.  You must be able to send *at least* one yard of fabric to your partner.  In return you will get *at least* one yard of fabric.  If you don’t have one full yard, the only other option would be to send at least *five* fat quarters!  You are more than welcome to send more.

2.  This swap is open for two weeks.  I won’t take any requests after February 10.  On February 11, I will email all of the partners out.

3.  All packages must be mailed by February 18, one week after you get the partners. 

4.  One February 25, I will post a linky party for everyone to share what goodies they got!

5.  If you want to participate, email me at bethkck@yahoo.com.  If you have preferences of ANY kind, please note that in the email.

The point of this swap is to pass on some of our fabric stash and get some awesome fabric in return.

DON’TS

1.  Please do not send junk material.  I know one persons trash is another man’s treasure but if you don’t think it is worth using for anything, please don’t send it.  I am going to be sending out nice fabric and hope to get some nice fabric back in return.  This isn’t a garage sale swap for fabric that you hate.

2.  If you aren’t going to follow through with this, then please don’t sign up.  Simple as that. 

So – go through your fabric stash and get to sorting!  I can’t wait to see what everyone gets!!

LET THE SWAPPING BEGIN!!

It's time again for my Inspired Spotlight post!  Today I bring you Meg, from the Brassy Apple.  You will soon see why she inspires me so much!!!  Take it away Meg!!

The Brassy Apple blog is a fun mix of things I love and have a passion for. Designing, patterns and crafty endeavors for the modern seamstress and DIY-er. 

Let me give you a taste of my blog. 
For the refashion-ista - Rosette shrug

 

 For the modern romantic - Lucky in love pillows

For the DIY decorator - Fabric Wall Art
 


And for the playful Mommy - Spin Art 

I am lucky that I get to spend my days doing the things I love. Do what you love and do it often. Find something that you have a passion for achieve your own level of success doing it. Whether it's cooking, building your business, scrapbooking, photography, blogging, etc. Encourage others along the way and lend a helping hand when you can. We have all received a little help or push of encouragement at one time or another. Pass it on....

Thanks so much for guesting posting Meg.
I can't wait to see what your new project is!!
If you're needing some crafty inspiration, go check out the Brassy Apple!

Rose Petal Tree Tutorial

I don’t have a lot of Valentine’s Day decor.  I wanted to do something to change that since it is one of my favorite holidays!

In comes the Rose Petal Tree.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  It’s not to often that something I see in my head comes to fruition AND that I like!  So many other people have much greater creativity than me. 

What you need:

Foam Cone, Rose Petals, (glue gun and ribbon).

 

Hot glue the rose petals all the way around the foam cone overlapping as you go.

 

Add a bow to the top and you are done! 

Easy Peasy!!

The best part, I was able to complete this in about 20 minutes!

You can’t get much simpler than that!



Friend Making Monday!

Go to  All The Weigh to link up your Friend Making Monday post!
Answer each question using only one word...

1. Where is your cell phone? Here
2. Your most significant other? Sick
3. Your hair? Brown
4. Your mother? Best
5. Your father? Non-existent (love my step dad though)
6. Your favorite movie? The Notebook
7. Your dream last night? None :(
8. Your favorite drink? Cherry Dr.Pepper
9. Your dream/goal? Happiness
10. What room you are in? Living Room
11. Your hobby? Crafting
12. Your fear? Loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. Something that you aren't? Patient
16. Muffins? Cinnamon!
17. Wish list item? Vinyl cutter ;)
18. Where you grew up? Kansas
19. Last thing you did? Nap
20. What are you wearing? clothes (aren’t we all)
21. Your TV? Annoying
22. Your pets? Fat
23. Friends? Few
24. Your life? Content
25. Your mood? Bored
26. Missing someone? Always
27. One place that I go to over and over? Kids’ schools
28. Something you want: Vinyl cutter
29. Your favorite store? Hobby Lobby!
30. Your favorite color? Red

The Lost Letter

Do you remember writing letters to a PenPal when you were little?

I remember having a foreign exchange student from Australia at our school and when she left we kept in contact through written letters.  It was fun! Her name was Leann :)  I wonder what she’s doing today.

“Snail Mail” as it’s dubbed today doesn’t happen much anymore.  With email and Facebook, people just don’t sit down to write letters anymore.  It’s sad actually.  Just think of how good it makes you feel when you get an unexpected card or letter in the mail from someone. It makes you feel so special!  I know it does me.

Shey over at Shey B is bringing it back!  She is having a PenPal sign up!  I signed up and can’t wait to start writing and receiving my letters.

Will you join me?!

Check Out My Giveaway!

I’m doing a giveaway over at my Makia Creations blog!

Go HERE to check it out!

Good Luck!

"Inspired Spotlight" - Betty Crocker Wannabe!

It's Thursday which means it's "Inspired Spotlight" time.

Today I want to introduce you to Kristin from "Betty Crocker Wannabe."

She is amazingly talented and she has an adoption story that will pull at your heart strings! 

Her little boy is so stinkin' adorable to top it off!

Take it away, Kristin!

My name is Kristin, aka the Betty Crocker Wannabe.

I started blogging nearly a year ago, with the idea that I would share some recipes, and maybe add some new ones to my menu. Blogging ended up being so much more than that for me. My blog became a collection of recipes, photography, tales of adoption and motherhood, with a few crafts and decor ideas thrown in.

One of the things I became really interested in was digital design. I have designed a number of printables, all of which can be found on my blog.

Family Values Subway Art

Harvest Subway Art

The wildly popular Christmas Tree Scripture Art

and most recently 

Love Scripture

I have never considered myself creative, but I have really developed a passion for digital design. I am self-taught in Photoshop, which is what I use to create all of my printables.

I have a new printable that hasn't been shared on my blog yet, and I thought Beth's readers might enjoy it.

It's the fruit of the Spirit verses, Subway Art style. Just click to enlarge, then right click and save. Size is 8" x 10". For personal, non-commercial use only. I recommend printing on cardstock.

Most recently, my passion for digital design has inspired me to open up a new blog design business last week, and I would love to work with you to come up with a new, stylish blog design for YOUR blog! Visit me at Simply Klassic Design, and make sure to stop by Betty Crocker Wannabe as well, where I'm having a giveaway for a FREE BLOG MAKEOVER! The giveaway ends Friday, January 21 at 11:59 pm PST.

Go HERE to enter the giveaway!

Thanks Beth, for having me over as a featured blogger for Inspired Spotlight Thursday. This was a lot of fun, and I am so honored to have been included!

----------------------

Thanks so much Kristin for sharing with us today!

I love the printables that she shares.

I used the Christmas one this past season!

Don't forget to click HERE to enter her giveaway.

I can assure you that her makeover is going to be amazing!

If you win, let me know so I can come check it out!

Thanks, Kristin for sharing with all of us!  You are amazing and so talented, I can't wait to see what you have to share with us in the future!

Don’t Miss It!

Tomorrow is my Inspired Spotlight post!  You won’t want to miss it!

AND, on Friday, I’m going to be doing a CSN giveaway!  Anyone can enter…you don’t have to be a blogger!

Make sure you come back to visit!!

I’ve Been Busy – Doing What I Love!

I don’t know how it happened but the stars must have been perfectly aligned.  :)

I got a lot of crafting done this weekend and

I LOVED IT!

I haven’t done that in a looooong time.

First off, Saturday morning, I broke down and went and bought me a new power cord to my sewing machine.  Remember I told you HERE about how I can’t find.  I’m just waiting for it to mysteriously appear now that I bought one. 

Here is a little of what I did this weekend.

I am seriously addicted to making flowers!  You can used them in your hair, as a pin, on a bag, you name it!  They are sooooo stinkin’ adorable!

And this ROSE petal tree for Valentine’s Day!

 

And an adorable magnet frame for Valentine’s Day.  I made this one for a giveaway at my craft group but I’m loving it so much I’m going to have a hard time letting go of it!

I can’t until I can spend my whole weekend crafting again.  They don’t come around often enough.

I have those silly kids and hubby that need to taken care of!

Winter Tricks!

First off…

What do you think of my new header?

I like it ALOT!!

Now on to some really important stuff.  I heard the other day that 49 out of 50 states had snow on the ground!  WOW!!

I would love to be in Florida right now.  On the beach, with no snow.

With that said, I thought I would share some winter tricks to help make the bitter, wet cold a little easier to bear.

Keep your headlights clear with car wax! Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights - lasts 6 weeks.

Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol! Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia. This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence & clarity.

Ice-proof your windows with vinegar! Frost on it's way? Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water---preventing water from freezing!

Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel.  The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber

Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers.

De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved!

There you have it!  I am going to try some of these out for myself.  I just have to see if they actually work.

Stay safe and warm during your winter travels!

Inspired Spotlight

It’s a new year and I am back with the Inspired Spotlight every Thursday.  I started this last year but never really followed through with it and I am happy to say that this year it is going to be GREAT!  I already have about six weeks planned for you!  If you want to guest post for me, just send me an email at bethkck@yahoo.com

Today, I introduce to you Sonya Hamilton at Beyond The Screen Door.  She is Ahhh-mazing!!  She is an Interior Designer and her blog oozes with eye candy!

Her Turquoise Door is STUNNING to me!  I don’t know anyone else that could pull off this color so beautifully!WOW!!

Without further ado, let me hand it over to Sonya!

--------------

Hi, I’m Sonya from Beyond the Screen Door. Beyond the Screen Door is a place where I hope share a little of what I do, be creative and inspire as well as be inspired! I was blessed to grow up around creative people whose gifts range furniture making, to cooking, music to sewing and many things in between.

I am interested in almost every aspect of home design, but a good portion of what I do involves sewing. Window treatments, bedding, pillows, slipcovers, etc.

Today I’m going to show you a window treatment I recently finished for a young boy’s bedroom. I feel the details are what makes this window treatment.

Grayson’s Mom was excited to use multiple fabrics and details. The theme of his room is hunting with the emphasis on the hunting dogs. The lower portion of the walls is a fun, whimsical, almost cartoon-like camouflage paint treatment. We chose a collection of fabrics to coordinate with the existing color scheme.

The window treatment includes 5 fabrics; a small dark brown houndstooth, a faux leather, a blue/green plaid, an orange/cream circle fabric and a bright green brushed fabric.

As you can see the brown houndstooth makes up the upper 2/3 of the panel. The bottom 1/3 is the large orange/cream circle print. In between is a 6” band of the green brushed fabric with a self-made piping out of the green/blue plaid. The top of the panel is finished with another row of the piping and faux leather 2” tabs. The back side of the tabs are lined with the plaid for an added detail.

 It takes a little more time to include these types of detail but the end result of so worth it. I’ll be sharing more information and tutorials on these details at Beyond the Screen Door if you’d like to drop by and take a look!

Beth, thank you so much for asking me to be a part of Inspired Spotlight Thursday! I am honored!

------

Sonya, thanks again for agreeing to guest post for me!  I look forward to seeing more of what you have to share in the future!

If you want to see what else Sonya does, go HERE.  You will be glad you did!  She is an inspiration to me and I hope that she is to you too!

Snow Day!

We FINALLY got some snow here in Kansas City!  We were hoping for some before Christmas but that didn’t happen.  As long as there isn’t ice, I don’t mind the snow.  I was secretly ready for it.

Because of the snow the kids had a snow day today and have already been told that they don’t have school tomorrow either.  They are ecstatic about that, because it means more sledding and playing!

This was the first year Parker really got out to play in the snow.  Last year we had a TON of snow but he didn’t really get out into it to much just because being a one-year old and time in the snow doesn’t really go together.  This year he was ready, AND HE LOVED IT!

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Hopefully I will be able to walk when I get up tomorrow.  I shoveled the driveway some while the kids played and I wiped out twice and one time it hurt really bad!  We’ll see if my legs are functional tomorrow.

Did you get some snow?  If you did BE SAFE and HAVE FUN!!

Following Through

Remember those New Year’s Resolutions {most of us} always make?  I talked about mine HERE.

We are only nine days into the new year so hopefully you are still on track with yours.

One of mine was to go on a date *once a month* with my hubby.  Let’s face it, I would LOVE to go more than once a month but with his schedule, our finances and the kids, it isn’t happening.

Last night we went on our first *date* for the year.  His work has an annual holiday party every year and we have never made it in the eight years that he has been there.  I finally got him out the door last night and we had a really good time!

I was so giddy about going on a date with him in nice clothes that I told him I wanted a picture before we left.  He said, “What, are we going to prom or something?”

Guys hate taking pictures…

He’s a pretty tall guy and I never realize it until we take pictures.

I LOVE HIM!

I must say that before we left last night, I wasn’t so much feeling the whole *I love him*.  We have just been downright irritated with each other lately, all the time. 

I am soooo glad that we are able to spend the evening with each other and just enjoy what brought us together in the first place.  I am reminded that he is a wonderful man who ADORES me and I don’t show him enough my appreciation or love.

So….

How are your resolutions going?

Wow Wow It's a First!

Wow Wow Everyone, I created Wubbzy for Parker's 2nd Birthday party.

If you have been following my blog long enough you know that I did my daughter's wedding cake in September and it was my first attempt at fondant.

Here is my second!  I'm just going to take a minute to pat myself on the back if you don't mind.

I think he turned out pretty darn cute.

As soon as Parker saw it, he kept yelling,

"WOW WOW, WOW WOW!!"

I think I succeeded

- minus the feet -

since the cake boards didn't have room.

I think he's cute!

I have to tell you that I have never had store bought fondant but,

 I have heard that it isn't very appetizing.

I have always opted to do homemade with a mixture of

powdered sugar and marshmallows. 

It is YUMMY!

How Could This Happen!?!?

I don't have my craft room yet.

Therefore all things crafty things are STUFFED into my master bedroom closet.

My hubby doesn't like it.

AND, neither do I right now.

I CAN'T FIND THE POWER CORD TO MY SEWING MACHINE!

and...

I have torn the closet apart about three times tyring to find it.



This is REALLY making me angry!

First of all I have only had my NEW sewing machine for about 9 months and I haven't even been able to use it very much.

I was so excited after Christmas to get some things done that I want to do and NEED to do.

But nooooo....the power cord fairy had other plans for me I guess.

Seriously, I have better things to be doing with my time {like sewing} than looking for a darn power cord!

UGH!!!!!!

What's the Fascination?! - YEP, I'm Gonna Talk It!

If you're a women, you know what I'm talking about. 

You got it - BOOBS!

No, this isn't some Breast Cancer Awareness post.

GASP!!

I know, I know, WHY IN THE WORLD I AM TALKING ABOUT THIS HERE?

You see, I have two boys, ages 7 and 2. 

They could be either just like their daddy or just like every other boy out there.

It started with James.

At the age of 2 he was fascinated with momma's boobs.

The most embarrassing is always when we're at Wal-Mart

Why do they feel the need to love and hug me by poking my boobs?

It hurts, and so they get a reaction for sure!

Seriously!

Now it's Parker's turn. 

Just in the past week or so he has succumbed to the "booby trap!"

I scold him and tell him to stop

But he seems thinks that poking my boobs should be something of interest to him.

It did eventually stop with James and I am sure that it will with Parker too.

So I'm curious...

is it just an understanding of things that are different around the age of 2?

Or is there truly something inherent in a man's brain that thinks that they are toys?!?!

Please tell me there are other momma's out there that have experienced this.

Please don't make me feel like my boy's have some weird imagination that I need to worry about for the rest of my life.

How ADORABLE Are These!

Look at the newest Makia Creations crafts!

You'd seriously have to have something wrong with you if you didn't think these are the cutest things ever!

I know I'd be "Lucky" to have this in my house!  And at $12.00 -- I can't resist.

There are only 40 of these available so I need to order like "NOW"!

Give me a heads up on the next day or so if you want this one so I can get it.

Easy to create a fancy necklace that will flatter and 'fancify' any outfit!

These $12.00 projects are the best!

 

Adorn your accessories, hair or crafts with these elegant flowers.

The best $2.00 you will ever spend!

My FREE Vinyl!

A while back someone posted about getting some free vinyl.

Don't ask me who it was because I don't remember.

Nonetheless, I ordered mine and then painted me hallway so that I could put it up.

Two months later and I am finally showing you.

Yep!!!

Those are my handsome kiddos!