Ice Cream and Donuts and Hershey's, Oh My!

I'm hungry this morning! Not surprised since all I ate this weekend was sweets. Too lazy to cook and too tired to go get something too. So I just ate white powdered donuts, ice cream, a big Hershey bar, some cereal and more ice cream! I'm not worrying about my weight 'cause I'm skinny but this diet can't be good for me!

I don't feel stressed but maybe I am? Now it's Monday and I have to go to work! Perhaps I'll stop at McDonald's and get a cheese/egg biscuit and some orange juice...

Hope you have a good day! Eat something healthy! (words to self)

Blessings, Kathi

Maxine

I received an email from my cousin today. I didn't know who created Maxine until I read this. I've always chuckled at her outlook on life. I love this one!

"John Wagner, Hallmark artist since 1970, says Maxine was inspired by his mother, his maiden aunts and his grandmother. John remembers doodling as a preschooler and says both his grandmother and his mother encouraged his artistic interests.

He eventually attended the Vesper George School of Art in Boston and landed at Hallmark as part of a new artists group. But it was the birth of the humorous Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) in 1986 that added a new dimension to John's professional life. The Shoebox way of seeing the world unleashed his talents and he created Maxine.

'Cartoonists are sensitive to the insanities of the world; we just try to humanize them, ' John says. 'If Maxine can get a laugh out of someone who feels lonely or someone who is getting older and hates the thought of another birthday, or if she can make someone chuckle about stressful interpersonal relationships, then I'm happy. Putting a smile on someone's face is what it's all about.'

When the name 'Maxine' 'People at Shoebox started referring to the character as 'John Wagner's old lady,' I knew that would get me into trouble with my wife,' John says. The Shoebox team had a contest among themselves to name the character and three of the approximately 30 entries suggested 'Maxine'.

John says the name is perfect. John, who says he's humbled by such acceptance of Maxine, admits he's proud of her. Now you know the story of how Maxine came to be.

Thanks, John Wagner!

No Sales Today!

My favorite thrift store had a 75% off EVERYTHING sale today and I didn't go! Yep, you read that right! I did not go! I can only imagine the deals I missed out on! Oh well, I'm trying!

I've decided that I really need to get some of my projects DONE before I do any more shopping. It's killing me but I've got to do it!

I spent most of the day searching around for ideas for my dollhouse. Really didn't get much accomplished... Maybe tomorrow I'll actually get something done?

I need to repair, sand and prime my dollhouse. I want it become the beach house I've always wanted! Here are some of the ideas I've gathered...

I'm starting to see everything in miniature! This could really become addicting, just like thrift store shopping!

Can't wait to see all of the thrify things YOU find this weekend!

I'm not shopping... unless you consider that adorable dollhouse doll I got on Etsy today... and the lovely print I bought from Janet Hill's Studio this week!

I'm thinking my dollhouse kitchen should look like this!

Blessings, Kathi

Sick Puppy – Update

My sweet daschund Dylan, is very sick today. I’m taking him to the vet this morning. A “new” vet for us. I hope he can figure out what’s wrong.

Dylan has been have diarrhea and now vomiting. He can’t even keep water down. I hope I haven’t waited too long!

At first I thought maybe he just ate something that didn’t agree with him. I put him on a 24 hour fast but he’s getting worse instead of better. He’s my little hero and I hope he’ll be okay…

Nugget is worried about his big brother too. It amazes me how animals bond with each other. My two daschunds are best buddies!

I can’t wait for Dylan to feel better so he can “Play Strong” like he usually does!

I’ve been working on their scarves for Kelee. Can’t wait to show you! Join the fun if you haven’t already!

Please say a little prayer for my sick puppy. I’m hoping he’s better real soon…

Blessings, Kathi

7:30 PM  I was able to bring Dylan home from the vet today.  He has “hemorrhagic gastritis.”  We’re not sure why yet.  Our new vet was so nice.  He gave him fluids, antibiotics and medicine to help with the nausea and vomiting.  Just this evening I was allowed to give him a little bit of water to drink.  He wanted to drink the entire bowl!  Tomorrow morning I can give him some special food the vet gave us.

So far, he’s doing well.  Still having some diarrhea but no more vomiting.  I’m so glad I took him in!  We’ll rest tonight then he goes back to the vet in morning for another check up.  Thanks for your prayers and concern!  Love,  Kathi and Dylan

Can’t beat FREE!

The power was out this morning at my house. We had another round of thunderstorms last night. I took a shower in the dark and then decided to go over to my daughter’s house to finish getting ready for work.

When I turned the corner at the end of my street, I caught a glimpse of something in the neighbor’s trash. Couldn’t really see what it was but it looked interesting so I backed up to take a closer look.

I’ve never been too proud to go trash picking or dumpster diving. Sometimes people toss out some really cool things! When I got out of the car I practically ran over to the trash cans! I really couldn’t believe what was there!

Don’t ya know I put these babies in my trunk right away!!

They were still wet from all of the rain last night. I can’t believe they sat there ALL night and no one else grabbed them! I’m doing the happy dance right now! What a find!

When I was coming home from my daughter’s house I noticed that the trash men had come by and taken the “trash.” I’m sure glad I got there first!!

I'm on a thrify/garage sale diet so this was really a good deal for me! Check out all of the other finds at Rhoda's too!

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

This is a photo of my little girl when she was about two.  She was “helping me” bake cookies.  Just look at that face!  We sure had fun that day!  We had lots of fun together when she was little.  I was able to stay home and enjoy her childhood.  Here are a some photos I scanned this morning.  Not sure what I’m doing here….

 

Of course, little girls grow up.  Here’s a photo from her wedding.  I love this one!

 

I went with her to pick out her gown.  We went to several shops and she tried on many dresses.  When she tried on this dress, she knew it was the one!  She was so excited standing on the platform to be measured. Then all of a sudden, she fainted and collapsed on the floor!  Mom was frantic and had the store owner call 911!  When the handsome firemen arrived she had revived, but was so embarrassed!  I was very relieved and we all had a good laugh at her expense.  (Sorry honey, had to share this)

Her wedding was beautiful.  An outdoor wedding in January.  In Florida you can do that!  I made her wedding cake, did the flowers and made her veil.  Together we decorated the tables, put up lights and candles.  She was radiant when she walked down the aisle to meet her hubby.  And yes, Mommy did cry.

I’m so thankful to be living close to her now.  I’m so proud of the beautiful woman she has become.

She still calls me “Mommy” and yes, she’s still my little girl!

My Thoughts on Psalm 23

My Father walks before me leading the way

He gives me everything I need in His time

He quiets the storms. Makes rainbows from my tears

He puts flowers in my path

and the song of the birds in my mornings

Even as I stumble along the way

sometimes falling headlong into trouble

His hand is there when I reach out for Him

But more than that, even when I can't

or won't reach out, even when I can't find my way

still He is there guiding me

When I have lost all hope

given up on everything I trusted in before

He gives me the courage to try again

I have seen His faithfulness over

and over again and again

He understands my fear
He understands my doubts
He knows how fragile

and how vulnerable I am

Then
instead of giving me what I deserve

He gives me
the gift of true love.

Blessings, Kathi

(c)

Photo above courtesy of http://birminghamalabamadailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to   You’ve won my little basket of goodies!

I fixed it up today, just for you! (6/14/09) and it’s ready to send!  Hope you enjoy it!

Kelee has a wonderful blog!  She shares tons of inspiration along with ways to help others.  I’ve enjoyed following her and her team of friends.  Click on over to congratulate her!

I’m going to add something special to her basket too.  Something just for Kelee!  I’ll post a photo later…

Thanks to everyone who commented and entered my giveaway!  You are the best!  I hope that you all have a great weekend filled with blessings and beautiful things!

Love,  Kathi

 

99th post and you know what that means!

I’m searching around for give-away gifts!

They might come from my house…

Or maybe from one of my favorite stores?

I’ve got a few things in mind that I think you might like…

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and for your sweet comments! I’ve met the dearest and most creative people here! Special thanks to my followers! {hugs}

I will post pictures of my giveaway goodies tomorrow on my 100th post! Please comment here or tomorrow and I’ll enter your name in my giveaway! Winner to be announced on Saturday!

Blessings, Kathi

Note to Self – Stop Shopping!

I’m feeling a bit convicted this morning.  I made my weekly trip to the Mission yesterday. 

I had good intentions of just dropping off a few unwanted things and coming home.  But no.  I had to venture in to see what goodies might have arrived since last week.  I did find a couple of scrub tops.  A darling candle holder and vintage glass bowl.  I’ve been looking for more glasses for my kitchen but didn’t find any I liked.

When I got home and was putting away my “new” things I realized I really don’t have a place for the decorative items.  I also took a closer look at the candle holder and bowl.  I really don’t like either of them! 

So why did I buy them?  Sure, they are pretty.  They would look great in someone’s home.  But looking around I see that I hardly have an empty surface to display them!  Have I become addicted to shopping?!They don’t even match my style!

 

I love a bargain and I love pretty things.  Somehow I have got to stop buying more!

I need to get busy and do some projects instead of buying more things!  I’m going to try not to shop, not to go to garage sales and stay OUT of thrift stores for a while!  It’s going to be hard but I’ve got to do it!

Here are some of the things I should be doing instead of shopping!  Painting my furniture!

   

See the sewing machine cabinets behind the red chair? They are going to be pink!  Inspired my $3 sewing machine!

 

I’m going to paint my bedroom furniture, china cabinet and armoire too. Just seeing all of these projects should remind me that I don’t NEED to buy anything more!  I’ve got shelves to hang, drapes to make, and all sorts of other little projects to do. I just need to get busy!!

My name is Kathi and I’m a shop-a-holic!

 

A Gift From Kelee! Pass it on!

Nugget and Dylan were so excited to see what our mailman brought on Friday!

A present from Kelee at The Katillac Shack! Check out her post Design Gives Back to see how you can help abandoned dogs too!

We did a little preview modeling today. The boys weren’t sure what to make of all the fuss. My guys look so cute, don't they? The scarf needs some tweeking and re-sizing to fit them! That will be the fun part!

Run on over to Kelee’s and order your scarf too! They are free and Kelee even pays the postage!

She needs 150 responses to reach her goal and get a $2,000 gift for needy dogs! You can help, I know you can! Thanks Kelee for sending us the scarf! We will wear it proudly!

Have fun and PLAY STRONG!

Dylan and Nugget

How about a little color in your world?

I’ve been visiting the posts at 320 Sycamore’s Paint Party. 

I noticed that many people are using similar colors in their homes.  Colors I’ve loved too!  Recently though, I took the plunge and went for brighter, happier colors in my home.  I’m so pleased with the results!  I never realized just how much a change of paint can do for the feel of a room!

My living and dining rooms were painted a neutral beige.  In fact the entire house was beige!  At first I thought I would go for a beachy theme. You know, sand and sea.

But what is a beach without some SUN?  My rooms looked like it might be raining everyday! 

The metal blinds between these big front windows didn’t help either.

It always seemed dark in here…

I decided, thanks to Kim at DearDaisyCottage, to get out the paint and ladder and go for happy!

The color I chose is Lively Yellow from Behr. It’s light or bright depending on where the sun is during the day. I am so pleased with the change!  Just walking in to these rooms makes me smile!  I took the blinds out and made some white sheet mistreatments for the windows.  I still want to dress those up a little.  I spray painted my dining room chairs red too.  I’m loving the red and yellow together!

   

So what do you think?  Should I paint my hutch and armoire white?  Got any other ideas?  I am a LONG way from Daisy Cottage, but Kim has given me so much inspiration!  Thanks Kim!

ALL of my accessories came from garage sales or thrift stores!  Once you know your colors you can spot things right away! 

I’ve really been having fun coloring my house.  Don’t be afraid to venture away from beige and try something new!  You might just like it better!  I sure do!

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Blessings,  Kathi