Out with the Old and In with the New

It's time to roll out the old year and ring in the new..... again. It seems not long ago that I wrote a blog post about new years resolutions, of course if you look at my lack of blogging you might get that impression as well.

Among some of the goals I set for myself this last year I can proudly say that I achieved at least two: learning to knit a cable stitch and I tried at least one new recipe.


It's interesting that although we all have good intentions somehow we always seem to find excuses not to get things done. I'm glad that at the beginning of each year we are given a clean slate and can begin again. I aim this year to be able to not only augment my knowledge but to further create in myself an individual that can walk tall with the confidence and pride.

Happy holidays to all of my friends, family and faithful readers. May this year bring you not only good fortune, but also much better blogging to come!

Must have done something right...

My whole adult life I have wanted a garden. So, this summer I decided to try planting and setting up a container garden on the porch of my apartment. I started out with a few shrubs, three strawberry plants and a tomato plant, hoping that I would be able to keep them alive and happy. I even tried planting some seeds in one of those peat pellet planter things to see if I
could grow myself an herb garden. Well, over the last few days I found evidence that I just might be succeeding!

Who knew that a little green sprout would make someone so happy.

Creative Solution to a Security Problem

Recently the security at my job decided that in order to make their job easier they would prohibit employees from carrying regular purses and handbags on the sales floor or in the store when they are on the clock. They gave us each a 6" X 9" vinyl zipper pouch to replace our purses. They also said that if we needed a bigger bag we were allowed to get them but that they needed to be transparent and we had to pay for them ourselves.

So with Josh in tow I went out in search of a clear vinyl hand bag or tote that could fit my needs. We tried Walmart, Kmart and I also called JoAnn Fabrics, Robberts Crafts and Michael's all of which said they didn't have any prefab bags or as in the case of Walmart you had to spend at least $19 on a mid-sized bag from the cosmetics department filled with makeup stuff. Of course since I have to be able to fit a spare pair of shoes in my bag this was not acceptable. Finally tired and fed-up my patient husband said, " That's it we're going to a fabric store. If we bought the plastic stuff could you make your own bag?"


So we headed over to Hancock Fabrics and $4.48 later I had my vinyl, binding tape, and thread, all ready to make my bag. So with the stuff I bought and the stuff I already had I made the ideal bag for me.
















I have since decided to use the bag that I originally got from security, but since it did match the new bag I decided to fancy it up.

















I decided to try my hand at selling these bags to co-workers that cannot find a bag that they are satisfied with.

Valentine Schmorghesboard

(Or however you spell that word)

Yes once again it's time for the annual valentine's scavenger hunt. Who knew that one year's event could become a favorite tradition. I'm proud of myself that I was still able to pull this off before Josh got home as his new schedule has him getting off of work at 10:30 am.

This year has given me a challenge to find ways of using my talents to come up with gifts made from things we already had. (I'll admit I had to buy one or two things to put this together) I'll be forever grateful for already established traditions, because it's a given that I will be making strawberry rice krispy treats, gingersnaps and chocolate covered Strawberries but I am truly grateful for the ideas I was given for the rest of the gifts I used for this activity.


I think the funnest thing is to see the look on someone's face as they are trying to follow little clues you've written around the house. Even more fun is how they look as they investigate the little treasures left for them and the hugs you get afterward.

I have so much fun coming up with these things but this years was the first time I was home when Josh was solving my game. I've always prepared it before leaving for work and then come home after the fact. Today was a treat!

The Best Surprise

Well, Josh's birthday party was awesome!!!! Unfortunately this ding dong forgot to make sure pictures were taken. Oh well. Hopefully we'll be able to remember the next time. We had such a good time with those that were able to make it. My dad was such a big help taking Josh shooting that day and for keeping him occupied. I still think some of the best moments were when Josh's cousin Cyndee who was standing near the front door came running into the other room saying that some one was trying to come in the house, her facial expression was priceless. I hope that those that were not able to attend are well and that we will be able to see you soon.