I was singing to myself.... when titling this but I wont make you cringe any longer.
I was out shopping this weekend and saw the cutest little angel/caroler/doll and decided she would be my first giveaway. She is about 10 inches tall and made on a toilet paper roll so you could add her to a small tree or atop a bottle. I will aslo throw in a Cinnamon Bun candle and some hot chocolate mix!
So if you want to get in on the action..... here's what you do...
1. Comment on this blog... let me know you want to be entered to WIN!
2. Become a follower of New Beginnings~ Karens Krazy Korner
3. Post Karen's Giveaway on your blog as well... ( I need the promotion)
I will take all entries up until 2-14-10... what a fun Valentines gift... and WHO KNOWS? I may throw in a surprise!
Hope everyone is doing well.... Am getting ready for a new week.
Be Blessed
Karne
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Happy Thursday
Good afternoon everybody. Sorry I've been AWOL for the past couple of days, but the old homestead has been plagued by evil... sickness that is... Both of my girls have been under the weather, and I am teetering. However, I refuse to give in or I will be overtaken. I dont have time to be sick!!!
Today's frugal lesson is about time. We hear so much about saving money and saving this and saving that... however, time is our biggest wasted asset.
Think about it. How many times have you started one project only to be sidetracked by another more fun, more demanding, more something project. So you jump from this to that and none of them get completed as quickly as you hoped to.
And being frugal with your time also includes your resting time as well. We humans need to rest and recharge our batteries otherwise we are no good for anyone.
So when you are planning out your day/week etc, be frugal with your time and energy. It will go a long way in keeping your health and your sanity intact.
Be Blessed
Karen
Today's frugal lesson is about time. We hear so much about saving money and saving this and saving that... however, time is our biggest wasted asset.
Think about it. How many times have you started one project only to be sidetracked by another more fun, more demanding, more something project. So you jump from this to that and none of them get completed as quickly as you hoped to.
And being frugal with your time also includes your resting time as well. We humans need to rest and recharge our batteries otherwise we are no good for anyone.
So when you are planning out your day/week etc, be frugal with your time and energy. It will go a long way in keeping your health and your sanity intact.
Be Blessed
Karen
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Happy Tuesday
Good Morning all, Well the best laid plans are always interuppted by my loving family. Both of my girls are home sick today and therefore Mommy is working from home. So thankful that I have that option if I need it.
Last night I had a representive from Andersen windows come for an estimate. Now, dont get me wrong... they are top notch quality and very very will made products... however, when he gave me a final estimate I almost fainted...
21 windows... 37,000 dollars... yes that is correct... not a typo.... OMG that is a HUGE percentage of what my house even cost me. There is NO WAY... unless I hit the lottery... that I could ever afford to replace all of these windows.
I know they will have to be replaced at some point... our house is 110 years old... and some of the windows have probably been here quite a while. So I guess I will have to replace a few at a time.
One of my friends suggested another company as well, so I may get an estimate from them as well...
Still trying to think of a giveaway.. I need more followers so I have to come up with a focus/ a gimmick...
Today my gimmick is Frugal!!! Today's frugal tip is ...... Obtain at least 3 estimates when having work done. Check with the Better Business Bureau and remember... cheapest is NOT always the most Frugal!!
Be Blessed
Karen
Last night I had a representive from Andersen windows come for an estimate. Now, dont get me wrong... they are top notch quality and very very will made products... however, when he gave me a final estimate I almost fainted...
21 windows... 37,000 dollars... yes that is correct... not a typo.... OMG that is a HUGE percentage of what my house even cost me. There is NO WAY... unless I hit the lottery... that I could ever afford to replace all of these windows.
I know they will have to be replaced at some point... our house is 110 years old... and some of the windows have probably been here quite a while. So I guess I will have to replace a few at a time.
One of my friends suggested another company as well, so I may get an estimate from them as well...
Still trying to think of a giveaway.. I need more followers so I have to come up with a focus/ a gimmick...
Today my gimmick is Frugal!!! Today's frugal tip is ...... Obtain at least 3 estimates when having work done. Check with the Better Business Bureau and remember... cheapest is NOT always the most Frugal!!
Be Blessed
Karen
Sunday, January 24, 2010
SOOTHING Sunday
NOT!!!! I had high hopes of being able to grab my newspaper, cup o coffee and relaxing this AM followed by some quality reading time or movie watching.
But ALAS, it was not to be.
My oldest daughter and her boyfriend broke up last night. It breaks my heart to see her so sad. I know very well that we all go through it and we all survive but as a mom I am supposed to be protecting her and nurtuing her. So between crying and being angry today ... shes a mess... Ahhh this too will pass.
Then my sister calls, I love her very much but she has such bad luck with men... I wont go into details but I may write a book and sell it to Hollywood... its just so dramatic and unbelievable. So if you believe in prayer, please send one her way.
And to top it off, my poor husband was stuck for almost a week in California getting work done on his truck... FINALLY got out of the area only to get halfway to his destination and the stinking truck is acting up again. We just cannot win for losing.
So... Happy Sunday all. I am ready to go back to work and get some routine back in my life!!
And FYI, am thinking about a giveaway... want some more followers to my blog.... so... gotta get those creative juices flowing.
Be Blessed.
Karen
But ALAS, it was not to be.
My oldest daughter and her boyfriend broke up last night. It breaks my heart to see her so sad. I know very well that we all go through it and we all survive but as a mom I am supposed to be protecting her and nurtuing her. So between crying and being angry today ... shes a mess... Ahhh this too will pass.
Then my sister calls, I love her very much but she has such bad luck with men... I wont go into details but I may write a book and sell it to Hollywood... its just so dramatic and unbelievable. So if you believe in prayer, please send one her way.
And to top it off, my poor husband was stuck for almost a week in California getting work done on his truck... FINALLY got out of the area only to get halfway to his destination and the stinking truck is acting up again. We just cannot win for losing.
So... Happy Sunday all. I am ready to go back to work and get some routine back in my life!!
And FYI, am thinking about a giveaway... want some more followers to my blog.... so... gotta get those creative juices flowing.
Be Blessed.
Karen
Friday, January 22, 2010
Family Friday
I am sitting here on the computer amazed at the technology of today... (yes I know I wrote about it earlier too). I got a friend request on Facebook from my cousins son. I have not seen this kid since he was probably about 7 or so...
I just remember this little skinny blond kid. Who knows, between all the family that is befriending me I might actually be able to do my family's geanology on my dad's side. (its been done on my mom's side).
This weekend is just some grocery shopping and some house keeping. I did go pick up some stuff at Aldi's tonight. I thoroughly recommend that store... I have found very few things I like from there, even the fruits/veggies are pretty good. I was chatting to the cashier tonight ~~ I see her quite often there and she was telling me that per their store policy they throw away a lot of food.... If their bread is 5 days from the expiration date they throw it away in the dumpster. Almost makes me want to go dumpster diving.
How sad is it that Haitians are starving right now and Americans throw away perfectly good food....
There is my commentary for the day.
Here is my frugal tip for the day:
Shop at Aldi's and dont buy more than you will eat!
Be Blessed
Karen
I just remember this little skinny blond kid. Who knows, between all the family that is befriending me I might actually be able to do my family's geanology on my dad's side. (its been done on my mom's side).
This weekend is just some grocery shopping and some house keeping. I did go pick up some stuff at Aldi's tonight. I thoroughly recommend that store... I have found very few things I like from there, even the fruits/veggies are pretty good. I was chatting to the cashier tonight ~~ I see her quite often there and she was telling me that per their store policy they throw away a lot of food.... If their bread is 5 days from the expiration date they throw it away in the dumpster. Almost makes me want to go dumpster diving.
How sad is it that Haitians are starving right now and Americans throw away perfectly good food....
There is my commentary for the day.
Here is my frugal tip for the day:
Shop at Aldi's and dont buy more than you will eat!
Be Blessed
Karen
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thirsty Thursday
Nothing exciting to talk about today.. .but I'm thirsty so... thats it!
My favorite drink is Turkey Hill diet Green Tea. I could drink a gallon a day (I have) and still want more.
When we lived in New Hampshire my brother in law actually brought me up two gallons when they came to visit. It was great.
Now they have it in NH, but hey I'm back in PA so I can head to ye ole grocery store and pick some up myself.
So... what is your favorite drink..? Why do you like it? Thats your assignment. You don't have to reply... but something random to think about....
Just got an email from my cousin, who I have no seen since I was probably 17 and she was probably 7ish... She looks just like a combination of her mom and dad so very recongnizable to me. She is going to scan some old pics of my dad when he was younger. Im excited. Lots of our pics disappeared... (sorry Mary.) think they got lost in a few of my sister moves... so I dont have many of Mom or Dad anymore....
Anywho.... Will post them here if/when she sends them... I can't wait.
Be Blessed
Karen
My favorite drink is Turkey Hill diet Green Tea. I could drink a gallon a day (I have) and still want more.
When we lived in New Hampshire my brother in law actually brought me up two gallons when they came to visit. It was great.
Now they have it in NH, but hey I'm back in PA so I can head to ye ole grocery store and pick some up myself.
So... what is your favorite drink..? Why do you like it? Thats your assignment. You don't have to reply... but something random to think about....
Just got an email from my cousin, who I have no seen since I was probably 17 and she was probably 7ish... She looks just like a combination of her mom and dad so very recongnizable to me. She is going to scan some old pics of my dad when he was younger. Im excited. Lots of our pics disappeared... (sorry Mary.) think they got lost in a few of my sister moves... so I dont have many of Mom or Dad anymore....
Anywho.... Will post them here if/when she sends them... I can't wait.
Be Blessed
Karen
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Love Finding New Blogs
Every day, My resolve is to find a new blog to read, get to know and to invite them to follow me as well..
Tonight is http://notesfromthehomestead.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-giveaway-with-twist-of-kindness.html#comment-form
She has got a VERY cute giveaway over there and just wanted to post it... so I can enter... and you can go visit her blog as well...
HMMMM ..... guess I need to have a give away of my own ... I need followers!!!lol
Be Blessed
Karen
Tonight is http://notesfromthehomestead.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-giveaway-with-twist-of-kindness.html#comment-form
She has got a VERY cute giveaway over there and just wanted to post it... so I can enter... and you can go visit her blog as well...
HMMMM ..... guess I need to have a give away of my own ... I need followers!!!lol
Be Blessed
Karen
Monday, January 18, 2010
Marvelous Monday
Howdy folks... Had 2 folks tell me that I have an accent...lol.. can't imagine why they would think that!
Today was a nice, fairly warm Monday morning. I did an orientation call for a part time teaching position and went for an interview for another part time.. Lets see you pans out first!
Spring is in the air... at least that is what I am telling myself. I am sure we will pay for the warm (40's) weather but for now I will enjoy it.
I am still watching all the rescuing down in Haiti and its just heartbreaking. There were TONS of orphans before and there will be even more now. I wish the adoption process wasnt so lengthy and expensive. I have the room and the love and even the money for the day to day... but the $$$$ thousands do adopt... I cannot do. Ahhh well if the Good Lord wants me to... He will provide.
My friend at work is getting her sweet little princess from China soon (crossing fingers here)... and she is just darling. She will have wonderful loving parents.. what more can a child hope for.
Thats my soapbox for today...
Short and Sweet
Be Blessed
Karen
Today was a nice, fairly warm Monday morning. I did an orientation call for a part time teaching position and went for an interview for another part time.. Lets see you pans out first!
Spring is in the air... at least that is what I am telling myself. I am sure we will pay for the warm (40's) weather but for now I will enjoy it.
I am still watching all the rescuing down in Haiti and its just heartbreaking. There were TONS of orphans before and there will be even more now. I wish the adoption process wasnt so lengthy and expensive. I have the room and the love and even the money for the day to day... but the $$$$ thousands do adopt... I cannot do. Ahhh well if the Good Lord wants me to... He will provide.
My friend at work is getting her sweet little princess from China soon (crossing fingers here)... and she is just darling. She will have wonderful loving parents.. what more can a child hope for.
Thats my soapbox for today...
Short and Sweet
Be Blessed
Karen
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Scrumptious Saturday
Good morning everybody. We survived the flood and I'm not seeing any additional water so hopefully the Ark has landed.
Today is my tidying up day and I'm planning on doing some cooking as well... Cool weather turns me into a chef/Betty Crocker.
Today on the menu... Crockpot Lasagna, Hamburger Soup, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip/Cranberry cookies.
Crockpot lasagna is simple, just layer your ingredients into the crockpot and let it cook on low until done.... simply done.
Hamburger soup -- I brown 2 lbs of hamburger or turkey burger with 1 packet of lipton onion soup mix. (1lb for soup, 1lb for lasagna). In a large soup pot I add about 2 quarts of stock (veggie,beef or chicken) and add to that the hamburger, frozen peas/corn, can of carrots (or frozen or fresh) and let it simmer until frozen veggies are unfrozen. While simmering, add egg noodles ( I use PA Dutch ones because they are local and skinny) and simmer until they are done.... This soup goes fast in my house so I make a HUGE pot and adjust as I have ingredients.
Oatmeal cookies are as follows:
take the top off the oatmeal container... turn over.... use the recipe there and substitute the raisins with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
These are delicious.... I did cut the sugar down in these by subbing the white sugar in it for applesauce.. make its a bit healthier.
Thats my cooking for today... Enjoy
Be Blessed.
Karen
Today is my tidying up day and I'm planning on doing some cooking as well... Cool weather turns me into a chef/Betty Crocker.
Today on the menu... Crockpot Lasagna, Hamburger Soup, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip/Cranberry cookies.
Crockpot lasagna is simple, just layer your ingredients into the crockpot and let it cook on low until done.... simply done.
Hamburger soup -- I brown 2 lbs of hamburger or turkey burger with 1 packet of lipton onion soup mix. (1lb for soup, 1lb for lasagna). In a large soup pot I add about 2 quarts of stock (veggie,beef or chicken) and add to that the hamburger, frozen peas/corn, can of carrots (or frozen or fresh) and let it simmer until frozen veggies are unfrozen. While simmering, add egg noodles ( I use PA Dutch ones because they are local and skinny) and simmer until they are done.... This soup goes fast in my house so I make a HUGE pot and adjust as I have ingredients.
Oatmeal cookies are as follows:
take the top off the oatmeal container... turn over.... use the recipe there and substitute the raisins with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
These are delicious.... I did cut the sugar down in these by subbing the white sugar in it for applesauce.. make its a bit healthier.
Thats my cooking for today... Enjoy
Be Blessed.
Karen
Friday, January 15, 2010
Flooded Friday
WEEEELLLL.. We did go to the Farm Show... We saw, we ate and ate some more... Fresh made potato powered donuts, chocolate milkshake, french fries, deep fried mozzarell cheese cubes... YUMMM. Artery clogging, fattening, totally bad for you... but it tastes so good.
My youngest daughter wanted to bring home a cow.... I wanted to bring home an alpaca.... we came home with neither.
However, we came home to a bit of a problem. The water faucet in the garage decided to come loose and flood the place. Three inches of standing water, water shooting up to the ceiling!! Oh my Lord! Got the water shut off, swept out, plumber called and $100 bucks later I am the proud owner of a sealed shut pipe.
I've got to go out an make sure that nothing got ruined... but I am betting some of my hubby's magazines did... sigh....
Well its fixed now and I'm exhausted.
Be Blessed
See you soon.
Karen
My youngest daughter wanted to bring home a cow.... I wanted to bring home an alpaca.... we came home with neither.
However, we came home to a bit of a problem. The water faucet in the garage decided to come loose and flood the place. Three inches of standing water, water shooting up to the ceiling!! Oh my Lord! Got the water shut off, swept out, plumber called and $100 bucks later I am the proud owner of a sealed shut pipe.
I've got to go out an make sure that nothing got ruined... but I am betting some of my hubby's magazines did... sigh....
Well its fixed now and I'm exhausted.
Be Blessed
See you soon.
Karen
Fabulous Friday
Happy Friday all!!! I'm off work today so a 3 day weekend for me WOO HOO.... I have a couple of parent teacher conferences today, then after my youngest is home from school (around lunchtime), we will be heading to the FARM SHOW...
Farm Show www.farmshow.state.pa.us/ is an almost two week event made up of agricultural events, rodeo stuff, crafters, vendors and FOOD.
Today I plan on sampling the potato donuts, milkshakes to die for, deep fried mozzerella cheese cubes and who knows what else I may find there... Either way... Im gonna enjoy and will share my adventures when I return home.
Hope you have a great relaxing Friday... Be Blessed
See you soon
Karen
Farm Show www.farmshow.state.pa.us/ is an almost two week event made up of agricultural events, rodeo stuff, crafters, vendors and FOOD.
Today I plan on sampling the potato donuts, milkshakes to die for, deep fried mozzerella cheese cubes and who knows what else I may find there... Either way... Im gonna enjoy and will share my adventures when I return home.
Hope you have a great relaxing Friday... Be Blessed
See you soon
Karen
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tragic Thursday
A bit sad this morning. I am sitting with my cup o coffee this morning watching the news on the Haiti earthquake and feeling blessed on one hand that my life has not been turned upside down (which sounds really selfish), and on the other hand very sad as I cannot imagine losing everything and not being able to do anything about it. If you can, support God's children.... thru your church, American Red Cross or even in your prayers. These families not only have lost material items... but mother's have lost children, husband's have lost wives, children have lost parents... it is heartbreaking.
In my own little world, I found out this morning that one of my college professors has passed away. Dr Stuart McGhee... who taught my 8AM Western Civ class... He truely made education come alive!! He yelled, he jumped on desks, he CHALLENGED you to be excited about life and live it! He will be greatly missed.
Now for totally non-depressing stuff... I am loving the Facebook posting of changing your pics back to a retro picture... now we are getting to see folks as children or younger adults... I personally don't have one online but hoping someone will send me one or I can scan one.... they are too cute....
Enough rambling... my coffee cup is empty and its time to start the day!!!
See you soon!
Karen
In my own little world, I found out this morning that one of my college professors has passed away. Dr Stuart McGhee... who taught my 8AM Western Civ class... He truely made education come alive!! He yelled, he jumped on desks, he CHALLENGED you to be excited about life and live it! He will be greatly missed.
Now for totally non-depressing stuff... I am loving the Facebook posting of changing your pics back to a retro picture... now we are getting to see folks as children or younger adults... I personally don't have one online but hoping someone will send me one or I can scan one.... they are too cute....
Enough rambling... my coffee cup is empty and its time to start the day!!!
See you soon!
Karen
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Donaa's giveaway
Ya gotta see this... someone much more talented than I am is having her first giveaway!!
Donna, over at One Simple Country Girl, is giving away a beautiful white afghan and three heart bowl fillers. If you haven't already checked out her site please go on over. http://onesimplecountrygirl.blogspot.com/
This pics are just beautiful and just might inspire you too!!!
Thanks Donna!! Great Job
Karen
Donna, over at One Simple Country Girl, is giving away a beautiful white afghan and three heart bowl fillers. If you haven't already checked out her site please go on over. http://onesimplecountrygirl.blogspot.com/
This pics are just beautiful and just might inspire you too!!!
Thanks Donna!! Great Job
Karen
Happy Tuesday!
Well, as you can see I did a little cosmetic work to the blog last night. Tell me what you think. If you haven't guessed by now, blue is truely my favorite color. The 100+ year old Victorian we just bought was made for me. The formal living room is painted blue, the living room has blue in the wallpaper pattern. I love my house... even if its old and drafty. This spring we hope to do some painting in the dining room, which is currently pink-purple.... hmmm cream and blue maybe? As soon as I can figure out how to put pics in my posts, I will share those with you.
I was thinking last night as I was updating the blog about how technology has changed our lives even from when we were children. I was watching home movies from the 60's/70's of my family and its amazing the quality of movies now. Then we were not able to call on a phone from anywhere, heck many of us didnt have phones. Computers in the home were unheard of and now the majority have at least one in the home or access to a computer thru work, library, friend etc.
No video games, no dvd's... as a kid... if you wanted to play, you played with what you had or you rounded up friends or family... Were they the good ole' days? In some ways... yes.... However, our kids will think NOW are the good ole' days when they are grown with kids of their own...
Gotta go pluck my gray hair.... geez getting old talking about the olden days!!
See you soon
Karen
I was thinking last night as I was updating the blog about how technology has changed our lives even from when we were children. I was watching home movies from the 60's/70's of my family and its amazing the quality of movies now. Then we were not able to call on a phone from anywhere, heck many of us didnt have phones. Computers in the home were unheard of and now the majority have at least one in the home or access to a computer thru work, library, friend etc.
No video games, no dvd's... as a kid... if you wanted to play, you played with what you had or you rounded up friends or family... Were they the good ole' days? In some ways... yes.... However, our kids will think NOW are the good ole' days when they are grown with kids of their own...
Gotta go pluck my gray hair.... geez getting old talking about the olden days!!
See you soon
Karen
Monday, January 11, 2010
Manic Monday
Is it a Manic Monday for you? Do what you can to prep the night before. Lay those clothes out, pack that lunch.. you know the drill.
Monday got off to a COLD start. 15 degrees this morning with a windchill of 9. I am starting to feel like Old Man Winter has moved into South Central PA to stay. However, warmer weather is just around the corner... so the weatherman says.
I am taking my daughters to The Farm Show at the end of the week (after parent teacher conference and a few other errands to do). Its a HUGE show with all the latest and greatest in farm equipment, animal competitions, crafters and the best part is the FOOD... potato donuts, milkshakes to die for and other artery hardening goodies. Heck, we go as much for the food as the other sights.
You will see a big change to the blog coming soon... I am learning about templates and links and all kinds of other techy stuff and thanks to some good old fashioned googling.... this might be a pretty cool place to visit.
So steal away a few mintues to yourself, come on in and tell me what you think.
Have a WARM day!!!
Karen
Monday got off to a COLD start. 15 degrees this morning with a windchill of 9. I am starting to feel like Old Man Winter has moved into South Central PA to stay. However, warmer weather is just around the corner... so the weatherman says.
I am taking my daughters to The Farm Show at the end of the week (after parent teacher conference and a few other errands to do). Its a HUGE show with all the latest and greatest in farm equipment, animal competitions, crafters and the best part is the FOOD... potato donuts, milkshakes to die for and other artery hardening goodies. Heck, we go as much for the food as the other sights.
You will see a big change to the blog coming soon... I am learning about templates and links and all kinds of other techy stuff and thanks to some good old fashioned googling.... this might be a pretty cool place to visit.
So steal away a few mintues to yourself, come on in and tell me what you think.
Have a WARM day!!!
Karen
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Beginnings
Happy Sunday all.... I was inspired by someone to start my own blog. Just wanted to sit and chat for a while, to learn new things, new ideas and share some of my own.
Today was a pretty productive day. Got some cleaning done, coupons clipped and cookin' done to boot.
Am really ready for Spring... the cold has been here long enough. Wouldnt be so bad except my puppy likes to have company when she goes potty... Should have gotten a puppy in the summer when its not so darned cold trying to potty train her.... ha ha.
Hope you guys will pull up a chair and chat awhile... see you soon.
Karen
Today was a pretty productive day. Got some cleaning done, coupons clipped and cookin' done to boot.
Am really ready for Spring... the cold has been here long enough. Wouldnt be so bad except my puppy likes to have company when she goes potty... Should have gotten a puppy in the summer when its not so darned cold trying to potty train her.... ha ha.
Hope you guys will pull up a chair and chat awhile... see you soon.
Karen
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