Chatter & Crafts of 2 Far Away Friends

Social Sunday with Kim & Renee'

2013-05-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today we Renee' and I (Kim) are participating in Social Sunday.

Thank you to Neely and Ashley for hosting some fun questions.

1. What is your favorite kind of surprise?

Renee: My favorite kind of surprise is when someone brings me something unexpectedly. It can be simple like an iced tea:) Just something when I don't expect it. A Happy Surprise!

Kim: When Renee' shows up at my door unannounced.

2. Flowers or Chocolate?
Renee: Are you kidding? Chocolate! I like flowers but they die quickly and my cats knock them down.

Kim: Chocolate...YUM

3. What is your favorite summertime activity?

Renee: My favorite summertime activity is sleeping. Once the school year is over I get to catch up on some 'ZZZZ'sss':)

Kim: Swimming in our pool...Since moving to TeXas we can spend a lot more time out doors.

4. Do you have any vacations planned this summer?

Renee: Yep, Going to California with the family. LA and Palm Desert area

Kim: Possibly going to Destin Florida and Chicago to see all my friends.

5. Favorite Summer Holiday?

Renee: Is there another summer holiday besides Fourth of July??? I enjoy barbeques and watching fireworks.

Kim: HuMMm I think there is only one...4th of July

6.What is your Dream Vacation?

Renee: Exploring other countries, especially Greece and then staying on some remote island like I see pictures of on Pinterest

Kim: Bora Bora and Cruising Northern Europe, Scandinavian countries, and Russia.

KiMs Review of the Kreate-a-Lopes® Envelope Template

2013-05-15T00:28:00.000-05:00

How excited was I to be approached by The Kreate-a-Lopes® company to review their Envelope Maker.

I think I was the most excited because I was having a conversation with one of my friends A, who mentioned that she would like to make envelopes for the monthly cards swap.

Well shortly after that conversation we received a message asking if we would like to try this Kreate-a-Lopes® Envelope Maker. How exciting was that!!!

While I was thinking about reviewing this I was most curious about how I would get the envelope to stick. I could use my scrapbook adhesive but it would depend on the paper. Glue? How am I going to make these stick. Well before I got too stressed thinking about this the Kreate-a-Lopes® company said they were sending Lick & Stick remoistenable envelope glue. Great for making hand made envelopes.

The products that I was sent to review were the A7 envelope size, A2 envelope size (which is the size of our card swap cards) and Lick & Stick Remoistenable Envelope Glue.

Make an envelope using scrapbook paper, wallpaper, magazine pages, rubber stamp art, computer art, digital photography, wrapping paper and more.

Check out their website Kreate-a-Lopes® for more information

Now onto my trying to make some envelopes....

I had so much fun making these envelopes. Who knew it was so easy to make envelopes to go with the cards that I make. It took no time to whip up these envelopes using magazines and scrapbooking paper. I put a bit too much glue because it took a while to dry before I could lick and stick the top closed.

Thank you to Kreate-a-Lopes® for sending these to me for review.

Kim from Texas

Disclaimer I was given this product to review my opinions are my own. There are links in this post.

Another Year of Teacher Appreciation Done....

2013-05-14T12:25:00.005-05:00

Tis' the time of year for Teacher Appreciation week! What to do, what to do.....I perused Pinterest and found some ideas and then made up a couple of my own. I thought I would share my final creation just so everyone out there can get even more ideas:)

My kids wanted to give their teachers something everyday so I found some ideas that would lend itself to that.

On Monday, my kids brought in a pack of pens with a tag that read "You have been just WRITE for me!".

On Tuesday, they brought a pack of sticky notes that was in the shape of a "thumbs" up and a tag that read, " You're THUMBS up in my book!"

On Wednesday, they brought in a pack of highlighters and a tag that read, " Thank you for making my school year BRIGHT!"

On Thursday, they brought in a colored pack of paper clips with a tag that read," Thank you for holding EVERYTHING together".

Finally, on Friday they both brought in custom made vinyl cups with their names on them, drink mixes inside, with a tag that read, "Thank you for QUENCHING my thirst for knowledge".

All in all, the project for two kids cost around $20. I had my own vinyl at home to use with my Cricut Expression so I used that for the cups that I bought. It was a creative way to say thanks to their teachers and they both sent emails saying how much they appreciated everything.

I have included a couple of pictures of the items and of one of the cups I made. I hope that you enjoy taking a peek! Until next time........

Peace out: Renee~from Illinois

Social Sunday with KiM & Renee'

2013-05-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today we Renee' and I (Kim) are participating in Social Sunday.

Thank you to Neely and Ashley for hosting some fun questions.

1 Year ago I was doing...
Kim: living with my mom and my boys finishing up school before we moved to Texas.
Renee: about the same thing as this year. Swim team, running, boy scouts....

5 years ago I was doing...
Kim: planning a Mediterranean cruise with my mom and watching my boys grow.
Renee: I was pregnant with my third child. That was a fun summer:)

10 years ago I was doing...
Kim: working at Pampered Chef taking care of my 1 1/2 year old boy enjoying our new little family. Me and Renee were just beginning our relationship. Little did she know we would be besties for ever.
Renee: I had only 1 child and I was still working in the same position I am now. I had also just moved out to the area where Kim lived.

1 year from now I'll be doing...
Kim:Keeping my family sane, stressing because I will have a son in junior high, still participating in bootcamp, eating vegetarian/vegan, hopefully my Origami Owl business will be going strong, our blog will be generating more than 50-80 views a day, and my Crafty Cups is continuing strong.
Renee: more running without injury, scrapbooking more, hanging out with kids and friends more

5 years from now I will be doing...
Kim: stressing even more because I will have one driving. Taking vacations with Renee. Excited because dear h and I will be married for 19 years.
Renee: I will still be teaching....probably forever:), still scrapbooking, enjoying my older children, and apparently taking vacations with my bestie:)

10 years from now I will be doing...
Kim: visiting my boys (hopefully) in college and enjoying life. And traveling with Renee.
Renee: Visiting two children in college and getting my third through high school. Traveling, still teaching, still scrapbooking, still healthy, everyone that is!!

Ramblin' Renee: Another week has past....

2013-05-10T19:53:00.001-05:00

I can't believe sometimes how fast time really flies!! I mean it seems like I just wrote my Ramblin' Renee yesterday. So, there were a couple of things that happened this week that I thought were pretty fun.

First, we finally had warm weather here!! I mean like mid-70's and low 80's. Yee-haw!! It was so much fun to take the kids to the park after school and sit there comfortably while they played. AWE....SOME....:) Of course, today it was 50 and dreary. I mean last week we would have been happy with 50 and actually thought it was fairly warm but since we had a taste of warm, now we suddenly feel chilled by 50. Pretty funny how the brain works actually. All in all, I think we are headed in the right direction. Tulips are blooming, grass is green, and there are leaves on the trees. Happy, happy, happy.....

Speaking of happy, happy, happy! A shout out to my brother who celebrated his 44th birthday this week. He was actually lucky to have his birthday on one of the nice, warm, and sunny days. We will celebrate his birthday on Mother's day this weekend. He and his Hispanic wife will cook up a Mexican fiesta for us! Yummy.... Can't wait!! Sorry, Kim, that involves a fatty, salty, yummy steak!:)

Another fun thing I saw this week was the birth of a couple of baby birdies. A mama robin built her nest and laid two eggs on our play set. This happened within a week and literally one week after they hatched! My kids have been fascinated by peeking at the birdie nest. It is awesome that they were able to witness the mama bird making the nest, watch the eggs and even see them cracking, and then watching the baby birds grow. It has been pretty cool I must say! Mama Robin has actually been pretty tolerant of us peeking in on her babies. She has only swooped in on us twice. Once on me and once on my daughter. Usually, she sits on the fence right near us and chirps at us. In bird talk I am sure it translates to, "If you do anything to my babies, I will hunt you down and .......:)" You get the picture! The pictures I have included are within the first two days of life. They are now starting to open their eyes and grow more feathers. It won't be long and the babies will take flight! What a wonderful learning experience for the kids. Feel pretty good about the whole thing.....

This week I was able to buy a Runners for Boston t-shirt this week, too. Here is a picture of it. What is awesome about this shirt? The shirt was $20 and local running stores around the country gave all of the proceeds of their sales to the victims in the Boston Marathon bombing. The Naperville Running Company, where I purchased the shirt made over $25,000. That is awesome! I am proud to have been part of the cause.

I also FINALLY learn how to do a fishtail braid. I tried for months to grasp the idea of the braid and this week I successfully fishtailed my daughter's hair! It looks pretty cool, right????:) Again, how fun is that???

Lastly, we went to my dad's river house this past week and went fishing off of the dock and made a campfire. This too was very successful because we all caught fish! It is so exciting when the kids catch a fish and reel it in. They love it but yet are terrified at the same time. The picture off to the right is of the biggest fish which my daughter caught. It really isn't that big but for us it was! The most terrifying part but yet gave me a few belly laughs when all said and done was when my two bigger kids ran back down to the dock after taking a break from fishing and screamed like you wouldn't believe and ran as fast as I have ever seen them move! I glanced up and saw a flash of black and it turns out that the flash was a long water snake. The kids said it was moving around wildly and I told them it was probably moving around wildly because they scared the living daylights out of it! It was probably taking a leisurely sun bath and was startled awake by two screaming giants.....Boy, did I laugh afterward about that.....I mean really laugh, that deep belly, feel good laugh.....:)

It was really was a good week! Lots of fun things happening with more fun to come. I want to say Happy Mother's Day out there to all of the mothers! From my house to yours, I bid you good night!

Peace out: Renee~from Illinois

Chatter of KiM & Renee #12

2013-05-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

A Big Thank you to Grace is Overrated for letting us link up to her weekly and share our answers to her doodling journal pages. I will be linking each page from her site so if you want to print them out and follow along click through the links.

Renee' and I will be answering these Cool Journal Doodling pages weekly. On to Page 12. (Click "Page 12" to view the blog post from Grace is Overrated for the actual print out.)

To Do
-one thing for a friend/colleague
Kim: Book flights to Illinois
Renee: go visit my best buddy in Texas

-one thing for a family member
Kim: keep them posted on what I am up too
Renee: spend more time with my chillins'

-one thing for a complete stranger
Kim: I want to say to the woman I see walking all over the neighborhood. I am proud of you and how much you are walking. Keep it up you are doing Awesome.
Renee: pay for the person behind me in the McDonald's line. Someone did that for me and I have continued to pay it forward.

I feel most self-conscious when...
Kim: I am surrounded by super tall people.
Renee: I feel fat

I feel most at ease when...
Kim: when I can truly be myself and know my true friends will brush off or enjoy my crazy antics, repetitive stories, making fun of them, laughing and being silly.
Renee: ditto what my bestie said:)

Greatest hits
2 things I did really well/nailed/hit out of the park in the last 7 days.
Kim: 1. Finished a lot of our cup orders for our little neighborhood crafting business
2. My boot camp I have been trying to up the work outs and it seems to be working.
Renee: 1. making teacher appreciation gifts
2. improved my pilates.... feel like a rock star for some moves now:)

Stumbling Block
1 thing that has been a huge challenge/pain in the you-know-what
Kim: dealing with parents.
Renee: hmm....dealing with girl drama

Lightning Round- Food Edition

Waffles or Pancakes
Kim: pancakes
Renee:waffles lately

Juice or Pop
Kim: pop
Renee: juice with fizz specifically ICE brand

Bacon or Sausage
Kim: bacon
Renee: bacon, I love me some good bacon:)

Strawberry short cake or apple pie
Kim: warm apple pie
Renee: strawberry short cake

Whole Wheat or Rye
Kim: whole wheat
Renee: whole wheat

Toasted or not
Kim: toasted
Renee: toasted

Corn on or off the cob
Kim: corn on the cob
Renee: corn on the cob

Rice or pasta
Kim: pasta
Renee: pasta

Cream soup or broth
Kim: cream soup - this reminds me of when we would sneak into the sorority kitchen after a night out drinking and I would make cream of mushroom soup with my friend Tracy. YUM.
Renee: cream

Casual brunch or fancy restaurant where jackets are most definitely required
Kim: casual brunch
Renee: casual brunch, love being casual, who needs the fancy stuff anyway?

Donut or cookie
Kim: donut
Renee: donut

Ice cream or sorbet
Kim: ice cream. Mint chocolate chip all day long
Renee: ice cream chocolate peanut butter, yumm......

Soft drink with or without ice:
Kim: with ice
Renee: with ice

Egg roll or burrito
Kim: oooh that is a tough one. Burrito
Renee:burrito

Broccoli or peas
Kim: broccoli
Renee: broccoli even though it smells like a big fart

French fries or mashed potatoes
Kim: ugh really that is a hard one. If I had to pick it would be French fries.
Renee: french fries

Thursday Thoughts with KiM & Renee'

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are linking up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

KiMs Thursday Thoughts

~Wow it has been a crazy week. I have a fitbit that I am trying to accomplish 1 million steps by December 15. I am averaging about 6000 steps a day. They say we should have 10000 steps a day. Look out. I would have to constantly be walking for ever. That is a tough one for me.

~I am a Young & the Restless junkie and I love that they make it so dramatic and drawing out the Adam & Chelsea saga. As much as I want her to tell Adam so they can get back together I am enjoying the cat and mouse game. Any other YNR addicts out there?

- Two shows that I am so sad that are over and am missing.
Gossip Girl. I loved that show. I would stay up late watching it and really enjoyed it. Now I am so sad it is over. The other one I really miss is The Hills. Did you watch any of these shows? Do you miss them like I do?

-I was driving in the car and at noon the emergency broadcast system did its test. Eeeehhhaaa Eeeehhhaaa Eeeehhhaaa (that would be the noise it makes) comes on. Well that got me thinking has anyone ever heard them actually announce an emergency over this broadcast system? My whole life, 40 years but probably only 20 would I have paid attention if there was actually an announcement, I have never heard one.

- I totally over ate sushi and veggie pot stickers from Whole Foods. Ugh I don't think I will be able to eat for days. I am sooo full. Because I can't just leave the left over pot stickers for later NOOooo... I had to eat them all now. Ugh I have been chugging water trying to flush it out but it makes me feel more full.

RENEE'S THURSDAY THOUGHTS....

I am hoping to continue running this week. Had a little mishap with my knee when my basement flooded. Hoping to get out there this week though! I love this as a stress reliever.... Works really well! I am the person that gets the runner's high after a run.

I am also hoping to get out with my hubby this week or next. I am feeling like we need a date night. It has been a long time. I don't know if that will happen with all that we got goin' on but hopefully soon:)

Also, I am hoping to find a date

Ramblin' Renee: You know what I love? Girl drama.

2013-05-08T06:51:00.004-05:00

You know what I love more than life itself? Girl drama! NOT!!

When I was in junior in college I lived in an apartment with 3 other girls. I lasted 3 months and then moved in with my bf, now husband, and his best friend. I have never handled stupid girl stuff well.

This leads me to my rambling of the day. About an hour ago while I was putting my youngest to bed, the parent of one of my daughter's friends called and yelled at my husband for a text that my daughter had sent her daughter.

When I caught the gist of what was happening I was freaking out thinking what in the world did my daughter send to her? Right?

It turned out that the text wasn't that bad and had the mother not been involved the girls would have probably have been friends again by today.

Here's my thing, what is it with parents who feel the need to micromanage their kids' relationships? If parents keep trying to solve all of their kids problems, then kids won't know how to solve their own problems. It is a growing problem with our generation of parents thinking that we need to protect our kids. When I was a kid, we dealt with our problems!

Now, I am not saying that kids should not tell us if they are being bullied or if something really serious is going on. I just think that some parents need to take a step back and evaluate what is serious and not that serious.

At the end of the day, I have been through all of my own girl drama because I was once that age and I really don't want to go through it again with women my own age. This is the time for our own children to learn how to solve their problems with our guidance. I mean, I am just saying.........

Peace out- Renee~from Illinois

DeeP ThoughTs by KiM (Not ReaLLy DeeP)

2013-05-01T08:20:00.001-05:00

~ Just stopping in to say a quick Hi to everyone...Things have been very busy around here in good Ole TeXas.

~ I want to learn how to make these cute titles that everyone has for their posts on particular days. If you know of a free place to create this HTML let me know..Then I will make a cute one for DeeP ThoughTs by KiM.

~A neighbor and I just started a crafty cup making biz you can visit us at KL Crafty Creations to see all the fun CrafTyness I have been up to.

~Don't forget about our Card Swaps if you are interested in joining in check out the Tab at the top of the blog called Monthly Card Swaps

~ It has been starting to warm up here in TeXas and yesterday I wore my first pair of WHITE (yes you heard me) Shorts. I wore the most obnoxious colorful top as to distract from the shorts. LOL

~ I also just got a new pair of Minimus Shoes. I purchased them because I like the way they looked...I knew they were Minimus shoes when I bought them but did not think much about them...Till I got home and saw the warning label on them. Really? A Warning Label? YES Here is what it says...

Caution: This product increases the stain on the foot, calf, and Achilles tendon. Overuse of this product or use of activities outside of running and walking may increase the risk of sustaining injury.

This product should be introduced slowly into a running exercise routine. New Balance recommends limiting initial use to 10% of overall running workouts and very gradually increasing time and distance.

Okay so I can't use them for running right now I will use them for boot camp. I wore them yesterday and I am going to again today...I also will be sporting my really cute shin compression socks as seen here...

So that is what's going on in my neck of the woods. What do you have going on fun this week? Leave me a comment even just to say "HI" I love getting updates that we have a comment on the blog.

Happy Wednesday...Kim from TeXas

Ramblin' Renee: What a Mess!!

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so in my last post I was saying how I was enjoying the rain storm and how we were finally having a spring in Chicago. Well, let me update you on the gentle rainstorm we had that evening.

In the middle of the night I woke up to my husband calling my name. I immediately ran downstairs and our sump pump had stopped working. Our finished basement had about 3 inches of water at that point!

My scrap/hobby room was down there so I began taking all my stuff upstairs. Meanwhile, my husband went to Menards to get a new sump pump. As soon as he installed the new pump the water receded but unfortunately the damage was already done!

I attempted to go to school that day and in 2 hours time only managed to get half way there. When I called school they told me to go home because the roads right near my school were closed, too! Everywhere I turned there was water on the pavement. I wanted spring but not spring with a vengeance.

Like I said, the damage in the basement was already done. So, that day we started the clean up. That meant pulling all of the carpet and padding up and hauling it upstairs and cutting the drywall part way up the wall. Let me tell you how fun that was to do!

Turns out, our insurance would have covered a clean up team. Oh well! We would have had to wait at least a week for that and I was afraid of mold so I really wanted to get the stuff out! Luckily, our garbage allowed a free pickup for people who flooded so that helped.

As it was, our garage stunk to high heaven with all the wet padding and carpet. I can't even imagine waiting for a clean up crew to come and what our basement would have smelled like. Yuck!!!!

All in all, we are very lucky because things could have been much worse. There were people in the area that had sewage coming up into their basements.

Yummmmmyyyy...... The good news is that we actually are getting some insurance money. It is not a lot but any little bit will help. In the meanwhile, I have constructed my make shift scrap/hobby/computer room upstairs in the loft. Love it!!

Peace out for now from water logged Chicagoland..... Renee~from Chicago

Social Sunday with Kim & Renee'

2013-04-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today we Renee' and I (Kim) are participating in Social Sunday.

Thank you to Neely and Ashley for hosting some fun questions.

These are all fun childhood questions!

1. Did you sleepwalk as a child?

Renee: I did not sleepwalk but I talked in my sleep and I banged my head on my pillow. Yes, you heard it right, I banged my head on my pillow. My mom took me to the doctor because she thought I had something really wrong with me but the doctor said I must have been releasing all my anxiety. I actually did this into my early twenties and have not done it since! Crazy I Know!

KiM: I too like Renee' did not sleep walk but did moan in my sleep. One night my parents were sleeping and my mom woke up and heard a weird noise. She woke my dad up and they were arguing to see who was going to go look. Finally my dad took the lamp and started walking into the hall and heard it coming from my room. He walked in to find me moaning. They had a good laugh and knew when they heard the moaning it was just me moaning in my sleep.

2. Did you ever try to run away or sneak out of your house?

Renee: I used to sneak out of my house to meet up with my best friend across the street. We would hang out and walk around the street. Nothing too exciting...

KiM: I used to also sneak out of my house to hang out with my friends. Though they did not live across the street. They lived 5 towns over and took at least 30 minutes to get there. On our way back the guy driving decided he did not want to wait for the stoplight to change. He proceeded to flash his lights at the stoplight hoping to make it think it was a cop car and the light would change. Only it did not work, but did alert the cop that was sitting in the dark church parking log. UGH I was so mad because I was escorted home with the cop who rang my doorbell and made sure my parents know I was out. Good times. After that they put the ringer on alarm to indicate when the doors or windows were opened.

3. Did you have any imaginary friends?

Renee: No, I never did. I am looney enough, I did not need one.

Kim: Nope Got nothing.

4. Did you ever go toilet papering?

Renee: I think I did, but it must not have been memorable because I don't remember!

Kim: Yes all the time in High School.

5. Did you ever sneak tv shows you weren't allowed to watch?

Renee: I did not do that. I might have turned on Cinemax a couple of times but nothing else. Again, boring. I was probably too busy banging my head!

Kim: I am laughing hysterically at Renee'. How did we become friends again?? lol
Nope no sneaking shows because I don't think TV was invented when I was a kid. LOL Really though all I remember was being outside all the time and high school pretty much was too busy to watch that much TV. yes I too am boring...but at least I don't bang my head.

Renee' and I would have been a good pair of friends her banging her head and I moaning...that would have been a fun sleepover. HAHA

Well that is all for our Social Sunday...Thanks for stopping by and hope you will be back soon. Be sure to follow us on Blogger and Facebook.

Leave us some comments and let us know where you checked in from...

KiM from TeXas and Renee' from Illinois

KiMs Upcycling Trash to Treasure

2013-04-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yes I LOVE JUNK and I am not afraid to say that out loud. Now...Do I hoard JUNK? NO Would I if I could Maybe

I love looking at what everyone always does with things and seeing what can be. As we were Junking at Texas Antique Week I came across this beauty. What in the heck would one find useful in this piece of "Rusty Gold" as Mike and Frank would say from American Pickers.

On my list was a garden tool table. There are so many cute ones out there made with old doors, old sinks, wood and so much more. While looking through rows and rows of rust I came across this and thought how cute this would be for a garden tool holder.

I know you are wondering how does one go from a Stainless Steel Burner stove to a garden tool holder. Well it can be done and I was going to be the one to rescue this hidden treasure to begin my Better Homes and Garden Garden. I haggled for a good price and took this puppy home. I LOVED the remarks that I received from my Dear H when I told him this was mine. LOL I told him that I need to saw off the burners so I can hang things inside. The side container opens so cute so I can set plants on it. Again the next thing I know Dear H comes in and says that he was able to saw the burners off and its all ready to go. AWESOME!!

First things first I had to figure out how to get the rust flakes off and what color I was going to paint it. At first I was going with some cool fall looking colors.

But while in HOME DEPOT I was texting back in forth with my friend AL pictures of the spray paints that I liked and she did not like any of them. GRRRR NO you are supposed to like the colors I pick out and agree. Not dislike the colors I choose then give me more options.

You know how I don't like too many options, it makes my brain hurt. Now I am getting to the brain hurting while we are texting back in forth she says "I would use a bright yellow and turquoise" Me HEAD TILT? Really? Now don't get me wrong I like those colors but they are not my safe colors. My safe colors are Brown, Sage Green, Pumpkin Orange, you know those great fall colors...NOT Canary Yellow and Turquoise. What will that match in my Better Homes and Garden Garden? As Al and I are going back in forth I realize she is not going to give me an answer for a color that I would like.

Now if I had texted Renee' she would have gone with my SAFE colors but not AL she is my "push the limits" friend. Here is the picture I took while trying to decide what color I was going to paint my RUSTY gold. These are the things I was texting to AL asking if these would be the correct colors because when I veer from my color pallet all bets are off and you are asking for a disaster.

I spend WAY too much time in Home Depot and leave with this Yellow and Turquoise looking blue color. Totally uncomfortable but do like the color combination...As Jillian says "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable" Well I am certainly doing that.

I bring all the tools home some weird wired brush to scrape all the loose rust off and some sand paper. Next thing I know my Dear H keeps asking me when I am going to get to this rusty thing in the garage. Well the next thing I know I get home and he has it completely scraped and sanded all ready for me to paint. AWESOME...Love this Man!! Now he keeps asking me when we are going to paint this thing...I keep saying soon well get to it. Finally I break and decide that I better get painting before he starts doing it with out me.

I agree and begin to head to the garage and he already has the top taped off, has card board to put it on for painting, and is all ready to go. What I decided to do was paint the top the bright yellow and the rest of it Blue. You can see from the first picture above how much of the rust he was able to remove and smooth it out.

See our wonderful tape job?

Next comes the spray painting I only took a picture of us doing the top. We had to really let it dry for a while before turning it over to spray the bottom.

When I suggested to Dear H we go and spray the rest he says that he already did. REALLY? Okay so we head out and I go and look at it.

Not a bad job...Just a little blue in the round circles but since I will be putting potted plants in there you were not going to see them. As usually Dear H has a few choice words for my Better Homes and Garden Garden Tool Table. Easter Egg, Sore Thumb, You can see it from Space...and the list goes on and on. I just ignore it because it is ready to be the first piece in my Better Homes and Garden Garden.

I still have to get the hooks for the tools I will store in the bottom. This is a work in progress...I can only put in one thing at a time as to not SHOCK the Dear H when I begin to CLUTTER my Better Homes and Garden Garden area. LOL

I hope you enjoy my piece let me know what you think I would love to hear comments. Feel free to Pin my Picture for your Pinterest Garden area.

~Kim from TeXas

Thursday Thoughts with KiM and Renee

2013-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are linking up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

KIMS THURSDAY THOUGHTS

~I have been in TeXas for almost a year and I had to go get my drivers license before I was caught driving with an Illinois one. Everyone has scared me to pretty much pack a picnic lunch because I was going to be there FOR EV ER. I loaded my purse with Magazines, newspaper, food, drink, charged phone and off I went. Dropped the kids off at school and drove there. As I was pulling in the parking lot...not as many cars as I was expecting. Went inside...entered my phone number in the kiosk and went to take a seat. My phone # was called and I walked up to the desk. They gave me a ticket number and a form to fill out.

I went and sat down thinking "wow there is no one here" Before I could fill out the form they were calling my number to go see the licensing agent. I was in and out of the Drivers License place in 20 minutes. WOOO WHOOO.

Yes I have all this extra time I can go get the new tires I needed so badly on the ~~truck~~ SUV. I headed over there and was derailed because it took them 3 hours. I was falling asleep in the chair, read all my magazines, at all my snacks, drank all my water...I went in and the temperature was 83 degrees. I came out it was poring rain and 51 degrees. UGH Really...I was in shorts, t-shirt and flip flops but at least I would not be hydroplaning with my new tires. I was so EXHAUSTED from sitting there just waiting.

~I am looking for some more link ups that are small. We participate in two but they have so many people participating that we are just a face in a crowd. Let me know if you host or participate in one that is smaller like Jennifer's at Rambling of a Suburban Mom

~Last night my youngest son who does not say a word during school, or out in public, or at football practice...will talk my ear off the second he gets into the house. I decided that I would paint my toes because my nail polish was old and I needed an update. So Chatty follows me into the bathroom and decides that he wants one of his nails painted. HUH? Head Tilt Really? As a mom of Boys there is always that fine line of... Yes they are dressing up in my friends girls tutus when they were 4-6, yes they like to play with dolls when they are at my friends houses with girls...but never have they asked about nail polish.

So trying not to make a big deal out if it I tell him to pick out what color he wants. I keep taking off my nail polish. He starts asking questions.

HIM: How long will this stay on?

ME: ForEVER or until you take it off with this stuff (showing him nail polish remover as I am removing my toe nail polish)

ME: Did you pick out a color you like

HIM: Yes - Wait Wait

ME: If you put this on you can not touch anything for a while because it will be wet and smear

HIM: Okay maybe just my Thumb

ME: Okay give me your polish and Thumb

HIM: (As I am approaching his Thumb with the Polish) OKAY no I don't want any...How about I just paint your toes.

ME: (in my head)..OMG I just want to get this done....My toes are going to be a MESS. (out loud) Sure.

I show him how to paint the color on my one foot and let him loose on the other. I am trying to remain calm as he get the polish and starts gingerly painting my toes.

HIM: Ooops I got some on your toe.

ME: (in my head) UGH yes EVERYWHERE but the nail. (out loud) No Problem I will just use my nail and clean it up.

HIM: As he is painting my toes...Mom I like painting.

ME: I can get you some paints to use instead of my toes?? LOL

HIM: OOPS I just spilled some on the floor

ME: (in my head) of course you did (out loud) No Problem pulled out the nail polish remover and wiped the floor with it.

After a few minutes he was bored and took off. Me now looking at my poor left foot in Nail Polish Ruin. I tried to get as much as I could cleaned up but this morning there is still remnant of the Teaching my youngest son to paint toe nails experiment.

Well I hope that is done for a while.

~This past weekend I ran in a 5K at night in Houston...Yes it was crazy scary at night with 6000 people running all around by the reliant center. But we did it and it has unleashed the running beast...my dear new friend has decided that we need to start running more 5ks...then with in the same sentience/breath has changed that to 10K, then jumped right to training for a half. UGH...I am all for running and love getting the swag bags...but the HUMID HOT HOUSTON summer is beginning to rear its ugly head...though I do run well in the heat...You can ask Renee' about the day (the only day EVER) that I ran more than her and she had to turn to head home while I finished our run. It by far was the first and the last time that happened....but I cherish it like it was yesterday...Ummmm.

So now you all will begin to hear about my running and hopefully I can begin training for the half...Renee' I need that guys web site for the half training. (well see if Renee' reads my blog and gets me that training schedule)

OH and I was so excited as we were walking up to the race they had FOOD TRUCKS!! OH YEAH there were 3 of them...so I ran up to look at the menu. One had a great veggie meal but there was no way that I was going to eat that much after I ran at 9 at night...So I opted for The Waffle Bus. I splurged and had Waffle Fries. One day though I will have their Chicken and Waffle plate that looks SOOOO YUMMY....Thanks Food trucks for being there it made my night.

RENEE'S THURSDAY THOUGHTS

~I have a sore knee today. I am totally bummed. I ran yesterday and then was working on cleaning up the basement so between the two things I jacked up my knee!!! Ugh!!

~I lost 1.8pds. this week. Very excited because I have three losses in a row!

~I am sad because we lost our finished basement when our sump pump couldn't keep up with the flooding rains we had this past week. Lots of work!!!

~I am happy because my family is all in tact and doing well!

Thanks for stopping by...Be sure to follow us...Click here.

Kim from TeXas ~ Renee' from Illinois

KiMs Greenling.com Veggie Review

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

This Week was a great week of Veggies...Fruit was okay but not in season yet is my guess.

Just to give you a quick idea I order home delivered fresh fruit and vegetables every other week to our house. We used to have this in Illinois and they still do (email me if you want the link). But since moving here from Illinois I was having a hard time to find some home delivery that I did not have to go pick up. Call me CraZy but when it comes to grocery shopping I HATE it. Biggest time suck EVER!! In come Greenling.com and my prayers have been answered by the food god.

I like to post what we receive and let you all know about the AMAZING goodness that comes with real fruit and veggies. The thing that I always have to get over is the way the fruit and veggies look. Remember they are picked and delivered...there is no coating with wax and spraying them to look pretty. This is raw UGLY looking but soooo tasty fruits and veggies.

Here is a picture of one of the meals I have made from some of this weeks veggies.

Here is my box from Greenling I have ordered my box to come every other week. It cost $34.99 They are offering 10% off when you sign up through my "Refer a Friend" Link. If you are thinking of trying some home delivery here is your chance.

Here is the description of what Greenling.com is directly from their website...

Greenling is an online-based, home delivery service of local and organic groceries. We source directly from the same Houston-area, sustainable farmers and producers you'd see at the farmer's market. You can choose exactly the groceries you want, and we'll bring your order to your home with FREE delivery!

Greenling offers more than just produce-- we carry all the healthy, local foods your family enjoys. Offering the largest selection of local and organic products anywhere, prices comparable to the grocery store, and FREE delivery - Greenling makes eating well and saving time and money a breeze.

So with out further wait Here is what I received in my Local Box...

Do you get local fruit N veggie delivery? Are you thinking about getting a delivery?

~Kim from TeXas

Disclaimer: there are links in this post. I will receive 10% off if you join greenling.com and you will too. I am not compensated these opinions are my own.

March Food Themed Card Swap

2013-04-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Every Month we host a Card Swap with a different Theme. March theme was food. You were able to make a card with any type of food/drink. These are the cards that were submitted. Enjoy.

MARCH Card Swap

THEME: Food (cute fruit paper, stamps, recipe themed stamps/paper, cupcakes, cakes, veggies, cookies, etc. If you can eat it use it)

CARD SIZE: 5 1/2 X 4 1/4 (if you choose to make a different size please include an envelope.)

COLORS: YOUR CHOICE

PAPER: Must use a heavy card stock base for the card. If you are using a dark color card must put in a light color for people to write on the inside.

EMBELLISHMENTS: Examples: Cherries, strawberries, veggies, cookies, cut outs, brads, ribbon (NO Stickers)

STAMP: Must include one stamp

KiMs Card

Chatter of KiM & Renee' ~11~

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Renee' and I will be answering these Cool Journal Doodling pages weekly. On to Page 11. (Click "Page 11" to view the blog post from Grace is Overrated for the actual print out.)

Here we GOOOOoooo...

To Do:

One thing I’m looking forward to:
Kim: My Origami Owl open house...I hope it goes good.
Renee: Summer vacation!

One thing that will require a creative approach:
Kim: Creating my Better Homes and Garden looking garden area.
Renee: teaching, I do it everyday....

One thing I'd love to put off, but won't:
Kim: Getting my TeXas Drivers License
Renee: exercising

Today I am grateful for:
Renee' My family and friends
Kim: All my good friends to listen and stand by me with all my crazy ideas/businesses.

This week so far:

The Good:
Kim:Well Monday is over that is good
Renee: Got some doctors' appointments out of the way, check!

The Bad:
Kim:Nothing bad yet just have 50 million little things I am juggling and I hope I don't drop anything.
Renee: Hearing about the Boston Marathoners

The UGLY:
Kim: Me after my first day back at bootcamp.

Renee: The zit on the side of my lip

One thing that I do far too often:
Renee: over extend myself, working on that one....
Kim: Take on too many things at once

One thing that I don't do nearly often enough:
Renee: scrapbook
Kim: Call my mom. :)

Lightning Round:
Best Place to Eat a Fancy Meal:
Renee: Sullivans
Kim: New to TeXas so I am not sure about this one.

Have a serious discussion:
Renee: In the bedroom
Kim: By the pool with a drink

Go for a long walk:
Renee: around the neighborhood
Kim: Around our neighborhood the area is so peaceful

Write a love Letter:
Renee: used to do it with my hubby but that was eons ago...
Kim: Yack...Sorry that was be throwing up because I am not a romantic. So to be cheesy I would say in a green grass filled meadow with a large oak tree on the top of a small hill. There will be a tire swing and a picnic basket with a blanket laid out on the green green grass.

Sing out loud:
Renee: I am a rock star in the car, with my kids, in the house, pretty much everywhere...LOL
Kim: Totally in my car with the music loud enough so I can not hear how bad I sing.

Buy fresh food:
Renee: Meijers
Kim: Delivered to my door from local farmers. Can't get any fresher than that.

Dip my toes into cool water:
Renee: Lake Michigan
Kim:Green Lake, Wisconsin

Escape to when it's all just too much:
Renee: My bedroom to read a book
Kim: Loud Music, running shoes and I go pound the pavement

Take a first time visitor to my city/town:
Renee: My brother's boat on Lake Michigan
Kim: To Galveston and the Space Center.

Meet up with good friends:
Renee: Rito's Mexican, Houlihans
Kim: Tonys Mexican

Tell us some answers to your favorite questions...leave us a comment.

~Kim from TeXas ~Renee from Illinois

Sunday Social with KiM & Renee

2013-04-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today we Renee' and I (Kim) are participating in Social Sunday.

Thank you to Neely and Ashley for hosting some fun questions.

What is your shopping weakness?

Kim: I would have to say that currently my weakness shopping is things on clearance. I am a sucker for something that is marked down to .97 cents.

Renee: I love to find the bargain! Sometimes I buy just to say, " If I wear this one time, I get my money's worth!"

What is your food weakness?

Kim: Totally French Fries and Buttered Popcorn.

Renee: Anything with simple carbs..... breads, chocolate.....

What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?

Kim: First it is the soap opera I have been watching since High School Young and the Restless...but movie would be Bridesmaids.

Renee: Love Horrible Bosses!

What is your go to breakfast food?

Kim: Since I have turned Vegeitarian/Vegan my breakfast these days is usually left over dinner or fruit with peanut butter.

Renee: Right now, I like oatmeal with agave nectar, a little butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Yummy!!!

Do you drink Coffee? If so, how do you take it?

Kim: Yep you Betcha I do...I have it with my frothed Coconut Milk Hazelnut Creamer.

Renee: Ick!! Straight up iced tea plain.... that is it!

Thanks for stopping by...Be sure to follow us...Click here.

Kim from TeXas ~ Renee' from Illinois

DeeP ThoughTs by KiM (Not ReaLLy DeeP)

2013-04-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

~Don't you hate when you get all of the requests for the PTA to donate money or the school to donate money. I feel like I'm having my Catholic Guilt but for the school. Ugh. Will it ever end all the guilt. LOL.

~Woo hoo dear H just said to me again last night that I need to get myself a pair of cowboy boots. Yippee. Little does he know they cost Millions $$$.

Hopefully will be sporting my BIG ole Belt Buckle soon.

~I about pissed my pants laughing tonight. My youngest fell asleep on the couch. When I try to wake him up to walk upstairs (because he is heavy) he is so discombobulated, after I finally get him up he starts walking towards the windows and the dog.

I think oh how cute he is going to give the dog a good night hug.

Oh nope he was heading for the windows, he stopped before hitting them then turns around. Frumping around he looks back at the couch and I have to guide him towards the stairs before he veers off course.

We head upstairs and I remind him that he needs to go pee before bed and he already has his pjs on. (The boys have a jack n jill bathroom the sinks open up towards their rooms and the tub and toilet are in the middle with doors) I guide him towards the bathroom while I go and get his covers ready.

Enter oldest son ohh I will go get the shower going for him. As I walk (laughing again hysterically while I am typing this) towards the sink part of the bathroom and see my son facing the sink and mirror about ready to pee.

I become hysterical turrets mom and scream (still laughing hysterically crying so funny while typing)

THAT'S NOT THE TOILET!!

Poor kid that must have woke him out of his sleep. He is so startled he shakes and falls to the floor.

Now I am laughing hysterically trying to tell him that is not the toilet and in between my bouts of reoccurring hysteria tried to get him up and lead him to the actual toilet.

Thanks for a good crying belly laugh little one.

~Bootcamp is back for the next 6 week session and I am renewed and will be working hard to get this extra fat that does not want to leave my body off. LEAVE MY BODY YOU STUBBORN FAT. yeah that did not work...really what do I have to do besides starve myself. I am already not eating meat, dairy, only eating tofu, veggies and drinking green tea. What else am I missing. I have decided to start eating on our small plates so I don't eat out of portion control. I also need to make things I don't like so I won't be wanting to eat so much of it. UGH...so back to boot camp. My assessment was today and I did 30 push ups (real ones) in 2 minutes, 45 sit ups (I think it was around that number) in 2 minutes, and ran 7.51 (minutes.seconds) almost a full mile.

After the run I was coughing up a lung and was pretty sure my lungs were bleeding...all I could taste was metal and I was not licking a pole...My LUNGs were BURNING ugh...seriously...that is not good.

We had to put down our goals for the next six weeks...Mine suck my stomach muscles in all the time or at least every time I remember and start adding my running back into my workout. I miss running (wish renee' was here to run with me). I am going to (if Renee' remembers to get it for me) this run walk program...that would be good for me I would not keel over or cough up a bloody lung. LOL

WELL that is all my Deep Thoughts (ha) for today...Let me know what is going on in your life...

At the End of the Day...I hope I am not permanently hurting my lungs. ~Kim from TeXas.

Ramblin' Renee: Just checking in.....

2013-04-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

~Sitting here tonight watching the flashing of light and listening to the thunder clapping and the rain falling. It is peaceful. Kind of like a real life stress relief CD. In Chicago we have received a lot of rain over the last day and a half with more expected. It gets old not seeing the sun for awhile but on the positive side I noticed that the grass is getting very green! That means that us Illinoisians' are officially starting spring. Sometimes in Illinois we don't have a spring. It really depends on the year. I think it is safe to say that we are having a spring season this year. What I classify as spring is rain and fairly mild temperatures for more than a couple of weeks. What's the old saying? April showers bring May flowers? I believe that this year Illinois is going to experience all four seasons. Kind of refreshing actually considering we usually have winter then summer, then back to winter and then back again.... You get the picture, right?

~On another note, my middle son had two milestone events this past week. A birthday and his first communion.

Let me share my story about the first communion. Kind of humorous for those of you that know me! For those of you who don't, I am kind of a clumsy sometimes and will sometimes do things without thinking it all the way through.

Let me explain.

We had 10 minutes left before we had to be at the church and we needed to put on my son's new clip-on tie. He brought it to me and I took my little scissors out and tried to cut what looked like a plastic zip tie. When I cut the zip tie, I was using such force that I stabbed my thumb.

Wow! It hurt super, super bad!!

The wound immediately started bleeding profusely and I mean profusely. So, now I have already made a bad decision cutting the zip tie off and am bleeding like crazy, I still go ahead and try to put on my son's tie.

What do you think happened when I tried to do that?

You guessed it, I got blood on the tie. I mean really people. I really am an educated person, but sometimes I just have momentary lapses of good judgement!!

So, I grab the tie quickly and run it under cold water. Meanwhile my daughter is yelling at me to stop the bleeding from my finger. In the same breath, I am yelling at my son to run downstairs to throw the tie in the dryer for a few minutes.

I applied pressure and the blood kept coming but by then I had run out of time and needed to bandage it. So, my daughter put some Neosporin on the wound and covered it with two band-aids. The whole family climbed into the car and managed to secure one of the last parking spots in the lot.

Thank goodness for that. The service was wonderful. I held my thumb up for most of the time and the bleeding finally subsided. By the time I got home, it hurt really bad and my thumb had its' own heartbeat but I knew then that I probably survived without stitches. I think there will be a nice little scar there to remind me of my brilliant choice to use my little scissors. It will match the other little scar on the top of my hand when I chose to use a knife to open something while pregnant. I think you get the picture:)

~Lastly, I went to the dermatologist today to get a quote on lasering off redness on my face due to sun damage. Holy cow, did I pick the wrong profession!! It is super expensive to get the procedure done and of course all of the products he wants me to buy are a gazillion dollars!! What I want to know from anyone out there in cyber land is whether any of you have had a procedure like this before and was it worth the small fortune? Any input would be wonderful!!I would love to hear the good, bad, and the ugly folks....

~Well, that's it for now. I am going to sign off and continue listening to the storm out there! Until next time.

Renee~from Illinois

Thursday Thoughts with KiM and Renee'

2013-04-17T12:23:00.002-05:00

We are linking up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

Thursday Thoughts from Kim

~WHy am I always first you ask...because I type everything Renee' just jumps in when ~~I send her threatening texts~~ she can.

~ I am so excited with dear H new health insurance we were given this opportunity to get 1 million steps by the end of the year. I was so up for this. I asked dear H if he would like to do this and I got a "heck no." Fine by me...I went and signed up for it and they send you a FitBit Zip wireless activity tracker. OOOH I am so excited to try it out...I just got it last night and hooked it up. Can't wait to see how many steps I take at boot camp...I am also excited because it hooks up to My Fitness Pal that I log in all my food on.

~ I found on my Iphone the Do Not Disturb and was so excited about it...I am sure there are so many things I don't know about on this phone that would make my life so much easier. Anyway this little button is great because I have it on Do Not Disturb from 7pm on. I am trying to unplug after 7 to spend more time with the family. All of you that I am playing games with I am working on catching up it is just taking longer.

~Oooh I just got a taste for Gnocchi with a spicy vodka sauce and garlic bread. I don't really need to eat it just smell it...I would love a scratch and sniff sticker to smell like that please.

~ We had our first giveaway the other day for a conscious box...I hope you all were able to enter in it. I used Rafflecopter for the first time and it was so easy. I may have to try another giveaway again soon.

Thursday Thoughts from Renee -

Ok, smarty pants Kim! I am here.... what am I pondering these days. Why does the world have to be full of such senseless violence? Of course, I am referencing the Boston Marathon. I feel horrible for the victims and the runners' families who were injured or perished in the blasts. I know someone who was running in the race at the time and thank goodness she was about a 1/2 mile away and was not hurt. Her sister was waiting at the finish line but was not injured. Awful, awful stuff happening..... I have been thinking about this for several days now and will continue to pray for the victims. Why? I guess, I will never really know....

Well, my middle son, turned 8 on Tuesday. I can't believe it really. When everyone says that the time passes fast, I guess they really mean it! I remember going into labor and can still recount everything like it was yesterday. Wow, time really does fly!

Lastly, it seems trivial considering what is happening around us right now, but I lost 1.6 pounds this week. My second loss since returning to WW 2 weeks ago. There is really something to be said for the accountability of the scale.

TeXas Antique Week ~ TONS of Pictures

2013-04-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

On the Road Again...This would be our (Neighbor and I, would be Renee' if she moved to TeXas already!!) second trip to TeXas Antique Week. It is a week long of Junking and Antiquing. I personally am more of the Junking type myself. This time we decided to borrow a trailer from our other Neighbor. Yes the Trailer is longer than the truck but I must say that I (tooting my own horn) am AWESOME at maneuvering that thing. Had to fit it into a lot of tight spaces, backing up, turning around dead ends, and backing it into the only Hotel space that would fit us.

It is kind of hard to see but I had to back that trailer into this tiny spot between the car and ditch. It was pitch black and we just drove 30 miles away from the Junking to our Hotel. Yes I Rock...I am even thinking that I should learn how to drive a Semi. You never know when knowing how to drive a Semi would come in handy. Will add that to my bucket list. Drive Semi - Check

Our Hotel was a wee bit scary. I felt like Tom Hanks in BIG when he rented the hotel in the city. He kept hearing all the people walking around and ~~screaming~~ talking outside. I could not sleep very well, kept getting up in the middle of the night. Maybe it was because I was sleeping on Pink Yes Pink sheets. Have not seen that in a Hotel room before.

Moving on to the two days we spend Junking/Antiquing. I have a ton of pictures I want to share with you so I have grouped them in different Themes I seemed to capture.

The first one being tables...I was searching for Kitchen Tables or Craft Table. If I did not find a Kitchen Table then I needed to get a Craft Table. Here are some tables I was admiring for Crafting.

This Blue table she wanted $75 but would take $65 for it. This was the first thing we saw
when we arrived so I had to keep on looking.

This Green table was the second thing we came across...I really liked this on but again I had to wait to see if I could find a kitchen table. We had to fill up that Whonken trailer we just pulled here.

This table was originally $200 but he would sell it to me for $100

This next piece was truly AWESOME and I sooo wanted it for my craft room. How cool are all those shelves and the cabinet underneath...This piece also had little shelves that pulled out. Ohhh this is one of those Fun Pieces I wish I had a ton of $$ so I could have just purchased it.

This one below I ended up purchasing for my Kitchen. I love it sooo much...as soon as I finish the wall behind my new table I will take a picture for you all to see. I really like the weathered looking furniture.

Now this one below is not a table but a stove/burner/thing...I saw this and thought instantly that I could totally make this into something fun for my Better Homes and Garden Garden I am looking to make. I will have a blog on how I refinished this and what it looks like now.

This piece below was priced for $325 and the lowest she would go was $285. UGH I was so ready to purchase this piece and add the globe on top. If you don't know I have a world globe collection and have been collecting for a few years now and I LOVE Globes. Mostly the Smaller ones which are very hard to find. The thrill of the Hunt.

This piece below has all these cool pull out drawers all rustic and just my favorite style piece. Again need a ton of money because this would have been coming home with me.

Moving on to World Globes...I did end up making two purchases of globes but I did not take pictures...I will have to when My scrap room is completed. Anyway here are the World Globes that were very cool or just too big to take home with me.

AHHH THe world is just out of my reach...Look out space man the world is MINE!!

THe next thing I saw a TON of was Letters...they are all the JUNK rage. All different sizes, shapes, colors...The best is the words we found laying around the area..

Since I was still eating Vegetarian and Vegan I did not have much choices on what I could eat while JUNKING...So I had a lot of Beans, rice, and veggies.

After our first full day of JUNKing we took a break and ate at the only place with seats in the town for again more Mexican. YUM

I will have you know she is drinking the worlds LARGEST Skinny Margarita. I am lucky she could still use her direction app to get us home that night.

Me and my Iced Tea because I was driving a HUGE trailer in the dark, down a two lane road, in the middle of TeXas, 30 miles to our hotel.

Now a day of Junking would not be complete with out a visit to the Junk Gypsies. I love going and get a Junking tee shirt every time. The one above was the one I got last Fall.

Yes I am about ready to pee in this picture below. LOL

Here are just some COOL pictures I took along the way...Skiing anyone??

Besides collecting world globes I am also collecting old/unique clocks that look like these. I did end up purchasing one but it is not in this picture. Love me a good clock deal. :)

A couple of fun Signs that I could not pass up...

Yes they have the "World's Best Beef Jerky" I did not try any because it was not Vegan...LOL

BY FAR the FreaKyest thing I have seen at ANY Junking was the amount of BabyDolls that people have dismembered and made to be creepy. Be Ware the pictures you are about to see are disturbing, it is a train wreck that you can not turn away from.

Because Clowns are not scary enough...lets throw some doll heads and arms in its mouth.

My Neighbor A and I having fun Junkin'

Junkin' and Drinkin'

Yes they saw us coming and locked up the liquor...No getting in those coolers.

Thats what I always say...When Pigs Fly...Well here ya go.

By Far my Absolutely Favorite Photo it is an actual Suit Case. LOL

King Squirrel...This one is for Renee's sister In law who loves Squirrels...LOL

The strange things you will see/find at the TeXas Antique WEek.

Need a ball of Barbed Wire??

After A LONG two days we are heading home with our trailer ~~Full~~ with stuff on it. This is the LONG line of cars heading out of town. Good Bye till the Fall we will be back again.

At the End of the Day...Days of Junkin' is good for the Soul!! ~Kim from TeXas

April Love with Food Monthly Subscription Box Review by KiM

2013-04-16T01:11:00.000-05:00

I received the April Love with Food box that was themed Weird, Wild & Wonderful Foods with Andrew Zimmern. I can't tell you how excited I was to get this box. Finally a box that did not have foods that every other box has been carrying lately.

This Box Weird, Wild, & Wonderful Foods totally describes this box of "Bizarre foods" Below is the card that includes all the descriptions of the items in the Box

Organic Fennel Pollen from Pollen Ranch...Now when I first read this Pollen..Seriously I am so allergic to Pollen. LOL But you can really smell this spice right when you opened the box. It included a card that showed it being cooked with pork tenderloin. Since I have taken to not eating meat I will have to see what else I can use this on instead. In the mean time I will use it as an air freshener because it SMELLS so good.

I could not figure out which way was the top of this bag for a while. Salty Pepper Nuggets from Somersault Snacks. They are described as "Crunchy crackers made with sunflower seeds, toasted grains, and a savory touch of garlic, onion, salt & pepper" These sound so yummy can't wait to have these for a snack.

Ohh How I LOVE olives...I would eat them all the time if I could. I am so excited to try this fun little package out. Lemony Lovers Olives from Oloves.

Wow this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Dip from Buff Lo Dip was what was making the bulge in the box. This one looks fun I am going to try and have the Kids try this one. They are so into buffalo wings lately I wonder what they will think of this dip.

Air Popped Sorghum Grain from Mini Pops. I had NO idea what this was and I will take the info from the card. "Crunchier and tinier than popcorn, these mini grains have a buttery flavor with all-natural ingredients. I LOVE popcorn so this will be mine to try. YUM

Another FUN product that I have never heard of before...Smoky Chili & Lime Chickpea Snacks from The Good Bean. I love that these are high in Protein. I am always trying to sneak that stuff into my eating and can't wait to try these.

Last but All Gone...These did not make it. Because I Ate them at 1 in the morning. Original Cocomel from JJ's Sweets. When I opened the box they were calling my name. And OOOOHHHH They were the best Caramels I have ever had. They melted in my mouth and it really stunk that there were only two...Guess it helps with my portion control. I will be pick more of these up for my self and maybe a gift.

Do you subscribe to Love with Food? What do you think of this months box? For $12 a month I was super happy with this months box and can not wait to see what is in store for next month.

~KiM from TeXas

Disclaimer: there are affiliate links. All opinions are my own and I purchased this box for myself it was not given to me.

Gardening with KiM - OMG What Happened...

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From my previous gardening with Kim post I showed you I planted a small vegetable garden. I have been watching it like a HAWK. Everyone is telling me do you have rabbits? Nope have not seen one since I have arrived in TeXas.

What about the birds? Nope they don't hang out in my yard we don't have any trees.

But no one asked me about the little tiny (tip of a pencil) green bugs that were going to start SUCKING the juice out of my pepper leaves. Well let me tell you they did some damage...Then I am sure I helped it out by dosing my plants with dish detergent water to help kill the Buggers.

So this is what happened to my garden... The leaves have all fallen off but thank goodness you can kind of see the new buds coming off of the sticks that were left.

Poor Poor Pepper Plants...They have to produce peppers because they are sooo expensive for a yellow/orange/red ones in the grocery store. Its ridiculous.

Its a Leaf grave yard. UGH

Check out my Strawberries they are almost done. I am so excited I should be able to cut it into 4 pieces and share with my family. Good thing we are not living off the land we would be starving. LOL

The other plants you can see have been growing not as fast as I want them to be...but at least I did not kill off the leaves of the other plants as much as I did with the pepper plants.

How is your garden going? What do you have planted? Any suggestions for mine? I need all the help I can get.

Be sure to enter our giveaway that ends tonight.

~Kim from TeXas

Thursday Thoughts with KiM & Renee

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We are linking up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

~My thought this Thursday is....did you know we have a Facebook page? Click here and like us...we are looking to add more friends. You will find out about our posts right away and be able to ask us questions or answer my random questions.

~We are running our first giveaway for Conscious Box. Be sure to enter while you are visiting our site today with the linkup.

~Will my youngest get some crazy bug because... he pulled out this misting fan from the back of the closet this morning, and then proceeds to begin squirting the left over water from 9 months ago into his mouth. REALLY? OMG the malaria bugs are having a party because they just entered an "all you can eat" buffet. Of course I being the MOY (mother of the Year) lift my arms in the air and begin to say "Wooo Hooo the malaria bugs are now entering into a party called my Youngest Sons body." Needless to say I have been receiving the silent treatment and evil stare from him. I am not sure he is pissed because I was doing a malaria dance or because he is freaked out because the nasty water has begun working its way into him and the the Bug party I said he was now having. LOL

~ We get the Wall Street Journal and yesterday they had an article on the front about how BINGO is coming back into style and younger people are playing it. I LOVE BINGO it is so fun especially when I win.

I have won bingo in the past on a cruise ship, I also won at an old school Catholic bingo night a LONG time ago. We have a small one at home that I play with the kids...they love spinning the balls around and calling the numbers out.

~don't you hate when you hear a noise in your house and you can't figure out where it came from. Ugh.

~That's All for today...I will send you on to Renee'
Kim from TeXas

What do I have to say this week...hmmm...

~I got to scrapbook last weekend with friends and that made me happy:) Of course, we missed you Kim! You were there in spirit!

~I lost three pounds on WW this week. I felt I had to rejoin WW for the millionth time because I have to have the accountability of standing on the scale! Otherwise, I cheat. I mean how sad is that? Ugh... Good news, I lost weight, bad news, I am not good at self regulating myself. Note to self....work on self regulation.:)

~Lastly, my hubby took my littlest to the doctor because he thought he broke his toe, this was while I was scrapbooking. Meanwhile, the kid has been hacking a lung for over a week.

Do you think my hubby thought to have the cough checked out while they were there in addition to the toe?
No, of course he didn't, so now we have to spend more money to take him back three days later for the cough!

Ugh... Men!!!

While I admire that he took the initiative to take him to the doc, when I asked him whether he had the doc listen to him he was like,"Ah, crap, I knew there was something else I wanted the doctor to check!" and I'm all like,"Duh!", but I was the good wife and kept my mouth shut, smile and nod.....:)

Peace out for now my friends! Have a wonderful and thoughtful week.

Renee~from Illinois

Were Having a Conscious Box Giveaway!!

2013-04-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

We were really excited and did not believe it at first when Conscious Box contacted us to giveaway a 3-Month subscription. I (Kim) have been researching the monthly companies and this one was the next on my list. When I (Kim) received the email I was SUPER Excited!! I really like the natural and organic products and the option for vegan or gluten free.

We want to share with you information from the Conscious Box web site about their Monthly Box Subscriptions.

How does Conscious Box Work?
Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet! Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to a healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts!

Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month!
From organic food to vegan beauty products, you're sure to find new favorites!
Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes!
Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box!
Easily earn points you can apply to full size products for unbeatable discounts!

The fine people over at Conscious Box have given us the ability to run a giveaway for a 3-Month Conscious Box subscription. That is a $59 value! And we have a code for you for 50% off discount for any Conscious Box Subscription by using Code: LOVELIFE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoy our giveaway!!
~Kim from TeXas and Renee' from Illinois

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.