Simply Cindy

New Years Resolutions and Best-laid Plans!

2020-01-22T20:54:00.002-08:00

It’s mid-January 2020, how is the start of your New Year?

I asked myself today, “Cindy, what did you start 1 year ago that you are still doing or maintaining?” Well, I planned for several things and being the person, I am, I probably planned too much! As I reflect, I am better by more than 1% and for that I am happy!

You might wonder what that better than 1% is…here are a few things:

· Do you remember that Marie Kondo “Craze?” I am proud to say my dresser drawers are still in order! Yes, it does bring happiness to me each time I open it or do laundry! The $50 worth of drawer dividers from Target were well worth the money!

· Do you remember the “fill a bag with 40 things” during Lent (to remind us of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert fasting…)? Well, I have cleaned and given and sold a lot of things that I was just not using. It has been a great experience and I, for the first time have space in my front closet for my guest’s coats!

· Do you remember the buzz of “Ketones?” Yes, it is nearly 2 ½ years now that I have faithfully been drinking pure-therapeutic ketones every single day! It’s been a game changer in life for me! I think more clearly, have way more energy, have lost a few pounds and just plain feel much better!

What is on the list for 2020 for this girl?!?

· Continue to live, grow and understand true health!

· Regain being fully content in who I am.

· Focus on following a budget again! I started the Financial Peace class and I am working to prepare for retirement!

· Travel more, experience new things and just live life to the fullest!

In closing, live your resolutions, make a vision board to remind you of what you wish, dream and hope to see happen in the coming year and as I was challenged, I challenge you to think beyond what you think is even possible! Don't stop at December 31, 2020! Mostly, celebrate your successes! Big or Little, they are successes!

Life Balance

2020-01-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

It's another beautiful Fall day in Minnesota! I know so many people that "love" the Fall of the year! For those of you who know me, my true LOVE has been Spring! I love the "new life" of the season and there is probably not one thing about Spring that does not fit into my love category! However, maybe it is getting a little older, while I still love Spring, I am discovering a love for Fall as well! I'm telling you, days like yesterday and today could last forever!

I look at my blog postings and I see that it was over a year ago since I last posted! In looking back, not too much has changed til now! That gives you just a little glimpse into what my life has been like for the past year! Busy, that is! Busy is not always good and after a few headaches and other little medical things, my life is on a journey for balance! I have coined it as work-life balance! It feels as though the year has passed me by, even though I went through the motions of much of it! Enough, enough, enough...I am out to regain the "Joy" in the simple things in life that really do tell you a lot about who I am! Knowing that true Joy comes from Lord, I am reminded that “with God, all things are possible!”

This beautiful Fall weekend has allowed me to be outside, I actually went for a run last night, biked today and then as a good friend was walking by...I joined her for a walk around the lake! Last night I stopped to pile rocks...there is something peaceful about it! I could hardly wait to share it with my sweet friend Margie as we were walking! It has a message of peace and balance. It is one thing to see this, but it is a whole different thing to stop and take the time to do it! I encourage you the next time you are near water to look for those flat stackable rocks and create your own balance of rocks! I am so sure you will experience that same peaceful feeling!

Enjoy these wonderful days!

Chalkboard Designs

2013-12-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

It's another snowy day in Minnesota! It is actually beautiful to look out and see it lightly falling. It is even more wonderful when you can enjoy it and not be concerned with running off to work and being concerned with slippery roads and accidents.

Fall and Winter bring out the "project girl" in me! Have you been seeing all of the "Chalkboard" designs and decorations of late! Our local scrapbook store was doing a make and take project as a 12x12 inch wall hanging and while I loved it...it was not an option to make it smaller. So, onto the internet to find what I needed and next into Creative Memories Storybook creator software (oh, I am still sad that digital is not currently a part of the new CM company) I went! I made mine in a 5x5 inch frame. I have the vision to create a new photo for each of the seasons of the year and then of course some of the best of holidays! Isn't it just the cutest!!!

My Room

2012-09-07T05:40:00.001-07:00

What an exciting and anxious time this is at my house! For those of you who don't know me, I have a small photography business. I have been doing it for about 7 1/2 years...while my love for photography is still there and my business will remain...I have decided to focus more on outdoor photography and small children and babies as it will work with natural lighting at my house and outdoors! This is quite a change for me. While it is all good, I somehow feel a little anxious about it all as well. I'm not sure where that is stemming from...I'm thinking it might just be more excited for what the end result will look like! As for photography, I will be doing a website makeover and getting some littleone's photos on it! I will be doing a photoshoot with little "Lizzy" tomorrow and can hardly wait! Along with this excitement, it means that I get to re-establish my living in the spare bedroom that turned "studio" a number of years ago! So check out the photos above...the darling white desk and chair (Tina, thanks for inspiring me! and Thanks Target for placing it 1/2 price when I ordered) and adorable fabric (Thanks E-bay for helping me to find this fabric...I had purchased the fabric and made a cute totebag this Spring and so wished I could get more of the fabric...hmmm, I had bought it in Mesa, AZ and I live in MN!) that I will be decorating with! I think I will add a pink dot or check to the fabric selection...and with very lite aqua walls, I am dreaming this room to be nothing but adorable and a place I will spend alot of my time! I'll get to have a "guest" room again, so to be more inviting to my family and friends and I'll set up a sewing station in my closet that I can just shut the door when I want to quit for the day! Now doesn't this all just sound like alot to be excited about!!! For now, I will continue to prepare that room and anxiously await UPS to be at my front door with my fabric, desk and chair! I'll be sure to share photos as the room takes shape! Maybe my room can even make it to Pinterest in the end!!!
Have a great Fall weekend with family and friends, sweatshirts, firepits and carameled apples!

Digital Scrapbooking

2012-08-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Photos, Photos, Photos! Who has taken all of the photos on my computer! Oh, being single, I guess that would be me! After having been so very busy for so long, little by little I am attempting to get all in my life back in order. I started with finishing projects, organizing things in my house, going through all the clothes in my closet amongst other things...now it is time to catch up on my photos-o- my-photos! I don't know about you...but it's no fun to do everything in order, so I skipped right to my summer vacation at the end of July. The kids bring just such a joy to your days! This little Cole melts my heart without a doubt! I'm trying my best to be a little more creative with my pages. It's kind of freeing to not have everything pefectly straight... I love the new fonts I used as well. Those typewriter fonts are fun! How do you get them to react...just have them say "fuzzy pickles!"

Digital Layout with Pickleberrypop!

2012-08-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

The fun it can be to create a digital scrapbooking page. I have to admit, I am a "type A" type person. Everything needs to be in order and properly aligned. This page really took me from my comfort level, but somehow I love it! Digital is a very fun way to do things that you would otherwise never do! I'm excited to be entering this page in the www.pickleberrypop.com scrapbook page contest! Not expecting to win, but the thought of winning and being able to share that with my great niece Breanna would be fun! Pickleberrypop is a great website for digital kits, ideas and sharing! Be sure to check it out if you have not already done so! Friend them with facebook and you learn of all of their new kits and special things going on! Let me add that I put my page together in Creative Memories Storybook Creator 4! It's the best software!

Sea Salt Caramel Cookies

2012-08-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Sea Salt Caramel Cookies (These are similar the to Sea Salt Caramel cookies at Great Harvest Bread!)

1 cup of flour
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt (I use only 1/4)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups of quick oats
3/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1 package of Kraft caramel bits
sprinkles of sea salt

Directions:
Cream together butter and sugars. Mix in egg and vanilla. Blend in dry ingredients and caramel bits. Use a cookie scoop to have uniform cookies! Make on baking paper on pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees and then sprinkle with a tiny tiny pinch of sea salt and bake for 1 more minute. Allow to cool on paper and cooling rack.

Pedestal Plates

2012-08-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Recycle, Reuse and Create Sweet Little Plates! I was lucky to find these plates and candle holders at the local Good Will store! Just .99 a piece...together, what a fun little serving and display plate! Simply glue the 2 pieces together using "jel super glue!" What a fun little gift!

Mill City in Minneapolis, MN

2012-08-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

An afternoon in our own city and it felt like we were on vacation! I was driven to visit the Mill City museum in Minneapolis to see the 5-year tribute to the 35w bridge collapse and found the museum to be a much missed place to visit! I learned so much about the flour industry and the city of Minneapolis. It was also fun to look through old cookbooks thinking some of the recipes are the very ones that our grandma's probably used! Yes, we took photos of them...the bake-off will begin! If you have not taken in Mill City, it is a must do! You can ride the glass elevator to the 9th floor to have a beautiful view of the Mississippi River, the falls and the Stone Arch Bridge!

Canon camera Color Accent

2012-07-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens - Digital Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens - DigitalDoes your camera have any fun functions that you have not used? Check out your owners manual to see what you can all do! This photo was taken on the Canon point and shoot PowerShot SX130 IS using the SCN mode and the Color Accent feature. It is so fun! Photoshop effects directly from your camera!!! This camera was sold at Sam's Club and www.buydig.com.

Watermelon Quilt

2012-06-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

It's kind of funny how projects change as you begin them! I started with purchasing the pink and green fabric to make "watermelon" placemats. Hmmm! Thought was good until I realized I don't even use placemats. So, what would be the point in making them if I were never going use them. Well, once again my Pintersting led me to yet another very fun project! This is the DIY Dish Vintage quilt or the YoYoMamma's Vintage quilt. Just a little hint, if you see a pattern and look long enough (actually doesn't take much time at all) you will find it on the web for free! I recommend to watch the video on http://www.thediydish.com/2011/11/how-to-make-an-easy-quilt/ and you will be on your way to sewing this darling quilt! Be sure to finish your project by washing it in your favorite laundry soap and fabric softner and watch the vintage look come to life! I have to put the binding on my quilt yet, but then it will be ready to be used and loved by ME!

2012-05-19T13:43:00.001-07:00

Apple Cobbler Quilt

It seems one sewing project just gets me excited to begin another! I started with little projects of potholder, mini quilted bags, a totebag and finishing a quilt top to shopping from quilt store to quilt store until I found just what I liked for a new quilt throw. With my love for Pinterst, I found the “Apple Cobbler” quilt pattern and just adored it! It is simple, but I think it will be darling with the fabrics I found. With my lack of experience in quilting, I needed to figure out exactly how this was going to be layed out. I am super excited about how I did this. For those of you who have not followed my blog, digital scrapbooking is a love of mine. I use the Creative Memories Storybook Creator software for my digital scrapbooking. Tonight I used the software to design my new quilt top! How exciting is that! I wonder if Creative Memories has marketed their software for quilt making! So, I started by scanning in my actual fabrics and then saving them as a “personal collection.” I was next able to place the digital fabric in the template to reflect the true look of my quilt to come! If you are a quilter and do not have this software, it is wonderful! You can contact my sister Debbie at jdkrause@hickorytech.net if you would like to purchase the software! I must get back to sewing! The fabrics actually scanned in much darker than the fabrics actually look so my quilt will actually be a little lighter in color!

Camille's Bag pattern by Penny Sturges

2012-05-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

My sewings projects continue on! I picked up this pattern by Penny Sturges, called Camille's Bag. ps013 and the fabric at a quilting shop in Mesa, AZ. I thought the pattern was darling, while I just omitted the key ring, I love it! It is the most adorable bag I have made yet! I was a little nervous at first, as reading a pattern really isn't a strong point for me in my sewing and I wished there would have been more photos to confirm I was doing things correctly. Now that I am done, I would tell you that I would definately purchace another Penny Sturge's pattern. She does a great job of taking you through each step. I bought beautiful quilting fabric and after spending 7 + hours sewing the bag (I am a perfectionist...and rip alot if it isn't just right!) I am so happy that I spent the money on the fabric! If you are looking for a fun half day's project, sew this bag. Enjoy!

Pot Holder for Mug or Bowl (use in the mircrowave)

2012-05-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here it is! Never burn your fingers again when taking a hot bowl or mug out of the microwave. The idea of this was shared by a co-worker...how simple it was to make. The trick is to use 100% cotton products so that it does not start on fire in the mircrowave. I can hardly wait to make more of these!

Projects of a Stay-cation

2012-05-08T20:30:00.002-07:00

It's been awhile once again since I have blogged! That's what happens when life takes over everything! While life is good and I am feeling very blessed in some many ways, I am most thankful tonight some much needed "down-time!" What does this look like for me...a week at home (first time ever that I am taking vacation time and not going on a vacation) I love to travel and see and do things...so I can't see myself making this a regular thing...but, this week, I am loving it! As you can see, it is cleaning and organizing, pie making and project week for me besides staying up later than I normally do, staying in my pajamas longer than I ever have time for, taking a nap if I feel like it and watching tv (which I never do). The sewing project tonight was the tiny little lined bagged, which is for a little first aid kit. I made it to coordinate with the bag I made a while ago. You better like sewing tiny things if you want to make this tiny little thing! Here's the website if you want to make one too! Hopefully it will not be so long between blogs going forward!

http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com/2012/03/tutorial-emergency-zippered-pouch.htm

2012-02-14T04:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

This Valentines Day seems a bit different to me...I'm in a very busy season of my life it seems. Not quite sure where the year has gone so far. Generally, I host a sister, nieces (an occasional nephew) Valentine pizza party. This year, I hardly got my Valentine cards made...say nothing about sending them out. I had a great idea of making cut out heart cookies and next I got a cold...so saving my friends from sharing of my cold...my cookies will be much post-Valentines Day! I am all set to make them and they will be ever so so so cute!

Just have to share a very fun thing that happened to me...you can see from the photo, I got a new laptop. No more worries of loosing things! Oh, when the screen goes black for no reason (I don't understand why...shouldn't they last forever?) my heart just sinks...thank goodness I haven't lost anything! For the fun part...I purchased a computer case/cover and discovered that it was too big. Off I went to return it...who would guess that I would find one at Best Buy that fits my computer like a glove and it was less than 1/2 of the price! Have you shopped for computer cases lately? They seem to sell for 25-50$...my new one $9.99 and it is nice! It didn't come with the charms...that is from Miche. Next time you need a computer case...check out Best Buy!

Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

2012-01-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Life was busy for me before Christmas, but it is the craziest ever for me right now with some big and I mean really big initiatives at my job....so how do I maintain a balance? I don't really really know. Some days I feel incredibally successful at it and other days I feel like I fail miserably!

What do I try to do?

-Lean on my faith in Jesus...amazing how my days differ when I am right with Jesus and when I am not. When I think I can do it all myself and when I give it up to HIM! Why do I think for 2 seconds that I can really control life?

-Get enough sleep! Not getting enough sleep is a big stress! But, a sweet friend just told me you can ger too much sleep too...so I guess you need to figure that out for your own little self.

-Simplify life! De-clutter your house, your work space, your life! Keep what you need and get rid of what you don't need! Nurture the relationships in your life that matter. Maybe reconsider those that, as my sister would say, "steal your joy!"

-Spend time with your family, friends and loved ones!

-Enjoy the simple things in life! A walk in the fresh snow, that is if MN gets snow this Winter! Watching a movie, even one you have seen over and over, all curled up with a clean, freshly washed, Tide & Downey smelling blanket!...what ever brings puts you in a calm happy place!

-Do lunch on the spur of the moment with a friend

-Bake cookies and share them with your neighbors!

-Oh, and read others blogs, look at Pinterest or other things you love and that inspire you! I am loving this right now! If you don't follow blogs, start following mine...I may be inspired to keep up with it more, find one you enjoy! By all means, join Pinterest! It is the best of what ever interests YOU!!!

This posting is for me as much as I wanted to share it with you...a refocus on life is always good after a busy week and at the beginning of a new year!

So Blessings to your New 2012 Year!

Carnation Creme Carmel's

2011-11-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

Tis the season! These Carmel's are the best!

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 cups dark Karo syrup

3 mini cans of Carnation evaporated milk

Pinch of salt

Boil together sugar, syrup, salt and butter to a clear consistency. Add evaporated milk gradually as not to stop the boiling. Cook to 242 degrees, stirring constantly. Pour into a greased flat pan and cool. When cool, cut into squares and wrap individually in specialty papers or wax paper.

Chip Board Recipe Collection

2011-11-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

Organization, organization, orgainization...how can your greatest passion be your greatest challenge at the same time! Well, it is just that for me with some things! For some time I have been undecided as to how to organize my recipes. I did have them all in a cute little Longaberger basket...but that was a number of years ago...I think I just wanted to do something different. I'm very excited to be getting a handwritten book from my mom for Christmas this year with all of my favorites from growing up...but then what about my personal collection? As you can see from the photo, I put together a fun little paper-covered chip board holder for my collection. I love it and it was fun to pick out papers that I just loved! I'm thinking I might get questions...so here you have it:

-Used 4x6 chip board (cut paper 5x7 to cover)

-Used Tombow mono multi liquid glue (you need a good glue)

-I printed the "my Recipe collection" on the computer

-I typed my recipes and ran 4x6 blank recipe cards through my printer (it is the same as A6)

-The tabs for my pages were cut from a Stampin Up punch

Don't forget to write where you got your recipes! It is fun to look back at your own personal collection and see how your family and friends have shaped your cooking and baking!

"TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!" psalm 34:8

Fall Leaves in Wax

2011-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here's the post as a result of yesterdays blogging and crafting time! It's amazing all the fun things you can find and learn to do by just reading others blogs. Find your favorites and their favorites will soon be yours!

I learned the craft of waxing leaves! It is so simple, you just go collect leaves from outside and heat up a little paraffin wax (use an old pan or a tin-foil pan that you can throw away when you are done) Layout newspaper covered with wax paper and begin dipping the leaves. Be sure they are fully covered and allow them to drip a bit before laying them on the paper.

They are beautiful and look like something you would purchase at Michaels or another craft store.

I used them on my table decoration!

Hurry...before the leaves a gone!

Downtime at my house

2011-10-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

It’s a wonderful day at my house today...it is only 7:30 in the morning, but it is Saturday of a weekend that I have no commitments. My life has been anything but quiet and boring for quite some time and I have been longing for a weekend like this. Please don’t get me wrong, I love to run and do things and be with family and friends...those are the BEST of times! I love to create memories of those good times as well! I think I am sometimes my worst enemy in that I want to just live life to it’s fullest and sometimes it just catches up to me.

So, this weekend I helped a friend on Friday with a digital storybook to save the memories of her recent trip to Disney with her sweet friend, I went for a wonderful Fall walk and great catch-up conversation with a good girlfriend, I sorted through all of my CDs that I have collected over the years and today I am going to continue going through my house doing those little things that get neglected by being so busy. Cleaning and most importantly “organizing” is enjoyable to me, when I have the time!

I woke up early, as I generally do, and of course checked my email and facebook and then decided to catch up on my favorite blogs. I got some very cute and sweet ideas for fall crafting projects...so when I am well into my cleaning and organizing today, you can just guess where my break from that will be spent! I may even bake some cookies before the day is up!

While this is probably my first post ever without a photo...just wait...I feel the need to create a new blog header and share photos of what my day and weekend will bring!

Happy Fall and Halloween!

Candy Corn or Corn Candy...Yellow Orange White or Orange Yellow White

2011-09-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

The candy corn or corn candy, yellow orange white or orange yellow white debate it on!

What is it? Is one correct and the other incorrect?

It seems it is a forever question as to what is this candy called and what color is really on the bottom of it? Just when I bought a bag of candy, knit this cute little baby hat, I was asked by a friend the order of the color and I so confidently said orange on the bottom and only to come home and see that I was not correct...well, at least according to my candy!

And then, WHO cares? Candy corn is a yummy source of SUGAR! and it is CUTE as ever!!!

Have a sweet candy corn sort of day!!!

Happy Fall!

Summer...Watermellon...Toddler Hat...

2011-09-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have blogged...why? I just don't know. It seems that my blog entries center around a photo (How I love photographing those little passions!) and it has certainly not been for a lack of photos. The Spring and Summer have been filled with events and making of memories. I might just back track and fill you in on some of the happenings! For now, I think Fall is in the air! I feel the spark of "projects" coming upon me! In taking in the Minnesota State Fair, I found a very cute little hat pattern that I could not resist making. While I was knitting, the thought came to me that this would be so sweet for a little one that is going through cancer treatments. So, I would like to ask for you to help me find that sweet little one that I may send this little watermellon hat to. If you know someone personally or if you are a nurse or doctor that would help me get this to some sweet little girl...I would love your help! I believe it would fit most 2 year olds...if you know a little one a little older, just let me know and I will make one just a little bigger.

While summer is coming to an end, enjoy your family, making memories and don't forget the watermellon!

Paper Pin Wheels and a Picket Fence

2011-05-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

How fun it was to learn to make pin wheels from paper! What a sweet little birthday surprise for a friend at the end of the month! Supplies are double sided paper, brads, bbq sticks and a little ribbon and a pot for putting them together! Another picket-fence sort of photo shoot! :)

Flower Show

2011-04-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

My camera has been a bit busy lately! You have to look at my Spring Flower show post...just back a few posts! Wow-has this flower show taken on a different look! The gardeners do a fantastic job of maintaining the flowers. Note the change in color in the hydrangea....they are controlling that by how they treat the soil...per the volunteer at the conservatory! It is amazing!