A gift and a mess

A few weeks ago I won a giveaway from Jacque at The Doodles of my Mind.   If you follow her blog you know that she makes the most beautiful quilts.   And now I have a little quilted piece of my own.

She calls it Sun Kissed and trust me - her work is perfect.  Here is my little sun kissed quilt.

Thank you Jacque.  I love it.   Well that is the gift part of this post.  Now for the mess......

My hooking supplies are a MESS.  Today I got out a piece of  burlap and drew out a little primitive snowman.  I figured I could hook the majority of it from the scrap bag.  I have little bags of wool (cut and un-cut) tucked all over this house.  I wasted so much time looking around for a certain bag with the right colors.    Arrrgh,  I need an extra room in this house.  I got so fed up looking that I gave up. 

But at least the pattern is drawn.  Maybe tomorrow I will have the patience to attempt to organize the wool.    When I win the lottery I will build myself a little studio.  (Yeah, keep dreamin Kim )
But for now it is like a treasure hunt to find stuff. 

Giveaway winner

  Better late than never.   I'm not sure where my head is lately.  For some strange reason I thought I posted the giveaway on a Wednesday so when I looked this morning......ooops. 

Apparently I was supposed to do the draw last night.   Clearly that didn't happen.  And I almost didn't post tonight because we have been having a terrible, wild thunder and lightening storm for the past few hours.   Yes, I said hours.   It seems to have taken a little break so I'll sneak on the computer. 

If you are wondering, Millie the wonder dog has been burrowed under a blanket next to my legs shivering since it started.  Such a brave little girl --- Not!

Oh yeah, I bet you are wondering who won the starfish.  (I'm so easily distracted).  I did the draw "old school" because with the extra entries some of you "earned" it was getting to much for my brain to keep track of numbers.  So it became a game of scraps of paper.  

And the winner is....... Maggie GRANDMA YELLOW HAIR  from Just Between You and Me. 

I am so pleased because Maggie has been a long time follower and she has been having a rough time lately.  I hope that this might brighten her day. 

Thank you to all of you who entered this giveaway and mentioned it on your blogs.  Its always fun to do these so maybe there will be another one before too long.

What's new in the 'hood

I thought I'd fill you in on what's been happening around here in "Crazy-ville".  It is never dull.  

First I will start with the good, fun stuff.   I bought myself a new toy. 

A new iPad2.   Yeahhhhhh!  And to sweeten the deal I sold my original iPad to a friend so it didn't feel so extravagant.

There has been another major purchase in the house.   On Friday last week I took Aunties car into get safety inspected.  I did not have high hopes.  Her car was old and has had some major issues in the past few years but she refused to trade.  Well, as I suspected it didn't pass inspection and needed several thousand dollars of work.  

I could just imagine the drama that was destined to unfold.  You know I love Auntie, but seriously the woman could complicate a glass of water!!   I could picture her trying to pick a car and going back and forth.  I remember the drama when we had to buy a new stove.

Well, I couldn't take it.  I'm a "git er done" kind of girl.   Soooo, before I went home and told her the bad news, I went out on the dealership lot, found a good safe used car, made the deal with the salesman and had it delivered to our driveway.  

They were leaving it with her to try for a couple of days and then she could sign the papers.  Well.......she was hopping mad for a few hours.  Then she took it for a drive.  It is a little smaller so it is more comfortable for her and its so cute.  (And I did make a really good deal)  Now she is happy and the papers are being signed tomorrow.  

But it seemed like everytime I went out I noticed her car trunk was up.  Noooo, she says, I didn't pop the trunk.  Well, I say.......it didn't pop itself.  So then it happened again and I said "WHAT are you doing??  Stop pushing the trunk button on the remote"

Are you ready for this.......................

She says, "I'm not pushing the trunk button.....I'm pushing the CAR button"

  
O.M.G...........  Seriously people, does this explain why I am sometimes dancing on the edge???

LOL  I think she has it under control now.  She will never push that button again.   She was hopping mad because of course I couldn't stop laughing at her. 

One last car related news of the week.   Yesterday morning I woke early and as I passed the bathroom window at 5:45am I looked out and my house was surrounded by 3 police cars.

google image

I'm not sure which of my neighbors was in trouble but they didn't need to all park in front of MY house in the process of a raid. (or whatever it was)    At least it was too early for a lot of traffic.  I wouldn't want everyone thinking the 3 police cruisers were here. 

Anyways, thats enough neighborhood news for tonight.   Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway in my last post if you haven't already.

Blogiversary Giveaway

Today is my Blogiversary.  I can hardly believe it has been 2 years ago today since I hesitantly published that very first post.

I remember how excited I was when I received my first comment.  It was from Julie at the blog Hookworm who also became my first follower.  And 2 years later, she is still with me.  What a brave soul!  Lol  Thanks Julie!

So since then it has been 412 posts, 108 followers, and over 3700 comments.  (I think the comments are my favorite part.  You all make me laugh)   Who would have thought??   And last but certainly not least, the number of friendships that have been forged through this medium.  Very cool!

So to celebrate all this I thought we should have a GIVEAWAY

Here are the simple rules

1.  Leave me a comment on this post for 1 entry
2.  Mention this giveaway on your blog and get a 2nd entry.
3.  Post on your sidebar for a third entry.
4.  Tell me in your comment what you have done so I make sure not to cheat you an extra entry.

This is open to followers only - but new followers are welcome and will be included.  Due to shipping costs this is only open to residents of Canada or the United States.

BONUS -  If a current follower refers me a new follower they will get a BONUS entry.  So if you are a new follower, please tell me how you found me.

Hmmmm, bet you are wondering what you will win.    Well.......its not finished yet  BUT I can show you what it look like.   Remember the new project materials I bought the other day?  Well I am making one of you another Starfish mat like this one I finished last year.

So I'm hoping you all like Starfish and I get lots and lots of entries.  That is half the fun of a giveaway.  I'll make the drawing a week from tonight.

And one more thing.........

You've Got Mail

 Mail, at last.  It has been awhile since we have been able to say that in Canada.  The Postal Strike has ended and regular mail delivery resumed today. 

I came home for lunch and saw a stack of mail.  Sadly a lot of it consisted of bills.  (Go figure eh!)  That was one of the upsides of the strike.  No bills. 

We are lucky that it didn't drag on too much longer as it was really harming many smaller businesses.

Anyway, as I casually tossed aside the bills I uncovered a little gem.  A belated birthday card from sweet Lauren.   Check out the postmark.......

 It was stuck in the mail since May 27.    LOL   However, it was a fun little surprise.  Isn't it great when you get an unexpected surprise??   Thanks Lauren!

The next treat in the pile was special too....

 Awhile ago I won a giveaway from Teri over at White Sheep Farm.  There was a pretty card, a pile of 4 different wools and this

A Gift Certificate for $25 worth of wool from Wool-n-wares. 



Thanks Teri, I can't wait to spend my winnings. 

I loved all your comments on my last post.  I guess for now - rambling and unfocused it is!  You guys are the best.

Back on and locked down

I couldn't wait any longer.  I had to break down and call tech support for the internet service. 

I had to build up my courage because my last experience was less than amusing.  They guy on the other end of the phone wouldn't listen to me, talked to me like I was 4 yrs old and tried to sell me new stuff. In his opinion it was my wireless router which was not their equipment and I needed to buy his brand.  Despite the fact that I was having NO trouble with the wireless. In the end I got so fed up I hung up and frigged around with the settings myself until it worked.

So at lunch time I dialed the phone and was shocked at what happened.  I had a lady who was polite and helpful.  She said she would send someone to check the line first and when I suggested I thought it was the modem, so said she would send a new modem with the repair guy.  She said he would be at the house around 3:30pm.  I thanked her, but secretly laughed thinking I'll be lucky if he is here by 6pm because we all know repair guys are rarely on time.

Well...............he arrived at 3:30pm.  Can you believe it!!!  Apparently there was an issue with the outside line as well as the old modem. He was so great and helpful.  While he was replacing the old modem he saw the old wireless router.  He told me that the new modems were not only more powerful, they also were capable of doing double duty as a wireless router and I could get rid of the old one.  

I told him the story (which I have told almost nobody til now) that when I installed my own wireless in the house I initially had it as a secured network.  I had some issues connecting to my work laptop so I took off the security for a few days.  When I went to put the security back on ---- I couldn't remember the password and couldn't re-set it.  DUH!  So my wireless has been wide open for a couple of years.  I hated that because I didn't want the neighbors I don't like stealing my signal.  Lol

He laughed at me, but politely, and hooked it up and re-set the security.  So sorry neighbors - get your own internet.

Everything is working perfectly now.  Thank you Jamie! 

I had to add this cartoon because it made me laugh.  When you are on hold for awhile, do you talk and complain to yourself ??   Don't lie - we all grumble and gripe when we are on hold

1. While you are here you should visit Tricia's blog for a fun new Giveaway.  Visit Hillcrest Home Prims to check it out. 

Todays Happy List

Yes, today is a happy day.  And none too soon, as yesterday I found myself having a little pity party.  BUT I am over it. 

My list for today:

#1 - I woke to bright sunshine and warm breezes.  Not a cloud in the sky actually.  And no humidity so my hair no longer looks like a crazed poodle.  The past 2 days I looked like some crazy science experiment gone wrong.  Like - stick your finger in this socket and see what happens!  lol

#2 - As I was reading the blogs over my morning coffee I discovered I won the giveaway from Teri at White Sheep Farm blog.  Yippee and the prize is WOOL.  My favorite thing!  She had such a generous giveaway with 3 winners.  (Shhhh, Lauren won too)

#3 - The air conditioner at work was fixed today.  It was getting a tad bit uncomfortable the past few days but we are nice and cool again now.

#4 - The AWOL handyman appeared out of the blue this morning.  He arrived to mow the lawn.  Boy, did he get a surprise when he discovered I had hired someone else to do it last week.  It was a field.  You could have almost lost Millie in the weeds.  Apparently he had hurt his neck and was sick for over 3 weeks.  (Not sure why he couldn't use the phone - but whatever)  He left with a new list of chores  (hahaha)

#5 - Auntie called me around 10am to say the Roofers had arrived.  YIPPEE........  I was home at noon and they are moving right along and I am so impressed with them.  They are even cleaning up as they go.  One side is already stripped and 3/4 replaced at 1pm.   The one downside to this is that Mom and the dog are both having nervous breakdowns over the banging and the confusion. 

#6 - Today is a HomeCare day so it is the VON nurse that will have to deal with them.  (Again Hahahaha)

So, what is on your happy list today?

Mail's Here

The Mailman brought me a special treat today.  I have been waiting and waiting for this special package.  Even the envelope was pretty

A while back I won a giveaway over at Maggie's blog Just Between Me and You.  Maggie and I have been buddies for awhile and if you have never visited her site - you should.  She is delightfully sweet, charming and she has a wicked sense of humor. 

Anyway, she has been emailing me, quite concerned I had not received my package yet.  Sometimes my mail from the US arrives in 5-6 days and sometimes it's 2 weeks or more. This time it was the latter.  But today was the day. 

Inside is a handmade journal she made me.  The cover is beautiful lavendar handmade paper. 

It even has a little pocket sewn on the front full of sparkly bling.  And you know how much I love bling!

This is the only printed page.  The rest are all different multi-colored and textured.  I'm scared to write anything in it - its too pretty - I don't want to ruin it. 

Even the little note card she included was pretty

I love getting presents in the mail.  So thank you dear Maggie for the lovely gift and for your friendship.

Winner, Winner.......

......Chicken Dinner !  I don't know why I find that phrase so amusing but I do.  Lol

I'm on a bit of a roll today.   First, I was checking some emails over my morning infusion of coffee and I had an email from Tara - I won her giveaway  (applause, applause).  I just loved her email it me.   It read:

"Kim,  Well, you won the CSN giveaway this is better than a stinkin doughnut!  You can tell your coworkers to put that in their pipes and smoke it!"    Isn't that a hoot?

 Tara has a lovely blog called Just Devine Style .  Go check her out.  She was celebrating her 200th follower and offered a CSN gift card.   Now all I have to do is decide what to buy - something practical or totally frivolous ??  Hmmm, tough decision.

Then, I arrive home for lunch and I had mail.   Good mail - not bills.  It was the gorgeous slub yarn I ordered from Jen over at Fish Eye Rugs.  You should visit her site too.  She designs these lovely hooked bags/purses, among other things.  I was lucky enough to meet her a couple of years ago and took a class from her.

So very pretty and it arrived so quickly.  Thanks Jen - the cheque's in the mail !  LOL  Well it will be tomorrow!  :) 

And the icing on the cake........I actually won a free coffee today on my Tim's Roll-Up.  Not a donut but beggers can't be choosers.  Maybe the roll-up curse is ending??  Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket tonight?? 

Lastly, I hope that a little of this luck rubs off on a certain little girl's basketball team tonight.  My friends daughter is playing a game tonight.  She has been asking me to come to one of her games since before Christmas.  Finally tonight is the night.  It should be cute - all the little ones running around.  I hope I get to see her score a basket.  She is special. 

And the Winner is.....

I used the Random Generator to pick the winner of the $40 CSN Gift Code.

The Magic number was 14

The winner is

Lea from  mylettersto emily

So Lea, contact me with your email address and I will send you code and CONGRATULATIONS!

And Thanks to the people at CSN stores for

sponsoring this giveaway.

Desperate - Part 2

When the going gets tough, the tough get.......  (you will have to wait a little further down the post to find out) 

So here is the Desperate Update - I still have the darn leak.  Mr. Friggin Disappearing Handyman is wherever - Whatever!! Who needs him - I have a new package of diapers!  

Today I kind of "cracked".  When I woke up it was snowing.  Not alot but at this point any tiny flake that falls from the sky now is enough to send me over the edge.  Then as I walked towards the leaking pantry, the first thing I saw was a giant wet spot on the carpet.  Arrrrgh, I panicked that the leaky window had now spread to the ceiling but then I saw my tupperware tower had collapsed in the night and spilled on the floor.   A mess but so much better than the roof falling in!

I guess between the weather, work, the leaky window (now on the 5th day) I have had enough and by lunch time I was on the verge of tears.  No special reason - just at the edge.

So......when the going gets tough, the tough......call for a Spa Treatment!  I called looking for a massage appointment.  There were none until the end of the week.  I begged - even suggesting she bump someone.  OK I didn't mean to really bump someone but it was worth a try.   It was the owner of the business who answered the phone and she could tell I was stressed so she offered me a 1 hr facial appointment right after work - with a 15% discount.  SOLD

Ooooh it was so perfect and I feel so much better.  When I finished the treatment I got more good news.  She said she had changed her mind - and gave me a 25% discount on the facial.  SWEET!!!

I think I need to do things like this more often.  Fed up, disgusted, down in the dumps......call a Spa!

There is still time to enter my GIVEAWAY!  Click here and maybe you will win and can spoil yourself with a new gift.

Wall art and decor GIVEAWAY with CSN

There is no better way to dig yourself out of the winter blahs than some shopping fun!  When it is so ugly outside, a great pick-me-up is to pretty up the house and what is better than wall art and decor.

CSN Stores and Millie's Mats have partnered for a great GIVEAWAY opportunity.  If you are not familiar with CSN stores they sell just about anything you could ever want - from kitchen wares, furniture, wall art and decor and even the kitchen sink!  They feature so many pretty things it is easy to become a shopaholic!

The winner of this Giveaway will receive a $40 gift code for any of CSN sites.  Yes, I said $ 40.......

Wouldn't shopping be a great way to forget about the weather outside?   

Now, for the rules

All you have to do is click on the link wall art and decor  and leave me a comment on this post telling me what you would buy with your $40 credit.   

AND if you want a second entry, please mention this giveaway on your blog and add a 2nd comment showing me the link.  I am really hoping this giveaway gets tons of entries to thank the great people at CSN stores for their generosity.

I will make the draw on Saturday, February 12, 2011.  I will post the winner and also contact you by email so make sure I know how to reach you.   Please enter and tell all your friends! 

You don't have to be a follower to enter but if you look around and you like it here, I would love to have you stay!

Unfortunately I can only accept entries from Canada or the United States.

Happy shopping everyone.