“These are a few of my favorite things”

 

download notes“These are a few of my favorite things”

 

 

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knittin‘, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittin’s, Bundles of magazines tied up with string, These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac’s, cataracts, hearing aids, glasses, Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, These are a few of my favorite things. When the pipes leak, When the bones creak, When the knees go bad, Then I remember my favorite things. And then I don’t feel so sad.

Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food nor food cook’d with onions, Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring, These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin’, Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’. And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, when the hips break, When the eyes grow dim, Then I remember the great life I’ve had, And then I don’t feel so sad. THEN I REMEMBER THE GREAT LIFE I’VE HAD AND THEN I DON’T FEEL SOOO BAD! Author unknown

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Quilting Reflections from a Novice:

QuiltI have often admired the beautiful quilts that people make and all the intricate patterns and colors they use. When I sewed my first quilt it was many years ago, it was called a rag quilt. It was so easy I never made another one. Lol.

But as time passed, I decided to help my granddaughter make a T-shirt quilt. She is a T-shirt expert and loves each T-shirt she buys and wears. So for her, having her favorite T-shirts near was comforting. We cut, spliced, pieced and sewed blocks all the while trying to keep everything squared. It was difficult because I didn’t know what I was doing and was trying to learn how to quilt from the internet.

Working on this quilting project, I talked to some wonderful quilters in our area who were encouraging and helpful. And seeing some of their beautiful quilts and pictures I started to become a little wobbly in my abilities. I wondered if my quilt would look alright and be acceptable. In my heart I knew it would not win any prizes, all I could see was the flaws. I worried about everything on that quilt. Could I do the binding right, would my hand stitches be even, would anyone even notice?

Do you ever doubt your abilities when you look at others and admire their talents and perfection? Only to find yourself grumbling how your talent doesn’t measure up to their perfection. Instead of thanking God for the privilege that he gave you to serve him in your special way, and enjoying the process.

When my son-in-law came for a visit and helping me to square the quilt preparing it for the binding. He helped me to see a new quilt perspective. Pointing out all the flaws and mistakes I had made, he said,” it adds character, everyone will know it is an original homemade quilt made with love.”

Thank you, Lord, for those words of wisdom to remind me that love can transcend time and eternity because of you. My son-in-law was right, every stitch began with the love for a special granddaughter. And it was fun to see the process unfolded. I wonder if God loves to see the process of our lives unfold too. ©

Lovingly, Karan

How do you deal with doubting your abilities and comparisons to others? Let me know if you do that too.

Thank you, dear friends for sharing your time with me today, Wishing you a wonderful weekend with your friends and family. Hugs to all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beauty Bag Downsize

The Beauty Bag

makeup bagIn my wardrobe, I use 2 different units of 13 pieces each.  Each unit has one dark neutral, a light neutral and a favorite color. I have taught how to build wardrobe for years and have found these units, not only save time shopping, but also save on the budget.

Unit #1 – Black and White color combination, and Red.

Unit #2 – Black and White color combination, and Fuchsia & Pinks

These units can be used all year. When I buy an item I look for these colors only.  No matter what I pull out of my closet, every piece will match in their unit.  Over the years I have added other accent colors, to make a new unit, but I have always stayed with the same two neutrals, black and white. 

Building these units makes it so easy to splurge on accessories which I love. It also save big on makeup.

I will show you what is in my cosmetic bag:

Unit #1.

  • 1 – Red Lipstick
  • 1 – Red Blush
  • 1 – Charcoal eyeliner pencil, and Charcoal eye shadow

 

Unit #2

  • 1 – Fuchsia Lipstick
  • 1 – Fuchsia Blush
  • 1 – Brown eyeliner pencil, and Brown eye shadow

These will cover all my wardrobe needs, so I am seldom tempted to look at other colors.

Many people ask about my favorite tips from 40 years in the cosmetic field with makeup artistry, photography makeup, modeling, theatrical and personal makeups.  Here are a few that I love and are not to expensive.

  1. M·A·C STUDIO FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION, this formula provides a long-lasting, water-resistant finish and light weight.
  2. Lancôme Effacernes, Long-wear, waterproof formula won’t crease or fade. I have cried through many weddings, graduations and funerals. This product is a keeper in my books!
  3. Eucerin Q10 anti-wrinkle sensitive skin cream, a dear friend turned me on to this cream. It inexpensive, and works like a charm. I use it both morning and night after cleaning my face.
  4. Olay Regenerist, Serum, this goes on after my cream and works well under your makeup.
  5. Lara Geller Spackle this is a beautiful primer, I call it my crack filler. LOL
  6. O. Bigelow Cinnamint supreme 2X lip moisturizer, non-greasy and does a light plumping.
  7. Maybelline Super stay 24 hour color lipstick, at my age this is feather proof which I notice I need more and more! Lol
  8. Coconut Oil, I use it on face at night under the Eucerin cream, on my fingernails and hands, and hair. This has helped the dryness.

 

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What are some of your favorite tips, let me know. I always am interested to see what others are doing. Let me know if this was helpful to you. Also if you have any questions regarding this blog let new know and I will try to answer you.  tons of love and Hugs

Lovingly Karan

Budget Saving Tips for the Fashionable

 

Budget Saving Tips for the Fashionable

       

 scarfe stylesI love accessories and I can spend much of my time in those departments.  I love how a simple scarf, pin, jewelry or shoes can change the whole look of an outfit with so little cost. Helping you can get great mileage out of your basic wardrobe.

Today I thought I would show you some tricks with scarves. There are so many beautiful colors, combinations and sizes which will add pizzazz to any outfit.  Also giving you many great alternatives for your wardrobe.

Be creative, try using scarves in different ways, be imaginable you may start a fad!

 

Use them for:

  • Blouses under your jackets
  • Belts for both casual and evening events
  • And even used them as jewelry, with pins, pearls and necklaces intertwined.
  • Hair and head designs
  • Don’t overlook large scarves, they make wonderfully elegant shawls for evening
  • Also remember the men in your life, masculine scarves in wool’s, plaids and plain colors look great but also add warmth on chilly days. 

 

I have added a PDF for you,  of different scarves and styles to try:  scarves 

Next week I will continue with other Budget wise tips to save money. If you enjoyed this blog and found it helpful let me know.

Thank you Julie for sharing this scarf video, of Wendy’s Lookbook from youtube.com  Hugs

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“Fashion is about something that comes from within YOU.”
Ralph Lauren

No matter what your style or fashion, It is such a wonderful comfort that when God see’s us He thinks we are perfect. Like the flowers of the fields He has personally clothed us with His design and purpose. In Matthew 6:28-29The Message (MSG) it  says,

 Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference?

Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

Thank you for spending your time with me, I love this time together. Also thank you for your prayers, I am doing better and feeling much stronger with more energy. I am honored by your friendship and compassion, Hugs

 Lovingly, Karan

Is It Time?

Is my time up?

A midemergencydle-aged woman was having a heart attack and taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked, “is my time up?” God said, “No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.”

After her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She even had her hairdresser come in and change her hair color. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it. 

After her last procedure, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street in front of the hospital, she was ran over by an ambulance and killed.

Arriving in heaven front of God, she demanded, “I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn’t you rescue me from the path of the ambulance?” (You’re going to love this!!!)  God replied, “I didn’t recognize you.”  Author unknown

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Thongs

I still call my sandals thongs which really confuses my granddaughters, Lol  

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Occasionally I even toyed with the idea of a major overhaul, from top to bottom.  You know the kind, where they pull everything up, starting at the knees.  (Somehow the image of my navel in the middle of my forehead, has kept me taking the final step)

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I think God has a sense of humor too; after all, He made us.  Have you ever stood naked in front of a mirror and quoted Psalm 139: 14a I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Personally, I have not been able to get past the fearful!

Our confidence comes from knowing that God made us in his image, he knew what we would look like before we were ever born and loved us anyway.   

The Bible says: Psalm 139: 13-16a (NLT)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.

What wonderful security of knowing that I God knew all about me before I was even born, and loved me from the very start. I love that about God!

*** Thank you dear friends for sharing your time with me, I count it a privilege to connect with each one of you.  Thank you for your prayers and notes.  Much Love and Hugs.

Lovingly, Karan         

 

Do You Have Your Bloom On?

Do You Have Your Bloom On?

two-ladies

Two mature ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said, “Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00 I’d take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!”   

“You’re on!” said the other old lady, holding up a $5.00 bill. 

As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show. 

Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd. 

                                    “What happened?” asked her waiting friend. 
                               “Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement.” 

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Reflecting:

I love beautiful flower beds, and have long admired people who have a creative eye for designing them.  I use to read garden books and how-to books trying to learn the proper care of plants and how to grow them.

My mother could make anything grow, however the growing and gardening gene missed me somehow.  I either loved my flowering plants too much with water, fertilizer and conversation, or dried them out with not enough. I have a hard time keeping anything alive but a cactus!  

Because of my lack of talent in the floral department, when we built our home I chose evergreen plants that wouldn’t lose their leaves. They looked wonderful but not much color or contrast.  So one spring I went to Michael’s, a craft and hobby superstore to buy some beautiful tall silk flowers in pinks and reds.  My conditions were large flowers with extra-long stems and they needed to look real. I was so excited about this bright idea, I couldn’t wait to get home.  After arranging them in the evergreen bushes and flowerpots, I felt satisfied with my little touch of creativity.

When people drove by they would comment on my beautiful flowers, I was glad they noticed but hoped they wouldn’t get too close and learn my secret to success!

As summer turned to fall, my flowers were still in full bloom, however one evening we had an early winter storm blow in with heavy sleet, snow and wind.  It lasted for two days, it was so cold I forgot about my flowers outside.  After the storm was over and the snow melted, my flowers were still standing and blooming, my secret was out!

I have learned there are over 230,000 to 270,000 species of flowering plants according to David Bramwell, and each one beautiful and special in its own way. I think God looks at each one of us like a beautiful flower too, made perfect, beautiful and special. He loves and accepts us just the way we are, no conditions!

Luke 12: 25-28, the Message- says;

Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all?

Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it?…

If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?  

Do you know how special you are to Him?

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for stopping by and sharing you time with me. Have a great weekend dear friends.   Much Love and Hugs