Karen

Fabric Art For My Sewing Room/Office:Pinterest In Practice

156289049538176760_cIzRRH3T_c — Pinned from Hawthorne Threads Blog, but I couldn’t find the original post. Their url is http://www.hawthornethreadsblog.com/

While Fabgrandpa was painting the office for me today, I decided to work on a project that I saw on Pinterest. I saw it on the Hawthorne Threads Blog last year ,but when I tried to find the original post today it was gone. Good thing I pinned it! The idea is simple enough: you get some stretched canvas like a painter would use, and staple some pretty fabric on it. I loved the idea of it right away, because you know how I LOVE fabric.

Last week when we went to Rome for my gastro appointment, I saw a Michaels and asked Fabgrandpa to take me there after my appointment. We stopped there, and I got what I thought was a 2 pack of canvases. It turned out to be a grade 2, but with the packages that I bought, I wound up with 2 16″ X 20″ and 2 8″ X 10″ canvases, so it worked out to be enough.

Picking the fabrics to use was hard, because every piece I picked up, I thought of some other project I could use it for, but finally decided on four pieces to use.

For a 16″ X 20″ canvas, you need a 20″ X 24″ piece of fabric, and for an 8″ X 10″ one you’ll need a 12″ X 14″ piece of fabric. Iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles before you start.

Cut the fabric all around 2 inches larger than your canvas

Put the fabric face down on your work surface, then lay your canvas face down on the fabric. Fold the edges of the fabric over to the back of the canvas.

Fold the fabric to the back of the canvas

Us a staple gun to staple it in place.

Use a staple gun to staple the fabric to the canvas

Do the two longest sides first. When you do the two short sides, fold the fabric into a mitered corner.

Fold the fabric on the short edges into a mitered corner

Put one staple into the top edge of the canvas. Fold the fabric down onto the back of the canvas and staple some more.

Repeat on the other side, and you’re done. Be careful that you don’t staple your fingers. That staple gun if powerful! Also, I didn’t realize until I was finished that I got a blister on the inside of my thumb.

The finished product looks great hanging on the wall. I’ll show you the finished room tomorrow.

My Pinterest in Practice project looks pretty good.

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Al Fresco Gluten Free Sausage

Karen · 2 Comments

I received a package of samples from al fresco all natural gluten free chicken sausage. I have tried other chicken sausages in the past, but they lacked the flavor that I expect from sausages. These chicken sausages that I sampled were very good. They have a different texture from pork sausages, but they did taste good.

·           Al fresco’s chicken sausages contain 70% less fat than traditional pork sausage, a healthy alternative to brats or hot dogs

·             All al fresco products are all natural, and contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

·             al fresco makes chicken sausages in both pre-cooked and Dinner Fresh, as well as chicken burgers, chicken meatballs and breakfast chicken sausages in a variety of flavors.

I used the Smoked Chicken Andouille sausage to make a simplified version of Gumbo. I love gumbo, but to make it right it takes hours, and involves making a roux. Making roux with gluten free flour is tricky and takes a little more time than making it with wheat flour. So, I wanted something with the flavor of gumbo without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Gumbo Soup

3 stalks celery chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

1 tsp basil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp parsley flakes

1/2 tsp cayene pepper

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp marjarom

1 16 oz can diced tomatoes

1 can water

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 12 oz pkg al fresco Smoked Andouille Sausage, sliced

1 cup rice, uncooked

Heat olive oil in a dutch oven. Add chopped vegetables and sautee until onions are translucent. Add the seasonings, the can of water, and 1 of the sausages, cut up into slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add the cup of rice and 2 cups water, cover and simmer for 20 minutes more. Stir in shrimp and the rest of the sausage, cover, turn heat off, and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

DSCN4904

Since the Smoked Andouille Sausage is fully cooked, it can be served up plain too, and is very flavorful all by itself. Al fresco comes in several flavors, and in fully cooked and fresh uncooked versions as well.

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$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Karen · 397 Comments

visa-gift-card-giveaway I have been reading several bloggers ongoing review of their cosmetic surgery. One did a tummy tuck and a breast augmentation; one had rhinoplasty, better known as a nose job; and one had a procedure to reduce the size of her belly but not actually a tummy tuck. I appreciate their desire to improve their appearance, but since I had such a difficult time with my last surgery, I’m not so sure I could do anything that was purely cosmetic. What about you? What would you change about your appearance if you could? Would you submit to plastic or cosmetic surgery? Why or why not?

Dr. Patti Flint, M.D. is sponsoring this giveaway for a $50 Visa Gift Card. Here is a quote from her website:

“I feel it is important that patients be allowed to ask all of their questions and have them answered in a comfortable environment, without sales pressure. I welcome questions about my training and qualifications as well as my surgical experience. Seeking out a Scottsdale plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the best way to ensure a qualified surgeon is going to perform your surgery.”

A female Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Scottsdale AZ, Patti Flint, MD specializes in all aspects of plastic surgery including breast augmentation, facelift surgery, and tummy tucks, and offers a comprehensive skin care program using facial fillers, and Juvederm treatments.

To enter the giveaway, please make a comment on this post, take a look at Dr. Flint’s website, and use the Giveaway Tools Form below:

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Harvard Sweet Gluten Free Goodies Review

Karen · Leave a Comment

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Harvard Sweet Boutique, Inc. sent me some so very delicious samples of their gluten free goodies back in December. The package they sent me was a special one, made just for me, so it is not a combination that they normally sell on their website. They did this so that I could have variety of flavors to try. And OH, MY! I don’t think I have ever had such a good tasting ready made gluten free brownie since I started eating gluten free back in 2007.

When I took the samples out of the shipping box, it was so beautifully wrapped up for Christmas giving that I really didn’t want to open it up. They do a great job of presentation, don’t you think? But then, I did open the box, and the contents were equally as beautiful as the package:

Raspberry Brownie and Peanut Butter Brownie

I reeived a Raspberry Brownie, a Peanut Butter Brownie, a Mint Brownie, and a Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookie. All of them were really good. I mean, REALLY GOOD. Fabgrandpa ate some of them, and he said he wouldn’t know they were gluten free at all if I hadn’t told him they were.

From the Hardard Sweet website:

Gifts from Harvard Sweet Boutique reflect a sense of quality and care that makes giving one of our boxes of sweets feel thoughtful and personal — for both the giver and the receiver. Cookies, brownies and toffee are made by hand with the highest quality ingredients,and then lovingly tucked into fanciful boxes, adorned with designer ribbon and carefully — but swiftly — shipped to the lucky recipient. Gifts like this practically guarantee an “ooh” and an “aah” upon being opened.

I agree with that statement completely! I was wowed by the presentation of the samples I received.

Don’t worry about the Christmas packaging shown, though. They have lots of different package designs, making them perfect gifts for Valentines Day, Birthdays, Mother’s Day, or any other special day for which you’d send a gift.

The Gluten Free Raspberry Brownie: 6 brownies $25

Gluten Free Vanilla Sea Salt Brownies: 6 Brownies $25

I think this is my personal favorite! Gluten Free Brownie and Cookie Gift: An assortment of six brownies and 8 cookies, and you get to pick which flavors to include! $45.

While these are all made with gluten free ingredients, and I personally had no problems with gluten contamination, it is important to note that they are baked in the same facility that also produces non-gluten free cookies and brownies.

If you have a gluten free person on your gift list for any occasion, you should really take a look at this website. They have lots of non-gluten free choices as well.

P.S. Danielle from Harvard Sweets sent me this in an email after she read my review as a reassurance that they follow guidelines to make sure their gluten free treats are free of contamination:

For reassurance on the gluten-free treats, Harvard Sweet Boutique takes multiple measures to prevent cross-contamination with the wheat in the regular treats to the gluten-free treats. This includes using separate mixers, separate ovens, and waiting a period of no less than 24 hours from when wheat-based treats are made to prep and bake for the gluten-free treats. This helps make sure there are is no wheat-based flour etc. in the air, as well as in the prepping/baking area.

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A Chance To Win A $50 Wal-Mart Gift Card From Albert Bartlett

Karen · Leave a Comment

albert bart;ett

Have you tried the Rooster Potatoes from Albert Bartlett? They are sold exclusively at Wal-Marts in Georgia and Colorado. Once they are gone, they’re gone until next year’s harvest. You can enter to win a $50 Wal-Mart Gift Card from Albert Bartlett! It’s Pinterest Contest, where you Pin To Win!

To enter, log on to AlbertBartlett.com, and fill out the information requested. That is step one. Step two, follow Albert Bartlett on Pinterest. Step 3, create a new “Cozy Comfort” pin board. Step 4, pin at least one of the recipes you find on their website to your “Cozy Comfort” pin board. Step 5, post any other inspiration you find that you define as cozy or comforting. Tag your pins with @Albert Bartlett and #CozyComfort.

This giveaway ends on January 15, 2013. See terms and conditions here.

1 Grand Prize will be awarded, with a total approximate retail value of up to $5000.00. The Grand Prize winner will receive an in-‐home celebrity chef experience, which will be comprised of a chef-‐prepared meal for up to 10 people (including the winner) prepared in the winner’s home. In the event that Albert Bartlett determines, in its sole discretion, that the winner’s kitchen is inadequate, the meal will be prepared at an off-‐site location (which location will be determined by Albert Bartlett in its sole discretion). The winner must schedule the event with Albert Bartlett within the 90-‐day period following the selection of the winner by Albert Bartlett, or the winner will forfeit the grand prize. Up to20 weekly winners will receive a $50 Walmart gift card ($1000.00 total value).

I received compensation from the sponsor to post this information.

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A New Year, A New Plan

Karen · 3 Comments

The plan for this new year is to get some organization going on in the house. While I really love having the house, the one thing I dislike about it is that there are only two closets in the whole house. There is not really much storage room at all. Yes, ALL of this stuff was in our trailer, which by the way has plenty of storage. I need to be able to go through all of the boxes, bags, and containers to sort out what needs to be kept, what needs to be sold or donated, and what just needs to be thrown away. I haven’t even started on doing this, because I need some sort of storage options for them. I would love to have some more drawers and shelves, sort of like these from Sterilite, and these from Closet Maid.

Once I get things sorted out and put away, I want to get the walls painted. I already have the paint, just need to get things out of the way so Fabgrandpa can do the work for me.

As you can see, we just brought stuff in out of the trailer, and stacked it in the closet. There are things in there that need to be hung on walls, or put on display in the living room. We have paintings, photos, other artwork. Pottery, knick knacks, etc., that I have been saving since we sold our last house in 2000. Some days I really don’t know where to start. And, really, do you think I am able to think amidst all this chaos?? I am sitting in the living room in my recliner right now because I just can’t concentrate in there.

DSCN4843 — My desk. Who can work like this?

So, my plan right now is to get this one room organized first. Getting that done will be a positive step, one that will take some of the stress out of my life right now. I just can’t stand having such a junked up room.

Tomorrow, I’ll show you another room that needs remodeling and organizing. One step at a time, I keep telling myself.

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New Blogs And Websites You Should See

Karen · 1 Comment

Every once in a while, I tell you about some new bloggers I have come across. This time, they are all people I know personally!

Geogypsie...In The Meantime — Geogypsy…In The Meantime

The first one is a good friend, who is an interpretive ranger at the Grand Canyon. She has been writing at Geogypsy for quite some time, but just started a new blog, called Geogypsy…In The Meantime. She wants her first blog to be more travel related, and the new one will be more personal stuff. Take a look, and let her know I sent you.

Next, my oldest daughter, Becca, who moved from Denver to Calgary a little over a year ago. She has started a beautiful blog called Southerners In The Great White North to write about moving to Canada, her travels, and her yummy cooking and gorgeous crafty things she makes. (let’s just say the apple didn’t fall very far from the tree). She has also just opened an Etsy shop, Sweet Tea Alchemy, where she has some pretty pretties listed already!

My son, Seth, has a website that is dedicated to geek stuff, programming, and related things. It is called Seth’s Programming Website. He is most proud of his recent project tutorial on how to make a Raspberry Pi Keyboad Case. Check it out if you’re into the geeky stuff.

Do you have any new blogs you want to tell me about? I’m always looking for new places to read.

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Do You Google Your Symptoms?

Karen · 6 Comments

At my daughter’s baby shower, we played a game, where each woman present had to write down a piece of advice for the new mother. On my card I wrote, “Don’t google the symptoms when the baby is sick. Call your mother and she will do it for you.” That got a good laugh, but really, how many of us do this? I know I do.

Ever since I got my records from the hospital after my surgery, I have been googling the medical terms that I don’t understand, and by doing so, I have a learned a lot about what happened to me. I had no idea how close to death’s door I really was until I read medical articles about Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and Intraabdominal Hypertension and Sepsis

While it is sometimes frightening to read about all these things, it brings me a sense of relief somehow to know what happened to me, and that I lived through it. It could have gone the other way, and I wouldn’t be here today.

One of the most interesting things to me, is that when I started my google search a couple of months ago, I really didn’t know what to search for. I just took one of the terms I found in my discharge summary from the hospital, and went from there. You find one thing, and then another, and then another. You can spend many hours, days, weeks, reading all the information that you can find when you get started in the right direction.

Some would say that this is an obsession, and it may well be, but I just have a need to know if the way I feel NOW, months after my surgery, if normal. No one wants to be abnormal, do they? So, I find myself doing a lot of time searching the internet and reading article after article pertaining to persistent pain, abdominal complications, endometriosis, and on and on and on. For instance, I had no idea that scar tissue from edometriosis could come back after a complete hysterectomy.

Today I found an article called Chronic Post Surgical Pain. The gist of the article is that it is common for people to have debilitating chronic post surgical pain, and that doctors should be telling their patients that it could be a side effect of the surgery before they go under the knife. While I would have still had the surgery that I had, I would at least have had the knowledge that I could be in pain for the rest of my life as a result of it. Instead, it has taken me almost seven months of searching to find out on my own that the pain I am experiencing could very well last for the rest of my life.

It just makes me mad that not one of the doctors I have seen has told me this. That I had to find it out for myself, by getting just the right combination of search words to type in to search for information. Is there anyone you know, or are you yourself, experiencing pain in the abdominal wall after extensive surgery? Did the doctor mention anything at all about the possibility of chronic pain as a result of the surgery?

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