Too Busy Too Busy ...

I know, it's not a good excuse. I've been really very busy of late, personally at home as well as with my shops. There are new shops to fill and one sad little lonely shop to empty out.


But there comes a time when it's all work and no play and man, am I tired. Wait ... I don't think that's how the saying goes. What in the world will my life be like in another month when I am knee deep in ThanksChrisGivingMas? Okay. I'm going to sit quietly for a few moments now until that thought passes.


So I'll keep this post brief ...I woke up today to see that one of my Collections over on ArtFire was on the Front Page! yay!!  It was literally one I threw together very quickly, finding things that suited The Man.


And now, of course, he is taking full credit for that Front Page appearance. He's a sexy sweet Muse ... but he can be a pretty shameless Muse at times, too.


Here is the collection and here is where you can click to see all my collections over there. Now please, go and peak at a couple and leave a comment telling me that my curating skills are improving. Boy, when I get tire, I get needy :|


But I must tell you ~ collection making is fun anyway and a LOT easier than it was on Etsy. ArtFire really has a lot of great stuff goin' on! Enjoy!


xo karen

The Many Sides of My Guy

  Curated By: PetitPoulailler

ArtFire.com

Shop Le Petit Poulailler on ArtFire

J Mac, Basketball, and Inspiration ♥

A few mornings ago, while I was tooling around in YouTube, enjoying faaaaaar too much time looking for a nice video for a Tuesday Music-Day blog post (one of my very most favoritest things to do)  ~ I came upon this video.


My husband is a writer, but he also is a coach and mentor for adults with Down Syndrome, Asperger, and Autism.  And so, because of that, I'm always looking for games or information or anything, really, he can use in his work (he calls it 'play').


And this video? ... no, I don't think he can use it with 'the kids'. This is for him. He'll see it this evening when he reads my blog. (I love you, J♥)


It was 2008 when I first saw this and back then, I think I must have watched it a dozen times, each time finding myself in a puddle of tears by the video's end. I didn't see the original broadcast on ESPN back in 2007 and am so happy their segment has found its way to YouTube.


It's not a sad story at all, but one of youth, hope, victory and, most of all, a story of love. And, whether you have seen this before or if this is your first time viewing, have your box of Kleenex ready.

The Honeymoon Is Over

Today is our 2nd anniversary. I feel like such a kid saying that. 


There are no words to describe how much I adore my husband. I love him very,  very much. 


And, luckily for us both, we enjoy the same sense of humor.


Before hitting the Play button, please be forewarned that those with delicate sensitivities may be offended. Adult sense of humor is required. 


And please! Do send the kiddoes out of the earshot!


Enjoy the video!


xo Karen

The Perfect Summertime Birthday Pie

The Man's birthday is next week.

It's not a particularly landmark birthday and he's really quite easy to take care of: change of clean clothes and bedding once in a while, throw him a steak every now and then, some cuddling and Golden Girls on the tube at bedtime and he's one happy camper.

Yes, Golden Girls. Don't mess with the man's bedtime Golden Girls, okay?

And, for his birthday, he makes it just as easy for me. He clearly states that no gifts are necessary (he's very sincere on this point but he'll get one anyway) and, as long as he gets this for his birthday cake pie, the Birthday Boy will be happy.

I found this recipe at RealSimple.com last year, took a chance and surprised him with it on the Big Day, and it was as if I had prepared the very most sumptuous of 7 course meals for him.

And, as this is just about the easiest pie in the world to make, I was happy, too.  And it is all he has asked for this year. How could I ever deny him (batting lashes).

Honest ... try it. It is absolutely delish! If you don't have a birthday to celebrate, prepare it in the Man's honor!

Love, 

xo Karen

Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie

Serves 8

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hr 25 minutes

Ingredients

·   8 ozs chopped semisweet chocolate, melted

·   4 cups crisped rice cereal (Rice Krispies)

·   2 pints mint chocolate-chip ice cream, slightly softened

    Directions

1.   In a large bowl, combine the chocolate & cereal until the cereal is completely coated. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1" up the sides of the pan. Freeze just until firm ~ 5 to 10 minutes.

2.   Spread the ice cream in the prepared crust and freeze, covered, until firm, for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.

From Real Simple Recipes ~ http://bit.ly/aqSFhF