Thrifting Success

I've been trying to build my work wardrobe back up....last year's spring/summer wardrobe was pretty much donated since I was still losing weight and I found myself with no work clothes.  I'm planning to return to work soon so I decided to try to save a bit of money and try my luck at a couple of Goodwill's.  My first trip was a major score....an American Eagle skirt, a Talbot's linen short blazer, some adorable colored Levi jeans and a pair of Gap capris for $18.50.  Today, I hit a larger Goodwill and was thrilled to find seven pairs of pants (Old Navy, American Eagle, Banana Republic - new with the tags still on, Ann Taylor, Gap) a pair of jeans that fit better than any jeans I've ever worn, and two skirts - one from Ann Taylor that's beautiful!  My bill - $35.00.  I'm hooked!  I hear there's a great one about 45 minutes away....I want to go this weekend!  Who knows what deals are waiting for me!

Are you hooked on the deals like me?

Karen

Facing a New Direction

Since my last post, I've had back surgery - which seemed to go really well.  I was a few days away from returning to work (planning only to be out two weeks) and I got an infection in the wound.  I had to return to the hospital, get additional surgery, get lots of ultra-strong antibiotics and discovered I have a staph infection in my spine.  So, for the next three months, I'll be taking two very strong and difficult to take antibiotics.  I have stitches in my back that the doctor was going to take out on Friday but he decided they need to stay in for a bit longer.  So I had to make the decision, or I should say, my body made the decision that I can't work any longer.  I've used up my sick and Family Leave time at work and they really have no choice but to replace me.  This is such a hard decision for me.  So much of my identity is tied up in my job.  So many relationships that I will miss.  But I have to believe that there is another plan for me.  I know that I've always wanted to paint full time and if I could just get well.....now that's a possibility.  Stay tuned to the new directions my life will take.


XO

Karen

Nests!

I did a little painting this weekend....I don't know what it is about nests!  I just love to paint them.  As long as Jodi at  
Princess Potosa Gallery  keeps selling them...I'll keep painting them.  I'm loving the red one in the middle.  It's a big bamboo charger that we bought several years ago.  I've had it propped on a shelf waiting for a great idea.  I painted it then applied a crackle treatment then a Walnut stain.  I painted the nest in the center of the charger. After all the nest painting...I felt the need to finish up a cute little angel that I started awhile ago.  I've got a couple of other backgrounds started too....all ready for next weekend.


I've got a couple of weeks off coming up....more back surgery scheduled for Monday.  I'll take your prayers, please!


Have a great night,
Karen 

Lewes Beach

So many beautiful days here at the Delaware beaches.  I can't believe that it's early February!  No snow yet this winter!  We took a drive yesterday and I took a lot to pictures with my iPhone using my Scratch Cam app....thanks to Nina from Ornamental for the hook-up!  I also downloaded 100 cameras but haven't quite got it down yet.  Now...how do I get those pictures on my blog????

Have a great Sunday!

Karen

A bit of thrifting on Saturday....

Milton Antiques (milton, DE) has some

great finds if you like the primitive, farmhouse style that makes me swoon!

Picked up this little scale, snapped with my Instragram App then sent it to Scratch Camera and 100 cameras app.  I just love this effect.....I've got more but having a bit trouble finding where they are

saved.  One day, I will understand my MAC but until then.....aw the frustration!

Love the pics though!!

Blessings, Karen

We Did It!!

January 27,2012

Our Civil Union was performed

on January 27, 2012

along with our best friends,

Stephen and Mike.

It was a beautiful day...

well worth waiting

for the State of De

to legalize!

Transforming my life in 2012!

Blessings,

Karen

Transform....my word of the year

taken me almost a month to

decide on a WORD for 2012.

But I've decided on "Transform"

2011 was all aout losing 75 pounds

and setting out to improve myself.

2012 is going to be about

transforming myself into a

healthy person.  I've recently discovered

juicing and I swear, it makes my cells sing!

I'd like to take a yoga class to help

me center myself as well to

control some of the back pain

that's left over from the surgery.

I would also like to transform my

art into something that I can be proud of again,

The collage above is just a start...I

love bringing old items together to

create a beautiful art piece.

I've set new goals at work too....

so transforming my workplace

from a chaotic mess to one of

peace and refuge is another goal of mine.

Stay tuned to updates on my Transformation.

What's your word for 2012?  Have you started

working changes yet?  I'd love to hear about it in

the comments section.

Karen

As

.,

juicy=======jicing and