Chatbug Karen

I am shocked at the way our temperature dropped this weekend. One day we are having 95 degree temperatures and today it is 70 degrees and even cooler in the shade. Brrr. I am not ready for fall weather.

I spent Friday sewing a new purse. It is a medium sized purse that was begging to be made. It is big enough to hold a wallet, eyeglass case, and certified diamonds, just kidding! It does hold a lot of stuff. I bought the material a long time ago and had planned on making a boutique bag. I am glad I changed my mind. I really like the way this purse came out.

My sister made the same purse in blacks and yellows.

Isn’t that pretty?

You can find my purses at my etsy shop kreatedbykaren.etsy.com or click on the etsy widget over there in my sidebar.

I have an announcement! No, it is not about my outdoor lighting and its constant aggravation. I simply want to let you know about a giveaway on my sister’s blog, The Sewing Mom.

She has the most adorable Organic Sleepy Bear pictured on her blog. This cute mama bear is carrying her little baby bear in an all organic Sleepy Wrap, snuggled up so close for safety and security! Both bears are so super soft, made from 100% organic cotton and there are no parts to pop of that could pose potential choking hazards to our little ones. The eyes, nose and mouth are all stitched on for safe play. There is nothing that could be pulled off and put into little mouths. This wonderful little bear is perfect for play and for snuggle time.

Thanks to Parent Reviewers and the sponsor of this review is letting her give ONE Organic Sleepy Bear to ONE Lucky Winner. Be sure to check out how you can win this adorable bear and make a new mom or child very happy!

Have you ever read a book that made you feel something? Has a book changed how you look at the world?

I finished reading Stolen Lives by Malika Oufkir and Michele Fitoussi and I cannot stop thinking about the story. It touched me because it is a true story. I was afraid to read this book because I didn’t want to read gory details about abuse. It was not that way at all. In fact, it is amazing how Malika tells the story without added melodrama. What I read was a true account of injustice and how a family survived. It is an amazing book.

The author, Malika, is the eldest daughter of a Moroccan general. Malika was taken in by the King of Morocco as a playmate for his daughter. Thus, she was raised as royalty with all the priviledges. She had anything she wanted and lived in a beautiful palace that was filled with glass tile, fountains, riding stables and more.

As the head of the country’s military and security forces, as well as the King’s closest aide, Malika’s father was the second most powerful man in Morocco. In 1972, her father was killed for his role in a plot to assassinate the King. As a result, his wife and 5 children, of whom the youngest was three years of age, were imprisoned in a penal colony. Malika’s ties to the royal family served to make matters worse when they were imprisoned in living conditions worse than an animal would be forced to endure.

Malika relates how her family was eventually reduced to the point that they eagerly ate mouse droppings to supplement their meager food rations. To attract the King’s attention to their plight, at one time they went on a hunger strike, and at another time they sent him a petition signed in their own blood. The only effect their pleas had was a worsening of their living conditions.

Those conditions were at their worst during the ten years they spent at the Bir-Jid prisons. Split into groups so they could fit into four adjoining cells, the nine members of the Oufkir clan were isolated in those cells and not allowed to see anyone in the other cells for eight and a half years. Although they could talk with one another through the walls, they were prohibited from having books, magazines, letters, visitors, or anything else from the outside world that might comfort them or provide them with hope. However, their jailers did nothing to prevent their torment by periodic infestations of swallows, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, mice, scorpions, rats and crickets.

Malika Oufkir’s ordeal is disturbingly relevant for us all. You think this could never happen in today’s world? It can and still happens even in the United States. I appreciate the education I received from this story.

Have you heard the news that Dr. Oz will soon have his own television show? I am excited. I have seen him on Oprah a few times. Whether he discusses the shape of your poop or weight loss supplements, he is interesting. He is truly interested in helping people with their health issues. He also cares about where our young people are headed. Oz is the founder and chairman of HealthCorps, a non-profit organization that pays a small stipend to recent college graduates to spend two years in high schools mentoring students about health, nutrition, and fitness.

Dr. Mehmet Oz is married to author and Reiki master Lisa Oz and they have four children, Daphne, Arabella, Zoe, and Oliver.

What is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that we eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal. Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life. I am trying to pay more attention to these things!

Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!

1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. (Wish I had stock in Beano). Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables help guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.

5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes. I love all the colors and when they are on sale, I stock up and freeze them.

8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives. Almonds are great to fight headaches.

9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.

Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot and stop feeling like a slug.

During these tough economic times, many are changing careers and at best, going back to school to get the education needed define them as a leader in their careers. Learning new traits, skills and ways of thinking are what students discover while obtaining a masters degree in organizational leadership. The much sought after Organizational development program is one of exceptional ratings at Gonzaga University.

At Gonzaga, it is possible to work completely online toward receiving a master’s degree. Included in the masters degree programs are a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, Communication and Leadership Studies, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing. Persons receiving online training through Gonzaga have found the transition to a management position in their field to be a lucrative possibility.

Gonzaga University is a private, not-for-profit university located in Spokane, Washington. If you have been struggling with how to make your situation better, consider Gonzaga. Their online study makes it possible for many to achieve their goal and move onto a better life. Ranked one of the nation’s best universities by Forbes Magazine, their goal is to educate the whole person—mind, body and spirit. They want to see you succeed.

Wow! What a whirlwind weekend we had. We visited the kids in St. Louis and picked up a mattress and box spring that was in their way. It meant unloading some truck accessories from hubby’s truck to make room but that was alright. I had been chomping at the bit to visit the newlyweds.

We met our new granddog. He is a cutie and extra smart too! I think he is going to be a fine addition to the family. Our daughter in-law already has him minding very well. She has been teaching him a few manners. He has to sit, lay down and roll over if he wants a special treat. I think a few more days and he will have it down. I volunteered to take him for a walk this morning and that was when he decided to do his business, of course. Good thing I had instructions for how to use the whole poop in the bag trick. Eeew!

The kids have their apartment looking very nice. It is cozy and comfortable. I love how they have put their wall hangings and painted a few walls to make the apartment “their own”. I’ll bet this first year of marriage will fly by for them. It was nice to visit them and see that they are settling in just fine.

One of my favorite treats is the Dairy Queen Blizzard. I don’t pay attention to the calories nor how it makes my stomach hurt later. I love them and the cons are truly worth the flavor. You may have seen the tv deals spouting the Blizzard of the Month, the Thin Mint Blizzard. Yes, Dairy Queen is offering a Blizzard made with Girl Scouts Thin Mint cookies blended with cool mint and creamy soft serve. There are only a few days left for this promotion so don’t miss out!

Be sure to check out the Dairy Queen Website where you can sign up to be a member of the Blizzard of the Month Club and receive a buy one get one free Blizzard treat coupon!

Today started out as a usual work day. I was just finishing up some paper work when hubby came in and asked me what happened to our dog. I had no idea what he was talking about and was quite surprised to see that Elsie, our Boston Terrier, was covered with hives. She was panting terribly and that scared me. I didn’t want her going into shock so I scooped her up and took her to the vet.

When I put her collar around her neck, Brody, our Shitzu, heard the jingle of the tags on it and thought he was in for a car ride too. He was so excited that I didn’t have the heart to make him stay home and he joined Elsie and me on our trip to the veterinarian’s office.

Doc took one look at poor Elsie and determined she had been stung by either a bee or wasp. She had several red spots on her neck that looked swollen. Luckily, she had no puncture wounds. Doc gave her a shot and sent us home.

Brody had stayed in the car and was glad to see us when we returned. I, on the other hand, was perturbed to see that he had peed in the back of my SUV. In my haste to get to the vet, I had not made him potty outside before getting into the car. My bad. His bad. My turn to get the oxypowder out and clean up the mess. Oh yeah, he also shredded a tissue, which is his usual behavior.

Elsie went straight to bed and slept most of the day. She seems to be fine now.

There is never a dull moment when you have pets!

This week’s theme at Heads or Tails is “pail or “pale”. Make any kind of post using either theme/prompt. You can even use both.

If you want to join the bloggers who participate in Heads or Tails, simply click on the picture and you will be taken to the Heads or Tails website. It is easy and fun and you will meet many nice bloggers.

Me and my son celebrating his first birthday. Myrtle Beach 1986.


What are my fondest memories of visits to the beach? It is taking my kids and watching their faces as their feet touched sand for the first time. I loved using pails and shovels to build castles out of sand and letting them bury me up to my neck. Fun times!