Karen’s Opinion

I have made a commitment to my computer. Whenever it moves slower than I think it should or it messes up in some way, I stroke it. Yes, I feel like throwing it into the yard but I stroke it. I say, “nice computer” and hope it moves faster and works more efficient. I love my HP laptop. It has a 17″ screen that allows me to have several windows open at a time. The picture is so clear on my HP. I also love my 15″ HP laptop that I inherited from my daughter! I am not sure if stroking them works or not but it makes feel better than going into a rage. Can you imagine what it must be like to be a computer?

Oh no! she is downloading another thousand pictures! She doesn’t understand what that does to me. I am two years old and she thinks I am spry. I wish I were spry. I would love to be a new shiny HP. I have been lugged around so much that my keys have begun to fall off and the ones that don’t fall off are stuck because of all those macadamian nut cookies she eats while typing. Sheesh, you would think she would know better. I wish there was a way to let her know about the great deals you can get at HP. While supplies last, you can get $500 off instantly when you purchase an HP HDX 16t with $300 coupon code NBN3248 + $200 Instant Rebate! Now, as always there are applicable restrictions and exclusions so she will need to go to HP’s website and check it out. I can only hope she acts on this so I can have a much needed rest.

My eyes are buggy from sewing all weekend! I finally remembered to keep track of my time and discovered that it takes me 5 to 6 hours to make one purse. I’m slow but I like to take my time and do a good job.

I made this bag from a fabric from Moda called Peace on Earth. You would think it would be a Christmas fabric but it is not.

See all the pockets inside!



I made this purse from a striped fabric. I tried something new and made the outside pocket in a curved shape.

You can purchase these bags from my Etsy site as soon as I upload them.

Everyone wants to grow old gracefully. Some go under the knife to get that youthful look while others opt for a more natural way to maintain that healthful glow. The way to make peace with age can be found in the types of foods that we eat and the miracle ingredient they contain.

This hidden “miracle” is called antioxidants. They have graced the pages of magazines, medical journals and every product from hand cream to supplement pills. But what are antioxidants and what can they do to keep you looking your best?

Antioxidants are substances that fight the aging process that goes on in your body. They are not produced by the body so to get the benefit of these power-packed substances you must ingest them. A variety of foods contain antioxidants.

Let’s go back to the beginning. The body continually replenishes its cells. Through a process called cellular metabolism, the body produces energy, more cells and repairs any damage. One by-product of cellular metabolism is unstable molecules called free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules that damage your body. They are unstable because they are missing an electron. To get another one and become stable, free radicals will steal electrons from cells. That theft damages the cells in a variety of ways.

The results are visible and invisible changes to our bodies. The development of diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis and neurological deficiencies may begin to affect you as you age. Also, thinner skin wrinkles and brittle bones are a problem. Free radicals enter our body from outside sources as well: cigarette smoke, radiation and the sun’s UV rays. The more free radicals we encounter, the greater the damage that can be done.

Antioxidants have been shown to be of great help in the free radical problem. Antioxidant substances combine with free radicals and neutralize them. Once they are neutralized, they can no longer do any damage. Scientists don’t have any idea of a recommended daily dose of antioxidants to correct free radical damage and the diseases that come with age, but they do know that eating foods rich in antioxidants makes a huge difference in how we live.

Where do you find antioxidants? They are all around us. Look no further than your local farmer’s market or produce aisle in the grocery store. Fruits and vegetables contain the principle sources of antioxidants.

Examples of antioxidants include:
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin E
* Lutein
* Lycopene
* Beta-carotene

Certain minerals like zinc and selenium also function in the body. They are not antioxidants but they boost the immune system to fight against free radical damage.

Antioxidants are also found in nuts, legumes, cold water fish, seafood and red meat. So, eating a varied diet of fruits, vegetables and the foods just named will increase the amount of antioxidants in your system and help reduce the incidence of disease. Eating fruits and vegetables in their natural form instead of juices brings the benefit of other nutrients found in the foods. Juices also contain a lot of sugar that is not needed by your body.

Food does more than stave off hunger. Natural substances found there can cause us to live longer and stay free of disease as we age.

This post was sponsored by Kmart. All the opinions are mine.

All is quiet in our neighborhood. School starts tomorrow. I feel so bad for all the kids who have to leave their lazy days of summer and start another school year. Not that the kids are sad about it. I am always the one who hates routine and early mornings.

The kids that I have talked to are genuinely anxious to begin school again. It is my guess that they are more anxious to get together with friends than they are of hitting the books. They look forward to comparing tales of summer and showing off new shoes and notebooks.

Kmart is bringing back their Bluelight specials in the nick of time! Parents will love the special pricing on everything from men’s athletic basketball shorts for only $3.00, to the almighty required gym shoes. I never could understand the need for a specific pair of tennis shoes for gym but hey, what do I know? At least, with Kmart Bluelight specials pricing, it doesn’t break the bank to get kids outfitted for school. They even help in the supply area with their filler paper 2 for $1 special. I think I may have to check that out and stock up in my office. I have to check out whether they have any inkjet cartridges offered in a Bluelight special. I would camp out at Kmart for that!

I loved the Bluelight specials when my mom would take us to Kmart. If I remember correctly, she stocked up on tape even then! Kmart is going wild with over 40 great Bluelight Specials through the day in their stores. Be sure to check out kmart.com and follow Kmart on Twitter for other great offers.

The topic for this weeks Heads or Tails meme is “note”. If you would like to play along, click the graphic and you will be taken to Heads or Tails!

Who invented sticky notes?

They were invented by Art Fry, a researcher at 3M using an adhesive developed by a colleague, Spencer Silver. The Patent is held by the 3M Corporation.

Look at what this artist made with sticky notes!

Please, indulge my need for comments and take a look at my latest creation in the post below this one.