Just Kara

Ca-Caw!

2012-01-25T11:52:00.001-08:00

So to explain.

My mother and I have a very wonderful relationship. We go on mommy daughter dates often and are constantly joking around.

Lately we have devised a system that when one of us gets separated from the other and we can't seem to locate each other we Ca-Caw! (insert obnoxious bird like noise here). Actually we will randomly Ca-Caw just to get each other to laugh. So here is a text I received from mom after our date last night.

I love my momma. She is the best!

Beautiful.

2012-01-18T12:53:00.001-08:00

I feel beautiful today. It's a wonderful feeling.

And I got fun mail from two beautiful souls! Xoxo

One Little Word.

2011-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

So this will be the first year I participate in One Little Word. I have been inspired by Miss Nadine who had faithfully done it the past few years.

I was reading the list of words from Ali Edwards blog and the word light spoke to me.

So this year my focus will be light.

This year I will be a source of light.

I will seek spiritual awareness; illumination.

I will seek a state of understanding.

I will strive to be a person who inspires or is adored by others; a luminary.

I will light, set on fire; ignite or kindle my passions.

I will seek to give out light; make luminous my surroundings.

I will seek to enliven or animate.

And lastly I will focus on being free from worries or troubles; with little weight and few burdens: I will travel light.

please wish me luck and love in this journey.

xoxo kara lee

This Song...

2011-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

This song I have loved for a very long time....but as I approach this new year it brings a renewed sense of self. Please listen to the lyrics.

May you go forward with strength, courage, and wisdom this year.

<3

Excitedly stressed.

2011-12-09T19:31:00.001-08:00

Can you be excitedly stressed?! The answer is yes!!! I am excited to get my online store up and running.... But man is it stressful!!!

Gratitude.

2011-12-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful, grateful-beyond words for some of the Lords tender mercies.

May I do better at expressing gratitude to those in my life who unconditionally love me, who uplift and edify me. Thank you.

My heart is happy.

Details.

2011-11-25T13:32:00.001-08:00

Leopard scarf. Blue jean baby. Camo green. Monstrous wedge sandals. (make me feel all tall and grow'd up).

Hooray for the weekend!

Last night I hung shelves on my wall and cleaned my bedroom. Funny how a little bit of work is good for the soul.

Feeling inspired now to decorate the rest of my house:)

Have a wonderful weekend. I am attending a mustache party this weekend so I will try and remember to take pics to post on Monday.

Stripes for Wednesday.

2011-11-23T09:07:00.001-08:00

Hello all!

Well today I am sporting some stripes in my fav color combo; navy and yellow.

Just bought this sweater at old navy this morning....it was regularly 35 and I paid 16. Whoop whoop! Well off to work I go. I have to finish preparing for speaking to the young women in Magrath:)

Monday outfit.

2011-11-21T11:22:00.001-08:00

Monday, Monday. Alright I am trying to be productive.

Love my new floral blouse, and love it paired with my ruffle scarf that miss Kennedy bought me for Christmas.

Ta ta for now.

Xoxo

Love.

2011-11-13T20:32:00.001-08:00

I love:

Tea.
Flowers.
Good books.
Cuddles.
Warm blankets.
Happy movies.
Honesty.
Exploring.
Good friends.
Christmas.
Being loved.
Motorcycles and things that go fast.
Creating.
Compliments.

I love knowing that I am loved perfectly by someone who knows my heart. I know that God loves me. And for that I am grateful.

Just Breathe.

2011-11-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

Snow.

2011-11-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's here!

I kinda don't mind the first sprinkling of snow....it makes brown southern Alberta become white and lovely.

So I have been busy working on the store's online shop...needless to say I am ready to tear my hair out!! Learning something new is always difficult! But in the end I hope it will be most amazing and that I will get tons of my Edmonton and area ladies shopping there and spreading the word.

I have a really long to do list right now...

1. Online Store
2. Prep for Women in Business Showcase
3. Prep for group of young Women coming to store
4. New buisness cards, signs etc.
5. Getting organized for new location- switching insurance, phone etc.
6. Thinking about the next 2 months of craziness!!!

I will keep you all updated on the Launch of the new store but so far I am scheduling it for December 1st!

If you Love Something...

2011-10-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

This quote has been stuck in my head for days now...

“If you love something let it go free. If it doesn't come back, you never had it. If it comes back, love it forever.”

I have had a year of letting go of things, people, hopes, and dreams. But strangely enough this quote gives me comfort. The things that are for my benefit, that are worth worrying about will always be in my life.

Right now I am loving different things, learning to put myself out there, my hopes, my dreams, my ambitions....and holding onto the hope that they will come back to me.

So hello world! This is me....a little wild at heart, fun loving, impatient, ambitious, stubborn, beautiful me.

xoxo

Sorted....

2011-10-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Life is really truly a balancing act...

once you feel you have gained some sort of stability something is either thrown onto your pile or taken away....

leading to that teetering, wobbling....

and then the struggle to regain balance.

I have been on a struggle for it seems like forever to regain balance in my life. Balance my personal free time, with the demands of the business....

And then the feeling of never ending tiredness.....someone which is due to my own silliness, staying up waaayyy to late on weekends and then spending the rest of the week trying to recover.

I hate missing out on things and I am a very social person, I love my friends and I love to talk. This can lead me to some poor choices....

But what I have really been debating right now is what do I truly want out of life and what truly brings me joy.

One thing I know for sure is dance....I love or lurve(as Lisa would say) to dance....I know this because I recently started taking classes again and after I cam home from my first class I was jumping about the house and grinning from ear to ear and a friend of mine says to me you are beaming....you are so passionate about dance aren't you?! To which I replied with a Cheshire cat grin ABSOLUTELY!

Okay so on the Joy list.....

Dance - check!

The business has brought a lot of stress into my life, and I know I choose this path and maybe I just need to change my attitude about it all, but right now I am overwhelmed....Was this the right choice? Do I really love it as much as I thought I would? Will it reach the goals I have for it? Should I continue on? Or should I go to a regular mundane job that has more security? Or is the reason I am questioning all of this just due to burn out? Do I know my heart and what it desires?

I have always been a person that believes in following your passion.....I am a passionate person so there are many things I feel I could be passionate about....

I know I have said it a million times that this past year has been hard....so hard, but I keep hoping for that joy to keep creeping in....

Thank-you to my friends and family who have loved my unconditionally, and encouraged me when I was down. I am grateful to you, I could not have made it through this past year without you.

P.S. My Edmonton ladies....I miss you all so, so, so much!

Well friends, I guess today I am seeking your advice...you know me all well...what advice would you give to this girl?

Today. I ask WHY?

2011-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am asking why?

Why are so many today so selfish?

I have watched so much selfishness consume people's lives, driving away all things that should be important to them.

Today my heart breaks for some of my my most beloved friends and what they are going through.

I firmly believe that selfishness is one of the adversaries most successful attacks on relationships and individuals.

I deserve...I need....I want...people keep wanting more things for themselves. Never appreciating what they have in front of them. Always blaming others for the issues present and never taking responsibility for their own.

There is very little accountability anymore in the world, blame everyone else and accept no responsibility.

When did we stop caring for those around us? When did we become so driven for things rather than people? Why do people not see that lasting TRUE joy comes from serving and loving those around us??!!!

I also had a realization today after talking on the phone with a friend and ranting a bit via the above. I am guilty of being selfish also....I have been so absorbed with the difficulties in my life that I have sometimes neglected the people who were most there for me. Ironic how sometimes we take for granted the people who have been exceptional at being there for us because deep down we know they will and have been there for us. Pretty unfair. For this I am sorry, so sorry. Please know that you are SO loved. I treasure you individually and am more grateful for you each and everyday. Thank-you for reminding me to be better- this is one of the reasons I treasure our relationship so. You can call me on my crap;) I need those people in my life....the ones who not only can tell me to do better but inspire me to do better.

Love you from the bottom of my soul.

xoxo

And in other things....this post from my cousin's blog spoke to me today...

Sometimes you just gotta yell and scream

Me.

2011-10-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well lets just begin by telling you that I have learned something about myself this past few weeks... I am guarded.

Now guarded is an interesting word....guarded from what you may ask?

I believe I am protecting my heart and soul with a brick wall and barbed wire fence...there may even be a machine gun and a few other security measures as well. This heart is afraid to let in anything that might hurt all that is precious and dear to it.

It's interesting how life takes down certain roads, roads we don't like or didn't expect, roads that are hard, roads that lead us to a choice.... will I grow? or will I shrivel and retreat?

I am happy to acknowledge that on many of these roads I have made the choice to grow. Now not always did I make this choice, sometimes I remained stagnant not choosing anything because both choices were difficult. Sometimes I was forced to make choices I didn't want nor like because of the choices of others...but all in all I feel I have done pretty well.

I did make it out alive and fairly unscathed, with maybe a only few battle scars...

But these are some of the things that make me who I am. These difficult things have stretched, shaped and molded me into who I am today.

Am I perfect? .....heck no!

Do I have scars? .....absolutely!

Do I know myself better than ever?.....for sure!

Will I always strive to do better?.....of course!

I am an imperfect being, but I believe I am perfectly me, striving to do the best I can with what has been given to me.

I will fall, faulter, and make mistakes....but I will always get back up, try to do better, and correct my mistakes.

I am me.

A beautiful imperfect soul, striving towards a better me.

And I am grateful today for those who love me for me, those who are patient with my imperfections, and see the me who I want to become. Who encourage and believe in that person and all that she hopes and dreams of.

So thank-you for simply loving me.

This heart is healing, and I am grateful to those who have helped in that process....and hopefully in due time those walls will come crashing down and that heart that was once so guarded will be so full of love it will begin to burst!

Missing this guy.

2011-10-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is my cousin Jayden or "Dean" as he was more affectionally called. This guy was awesome! I miss him dearly and it is crazy to think that it has been a year since he passed.

Jayden had this way of loving you through his smile....this half sideways smirk that made your heart smile. He was pretty quite but that smirk spoke mountains to me. He was a talented photographer and a gentle soul.

on a side note when he passed gas you just about died.....hee hee especially the week at the cabin when all he was eating was teryaki beef jerky.

I miss Dean and it will be hard not having his sweet personality here to makes us grin, giggle, and laugh. But I know he is where he needs to be, being loved by God and by those other family members that had already left this life. and I know I will see him again.

And when I do I hope that our big cuddly Dean picks me up in his arms and squishes me to death. And I will squish him back just as hard.

I miss you Dean. Can't wait for our other adventures. Love you HEAPS.

xoxo

Kara-butt

And his loving sister wrote the following:

Just another day...
by Alyssa Rachelle Gardner on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 1:02am.

The past year has had the worst of times and the best of times. October 13 was a day I was letting haunt me for the past month. Today, now a year ago, was the day my brother Jayden passed away at 16. I have never felt such pain or felt so alone in my life. It felt like all my joy and happiness had instantly left my body to never return.

Through the trials over this past year I have "learned" a couple things I wanted to share. I realized the importance and influence we have in eachothers lives even more than before. Those who were there to comfort and help my family and me really did make a difference. Another thing I often thought about was how important kindness and loving one another really is. When I returned to school I often would tear up a little whenever it seemed to be most inconvenient. I would sit on the bus thinking that no one around me knew what I was going through, and likewise I knew nothing about them. Finally the most important thing I am continually learning is how much the Lord blesses and loves me. Through the hard days and sleepless nights I always get through, things always work out, and there are always people around me that love me and care about me. I believe with all my heart that through hard times comes great strength, even when you feel you can't do it any more.

I miss Jayden and wish things could be different every day. I saw on tv this summer someone talking about the loss of a loved one and letting those hard days of a missed birthday or the first christmas control you. As I have thought about it more this past while I am determined to do the opposite. I want to remember the days when I lived at home and Jayden was wrestling with me until we would get in trouble. I want to remember him coming to my door and opening it with his head and peering in with his half grin which I know was his way of coming to say goodnight. I want to remember the good times we were able to spend together.

I KNOW I will see Jayden again. Its what brings peace when I feel like everything is pushing down on me. I want people to remember what a gentle and loving boy my brother was. He isn't very far, we just can't be together right now. Until then, I will continue to try and be the person I need, and want, to be.

.

Satisfying a Craving...

2011-10-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Okay so I will try and satisfy my insane craving to shop....so I have been browsing online and finding these pretties....

Well I hope you enjoyed feasting your eyes on some beautiful things....now back to reality.

loves.

A clothes horse.

2011-10-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

Okay, yes, I admit it.

I am a clothes horse.

I have alot of clothes....and I love to shop....maybe this explain why I own a clothing store.

I love shoes and accessories.

Somedays I feel guilty for being so blessed to have the ability to buy multiple pairs while some people are lucky to have one.

and yet is it wrong for me to dream of my one day would be dream closet? *sigh*

Ahh...pretty pretty pretty!

Well Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family. I am off to enjoy an amazing weekend with 2 friends birthday celebrations, a visit from a friend, and Thanksgiving with the fam.

xoxo

Manic Monday.

2011-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's just another manic monday.....woah oh oh....I wish it were sunday.....woah oh oh.....that's my fun day....

Okay so let's be honest, I couldn't think of what to title this post and that song popped into my head.

And yes it is totally true that sunday was and is my fun day.

I love this past sunday especially because it was General Conference. I love Conference soooo much!

I also had the opportunity to reunite with a few long lost friends....first my old EFY counselor and her "little" brother who just so happens to be the same age as me.

I had dinner with their family and watched the afternoon session of conference. Then Andrew and I talked and talked and talked. It was fun. SO nice to see Jen and see her beautiful family....she has 5 gorgeous girls and is an amazing mother.

Funny the first time I met Andrew I accidentally slammed his whole hand in a car door! Whoops...lets just say I felt real terrible!

Today I am doing my catch up things at the store and trying to make decisions about which space I should lease downtown.

A healing heart, but inside a beautiful soul.

2011-09-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

My heart is doing it's best to heal.

I am learning what my boundaries are, what I can and cannot handle and how to protect my soul and heart.

And sometimes it takes the love of a very good friend to remind you of your worth.

Sometimes we forget who we are, and who values us.

I am me, in every manor of me, I am emotional, loving, passionate, I am also a talker, a lover a fighter....I know myself better now then I did years ago.

I struggle with letting go everyday, of not letting the dissappointments and sorrows of the past consume me.

I have never been one to give up, never been one to just shrug my shoulders and go oh well and move on. This has been a strength to me and I am realizing it may also be a weakness.

I need to look forward to my future, take each day by day, and faith that as I do my best the Lord will continue to bless me.

That those in my life who love and value me will fight to be a part of my life, that they will do the things necessary to make me know I am loved.

Thank-you dear friend for loving me as me, an imperfect beautiful soul.

Almost a month...

2011-09-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

So there it is..... it's been almost a month since I last posted.

If this makes no sense I blame my stuffy head and cold.

Today I have been pondering on how I can learn to love my life.... I know I know, this may sound like a downer post but it won't be I promise! I will even pinky promise!

The store has been getting busier, and busier and each day more and more stock keeps coming. It has been fun to get some "regular customers" ones that I know their names and recognize their faces!

I am currently working on a possible move come January and also working on getting an online store up and running for Splurge.....Yay! I know!

I am grateful for the blessings I have right now, and I have many, but for whatever reason sometimes I have a hard time focusing on those blessings NOW. I keep looking for the blessings that I want....

So I am on a mission to savor the many things that I am blessed with. To simplify my life and to look and re evaluate all the things that i hope and desire for and to put them into perspective.

I really would like to go on one big trip! I need to explore another corner of the world! Exploring and experiencing new cultures grounds me, and ignites a passion in me for life....

Decorate my home with things that are me....and pieces of me and of the ones that I love.

Document my life..I have this feeling as of recent that if I begin to document the little bits in my life that I will be more grateful for everything, one and person in my life. photojournal/art journal here I come!

Serve those around me more....when i serve someone it truly brings me so much joy! I have been served soooo much by those around me in the past few years that I really need to work harder at being aware of those who standing in need of a little lift, and then to go and lift them!

So there you have a few of my jarbled garbled thoughts of the day!

Thank you for being my fabulous friends! xoxox

Karafest begins...

2011-08-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovely friends!

Welcome to Karafest 2011!

This year the festivities began on Saturday August 27th and I have a feeling they will continue until September the 11th after I see my Edmonton friends.

So I think Karafest is going to be a total of 15 days! Wow! That is definately longer then last year....

So to begin our evening we Jenni, Sharee, Kara(not me the other one;), Scott and Russ headed out to Taber for a BBQ at my Momma's.

We had salmon, and Taber corn, salad and cream peas and potatoes. For dessert the options were: rhubarb cruch cake, sticky toffee pudding, or german chocolate cake.

The kids were there too, so we played croquet and bocci ball with them and then headed off to Cornfest.

This was my gift from my sweet niece Taia...

Notice how it is Happy 29 Birthday :)

Jenni struting her stuff wearing Tage's hat.

Taia and her new found love....Scottie. She loved being with him! He even bought her a ticket to the super slide and went down it with her :)

Tagie sat on Russ's shoulders forever too....Russ was very patient while Tage stuck his fingers in Russ's ears, and even put up with Tage wiping his sweat on Russ! lol.

This is me with Kara....she charmed a carni lady into letting us skip the line and get on the zipper for free!! Way to go Kara! I got to ride it twice! Once with Scott....we did 7 flips and laughed our heads off....then twice with Kara.

By the end of the second time my stomach was the one doing the flips!

Thanks so much friends for such a great Cornfest....I mean Karafest!!

Funny. Well sort of.

2011-08-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today has been a quite morning. So quite in fact that I painted my nails at work, they even got to dry entirely with no smudges :)

Life is funny sometimes...

Last night I was painting my bed frame in between waffle Wednesday and institute. I got carried away and realized I was already late for institute. I decided I should just finish what I was doing and maybe skip out this week.

I then had this tugging feeling in my heart that I needed to go. I kept thinking there was no reason and that I could just stay home and get some things done around the house, yet that feeling persisted.

I got in my car and went. When I got to the building I was walking in and saw this girl sitting outside her eyes just brimming with tears. I asked if she was okay and gave her a big Kara style hug. I had met this girl for the first time about a month ago on Canada day and have not really seen her since. We spent the rest of institute sitting in the hallway just chatting about life.

I spent the evening with her and a couple of other friends. We chatted and went to BP's for a bite to eat.

So today, my friends I am grateful for a moment that helped me to feel like the experiences and struggles I have had in the last few years could help lift someone else. I am grateful for a nagging in my heart ......that I listened to. And I am grateful to have gotten to know this lovely girl better. And lastly I am grateful for those people in my life who have listened to that nagging and in doing so have lightened my load.

You know who you are.

Thank-you from the bottom of my heart and from every corner of my soul.

I hope my blog has not become to heavy for you....

I guess me blogging about my journey helps me process it....

And hopefully my journey will help encourage someone else along the way....

Grateful.

2011-07-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

So today I am inspired by Miss Nadine's post.

Yesterday morning was lovely, my mother worked at the store so I could go to the temple. I had a wonderful time there and then headed back to work.

That's when I got some news that was stressful....the rest of the day was hard, slow and painful.

But today, for whatever reason, I woke up with a grateful heart.

No, my life is not perfect. But as I was perusing Michaels and drinking my iced chai soy latte, I realised hey! my life is pretty great. AND it's only going to get better. Life this last year has really thrown me some curve balls and I may be crazy but they have forced me to sink or swim....

AND let me tell you this little lady is swimming like there is no tomorrow!

So in the words of one Miss Jilly(and Dorie)...

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!

I love all of my friends, you are such a blessing to me.....your little notes of encouragement and love have given me the motivation to keep my head above water!

So please listen to that little voice that prompts you to call a friend, send a note, or just to even smile at a stranger.

Love you!

2011-07-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Back from holidays.

2011-07-25T10:13:00.001-07:00

I am back. I had a great time with the fam.

and can I just say that I love little kiddies? I got to share a bed with my cousins little guy who is 3. And he is the cutest 3 year old ever. He would snuggle into me at night and place his hand on my cheek. ( this is where you insert the awwwwwwwwwwww......)

I have an incredible family, we are complex yes, we have our differences, but we have soooooo much fun and I am so very grateful to be a part of that family unit.

Part way through the week of holidays I had a bit of a down day. I guess it was that I finally stopped long enough to let some of the things that I have been through in the last 10 months catch up to me.

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am blessed. So very blessed. I have grown over the past year more than I possibly could have imagined. I have been stretched and tried to the point where I thought I would break. Many times.

I am grateful for a father in heaven who loves me enough to sometimes cut me down in order to help build me up in the manor which is best for me.

But somedays it's hard. Somedays I struggle with accepting where I am and what my heart desires more than anything. I want a family and someone to share my life with. I would give up everything I have right now to have that.

But I know I must remain faithful, look towards the blessings that I have and know that I am being prepared. And when the time is right those blessings, hopes, and wishes will be fufilled.

Those desires are righteous desires of my heart and I know the Lord knows that. He loves me and will guide me to where I need to be.

So today i am trying to focus on enjoying where I am right now. What I have been given in this moment and trying to remember that I must grow and learn in the Lord's time and not in my own.

A Harry Potter Party for Carys

2011-07-16T14:18:00.001-07:00

This is the table for Carys Birthday party....

We had butterbeer and butterbeer cupcakes...

The Birthday girl excited about her wand a.k.a. Sparkler.

Jenni rockin' the Harry glasses....

Andrew and Brandon.

Mel and I duelling.

My birthday girl.

Sparklers after the movie right outside the theater..... Love it!

Such a fun night!!!! Thanks Carys!

As he wishes....

2011-07-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

So this young man turned nine on July 10th. I can hardly believe it! He is so smart and has a very tender heart. I am so very blessed to be his aunty. For his birthday he requested a slumber party with aunty kara, just the two of us.

So the evening began with a trip to marble slab for ice-cream and then off to purchase fire wood.

This is him roasting marshmallows.

We did a good job of designing the sidewalk and even created a walk of fame.

My dearest Jayce you are very precious to me. Continue to become the young man I know you to be, you are smart, funny and have a very tender heart. Please do not loose this, it will help you to listen to the whisperings of the spirit.

I love you forever and always, even if you won't let me kiss you anymore.

xoxo

Aunty Tee Taw

Summer Fashion

2011-07-08T16:08:00.001-07:00

First off I want to say how wonderful my last two days were with Nadine. Thank - you dear friend!

Loving my new denim peep toes!

These are my newest addition to the ever growing shoe collection:)

P.S. Don't wear new shoes on a ridiculously hot day! Uber swollen feet is not pretty!

Moody Monday.

2011-07-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's Monday.

So what up Monday?! What do you want from me?!

Morning starts with a "discussion" with my father. Nuff said.

Now I am taking a breathe and remembering that in 2 sleeps one of my best girlfriends is coming....Yay!

And in one sleep I am going to see this-

Okay, okay, maybe life isn't so bad ;)

Yesterday afternoon was spent in my Mother's backyard with a few of my friends having an intense Bocci Ball tournament.

Can I just say I am loving the uber hot weather! I rode my motorcycle to work this morning and it was FABULOUS!

Canada day

2011-07-01T12:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

This my first maxi dress... What do you think?

A toque on a cool day.

At the dance rippin' it up.

Grandpa Engleson

2011-06-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Only a few short minutes ago my Grandpa left this life.

I felt relief for I knew how much he was suffering.

So today I honor the loss of my Grandpa, a man of few words.

In fact he never said much to me until I graduated High School. That day he gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and said "We are so proud of you."

I honestly nearly fell over...that was the most Grandpa had ever really said to me.

And now I am grateful for a man of few words but one who did say a few, enough for me to know I was loved.

I am grateful to have spent a few minutes with him last night. I sat at his bedside and held his hand, he drifted in and out as he was heavily sedated.

As I went to leave I woke him to say good bye and to tell him I loved him. He squeezed my hand so tight and held on.

Today my heart is full. I am grateful for that moment however fleeting it may seem now. In his last moments he expressed his love for me in the only way he could. And I am grateful.

Grandpa may you be at peace, and give Jenny my love. Tell her I miss her so. I hope you two will keep each other busy.

All my love,

Kara

Just a couple of things...

2011-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Both of these videos gave me a little bit of joy this morning. For that I am grateful.

Grandpa Engleson had a heart attack on Tuesday and is in the hospital. He seems to be doing a little bit better. I am grateful for the Lord's tender mercies.

Now don't you wish you had moves like Rick?

I remember watching this Corey Hart video and thinking he was soooo cute!

A Grateful Heart

2011-06-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

Arise each morning with a grateful heart.

This morning I did just this. I am so grateful for the Lord's tender mercies....

For the blessings of a home and wonderful friends to share it with.

We had a cupcake fondue and paint by numbers party last night....

Charlotte and Andrew

Taryn and Alea

Jared and Kara

The lovely ladies blowing bubbles in their milk.

Beautiful Carys with her blooming tea. P.S. Carys gives some of the best hugs.

Focus.

2011-06-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy. Very Busy.

So I am trying my best to remain focused.

Focused on my goals, but hopefully not too focused that I become consumed by them.

Are there goals in your life that are a little bit out of your control? How do you manage to not let go of those goals/dreams but not allow them to control your every thought?

Advice here would be great!

So friends I am asking you what do you do to keep yourself pointed in the right direction and not give up hope in the dreams/ goals you have?

This is your story, this is your path, this is your journey...

2011-06-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Today these wise words were said to me by a beautiful friend.

I have spent so long fighting, hoping and praying for a dream of a family and the dreams I had for my old life.

But today with the help of a friend I realized that, that was my old life. And I have a new one. One that is filled with soooooo many blessings. They are there and I can see them.

But I need to stop punishing myself for the dream that did not come to be.

It was one that I wanted so desperately and clung to for so very long. I made mistakes. yes. But there came a point when I acknowledged them and did my absolute best to change and move forward. I know that and I know that the Lord knows that. So today to let my heart continue to heal I will acknowledge my past, my mistakes and my unrealized dreams.

I will let those things be the past and hold fast to the journey that the Lord is directing me on now. One that is full of blessings and realizations of other dreams. I will have those dreams from my old life fufilled one day, just in a different way then I had planned.

And it's funny, that I just realised this is not my plan, it is the Lords and up until now I have fought the direction he was guiding my life, but today I will accept and move with that guidance because I know he knows me best. He knows my heart and will guide me to to great happiness.

And He has and is.

and I am grateful for those things which have made me become a better person. I know more about myself now than ever before. And I have a better understanding of my relationship with my Father in Heaven.

So today dear friends I want to share with you the realization of one of my dreams....one that I feel I have worked hard for, one that I did not do alone.....one that I am surely grateful for.

And this dream is a Home....not a house a Home.

So here it is my friends....I hope you enjoy and can celebrate a little bit in your heart for a dream that you helped encourage and inspire. I am grateful for you, and to you.

You are wonderful.

All my love and gratitude,

Kara

This Summer is going to be Epic.

2011-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Meet Charlotte...

This is one of my new Lethbridge friends. She is a beauty and a blast to be around!

And now I am pleased to introduce 2 more Friends ....Beautiful girls....Jenni and Carys.

Miss Chau-lat introduced me to them. The are so gorgeous and fun....I am so excited to spend my summer with these lovely ladies!

They came home with me yesterday for family dinner. We had a blast swinging and chillin' in the backyard.

We played croquet and in order to beat everyone I decided to Channel some Nature....ya know be one with the grass and trees....tee hee hee. And Yeah, I am crazy like that!

We had fun playing with the kiddies and dancing and singing. Love it!

And finally we had to snag some lilacs off my Momma's bush. Charlotte is a rock star and boosted me on her shoulders to get the blossoms.

For those of you who didn't notice, yes I did chop my hair off. I initially loved it but now I am not too sure....

P.S. My Momma makes the best creme brule ev-a!

Have a beautiful day!

xoxox

Sigh with a Grin ;)

2011-05-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Okay this is a happy sigh...

So don't worry friends all is good in Karaland.

In fact today I feel great! YAY!

I am sending out some love to a friend who needs to remember that SHE IS:

Fabulous

Gorgeous

Talented

An A-MAZING mother

Soulful

Generous

Kind

Loving

Special

Unique

dear friend, you are special beyond words....

Remember who you are and who you want to become....and remember that this takes time!

So please sweet girl be gentle with yourself.

You are enough.

Remember that.

So here they come..... the monster sized kara hugs you've been waiting for....

*Squeeeeeeze*

Today I am elated:)

Happy as a Clam.

No life is not perfect, but as it always does, it keeps moving on and I finally feel it's moving to greener pastures.

Hoo-ray!

That is all.

Have a good one.

xoxox

Her Life.

2011-05-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful cousin. I love this picture of her because it is SO her- that expression, her cute little smirk and all that it entailed.

I Love her and I hope she knows it.

It's a long story but we just got her back, or so we thought. I have come to learn that depression, and being bi-polar is an illness. I knew this before but it has become more real to me as of late. SO many people think you should just snap out of it be okay. She was doing so good and I was so very proud of her. She had come so far... from a long and difficult journey. I wish she understood how good she was doing, but I believe that her ilness prevented that.

Yesterday this sweet cousin of mine took her own life.

We were "kissin" cousins as our grandma always called us. Two months apart in age and equally mischevious. I recalled this morning a time when were having a slumber party with one of our younger cousins and we "convinced" her to let us shave her legs....her mom was mad at us, but for her it was a right of passage and Jen and I felt so powerful being able to help her become a "woman".

Today I know that she is okay. I will miss her dearly and life will not be the same without her.

But I know that she is with someone who knows her better, who knows her heart and knows the trials that she struggled with on a daily basis.

I hope that our Great Grandma VanCleave is holding Jennifer in her arms and letting her know how truly loved she is.

because she is.

Today, tell someone in your life you love them, because you never know when it will be the last time you do. This life is precious, and it's moments fleeting, so please grab hold of the ones you love and the ones that love you and hold on.

This is for you my Jenny, for all of our dance routine's (even though I was bossy about making them up), for your play's (the winging and whining), for "poker" with marshmellows and chocolate chips, for driving trucks in the ditch- and you peeling my hands off the steering wheel all the while I was saying my dad is going to kill me....my dad is going to kill me;) For letting me come to the "big" city, and for being my Kissin' Cousin.

I Love You.

xoxo

Me.

Evaluating.

2011-05-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Do you ever sit back and evaluate your life?

Are there things you would like to do and aren't?.....then let me ask you what is holding you back?

Is it fear?
Is it the chance that it may be wrong?

I am wondering today why I always am questioning myself and continually wondering if I did the right thing? But for some reason the thought just came in to my mind that if I did my best then that is ENOUGH.

But yet there is still that little nagging voice in my head telling me I should have...I could have....

I know I am NOT a perfect person. I will go through out my life making mistakes, accidentally offending people, doing or saying the wrong thing....I am human.

That being said I believe I am a soul within a body and that is what makes me human.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
- Teilhard de Chardin

These experiences are hard. They try us. They are meant to do so. How would we progress without the things in our lives that makes us question who we are and what we believe in?

Strength is formed when opposition is brought to pass.

So today I look at my life- not what I had planned, but with a knowledge that my Heavenly Father knew me, he knew the things I would be able to handle.

Maybe even I agreed to take on these things in the premortal existence? maybe because I knew that with opposition great things would come to pass.

Life is hard but can be wonderful. I am learning that through expressing my gratitude to my Heavenly father I am more capable to see light through the difficult things in my life.

As I face a new stage in my life, I have been facing each day wondering when things are going to get easier?.....when will I be happier? but today I have realized that each new experience that I have that is different from my old life will be difficult- But hey I can handle it right?

One of my struggles right now is knowing that people are talking.

Baugh! It makes me so angry and sad!

How can people say things when they have no idea about what really went on? How can you judge another person based on their age or marital status? or based on their family background?

I know that the Lord knows my heart. He knows who I am and how I did. He also knows the truth, he knows how hard I tried.

Those people will probably continue to talk, they will probably continue to say things that will hurt my heart. But I will try to put on my armour and know that I have a wonderful relationship with my Heavenly Father and that his opinion is the one that counts.

I wish you a wonderful day! May you come to know your soul a little bit better today.

All my Love,

Kara

Summer is Officially here.

2011-05-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

Okay Lisa before you say "hey kara, summer is not Officially here". {wink} I must explain in my family what officially makes summer here. Every year as soon as it opens we go to Wendy's in Vauxhall for Milk shakes and burgers and zuchini stixwith dill dip. This is a tradition from forever ago. When we were little it was a great treat to go with my dad on his motorcycle for a daddy daughter date to Wendy's.

I even remember when mom taught school in Hays that she would go to wendy's on her way home and we would feel so ripped off that she went with out us! How could she do such a thing?!

So here it is the official opener of summer:

And no I guess most of you would not be surprised that my opener of summer revolves around food...tee hee hee.

Now for a few days of clothes...

I was having a really bad hair day this day (above photo) and wore the headband to hopefully camaflouge it. That is my "new" jean jacket that I bought at value village for $10.

Peach colored shirt $15 bootlegger

Earrings :$5 forever 21

Jeggings: Gift

I love the above outfit for the fact that the skirt makes me feel very Audrey Heburnish :) And who wouldn't want to feel like her...she was a beauty.

This photo was a random day I don't even know if I loved the outfit it was like 45 layers because I was freezing.

In a couple of weeks it is my grandma and granpas 60th wedding anniversary. I think it is amazing to have been married for 60 years;) They have been through so much and love each other despite their imperfections. I know that no marriage is perfect but it is wonderful to me that they have spent their life growing old together. I love them and grateful to help them celebrate this big day!

Well I hope I can go and enjoy the warm weather this evening....have a wonderful weekend dear friends!

I love my new cheetah print scarf....I wore it the other day around my neck on my motorcycle trip to Taber. I had to pull over because it had come partially unraveled and was flapping in the wind. But it gave me a good chuckle because I looked like a cheesy motorcycle ad with the scarf trailing behind my neck as I sped down the highway :)

Blah....Blah blah...blah blah blah.

2011-05-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Okay so here I go...

This may be considered a run off at the mouth but maybe I need to get it out....

All things considered yesterday morning I went to pay for my registration on my motorcycle and also had to pay for a speeding ticket- yuck! I was rushing around hoping to be able to get back to the house and get my bike and ride to work.

15 min later...

Bike will not start, I must have left in park position which means lights left on...when i started it on friday night! Boo! Back to work in car...

Later that day....

Nice roommate and boyfriend help boost bike after other friend and hubby try. Hooray bike running!! going to take it for a spin around the block...fun happy me! pulling up to house where roomate and bf are waiting so bf can take it for a spin....kara tips bike over! Blech! SOOOO embarassed!

another side note: don't anyone get excited the bf is my roommates bf not mine!

Pride injured x 1 million! I have never tipped my bike over before!

Sincerely Humbled .....more humbling then I had bargained for! One broken headlight cover and small scratch on tank and I am so sad.

Stubborn me says suck it up princess- get back on bike and ride it anyways!

Rode bike to get burger at FIVE GUYS yum!

Pride still wounded...

Later that evening...

Pride still injured but slowly starting to recover- well, maybe?!

Tuesday day at work spend 2 hours on phone with Simply Accounting only to speak with 4 different people not one of which speaks english clearly! SOOO frustrated trying to explain what I need help with!

note: please don't get me wrong I am not racist or prejudice but when speaking on the phone it is important to be able to understand one another!

After person #4 says nothing I can do to help, you need to hire another individual. This is after they have charged me $200 to sign up for their help network! I huff puff and rant until I get refunded my money!

Blech! that is all I have to say about today!

Hopefully my motorcycle ride to Taber for my free facial will make the day get better! Maybe I will even get to go to Wendy's in Vauxhall for milkshake and burger and deep fried zucchini with dill dip!

Please note this is not your regular wendy's... this is something you would see on diners drive-in's and dive's.

Okay so I feel a little bit better...

I still have things on my mind from encounters at Time Out for Women. Maybe I will talk about these another day;)

Brain is trying to sort and make sense of all things in life right now. P.S. I did laugh as soon as I tipped my bike over- no tears or swears ;) or anything! I thought I did pretty good.

Grateful

2011-05-09T20:54:00.001-07:00

This is my nephew's cast he broke his leg on the first motocross of the season.

I just found out that a friend of mine is ill. It makes me so very sad and I will be praying for her.

I went for my first ride of the season on my motorbike tonight... I went to five guys and got a burger. Man I love warm weather.

Tonight I am feeling a little down, I know that I probably shouldn't but I can't seem to shake the nightmare that I had last night. Well I should get some sleep.

Umm...Thursday?

2011-05-05T13:25:00.001-07:00

Here we are at Thursday...so it is time for me to post a fashion post.

But first off I have the headbands that I made for little miss E.

Okay let's be intirely truthful I snatched one headband that was intended for miss e. for myself ;)

I love this floral top that I found at winners:)

I did some painting today and one may be going in the mail to a special someone....

And I was wondering do you still want to know where I purchase my clothes and the cost?

Let me know.

I hope you are having a marvelous day!

Monthly Goals

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I was late for work; I went to grab a few groceries before week and much to my delight and dismay it was 15% off tuesday....the lines were crazy hence why I was late.

There is something about rain in the morning that I love- maybe it is the smell, maybe it is the thought of a world washed clean with a fresh start....

Okay so in March I made some goals....

I think I only really fufilled one of them which was reading my scriptures for 30 min each day.

The funny thing is I wake up sit up in my bed, maybe open the blinds to let the light shine in and then set the timer on my phone. So far having a timer has worked amazingly for me;)

So May Goals...

1. Get my lazy butt running or to a excercise class.
2. Continue to document the blessings in my life that I am grateful for.
3. Do somemore rock climbing.
4. Get someone to work for week in July ( cabin vacay with family is a must!)
5. Give more service- think less of self, more of others.
6. Send fun mail to my beloved friends.

Okay so there it is a few goals to get me going...I feel somewhat more accountable if I post these on the blog.

Have a marvy day!

p.s. i miss scrapbooking and i am hoping that next month i will have some room to set up my space to create.

xoxo

Lazy Sunday

2011-05-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

So this is what my familia does after sunday dinner...

We Capture 16 lady bugs and name them after ourselves: Nana, Auntie Kara, Uncle Kory....etc.

We enjoy the nice warm spring air in the Hammock chairs.

Koa likes to swing with Taia and Auntie Kara too. I loved this day...the sun, family and relaxing= bliss.

Taia and I had fun swinging and sing aloud to music from my iphone. This moment I was so Happy, so proud of my beautiful neice and the lovely lady she is growing up to be.

Also not shown in photos is my mother chasing a wounded Grackkle out of the yard, and my nephew beating my brother with the downspout while he swung in the hammock chair.

We have two of the hammock chairs in my mom's backyard, they are so fun...the best $10 we ever spent at a garage sale.

And a note to all you foodies>>>

My mother made chicken and noodles...yum! - for those of you who don't know it is a cream sauce with chicken and homemade noodles that you put on top of mashed potatoes. we also had a honey lime vinegarette salad, roasted vegetables and warm homemade buns. For dessert: Angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries!

Clothes and other things....

2011-04-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

I wonder if any of my fabby friends who I think always looks so amazing and put together ever wonders or feels like they are not fashionable?

Somedays I wonder if others are as insecure as me and why I seem to need to be dependent on the compliments that others give me in order to feel cute or fashionable?

I am trying to learn to be happy with me and love me- everything about me....is this possible?

Can I love me and still know that I have flaws? Can I not beat myself up about the mistakes I have made in the past? Can I take others negative comments and weigh them out and them let the really hurtful things go? Can I be me....and that be different then what others consider the norm and not feel weird for it?

I really believe that True Beauty resides in the Eye of the Beholder....

Some of the most fashionable people to me are those who know their style and follow that fearlessly (or so it appears to me).

Miss Lisa is a prime example of this to me.

And for other people I am so Proud of Miss Jillian Jiggs and miss her dearly...are you out there Jilly? I love you.

xoxo

me.

Babies....

2011-04-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Oh How I LOVE my babies.....

okay so not my babies....but everyone else's.

I am so so VERY grateful to my friends and family who share their babies with me...and I got to share one the other day....she's beautiful and fresh into the world.

Oh how I love you little miss Eden Elizabeth Gardner....

Maybe one day I will be blessed with a baby of my very own. But until then I will enjoy everyone of my little bambino's :)

Love you Anna, Luke, Scarlett, Jayce, Tage, Taia, Zuri, Eden, Liam, Christian, Bergen, Asher, Benjamin, Lucas, Brihanna, Treyden, Luke, Carter, Hailey, Jacob and the list could go on....

The Easter Bunny.

2011-04-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Easter Bunny is real. I came home on Saturday night walking to my room and SQUISH...I stepped on something. I flicked on the lights to see what it was (and yes I walk to my room in the dark, and no I do not know why) and here is the bunny trail.....

Please note in above photo the second egg in the picture ( purple) that it is squashed. The bunny trail led me to my bedroom door where I found this....

Yum! I love chocolate stashes! Thanks Easter Bunny! and for those of you who don't believe he ( the easter bunny) is real Baugh! I caught him running away in my back yard.....

Today my friend Sarah and her little girl Brihanna came to visit me....she loves coming to her aunty kara's store because she gets to try on all the pretty jewels.

Is it Spring?

2011-04-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Good Morning friends,

I keep hoping Spring is here....

But also kind of wanting it to wait until I can retreive my motorcycle. ( must get a truck)

But I will try and be patient...

Mom has left for Mexico, right now she is probably sitting on the beach soaking up the sun.

I am happy for her and hope she has a wonderful time. As for me that means a quite more lonely Easter.

But I do have some pictures to share some that gave me a bit of hope for spring...

As for my fashion post this week I was having a hard time getting decent photos....but nonetheless here they are....

Thrilled but Exhausted!

2011-04-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

I had a very good Grand Opening week....it started with my visit from K.C. and Chan, then flowers from Mandy.... and finally a surprise visit from Amanda!

I was so excited to see her and she showed up with my now new favorite creation from marble slab....coconut ice cream with almonds, pineapple and strawberries- YUM!

Thanks so much to my fabulous friends and family! I would not be near where I am without out you. You are an amazing support to me and I am forever grateful.

P.S. My mom made nine million coconut cupcakes and I have some in the freezer waiting for my friends to come and enjoy them :)

Saturday at the store was crazy busy and I was so tired that I don't even really remember the rest of that evening....

Well moving on....

Taxes are getting done....crappy stressful outcome but alas not much I can do!

One of my besties and I are going out tonight for a celebratory dinner. aleast I can look forward to that.

Now I better get back to the 84 dresses that I have to press. Did I ever tell you how much I hate ironing! I rarely iron!

Yick! Yick Yuck Yucky!

Bye for Now.

Randomness.

2011-04-14T14:11:00.001-07:00

Okay let's start this off....

I decided to put a belt over my jacket today- I love it!

You may have noticed my recent obsession with hats...

P. S. I love my tiny feet! Tiny feet= cheap shoes from kids section!!!

This is what I woke up to this morning....the white snowball on the left is my car! It took me 45 minutes to get my car out.

And finally today's ensemble....

Date with Chan and KC

2011-04-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

Lunch at Broxburn Cafe again!!! Yummy.

KC with her delicious lunch...

On to the Jasmine tea room...beautiful hat Chan!

Enjoying our scones with Devonshire cream at the tea room.

Thanks so much KC and Chan!!! you spoil me rotten! And I LOVE it! come visit anytime!

a few days of clothes...

2011-04-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

So here is today's emsemble....

shoes: winners $50

jeggings: gift from the momma

cardi: zellers $20

shirt: $40 (well not really) I get a great discount at this fabby store.. tee hee

belt: $15

necklace$18 my store

p.s. I am thinking I should have wore my cowboy boots instead of the heels any thoughts???

Boots: famous footwear $60

socks: zellers $12

dress: stitches $15 cardi: winners $16

scarf: le chateau $25

necklace: my store $18

Gratitude.

2011-04-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful so many little things.... for events "falling" into place... for courses that guide me.... for word of mouth... for people willing to help me.... for the possibilities of goals reached.... for dreams beginning to take place... for unwavering friends... for strength.... for my amazing mother... for promptings... for the the temple... for my auntie wonderbra...

Processing...

2011-04-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am processing.
Processing my life and trying to swallow it in bits.

Doing my best to accept my New life and to be positive about it. Some days are better than others.

This past weekend our Church had General Conference.

I loved watching General Conference and this talk.

And the explanation of why the Lord chastens us:
1. pursuade us to repent
2. to refine and sanctify us
3. to redirect our course to what God knows is a better path

Sometimes in life we go through periods of pain, troubles, and trials; but I am a believer in that these things are for our good, for our own experience; so long as we choose to learn and grow from these experiences. I know that is easier said then done. When things have gotten hard I myself have questioned that belief-but then I have friends, amazingly wonderful friends, who remind of my beliefs in case in that moment I have forgotten. I came across this quote the other day wilst reading:

On the days when you don't feel close to God, trust your faith and not your feelings.

My wish for you then is that on the days you don't feel close to God, the universe or your source of Hope, that you would trust your faith in that source and not your current feelings....

somedays it is our limitations, shortcomings, and insecurities that take us away from our core beliefs, please dear friend remember to trust in that Faith....it will lead you to things greater than you could imagine.

all my love. xoxo

p.s. nadine a fashion post will follow tomorrow;)

Not feelin' it...

2011-04-04T10:42:00.001-07:00

So today I am just not really feelin' it....not the hair. Not the outfit. Not the day....

Oh and did I mention I lost my brain? If you have seen it please let me know.

Evidence of brain loss is as follows....
Friday morning let tea kettle on stove with burner on HIGH..... needless to say the roomies had a rude awakening.

Saturday locked keys in car...while it was running!
This was in pizza hut parking lot. While eating for lock smith I decide to order pizza and then try to leave with out it! Ha! Girl at counter saysummmmiss your pizza?!

Sunday trunk won't close... So I drove to work this morning with it secured as best I could... Enter pink ribbon.

Hot date with lucas...and Lisa:)

2011-04-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

We will begin with the end...
Tempura cheesecake..... Need I say yum?!
The lovely Lisa.
Best sushi ever.... Right here in lethbridge! Now u all have another excuse to come visit me!!!
This was made for her... Tee hee hee. I love thrifting with this lady!
My lunch from the Broxburn cafe... It's a greenhouse and they use their fresh veggies etc to make the food!!!! Thanks miss Lisa and Lucas for coming to visit me! Xoxo

Mega lush lashes.

2011-04-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

Loving my new mascara....

Here I am...

2011-03-29T14:36:00.001-07:00

Okay so let's start with this..... There are people in your life who love you for you, who are patient with you and embrace you. Please hang onto these people.... **** anyone else who is complicating life or taking you for granted let them go...move on....don't waste anymore time or energy on them. because more than likely they are not wasting any of their time or energy on you....

i am really loving the aps on my iphone;) this is of a headband I made ages ago and have been too chicken to wear.

And this is for some of you ( Nadine) and any others who actually look for my fashion posts:)

Shoes: Joe $10

Jeans: T J Maxx $20 T Shirt: Costa Blanca $ 15

Tank: Joe $15

Scarf: gift

Necklace: Clover Leaf Taber Drug store $12

Sigh

2011-03-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Why is it that life can be so difficult sometimes? Why can't we be able to be highly aware of the choices that we make and how they are affecting others? Why is it so easy to give others good advice but then so difficult to take our own advice? Why is it that some days I feel that this uphill battle will never end? When does hope return and doubt and despair depart? I know I am trying my best to stay true to my beliefs and do what I feel to be right....but it seems I am still making mistakes, still hurting others, still making myself hurt... When do I find that courage again? I know it was there at one point....that peace had prevailed....but it seems that the smallest things cause the greatest upheavals...

Tage or stitch?

2011-03-21T15:58:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

This is a test.

2011-03-21T15:40:00.001-07:00

Alrighty I am trying this out...

A new day.

2011-03-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

So today is a new day.

A day to begin again.

To start fresh.

To forgive yourself and try again.

So please be gentle with yourself today.

Give yourself credit for trying and try again.

Never give up.

I believe in YOU.

Did you know that my shoes look like alien eyeballs? Neither did I until today....

I made my headband wilst bored at work on Saturday.

Miss Lisa you will appreciate it is made from vintage sheets....

Now Sunday was a good day.

A beautiful talk by the Sister Kristin Lee.

She will be serving her mission in San Diego California, I am so excited and proud of her!! I was her EFY counselor once upon a time and I am still on of her sisters best friends.

I sat in Church listening to Kristin speak with a cute little Treyden in my lap snuggling his auntie Kara and had a moment of pure gratefulness....

I am grateful for this amazing family who so freely loves me and shares their cute little boys with me.

I am grateful for a testimony of the gospel.

I am grateful for all the amazing friends I have. And seriously I have the MOST amazing friends!

And now for an awkward moment of that day.

Bailey my roommate ( pictured below) came with me up to Calgary.

When i went to pick her up at her home I was visiting with her mom and dad and siblings...

and sitting at the kitchen table was her 3 bachelor uncles all over the age of 40.

So I am visiting with her mom and answering her questions and feeling 3 pairs of eyes in the back of my head s-t-a-r-i-n-g.... I keep telling myself this is all just in my head.

No one actually stares at people right?

Still feeling really awkward and wanting to leave asap.

we finally get in the car and Bailey bursts out laughing!

she says: my uncles have never acted like that!

At this point I am turning every color of the rainbow....pink, purple, indigo...

I don't think I have been that embarassed in awhile....

For the remainder of the ride home everytime Bailey looks at me she starts to giggle... great so glad I could be the entertainment!

Oh and this picture was taken right after the policeman left my car.

Note: yellow paper= speeding ticket!

Nerdy Bird...in boots!

2011-03-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Good day friends, I have been away for awhile....so here is a quick fashion post and tomorrow I will update you on what I have been up to.

Glasses: $5

Scarf: $15 Costa Blanca

Sweater: $19 Joe Fresh

Jeans: True Religion

Boots: Aldo Outlet $60

TTFN!

Big Hair, High Heels, Lace and Feathers...Fashion Post No. 2

2011-03-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

Alrighty people, are you back for more??

This ensemble was a bit of a fluke...it started out with my need to wear my feather earrings.....

Then that evolved into an up-do and then rest of the ensemble.

All in all I like how it turned out. Sorry for the not so hot pics...apparently I need a modeling class and a camera man.

So I will start from the top.

Earrings: Forever 21 $5

Top: Winners $16

Belt: Cosa Blanca $15

Jeans: True Religion

Shoes: Aldo but thrifted for $14.99- Yay!

Is it great or bad that I am so Cheap? You tell me....

Fashion Post No.1

2011-03-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon ladies...and gentlemen (if there are any...ok I know of one)

So here I am....

A little bit nervous about it all, but I am going to embrace this....

My first fashion post...

I have lately been inspired by the color combo of yellow/navy/cream....

And as most of you know I am a lover of accessories....and my newest love is my glasses .....albeit they are fake but who cares! I {heart} them!

And I will try and do my best to follow blogger etiquette (Miss Lisa you should be proud!)

So in no particular order....

top: bought at Donovans 4 years ago....

Jeans: Guess- thrifted $7- oh yeah baby!

Scarf: gift from mom bought at Taber drug store

Cardi: Bluenotes $15
Shoes: Joe $10

Glasses: Le Chateau $5

March Goals.

2011-03-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Alright I am hoping that if I put my goals or to do list on my blog for the whole world to see that maybe I will be more motivated to accomplish them!

so here goes.....

Go to hot yoga at least once a week.
Must, must, must complete soul restoration course! ( by March 15th)
Get room cleaned and organized for REAL(as opposed to the other only partially clean times...you know it's bad when your 6 year old neice repremands you-YIKES!).
Go snowboarding once.
Plan and execute grand opening for splurge.
Write in my gratitude journal EVERY night.
Read scriptures for at least 20 min each day....set timer and don't get distracted.

Okay well I better end there....to many goals makes for one crazy Kara....and we all have had enough of that side of me....

Oh. p.s. I am so excited about being asked to speak to a group of young women from church about dressing modestly....Yay! I have some good ideas planned....I hope they love it!

Warning! 10 days worth of updates....

2011-02-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

Okay so here goes....Saturday February 19th Taia came to "work" at the store with auntie Kara.

P.S. Taia is the hardest working 6 year old I have ever met!!!

After work we stopped by to buy flowers for my cousin Jennifer who I haven't seen in 10 years....who just moved back after being away...it was great to see Jen.

Then it was off to Tangled 3D for girls night...

Then little miss wanted to paint aunties toes....

Fast forward to the 23rd to Gardner family sushi night...

I love my family soooo much! and we love food alot! Hence the giant feast below...

Homemade sushi, rice bags, chow mein, ginger beef, tempura and the list goes on.....can I just say YUM!!!

This is one of the many Cute little men in my life!!

Bergen Jones...doesn't that face just melt your heart???

Next up was a surprise from my cousin and his lovely wife Siobhan....
look closely at their baby girls t-shirt...

Siobhan went to chang Zuri's "dirty shirt" and she came back wearing this one! I freaked out and yelled does that say what I think it says??!!

Yay! I am so happy for them and can't wait to have another little one added to our family.

FEBRUARY 24th

nice mailman delivers a package....I {heart} you mailman!

Thanks Chan! This was totally unexpected....love unexpected surprises!

Saturday Morning was in need of a spring pick me up so a trip to the grocery store and this very fragrant hyacinth came to work with me!

Saturday mom was babysitting Koa so he came to the store to say hello to auntie kara...

I love my cuddly buddy!

and a random photo of me....

This is Taia painting with me at the store on saturday...she truly is an artist!

Alright friends, I have a few ideas rolling around in my brain...and wanted to get some feedback...

so do you think you could help me out??

I was thinking of starting to post about fashion....yay or neigh?

let me know.

Giggles on a Thursday morning...

2011-02-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Okay if you haven't giggled at this picture already I will set the stage for you....A dad and kids playing....a giant wrestling match in which dad is wearing a jock strap over his pijamma pants and mom capturing everything with a camera. I can't wait til I have a family of my own :)

This is so hilarious! I think I have watched it like 3 times already....tee hee hee.

Restoring my soul...

2011-02-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Okay so here are a few of my truth cards from soul restoration. If you ever get a chance to take this course I would highly recommend it. It is amazing!

Okay I am not sure what I did to make the photos so tiny....but you can check them out on facebook too.

Valentine's Day Musings

2011-02-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Okay so here it is...my musings today on Valentine's Day.

First off I wanted to start you off with this...

So today being a day of love, please excercise your agency and give an act of kindness.... this could be something as simple as smiling at someone, opening a door, letting someone in graciously in traffic etc.

Today does not only have to be for "lovers", it can just be a day of love.

send some love.... xoxox

Please note that I am sending you love.....(pause)..... can you feel it?

xoxoxox

Big HuGs...Kara Style.

Edited... wislt blog surfing came across these.....I am in LOVE!!!

Retro Fridges!!! The come in Yellow and Pink too!!! Love, Love, Love!!! The company even makes retro stoves and dishwashers!

Oooooo! I can't wait until I have my own little house!

I {heart} you.

2011-02-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

I {heart} this bag.

I {heart} this camera!

and no, I do not own either of these lovely things....but a girl can always dream;)

This morning for some reason or another I am very emotional... I hope this passes soon.

Yesterday I had Jenna (a friend from edmonton) and her mother in law come stop by, I also had my aunt Vicki, and Jody and Rachel. It sure passes the time when I get to play hockey with cute little annie and I couldn't forget meeting the oh so cute Preston.

After work another fabulous friend of mine from Edmonton and I went to the temple. Britt is so much fun and so amazingly smart- I just adore her! We had a sleepover at her hotel here in Lethbridge- it was just so fun to catch up with her.

Note: it is 11 am and I am eating candy...yes big feet at 11 am...Yikes!

Intelligence and Inspiration.

2011-02-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

This is a tribute to a friend of mine who was surprised by my love of Albert Einstein. So I hope this gives you a better understanding of who I am and why I love to quote this man.....

I hope that I can live my life using both intelligence and inspiration. I believe Albert Einstein was just a man who did that. He was incredibly intelligent and yet he still had faith and believed in the unbelievable. He used his imagination and understood it's importance. He seemed humble, down to earth, even though I believe he had every reason not to be.

So I hope this gives you some insight into who I am, and with that I leave you with a few of my favorite Albert Einstein quotes.....

Re-focus...

2011-02-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Okay so here I am trying to refocus....

I am going to try and do that by saying all that I have been blessed with....

amazing friends...you know who you are! Thanks roberto and bailey for popping in to say hi!- it means more to me than you could possibly imagine;)

small gifts that come in the mail...i will post more on this at later time.

costco's mistakes= one extra free sign for me- yay!

side note: thank-you to the man in charge at costco photo lab who said i could have my 2nd canvas for free;)

friends who are there just because...even if it's just to lend a listening ear.

my sweet mother who is so great with me- who knows i need breaks and helps me out frequently at the store.

For a cute neice and nephew- who tell me they love me ALL the time! it's so great to be so loved. and who get on the phone to call me to tell me they are drawing me a heart.

for solutions to stressful things....

for those who tease me relentlessly(sp?) because this is the way the show they care....

and for unexpected phone calls....

and this is for those of you who don't read the text ... chantel-yes I am talking to you;)

February*** all ready?

2011-02-02T14:16:00.001-08:00

Okay so here it is February and I can hardle believe it. I am now entering into week 4 of Splurge opening.....

This all seems very surreal. I am still trying my best to get adjusted to my new life, new schedule etc.

Being alone at the store all day and working 6 days a week is taking it's toll... so I am trying today to re- organize my thoughts and get myself back into a productive state. Don't get me wrong- I am grateful.

Grateful for all the help and support I have received over these past weeks, months....

grateful to be able to pursue something that I am passionate about.....

I am worn and drained and needing to recharge myself....speaking of which a good book and a candle lit bubble bath sure sounds good to me.

Okay enough now of my ramblings....I wanted to post a few pictures of a few beautiful closets....one day I will have my own dream closet filled with all things beautiful *sigh*

Mushy Brain....

2011-01-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

Okay may I just say that Thursday is the longest day of the week????

12 hours and the mall is dead....

So i am playing with my i phone....

trying to get my self up to speed...as you already know I am technologically retarded...

so help me out what apps do I need and is there a good one for blogspot?

I am reading a good book too, 9 hours down about 3 more to go and my brain is already mush....

and i should be working on my soul restoration classes....

Cowgirl at heart?

2011-01-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

I am truly proud of my farm girl roots and my cowgirl heritage- my grandma is still riding and roping at 80 years old! I love being a girly girl and getting dressed up....but I also love the outdoors and getting dirty...

you may call me strange but I LOVE IT!

so here is me giving a tribute to my roots.....

And don't forget the boots.....

Pure JOY

2011-01-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a moment of PURE and UTTER JOy!!!

It was heavenly...

I was having a lovely day, mom had came to work at the store so I could go to Calgary to complete some errands... Sarah had come with me...we went to Chinook to do some shopping....we were chatting, giggling, and carrying on....

and I felt this overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude....

I am grateful for the MOST amazing friends...grateful for the blessings in my life right now at this moment....and grateful to feel like me again;)

I needed to hear this....

2011-01-20T09:23:00.001-08:00

I needed to hear this today. I needed to know that it was okay to hear out the painful things....

source: Brave Girls daily truth

Car Cursed.

2011-01-19T15:28:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that right!

I discovered yesterday after I got in a fender bender (winter and icy roads sucK!) that it is almost a guarantee that after I get a new vehicle that something will happen to it!

Case in point.

Now let's review the facts:

1. My sweet Gumbina- my first car...I had her a week and was so excited to go to the high school dance in my new car, so I drove her and after the dance I came out to a giant hole in my bumper!

2. Jetta- within a month of owning it we had a drunk driver hit and run....wrecking the whole back quarter panel.

3. Yesterdays experience....I have had the car for less then 3 weeks...and I hit ice and slid into the vehicle in front of me.

But on a positive note- this is halirious to me! This poor girl now has to come up with her $500 deductible....after all that I have gone through in the last few months this is truly funny to me.

If I am being tested as to my strength...I will not fold!

In the words of Pat Benatar- Hit me with your best shot!!!

p.s. Nadine this is just for you..... cause you will get a chuckle out of it- I swore really loud when it happened! Ha - I shouldn't have but dang it!

Rock my world.

2011-01-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

Why is it that the smallest thing right now seems to be able to rock my boat....

Why?

I must be stronger....I must keep telling myself that it does not matter if people talk, they don't know...you may judge me but you don't know my heart!

Okay deeep breathe.......... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

okay trying to be positive......

now on another note:

I am grateful to have an old roomate come to the store today. She is fabulous and has the cutest little boys. Love, Love, Love her!

*************************

I was just reading a conference talk and came across the following:

When we learn to handle the small and simple daily things in a wise and inspired way, the result is a positive influence that will solidify harmony in our souls and build up and strengthen those around us.

Beware of things that will destroy from the inside out, whether big or small! Let us instead focus on those things that will sustain a lasting peace of mind and heart.

Taken from Elder Per G. Malms talk; Rest unto your souls.

Oh and I forgot to mention about Splurge being featured on CREAM. Go check it out.

Giving my best...

2011-01-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

When we do the best we can,

we never know what miracle is wrought

in our life, or in the life of another.

-Helen Keller

This quote today brought me to tears.... I have seen so many small miracles as of recent.

I am so very blessed.

Me....Just Me

2011-01-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today I am contemplating me...what I love, who I am, and what I want.

So here it is...a little about me.

I am loud.

I am bubbly.

I am passionate about scrapbooking, creating, fashion, home decor etc.

Passionate.

I Love LOVE Love my FRIENDS- they are all so unique and truly amazing.

Now for a bit about my family, because they are a HUGE part of me.

I love my sister- she is always perfectly primped and an amazing mother...which leads me to her 3 fabulous children...

1. Jayce- you act like a tough little man, and I know you are; but your most precious atribute is your oh so tender heart- never lose this.

2. Taia- you are a daydreaming princess, you write love notes(even if your parents can never find their pens), and are constantly creating- please never let those around you influence you.

3. Tage- You march to your own drum, you are fearless-this scares me but also excites me for the things that you will accomplish.

I can't forget my brother in law Darcy who has shown me as of late that even if he doesn't always express it, he cares for me and will always be there in a time of need.

My sweet mother- I may sometimes take you for granted but you have always been one of my greatest supporters.

My Dad- Who continues to call me even though I am not great at remembering to call him back.

My crazy brother- who just like his nephew has a tender heart, some day someone will see the real you and appreciate you the way you deserve.

I love to travel and LOVE adventures.

I LOVE to dance and sing ( mostly while in my car at the top of my lungs).

I am so grateful for the gospel and the blessings it has brought me- they are incalculable.

I have a secret love for ace of base and mariah carey;)

I love musicals of any sort and productions.

I love to shop- this is maybe brought on by my love of fashion. which means I love all things girly: make-up, shoes, purses, accessories.

I am TOUGH! - Yes you may giggle but I am a FARM girl and dang proud of it!!

I Love my motorcycle!

Now What I want...

I want to be a mom.

I want to travel more.

I want to be fearless in the things I desire.

I want to be loved- for who I am inside and out and to have that person be patient with my not so pretty parts.

I want someone to recognize my heart.

I want to show those around me how grateful I am for them.

I want to more fully live the gospel and to grow spirtitually.

So if you had the patience to read through this, and if you didn't already know these things about me know you do.

I am grateful for trials in our life because the cause us to choose. To choose to grow and change or to remain stagnant- we have this CHOICE!

Please make the choice today to GROW.....it will make all the difference in your life.

all my love,

kara lee

Great Day!

2011-01-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing day today!

Lots of compliments...

on the store

on my outfit.

And then the most wonderful suprise....flowers with a love note!

Thank- you Thank-you!

The best day....

Update: I just had an ah- ha moment...I have accomplised some pretty cool things, mind you they didn't always work out the way I had planned but I feel grateful for the things I have done and the wonderful people who have supported me along the way.

Open for Business

2011-01-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Finally I am open for business! Hooray!

and I just had my first sale- it wasn't even a friend or family member.... Whoop Whoop!

As you can tell I am super excited;)

Coming Along...

2011-01-05T12:06:00.001-08:00

Okay so the store is coming along.... slowly yet surely. I am still a little stressed but I think it will be fabby. For any of you interested i will be open on January 10th and will be having a grand opening at the end of the month.

Hope you all had a great new years!

xoxox

Kara

Other Things...

2010-12-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is what I do with my niece and nephew for fun....we play human Jenga!

Saturday.

2010-12-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Ran into some kinks this week...

more on that at a later date...

I know that it is important to see the positive in where we are right now, but the question I pose to you is:

How do you do that??

I ask this question to myself each day as I struggle with very emotional things.

I am grateful that I was able to travel to the temple in Cardston with my Grammie yesterday. But most of all I am grateful for the temple and the peace inside that beautiful building.

I hope you have a wonderful and most enjoyable Saturday.

Today...

2010-12-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

Today... I woke up at 5:30 am to have my butt kicked by Joe.

Yes, Joe seems like a nice guy until he starts making you do things that make you discover muscles you never knew you had....

Mostly I want to say how grateful I am for my ladies, and you know who you are. Each one of you are unique and fabulous!

I am blessed to have a sweet little redheaded lady that I get to be auntie kara for and it makes my heart smile- she is soooo precious.

I love Christmas, and somehow this year I almost forgot that- yikes! But I remembered on my long trip home when I saw someone who loved Christmas just as much as me with the trees in their yard all lit up and visible from the highway. I think they were there just to make me smile;)

Well that's all for today, I have much to do...

xoxoxo

Afraid...

2010-10-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am afraid today...

afraid for the unknown

afraid to find myself again

afraid that no man will ever love me for me

afraid for difficult choices to be made

But I am trying to remember that I am loved by soooooo many

that fear is the opposite of faith

that life does go on

that there is doors to be opened

places yet to be discovered

and dreams yet to be fufilled.

wish me luck:)

xoxox

Classes

2010-09-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Come one come all! I have designed a few fun things for classes at Treasured Memories. The above vintage cuff class runs on September 28th from 7-9pm for $25.

This lovely Halloween wreath class is on the 16th of October and is $35. Head on over to Treasured Memories to reserve your spot now!

Birthday Girl

2010-09-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Okay so i turn 28 today.

I have mixed feelings about this all.

trying to keep my chin up and feel the love from all my wonderful friends and family that are sending me birthday wishes.

xoxo

I am Celebrity!!!! winkJust Kidding!

2010-09-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Furniture Love

2010-09-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am thinking of ideas....

getting our place to be our home decorated in my/our style(which I am still discovering by the way).

so here is a little inspiration.

p.s. I WILL be posting pictures from Creative Escape asap....hello my lovely friends!

Moto?

2010-07-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yard Sale

2010-06-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hello all... myself and the Fabulous Nadine are having a yard sale tomorrow Saturday June 5th from 9-5pm at my house 10434 76 Ave.

Come and check it out!

Another Class

2010-05-04T14:17:00.001-07:00

I am teaching it on May 20th at TM. You can check out the details here....

Wow...

2010-04-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is wow! why has no one told me about this business before???

Whiteberry Reinveted

Just Kara

Ca-Caw!

Beautiful.

One Little Word.

This Song...

Excitedly stressed.

Gratitude.

Details.

Stripes for Wednesday.

Monday outfit.

Love.

Just Breathe.

Snow.

If you Love Something...

Sorted....

Today. I ask WHY?

Me.

Missing this guy.

Satisfying a Craving...

A clothes horse.

Manic Monday.

A healing heart, but inside a beautiful soul.

Almost a month...

Karafest begins...

Funny. Well sort of.

Grateful.

Back from holidays.

A Harry Potter Party for Carys

As he wishes....

Summer Fashion

Moody Monday.

Canada day

Grandpa Engleson

Just a couple of things...

A Grateful Heart

Focus.

This is your story, this is your path, this is your journey...

This Summer is going to be Epic.

*Sigh* with a Grin ;)

Her Life.

Evaluating.

Summer is Officially here.

Blah....Blah blah...blah blah blah.

Grateful

Umm...Thursday?

Monthly Goals

Lazy Sunday

Clothes and other things....

Babies....

The Easter Bunny.

Is it Spring?

Thrilled but Exhausted!

Randomness.

Date with Chan and KC

a few days of clothes...

Gratitude.

Processing...

Not feelin' it...

Hot date with lucas...and Lisa:)

Mega lush lashes.

Here I am...

*Sigh*

Tage or stitch?

This is a test.

A new day.

Nerdy Bird...in boots!

Big Hair, High Heels, Lace and Feathers...Fashion Post No. 2

Fashion Post No.1

March Goals.

Warning! 10 days worth of updates....

Giggles on a Thursday morning...

Restoring my soul...

Valentine's Day Musings

I {heart} you.

Intelligence and Inspiration.

Re-focus...

February*** all ready?

Mushy Brain....

Cowgirl at heart?

Pure JOY

Sigh with a Grin ;)

Sigh

I am Celebrity!!!! winkJust Kidding!