~My Weekend~

My Friday evening began with having a nice fine dining experience with my mom... I never got to take her out for her Birthday lunch so I thought I would treat her to this new fabulous eating place called "Olives". It's new and it's located in a new hotel in Mankato, Minnesota. There is a spin of greek/Middle Eastern on the food and dining experience. Let me say great food... Mom enjoyed every bit of it... We then went to Barnes & Nobel and picked up a few books.

On Saturday night I went out for dinner with my hubby. This was to make up for the Anniversary we never got to celebrate since he was away visiting his family. We had good food and then went to a local coffee shop. It was nice to spend some quality time together.

Today I weeded the flowers and bushes/NOT so fun... It had to be done as there was this weed that is trying to strangle the flowers and bushes??? Not sure of the name of it. I then went for a small bike ride. That was my very quick weekend. It's never long enough. Off to work again tomorrow. At least I have a short week this week and next week also. It's the 4th of July on Friday so no work for me!!! Yippee.. I hope all of you have a splendid Sunday evening. I am going to do some case work and watch the Food Network tonight. There is a competition that is on going to see who will become the next host for Food Network. Happy Monday:)))

~Smiles Kimbella~

~Fresh Strawberries~

Once again time has prevailed me.... I can't say that I have been busier then any other day just plain tired... On Wed I had to drive to Redwing for work and I stopped and picked up some home grown strawberries, can I say YUMMY..... I remember when I was a kid and getting paid for picking strawberries and nibbling on the sweet pieces heaven..

My back has been bothering me, along with my leg and foot. I guess I pulled a muscle.. So this has slowed me down a bit this last weekend and into the week. I am feeling like I have more energy once again... I guess taking my vitamins helped perk me up! No big plans this weekend but I would like to start painting once again and putting some of my cards together...

I hope all of you enjoy your weekend and enjoy the Summer weather..

~Smiles Kimbella~

~Thrifty Finds~

My Saturday morning began with a day at the local Farmer Market;Raspberry pie, home-made organic bread, scones, and asparagus. I then had an early morning appointment with my favorite stylist. My hair turned out great!!! My brother met me and we had lunch at "Panera". Then we made our way to the local THRIFT STORE...

I found a few items of treasure; picnic basket,stand, movie,CD, and a few books. I then went home and my husband and I together made dinner. We grilled out... We were going to sit on the deck and relax with a fire and it started raining. I was so tired I am not sure why? I decided to turn in around midnight and I was still exhausted this morning when I woke? I guess many things twirling around in my mind.

I just wanted to drop a few lines as I have been simply exhausted lately, and not very motivated. Can I say just "TIRED"... I am not 23 any more where I could go to be at 2 in the morning and wake up at 6 am bright eyed and bushy tailed....

I hope all of you have a pleasant Sunday with many memories of this beautiful Sunday day...

~Smiles, Kimbella~

~HE'S HOME~

First, I am so happy my hubby is back home... It feels good to have someone to hug, and kiss....... I made a wonderful dinner tonight for the tow of us.. Yes, some alone time. Dinner by candle light, a little wine... I made some Greek/Middle Eastern food. I made some Pepper Poppers/appetizer;cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese with bread crumbs popped them in the oven mmmhh... Main dish was Spanakopita a spinach, lamb dish with romano cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, and many herbs.... I also made Tzatziki Dip/cucumber dip... It was all very yummy and I had to experiment after I took that Greek cooking class... I changed a few things and you know me Ms.Creative I put my own twist on the main dish and combined the lamb meatballs with the Spanakopita. I didn't feel like standing in the kitchen all day! I wanted to share this posting with all of you as it really touched my heart and I know as an artist, crafter this is what makes the work we do so special~ Patricia, I hope you don't mind that I am sharing...

Hi, Kim, I hope your spouse's return is joyous for you and your son. I just wanted to let you know that Angels Among Us is going to Lydia's House one day this week-very possibly tomorrow morning. I had it framed, with a spacer and museum glass to protect your canvas. It looks awesome! I added a small brass plaque to the frame showing your title, and the statement 'given in memory of Dr. Thomas J. Conran.' I will take a picture. I also printed out your blog information, as the artist, and put a copy on the back. You should be very proud of your talents, and the fact that you will be displayed in the very environment where your story may bring hope to others-look what you've accomplished with the gifts you have been given. God Bless!! Pat H.

I hope all of you have a blessed night as well
As always,

Smiles Kimbella~

~My Weekend~Happy Fathers Day~

I thought I might update my blog today as it has been some time.... It's amazing how time gets away from us. Well my last few days and weekend have been busy as usual. I had my friends daughter's graduation party.. That was fun... I made Megan a personalized card with her, the graduate on the front. It was a neat card. I will finally get my camera back tomorrow as my Hubby will be arriving Monday evening at the Minneapolis airport from Amman, Jordan.

Also this weekend my brother and I check out a new coffee shop in Mankato. The atmosphere is very serene and authentic. They have excellent Brevo a coffee drink with coffee, milk, and froth on the top. We shared a chocolate cupcake with the most yummiest cream inside, ohhhhhhhhhh to die for.... can you say DELICIOUS, yummyyyy....

We also stopped in at one of the local thrift stores. I found a few good finds; 3 cds, 3 shirts, and a cute plate with a cat that is grinning a big cheesy smile (find of the day), 50 cents.

And today, Sunday I made Rhubarb, strawberry crisp with organic rolled oats. I tried a few of my own ideas, a little twist. I added fresh squeezed orange juice, and vanilla. I also made a strawberry, rhubarb sauce.. They are both very tasty, thank you.... My son that the crisp is DELICIOUS.. he has not tried the sauce yet that I mainly made it for my grandma.

Today the weather is beautiful.. A bit windy but I can handle this type of summer day. I am going to paint a piece outside by my steps as the paint was starting to chip away. I need to get the house in order as hubby will be home tomorrow..... I miss him so much. It was our 7th Anniversary on June, Friday the 13th. We are so much in LOVE, just like the first day we met..... I know we have moments but the good out weighs the bad stuff... I am thankful for my hubby. And I must wish him a Happy Fathers Day. He is not here to share but we called him. My father passed away when I was 6 years old. I miss him as much as I can remember of him. He died August 28th, 1978. It will be 30 years this August WOW, unbelievable. Although, I wish my step-father a Happy Fathers Day as he has been in our lives for the past20 years. It just isn't the same. My life, and my family changed on the dreary day back in August of 1978. Life goes on with or without you. I also want to send out my deepest sorrows to all of the people that have lost their loved ones, and belongings from all of the flooding and tornadoes lately. It's a very heart wrenching site to see.

As always,

Smiles Kimbella~

~Yummy~Organic~Food~

Theses are my yummy goodies I found today! One of my clients suggested that I try some of the organic stoned oats (WOW)... they look fabulous and I ate some of the oats plain~yummy...I will make Oatmeal for breakfast. I also bought a mixture of wild rice, brown rice, and lentil together... and the carob for my sweet tooth except there is not sugar in the carob......Awesome..... I put a little of the organic cocoa in my instant coffee with a little milk~what a nice treat...

Tonight the weather has been scary... Tornado warnings, the lightening, and rumbles. I'm scared... the sky just keeps rumbling and the winds.... I hope Iowa doesn't get any more rain down there, but I think that just isn't going to happened. I will pray for them folks.

~Smiles, Kimbella~

~Greek Cooking Class~HaPpY BiRtHdAy JaMiE~

What fun I had last night!!! I went to a Greek Cooking class... I had so much fun with my friend Ann. We had good wine, good food... If you wanted to you could help prepare the different dishes. I did pitch in and help make the Humus.. I did this so I can now make it at home for my husband. I also learned how to make cucumber sauce, lamb meatballs, this spinage pastery. All of the official names are very difficult to pronounce. Chef Jill was a blast and she made the night come alive. If any of you get a chance to partake in a cooking class, "It's great".... I need to go and get ready for work. Oh, my weekend was fun, lots of shopping.. We drove up to the Mall of America.. Today is my friend JAMIE"S Birthday... Happy Birthday Jamie~Eat lot's of cake for me....... My husband comes back home in 6 Days..... I miss you Sam..

~Smiles Kimbells~

~HO~HUM~

So here I sit 7:00 am in the morning eating my Healthy Oatmeal for breakfast/rasberries... Mhhhh so good. I actually enjoy a good bowl of oats prepared correctly. I am very picky, like no water, it can't be soupy.. I like it kind of stiff. Yes, can you say WEIRD.. that's ME... When I have oatmeal for breakfast I am not as likely to snack and want to eat sweets. So for me oatmeal works rather well.. Yesterday I ran out of it and I craved it until this morning.

It's been at least 3 weeks and I have only had one can of coke. I am trying to drop a few pounds and cut out some sugar... I think it's working... I also try and get to the gym at least 3x a week.. It feels really good. Ahhh, pretty bird a cardinal is singing a pretty tune. Not much has been going on for me, don't get me wrong plenty to keep me busy but just the Ho~Hum of a week... Happy graduation to all you graduates (MEGAN), and to all of the students I counsel.... Hip..Hip...hooray... Good luck and the best to your future.

The morning looks lovely out but I think it is quickly looking like rain?? There goes that cardinal again wow.. so pretty... He's whistling at me lol.. Oh I forgot I am not a foxy Red mama... I hope all of you enjoy your weekend~

~Smiles to all of you~ Kimbella

**E-Bay AUCTION/TONIGHT**

"LADY DIVA" (SAY IT LOUD & SAY IT PROUD).......

This was a lot of work......... From painting, finding out shipping cost, to getting MS. LADY DIVA posted......... I hope all of you enjoy her beauty & attitude!! Please check my piece of art work out tonight starting at 8:30 pm central time here is the LINK I hope all of you had a fabulous day, and an even better "Hump Day"/Wednesday...

~Smiles as always~ Kimbella:)))

~BIG YELLOW BIKE~

Here is my "Big Yellow Bike"... I went on a bike ride last night, it felt good! I felt like a little kid riding my bike.. Today it's gloomy out and raining.. I made it to the gym and worked out.. It feels good..Happy Monday~

~Art Work~

FINALLY... Here is my newest piece of art work!!! In the midst of a tornado there is calmness. What I am trying to convey is that my life has been rather hectic and for me to produce this piece it is amazing... For me it is so relaxing to put the brush to work. I so enjoy creating... When I am working my mind wonders and I think, and think, and think some more... I hope to have this piece of art work posted on Tuesday evening. This piece will then close next Sunday, June 8th. I am not sure what I am going to call this piece of work but she has "ATTITUDE"... Maybe a bit how I have felt lately at times... This is my largest painting yet! I have painted her on wood. There is a place in back where she can be hung on the wall. Tomorrow I am going to take the painting to the post office and find out how much it will cost to ship her... I will keep all of you posted, Keep watching for my listing on E-bay Tuesday night... Now the next mission is for me to get my cards in order. Not my playing cards lol... My greeting cards:) I hope you all have a HAPPY MONDAY...

P.S. I am off to go ride my YELLOW BIKE.. I will take a picture of her... My mom gave me some rhubarb/and her name is barb lolll..I am full of jokes tonight.. Such humor:) I want to make some goodies mmmhhhhh.

~Smiles Kimbella~

~Beautiful Morning~

I thought I would add a few lines I guess it's been a few days. It doesn't really seem like I accomplished to much this weekend. I made it to the gym, cleaned, read the paper, clipped some coupons. On Saturday I did have dinner with one of my friends from my past job. It's always nice to get updates and reminisce about things. I made a yummy protein drink this morning, did some laundry, swept, and read the Sunday paper. I hope to get on my yellow bike today~ I hope all of you enjoy this GORGEOUS DAY! P.S. I bought a beautiful basket of purple flowers~ I hope to get my painting done~

~Smiles Kimbella~