Giveaway Winner ~ 1/31/2024

As promised, I'm here to announce the winner of my giveaway for a $25 Starbucks Giftcard and a cup cozy in the winner's choice of color!

Without further ado, the winner is:

Faith

Faith commented that she would like a barn red cup cozy as half her kitchen is painted in that color.

To claim your prize, please email me at collettaskitchensink (at) yahoo (dot) com with your mailing information by February 2nd at 12am EST.  Don't forget to include your last name :)

 Many thanks to all that participated in my celebration giveaway!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/31/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~My sister-in-law Kelly's surgery Tuesday morning went "perfectly" according to the surgeon!  She was truly in the loving hands of the Almighty and I fully believe the surgeon was used by Him.  So many people were praying!  Kelly was sincerely afraid that she wouldn't make it through the surgery and now she is sitting, walking, talking and doing wonderfully!  We are most definitely saying prayers of thanks :)

~I signed up for a vendor/craft show that will be taking place March 16th.  I have roughly 10 days until I start my new job so I'm using my time to market prep!  This will be my first ever market/show and I'm excited!  I've been busy crocheting octos, sea turtles, leggy frogs, hair scrunchies, bunnies and still have more items that I want to work up.  I also have cup cozies, baby blankets, shawls, dish cloths and scrubbies made that I will be adding to my table.  If you can think of anything else I should make, please let me know in the comments :)

~Can you believe today is the last day of January 2024?  I can truthfully say that I'm up-to-date with my Bible-in-a-year plan.  There have been days that I've had to play catch-up but nothing too crazy.  I don't want to get behind too far and then have a hard time catching up.  I'm reading in Exodus (the 10 Plagues), Matthew (Mount of Transfiguration) and Psalms (at chapter 27).  I've never read a plan that is some Old Testament, some New Testament and Psalms/Proverbs each day but I thought I'd give it a try for something different.  So far, so good!  I'm really enjoying my reading time :)

~Laken, my baby, turns 17-years-old on Friday.  She's my little groundhog baby!  She either wants Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse for her birthday dinner.  Then on Saturday, the 3rd, we are planning on taking her and Nate snowboarding!  They have been wanting to go so badly so we agreed to take them for Laken's birthday present.  I just pray nobody gets hurt!  That is my biggest fear with snowboarding!  Laken has never been snowboarding but Nate has been.  Hopefully he can give her some pointers.  :)

~I need to start adding more pictures to my blog.  I used to take so many pictures to share but not so much anymore.  I really need to get a new camera as my old one bit the dust.  My phone camera stinks (as Laken likes to tell me).  If you have any recommendations for a good but inexpensive camera, please let me know in the comments :)

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/29/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

I can't talk about the weather without mentioning how absolutely gorgeous it was this past Friday her in southern Pennsylvania!  The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the snow was melting!  Glorious :)

The week ahead is a little more wintery...sigh...

On today's to-do list: 

~Today is my sister-in-law's birthday!  I would love if you could pray for her.  Kelly is having a major surgery tomorrow on her neck and is very scared.  We're all nervous and have been praying hard that it is safe and successful.  I appreciate it :)

~Working on my new routine of early to bed/early to rise.  I did pretty well with the routine in the beginning of last week and then little by little, I was staying up way too late.  So last night I was in bed by 10pm and now I'm wide awake a little before 5am.

Happening this week:

~Laken's 17th Birthday!  My little groundhog baby is growing up.  Friday we're going out to eat for her Birthday Dinner and then on Saturday we'ere taking Laken and Nate snowboarding at a ski resort about an hour away.  I pray no one gets hurt!

~Prepping for my first ever vendor show!

Currently reading:

I did so good with my reading goal and finished "Keegan" in 2-3 days.  I then started "Small Town Shepherd" by Nala Henkel Aislinn.  So far it has been good, but I've been distracted from reading.  I've put it as an item on my daily tasks, so I'm hoping to finish this book in the beginning of the week.

Watching:

NFL Playoff games.

Percy Jackson

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Stroganoff

In the Craft Basket:

I finished up the Think Pink Shawl.  Other than that I've been working on bunnies, turtles, bees and leggy frogs for the vendor/craft show.  It isn't until March 16th but I start working outside the home again on February 12th and don't know how much time I will have to craft.  I'd like to get as much done in the next two weeks as I possibly can.

Picture from the Camera

Kona Mae :)

Bible Verse

"In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."  Psalm 5:3

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 1/26/2024

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I did it!  I actually finished a book!  You can read my REVIEW HERE :)

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Sam and Brody remind each other of what they want to forget—bad relationships and broken hearts.

Sam lost her career and her boyfriend on the same day. Needing an escape, she makes a radical decision—leave the big city for a small town, get a regular job, and take a break from men and romance.

Brody is picking up the pieces after divorce. He’s hoping for a fresh start in the small community of Maple Cove. Instead, he’s forced to co-manage a failing animal hospital with Sam, who seems ready to hate him on sight.

Watch two people learn to face their fears and love again in this sweet, small-town enemies to happily-ever-after romance.

Small Town Shepherd is the first book in the sweet romance series Maple Cove Dog Lover’s Society.

First Lines:

Sam pushed through the door into the empty scrub room.

56%/Page 56

Aramis was a joyful and spirited animal.  She couldn't say the same when she finally looked up at the man holding his leash.

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

A Beauty and the Beast retelling…

A woman with a secret, a recluse, and a marriage of convenience.

For over a year Isabeau Daniels lived in fear of a stalker. Now, with him in jail, she’s ready to start fresh in Dallas as a housekeeper for Rowan Masters—a well known lawyer and recluse.

A car accident left Rowan Masters burned—both physically and emotionally. He’s spent the last twelve years hiding in his family home—and now, to keep his home he’s forced to marry.

Isabeau loves the feeling of safety that Rowan’s mansion offers, and he needs a wife. When a marriage of convenience turns into something more, can they leave behind the nightmare of the past and find the beauty in loving each other?

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:

  

   ~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q. How long have you gone without reading? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. I've gone a year without reading fiction.  The above "Keegan" by Lori Wilde was the first fiction book I've read since January 2023.

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P.S.  Click HERE to stop by my Tea Time post and check out my giveaway for a Starbuck Gift Card and a Handmade Cup Cozy!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Tea Time ~ 1/24/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~I've been thinking about my blogging schedule and how I'm going to fit everything in once I start back to working full-time.  I'm going to try to post at least 3 blog posts a week as long as time allows.  The plan is to post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with maybe a random post here and there.  Monday will be the Happy Homemaker; Wednesday will be Tea Time; and Friday will by My Weekly Bookishness.

~I finished reading a fiction book!  (You can read my review of "Keegan" HERE ) I haven't read fiction for fun in well over a year so I'm really excited about this accomplishment.  I really LOVE reading but it seems to go on the back burner.  I also really love getting new books.  Lately they are in the form of ebooks though I do love a good paperback :)  I love that I can download free books onto my Kindle.  Come back Friday to see what I've downloaded this week!

~The hubby decided that he NEEDS to feed the birds!  We made a trip to Tractor Supply and 40 lbs of birdseed later, the hubby is happily watching out the window to see what birds stop by.  The hubby is not the only one watching the birds though!  Flynn spent the whole day sitting atop his window perch content to watch the birds come and go :)

~Laken's boyfriend, Nate, and his family invited her to go snowtubing with them Sunday afternoon at Whitetail in WV.  We knew it was only going to be a high of 23F on Sunday and asked Laken to try on her snow gear as we hadn't gone snowtubing in a few years.  After trying on what she had, Laken declared nothing would suit.  So, we spent Saturday evening at Dunham's.  After trying on approximately 10 different snow pants/bibs (no exaggeration) a pair of snow pants, snow gloves and Carhart hat were purchased.  Even though it was cold, they had a great time and now want to go snowboarding!

~With the recent single-digit temperatures, I was surprised to see the forecast for this coming Friday.  55F on January 26th in Pennsylvania!  I can't wait!  You better believe I'm going to be soaking it in :)

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

P.S. There's still time to enter my giveaway.  Click HERE to check it out!

Book Review ~ Keegan by Lori Wilde ~ 1/23/2024

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Title:   Keegan by Lori Wilde

Series:  Texas Rascals Book #1

Pages:  348

Date Published: November 13, 2018

Publisher:  Epiphany Orchards Press

 Blurb:

In the dead of winter, high school teacher Wren Matthews finds a mysterious guy, half-frozen on her doorstep. Despite her pledge to steer clear of men, she just can't shut the door on him. As she helps him get back on his feet, it's impossible to ignore the sparks flying between them.

But there's more to this stranger. His name is Keegan Winslow, a former cop with a secret so heavy it could shatter their growing bond. Knowing the danger he could put Wren in, he wrestles with the thought of packing up and leaving.

As the storm outside rages on, trapping them inside, it becomes harder for them to ignore their feelings. Can they conquer the storm, his past, and find love amidst the holiday magic?

My Thoughts:

Until this week, I had not read a fiction book in a year!  That seems impossible for the person who used to read 3-4 books a week!  I've made it a goal to read at least 15 minutes a day and it worked :)  I read well over my daily time goal and finished "Keegan" in 2 days.  I love reading fiction!  It is so much better than watching TV.

Speaking of TV, I got burned out watching Hallmark Christmas movies, so I was a little bit leery to go into my Kindle and pick one of the Christmas reads I had downloaded in December to be my first foray back into the fiction world.  But, like I wrote above, reading is so much better than TV!

Wren and Keegan both had such tragic pasts and were damaged much more than just physically.  The healing and redemptive storyline was very heavy throughout the book, in a good way.

Wren's dairy farm was the perfect setting for getting snowed in.  Keegan came along at the perfect time even though I felt Wren was a bit too trusting.

The Christmas theme throughout the book was at the forefront as it mostly took place on Christmas Eve Eve, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  It was a very fast paced few days!  Especially on the love front.

"Keegan" is a clean romance with some steam, if that makes sense.  Nothing over the top but enough to keep it spicy.

I wouldn't say that I loved this book but I really liked it.  It was definitely worth the download!

Onto the next book :)

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/22/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I start my new job on February 12th!  I need to get back into a good routine of getting to bed at a decent time and waking up early in the morning.  I also need to work on a new schedule for my daily activities.  Any tips would be appreciated!

The weather outside is:

It is getting warmer!!  I won't even mind the rain as long as the temperatures are above freezing!

(I don't know what that little symbol on Tuesday is:)

On today's to-do list: 

~Figure out a new routine as mentioned above.  I need to print out more pages for my weekly schedule/calendar so I might as well get my thoughts together as to what I want to be doing once I'm back to working outside the home along with my household tasks.

~Clean...again.  It is never ending with these animals :)

Happening this week:

~I have to get a pre-employment physical on Tuesday.  Hope I pass!

~Laken doesn't have school on Friday so I'm not sure what we might get into.  Her 17th birthday is February 2nd and she requested going snowboarding!  I need to do some research.

Currently reading:

~I picked "Keegan" by Lori Wilde to try to kick-start my reading.  I want to try to read for at least 15 minutes each day.  This book looked like one that would be good to start with :)

Watching:

NFL Playoff games.

Hallmark Winter (not Christmas) movies

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Beef Stew, Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've been making baby octupus for in my etsy shop.  They are supposed to really help preemie babies especially those in the NICU.  The tentacles help the littles ones from pulling at their tubes and lines.  It supposedly helps with breathing also but I'm not quite sure how that works.  I'll have to do some more research.

Picture from the Camera

I made this cute little Valentine cup cozy.  I have a giveaway going on for a cup cozy AND a $25 STARBUCKS Gift Card.  CLICK HERE t see how to enter ;)

Bible Verse

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 1/19/2024

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I haven't been reading much lately but that is something I want to change.  I have a goal to read at LEAST 15 minutes a day before going to bed.  If you struggle to get reading time fit into your schedule, please let me know your tips and tricks because I really miss reading for fun!

~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

In the dead of winter, high school teacher Wren Matthews finds a mysterious guy, half-frozen on her doorstep. Despite her pledge to steer clear of men, she just can't shut the door on him. As she helps him get back on his feet, it's impossible to ignore the sparks flying between them.

But there's more to this stranger. His name is Keegan Winslow, a former cop with a secret so heavy it could shatter their growing bond. Knowing the danger he could put Wren in, he wrestles with the thought of packing up and leaving.

As the storm outside rages on, trapping them inside, it becomes harder for them to ignore their feelings. Can they conquer the storm, his past, and find love amidst the holiday magic?

First Lines:

Wren Matthews took the last of the cranberry-walnut bread from the oven and set the small loaves to cool on the oak sideboard.

56%/Page 56

She'd had a nightmare.  An ugly dream in which unknown assailants were chasing her, and she'd been desperately searching for a gun.

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

A Beauty and the Beast retelling…

A woman with a secret, a recluse, and a marriage of convenience.

For over a year Isabeau Daniels lived in fear of a stalker. Now, with him in jail, she’s ready to start fresh in Dallas as a housekeeper for Rowan Masters—a well known lawyer and recluse.

A car accident left Rowan Masters burned—both physically and emotionally. He’s spent the last twelve years hiding in his family home—and now, to keep his home he’s forced to marry.

Isabeau loves the feeling of safety that Rowan’s mansion offers, and he needs a wife. When a marriage of convenience turns into something more, can they leave behind the nightmare of the past and find the beauty in loving each other?

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:

None this week :(

   ~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q. Have you ever loved a book that everyone else hated or hated a book that everyone else loved? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. I can't say that I've ever HATED a book that everyone else loved but there are a few books/series that I haven't read and don't see what the hype is all about...Fifty Shades, Harry Potter etc.  Maybe if I read them I would have loved them.  Who can say???

~~~~~~~~~~

P.S.  Click HERE to stop by my Tea Time post and check out my giveaway for a Starbuck Gift Card and a Handmade Cup Cozy!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Tea Time and a GIVEAWAY ~ 1/18/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~I got the job!  I applied for an administrative assistant position in the Care Coordination Department at our local hospital last Tuesday.  Wednesday they called me to come in for an interview.  Thursday was my interview and they asked me to job shadow for a couple hours which was a good sign!  This Tuesday afternoon I got the call that I was being offered the position!  I accepted and my first day will be February 12th.  I'm hoping all this nasty weather is gone by then :)

~Along with a new job, I decided a new hairstyle was in order.  My pixie had grown out to the awkward stage that comes along with pixies.  So I treated myself to a fresh cut and style.  Now I just need to get my nails done  :)

~Laken has made friends with an exchange student from Finland.  Li is the sweetest girl!  They've had hang outs, a sleepover and went shopping.  Laken introduced Li to Auntie Anne's pretzels.  I'm glad Laken has made a new friend and hope they keep in touch well after Li has to travel home :)

~Litsa from Coco's Crochet is hosting a unique crochet-a-long (CAL) in 2024.  Each "fortnight", she will be drawing an item out of a basket and that will be the "assignment" for those two weeks.  Project#1 is CUP COZIES.  I heard about the CAL from Cassandra at Craftably Ever After and decided to join in.  I've added Litsa's announcement vlog below.  Let me know if you decide to participate :)

~And last, but not least, to celebrate my new job, I'd like to host a GIVEAWAY!  It has been ages since I've had a giveaway here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink Blog.  I tossed around a few different ideas and settled on giving away the following to one lucky winner:

 $25 Starbucks Gift Card

AND

Handmade Cup Cozy in Your Choice of Color

Here's how to enter:

1 ENTRY ~ Leave me a comment telling me what color you would choose for your Cup Cozy

(FOR SOME REASON THE COMMENTING IS NOT WORKING ON THIS POST.  YOU CAN LEAVE A COMMENT BY REPLYING TO MY COMMENT.  SO SORRY!)

1 ENTRY ~ Follow my blog and let me know that you do so (honor system)

BONUS ENTRY ~ Visit Colletta's Kitchen Sink Shop and let me know that you did so (honor system)

I'll announce the winner here on the blog on January 31, 2024!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colletta

WIP Wednesday ~ 1/17/2024

 

I thought I'd do a weekly post listing my current crafty works-in-progress (WIP).

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As of the moment, I have a Valentine Bear started that I'm not sure if I'm going to finish or not...  I'm so disenchanted with it that I didn't even bother to take a picture!

Other than that, my only WIP is a Think Pink Prayer Shawl for my Etsy shop.  I'm almost halfway finished with it at this point and would really like to complete it this week as I didn't even touch it last week.  The pattern is based on Attic 24's cozy stripe blanket that I've modified.

I have been creating all week and finished quite a few items but you'll have to come back for Finish Friday to see what I've completed  :)

What are you working on?  How many WIPs do you currently have?

Colletta 





Tuesday Tunes ~ Never by Tasha Layton ~ 1/16/2024

 

Enjoy :)

What tune(s) are you listening to today?

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/15/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I think I have a job being offered to me soon at our local hospital.  (Well, it is about 30 minutes away but that is local to us :)  If or when it comes about, I'm hoping to continue blogging and creating.  I'll have to get on a new daily schedule as I've been off work for about 3 months now.  If you work outside the home full-time and are a Happy Homemaker as well, how do you fit it all in?

The weather outside is:

Very cold and windy!  It isn't supposed to get out of the 20F's this week.

On today's to-do list: 

~Laken wants to go shopping since she doesn't have to do schoolwork because of the holiday.  I may take her if it isn't too nasty out.  I'd like to spend some quality time with her especially since I'm hopefully going back to work soon.

~Clean.  I got the hot spot table cleaned last week.  This week my goal is to get a few other areas organized and also clean the floors.  They are a mess from the dogs tracking in.

Happening this week:

~I'd really like to get my hair done and "possibly" my nails done this week.  Maybe today while Laken and I are out and about.

Currently reading:

~I'm still doing well with my Bible Reading Plan.  I still haven't picked up any other books to read.  I'm looking for recommendations if you have any.  

Watching:

I'm glad to say that Hallmark has new movies that aren't Christmas movies.  I love a good Christmas movie, but I'm ready for something else.

We started watching the National Treasure series on Disney.  So far, so good :)

I might watch the Steeler/Buffalo game this afternoon since it was postponed.

On the menu today:

Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup

In the Craft Basket:

I'm working on a Valentine Bear and a Preemie Octopus.

Picture from the Camera

Kaylee claimed this large octopus I made this week.  It turned out larger than I thought it would :)

Bible Verse

"God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness."  Genesis 1:4

Have a great Monday!

Colletta