It's Been A While!

Hi there!

Boy, is it GREAT to be writing again! I clicked on the link to my blog and fell in love with it all over again. Kendra John, my blog designer, did SUCH a great job of capturing the real Kim Funk in this design! Love, love, love it!

I spent the last few days creating a new resume for ME! Yikes! Usually, I'm working on somebody else's new document but I find it so much harder to work on my own! I can toot everyone else's horns just fine but mine... not so much.

After fourteen years as a stay-at-home mom, I am ready to re-enter the out-of-the-house workforce. My job search will hopefully find me in a position that is in between part and full time (my kids always come first) and will involve helping customers. I've missed customer relationships and can't wait to get back to it.

I hope this blog post finds you doing well! Is anyone else out there re-entering the working world like I am? A little bit scary, isn't it? (But exciting too!) Best wishes to all of you job seekers out there!

Wish me luck and stay tuned!

How to Make a Little Girl smile with a Crafty Book of her own :)

Well hello there ~ I've missed you!!

As mentioned yesterday, I am "back"! Couldn't start up again without posting something fun, crafty and cute! The "cute" part of this project would be "Miss Alyssa". :) 

Alyssa is the daughter of friends. Back in August of 2009 or 2010... Alyssa had a lovely little princess party. I was instantly inspired to create a small princess themed scrapbook for her with all of the pictures from her party. I told her mom about it and she was all in except for one thing... Miss Alyssa wasn't feeling well on the day of her party! There weren't many pictures from the party because she was under the weather and somehow the project got pushed to the side (but never forgotten!).

Two years later, I decided it was high time to finish this girl's book! I simply changed the format from a scrapbook full of pictures to a little crafty book she could "work on" herself. I purchased a heavy duty Strathmore spiral sketch paper notebook, cute girly scrapbook paper, stickers, colorful ballpoint pens, a glue stick AND a Disney Princess sticker book that jumped into my basket as I walked the aisles of Michael's Crafts in Vacaville.

I chose the sketch notebook for multiple reasons:

1) I knew it wouldn't easily fall apart (that would be no fun!)

2) The thick cover would be easy for me to decorate for Alyssa

3) The spiral binding gave me a spot to play with ribbons

4) The paper inside was perforated so she could easily tear out a piece of artwork to share if she so desired. (Word on the street is that Alyssa likes to share her art with teachers and friends!)

I picked the cutest sparkle paper for the cover, trimmed it with a paper cutter and attached it securely with double stick tape, then cut out a pink heart and added it to the center (I love hearts). Next I found a selection of my favorite ribbons and added them to the side to make it a fun, girly and cheerful.

I created a simple cover sheet inside to show her what she could do with stickers, papers and the like, then put together a little assortment of crafty fun items and packaged it up!

She loved her gift and I loved making it for her!

Have a great day all and GO GET CREATIVE! :) 

(Christmas is coming... create a gift for someone!)

{Created with love ~ August 2012}

Yes, I am still alive!

She's baaaaack! After a full year hiatus, I'm ready to get back to writing, blogging, CREATING!

Stay tuned! :)

Moms and Daughters - At Fifteen Years of Age ~

Having a teenage daughter can be "interesting" to say the least.  My mom always says that fifteen was my worst year.  That was my sassy year (according to her).  I see my daughter at fifteen rolling her eyes at her father and at me, and questioning us a bit, but I think she accepts our decisions better than I did.  Maybe it's because she knows that if we have to explain why we're saying no, she'll be stuck in "listening mode" for a minimum of fifteen minutes, at which time she'll probably miss fifteen incoming text messages and miss fifteen minutes of her life... of her fifteenth year.  My mom didn't say no that often... she admits that she was a bit of a softy, but that's okay.  She was a single mom and did just fine.

Mom and I ~
1982
Fifteen years old :)

I've been thinking back to the days I spent with my mom when I was fifteen. Running errands and visiting favorite stores with my daughter reminds me of the days when I used to do the same with my mom.  Mom and I loved Hallmark stores and gift shops.  We spent many hours at the old El Cerritto Plaza in El Cerritto, California, when we'd visit my grandfather who lived a few blocks away.  We'd frequent Betty's Gifts and Carol's Hallmark, Woolworth's, and Capwell's.  Mom loved Capwell's. :) We "ooed" and "awed" at all of the lovely high-end things and occasionally splurged on something special, but no matter what, we always had a great time.  We'd make a stop at the donut shop (Hunt's Donuts I believe it was called) to enjoy a donut and visit with my Grandfather's donut shop friends.  Great times, solid memories, very "mom".  Holidays with my mom were always special too ~ warm and homey decor done "just right" made me love that time of year.

Me and my "Des" ~
Christmas 2011
Des is fifteen :)

These days, Destiny and I visit Target, Pier One, Ulta, Tilly's, and the like, but we also visit Hallmark on occasion too and we both love it.  The treat stop is usually Starbucks for a "Carmel Frap" as she calls it. We get to talk about life during our time together, sometimes figure things out, and she gets to hear the old stories over and over and remind me that I've already told her "that one" (oops). We have fun and laugh and I am thankful for her every day.  We love when Christmas time comes and it's time to decorate the house.  She is in charge of displaying the many Christmas stuffed animals we have (we have a lot!), placing the garland on the stairs, etc.  I hope she looks back someday and thinks of our times together as fondly as I do when looking back on the many times with my mom.

Life with a teenager can be interesting, yes, but I'll keep mine.  She's a great kid and I enjoy spending time with her so much.  I am very lucky to have my Destiny and to still have my mom here on earth.  Life is good.

Remembering 9/11, eleven years later ~

There are so many pictures of the tragedy that happened on 9/11/2001, and pictures of people grieving, remembering, honoring. There are beautiful graphic pictures that have been created as well. We are touched by all.

As I looked through many pictures, I kept being drawn back to this one of a father touching the name of his son on the memorial in NYC and his deep sadness, but another shot really touched me and made me think as well. There is a shot of a cororner who was honored in a ceremony and he is weeping. It reminded me that there were so many Americans who took part in trying to heal our country and put lives back together. Doctors, nurses, cororners, small business owners, AMERICAN citizens who were just looking for SOME way to help in any way they could. So today I send my prayers and comfort to all of the families and friends who lost someone that day or in the days, weeks, months or years after due to issues related to that day, and a big heartfelt thank you to the first responders and all of the other wonderful Americans who may be unknown to us, but helped in whatever way they could.

 

God Bless America and our citizens! I am so proud to be an AMERICAN!

(And thanking our troops goes without saying!)

Apple Crisp Yumminess! ~

Gravenstein Apples are
absolutely the BEST baking apples!
(One girl's opinion) ;)

I grew up on Gravenstein apples.  My Grandmother has a very old tree that still produces delicious apples.  In my mind, there is nothing like the smell of Gravenstein apples baking in the oven ~ yum!  


At the end of a nice visit yesterday, I was able to bag up a nice selection of "misfits" to bring home.  Apple Crisp is one of my favorite dishes and a perfect choice for apples with minor imperfections and bruises as you can cut around the bruises and use the remaining apple pieces.

Here's my favorite (and easy!) Apple Crisp Recipe (currently baking right now!) ~

Easy Apple Crisp

Ingredients:
5 cups of apples (5 - 7 "good" apples or about 10 "imperfect")
1 cup of Bisquick
1 cup of packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 cup of firm butter chopped into mini cubes

Directions:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. 
• Mix Bisquick, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter cubes together, then set aside. 
• Clean, skin, and cut apples into small pieces then spread across a 9 x 13 glass dish or other baking pan. 
• Cover with Bisquick mixture.
• Bake for about 30 minutes. 

Enjoy a yummy smelling house and a delicious apple dish!

30 Days Creative - Step One...

Step one for me is easy... (Go ahead and say, "Get it together, Girl!")

Yes, step one is admitting that there is a problem and I am doing just that! 

Once I clear my desk (aka 8 foot plastic table), I will be able to work on the scrap room (need table space for sorting).  Here is a wee bit of proof that it is definitely needed!

  

Here's one area of storage that is currently home
to a few of my favorite things.

1) My Destiny and Tyler bears (barely visible)

2) My adorable "Modern Priscilla" framed magazine cover (very me!)

3) My Kelly Rae Roberts "Embrace Change" wall art

4) My super cute metal owl wall hanging!






But this area is more shameful!


(Dramatic music please!)

This is the school pix and papers file...

That's my son's preschool picture in the front...

He's now going into fifth grade... ouch!





Get it together, Girl (I know, I know) :)
Enjoy your day!

Kim Funk's Resume Service?

Good morning all ~ I hope today finds you well! :)

I have had a handful of friends (actually... I've had two handfuls of friends) approach me in the last month asking me if I still "do" résumés.  The truth is, all of the new résumé "rules" really threw me for a loop a while back. 

What do I mean by "rules"?  Well, the "experts" out there in the internet world have a variety of new suggestions and guidelines on what to do or not to do, what to include or not to include, how long it should be, etc.  Add all of the ways one should incorporate social media and social networking to the mix and it can be overwhelming!  It made me step back and really question whether I was producing a good quality product!  I would certainly never want to create a résumé that wasn't going to get a client (or moreover friend) the job!

The friends who have contacted me (thank you!) have made me realize that there is indeed still a need out there, so I'm determined to continue doing thorough research and take an online class provided in the industry to put myself in the position of being a great résumé writer again.

Once I do, I'll create a few formats, samples and a price list and then get to work!

I'll keep you posted!  Thanks again for your interest ~ it means a lot and of course is very flattering.

Have an exceptional day!

30 Days Creative ~

I love making creative boxes :)

I've decided to focus on being creative for the next month.  Anytime I'm approached to do something for someone else, I do it creatively, but it's been quite a while since I've tried to focus on creativity every day.  With that said, I've decided to challenge myself! 

For the next 30 days, I am going to focus on creating something every day.  This might be an in-depth article/post, but moreover, it will probably be something involving scrapbooking paper!

I looked around the scrap room the other day and noticed something.  There are a lot of crafty items sitting in bins or mini tubs on my shelves and... (gulp)... many items haven't been touched in the three years we've lived in this house!  There are also items that were supposed to go on the walls of the scrap room.  Things I absolutely adore and yet they... (gulp again)... are sitting on the floor or on a shelf - NOT on the wall! Thus the other reason for challenging myself!

By the time I am done with my challenge, I plan to have a few of the following goals checked off:

1. The scrap room will once again be inviting and inspiring upon entry and my favorite things will be on display.
2. My scrapbooking papers and other supplies will be organized and easier to access and I will have determined what items no longer have a home there (perhaps paper that I know I will never use, etc.!) and those items will be packed up and ready to be donated to one of the kids' schools.
3. I will have closure on a few projects that I need to finish, or ones that I planned to tackle in days gone by.  Checking this item off the list would feel GREAT!  (Yes, that's a must!)
4. The biggie is #4!  I am hoping this challenge will leave me feeling inspired and motivated and EXCITED about crafting again.  Maybe it will even lead me to a new business venture ~ one never knows, right?

Have you ever been in my place before?  I know some of you scrappers have been!  Feel free to join me in this challenge in any way shape or form!  Share your photos and thoughts with me!  A completed project, a great organization idea, etc.  I'd be happy to share them here on my blog.

Signing off now as I need to go pick a project for today!

Most of you know my slogan... "Do it creatively or not at all" ~ time for me to get to work!

How Pinterest Gave Me the Gift of Inspiration ~

http://pinterest.com

I've heard women call themselves "addicts", I've read an article stating that Pinterest and other sites caused the writer to feel she needed to compare herself to or compete with others, and I also know people who have seen or heard the Pinterest name but have no idea what it is.  But for me, it gave me back missing inspiration.

Pinterest, is described on the site as a Virtual Pinboard. "Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

In my own words, I'd describe it as a fun site to visit with thousands and thousands of pictures of anything you can imagine!  You'll find craft ideas, apparel, sentiments, food, beverage, party, etc. (in other words - you name it, you'll probably find it!).  One can sign up and simply look at everyone else's pretty pictures (that they have "pinned" to their "boards"), you can create your own "boards" on whatever subject appeals to you, or both.  The pictures presented are all linked to the original websites they appeared on, which is fun in itself as sometimes one discovers a new favorite website.  One can "re-pin" from others and even "follow" them just like on Facebook or Twitter.

At first, I wasn't too sure about it.  I scrolled through the opening page and was thinking, "How does one become addicted to this?"  I also wondered why one needed to be invited to join (yes, you must be invited by a friend or request an invite from Pinterest.com).  But then as I looked at friends' boards and did searches under certain subjects, I finally figured it out and enjoyed it.  (And the invite only clause just makes the whole thing intriguing, doesn't it?)

I found that viewing "pins" inspired me to get a little craftier (something I used to love to do), be a little more creative in party planning (some ideas are easy and relatively inexpensive), and even to revisit my love of creative handwriting and calligraphy. 

I don't take anything Pinterest-related too seriously and I don't have thousands of pins, but I enjoy the fun and inspiration it gives me and it reminds me that, "Hey! I can do that!"

Below are a few of my favorite pins (thus far).  To view my boards, to see the links to the sites where these pins originated, or to follow me, go to www.pinterest.com and find me under creativekimfunk. I'd also be happy to send you an invitation if you leave your email below in the comment section.

Please enjoy this virtual (make-believe) mini tour of my house...

First, step through my garden gate...
 original pin from - http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com

Walk on by the cute old truck...
original pin from - http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com

Head up to my office...
* original pin location could not be found (please share if you know!) *

Enjoy the old typewriter...
original pin from - http://whippedstyle.com

View my daughter's gallery...
original pin from - http://www.theprettyblog.com

Look at my current handwriting practice...
original pin from - http://sundayinbed.tumblr.com
(note: at press time, link was not working)

See my newly purchased fonts (love them!)...
original pin from - http://www.goinghometoroost.com

Take a peek at my project at the craft table... (great journal and sentiment!)
original pin from - http://artjournaling.tumblr.com

And my daughter's current art project as well...
original pin from - http://onthesurfaceblog.com

Find out where we neatly store everything...
original pin from - http://toppics.mooo.com

View the sentiments on the wall going down the stairs...
(This one's for my boy!)
original pin from - http://sawdustcityllc.com

This one's for my girl...
original pin from - http://mmorris.webs.com

And a reminder for the hubby and for me...
original pin from - http://vintagedutchgirl.blogspot.com

"Perfect!"
original pin from - http://www.etsy.com/shop/cREaTebyRET

Now, come have a seat...
original pin from - http://www.bhg.com

And "refresh yourself" before you have to go...
original pin from - http://sosimplyspecial.com

Enjoy your stroll out ~ thanks for coming by :)
original pin from - http://nature.desktopnexus.com

Now, what do you think of Pinterest?

Guess you could call me "Pinspired".

How to Look Years Younger with One Simple Beauty Product ~

Mary Kay's Tinted Moisturizer~
What a find!
Photo is the property of Marykay.com

A few years ago, I went through a time when I worried that my face was really starting to show age. Although I mostly noticed “crow’s feet” and other small wrinkles under my eyes, I also started seeing ugly brown age spots thanks to years in the hot Sacramento, California sun. Then one day I discovered tinted moisturizer and instantly learned how to “hide” those little issues!

I had sought out my friend Christina for a mini makeover at the time. As a longtime Mary Kay consultant (and former director) I had faith that perhaps she could help me find a new eye shadow or eyeliner that could brighten my eyes and take the focus off of the “uglies” that were staring at me in the mirror. But what she suggested was even better!

I had already informed her that I didn’t like to spend much time getting ready in the morning. Moreover, I let her know that I hated wearing foundation.

We did a quick facial then she had me try Mary Kay’s Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 20 and I loved it! There was no turning back from there.

The simple morning Mary Kay beauty ritual she created for me is quick and easy!

• First, I wash my face with MK’s TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser (normal to dry).
• Next comes one of my favorite products, MK TimeWise Age-Fighting Eye Cream. This product goes on light and absorbs quickly.
• Then, I put on a light layer of MK’s TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer. I allow it to soak in for a few minutes then move on to the next step.
• Finally it’s time for my MK Tinted Moisturizer! I put on a light layer (even on my eye lids as it helps to brighten my very fair skin tone!) and instantly look younger than I did prior to application. The tinted moisturizer acts as foundation does by hiding minor (and not so minor) imperfections but is a better fit for people who don’t like the feel of “make up” on their face. The SPF 20 is an important added bonus!
• I finish with mascara on a daily basis, sometimes add a bit of eye shadow, and always have MK’s Satin Lips lip balm or Chapstick on my lips if I’m waiting for a Mary Kay order to arrive.

(I repeat steps 1 through 3 at bedtime as well).

I highly recommend tinted moisturizer if you too want to look years younger with one simple beauty product.  Try Mary Kay’s like I did (I’ll now be a Mary Kay Girl forever!) or look for one from your favorite cosmetic line!

If you'd like to share your favorite age-fighting products or tips, please join the conversation by leaving a comment below!  Variety and information is always welcome and helpful :)

Note: Most Mary Kay Consultants have their own websites and ship product very quickly!  Here's a list of a few Mary Kay Consultants I know, who would just love to help you with your beauty and skin care needs:

1. Christina Patton is my personal consultant and friend and is based out of West Sacramento, California!
2. Teresita Finch is a longtime friend of mine whose beautiful skin proves that Mary Kay is a good thing!  She is located in Quincy, California.

Today's Job Search - Helpful Advice Online ~

Can you tell this book is loved?
Yana Parker was a résumé genius!

Are you in the process of looking for a new job?  Do you question whether or not your résumé compares favorably with others being submitted?  Do you know if you're using the right tactics to get your name out there? 

I think we all ask ourselves these questions when we are in "job hunting mode".  Below you will find a few articles and/or websites that are geared towards answering some of those questions.  Some of these may not be current (as in 2012), however, they were chosen because they do provide interesting and useful information.  Even if you discover one tip that enables you to be inspired to freshen things up a bit, it will be worth your reading time.

First, A few Résumé Writing Articles to Consider...

• 10 Words You Should Never Use on LinkedIn - Article writer Josh Dreller shares his informative (and comical) views on this subject on iMediaconnection.com and while the title only lists LinkedIn, I think it's safe to say this would include résumé creation as well!
• 10 Tips for Writing a Remarkable Résumé in Today's Creative World - Dare I say it?  I love this article.  I guess you could say, "It spoke to me".  Regardless of what résumé format you plan to use (chronological, functional or combination), if you want to be seen as a unique individual, you will probably find something that interests you here!  This is an article about words (one of my favorite things!).
• The 7 Deadly Sins of Résumé Design - This is an article viewable on a site called, "Life Clever".  Although originally posted in 2009, I couldn't agree more with a few of the "sins" pointed out.  What do you think?
• 7 Tips to Streamline Your Résumé Lingo - A short but strong article offering great advice on exactly what the title says!  A good one for all job seekers. 

Next... two websites to spend a bit of time on.  Both of these sites are full of useful information, additional links, and (even better!) great examples on different ideas and formats for your next résumé!

Susan Ireland's Résumé Site - Susan Ireland is the Author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Résumé" and "Susan Ireland's Ready Made Résumés" who writes out of Berkeley, California.  I came across her site by accident when doing a little follow up on my longtime favorite résume writer, Yana Parker (now deceased).  I'm so glad I found her site!  Susan offers over 100 (yes, I said 100) examples of résumés in all three formats (chronological, functional and combination), shows 14 problem résumés "solved" and shares a wealth of advice on résumé writing and job hunting.  Her site is kept very current.  You can also view her blog which is offers great advice from other professionals in the industry - mostly via video clips. 

Aspire! Empower! Career Strategy Group is another great site not only for creative résumé strategies but also for advice on job hunting, networking and social media.  Laura Labovich states on her site, "I am passionate about helping my clients move mountains in their job search".  I believe it!  She offers a free tips newsletter to subscribers along with a great blog in addition to the main website.  Her most recent post looks like a good one, check it out for yourself! Click here to read "My List of Terrific Job Search Resources".

Best wishes on your job seeking adventure!  Please feel free to offer feedback on the information provided and know that additional tips are always welcome by your fellow job seekers.  Conversation is good!
Keep checking back ~ more tips on the way :)

Make Someone Smile Today ~

Good morning :)
Lift someone's spirits today! You've read a post recently from someone down on their luck or sad, or know someone facing a challenge that seems too overwhelming to tackle... Reach out and say hello, share a similar experience or just say, "I care". Your little gesture may make his or her day :)

Favorite Words - Way of Life - Inspired ~

Jodi "penning" her message on the

Pink Heals Fire Truck in Fairfield, California

Go Jodi!

One of my favorite words in the whole English language is inspire... or to be more specific  ~ inspired. I truly believe being inspired by others and then turning around and inspiring someone yourself (intentionally or unintentionally) is one of the best things in life!

I am inspired by friend Jodi and other "fighters" every day.

What inspires you? How do you inspire others?

It's Time to Seek Employment - Ready, Set, Go! ~

My very first résumé -
Oh my goodness!

It's time for this stay-at-home "momma" to seek employment outside of the home.  Wait... did I just say that out loud and type it for all to see?  I guess that means it's real!

Being an at-home-mom is a big job and an important one, but let's face it... it just doesn't pay very well!  My husband and I made the stay-at-home decision many years ago and have been very blessed to be able to make it happen.  I know many ladies who would have loved to have stayed home with their children, so I have been careful not to take my time at home for granted.  (I also know ladies who were running for the door to get back to work - and that's okay too!).

My children are now 10 and 14.  Our family seems to have more wants and needs, which seem to have bigger price tags attached to them, and it would be nice to be able to take vacations, etc.  So... it's time to make some income.

It will definitely be interesting to find out where this new journey takes me.  I am still very open to writing assignments at home (obviously, I would love that!), but will be considering all options. 
The first step in this process is in the works... creating a new résumé!  I love writing résumés and have for years, but I always find it harder to create my own.  (Strange, I know).  Between determining which of the new "rules" are to be followed (don't use this phrase, this word, this format in "today's" résumé), and making sure I use all of the social networking tools out there to my advantage (still figuring out Linked In), I definitely have my work cut out for me.  Of course I'll be sharing along the way hoping my experience might help others tackling the same task.

Wish me luck - I think I'm going to need it! :)

* Writer's note: I could have (perhaps should have) used the word "aloud" in my opening paragraph, however, I write in a conversational manner and would never use the word "aloud" when in conversation!  Therefore, I used the more informal "out loud".  :)

Create A Quick and Easy Dinner Tonight! Teriyaki Chicken! ~



Kikkoman Teriyaki Takumi
Original Flavor

I love Teriyaki flavored chicken dishes.  Moreover, I LOVE easy dinner ideas.  If you're like me in those ways, you'll definitely like this recipe too!

Super Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients: 
4 - 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Bottle Kikkoman Teriyaki Takumi Sauce (I use original flavor)

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Thoroughly clean chicken breasts and cut in half. 
3) In a 9 x 13 glass dish (or other oven safe dish), spread out chicken pieces and pour Teriyaki sauce generously over chicken. 
(You can't really overdue).
4) Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.

That's it!  Serve with white rice, left over sauce (warmed up), and whatever vegetable you like.  Makes for an easy and delicious meal AND warms up nicely for the next day's lunch, etc.

Notes and variations: 
This is a heavy and thick sauce, not a light soy sauce type consistency.  I did originally try the recipe using Soy Vay's "Veri Veri Teriyaki" (another brand) but personally found it to be too salty.  I think Kikkoman is best!

An easy variation to this recipe is using ANY nice, thick barbecue sauce.  The barbecue option is one we use frequently, turning that dinner into what I call my "Pretend Barbecue" meal consisting of the chicken along with corn on the cob or canned green beans and salad. 

You can view Kikkoman's other Teriyaki Takumi flavors here.

Enjoy!