Five on Friday!

Gonna try a little Five on Friday on this cloudy and gray day. No, I'm not an awesome enough blogger to do link-ups with other bloggers for Five on Friday (maybe one day) so it's just me. Le Sigh 

One // I'm sprucing up this little corner of the interwebs. I'm changing up the title a little bit and I am awaiting responses for some graphic re-design overhaul. I think I may have described my blog as a Pinterest DIY project fail at one point. I mean come on, I'm not a graphic artist, I have zero experience in HTML (all things I am wanting to learn more as I go along) so what else should I expect?

Here's a sneak peak into what I'm thinking. SO you'll have to stay tuned to see how it turns out.

{ And because I want you to }

These are my two favorite designers so far (and I've been doing my research). 

Laura Wyatt Design's Portfolio

and

Venus Trapped in Mars // Social and Chic's Portfolio

I'm leaning towards one already, but which designer do you like better?

Two // Parks is back in Tallahassee! Not for too long, but she's back! She'll be leaving for Nicaragua in a few days for a mission trip, so I suppose that's acceptable to go help those in need. We caught up sitting outside 101 (check them out here!) downtown, had dinner and enjoyed the live music. We both got their sangria, and boy was it delicious. I guess now that I'm 23, I'm starting to enjoy a good sangria more often (why is that?)...

Three // Last weekend I was definitely in home improvement mode. I wanted to clean my whole house, do all SIX loads of laundry (I keep asking myself why I let it get that bad, I always hate being stuck doing that much), reorganize my filing system, actually PUT bills into my filing system... That led me to this really awesome project! I saw it on Pinterest originally, but never found the time to actually execute it. 

Pinterest Example: 

Thanks to Kyle's handy skills, this is how mine turned out:

Before this project, all trillion of my necklaces were hanging from the hooks my bracelets currently reside on in the second photo. When you have about 7 minutes to get out the door and make it to work because you chose to hit snooze 23 times, having the most efficient jewelry set up is a must (that situation happens way more than I'd rather admit)

Four // Help! Help! My #Three leads me to my #Four, continuing with the home improvement kick I've been on… { I am looking for a 30"H x 12-18" L x 20"D white bookcase }  Those are very specific dimensions (and apparently impossible), but I am looking for a good home next to my vanity in my room to store my filing box, my printer, and move a large decorative lamp over to give me more working space. I want the space to be relatively seamless, my "vanity" (I'll use the term loosely) is actually a very minimal desk that I use for makeup, folded laundry I'm too lazy to put away, things that I drop when I walk in the door (and on)... I've checked most common websites (Walmart, Target, Ikea...) for something and have come up empty- orrrrrr I would have to sell my kidney for it. I'm not trying to spend more than like $50 here, ballin on a budget. 

Something like this, but obviously if it fit my dimensions and had doors to hide what's in the spaces?

Five // It's supposed to rain here all weekend. NOOOOOO. This always happens. It's GORGEOUS as I'm staring out my office window all week and then BAM here comes the weekend and the gloomy weather. So, while I drag Kyle to search for my #Four tonight, and do nothing on a perfectly good Saturday (SATURDAY- I live for the weekend people!) since it'll be raining, I'll be dreaming of pina coladas and NOT getting caught in the rain. Guess I'll just have to stare at my model dog and my handsome ginger. Rough life. 

That's my Five on Friday. Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend

Love,

K

Life Lately

Laying in bed, my body doesn't really want to get with the program today. I'm still at the point of exhaustion, but my two hour nap I took from work isn't letting my brain turn off any time soon. I always get nervous whenever this happens- my sleeping patterns are already really awful. Sleep is one of the best contributors to a great immune system, and ain't nobody got time for being sick.

All of that led me back to here.

 I read blogs daily still, but have been slacking on actually posting myself. 

So here's some life lately. 

Adult St. Patricks Day-- Wearing green to work and attending happy hour for a few drinks at 5. Can't say it really compares to my last couple of St. Patricks Days…But was still a good time!

My girls and I went on a fun reunion/birthday mini vacay to St. Augustine. My mom had recently given me this ADORABLE MK bag, and it really was the perfect accessory to my outfit the first night there.

Love them

I demanded everyone wear the Princess crowns E'lise had gotten for us on the second night. Which meant out to the bar. It quickly turned from Anna and I's birthday entourage to E'lise's bachlorette party- which was great too!

 

The last day of our St. Augustine extravaganza was spent walking around and visiting the fort. Since I had never been to the area before, I had to snap a shot with the fort! We we're a little slow moving Sunday morning, especially with bellies full of a delicious brunch so I wanted to wear something comfortable. The top, from Reef Boutique at College Town, is completely backless making it super lightweight for a hot day.

To wrap up my birthday festivities, I invited everyone out to a happy hour to celebrate turning 23. My little and grand little made it out, despite icky weather.

I was so happy to celebrate another birthday with these amazing people.

Some of the beautiful and thoughtful birthday gifts! I guess 23 ain't so bad after all

 Kyle and I have kept up our Sunday fishing/outdoor adventuring tradition. This was in Southwood!

 Oh yeah, I have been working this whole time too… I was able to listen to Ag Commissioner Putnam speak about the importance of Florida's agriculture industry to international trade for the state, and the nation at our International Days event. He's such an accomplished individual, and an amazing speaker, it definitely was a treat to listen to him.

An even better treat? Taking home this gorgeous box of tulips after the event was over.

Or maybe it was spending the evening at the Governors mansion...

Rodeo came around again. Definitely going to be retiring from my rodeo days after this year, but it was a great trip and I'm so glad I got to go with a great group and see the LEGEND himself, Alan Jackson in concert!

 Peter and Kyle

 Isn't he such a cutie?

 "Mom you want me to do what?"

 Found this adorable outfit at Francesca's the other day. Top, Skirt and Necklace.

Easter baskets I made for the puppies.

Kyle and I went to a late Easter brunch at Park Avenue, and then strolled around the art festival that was going on downtown. Such a great day with him.

 Ajax with his Easter basket and Mayley with her cute little Easter dress.

 Picked up these hoops from my favorite boutique Trending Now. Kyle and I had date night at Lake Ella for food truck thursday… Got some delicious local food, sat and enjoyed the sunset on the lake and the ducks, and worked off (yeah right) our meal by taking a walk around the lake. 

Sometimes I think my dog is a model… #shewokeuplikethis

 Spent the day at the beach and then hit up the 21st Annual Crawfish Festival downtown. Loved that I got to spend this sweet girls last night in town with her! I'm going to miss her so much while she's back home in Palm Beach for the next couple of months!

 Oh yeah this happened too…

Knowles came to town

It was a blast. I wish we lived in the same city still… One day we will again :)

Note to self: when wearing rain boots, do not rush getting up from your office chair at work. Your rain boots will get stuck, while falling you will slightly open your file drawer and then you will finish falling onto the corner of the drawer and it WILL result in this beautiful thing on your leg. 

Oh also, make sure you rub in any sunless tanner you use… 

This was kind of neat to find. I noticed that B. Rogan was written on one of my bath towels. When I was moving into my place, I took several from home in addition to purchasing some new ones to make sure I had plenty on hand. This was my uncles from his college days- just kind of cool that it's managed to stay in tact this long!

The countdown is actually now 41 days until we go on our 4th of July vacation. Which means I've been pretty smart about making good food choices (not always, but I'm human. With a lot of carb cravings) and hitting the gym regularly. I have a long way to go until I get my body back (thanks senior year and the stresses of my first year working) but hey, you have to start somewhere.

Kyle and I spent the day at Alligator Point. It was overcast, and looked like it was going to rain a couple times, but alas, it didn't! The beach is alway such a serene place for me, so I was overjoyed to spend that time with him, on what was basically a deserted beach courtesy of the weather, and just soak in the smells and sounds. A few strolls, a couple encounters with fish eggs (ick!) and unidentified brown blob (living I might add) and other nature things really did the heart and mind good.

Date night.

I wish I could have been home for Mothers Day, but thanks to the Campus Greek Shop for coming in handy for adorable gifts for Mama Farm!!

Saving the best for last...

My #tbt goes to my handsome man, Rhett. This month, he will have been a part of our family for officially one year. It's so hard to believe the bottom photo was a very real and very scary point in his life and that was his state the first day we met him. Without RVR Horse Rescue, our family would be incomplete. His skin and bones didn't stop the instant connection he had with our family though, we were just that more determined to give him the life and love he deserves. He is now a very happy, healthy, playful and sometimes bratty, little Paso lover. Rhett is #RVRStrong

What I love about Sundays

Well here's a little recap of some of my past week...

I think I need to start acting 22 again, I've been itching for spontaneity and I've been routine to an extreme (for me) lately. I've also been severely missing the pool of friends I had access to when I was in the sorority. Just to go run errands with, take a random trip somewhere (be it Thomasville, or Alligator point), lounge around or especially right now- someone to go to the gym with (I never took advantage of that in college) 

Luckily, I got a good taste of that Thursday night when I cooked dinner for my little, grand little, GREAT grand little (waaaaait. whaaaaaat.) and Caitlin. Since I'm really trying to stick to eating right (maybe have one cheat day) I wanted to make something that everyone likes [PASTA] but put a healthy kick on it. 

Fettuccine Alfredo- but with cauliflower based sauce. 

*mind blown*

I'm such a carbaholic that whenever I "diet" it crashes and burns sooner rather than later because I just want to eat all the pasta and bread in sight. Granted, this recipe -found here- isn't the all-time healthiest since it does still require a little bit of heavy cream (1/4 cup) and butter (1 TBSP) but come on! 

photo cred

photo cred

Now, I will have to say it didn't EXACTLY taste like Fettuccine Alfredo, but that may have been user error. Instead of fettuccine pasta, I used whole grain rotini (that's what I had in my kitchen already- and the whole grain is much better for you than regular pasta. This recipe calls for sweet potato pasta but girrrrl I'm ballin on a budget here) and I did add a red bell pepper for a little extra color/flavor. Either way, I personally enjoyed it (but I also cooked it hah!) and had leftovers to take to lunch the next day. 

Friday night I went out with Caitlin and her boyfriend. She and I started our night having mexican for dinner (I even tried to control myself somewhat there, but it was definitely my cheat meal) and it was nice to just do something outside my house with my best friend. I feel like the weather the past two weeks has called for me to be indoors, so I've felt a little cooped up and antsy to get out of the house. Her boyfriend then joined us at midtown. 

I guess I'm old- can't drink like I used to and was home before 12:30. But I still had a good time!

Saturday, Caitlin and I had lunch then I spent most of the day being cooped up inside due to bad weather. I did see Anchorman 2 last night though and thought it was hysterical. I never usually think that sequels are as good as the originals, but this was pretty great. Who doesn't love Will Ferrell? 

Today is just beautiful outside. It's definitely a "what I love about Sunday" type day. I've been dying to have a nice day outside (that I can actually enjoy- it's always nice whenever I'm locked away in an office!). The windows are open, the sun is shining, the laundry is going and I'm determined to get caught up for work-maybe from the tables at the pool. I would have preferred to have gone to church this morning since that usually makes me happy, but my congestion was out of control (thanks medicine for making me feel better). I can't help but miss the days that I would head to Andrew's downtown for a sunny outdoor brunch (yummy mimosas and the best brunch buffet you'll ever have), but this is pretty awesome too. A sister, Caroline, is moving into the most adorable house I've ever seen (ironically, I stalked it online while it was for sale without even knowing that her family was intending to purchase it!) so I'm planning help her move- her mom and her have been putting the cutest touches on it during their remodel and I can't wait to see the finished product. Plus who couldn't use an extra hand moving on a beautiful day? ALSO, my man comes home tonight from his weekend deer hunting in Georgia, so I'm pretty excited to see that ginger beard of his and get a big hug. 

I've felt my life has gotten a little dulled from being cooped up, but blogging about all that I did makes me appreciate that I'm able to do these things and dims the "dull" feeling. Just reassurance that writing/recording my life makes me love it even when I've been kinda in a funk. Hope everyone has a wonderful sunday and starts their week of amazing.

Love,

K

Me, myself and I

This weekend has not felt like a weekend. I guess I'm still trying to get myself back into the daily routine, but it's proving to be really difficult for me. I've just lounged around my apartment essentially the entire weekend.

And I'm okay with that?

Since I was seeing people I don't normally see over Christmas time it made me re-evaluate "How I've been doing". During college I was extremely... needy for a lack of better words. I've always been a people person, but throw in living without your family for the first time and a run of bad relationships and breakups- I never wanted to be alone. Now? Ha! I'm ready for some me time always! I've just come leaps and bounds with being alone and comfortable with myself and I must say, it's a proud feeling. Good friends had similar proud reactions, especially after hearing I was living by myself for the first time this year. I don't view being an extrovert and enjoying good company often as a bad thing, but the degree of co-dependency I was needing was unhealthy and I was subconsciously running from myself. 

A weekend like this past one is something I would have been panicking over four years ago. Now, I welcome it with open arms. 

Friday night I enjoyed staying in, relaxing and drinking wine by myself for the most part (maybe that sounds a little overboard...). Just had some me time after being surrounded by family and friends for the past two weeks. 

Just Ajax and I having a chat over some wine. 

Saturday morning I took Kyle to the airport... a couple of times!

Poor thing's flights were delayed causing him to miss his original connection in Dallas- oh you know because he's going to the National Championship game with his family tomorrow! He finally made it to California safe and sound, but I can't say I hated spending a couple extra hours with him. Perks of him traveling: I get Ajax while he's gone! He's so sweet and well-behaved, and Mayley loves the companionship. 

These two crack me up. They're inseparable. 

I ended the night with some champagne at a friends apartment. What girl doesn't love 4 bottles of champagne left over in their fridge from New Years Eve?

Today has been so lazy. My sleeping schedule has been all out of whack from being back in Tampa and having some fun nights to start the new year so I slept for a long time, and it was glorious. The rainy weather and two furry cuddle bugs made for a couple of perfect naps. 

I, yet again, did not bring my work home with me this weekend (even though I told myself I was going to) so I will have to get really motivated to knock out all my to-do list. I'm going to the gym and grocery shopping too, so hopefully that will make me feel even more ready to take on the week. I'm off to read more of the New Orleans Voodoo book my extremely thoughtful man got me for christmas. It's so interesting! 

Love, 

K

2014

2013 was such a spectacular year for me. I loved reminiscing the past couple of weeks on how blessed I have been to have so many great things happen to me in the past 365 days. Not everyday was rainbows and butterflies, but damn, those were few and far between when you look at the big picture. 

So far in 2014 I haven't felt an immediate surge of "freshness" or "starting over" like I did last year, but I'm hoping it might just take a few more days/weeks than usual. 

I've cleaned the apartment up from a very fun New Years Eve night, I've packed away all the christmas decorations [you get used to such little space- my apartment feels HUGE now that the tree and little decorations are gone!] and I've made a resolution. 

Time. To. Get. Moving.

So, before anyone laughs in my face about my resolution, let me be the first to say all of this...

I am skeptical.

I am going to be very raw, so bear with me...

To be brutally honest, 2013 was amazing for me- well except for everything I did to my body. I have utterly disrespected my body by the amount of alcohol consumed, excessive "bad food"eaten and lack of exercise that happened over the past year. 

It's definitely taken its toll on my 4'11" frame to say the veeeery least.

[Note: this is not compliment fishing- I dare you to research the "healthy" weight ranges for someone 4'11"; lets just say when I was fit I was still pushing the top limit due to muscle mass]

I get concerned about what carrying around extra weight might be doing to my muscles and my organs, so I've decided it's finally time to make a change.

Resolution 2014: To get fit.

I am leaving it at that. I tossed around the idea of putting a number weight loss, I tossed around an inches decrease, but realistically that isn't going to happen in whatever unrealistic time frame I place on my life (I know myself too well...). 

So, I know this is mine and everyone else's resolutions, but last year I did so well at sticking to my guns about surrounding myself with positive people, so if I make a resolution like getting fit, it may actually be attainable. 

I have a far way to go, it took a year to do this to myself. It will probably take a year to undo this.

But, at least I acknowledge it?

This to me seems beyond daunting, but I'm determined to stop breaking down in dressing rooms when I've realized I'm the heaviest I've ever been so my poor mother can stop that "I can only say so much to make you feel better, I'm out of ideas" look on her face. I feel so incredibly bad that I've learned to despise my body because it effects everyone that see's me saddened by it. 

Your body is supposed to be your temple and you're supposed to treat it as such. 

Welllll guess what. I love macaroni and cheese, and bread, and pasta, and cheese, and milk, and junk food and pizza and...

So since I know it's absolutely insane to think for the next year I am going to eat perfectly (aka no carbs and lots of lettuce- Jesus that just sounds miserable verbalizing that) so I've taken the steps to join a gym and further enticing myself to go by paying extra for tanning. 

Is it sad I'm essentially bribing myself? sigh

I'm taking it three months at a time I've decided. To keep myself accountable, I'll be privately documenting my progress, so maybe if I lose my mind completely I'll have the guts to share in my blog.

Speaking of my blog, I'm promising myself I am going to start writing more. I was the absolute happiest when I was documenting my own life (I mean who better to document this wonderful ride better than me?) even in the sad moments, so maybe that will be resolution 2.0? 

Anyway, I'm going to go back to sitting in the peaceful quiet of my apartment. Mayley snoozing next to me, curled up on the couch, a rather full glass of wine, some E! News on the TV and my wonderful man coming over later. Sometimes I ask myself on Friday nights like this: Are you 22 or 82? YOLO.

Hope you all had a wonderful start to the new year. It's your life, you have the power to make this a wonderful one, even if its just your mindset. 

Love, 

K

No.More.Turkey.Sandwiches.Please.

I cant believe it's December already

November is gone, and please... No.More.Turkey.Sandwiches.

Now it's time to focus on the *holidays*.

Which is great, because I'm definitely getting into the holiday spirit with my incessant Christmas Pandora station all day long and my constant browsing for a relatively inexpensive 4' pre-lit (white lights only) christmas tree... Why must you be so difficult to find?!

(Side Note: I picked up some adorable christmas decorations from Michael's today to help make my apartment feel more festive... Still waiting on some creative genius to kick in for the outdoor decor, but hopefully it will come soon)

This week is about to become a pretty fun and crazy week for me. 

I've been beyond motivated/overwhelmed/focused/determined/in overdrive at work these past couple weeks, so I could use a dose TON of fun.

Tuesday 

I'll be going to a special surprise dinner (no saying who though!) so I'm excited to spend some time with new friends and my handsome ginger friend.

Wednesday

Going to NYP happy hour at level 8 after work- God I love me some level 8 (I can't help but pretend I'm Carrie Bradshaw and downtown Tallahassee is actually Manhattan while I'm up there on the rooftop, sipping my martini or glass of wine.)

Then making a guest appearance at the Capital Young Republicans happy hour to say hello to some friends and hopefully meet other wonderful fellow Republicans.

Finally, it will be home to bake and bake and bake for later in the week! If I get a wild hair, I will *fingers crossed* make it out to one of my close friends, Lauren, 21st birthday waltz. I've seriously been waiting for this child to turn 21 since the day I met her. It's nice when you're in company and age is never a relevant factor. What does one wear to a Sweet as Cherry Pie themed waltz?

Thursday

My kickball team will be participating in the first round of playoffs! I can't believe this season is drawing to an end, I've really loved getting to know my teammates and spending some quality time with them and the occasional gin bucket or two...

Friday

Morgan is having her first "Adult Christmas Party"!! I'll be providing the assortment of the desserts so lets hope happy hour on Wednesday doesn't get the best of me (aka I fall asleep the second I get home because I actually am not 22 years old, but rather 80). 

I need to decide on an outfit, I want to be festive yet trendy- thinking White shift dress, faux fur vest, oxblood statement necklace with matching clutch and black platform pumps OR black platform lace up booties (don't know if that is too much of trendiness for me with the faux fur...). Anyway, I'm looking forward to a night of delicious food and dessert, great drinks, even better company and a whole lot of wonderful memories.

Saturday

My co-worker, Bill, who is near and dear to my heart, is having his One-Year Anniversary party with his wife Carolyn! It will be a day of shooting on the river, laid back fun, good ole barbecue dinner and an overall grand time. The last time Bill had some of us over to go shooting was great, I love to get out of the city and spend time out in nature (maybe not too far away from plumbing features...) but especially on the river and just take it all in. 

Sunday

Hopefully will be my day to play catch up from such a fun week. I've gotten really good at paying bills (adult? check!), doing laundry (adult? definitely check!), cleaning my apartment (adult? kill me now), and preparing for the coming week (I might as well be having a mid-life crisis at this point...) on sunday's so lets hope I keep this going. OR maybe I'll lay on my couch cuddled up with Mayley watching Bravo all day... Hmmmm...

I've got to start brainstorming christmas gifts for my loved ones, so maybe I'll be doing a little of that on Sunday as well. Dear God, why am I always so terrible at this? Maybe I don't want to start thinking about this just yet.. 

But what issssss on my mind is my christmas card photo I want to take with Mayley. 

Cheesy? Absolutely. Is it going to happen? Definitely. 

Anyway, I'm sure there will be lots of photos to follow this week, so I'll post those later as documentation that it is important to reward yourself with play time after working hard. 

Thanksgiving was amazing and I already miss spending time with my family, December 21st can't come soon enough. I hope everyone else had a wonderful thanksgiving and truly took the time to realize how grateful you should be for the loved ones in your life- for life is short but sweet for certain.

Love,

K

24 days and counting!

So on December 13th, I will be taking a magical trip to my favorite city in all of the United States....

-........drum roll please..........-

NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans is always somewhere I have absolutely adored. For the past four years, I have managed to wiggle myself onto a fraternity formal for a weekend of raging with the best, binge eating amazing authentic food, cursing and loving cobblestone streets, petting police horses when I shouldn't, admiring architecture, immersing myself in the art, music and overall culture that is Nola, but most importantly a weekend of just all around fun. 

I told myself after my first 20 minutes of ever being there that I would live there for at least one year of my life. Center in the french quarter- and no not because it's so close to Bourbon Street, but because I had fallen in instantaneous love with the history, music, people, food and scenery. Yes, even dirty Bourbon Street was a beautiful sight to me.

One of my absolute favorite things I have ever done (which was under extremely awkward and uncomfortable circumstances, ironically, due to who I was with) was take a historical tour in style. It was my birthday that day (just to make the day even better) and we started our morning off with a gorgeous horse drawn carriage tour of the french quarter. I was mesmerized by  our guide, an elderly African American man with the most gorgeous Cajun accent I've ever heard. He knew EVERYTHING- and I'm sure what you're thinking is "so does every other carriage tour guide in the city, it's their job", BUT the way he told his stories with such knowledge and wisdom left me in awe. Granted, I am a major history buff and drool at the thought of imaging how this amazing city all came to be, but the experience was just perfect. 

I will absolutely be recreating this moment for myself when I go back in December. Maybe sans the horse drawn carriage, but hey.. I love horses and I am a princess in my own mind so why not. 

I've already started planning the wardrobe for that weekend, which is rather unusual for me since I'm not a planner when it comes to trips... procrastination is a serious disease. Anyway, I am so excited for the cold weather (fingers crossed!) and I can't wait to go to a nice dinner Saturday night that I can dress up for. I'm thinking Drago's, the restaurant in the Hilton hotel near the Mississippi River. I was there just last fall for a fraternity's "formal dinner" and it was pretty amazing food and a fun atmosphere, but we will see where we end up. I've gotten good suggestions else where.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be blogging more about Nola as it soon approaches, but for now...

ONLY 24 DAYS LEFT.

(my cute app on my phone to serve as a great reminder)