tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66920977079413658572024-03-13T04:15:21.006-06:00this is katiewritings on life, love, and faithkatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-62891656650703207682012-08-31T13:56:00.000-06:002012-08-31T13:58:05.931-06:00Down to the Wire<center>
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Welp folks, we're down to the wire over here again. August 31. Meeting my monthly goals on the last day of the month should be pretty embarrassing, huh? (And by early August, I clearly meant, AUGUST. Right, La!?) </center>
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But in all fairness, we had a busy month-and a wonderfully celebratory and crazy month! First, we celebrated Handsome's birthday and our anniversary! Then he surprised me with a trip to Clearwater Beach, FL so we traveled and ate and sat out by the water and had many adventures per usual. </center>
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Then he started school and we recovered from our trip! and now I'm prepping for another trip to go home to see my parents and meet their puppies! In the midst of all that, I've been sewing and filling out job applications! Sooooo, instead of boring you with lots of info about THAT, I'll just show you some of my fave pics from August!</center>
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Here are Mr. RH's birthday presents! Two from me and one from the bloodhound. </center>
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I'm quite proud of the next two actually. Not because they are photographic masterpieces, but because I got my big 102 pounder into my car and drove her thirty minutes to her pet resort (aka the boarding kennel) all by myself. She isn't a "jumper." Usually my husband lifts her in to vehicles, but she neither trusts me to lift her, nor am I particularly able to lift a squirming beast. Thus, coaxing her in was quite a feat. And settling her down once she got in was no small task, but as you can see, she eventually relaxed and started soaking up some sun! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzIP-a6ohosfISqot4zZ6b08czBYElWFdD3rvjyLSA8jAQlmnWPVnqQJcfDLbVuYFm9ZARau7G8Qv9G2gttfHncQoy4m-YxA5OC71wVi5F5vbJ1FUiVPgH3IKVKD9jr256fO3wrwY3iI/s1600/photo+1%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzIP-a6ohosfISqot4zZ6b08czBYElWFdD3rvjyLSA8jAQlmnWPVnqQJcfDLbVuYFm9ZARau7G8Qv9G2gttfHncQoy4m-YxA5OC71wVi5F5vbJ1FUiVPgH3IKVKD9jr256fO3wrwY3iI/s320/photo+1%281%29.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDwOYT6hUYMA_M97FZ4dEruuKEfe3k4vYW4hRTN8TwOdFmexS3T0g5hzM5Sxu1DPghjL0bExrk2UsBJFVnhsBymv_mmsBuD_JODKyPH0mZncQ1fOh21O87oMV0K_bCwy9mXpTLSCFcqE/s1600/photo+2%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDwOYT6hUYMA_M97FZ4dEruuKEfe3k4vYW4hRTN8TwOdFmexS3T0g5hzM5Sxu1DPghjL0bExrk2UsBJFVnhsBymv_mmsBuD_JODKyPH0mZncQ1fOh21O87oMV0K_bCwy9mXpTLSCFcqE/s320/photo+2%282%29.JPG" width="239" /></a>Left: Sniffing everything and wandering around.<br />
Right: relaxing after realizing that there are no new people smells in the car and that she might be in for another 12 hour car ride (but that is a story for another day).<br />
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And these last are of paradise. All taken from our vacay. LOVE the beach, and we live in a "landlocked" state, so it is not very often that we get to go to the sit near the shore. It was a blessing and a really sweet time. <br />
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Most of those are pretty self-explanatory, except the second one of the dolphin is Winter! The dolphin who lost her tail and is now the star of a major motion picture called <a href="http://dolphintalemovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/index.html">Dolphin Tale</a>. It is a pretty sweet flick, similar to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106965/">Free Willy</a>, and I'd recommend it to you, except I don't recommend movies with Ashley Judd in them. (Again, a story for another day). </center>
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More Later, but who knows when later will be.... *could be soon with so many stories for other days, huh? Ha! </center>
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katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-72954174720884180792012-07-31T11:12:00.001-06:002012-07-31T11:13:24.066-06:00Meeting Goals: Photo Dump Cop-Out Post.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yikes!! So I haven't posted since the 1st of June! But getting this photo dump completed today keeps me on track to meet my (slacker) goals for 2012!</center>
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These little angels are my parents newest family members. I haven't met them yet, but I DIE over the cuteness. I have to get home to meet them before they get much bigger. </div>
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This was a beautiful scene on my way home from work the other night. </div>
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I'm participating in this Hexy Modern Flair (MF) quilt along. It is my first time paper piecing and this is my first completed flower! I have made a few others and have some progress on basting, so it will take a while, BUT I'm enjoying it!<br />
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We finally have a yard! (First time in our marriage... and in my adult life). SO we planted a garden and I finally found this little lovely a few weeks ago! It was delish!<br />
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I made this Pinterest inspired wreath for the 4th of July! It has been on our door all month. I think it is coming down tomorrow, because I'm ready for something a little less THEMED. <br />
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Ok, that is it for now. Back soon, in early August to share a few surprises!</div>
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<center>So lately I've been asking myself a lot of WHY questions and thought I'd share them with you. (Don't worry, none of them are super deep and thoughtful. Just funny things about my little life).</center><center> </center><center> </center><center> </center><center>Why do I like starting the washing machine, but hate taking things out of the dryer? </center><center> </center><center>and Why do I hate loading the dishwasher, but like unloading it? </center><center> </center><center>Why does my Big Baby need a human to stand with her while she eats her breakfast and dinner?</center><center> </center><center>Why have I been moving from one injury to another the last few weeks?</center><center><br /></center><center>Why do I want to go to Starbucks EVERY single day?</center><center><br /></center><center>Why do I like starting books so much more than finishing them?</center><center><br /></center><center>Why do I think workout clothes are so much cuter than regular clothes?</center><center><br /></center><center>Why am I still thinking about adopting the cutest little dachshund we saw at a tractor supply store a few weekends ago?</center><center> </center><center>Why do I not like cutting up fabric for projects? </center><center> </center><center>Why does chocolate come into my thoughts at least four times each day?</center><center> </center><center>Why do I like vegetables more than fruit?</center><center> </center><center>Why do I like homemade soup more than almost anything else for dinner? </center><center> </center><center>Why am I obsessed with the NBA right now? *And when did this start?* *GO HEAT!* </center><center><br /></center><center>Why would I still be thinking about a blog redesign when I'm terribly bad about posting consistently?</center><center><br /></center><center>Why did I write a WHY post? Hmmmm.</center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<center> </center><center>(P.S. I've been singing Y-O-Y-O-Y-O-WHY, Oh Why, Oh Why to the tune of<a href="http://youtu.be/lnFLK4iBcok"> Ole-ole-ole-ole</a>. Where does this stuff come from in my brain?) </center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-36701245533831188362012-05-31T14:00:00.000-06:002012-05-31T14:00:07.363-06:00Photo Dump!<br />
<center></center><center> So May has just about come and gone, and I haven't posted. I'm sure you aren't THAT surprised. But because one of my <a href="http://thisiskt.blogspot.com/2012/01/intentional-changes.html">2012 goals </a>was to post at least ONCE every month, I'm throwing this one in at the last minute. </center><center> </center><center>These are a bunch of photos from my phone that show you some of what I've been up to and have been enjoying the past month. </center><center> </center><center>Here is my new girl! She is our "BIG BABY" bloodhound. She weighs a solid 102 lbs and is 4 years old already. We adopted her in the fall and are having sooooo much fun with her. </center><center> </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went to visit my parents and utilized my mom's fabric stash to create some baby quilts for friends having babies this summer. I made two very similar, very simple little tops for these two sweet baby boys who are due in late July/early August. They are both the second boy in their family, and while I didn't make a quilt for either of their big brothers, I think sometimes it is good for the second child to get a spoiling the first child didn't get and I hope their moms like the quilts! </div>
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I also got my hands on this pretty little charm pack of Vintage Modern by Bonnie and Camille. LOVE it! <br />
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Here I am sinking my painted toes in the sand and water on a remote tropical island. Ha! Just kidding. I snapped this photo of my feet in the pool at my parents house one day when it was already like 90 degrees in April. LOVED it!<br />
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I ordered a new phone case for my phone, because mine was not doing well at all. This is a reflection of it on the mirror of my purse. Along with my granny hand at the bottom of the reflection. It is a bright and cheery-cherry case! You can get your own from <a href="http://www.gelaskins.com/store/phones/iPhone_4S_4_hardcase/Cherry_Pie">Gelaskins</a>. <br />
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Turtles on a log on the golf course. No one wanted to be in the water that day, so it was tight quarters on that branch. </div>
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Pretty flowers in our yard. </div>
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Another pretty. </div>
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Seeing a trend? I took that Big Baby Bloodhound for a walk one day and I forced her to stop while I took pictures of these flowers. I thought the color was so vibrant that I had to have a pic! It was quite a feat keeping her still without dropping my <strike>camera </strike>phone, but I'm happy with the result. <br />
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While RH was home for his one-week summer vacay, we stained our planter this darker brown color for a change and to protect the wood. We love the new color! <br />
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<center><br /></center><center> </center><center>Hope you enjoyed these snapshots of my life! I'll be back in June! </center><center> </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<center> </center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-29615406249497850162012-04-04T14:00:00.000-06:002012-04-04T20:15:21.970-06:00Work In Progress Wednesday: Emroidery 101 So last week, for the first time I ever, I linked up and shared my <a href="http://thisiskt.blogspot.com/2012/03/work-in-progress-etchings-quilt.html">Etchings </a>quilt in progress. I had so much fun visiting other blogs and having new visitors commenting on my blog that I decided to do it again! This time I'm linking up with <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/">Freshly Pieced</a>. Thanks for stopping by if you're visiting from the link up!<br />
<center> </center><center>I went to my first (right Mom?) embroidery class this past weekend. (I add the parenthesis because my Mom would know better if I had taken one as a child. Her memory is better than mine. Not sure what that says about either of us.) Anyway, I signed up at my LQS (that is my Local Quilt Store, for my non-quilting-lovely readers). </center><center> </center><center>For our class we needed to get our hands on a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Redwork-Winter-Twitterings-Pearl-Louise/dp/1592173217">Redwork Winter Twitterings</a> and show up! So I did! And I had the best time. </center><center> </center><center>Here is Redwork Winter Twitterings: </center><center> </center><br />
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<center> </center><center>There are lots of snowmen and snowbirds in the Winter Twitterings book. It is very cute and I think I'll do some bird-y projects for Christmas. </center><center> </center><center>My teacher traced a pattern* on some cotton fabric and explained a bunch of the basics to us! Here is the progress I have made so far. </center><center> </center><br />
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<center> </center><center>I love doing handwork, because I can sit with my husband and work on something while he studies or with the television on in the background. It is a great way to BE around each other. My machine is noisy and in a back room, so if I want to spend time with him my man and get some work done on a project, embroidery is the way to go! After this project I'm going to get started on another piece that I'd love to frame
for my living room or one of our bedrooms! </center><center><br /></center><center>Thanks for checking in!</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*Personally, I'm not into super country-cutesy stuff like snowmen for my
house decor, but I'm going to finish this project for the practice.
It does have a certain Christmas charm to it that could definitely be made into <i>some</i>thing... hmmm. </div>
<center><br /></center><center><br /></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-12559100406884538782012-04-02T14:00:00.000-06:002012-04-02T14:00:01.000-06:00I'm Wanting A Spring In My Step!<br />
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<center></center><center><i>(Pre-post note: This new blogger set-up is very strange and I'm hoping I get used to it very soon).</i></center><center> </center><center> * * * * * *</center><center><br /></center><center>Hello Lovelies,</center><center><br /></center><center>Spring has sprung and it is quite beautiful and green where we are!</center><center> </center><br />
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<center> </center><center> We
have had a number of rainstorms, afternoon showers, and lots of
sunshine! I feel like everything is breathing and alive! It is
definitely refreshing. It almost has me wanting to move outside and do most of my living on our patio! </center><center><br /></center><center>All the wonderful weather has me itching to go shopping. I have resisted the urge to go into any stores because I know seeing the cute springy / summery tops and bottoms will have me <i>really </i>wanting some new wardrobe pieces. But, I'm going to stay away (as best as I can) because 1. I'm still unemployed! and 2. I'd really like to drop just a couple of pounds before I get anything new for the bod. </center><center><br /></center><center>However, I have NOT been able to resist looking at shoes online. It is a terrible thing, that started with the need for a new pair of running shoes (mine have been causing me some pain). I got onto Zappos, shopped around, and ordered with a giftcard that I had. But I didn't stop there. Somehow I shopped around, and went from site to site and ended up on TOMS and now I'm swooning for a pair. I have never tried them on, so I don't know if I'd like the fit, but the idea of shoes (not sandals) that don't require socks sounds sooo appealing in these warm wonderful days.</center><center> </center><center>These are my favorite : A<a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/ash-canvas-classics-shoes">sh Canvas Women's Classic </a>for the low, low price of $44.00. </center><center><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTN4dQrvF8izaxfGnlJ0qjU-l_eqyszOlN97slIRHF-i1Lz7dFJL-BQUQlqOMXD4GkXadoJosZmRJrJJOpxPAa-ntiQfgb9ikS2BQjvniLRz6Y0AnaZYuwY1gEOhB5GaCPE2QxVqgwWw/s1600/w-ash-canvas-classics-h-su12_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTN4dQrvF8izaxfGnlJ0qjU-l_eqyszOlN97slIRHF-i1Lz7dFJL-BQUQlqOMXD4GkXadoJosZmRJrJJOpxPAa-ntiQfgb9ikS2BQjvniLRz6Y0AnaZYuwY1gEOhB5GaCPE2QxVqgwWw/s1600/w-ash-canvas-classics-h-su12_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<center><br /></center><center>But I like these a lot too: <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/classics/cream-metallic-linen-women-s-classics">Cream Metallic Linen Women's Classic</a> for $48.00</center><center><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8cUesemVxcK0yx9tVtwvmSBkH-i35L9-JQ9k77Ne8H6PbAKPFJuZNZEKmcspBDaGvClmoRpw3VpFI_UKR9cYzeK8VCi1A_KSzKPo1mS03UGS1zRTx6LWjM_xzjObpNMY5UKS9tVwhvY/s1600/w-cream-metallic-linen-s-sp12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8cUesemVxcK0yx9tVtwvmSBkH-i35L9-JQ9k77Ne8H6PbAKPFJuZNZEKmcspBDaGvClmoRpw3VpFI_UKR9cYzeK8VCi1A_KSzKPo1mS03UGS1zRTx6LWjM_xzjObpNMY5UKS9tVwhvY/s1600/w-cream-metallic-linen-s-sp12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Ahhh, if only I had a spring birthday!</center><center><br /></center><br />
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<center><br /></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-5555271661595046122012-03-28T18:12:00.001-06:002012-03-28T18:15:08.976-06:00Work In Progress: Etchings Quilt<center></center><center></center><center>One of my newly revisited hobbies is quilting! I sewed and quilted some as a child and then spent many years away from the machine. I made Mr. RH a quilt for his college graduation the year we got engaged and married, but did not have my own machine until Christmas a few years ago. I now have a machine and a great fabric stash, thanks to my Mama, and have recently been inspired and have gotten back into the swing of things. </center><center><br />
</center><center>I took a class at a local quilt store (LQS) in February and signed up for another this weekend. It forced me to do some prep work and re-learn how to thread my machine and spin a bobbin before I went to class, so that was a great kick-start. I'm thinking my next class will be very inspiring, too!</center><center><br />
</center><center>But in the meantime, I've been using the skills and fabrics I already have for a few projects! One of those is, what I hope will be, a very beautiful quilt. </center><center> </center><center> The pattern is called: "dream big" and is found in Camille Roskelley's book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simplify-With-Camille-Roskelley-Quilts/dp/1571209387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332978852&sr=8-1">Simplify</a>."</center><center> </center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-OUogvtpddzaBNA-lPst3y7yv-k_tH0zxScEg6B_2Uh8e0Kg4_LNfGJcbovrxURr1Quvfdg_043hisXqRNjX4npnytQIwLCVYz85lC7Bd-Vs69mKCEIi68vdC0WIYh1wuPCq0-bNVks/s1600/513BjJwK-NL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-OUogvtpddzaBNA-lPst3y7yv-k_tH0zxScEg6B_2Uh8e0Kg4_LNfGJcbovrxURr1Quvfdg_043hisXqRNjX4npnytQIwLCVYz85lC7Bd-Vs69mKCEIi68vdC0WIYh1wuPCq0-bNVks/s1600/513BjJwK-NL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center> </center><center>She is a wonderful designer and the pattern is easy to read and understand. </center><center><br />
</center><center>I used a jelly roll for the fabrics in my quilt. A jelly roll is around 40: 2 1/2" strips of different fabrics that all coordinate from a fabric line. The one I chose is called <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/browse_dept_items.asp?Shopper_id=43453281958534345&Store_id=499&page_id=17&Sub_Department_ID=&categ_id=&parent_ids=&page_viewall=Y&sNode=&Exp=Y&Search_Dept=&Search_Text=etchings">Etchings </a>and was designed by <a href="http://www.threesistersblog.com/category/new-items/">3 Sisters</a> for Moda. It is beautiful: featuring greys, blues, reds and creams. It has some prints that look like tourist maps and some with words etched on. </center><center><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mPwE_D9gC6RsBb-gKv48XnJD43wLuRENyXSGk7C9H8cuIIrSVG1ws20udTtn6qgLArzhKOnXZn5Hw6rgfVzXgGIeGBm2ukWUda96L3TT3Oh0FiZj-uQJDr-UaNqllKBJMzvcSh7MwcY/s1600/Etchings-FQB-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mPwE_D9gC6RsBb-gKv48XnJD43wLuRENyXSGk7C9H8cuIIrSVG1ws20udTtn6qgLArzhKOnXZn5Hw6rgfVzXgGIeGBm2ukWUda96L3TT3Oh0FiZj-uQJDr-UaNqllKBJMzvcSh7MwcY/s1600/Etchings-FQB-200.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The pattern had me cut various size rectangles and some squares from the jelly roll strips and arrange them. I haven't sewn all the strips together, yet, but I took a photo of the whole arrangement. It took me a solid six or so hours to get everything laid out exactly how I wanted it. Now the next step is to stitch all of those interlocking crosses and rows together. </center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiflsX_rrvCUQetnXtqkVGQAwuiobgj6kgfOhscPFer_-PQdEYlr0yvaAdHr4Lqn4tsQosz1ZybZWvO0a93QbqtVzdtwbEPM7Z7jt_nTULUAskolWaHudXX0qY-tLcMge0N2bGTnvpPJ4/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiflsX_rrvCUQetnXtqkVGQAwuiobgj6kgfOhscPFer_-PQdEYlr0yvaAdHr4Lqn4tsQosz1ZybZWvO0a93QbqtVzdtwbEPM7Z7jt_nTULUAskolWaHudXX0qY-tLcMge0N2bGTnvpPJ4/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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</center><center>I'm really excited about it. Now, off to the machine!</center><center><br />
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<center> </center><center><i>P.S. I am linking this post up to <a href="http://needleandthreadnetwork.blogspot.ca/">The Needle and Thread Network WIP</a>!</i></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-47844450372972995152012-03-23T15:00:00.001-06:002012-03-23T15:00:01.860-06:00A Little About Me.<center></center><center></center><center></center><center>Whoa!! Where did March go? I woke up this morning and realized I had better get a move on if I was going to meet my bloggy goal for the year of at least one post each month! Ha, I know that is not much of a goal for most bloggers, but it is a step up from last year for me.</center><center> </center><center>Anyway, I figure it is about time I answer some questions Callie, at <a href="http://www.throughcloudedglass.com/">Through Clouded Glass,</a> posted when she tagged me for a post way long ago!</center><center><center></center><center><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? </span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>This question is REALLY tough. I want to say it'd be a mixed CD, but... that is probably cheating right? So instead of writing out the mixed songs I would LOVE to have with me, I'll just go with my (probably all-time) favorite CD, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yourself-Someone-Like-Matchbox-Twenty/dp/B000002JWU">Matchbox Twenty: Yourself or Someone Like You</a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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2. If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>This is hard for me, because I'm really thinking about wanting to be a teacher. My background would let me teach something like government, law, or history. However, I wish I was a talented artist or art history student that could teach in one of those more creative ventures. </center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
3. What is your favorite verse and/or quote?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>Verse: Zephaniah 3:17. It's been my favorite for at least ten years. It says</center><center>"The Lord your God is with you, He is might to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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4. Why did you start blogging?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>I liked reading other blogs, so I thought I might like documenting my own stories, thoughts, and whims. It is a lot more difficult for me to get to that documenting part than it once was, but I still really like collecting recipes and occasionally photos and thoughts through blogs, so I try to add a little to that world when I can. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
5. What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible, because that's a given)?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
6. Favorite drink to get at Starbucks?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>Well, before food allergies I would have said a Iced Tall Soy Latte. But these days, I mostly enjoy iced black teas (1/2 sweetened), hot Refresh teas, and the very occasional tall soy hot chocolate with only 1 pump of mocha and 1 pump of vanilla and no whip cream.</center><center><br />
</center><center>And speaking about the 'Bux, I also really, really, loved Iced Caramel Macchiatos at one point before I quit the espresso. I ordered those with a little less caramel than they choose to drizzle. Yummm!</center><center> </center><center> Now I'm drooling and I'm going to go cry a little river thinking about espresso.</center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
7. Would you rather it snow or rain?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>I'm a big fan of rain. I like watching it when I'm inside and curled up on a couch. Actually, I like watching snow when I'm curled up on the couch, too. And I didn't even really mind shoveling it the few times I have done so recently. So it is tough to choose. </center><center> </center><center>Final answer: I'll say if I'm inside I like rain. If I'm outside walking around, I like snow. </center><center> </center><center> And yes,that is a complicated answer but I grew up in a very dry climate (like the middle of the desert) so any moisture is awesome in my book.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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8. Advice that your mom gave you that you never forgot?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>Do what you love, even if the world doesn't value it or understand it. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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9. Most read website or blog (besides mine, of course . . . *wink, wink*)?</span></center><center>I read www.blueeyedbride.com almost every day. I love Erin's posts. She is a thoughtful interesting mother and I enjoy that she posts all the time, because I like new blog content. Pretty funny considering how often I write and publish my own blog content. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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10. One thing you would tell your 13 year old self (got this idea from <a href="http://mjlliving.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a>)?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center>Muscles are beautiful.</center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></center><center>I would tell my 17 year old self to hold onto her voice. Meaning, never stop speaking out about things that are wrong. Never worry if your words might offend someone, if you're still being true to yourself. </center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
11. What do you hope people will say about you after you die?</span></center><center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></center><center></center>I actually think about this sort of a lot. Is that weird? I hope people will say that I was a loving, enthusiastic, deeply committed friend and wife, and most importantly a light (shining because of Him) in this dark world.</center><center> </center><center>So that was fun! And thanks to <a href="http://www.throughcloudedglass.com/">Callie </a>for tagging me. </center><center> </center><center>I know I'm supposed to tag my friends for the same and come up with questions, too so </center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://kelleyandrhett.blogspot.com/">Kelley</a> </center><center><a href="http://arsenalfamily.wordpress.com/">La </a></center><center> <a href="http://www.threeyearsdown.com/">Brittany</a></center><center><a href="http://witheagerhands.blogspot.com/">Brittney</a></center><center> </center><center><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Answer these questions:</b></span></center><center> </center><center>1. What is your favorite holiday? </center><center> 2. What do you like most about yourself? </center><center>3. If you can only choose one type of accessory to have for the rest of your life what would it be and why? </center><center>4. What was your favorite subject in high school? </center><center>5. Are you still friends with friends from high school? </center><center>6. What is your exercise of choice? </center><center>7. What is your most guilty grocery store indulgence? </center><center>8. Any shows that you are loving?</center><center>9. Favorite all-time movie and album?</center><center> </center><center> </center><center>Thanks for playing along. </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><center> </center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-89157818791950608782012-02-29T16:44:00.000-07:002012-02-29T16:52:52.990-07:00Leaping!<center></center><center> Happy Leap Day <span style="font-size: large;">2012 </span>Friends!</center><center> </center><center>Did you know that there are 97 leap days every 400 years? It's true! Leap years are every four years, except in years ending in 00... UNLESS they can be divided by 40. Don't believe me? Check out this <a href="http://www.rmg.co.uk/explore/astronomy-and-time/time-facts/leap-years">explanation</a>.</center><center> </center><center>I'm just love facts about days and dates, so I just thought I'd throw this tidbid out there for you to enjoy as well!</center><center> </center><center>Hope you get some wonderful leaping in today! </center><center> </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><center><br />
</center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-18805569385571375932012-02-24T07:30:00.000-07:002012-02-24T07:30:04.016-07:00Songs I'm Loving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center></center><center></center>I have recently found some new Christian music that I just LOVE. You may or may not have heard these artists, but I just have to share them, because their music is TOO good and TOO uplifting not to. <center> </center><center>First up, Lindsay Mccaul. I bought Lindsay's cd "If It Leads Me Back" a few weeks ago and I tweeted about how excited I was then. I had only heard a couple of her songs at that point, but since I have gotten the album, I have pretty much been listening to it non-stop. And that is saying a lot for me, because I don't often listen to music any place other than in my car. </center><center><br />
</center><center>Here is "Say My Name" which is definitely one of my favorites:</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kKSUVi66K70?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><center><br />
</center><center> </center><center>Next is Audrey Assad. I don't have her new album "heart" yet, it just came out of Valentine's Day, but I have listened to many of the songs. "Sparrow" is way up at the top for me. Listen to it:</center><center> </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gfSI3mnZaqQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><center> </center><center>And finally, I have had the newist Shane and Shane cd , "the one you need," for quite some time, but I just LOVE it too and think you might enjoy it. I have listened to it sooo many times already that it just might be my at-the-house soundtrack. The whole things pretty much rocks, but "Miracle" might be my favorite on the whole album. </center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pBvDaypChiI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><center><br />
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So I hope I have introduced you to something new that will intensify your all-day worship experience of the one who made us and loves us. </center><center><br />
</center><center>I'm here and I'm still writing,</center><center><br />
</center><center>Katie Beth</center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-7260187411348190572012-02-20T07:30:00.000-07:002012-02-20T07:30:00.585-07:00Wreath-Making: A Fall Wreath<center></center><center> </center><center><center>So one of the things I have been doing with my time lately is making wreaths. It all started when I realized I was going to have a very beautiful, almost hunter green front door and that it would be mine, all mine, for at least the next several years. I decided then and there that I would REALLY like to have a wreath for every season. I started brainstorming and imagining what they could be and what they could look like. I would have a beautiful orange and brown and yellow leafy one in the fall and I would have a beautiful berry one for Christmas and I would have a heart for Valentine's day! Oh the possibilities were so endless... </center><center><br />
</center><center>I started looking a little online, and a little at stores, and quickly realized that the offerings neither 1) fit my budget, nor 2) fit with my vision. Some came close in either category, but none fit both categories, so I just ventured on into the blooms section of my local craft store and gathered up a bunch of lovelies and a grapevine wreath and set off towards home.</center><center><br />
</center><center>Now, I'm not one for hot glue. I think its stringy and not so permanent and it just bugs me, so I quickly realized I needed to attach the blooms, leaves, ribbons, etc., in another fashion . I decided to wire them on and I think it worked quite well. </center><center><br />
</center><center>I started with fall, because that was the season it was when we moved into our house with our very beautiful hunter-green-esque front door. So without further ado, here is my homemade fallish wreath!<br />
</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUNYj5Oad4T8v43S7iOSIk9Ouz1I-TytchjuA1hfbZ9wpnDRIWRMZn51xpw9HQZ7Y7YTkAC4ZyP1k0BahP-JqK4by4fn05bVdjpGH7fTyR8thwGjCKFixn40jvLDh35f0IoawgeGrix0/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUNYj5Oad4T8v43S7iOSIk9Ouz1I-TytchjuA1hfbZ9wpnDRIWRMZn51xpw9HQZ7Y7YTkAC4ZyP1k0BahP-JqK4by4fn05bVdjpGH7fTyR8thwGjCKFixn40jvLDh35f0IoawgeGrix0/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><center> I still love it and can't wait to put it back on my front door next year!</center><center> </center><center>I'm here, and I'm still writing,</center></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><center> </center><center> </center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-53572136822045768982012-02-15T09:11:00.000-07:002012-02-15T09:11:57.209-07:00Lately<center></center><center></center><center></center><center><center>Lately, my head is spinning with creativity. <br />
</center><center> </center><center>Lately, I've been swooning over quilting patterns and fabrics.</center><center> </center><center>Lately, I've been driving my Mama and my hubby crazy with all my fabric and quilting chatter.</center><center> </center><center>Lately, I've been dreaming of a more creative career, but I really have no idea how to create THAT for myself. <br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center>Lately, I've been working on reshaping my body and my thoughts.</center><center><br />
</center><center>Lately, I have been trying to part with Dr. Pepper, or at least severely limit our interactions with one another.</center><center><br />
</center><center>Lately, I've been sore from working out, but so satisfied with the soreness.</center><center> </center><center>Lately, I've been reading and reading and enjoying both novels and non-fiction. <br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center>Lately, I've been paying more attention to how much things cost and flirting with the idea of trying to incorporate coupons more successfully. </center><center><br />
</center><center>Lately, I have been sleeping with both my ceiling fan and heated mattress pad on low. </center><center><br />
</center><center>Lately, I've been happy at home.</center><center> </center><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center><center> </center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-76093026738835477382012-01-16T08:52:00.000-07:002012-01-16T08:52:01.525-07:00Intentional Changes.<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center>I have spent the first two weeks of the new year brainstorming ideas that I could work on or change. Some people declared theirs "resolutions" and began at the beginning of the year. After being inundated with reports about how unlikely we are to actually effect long-term change if we start on January 1, I was tempted to wait or not announce anything. However, I gave it some serious thought and came up with a few things I have been thinking about or already working on, and created a list of what I'd like to do or accomplish in the next fifty weeks. Here is my list:</center><center> </center><center>1. Finish 12 books. I say finish because I have a few books sitting on my nightstand that I really should get through before I purchase or begin any new ones. </center><center> </center><center>2. Make curtains for two bedrooms and our living room.</center><center> </center><center>3. Train for and consider running 13.1 miles in June in a race. </center><center> </center><center>4. Continue to cook regularly and maybe add in a few more recipes so that Handsome doesn't get bored.</center><center> </center><center>5. Post pictures of wreaths I have made recently to the blog! </center><center> </center><center>6. Order our wedding album before our anniversary in August and order prints... Embarrassing I know. </center><center> </center><center>7. Work on more scripture memory verses and get at least a little plugged in at a church in our new town.</center><center> </center><center>8. Blog more. Even if it means I just get one post posted a month.</center><center> </center><center>So, that is all I have. Some of these things have been troubling me for a great deal of time, so 2012 would be a great time to take care of them. I have other thoughts and ideas and little to-dos but I'm thinking big picture here people and I want to set attainable goals that still might do some stretching and make room for growing. I'll try to keep you updated. </center><center> </center><center> </center><center></center><center></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-20345651424152622852012-01-14T17:35:00.000-07:002012-01-14T17:35:22.093-07:002011 By the Numbers<center>So it is now the middle of January. I still want to do some form of 2011 recap, so here is 2011 by the numbers!</center><center><br />
</center><center>1: Trip to the Emergency Room,</center><center><br />
</center><center>1: Anniversary celebrated at a very delicious steakhouse, complete with flowers and a bracelet from my man</center><center><br />
</center><center>1: Morning in my old high school</center><center><br />
</center><center>1: New addition to the family! (our 102 lb. bloodhound named Big Baby)</center><center><br />
</center><center>and 1: missed trip to Hawaii! :(</center><center><br />
</center><center>2: Moves! One across the country, one across our town.</center><center><br />
</center><center>and 2: Missed days of work (one following our 1 trip to the ER). </center><center><br />
</center><center>3: Job applications completed!</center><center><br />
</center><center>and 3: Friends having beautiful babies! </center><center><br />
</center><center>and 3: Weeks of eating-in, almost exclusively...the longest amount of time we have avoided restaurants during our entire marriage.</center><center><br />
</center><center>4: Months of school and months of being jobless.</center><center><br />
</center><center>5: Big finals for hubby, but 0 big tests for me!</center><center><br />
</center><center>6: ..is close to the number of times I blogged. So embarrassing. </center><center><br />
</center><center>and 6: times I stepped out of my comfort zone to meet new people since moving to our new town.</center><center><br />
</center><center><center>7: Trips to Hometown throughout the year.</center><center><br />
</center><center><center>8: Months of work!</center><center><br />
</center><center>9ish?: Different churches we visited or tried due to trips out of town and our move!</center><center><br />
</center><center>10: (approximately) the number of new recipes we have incorporated into our regular repertoire.</center></center></center><center><br />
</center><center>11: States visited including, but not limited to, Washington, Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Texas! </center><center><br />
</center><center>16: Church league softball games</center><center><br />
</center><center>21: times I felt embarrassed or put my foot in my mouth. (I'm guessing here people).</center><center><br />
</center><center>(approximately) 40: Known food allergies</center><center><br />
</center><center>60: Skin tests for hives</center><center><br />
</center><center>(approximately) 80: Prescriptions filled and taken! Sheesh!!</center><center><br />
</center><center>(approximately) 120: Boxes packed and unpacked.</center><center><br />
</center><center>Countless: hugs, kisses, shouts, "I love yous" and "I'm sorrys"</center><center><br />
</center><center>********</center><center><br />
</center><center>And Christmas by the numbers:</center><center><br />
</center><center>We saw: 4 parents, 3 grandparents, 2 brothers, 1 sister-in-law, 4 nieces, 3 family pets, 2 aunts, 2 uncles, 1 cousin, and countless friends and family. It was a busy but full time. </center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-48202500780869455212011-12-02T08:18:00.000-07:002011-12-02T08:18:00.203-07:00Managing Life With Bumps In The Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, the bumps had returned. So I did the best thing I knew to do: I went online in search for answers! Well, sort of. In all honesty, I went online to get a phone number for an allergist in my Hometown and did what any reasonable adult would do: called my mom and asked her to set up the appointment for me, even though I had looked the number up. I got scared so I had her do it. Pathetic, I know. But, in all fairness, the allergist's office has been my dad's family's doctor for over 50 years! So my mom, dad, and brother are all well acquainted with the office and I knew she would have more sway about getting me in on the exact and only days I would be available for several months. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And sure enough, she came through! They scheduled me, somewhat unwillingly, for allergy tests over the exact two days that I was planning to be in Hometown. They told my mom that there was a good chance the tests would be inconclusive, but I persevered and thought it would be worth going. So I stopped my medicine for a few days, became quite irritable and bumpy and itchy, and then went and got a lot of scratches and a whole bunch of food injections. The tests showed that I have food sensitivities to, oh, pretty much everything that any normal person would like to eat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously. I'm sensitive to wheat, coconut, garlic, blackberry, cauliflower, strawberry, pear, pea, kidney bean, grape, red and green pepper, chile powder, brewers yeast, oat, rice, banana, pecan, spinach, apple, celery, coffee, watermelon, cow milk, beef, lobster, shrimp, tuna, halibut, apricot and peach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you made it through that list you will probably be thinking two different thoughts, simultaneously. Those are 1. Man, that is a lot of food; and 2. There must still be tons of other foods that you are not sensitive to and therefore, what is with all the whining?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I know, because I had these same thoughts for about a month before I got a handle on myself. For a while, I tried to eat other foods they tested that I had no reaction to. Things like chicken, corn, pinto bean, cherry, etc. And I think I was doing okay, but the bumps kept coming and I kept cheating on things like coffee because it can be really discouraging to limit your diet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But eventually, I realized I needed to see a nutritionist to figure out how to truly eliminate the foods I knew I was sensitive to and how to still eat a relatively healthy diet. The dietician taught me a number of things I never knew, introduced me to foods I hadn't heard of, and advised me of other foods that weren't tested but were in a like family to those I were so I could stay away from them too. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think it has been almost two months since I saw her, and since that time, I have been doing better at staying with my safe foods and not cheating by eating unsafe foods. I did have one more pretty bad attack and have had some other slip-ups, but overall I'm doing okay with "safe" foods, many prescription drugs, and now, some digestive enzymes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not sure how long it will take to get over this bout of illness or if it will be something I live with for many years. Right now, this combination of things seems to be working, and I'm trying many different types of cooking and recipes that I likely would have before these issues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were trying to generally eat healthy for a while before the bumps started, but in all honesty, I wasn't deterred enough from things like cheese to really eliminate them. But now that I have essentially been forced to rethink food and diet, I don't even miss most of those things we have eliminated. It may be partly because it makes me feel better as far as hives go, but I think I generally feel better in life, too. So I'll keep eating "safe foods" until something changes, and that makes things like preparing my own Thanksgiving a lot less worry free, since I knew exactly what was in everything I was eating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<center><br />
</center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-64593689480860725112011-11-29T08:13:00.007-07:002011-11-29T08:13:00.354-07:00Things That Go Bump In the Night<center>So I have sort of alluded to some dietary changes that I have had to make and how I had to be careful in order to make Thanksgiving "safe" for me to eat this year. I suppose it is time I share in more detail my struggle.</center><center><br />
</center><center>Around May of this year I started noticing little bumps around my elbows. I thought that I was getting spider bites, because it is common for people in the area of the town we were living to have trouble with spiders and the bumps were small. But then the bumps kept appearing, and constantly in new areas. We travelled to our Hometown on Memorial Day weekend and I saw my general practitioner for a yearly checkup. I showed him the bumps and explained that they "come and go. They move around and change colors and it seems like they don't last long, but there were often new ones springing up." He advised that I should see a dermatologist to diagnose the skin condition, but with some clever internet sleuthing I self-diagnosed with hives in a matter of hours, instead of waiting seven months for an appointment with a dermatologist.</center><center><br />
</center><center>And I started self-medicating with a little bit of anti-itch creams and low dosage antihistamines. This worked well and good for a while, except for my occasional bouts of irritability prior to bigger breakouts and sometimes pretty severe itching. But then one night in the middle of June, I woke up and went into the bathroom feeling awfully strange. I turned on the light and standing at the counter I thought that I looked strange. I went and got my glasses from my bedroom and returned to the mirror. My lip was swollen so much that I hardly recognized myself.</center><center><br />
</center><center>So I woke my husband up and asked him to take a picture and email it to me from his phone. He did and I forwarded it to my general practitioner (who regularly emails and texts patients at 3 in the morning--he is awesome by the way). I was quite alarmed at my appearance so, of course, I did as any normal hypochondriac female in the twenty-first century would do: I googled it. After reading a few things, I debated with myself for a few minutes about whether I should wake my husband up to tell him I was going to go to the Emergency Room, at the direction of the interwebs, and decided I probably should.</center><center><br />
</center><center>He wanted to come with me, being the modern day night in shining Tundra that he is, so off we went. He was prepared for an eight hour wait, but we were triaged almost immediately, because they were concerned about keeping my airway open. I was given a quick round of corticosteriods, antihistamines and H2 blockers to stop the allergic reaction I was having. The doctors quizzed me about the time period I had been having bumps, my diet, my soaps, etc., and finally told me that I have angioedema (or swelling in the face) and I probably have idiopathic urticaria (or as we common folk say, hives from an unknown cause). They told me I could keep track of everything I came into contact with and try to determine the cause, but they said I might not ever know and that the swelling would likely not return and that the hives would eventually go away.</center><center><br />
</center><center>My general practitioner set me up with prescriptions for an EPIPEN, antihistamines, and an H2 blocker for the histamine response from my stomach. This combination of drugs made the bumps totally manageable for the rest of June, all of July, and most of August. A few would appear during the night, but I regularly cleared up during the day. So I slacked off about keeping track of everything I came into contact with, and just tried to eliminate common allergens from my diet, from my washing liquids (of all forms) and through other sources. I was perfectly happy with this mode of operation, because the hives were pretty well controlled and because I had heard that hives often last for several months at a time. But time continued on and unfortunately for me, the medicines and my lifestyle changes did not stop the bumps from reoccurring in the night.</center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-64886080293362309042011-11-24T08:00:00.002-07:002011-11-26T15:44:05.103-07:00Thankful.<center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><span class="hw">thankĀ·ful</span> <span class="pron">(th<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/abreve.gif" />ngk<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gif" />f<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif" />l)</span></a><div class="pseg"><i>adj.</i><br />
<div class="ds-list"><b>1. </b> Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.</div><div class="ds-list"><b>2. </b> Expressive of gratitude: <span class="illustration">a thankful smile.</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * </span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful that we have loving families at home and they are always available to chat. </span></div><div class="ds-list"></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful that I am not alone on Thanksgiving, even if is just me and my best friend.</span><span class="illustration"> </span><span class="illustration"></span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"> </span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful that we will have a wonderful delicious meal to eat together and that it will be safe for me.</span></div><div class="ds-list"></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful for doctors and medicines and the internet that help me with what is or can be safe. </span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful for the warm and wonderful home we live in.</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful that we are making a place and finding our way in a new city.</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful that Mr. RH brought us here for school because it is so new and so different. </span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">And I'm thankful for the adventure that it is and because it was just what we needed.</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">I'm thankful that all of these circumstances are for our good beause of Him who I am most grafeful for.</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration">We hope your Thanksgiving is full and warm with contentment and gratitude and love for friends, family, and the Lord who loves you and gave it all for you. God bless. </span></div><div class="ds-list"><span class="illustration"><br />
</span></div></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-52336497285321798452011-11-21T09:30:00.002-07:002011-11-21T09:30:00.829-07:00The Little MacBook That Cost $<div style="text-align: center;">Well. My little newly-returned-regularly-scheduled blogging went to pot last week. I know, enough with the excuses already!! But if you will just forgive me again...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, the little MacBook I write my posts on decided to change my lovely plans. He has been (mostly) loyal and faithful and dependable for over four years now, but last week he was so very tired. So tired in fact, that his regular glow just ceased. Turns out his display and backlight need to be changed out! $270.00+ tax. Cha ching! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and his battery is on the way to the world of fried batteries, too, I guess. The nice genius at Apple regretfully informed me that my battery has stood up for over 808 charges, but that he likely wouldn't last for many more because they are only guaranteed for 300. (I feel the need to express my disgust that 300 full charges is not even a full years worth of charges if you run your battery down daily. Come ON Apple!). But I guess I don't really have room to complain since mine lasted over double that! But unfortunately, he won't likely last much longer. And to replace that is another $99.00+ tax. Cha ching! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So if you are keeping track, the repairs my little guy needs are currently at around $370.00+ tax. And he is already 4 years old, has had to have his hard drive replaced and had his OS updated. So it is not like we haven't already put other money into him. (Well, the new hard drive was actually replace for free, but that is beside the point). And umm, $400.00 is like almost a whole iPad2 and is almost 1/2 way to a brand spanking new MacBookAir. And umm, I'm not working. And umm, it is almost Christmas. And umm, yeah.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I am trying to decide what to do, if anything at all. For the time being, I'm writing from Mr. RH's desktop. And I'm so grateful for this, because it has an internet connection, a lit screen and a keyboard. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But my little MacBook buddy is sitting in the living room, close to our big living room window, and a couch and television. He is saying that the stationality (I know it isn't a word) of the desktop can't really satisfy me for too long, so I'm still going to have to make a decision. But maybe I can wait to decide until 2012. Or maybe Santa will surprise me and decide for me. Wouldn't that make the timing of this whole thing completely perfect? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm here and I'm writing from the comfort of Mr. RH's plush leather desk chair,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-25834569487936606012011-11-10T11:10:00.000-07:002011-11-10T11:11:05.126-07:00Nothing of Substance<center style="text-align: left;">First of all, thank you for the warm welcome back into the blogging world. I didn't know that anyone would realize I was gone, except maybe my husband and mother. And my mother called me very soon after I posted, so I was right about her, but I don't think my sweet man has noticed yet. So I guess that means I'm not that great at making predictions about my life. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Anyway, as I am getting back into the swing of things, I decided to go easy on myself and instead of writing a thoughtful, coherent post, I'm just going to give you a splattering of thoughts. These types of posts happen to be my favorites on other blogs. I think they are my favorites, because they are easy to focus on as you only need a 3 second attention span. Plus, I think it is fun to see random bits of other peoples days and lives and how those moments and thoughts relate to my own.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Thus, we proceed:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">1. I have really only been drinking Starbucks Refresh Tea lately, because of some dietary changes that keep me away from cocoa and espresso. In an attempt to be frugal, Handsome and I bought me a nice package of them at the store. This is all well and good, except for the fact that I want my Refresh Tea in one of those dang cute Red cups. I suppose I can wait until <i>after</i> Thanksgiving to give in <u>again</u>. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">2. Said dietary changes, espresso and cocoa among others, are also making me a little crazy trying to plan our Thanksgiving meal. Handsome and I may be on our own this year, because we are not going to our Hometown. This is good and bad. It is good because we won't have the stress of traveling before his finals and because I really will know that I can eat everything I prepare. But it is bad because I am having the hardest time figuring out what I can fesasibly prepare that will be edible and safe for me and still resemble a normal Thanksgiving meal, will starve off any feelings of homesickness, and please my Thanksgiving-loving-Husbands tastebuds. Good times.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">3. This recipe search keeps leading me to my old favorites like Paula Dean. And I now follow her on Twitter. But man alive, there is not likely to be one recipe of hers that I can use this year which makes me think I should unfollow her on twitter (for the time being). Sad days.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">4. I joined Twitter. In case it wasn't clear from the above. I sort of, kind of, love it! I check it on my phone and on the computer and it sort of makes me feel like I am still interacting with people throughout the day even though I am really just sitting at home talking to myself. My username is SageNovember and you can talk back if you want to. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">5. On a totally unrelated note, I need to make a trip to Hobby Lobby so I can talk to myself in the aisles there and so I can pick up some beautiful items for projects and crafts. I really ought to do this today as a. I am clean, b. I am wearing clean clothes, and c. my hair is also clean. You would think that this combination of things is normal for most people, however, it has not been a frequent occurrence in my life as of late.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">And with that realization, I am off to Hobby Lobby with maybe a stop at Starbucks on the way. :-) Shocking I know.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Don't worry. I'll be back soon and I'll be writing,</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-66724215940658749072011-11-07T19:17:00.000-07:002011-11-07T19:17:00.286-07:00Major Changes.<center>I keep not writing, because I haven't written. Logical huh? Oh, and because I don't like my blog design anymore, but I'm trying to put that aside and put myself back onto the interwebs, because I miss all of my blogging friends.</center><center><br />
</center><center><center>Anyway, I couldn't quite stir any creativity while at my last job. It required many hours of serious thinking and writing and it also paid me, so blogging had to hit the back burner. Or it got stuffed into the bottom broiler that never gets turned on. However you want to say it. </center><div><br />
</div><div>But now, I'm currently unemployed and feeling quite free and creative and I'm trying not to think about the blog design, all so I can bring you another installment of This is Katie. Good times, eh? </div><div><br />
</div></center><center>In the 8(+) months since I last checked in, many wonderful, life-changing things have happened. </center><center><br />
</center><center>First, we moved part way across the country. Then I flew back to our old city and I finished out the remainder that creativity-stifiling but very interesting and important job. It had been for a one year term, so I needed to complete that term even though our move overlapped a little. </center><center><br />
</center><center>At the same time, Mr. Rh started grad school and started studying more than we knew was possible. </center><center><br />
</center><center>And while much of this was going on, we also started house shopping. Then we got a new (old) house and moved again(!) while he was enjoying his fall break. This move required many hours of painting, but hardly any repacking since we had the foresight earlier to stop unpacking when it looked like we were going to get to move again. It also involved supervising workers who were making repairs and changing things on our house. After this stint of supervision, I decided I went into the wrong profession and should have been a site manager instead of a <i>whatever I am</i> because for some reason, workers fear me. And all this time I thought I was an approachable, friendly human. Guess I look more like a grouchy boss. </center><center><br />
</center><center>Other than those life things, a few minor things happened too that have required me to start cooking more and crafting a little. I feel energized and excited again. Join me?</center><center><br />
</center><center>I'm right here and I'll be writing,</center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-71750736164132937212011-02-10T07:36:00.005-07:002011-02-12T07:41:40.393-07:00A Little Miss Fit Update: February 9th<center></center><center></center><center></center><center>Made it to the gym last night again. Yay! </center><center> </center><center>Spent twenty-five minutes on the elliptical and another</center><center>fifteen minutes of strength training on four machines. </center><center> </center><center>Handsome said maybe I should try strength training first before cardio because its easier to have better form and do more reps before your muscles are buzzing from cardio... so maybe I'll try that next time.</center><center> </center><center>On the machines I did a seated leg lift, another leg push, seated bench press and a lateral pull down with various degrees of weights and about three sets of twelve reps on each. </center><center> </center><center> I have a question about strength training that I need to remember to ask him (or someone)....</center><center> </center><center>How long should I wait between sets? I have been waiting as long as I need to feel like I could do it again, but I'm not sure if its long enough or too long. </center><center> </center><center>Okay, that is it for now. </center><center> </center><center><br />
I'm here and I'm still writing, <br />
</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-36438168805528757072011-02-07T06:53:00.001-07:002011-02-07T07:01:41.360-07:00A Little Miss Fit Update: February 6thSo yesterday I celebrated the Super Bowl by going to the gym.<br />
<br />
I had the weight area of the gym almost to myself (thank you football!)<br />
<br />
I did about 30 minutes of strength training, doing sets of reps on six different machines.<br />
<br />
Today I'll probably need to do some cardio to loosen up what I'm sure will be sore muscles.<br />
<br />
I'm here and I'm still writing,<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-382505629630576572011-02-04T07:34:00.001-07:002011-02-04T07:34:00.389-07:00A Pretty Little Holiday<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center>What is pink and white and red all over?</center><center><br />
</center><center>Valentines Day, of course! I am a big fan of the heart-shaped holiday. I mean, what is honestly better than chocolates and pretty pink hearts and white bows? <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;">I know some people feel like the holiday is isolating, because they don't have a man-friend to be all romantical in the wine and flowers type way, but honestly, we all have friends and family members that we LOVE... right? So I don't really see the problem. Anyway.</span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It seems to me that this year, people are going all out for Valentines Day! And by people, I mean retail stores, advertisers, and television talk shows. I have noticed this somewhat since Christmas, but seeing as the holiday is only ten days away now, they are certainly pushing things now! I think its quite pretty and festive though, so I don't really mind. </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> After a few trips to Target, glancing over a few emails from Williams Sonoma, and watching a Martha Stewart show on the special day, I am more excited than normal. And it has happened much earlier too!</span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In case you are in the mood for a little lurve, these are a few of my favorite things for heart-filled day:</span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">First up, <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/x-o-shaped-smores/?pkey=ggfthsvlt&cm_src=hplink">X and O S'mores</a> From Williams Sonoma. Handsome and I had a box of WS S'mores at Christmas and they were absolutely delicious. We bought them post-holiday when they were on sale. I had been craving the real campfire variety for quite some time, and the WS marvels were a very good substitution. </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpyPzZiMNN3ZVuWU77pln-sDeMItsCxFoaRtCbtYbYW6yFXzcz8MvwQ729FX9R0uxTUvevyQZY5qO3IOSaW1fltFcx1aEPsDymNg2f5vGCPCzL1SmeOXJmgBblcU_D_fAbloM0yDghlo/s1600/img17t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpyPzZiMNN3ZVuWU77pln-sDeMItsCxFoaRtCbtYbYW6yFXzcz8MvwQ729FX9R0uxTUvevyQZY5qO3IOSaW1fltFcx1aEPsDymNg2f5vGCPCzL1SmeOXJmgBblcU_D_fAbloM0yDghlo/s1600/img17t.jpg" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Second, little <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/valentine-petits-fours/?pkey=ggfthsvlt&cm_src=hplink">Valentine Petits Fours</a>. I am not even sure that I like Petit Fours, because I have not had any for many years, but these are so cute and bite-sized that I imagine I would like them quite well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aMLstZMS0_l5kn_ktnaHpiwI2eNk5dO4ugzw0w676Yqn54THrG6k1X2b8PMezQmhRb6_rcC40rOpI0Ey5r5FyfHq0C_pqG9Z0qZoCdWfNVlc0CcxmaudD9ByIElU7oN0Qb3wCBX30tw/s1600/img7t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aMLstZMS0_l5kn_ktnaHpiwI2eNk5dO4ugzw0w676Yqn54THrG6k1X2b8PMezQmhRb6_rcC40rOpI0Ey5r5FyfHq0C_pqG9Z0qZoCdWfNVlc0CcxmaudD9ByIElU7oN0Qb3wCBX30tw/s1600/img7t.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Third,<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/heart-pancakes?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/valentines-day-treats#slide_8"> heart-shaped pancakes</a>! This is cute and completely do-able at home. It would feel so fancy with some strawberries and a Mimosa on a Saturday morning near the holiday! Sounds like a fun way to have breakfast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbYj4R-PaFSFu-AoVe81FpjcLE567lcdMH2i9bhmC978exnfd-etiWo-SEWQCUIQGJ1Zu1kBAMwgZSVfdAZ3G8LWRPa1Xu1ZVE2jYYND-EZ8CfJW2CpYmOxhWItjv6rKtCtJkl3efSPs/s1600/break_00524_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbYj4R-PaFSFu-AoVe81FpjcLE567lcdMH2i9bhmC978exnfd-etiWo-SEWQCUIQGJ1Zu1kBAMwgZSVfdAZ3G8LWRPa1Xu1ZVE2jYYND-EZ8CfJW2CpYmOxhWItjv6rKtCtJkl3efSPs/s320/break_00524_xl.jpg" width="256" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fourth, I have a special treat that my man would just swoon for. He is a big fan of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/shortbread-hearts?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/valentines-day-treats#slide_28">shortbread cookies</a>, so these would be a perfect gift for him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4ZSe4aMNYSx4KZNy7rE0I3a0V6CDmKYpxrTPRjJohFGkey5ZnbNImq32UR-pvRSc4bxI4fPXYJNvTOoPzi2tRZ7SHESOpZy9qHkuRSce5kswLV9VKxmmrDs8XwzlG3_87-FAznJFZ7s/s1600/ml102y13_0201_cookies_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4ZSe4aMNYSx4KZNy7rE0I3a0V6CDmKYpxrTPRjJohFGkey5ZnbNImq32UR-pvRSc4bxI4fPXYJNvTOoPzi2tRZ7SHESOpZy9qHkuRSce5kswLV9VKxmmrDs8XwzlG3_87-FAznJFZ7s/s320/ml102y13_0201_cookies_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up are some <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/heart-shaped-soap?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/valentines-day-gifts#slide_7">heart-shaped soaps</a>! I think these would be nice little gifts for some female family members or to keep in the guest bathroom during the month of February.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTerQVUIYQ9nrCyISpoe0mM8MG-rZno3D2qGGtrOLWoxiWq0a8k4HYC_JqS0FO95ZqVfrbCYMD31cp7Xltk-A7vyoi8ysNLIvtQHi_1dwlZ4xL6ZBCVlUSCKHpL1KL2wn5RbdSpfWRFxg/s1600/0206_msl_heartsoap_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTerQVUIYQ9nrCyISpoe0mM8MG-rZno3D2qGGtrOLWoxiWq0a8k4HYC_JqS0FO95ZqVfrbCYMD31cp7Xltk-A7vyoi8ysNLIvtQHi_1dwlZ4xL6ZBCVlUSCKHpL1KL2wn5RbdSpfWRFxg/s320/0206_msl_heartsoap_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And lastly, I think this <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=5a68d5da85c37110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true&backtourl=%2Fphotogallery%2Fvalentines-day-gifts#slide_19">heart-covered wax paper</a> is perfect to wrap up some baked goodies for co-workers or neighbors or friends is an easy way to spread the love... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HjGaOHVtdn36cL1gQSfg1dl3FuP-L5BVcTw2OIM1AgKYc7erQVg95M8jnA8FDzpzXSz9Y3z7tpXjCaFUr0ifUQItBID1GmLgrLewfPLGLNJOpVMkDDqs4Bj7quOSP-9OVyG2ZgRRx-8/s1600/mld103020_0208_tissue_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HjGaOHVtdn36cL1gQSfg1dl3FuP-L5BVcTw2OIM1AgKYc7erQVg95M8jnA8FDzpzXSz9Y3z7tpXjCaFUr0ifUQItBID1GmLgrLewfPLGLNJOpVMkDDqs4Bj7quOSP-9OVyG2ZgRRx-8/s320/mld103020_0208_tissue_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are your favorite Valentine's Day treats and sweets?</span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm here. And I'm still writing, </span></span></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-26676241251132376382011-02-02T08:01:00.000-07:002011-02-02T08:15:32.831-07:00A Little Miss Fit Update<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center>To keep myself honest and accountable, encouraged and recorded, I might occasionally post work-out summaries on the ole blog.</center><center><br />
</center><center>February 1, 2011:</center><center><br />
</center><center>20 minutes of elliptical<br />
20 ish minutes of learning how to use the weight machines at the gym from Handsome. (thanks). </center><center> </center><center>Its wasn't much but it was a good start to the month on a cold winter day. </center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/?action=view&current=katiesig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><center><br />
</center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6692097707941365857.post-126521596815282472010-11-30T18:34:00.000-07:002010-11-30T18:34:03.201-07:00I Quit My Blog.<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center> Unintentionally, of course. </center><center> </center><center> Life just got busy the way it does sometimes.</center><center> </center><center> You see, Handsome and I have had a pretty different fall this fall. In some ways good and in some ways just flat out different than ever before.</center><center><br />
</center><center>For instance, I have never had a job where I worked forty (and sometimes plus) hours in a week. </center><center><br />
</center><center>We joined a gym and I have never been a member of a gym.</center><center><br />
</center><center>These changes alone have been massive for this little Mrs. and I just haven't had energy or time at night to write messages to you. And I most certainly am not busy writing in the day.</center><center><br />
</center><center>So while you were reading and writing, I was watching re-runs of Dawson's Creek and Felicity (courtesy of Handsome for my birthday). And I was working out and occassionally cooking. But mostly just really enjoying the hours of awake time that I get with Handsome, away from the stresses of work.</center><center><br />
</center><center>I would like to say for certain that I'll be here and I'll be writing, but I just can't be sure of it. And I don't want to get anyone's expectations up, just to disappoint them later on. But when I feel inspired, or have some extra time, or something special to say: then I will be here. And I will be writing. </center><center><br />
</center><center>Because sheeeeeesh: I have to get adjusted to my working life at some point, right? </center><center> </center><center>I'll hopefully be here and hopefully still be writing, </center><center> </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu157/thisiskt/katiesig.png" /></a></div><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center>katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08543462221790091810noreply@blogger.com4