tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90975611286766566532024-03-14T14:24:02.973-04:00The First Apartment LivingKatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-14380381121712337262013-07-04T19:09:00.000-04:002013-07-04T19:09:04.002-04:00I've Moved! Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
I've moved. I have loved my time here at The First Apartment Living but my life has changed and I need a space better suited to my creativity. Please feel free to follow my latest adventures at <a href="http://www.katysshea.com/" target="_blank">The Katy Chronicles</a>! I hope you will enjoy these new posts as much as my old ones, I promise only to expand on what you love about TFAL and hopefully introduce you some new things too!<br />
<br />
See you on the flip side,<br />
<br />
KatyKatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-48106478727262708142013-05-13T22:38:00.001-04:002013-05-13T22:38:25.824-04:00Containing Myself: A Love Affair<p>I have such a love for The Container Store. I first found one on accident in Denver, CO. My family had time to kill at a mall, and next door was this amazing store. It’s like Ikea but for what goes in the inside! We had to practically buy a new suitcase because of all the amazing things we found inside. Plus later in B School, I learned about what an awesome company they are! (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Soul-Service-Sustainable-Business/dp/0684845113">read this book</a> if you doubt me, actually just read it)  I could not have survived undergrad dorm life without The Container Store! Namely, this thing:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/dorm/closet/shoeStorage?productId=10000121&N=78120&Nao=20"><img title="30prOverdoorShoeOrganizer_l" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="30prOverdoorShoeOrganizer_l" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QX4hdyV01j0/UZGjhX7HuzI/AAAAAAAADOw/OB_M14EuEvU/30prOverdoorShoeOrganizer_l%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a> (30 Pair Shoe Holder)</p> <p>Nonetheless, I received in the mail this beauty:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_VBRVBdhX8U/UZGjhz1fzHI/AAAAAAAADO4/P955yo94iv0/s1600-h/Fullscreen%252520capture%2525205132013%252520102048%252520PM.bmp%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fullscreen capture 5132013 102048 PM.bmp" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Fullscreen capture 5132013 102048 PM.bmp" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-csqEPKcSbys/UZGjiQBBLrI/AAAAAAAADPA/aLBi_I-NpOQ/Fullscreen%252520capture%2525205132013%252520102048%252520PM.bmp_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="322" /></a> </p> <p align="center">It completely tapped into my wanderlust. Though I have a totally awesome suitcase, I could totally use some things to fill it with! See yet again, The Container Store has cool stuff for the inside of things. Mainly, I want these!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uy0-9KY7_ZE/UZGji4ynKoI/AAAAAAAADPI/2iDtIxM-RhM/s1600-h/10049236_side_l%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="10049236_side_l - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="10049236_side_l - Copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OgD-C4hfWXk/UZGjjPFMxXI/AAAAAAAADPQ/Lyvf9KaGI5A/10049236_side_l%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QE7ian9dCAg/UZGjjnDvzwI/AAAAAAAADPY/h2Zz1H03nlQ/s1600-h/TravelSaleAsstBottles_l%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="TravelSaleAsstBottles_l - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="TravelSaleAsstBottles_l - Copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6E1rG-nhcas/UZGjkFV3xkI/AAAAAAAADPg/qOiKyr4v_UU/TravelSaleAsstBottles_l%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sieAmXiD-l4/UZGjkS_SnqI/AAAAAAAADPo/vlD9fr3bpL0/s1600-h/CottonSwabHolder10060430_l%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="CottonSwabHolder10060430_l - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="CottonSwabHolder10060430_l - Copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aPMrnAEBBXg/UZGjkzHoc4I/AAAAAAAADPw/a_dcO6i00dg/CottonSwabHolder10060430_l%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oXzcD_JonI8/UZGjlTssMdI/AAAAAAAADP4/rlix2SGGFhM/s1600-h/Grid_It_Mesh_PouchAlt_l%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Grid_It_Mesh_PouchAlt_l - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Grid_It_Mesh_PouchAlt_l - Copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zq5j7omBzIs/UZGjl173mJI/AAAAAAAADQA/oVqA6PMVTQg/Grid_It_Mesh_PouchAlt_l%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TRhuNG52wHM/UZGjmvQA7EI/AAAAAAAADQI/5S1XR8Uh8eY/s1600-h/ViceroyTravelPouches10060353_l%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="ViceroyTravelPouches10060353_l - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="ViceroyTravelPouches10060353_l - Copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iiDfrenV5SA/UZGjncXL1VI/AAAAAAAADQQ/55W0Q5C6CkQ/ViceroyTravelPouches10060353_l%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PuzMZEDf180/UZGjniH6LMI/AAAAAAAADQY/ETC-Z1BxDGM/s1600-h/WetHappenedLndryBag100579G_l%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WetHappenedLndryBag100579G_l - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="WetHappenedLndryBag100579G_l - Copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tZ9hmaDvzGw/UZGjoD01qoI/AAAAAAAADQg/ZL8l6U0IjSY/WetHappenedLndryBag100579G_l%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I need some travel plans ASAP! Where should I head to this summer? Last summer, I was gone nearly every other weekend or so it seemed! </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-45128999533202966332013-05-08T18:27:00.001-04:002013-05-08T18:27:17.915-04:00Weekly Wonderings: May 8th, 2013<p align="center">Somehow the weeks keep seeming to get shorter yet my to do list seems to be growing. Here is what has me stopping to smell the roses:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NnBD6dXuDmw/UYrRLHfykKI/AAAAAAAADMs/vUE9ECdA_xo/s1600-h/IMG_4515%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4515" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4515" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NTCczJo5uw8/UYrRLnJwPrI/AAAAAAAADM0/Tt7atm_yeFQ/IMG_4515_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Finn got fixed and to stop him from licking, we put boxers on him. It seemed more humane than that big cone of shame.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9-hRFxH10bA/UYrRMLRMY3I/AAAAAAAADM8/BQIwo87a9M8/s1600-h/IMG_4485%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4485" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4485" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VuG6LlvQmx0/UYrRMgWVFrI/AAAAAAAADNE/8qXWllEM_tA/IMG_4485_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>     </p> <p align="center">Molly Girl awards for my GOTR team, they glittered!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BYJQrJyJBic/UYrRM56qPLI/AAAAAAAADNM/aBTGnn5F3Y4/s1600-h/IMG_4513%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4513" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4513" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N4xb8CkxyII/UYrRNrmPI4I/AAAAAAAADNU/biUxzj9V5WM/IMG_4513_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="212" /></a></p> <p align="center">I found these candies and had to try them. I still have no idea what they were but the shell was covered in chocolate. I will take it!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t8c26Qc2sfw/UYrRN1XPIPI/AAAAAAAADNc/Nz14vQGtkaU/s1600-h/IMG_4512%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4512" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4512" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RUSoRDBr9M0/UYrROQ-FRyI/AAAAAAAADNk/tc4-YwlA060/IMG_4512_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">There is a Mac and Cheese cook-off this weekend, and I am itching to enter. I found this old magazine. That must be a sign, right? Know any good recipes you care to share?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2QvbWFXuZfA/UYrRO4yGYWI/AAAAAAAADNo/cV9eE-Ixf7g/s1600-h/IMG_4490%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4490" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4490" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f2jQnmAX1fI/UYrRPTznoHI/AAAAAAAADN0/6FoZBi4ID_8/IMG_4490_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">My grandfather’s hydroponic grower (aka the coolest thing ever) gave off the first fruit of its labor (like my pun?).  There will be a steady stream of tomatoes now, I need to think of a few things to make with them!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HdjDf8J7kPo/UYrRPwYNGPI/AAAAAAAADN8/l0ewXbiECAg/s1600-h/IMG_4499%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4499" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4499" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KrzDDvKwmJ8/UYrRQrLYe3I/AAAAAAAADOE/kiwiD-bzGrk/IMG_4499_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">I actually paced at my 5k! I am pretty sure there were only 4 people in my age group but I will take it!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">What has you stopping to smell the roses lately? </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-85528548837559254732013-04-22T21:27:00.001-04:002013-04-22T21:27:40.604-04:00Birthday Cards<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gDuUqdBmorA/UXXjibO5KeI/AAAAAAAADME/znJhPkeXfTs/s1600-h/IMG_4465%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4465" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4465" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J54WC0lekac/UXXji-z_d-I/AAAAAAAADMM/lCq79URW4wQ/IMG_4465_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a> </p> <p>I forget how this tradition started in high school but I remember vividly being in Target with friends and picking out ridiculous kid cards. The idea is that all the numbers have to add up to their age (i.e. 6th birthday card plus 10th birthday card means you are 16). As we have gotten older, the cards have gotten more ridiculous. It is so much fun getting 5 funny cards than one because everyone knows more it better (at least according to the little kids on the AT & T commercials).  This is my recent stash of cards. It’s always funny to be standing in Target for like 20 minutes trying to do simple addition as you add up the cards and trying to make the numbers work!</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-57119801511246626622013-04-17T22:45:00.001-04:002013-04-17T22:45:19.640-04:00Weekly Wonderings: April 17th, 2013<p>How is it that time goes by so fast? In the past two weeks, I have run my first 10k (1:18, woot!), travelled up and down the east coast, and baked no less than 4 cakes. Needless to say I am quite busy! Tomorrow my day starts at 8 and won’t end until 10pm. To be fair, I will be spending the day doing things I love (mostly) but it will still be terribly busy. Sometimes, I just want to slow down. Sometimes, I just want to speed up. Most days, I just want to survive without doing something terribly wrong. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ii97-8Z4MFE/UW9eKFV2P8I/AAAAAAAADKc/QFWjp5k4rMY/s1600-h/IMG_4449%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4449" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4449" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vd5pRb3vgqQ/UW9eL5FsoII/AAAAAAAADKk/oG7Bvd0kOt8/IMG_4449_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I am in LOVE with my mixer. Cake baking has never been so much fun! Now to decide what accessories I need. Meat grinder, pasta maker, or ice cream attachment? Frankly, I want them all. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-utrKZsya3Ac/UW9eMIr5E0I/AAAAAAAADKs/hqllTM4EI7k/s1600-h/IMG_4441%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4441" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4441" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gHMD3g5zwuQ/UW9eNIJu23I/AAAAAAAADK0/PlEjwRAVjRc/IMG_4441_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I did it! I accepted my offer letters for grad school! Woohoo! Dual masters, cold weather and a ton of work, DC here I come! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Pp9XDudsO0/UW9eNUx7_pI/AAAAAAAADK8/9CjYkVCh__U/s1600-h/IMG_44451%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_44451" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_44451" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nseW8-xis58/UW9eNiZid_I/AAAAAAAADLE/4fQJTmWelsQ/IMG_44451_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="244" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Finn got a haircut. He is still adorable in my mind.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--P6oCMv88cA/UW9eN3UjuVI/AAAAAAAADLM/n2citfFm4-0/s1600-h/IMG_4415%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4415" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4415" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SL0DPWuk9Lg/UW9eOU4xhBI/AAAAAAAADLU/Re9va_7a2FY/IMG_4415_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p align="center">New shoes! Now just need a dress to wear them with and maybe a place to wear them too!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cVT_sVKKvxA/UW9eOs1_IoI/AAAAAAAADLc/Ixckossj8Z4/s1600-h/555483_10201158360147970_1598079649_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="555483_10201158360147970_1598079649_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="555483_10201158360147970_1598079649_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-81RG97UGPpo/UW9eO_CjGNI/AAAAAAAADLk/OahZt_5qags/555483_10201158360147970_1598079649_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Post 10k/parade glory. And no, I did not have to flash to get those beads, but I might have grabbed a few meant for small children… </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fbfzunhwnMU/UW9ePSLtBMI/AAAAAAAADLs/dKe1gMZoFqo/s1600-h/IMG_4437%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4437" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4437" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ToVGS1cwbmY/UW9ePicBkeI/AAAAAAAADL0/22YLn8BiCOc/IMG_4437_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Brunch is where it is at. (Yes, I did just end a sentence with a preposition. Get over it.) </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>So what has been happening in your neck of the woods? </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-66180045552466506602013-04-11T09:38:00.001-04:002013-04-11T09:38:07.408-04:00Twisty Love<p>I have this love/hate relationship with my hair that I am positive most girls do as well, I love having hair, I hate trying to dry it. Before I did this to my hair, it took HOURS to dry. When it takes hours to dry and you don’t have mad blow dryer skillz (i.e. lazy), you plan when to shower. Sometimes it isn’t convenient to shower because you need to be somewhere and your hair can’t be wet. Or it’s snowing and you don’t want icicle hair. </p> <p>My hair still takes long to dry and my twisty hair turban doesn’t always stay on right. I needed some other way to keep my hair up and drying, while I patiently (or not so patiently) waited for it to dry. Also, washing my face is a pain, because I am constantly having loose hairs fall into my face. </p> <p>Enter the Twisty.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-odrNk21IXYs/UWa8umWpl5I/AAAAAAAADJw/YxbpvXW2Xk8/s1600-h/IMG_4384%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4384" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4384" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HHLU16tAQx8/UWa8u_4U20I/AAAAAAAADJ4/fEe_yB2gUWg/IMG_4384_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="365" /></a></p> <p>I LOVE IT. It’s perfect when I need to keep my hair out of my face. It dries it, not as well as my twisty </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ddc6xYF0cos/UWa8vQZE23I/AAAAAAAADKA/yHyMt_1lYz4/s1600-h/IMG_4385%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4385" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4385" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KtpUbSEoZeQ/UWa8vho-aHI/AAAAAAAADKI/jMHP9Q1_rQ4/IMG_4385_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="322" /></a> </p> <p>The only cons are that it doesn’t dry your hair in the back and it gets quite wet but its perfect for washing my face. Often my hair turban falls off while trying to wash my face so this is a godsend. </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-70154596756517842132013-04-03T23:04:00.001-04:002013-04-03T23:04:42.710-04:00Weekly Wonders: April 3rd, 2013<p>This week has been CRAZY, like working at the office until 9pm crazy. Then I spent 2 hours in Fedex Kinkos this morning, because our printer decided not to work. After printing 180 pages, believe me when I say I made very good friends with employees there. April is turning out to be a busy month and it’s only day three! Luckily, April only has 30 days. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hZevsmwUZKA/UVztugoSnOI/AAAAAAAADIY/f2hIq7RSWdI/s1600-h/IMG_4362%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4362" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ptK-aJaUaVg/UVztvFMIVfI/AAAAAAAADIg/DE-LJOhw9uQ/IMG_4362_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I found these at Bed, Bath, and Beyond! My friend is obsessed with Mason Jars, can’t wait until she gets into the states so I can get her one. Too bad, it might be like another year!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PwnJhy-_DZE/UVztvq4vCXI/AAAAAAAADIo/m9IbxesmoXo/s1600-h/IMG_4334%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4334" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5dRPqYwm2yA/UVztv-QUP2I/AAAAAAAADIw/Apx4qcBJ1zs/IMG_4334_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I took Mimi out to sushi and she tried to use chopsticks. Fairly successfully considering it was her first time!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dEiOGYAWCgE/UVztwRtEACI/AAAAAAAADI4/MOCOwb7gNwQ/s1600-h/IMG_4364%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4364" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4364" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4mLath3GMG8/UVztw5_tukI/AAAAAAAADJA/T02VftL2OCk/IMG_4364_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Finn having play dates with the German Shepherd was the highlight of my day, don’t judge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AY1peIlfNoQ/UVztxF000iI/AAAAAAAADJI/86diVDe3tI0/s1600-h/IMG_4377%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4377" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4377" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DykLkOr2nXc/UVztxoUtYQI/AAAAAAAADJM/gkqnLmJr0FA/IMG_4377_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Egg hunt. I won. Yes, I did play a 12 year old, but my brother was asking for it. 14 to 10, I went easy on him. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sl6IZspQ1SI/UVztxx6HA-I/AAAAAAAADJY/uBpA5e7EVCI/s1600-h/IMG_4393%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4393" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4393" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NMXmqA1CWfE/UVztye2SGRI/AAAAAAAADJg/DIn0H_MHMw8/IMG_4393_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Finn decided he didn’t want to run today halfway through our run. He sat…. for 10 minutes. </p> <p> </p> <p>So how’s your week going? Is April one of your busy times yet or am I alone?      </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-33978213910940629972013-03-28T01:00:00.000-04:002013-03-28T01:00:10.000-04:00Vacation Rules<p>Trying new things is like a rule in my family. Literally, its part of our vacation rules. Actually, there are a couple of vacation rules (not to mention airplane rules, restaurant rules, etc. but that’s what you get when your mom is a teacher!):</p> <p>1) Never eat a chain restaurant (unless its McDonalds' to get mom that all important diet coke)</p> <p>2) Try at least one new thing to eat a day</p> <p>3) Do one educational thing per trip (again my mother is teacher,  so I can point out educational things to do ANYWHERE, even Disney). </p> <p>So yesterday, I went out to lunch with my Dad. Nothing too surprising there but as I went to get us drinks, I spied this soda. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yj-K23uEf1c/UVOkAqnfFWI/AAAAAAAADHk/2hrUH8NgP34/s1600-h/IMG_4367%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4367" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4367" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2eCZdsS9NNQ/UVOkBHfHw2I/AAAAAAAADHs/ZyRHc4w5HiY/IMG_4367_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="367" /></a> </p> <p>I had to try it. It didn’t matter that we weren’t on vacation. IT WAS CELERY SODA. I like celery, so I decided to give it a try. Turns out I don’t like celery in soda. Oh well. But at least I tried something new! What was the last new thing you tried?</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-21819960960063659562013-03-27T01:00:00.000-04:002013-03-27T01:00:07.857-04:00Weekly Wonders: March 27th, 2013<p>I feel like this week has been about <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-gap-year.html">preparing for that next step.</a> Whether it be little things like trying new makeup routines or purchasing some new business casual type clothing, I feel like I am inching my way along to August. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ff8j7u6zJNs/UVJXgZ8u6RI/AAAAAAAADGc/6L6w877xyhY/s1600-h/IMG_4365%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4365 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4365 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--U4JI629FaY/UVJXggUtk9I/AAAAAAAADGk/0K3FMxp8Ggk/IMG_4365%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="181" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Why yes, I do have a countdown on my bathroom mirror. </p> <p align="center"><img title="IMG_4313.JPG (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4313.JPG (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sjkK3nuEvo4/UVJXhJ16IKI/AAAAAAAADGs/I5gvZVmwISs/IMG_4313.JPG%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /> </p> <p align="center">I spent the other Friday night dog sitting. It was great. The dog was an angel and I got to put on all sorts of facial masks. I had my dirty pleasure TV shows on (think Bravo shows) and a diet coke, what more did I need? Nothing other than countless YouTube videos trying to figure out how to master eye shadow tricks! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CaCW6AF7XKg/UVJXhnvPXMI/AAAAAAAADG0/VaWlbMwY_Mo/s1600-h/IMG_4366%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4366" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SmGD8ZNS1OE/UVJXiARKXpI/AAAAAAAADG8/kpAQJ3DSYpI/IMG_4366_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">I have these two eye shadow kits and am finally getting better at eye shadow. I can do one color but after that it gets a bit tricky! Luckily, these beautiful colors make it so easy. I even managed to pull off some pretty layering the other day! Thanks to watching tons of Youtube video while dog sitting, I was able to pull off something pretty and not drag queen style.</p> <p align="center"><img title="IMG_4364" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4364" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oaB8IG6R9Eg/UVJXiVHAEnI/AAAAAAAADHE/5Bg6BxnqHB8/IMG_4364_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /> </p> <p align="center">Finn got a haircut and played with another puppy down the street! They were adorable with each other. They romped around the yard for an hour. It was swoon worthy. Puppies are the best! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g6lVdgF9cOs/UVJXi1dc5RI/AAAAAAAADHI/ILsc6TnPcBs/s1600-h/IMG_4340%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4340" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4340" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QKqW8IYhVWQ/UVJXjNDsJ_I/AAAAAAAADHQ/Huf2C7OybMI/IMG_4340_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">I am in love with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126595251/a-chicks-delight-headband?ref=shop_home_active">our Easter headbands</a>. I am not tooooo old to wear one, right?</p> <p align="left">That pretty much sums up my week! Not counting the winter like temperatures, we have been subjugated to in this late March.  What happened to spring????</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-4774891560758573322013-03-26T01:00:00.000-04:002013-03-26T01:00:02.310-04:00The Kitchen Aid Mixer Debate<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2AOBGdqmuWo/UVEGmOF1PSI/AAAAAAAADF0/nSNdgpOnnNw/s1600-h/251198102986c%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-haL7BiFAC_Q/UVEGmprAEoI/AAAAAAAADF8/gePH3vXeEbs/251198102986c_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="342" /></a> </p> <p>In my mind certain items are for grownups, like wedding china or stand mixers. I am 23 years old and thus in that strange limbo between adulthood and childhood. I love kitchenaid mixers, actually love might be an understatement. I have been coveting one for years. My grandmother has had the same one since like 1980 and it still works just fine. She uses it for everything from cookies to mashed potatoes. My mother on the other hand has this beautiful cream one but she keeps it in the pantry. I normally have to beg to take it out, pleading that I will clean up my mess unlike the last time.</p> <p>In college, my kitchen was TINY and there was no counter space. Besides, I wasn’t a grownup and thus I couldn’t purchase one in my mind. KitchenAid Mixer = Grownup. Every holiday would come around and my mom would ask if I wanted one. I would say yes but not now. I am not a grownup yet. It just didn’t seem right. I wasn’t ready for one just yet. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r1aMtqGaeUY/UVEGnNh8XiI/AAAAAAAADGE/QR5fSgZhXy0/s1600-h/3678713324514p%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="3678713324514p" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="3678713324514p" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z4vYz_Nc_78/UVEGnqqIJJI/AAAAAAAADGI/pGxTiONZ8pA/3678713324514p_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="298" /></a></p> <p>Well, I finally made the plunge and bought one! It was my treat for getting into graduate school. Graduate school is almost like being a grownup, right? After much research, I decided to get the large Artisan mixer that has a tilt head because I like the tilt head and its smaller than the bowl lift. I am pretty sure my apartment next year will be tiny! I bought the ice blue color. It is just enough color without being overwhelming (or so I hope). I am currently counting down the days until it gets here! Eek!</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-24710346571065443752013-03-25T10:56:00.001-04:002013-03-25T10:56:20.343-04:00A Clothes horse’s Closet<p>I have been totally obsessed with my recent admitted student status. I even started <a href="http://pinterest.com/blairfal/grad-school-ideas/">this pinterest board</a> to chronicle everything cool I find. Turns out there are a lot of neat tricks out there and so many beautiful clothes… </p> <p>It has kind of spurred on a cleaning binge and those never happen! I feel sure enough to purge things and I am great need of some purging so I can go buy some new clothes. I am not a hoarder per say but I do like things, a lot of things. Clothes are no exceptions, and I have been known to find a good bargain or two or three. I know there is no before picture but it was badddddddd. Partially because I did not want to organize things because that meant I was staying. Now that I have plans and a definite time limit until I leave, I feel better about organizing things. Weird? It makes sense in my head.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R1QnYBo_AAo/UVBlfkhY7bI/AAAAAAAADE8/GH3TAq97wcY/s1600-h/IMG_4353%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4353" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4353" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GxZkxAmQMS0/UVBlioJOjrI/AAAAAAAADFE/iQNbBJOflQg/IMG_4353_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="289" /></a> I am really into organizing my clothes. I love orderly clothes. I can see my options and better decide what to wear. There are three parts to my organization:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bSNvB3T3NAM/UVBljKjEotI/AAAAAAAADFM/D6cdTuEV4CM/s1600-h/IMG_4355%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4355" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4355" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NdtIX7DB4tc/UVBljmftUDI/AAAAAAAADFU/cBfHtMVxGcQ/IMG_4355_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>1) <strong>Put like things next to like</strong>. Skirts, Dresses, Fancy Dresses, Short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts. Everything must have its place!</p> <p>2) <strong>Like hangers.</strong> I prefer these slim velvet ones because I can fit more clothes in one area. My roommate in college was amazed by how much clothing I fit into my tiny closet! Whatever you do <em>NO WIRE HANGERS. </em></p> <p>3) <strong>Color code.</strong> Start with black, then gray, ROYGBIV then brown then white. Seriously color coding makes everything better.   </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IQ89vUK2OGs/UVBlj-pQkGI/AAAAAAAADFc/bhWNa8O0W28/s1600-h/IMG_4354%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4354" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZY0w-JZkKcs/UVBlkr6PcGI/AAAAAAAADFk/Hhvb-BihaMY/IMG_4354_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>Have any more tips for closet organization? I am always in search of more tricks!</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-1408509428965855302013-03-24T23:35:00.001-04:002013-03-24T23:35:13.149-04:00My Gap Year<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H8apBjeNN0E/UU_F7mAklOI/AAAAAAAADEk/jaPM2sQRyk0/s1600-h/DSC05019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC05019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KY6T2qk5DfA/UU_F78H7y9I/AAAAAAAADEs/MtTB9zCAW0g/DSC05019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="368" /></a>This year, blogging hasn’t been as much fun. Not because I don’t enjoy the subject matter but because I felt like a charlatan. My blog is called “The First Apartment Living” and yet for the past year, I have been living at home. I graduated college last year, and took a gap year (<a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2011/10/explanation.html">when this happens</a>, you tend to need some time).</p> <p>At first, I was totally fine with my gap year. The summer flew by, I traveled <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2012/09/weekly-wonders-september-12th-2012.html">here</a>, <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-post.html">there</a>, <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2012/06/whats-in-my-bag-three-week-europe-trip.html">everywhere</a>. Then came fall, which mainly consisted of me putting off studying for the GRE. I started to freak out about life and trying to make sure I was opening up to all the opportunities around me without closing doors. It was a lot of doors to keep open. I started a small business, which was fun till Christmas came and went. Winter had hit. Winter was tough, I saw so many friends from high school and college, who seemed to have all transitioned seamlessly from college. I felt stuck. I didn’t really want to apply for jobs since I was fairly certain I would be going to grad school in the fall. Who would want to hire someone that was leaving in a few months? I was just hurrying up and waiting. I felt like I was lying to you, my readers. I wasn’t living The First Apartment Life. I wasn’t living on a budget with my own place. Charlatan.</p> <p>Perhaps others of you have felt the same (maybe?) but as spring rolled around, I was feeling pretty bleak. Everyone kept asking me where I had applied to grad school. Where did I want to go? When would I find out? What were my chances? More and more questions from every person I knew. I hated it. I was constantly worried as I checked my email. It would be this little game I played with my phone. Download all the emails, and then read the subject line before I opened them.</p> <p>Then it happened. I got an email from my dream school. I was freaking out before I even opened it, I waited anxiously for the first three lines to download on my phone because I didn’t want to open it before I knew. I had to prepared myself.  Dear Katherine…. Oh god, here it goes I thought. Congratulations! My heart stopped. Suddenly, all was right in the world. My first thought was OMG I actually got into a grad school! It took a good 48 hours for it to finally dawn on me that I got into my dream school. Then of course, I spent the next 48 hours freaking out whether it a was a good school (even though its ranked #1) because clearly, why would they let me in if it was good?</p> <p>Now that it has been a few days, I have a much brighter outlook on life (well until August when I get overloaded with work).  I feel like a large burden has been lifted off my shoulder. I have been happily over preparing for school in the fall and already searching for apartments these past few days! I no longer feel like a charlatan and am excited to share all the exciting times as I prepare for this new step! Hopefully, this will spur a bunch of new creative ideas (especially since my budget will be tighter than ever!).  </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-56433958510108686952013-02-13T21:36:00.001-05:002013-02-13T21:36:14.853-05:00Weekly Wonders: February 13th, 2013<p>I feel like this year has already flown by, where did all the time go? I am busier than I have ever been but I can’t tell you why, I am not doing anything terribly special right now. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZgE3vVzMAm4/URxNk9pmOKI/AAAAAAAADBw/xNQBVTSP_-E/s1600-h/IMG_4226%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4226" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4226" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFwzTK62MV4/URxNlcjYtRI/AAAAAAAADB4/AVRLRJQ1je4/IMG_4226_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="404" /></a> </p> <p>I scored these awesome wedges at Dillard’s shoe sale this past weekend. They were just 20 dollars! Woot! You can never have too many nude wedges! (Not saying that I may already a pair or two or three…)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-layHQwNI57s/URxNloPYaMI/AAAAAAAADCA/a96qroQz4Ss/s1600-h/IMG_4228%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4228" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qwR_R92oM8M/URxNl65Z16I/AAAAAAAADCI/dbrPZXA-XOo/IMG_4228_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="404" /></a></p> <p>I also snagged this shirt. As I walked to the  counter to purchase it, I saw no less than 3 other girls trying it on! Mint is so in right now and the fit of the shirt is just perfect. You can dress it up or down, which I love! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BgaRGd2Ti3A/URxNmJSa7dI/AAAAAAAADCQ/S-mf6bRObJ0/s1600-h/IMG_4237%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4237" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pYFXS12Xyuk/URxNmbINPbI/AAAAAAAADCY/9K9Ixkc_0SA/IMG_4237_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="404" /></a> </p> <p>These adorable Valentines were thought of by my brilliant mother. My little brother filled the bags with “gourmet” popcorn (i.e. boy scout popcorn) and simply stapled on tags for each kid and teacher! </p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRuH8kqtYBc1AurUu3-8eeJqW25flqLY8qeK1gqFCH-w97p6mM1" /></p> <p>I joined something new: <a href="http://www.girlsontherun.org/">Girls On The Run</a>. So far it has been a challenge (hello, 9 year old attention spans!) and the most fun! You help train 3rd through 5th grade girls to run a 5k but it is about so much more than that! I just love being part of something so special! I’ve just finished the first week but I can already start to feel a bond with my girls. Hey, maybe I will even get in better shape too. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nUq-v3N5r8o/URxNm2KoUeI/AAAAAAAADCg/fy9SUODNeXc/s1600-h/IMG_4225%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4225" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4225" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5nQvcQWBaWk/URxNnOtRjvI/AAAAAAAADCo/7e0a1numlMg/IMG_4225_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404" /></a> </p> <p>Finn won first place at a walkathon this past weekend! He was the first dog to cross the finish line (and the cutest! Not that I am biased or anything).  I think B was more proud than Finn, the ribbon is now taped to his door! </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-49620377308715063272013-02-12T21:24:00.001-05:002013-02-12T21:24:51.035-05:00Fresh Pomegranate Mimosas<p>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4cnH_BDqV34/URr5Z7099lI/AAAAAAAAC_M/lyz4WEC5Eo8/s1600-h/DSC05173%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05173" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC05173" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OERkZuNpMgE/URr5aPlJPeI/AAAAAAAAC_U/PO9aT5SrYuk/DSC05173_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="317" /></a></p> <p>I love a good mimosa but sadly, I have really bad acid reflux and I try not to drink citrus juices (which totally sucks, seriously, EVERYTHING has acid). So for Thanksgiving, I wanted to have a fun grown up drink and we eat early around 1-2ish so I did not want anything too heavy. Enter the mimosa, and to make it more Fall-esque (is that even a word? it is now!) the pomegranate seemed the the perfect choice. All you need to do is juice pomegranates!</p> <p>To Juice:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ggZ8suakW7Y/URr5a2BINRI/AAAAAAAAC_c/sLJUEAEDEiI/s1600-h/DSC05168%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05168" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC05168" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y50iRS-5gVk/URr5bWSnXgI/AAAAAAAAC_k/Y1_O7-QEyvQ/DSC05168_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="295" /></a></p> <p>1) Wear an apron or cry about it later. </p> <p>2) On a hard surface, roll the pom with the heel of you hand. It will make popping noises if done correctly. (Also, if squeezed too much it will leak. That may have happened a time or two!)</p> <p>3) Use a large knife to slice the pomgranite over a bowl, and let the fluid drain.</p> <p>4) Either using the knife or your hands (skillz needed) to tear the pomegranate in two. Carefully place seeds in a metal mesh strainer and use something ( I used this cool wooden masher thing my Mimi had, don’t know what it is called) to smash out all the juice. </p> <p>5) Expect it to be an arduous process as each one yields between 1/3 to 1/2 juice. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e297RaMjEWc/URr5b703vjI/AAAAAAAAC_s/5n7sG6C7NTU/s1600-h/DSC05169%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05169" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC05169" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QWgQAZXBj1o/URr5cc0NuHI/AAAAAAAAC_0/xqJ1ZQpKBKM/DSC05169_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="325" /></a></p> <p>Pomegranate Mimosas:</p> <p>1) About 1/3 cup of juice to 6oz. of Champagne</p> <p>*Add a garnish like blackberries for extra fanciness! </p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-31458645664809133442013-02-10T08:45:00.001-05:002013-02-10T08:45:18.188-05:00Valentine’s Swag Dollies<p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cwr9KHX_L98/URekZKht1OI/AAAAAAAAC8o/eSiH6w8BpMQ/s1600-h/IMG_4219%252520-%252520Copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4219 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4219 - Copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JAk27R3ihy4/URekZiXWVYI/AAAAAAAAC8w/GbMgOl_9Z2Q/IMG_4219%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="318" /></a></p> <p>So Valentine’s Day is right around the corner (and I have yet to finish making mine!). I came up with this simple swag. It took me about 5 minutes to make and another 2 minutes to hang (had to adjust spaces between hearts). It would make a great surprise on Valentine’s Day morning. I hung mine in my bathroom mirror for a little cheer in the morning as I am getting ready!  Check out my previous Valentine’s Day Decor!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fBEKwYRwhSs/URekaHStxBI/AAAAAAAAC84/MilwPXqLyeQ/s1600-h/IMG_4223%252520-%252520Copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4223 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4223 - Copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sPMDcn7JdPU/URekaokN5xI/AAAAAAAAC9A/4PfTLzVLo38/IMG_4223%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="387" /></a></p> <p>Materials:</p> <p>9 Dollies</p> <p>Baker’s Twine</p> <p>Needle</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--vTWIwQ2be8/URekaxRSDlI/AAAAAAAAC9I/tEUfhvLZNCo/s1600-h/IMG_4218%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4218" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4218" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WHx13hcl5AQ/URekbbbStGI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/P3D_L1JDICU/IMG_4218_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="317" /></a></p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-47563548089361116552013-02-08T18:23:00.001-05:002013-02-08T18:23:58.135-05:00Nail Polish Necklace<p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J293Q1haaEc/URWJBcKatxI/AAAAAAAAC6U/ZaWadc22oIc/s1600-h/DSC05247%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05247" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC05247" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HB2Y3CU2ag0/URWJB9GL7pI/AAAAAAAAC6c/VgqkjXcyTcE/DSC05247_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="341" /></a></p> <p>I saw this nail polish tutorial and I have been obsessed ever since. I have constantly been on the look out for the perfect brooch to paint, but yesterday I was cleaning out my jewelry box and I found the perfect piece. I bought this necklace from Express forever ago, I was going through an obnoxious faze I guess. I did wear it as part of a costume once and it was perfect ( I was an Cat Burglar but everyone thought I was an AristoCat, ugh!). That was two years ago, and it has been sitting in my jewelry box ever since and thus it was the perfect thing to DIY. It was actually pretty simple, I did it while skyping with a friend. I ended up using 3 layers of nail polish and I highly recommend using glittery nail polish (fine fine fine glitter).<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mUi5-vrGL6Q/URWJCnpH6uI/AAAAAAAAC6k/Kzu22Y6osu4/s1600-h/DSC05249%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05249" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC05249" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZSPsXXM3Azo/URWJDNlH8dI/AAAAAAAAC6s/lYSfdD9MmEI/DSC05249_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="371" /></a></p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-32470546345224761282013-02-06T11:50:00.001-05:002013-02-06T11:50:01.365-05:00Weekly Wonderings: February 6th, 2013<p>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1lTTIqjfkdo/URKJqaIj3vI/AAAAAAAAC3w/yUim6K_3gTU/s1600-h/IMG_4195%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4195" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4195" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KeuzkPuEUvo/URKJrOi194I/AAAAAAAAC34/nGIZkH6Yd7s/IMG_4195_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="349" /></a></p> <p>  Can you believe it is already the 2nd month of 2013? My does time fly! I did something drastic yesterday, and I was so nervous about it Monday that I couldn’t even concentrate on anything else! I booked the appointment Monday afternoon which meant I only had 24 hours to freak out about it. Smart thinking there. It was over so fast I did not even get a good photo before. I cut my hair, but not like trim, oh no no, I donated over 10 inches to Locks of Love. I am so proud that I could help someone in need out but it’s quite the change for me. I suddenly have short (ish) hair. For me, this seems crazy! My hair was down to the middle of my back and now it just brushes my shoulders. The weeks leading up to this, I would take a piece of paper and hold it up to my hair to get a rough guess. In my head, it just always seemed like 10 inches wouldn’t take off that much but I knew I had to do it! My hair was getting ridiculous, it took forever to dry or straighten or curl or do anything with! I am super excited to get to try all these new hair things I can do now but believe me, I have already started taking Biotin! </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bxjp_7_nwmc/URKJrok0RgI/AAAAAAAAC4A/-tk9p9Hg14M/s1600-h/IMG_4190%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4190" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4190" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xYeVL-eN7sw/URKJsT3Me_I/AAAAAAAAC4I/K5rMKOpw36c/IMG_4190_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="508" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SmVLb1ardzg/URKJtI-KVoI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/-Qg-09E8B5w/s1600-h/IMG_4197%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4197" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4197" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pUhXanb7CWc/URKJt4ZPdiI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/EvTsodrkfFw/IMG_4197_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="429" /></a></p> <p align="center">Coming home to this made everything much easier! He’s four months now!!!!</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-20452894446269919642013-02-01T10:35:00.001-05:002013-02-01T10:35:32.658-05:00Gracious Gifts: Tea Lovers<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-td1zHj36qYo/UQvgvEbjFHI/AAAAAAAAC1c/khNKE1-8_zo/s1600-h/IMG_4153%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4153" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4153" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-afgRUADea4k/UQvgvjFxQEI/AAAAAAAAC1k/0EzOifgg980/IMG_4153_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="374" /></a>  Yesterday, I had coffee with a dear friend. The one who loves themes picnics like me (<a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2012/08/weekly-wonders-august-15th-2012.html">French</a>, <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2012/08/easy-margaritas.html">Mexican,</a> etc.) Sadly, she is leaving me for two months to go work a festival in NYC. While I am terribly excited for her, I am going to miss our picnics! We finally got around to exchanging Christmas gifts ( I know so terribly late). She loves tea so I gather some fun tea supplies for her. First off, a great loose leaf chocolate tea. A box of tea cookies and last but not least, a tea magazine! These three things made the perfect little gift. Since the three things all fit one theme, it made them seem like adorable gift set. She got me the most adorable cheese knife set and a wheel of good French cheese! </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hvvuN6DUCJw/UQvgwYxG0iI/AAAAAAAAC1s/ZLN1EBOD5Fw/s1600-h/IMG_4148%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4148" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4148" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xv5iD0JwYYs/UQvgw_-u1lI/AAAAAAAAC10/FbhIWTUrOZQ/IMG_4148_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-61046397704086590132013-01-30T21:29:00.001-05:002013-01-30T21:29:52.529-05:00Weekly Wonderings: January 30th, 2013 Port Manatee<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JA1h1OKjZaU/UQnXABSzsSI/AAAAAAAACyM/u5HQWcR46Mw/s1600-h/IMG_4126%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4126" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jdusr2r8cI0/UQnXAvzo33I/AAAAAAAACyU/1HIBu59KrLQ/IMG_4126_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="330" /></a></p> <p align="center">Today, I had quite the adventure. We really didn’t mean to but somehow it happened. I was running late to the bus (doesn’t it sound like I am back in middle school) to go on <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekly-wonderings-january-23rd-2012.html">my weekly adventure with my Mimi.</a> They thankfully held the bus for me.  Whew! Then we get on the interstate and are not but 4 miles away when we hear a POP noise! One of the tires blew. So me and 45 seniors had to stand on the side of a busy interstate waiting for the nice man to come change our tire for over an hour (and yes, there were walkers involved). But it was well worth the wait! The Port of Manatee was so cool! Apparently, they give free tours twice a week and you ride around the entire port on a tram. It’s the closest port to Panama and apparently it is a big deal. It was so interesting to discover new things in my neck of the woods! When’s the last time you took a tour of your town? I highly recommend them, you learn so many interesting things! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IoqGkfhmgyo/UQnXB0CtOWI/AAAAAAAACyc/I20Ybp25cmY/s1600-h/IMG_4123%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4123" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4123" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zYMfzfISpr4/UQnXCpSLLNI/AAAAAAAACyk/qkjJtX5jC-k/IMG_4123_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="318" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gtzyt93-qUk/UQnXDX_90rI/AAAAAAAACys/WLA0s1m2Ptg/s1600-h/IMG_4129%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4129" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4129" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pf-hs4tul5Q/UQnXD4ZnsqI/AAAAAAAACy0/TZfRqQm8nVM/IMG_4129_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="376" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UuGXS9Mqwxk/UQnXEub8J7I/AAAAAAAACy8/YpSx3A4JVro/s1600-h/IMG_4134%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4134" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4134" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iJKpmT7sG4E/UQnXFMJMuAI/AAAAAAAACzE/vZBt8rzx6RE/IMG_4134_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="334" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ErQtsYhM52M/UQnXFoKlTVI/AAAAAAAACzM/DOdbNsky1yI/s1600-h/IMG_4141%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Boat at Port Manatee" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Boat at Port Manatee" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EzDxTCayt1Y/UQnXGDjTr6I/AAAAAAAACzU/eT4LbCzINXw/IMG_4141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="392" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KTCl0CJbw9Y/UQnXHIO3e6I/AAAAAAAACzc/paSy-jE4YSk/s1600-h/IMG_4144%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4144" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4144" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B-KZf8I1UMA/UQnXHgiE9vI/AAAAAAAACzk/nwBvSKA05Tg/IMG_4144_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="419" /></a></p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-39191714805282523152013-01-29T15:55:00.001-05:002013-01-29T15:56:14.785-05:00Gracious Gifts: Map Painting<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HO4bNZlosgA/UQg3NH8u5yI/AAAAAAAACus/onH7CF9fmEM/s1600-h/DSC01853%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01853" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC01853" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6y6SAQ-Yrvc/UQg3NkZDTgI/AAAAAAAACu0/69P36y4oE6w/DSC01853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="326" /></a> </p> <p align="center">   So this is actually a gift I created two Christmases ago. I just kept forgetting to post about it but I just got a new laptop and am trying to organize everything. In searching through my photos, I found these. I created this for my boyfriend because he loves maps. I picked gray for the countries (there are 10 shades there) because after blue (which clearly had to be used for the water) it is his favorite color. I used <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-make-your-own-projector.html">this projection method again.</a> Because I am a bit OCD, I had to make sure no same colors touched, so I had to number each country’s paint color (1-10) before painting. Yes, you really do need 10 different colors, Africa and Eastern Europe gets a bit tricky. This project was a labor of love, it took me about 2-3 weeks. I painted in between studying for finals. I would study for 45 minutes then paint for 15. I needed about 3 layers of paint so there was a lot of drying time. It wasn’t too tricky just time consuming. I used a black paint pen to trace the country outlines and used Martha Stewart Gloss Finish to seal it once done (about 3 layers again). I also put foam core board behind it, so you could place pins in it. It is 36 by 48 inches.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JWlEknU1tTo/UQg3OZ2ysoI/AAAAAAAACu8/31LH5whqc9k/s1600-h/DSC01758%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01758" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC01758" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DrDFlK94vlg/UQg3O6BoqoI/AAAAAAAACvE/aaD30KnpeZU/DSC01758_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="318" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hnO8hs0k3a0/UQg3PdVMAYI/AAAAAAAACvM/f-Y9YSHu8-g/s1600-h/IMG_2133%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2133" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_2133" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J1Q8v4vy9Go/UQg3QDXWycI/AAAAAAAACvU/7dPBNJ94R0I/IMG_2133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="328" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fnOFGpTprkI/UQg3Q__LTsI/AAAAAAAACvc/BdvlV9Z5Hz0/s1600-h/DSC01762%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01762" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC01762" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y23RA-dVFLI/UQg3RZMp0sI/AAAAAAAACvk/bRDsSjLq3tg/DSC01762_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mLcoQtHtIk8/UQg3Ru2aL8I/AAAAAAAACvs/v8P0hkah4co/s1600-h/IMG_2147%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_2147" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pXOQwvA5Fzo/UQg3SE4jCjI/AAAAAAAACv0/mfldvNAMgwI/IMG_2147_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="321" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7omQ8NZFG6k/UQg3SlvgsPI/AAAAAAAACv8/xTge1xVlvvM/s1600-h/DSC01784%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01784" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC01784" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uXhd05Ng6vU/UQg3TarAGlI/AAAAAAAACwE/8cdHApdtJDw/DSC01784_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="312" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9K_apO8CN44/UQg3T4L-mBI/AAAAAAAACwM/Iii_yEUKZYE/s1600-h/DSC01799%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01799" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC01799" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hGAx-vJu-HM/UQg3UN8dI4I/AAAAAAAACwU/EXtbiyFaqys/DSC01799_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="320" /></a></p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-33877561996302563242013-01-23T15:34:00.001-05:002013-01-23T15:34:32.333-05:00Weekly Wonderings: January 23rd, 2012<p>My week has flown by, I think it was the Monday off that made everything seem faster! It’s funny how quick life seems to go by, so I thought I would share some of my favorite moments from the past week. Appreciating the little things in life is so important and I am working at slowing down and smelling the roses. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RcGQKVWFCD0/UQBJHsTGI5I/AAAAAAAACsA/eXGEKU7PmnE/s1600-h/IMG_4056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4056" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4056" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GLNKA0upnPE/UQBJICTYdOI/AAAAAAAACsE/BTM8e200dpk/IMG_4056_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>First off, today is the boyfriend’s birthday. I found the perfect gift but I can’t share it because he hasn’t opened it. Eek! But look at how adorable the wrapping is for it! I drew the card myself, we have a huge sheep joke running between us. It’s to the point now where we have forgotten why but we are always sending each other sheep things. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-co_a04xCy98/UQBJI6KzcfI/AAAAAAAACsQ/TRGTGeW1nBU/s1600-h/IMG_4046%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-92QHirLcwpA/UQBJTP0jXEI/AAAAAAAACsY/f985gaq6vsc/IMG_4046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="343" /></a> </p> <p>I signed Mimi and I up for a class to learn about where we live (it actually is much cooler than it sounds). We get to ride around on a big teal school bus each week. Can you tell how excited we are?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dKRu2Do-LMA/UQBJTmSB8tI/AAAAAAAACsc/J4_BCvjB1ug/s1600-h/IMG_4045%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hIl6G-8wTIA/UQBJUP7cpbI/AAAAAAAACsk/sYOfHjVRjOQ/IMG_4045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="405" /></a> </p> <p>I don’t know when I became preppy. I swear I go through phases every 4 years. My freshman year of high school, I was obsessed with polos. Every day was a new polo. My freshman year of college it was headbands. I was in a major Blair Waldorf phase. (I still am) Now, its preppy office supplies. I am a sucker for a good notebook or two or three! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TJAdsJjOzAI/UQBJUt293jI/AAAAAAAACss/reS-Sq4k0Cc/s1600-h/IMG_4054%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qyFMTwl5oSc/UQBJV7UOVDI/AAAAAAAACs0/W1npHp0Nx5Y/IMG_4054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="329" /></a></p> <p>This fabric is for a special project for a <a href="http://thoughtscollectinpools.blogspot.com/">special someone!</a> I can’t say more but I assure you it will get its own blog post! (As long as it turns out well) Weekend Project, here I come with scissors and duck canvas!</p> <p>So what have you been up to? Any great projects out there? Do you go through preppy phases too?</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-24972961619201441532013-01-21T09:58:00.001-05:002013-01-21T09:58:52.387-05:00How to Pack: Writing it all down<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VmUkgFak0gE/UP1XmrU_naI/AAAAAAAACqM/wdvkKkzKBRM/s1600-h/IMG_4037%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4037" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6GF-pBUpBQY/UP1XnaDi6nI/AAAAAAAACqU/6PukuTayJ9Y/IMG_4037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="402" /></a> <p>I love lists. I list everything, when I am bored I normally make lists just to past time. Things to do, things to think about doing, things I would like to do if i had more money, things to do when I get my super powers. I could go on but I will spare you. Anyways, one of the things I have figured out is how to make packing lists. I have an entire notebook devoted to it because this way I can flip back through at a later date and remember what I wore when and more ideas. Now, I am not completely OCD and list  every pair of undergarments I am bringing but often I do write    the number of them. Here is my step by step process:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xb3jiFqMOfM/UP1XnxR44fI/AAAAAAAACqc/JfSqoyPbE_Q/s1600-h/IMG_4041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4041" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nKCqqNELG2Q/UP1Xoh23s8I/AAAAAAAACqg/k14oDhFNfc4/IMG_4041_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="419" /></a></p> <p>First, on the left I write out my schedule for the trip. Am I going to a fancy party? Do I have meetings all day? Am I going on an adventure and need workout clothes? (the gym is an adventure for me often). Sometimes, I have no idea what I am doing so I might write down weather for that week. Is there a chance of rain? or snow? Don’t worry about getting too picky, even if you just write “3 work days” that can be enough. The goal is to just start thinking about what you are going to need.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hg0SiwhK4mE/UP1XpGvdcTI/AAAAAAAACqs/-YPC0655KU4/s1600-h/IMG_4042%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4042" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4042" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c6HMqpLn9gM/UP1XphxLLPI/AAAAAAAACq0/PB41P38DT4M/IMG_4042_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="309" /></a></p> <p>Second: I write on the right my outfits. Starting with the all important airport outfit, need something comfy that can often change climates and be okay to go into town with right away. My go-to airport outfit is a dress with fleece leggings (just the inside is fleece) and flats. Simple to walk through security, and comfy on the plane no matter what weird position I try to get comfy in! I always number my outfits because often I am trying to meet a goal of 5 or 7 outfits for the trip. I always use + signs for my outfits because this way I comprehend each piece I need to pack. I also can then easily understand how I can mix pieces to get more outfit choices. Always write down your shoe picks too! The worst thing  is getting somewhere and realizing you picked the wrong shoes for everything.</p> <p>Third: At the bottom, I write down any miscellaneous stuff that I need to bring. Laptop? Hairdryer? Things I wouldn’t necessarily always pack.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Te1YRaR9u3g/UP1XqHXxQdI/AAAAAAAACq8/7PhTzO901j4/s1600-h/IMG_4036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4036" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hTa5y7WKqAU/UP1Xq43qFZI/AAAAAAAACrE/H30oinbOdIQ/IMG_4036_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="418" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Do you have any helpful tips for how to pack for a trip? Ever follow a color scheme? I’ve tried but I like having tons of options!</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-8770718824873205262013-01-07T17:26:00.001-05:002013-01-07T17:26:11.278-05:00Happy New Year!<p>Perhaps, this is a bit late, but the sentiment is still strong: Happy New Year! I’ve been in freezing cold weather, okay maybe not totally but 33 is still cold right? Boston has been so much fun, I even got to see it snow! Then I hid under the covers and watched far too many reruns of the office. Still funny, even the third time around. The first time, I looked like this:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CSNi-NBmK7A/UOtLc07PZ1I/AAAAAAAAClo/6Ef1OcDASqg/s1600-h/photo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o_uKqp2P8QU/UOtLdRWNrEI/AAAAAAAAClw/uOpVlF3vKGM/photo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="427"></a></p> <p align="center">Super excited.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XDwfa688OT0/UOtLdxhCvJI/AAAAAAAACl4/sCl898ZwxRM/s1600-h/snow%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snow" border="0" alt="snow" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V3JbBKE6wSw/UOtLecJhMFI/AAAAAAAACmA/GD3zYpDdTKY/snow_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="491"></a></p> <p align="center">Then it snowed.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S6XaIaEolEE/UOtLexHMH_I/AAAAAAAACmI/OCuttGyMcyU/s1600-h/earmuff%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="earmuff" border="0" alt="earmuff" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pIC4veFMfU8/UOtLfUqbcNI/AAAAAAAACmQ/_-wX5K4I2Nw/earmuff_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="431"></a></p> <p align="center">So I wore these, but now</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EYhVMqNFkwU/UOtLf6pp5tI/AAAAAAAACmY/m91bLwJdm2I/s1600-h/dresser%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dresser" border="0" alt="dresser" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F7Pzkmb0Vuw/UOtLgQFg-yI/AAAAAAAACmg/40tCuwCz07w/dresser_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="429"></a></p> <p align="center">I look like this. (And yes, that is a dresser sideways. <a href="http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2011/01/boys-rooms.html">Welcome to how boys live, its baby steps since they have upgraded from this</a>)</p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-61528422777186868252012-12-11T22:35:00.001-05:002012-12-11T22:35:52.517-05:0012/12/12<p>So today is a cool day, in fact the last of its kind until next century. Enough about the day , I am sure you are just dying to know what I have been up to (ha). I have been up to my eyeballs in glitter, but I love it. The shop is coming along swimmingly and there are big talks for the future. <a title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSheaShoppe" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSheaShoppe">http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSheaShoppe</a> Keep your fingers crossed. It the spare time that I am not running to the post office or other errands, I managed to do some cool things. I went to a Chalk Festival and it was AMAZING. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2hKjCIycnyQ/UMf7etfEpGI/AAAAAAAACjU/des32nRjLG4/s1600-h/DSC05078%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05078" border="0" alt="DSC05078" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pMCYKb6u8g8/UMf7fZt4wCI/AAAAAAAACjc/BnfTA69-E1E/DSC05078_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="345"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0mHJrZPYC1Y/UMf7f7nrJuI/AAAAAAAACjk/s8Ow--1neA8/s1600-h/DSC05083%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05083" border="0" alt="DSC05083" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NBQ3wQjtMwE/UMf7gdwShyI/AAAAAAAACjs/acrNyWFy1F8/DSC05083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="357"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rCsPRPZQxKI/UMf7hKOB5uI/AAAAAAAACj0/saTbGYMBueg/s1600-h/DSC05093%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05093" border="0" alt="DSC05093" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rEUWIL0q59g/UMf7h28haSI/AAAAAAAACj8/0l71z0Im0D0/DSC05093_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="357"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--5p4Yg1rry8/UMf7iRirdQI/AAAAAAAACkE/suTrGlxUXGw/s1600-h/DSC05095%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05095" border="0" alt="DSC05095" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3aQeaBKj7TE/UMf7iy0zpVI/AAAAAAAACkM/ndAiJNl7mq4/DSC05095_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="368"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R5skTISO__Q/UMf7jW1CiQI/AAAAAAAACkU/hCzxgutpViI/s1600-h/DSC05055%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05055" border="0" alt="DSC05055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--LyMufrR-bQ/UMf7kFj8NNI/AAAAAAAACkc/dy-3w4LBOvg/DSC05055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="545" height="374"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P-dH_ApAyHw/UMf7k1wlguI/AAAAAAAACkk/3ilD0IuHr30/s1600-h/DSC05047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05047" border="0" alt="DSC05047" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7CeETc-3pOM/UMf7lxdKM9I/AAAAAAAACks/t7qLSB2Dm4U/DSC05047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="378"></a></p> Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097561128676656653.post-14520983366866628662012-11-27T14:56:00.001-05:002012-11-27T15:24:50.119-05:00Have you met …. Finn?<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-upUqZcjYrs8/ULUavxVqWbI/AAAAAAAAChk/0IYT2HmJmYg/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252851%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo (51)" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ZYTKQubdu4/ULUawaLwgFI/AAAAAAAAChs/njBcIkf1j-4/photo%252520%25252851%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (51)" width="353" /></a><br />
So ever have those weeks that just fly by? Like you meant to do 10 million different things but then none of it happened. Instead, I got sidetracked like 100 million times and ended up doing many side projects like helping out at a craft fair and getting a puppy. Yes a puppy. The most adorable scared stubborn puppy (yes, he can be both). His name is Finn O’Malley Shea. He is a Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier and will get to about 50 pounds of adorable fluff. So please excuse me as I overload you with cute photos of Finn. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HHmXAwsd4DU/ULUaw838IzI/AAAAAAAACh0/Q1l0sa_iBVI/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252847%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo (47)" border="0" height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kU1YRq9bTY0/ULUaxQWOmlI/AAAAAAAACh8/H9dgOwFemvg/photo%252520%25252847%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (47)" width="413" /></a></div>
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P.S. I have updated the shop! Be sure to check it out. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSheaShoppe?ref=si_shop">http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSheaShoppe?ref=si_shop</a></div>
Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453481327171362258noreply@blogger.com1