Back into the swing of things...

Sorry loyal readers for the lack of posts these past 20 days. I have been going through a bit of a quarter life crisis… but hopefully this is a start of a new me!

As for the past 2 weeks, I have had a lot of exciting things happen!

First of all, for Easter, my mom (aka: The Easter Bunny) got tickets for the whole fam to see WICKED up in Birmingham, and although I was unable to attend Bunko-it was well worth it! Wicked tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West (from The Wizard of Oz of course) and Glinda the Good Witch. Turns out-once upon a time-they were besties! Anywho, I won’t give anymore away, you will have to go see it for yourself…

The singing-AMAZING.
Props-AMAZING.
Acting-AMAZING.
Costumes-AMAZING.

I would have loved to see this on Broadway, but this hit pretty close to home! They even had 95% of the original Broadway set! I highly recommend this to anyone who LOVE theater and The Wizard of Oz!

Secondly, I APPLIED FOR MY FIRST ART SHOW. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I am at work one day and check my personal email to find a note from a nice lady asking me to be a part of an art show in Calera, AL on June 6th!!! Turns out-she saw my ETSY shop and liked what she saw! WHAAAHOOOOO! I sent in the application and will hear back from her around May 16th .

Now I need to get my little butt in gear and make some stuff to actually SELL at the art show (saying as I HOPEFULLY will get in…)

Missing in Action...

OMG. I have been MIA for the past 2 weeks! I have been super-busy with weddings, work and life...

Since my last post I have:

1. Hitched a ride to Destin, FL with some of my besties for a fun filled wedding weekend. (It rained the ENTIRE time we were there-but, by God's good wishes, the sun came out about 3 hours before the outside wedding took place-It was beautiful.

2. Contemplated going back to school to become a petroleum engineer.

3. Welcomed my sister back from her 2 week trip across France (she brought me back some cool stuff-will show in a later post)

4. Spent too much money on clothes...but in my defense, they are all good "basic" pieces that will last me a long time. Oh-and they were all on sale-hence why I felt the need to buy A LOT.

I swear, I am getting back into the swing of things. I am hoping to "pre-blog" in the future and have them post automatically so that all of my 5 readers will have something fresh and fun to read everyday!

Peace out. Players.

Yes, please.

I am going to try this little pretty on at lunch. This is my kinda dress! Nice solid color and modern shape just waiting to be accessorized for the perfect occasion. Oh, did I mention it is UNDER 50 BUCKS?!!!!! Yup, she is on sale at 30% off and she will soon be safe and sound in my closet. Just think, some rockin' heels for a wedding or night out on the town OR throw on some gold gladiator sandals for a backyard wedding shower!

Oh, the possibilities...

Midland?!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The South
Philadelphia
The Northeast
The Inland North
The West
Boston
North Central
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_american_accent_do_you_have">What American accent do you have? http://www.gotoquiz.com/">Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Something is not right. If only this quiz "grader" could hear some old home movies of me... You might not hear the old southern drawl that my grandmother has but you sure would know I was born and raised in the South. And. Damn. Proud. Of. It.

Now, if yall would excuse me, I'm fixin to drank some sweet tea on the front porch and gossip about the latest scandal to hit town...because, bless her heart, if sweet Lilly-Ann did not catch the bouquet at her cousin Margaret's wedding last Saturday. Lawd-her Momma is fit to be tied!

I wish I was in Ireland...

Home of my kinsmen! Seriously, how beautiful is that. Maybe I should just pack up and move there.

Here is to wishing you a Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all of my fellow lads and lassies. Please enjoy this beautiful day and have a couple of Guinness's for ol' St. Patty! He did rid Ireland of the snakes ya ken?

I leave you now with one of my favourite Irish Blessings:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Shop Makeover

 TA -DA!!!!!!

Well what do you think?! 

I have been staring at the old banner all weekend thinking "Something is not right..." With the help of two very honest critics (thanks Mom and Dad!!!) I have finally settled on the above. I love it. It makes me so happy!

The little guy under the banner is my new avatar! 

If you have visited the shop lately, you will see that it is under construction. Stay tuned for new , more fabulous than the last products!!!

Au revoir la Soeur ! (Goodbye Sister!)

Image found here . (Check out her shop!)

My little sister is off to France! She is leaving tonight for Spring Break and a magazine shoot for school. Imagine-boarding a plane, going to sleep and waking up in Paris! What a lucky gal! She has created a blog so that we (her friends and family) can keep track of all that she is doing while oversees... check it out too if you would like here.

Maybe she will fall in love with a handsome French photographer, marry him, move to Paris and take me with her. ***sigh***

Lost...

"Lost" by yaelfran

Find it here and other like it on Etsy!

I am in a funky mood this morning. I feel like this little girl lost in the forest of life. You ever feel that way?I know the three people who read this blog probably don't want to hear about my "problems" but this is why I started this blog. To act as a journal-to express myself.

Ok, maybe "problems" is not a good word, more like concerns? Hmmm. Who knows, but get ready because here I go:

On Life: I gained 1.5 lbs this week. I knew I was doing it too when I slammed the ENTIRE Totino's Combination Pizza last Thursday for lunch-and had another one for dinner.

On the Home Front: My house collects more dust than any other house in the world. I have fuzz-bunnies for days. I could probably make a fuzz-bunny blanket right now-AND I SWEPT AND DUSTED 2 DAYS AGO!!! Also, I forgot my towels were in the washer and now they have that weird mildew smell-gross. Now I have to wash them again.

On the Creative Side: I think I am in over my head. There are so many things I want to do with Katie Company, Inc-I just don't have the time-OR maybe it is because I am afraid of failing... My blog is fugly. My Esty shop lacks professional looking photos and really great products because they are all floating around in my head. I was going to take some really great pictures this weekend but I have read that you are supposed to use natural light and it supposed to rain here ALL WEEKEND. Definitely not going to help my mood. Also, I can't decided if I should start a new blog focused on Katie Company, Inc and use this blog for my "journal". That might be WAY to much for me right now.

I am really good at being other people's "Life Coach"but I am HORRIBLE at being my own. I need someone to guide me. Any takers? I am now accepting applications.

Applicants must be able to:

1. give me constructive criticism-if not brutal honesty (if need be)


2. praise me when I have done good then give me a cookie (but I will settle for a cupcake)


3. be a sounding board for all of my wild idea's


4. tell me when I am in over my head.

Oh yeah-did I mention I am most likely the most stubborn person you will or have ever met?

Good luck, I look forward to working with you.

Tuesday...

I meant to post yesterday to tell all of you about my wonderful weekend in NEW ORLEANS, however, the day got away from me and before you know it I was hitting snooze on my alarm this morning...



I will be posting more about my little "surprise" trip tomorrow...








Tonight, I am SUPER EXCITED because I am starting Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred! You all know my slight obsession with The Biggest Loser (which just so happens to come on tonight), right? Well, low and behold I was flipping through my On Demand Exercise TV and landed...JACKPOT. If anyone can get my but in gear it is none other that the hard-ass, don't give a damn if you are going to throw up, you better WORK-Jillian Michaels. She is one tough cookie ladies and gents...and puppies. (Hey, you never know who reads this.)



So, that being said, I proceeded to check this whole 30 Day shred thing out while I sat on my couch, eating Chick-fil-a (I know, not CORE, wha-wha-wha-I was STARVING with nothing in the fridge except for beef bouon-gross). After watching this kick ass cardio/strength training awesomeness that was happening on my TV, I think I am up for the challenge. I also think it will help me drop the last 10lbs of Mexican food and beer I have been lugging around for say the past 4 years.



I will keep you all updated on my progress... if I don't drop dead while jumping imaginary rope.

***Update***
Jillian Michaels kicked. my. ass.

I woke up this morning thinking "WOW, I must be in better shape than I thought because I am TOTALLY not sore." Fast forward to about an hour ago when I almost fell down the steps at work due to my shaky legs. I can barely raise my hands over my head.

Is it okay to take a day off when you are sore?

A girl can dream right?

In my next life I will be this organized and have lots of money to spend in this eye candy. Seen here at Pottery Barn.

Yes, please.

It is hard to imagine that this happened Sunday and we are supposed to hit mid 70's by Thursday or Friday! Welcome to South ladies and gents-home of the wackiest weather around.

All I can think about it this....

Picture Credit: Alicia

I will be here (or Destin, FL) rather at the end of March for a dear friends wedding to an amazing man. I can't wait for the sun, sand, and celebration!

Funny thing-Spring Break is coming up for the University students and I am a wee bit jealous-as I get no Spring Break now that I am a "grown up". In college-and high school even-I would go out and buy Suave Coconut Shampoo every March 1st to prepare me for Spring Break, saying as how we always ended up somewhere near the ocean. That smell will always remind me of my best girlfriends, rum-runners and No-AD Dark Suntan Oil (spf 4-because a "sunburn turns to tan anyways...").

I am tired of the cold, of dry skin, of runny noses and dead plants everywhere. I am much more happy in the sun, under blue skies, surrounded by green trees, and evenings that don't see darkness until 9:00 pm.

I was born in the dead of summer after all...

I am the next American Idol!

Not really. I am just writing this while I watch American Idol...  Allison is really good! The girl who sang HEART!!! OMG-she is only 16.

Anywhoo- I tried to post earlier today, but I was SWAMPED at work. Sooooo, here I am. Not much to post about today (how many times can I say post in this...post? I am a loser.)

I have been keeping a little notebook with me at all times to jot down post (omg-stop) ideas. I have them all in the down and just need to get them organized.  This guy in AI right now is smokin hot...

I have been reading a lot about Twitter lately. What is it? Just a place to write your random thoughts for people to see? Dang-hot AI guy is married... I think it like your status updates on Facebook. I also think your goal is to have people "follow" you. Why would anyone want to see your random thoughts? This intrigues me. I might have to do some more research...

P.S. Paula-lay off the pills.

P.S.S. I think Simon and I would get along. Maybe we could be best friends...

More sneak peeks...

I have been working my little creative behind off!!! I can't wait to finally get some stuff in the shop! I am perfecting my photography skills this week and the goal is to have products listed by March 1st...soooooo....stay tuned!

I will give a little hint to some subject matter for the shop:

Flora

Fauna

Nautical

Yes, please...

All of these little pretties are from the ever wallet friendly Forever 21. Oh, yeah-also all under 10 bones. I kinda want to go thrifting/antiquing/estate sale-ing this weekend... I might even make a game out of it! I can take along an x amount of cash money and see what kinda good loot I can score on my budget! MAYBE I can even find some great old fashion "jerr-ry" like my loves pictured above! Anyone wanna come?

Sneak Peek

Just a little sample of what I have been working on for Katie Company, Inc.

You know you want one...

Introducing...

Katie Company, Inc.

Here she is in all of her finest. I spent last night coming up with a logo per-say and a "brand identity" for all of you marketing majors out there...

What do ya think?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I am kinda fond of the little hopping marsupial/rat/mouse/kangaroo critter that is adorning the top of the shop. I even named him...Burrito, the Hopping Mouse Man. For those of you who know me-this is quite fitting.

Stay tuned for products soon to be for sale!

Blagh

I am having a blagh day. Weather is sucky and I am not feeling up to par. (Bunko got a little wild last night)

I promise some more fabulous posts later in the week.

Stay tuned for tomorrow... I will be sharing something I am working on for my Etsy shop...

Boo

I wish I could start today over. I forgot I had my allergy shot this morning and got to work thinking "I am forgetting something really important" and sure enough, checked my calendar and there it was. Plain as day. ALLERGY SHOT 8:00 am. Crap. Now I have to reschedule.

I woke up late-like usual- and rushed to get ready, resulting in a stoopid lookin' outfit. I look like a 3rd grader. I mean, I have cute clothes, but sometimes I put them together in a gross way. Ugh. I have every intention of waking up early everyday. My alarm clock is set for 5:30 every morning-except weekends-AND I even put it across my room so I have to GET OUT OF BED to turn in off. But what do I do? Snooze. For an hour. Damnit. Why?!!!!!! I am fully awake when it goes off, so why do I get back in bed? Well today, I was having a dream that they made my FAVORITE book series (Outlander) into a movie and I wanted to see where it left off. Yes, I can wake up and go back to sleep and pick up where the dream stopped. Jealous?

Oh yeah, I weighed this morning and I am up 0.6 lbs. Damn. The sad part? When I was eating Chick-fil-a last night and drinking a Dr. Pepper (real-not diet) I said, "I am going to be mad at myself tomorrow when I weigh in". UGH!!!!!

I guess I need to realize that I am in control of my choices. I make the choice to hit snooze every morning-resulting in stoopid outfits, gross breakfasts, and bad hair. I also make the choice to eat what I do. I could have very well walked past Chick-fil-a, gone home and had something CORE.

But really, who can pass up waffle fries?

Biggest Loser ROCKS

Just chilln' here on the couch watching The Biggest Loser. This is the most inspirational show EVER! I used to have my weigh-ins scheduled on Tuesdays so I could feel the success as the contestants do. Now I am weighing in on Thursdays. I weigh in at my house after I get out of the shower in the morning-naked as a jaybird-because I do not want 3 extra pounds of clothes messn' up my game. So far-down 6.8 from my highest weight!!!! Goal is to get down to the last 3.2 lbs by March 1st!!!! I will have to buckle down and really work but I think I can do it.

Hey, speaking of goals- lets see what I actually accomplished on my weekend to-do list...

1. Re-grout bathtub-DONE! How nice it is to take a bath in non-grossness.
2. Touch up paint in bathroom.
3. Hang new paper shade in den. ATTEMPTED-after being stores at Mom's house for oh, say-4 years, it was a little worse for wear. Could have been salvaged but got fed up with it and promptly threw away.
4. Hook up new printer and crank out prototypes for new Etsy shop-DONE! Perfect in every way...
5. Cook Roast.-DONE! Delish.
6. Vacuum, sweep, dust...-DONE! However when you live in an old house like me this will always be a re-occurring chore.
7. Contributing more to my inspiration notebook.-DONE! Added about 20 more pages...
8. Get more organized.-STARTED-in my craft room.
9. Clean out car. And trunk.

All in all it was a pretty productive weekend.

P.S.  I bought a new diffuser tonight at Ulta. Maybe it will help me tame my wild, crazy hair.

P.S.S. I am wearing a really cute outfit tomorrow that incorporates my work and I am really excited!!!

TGIF

Thank goodness it is Friday! The weather this weekend here in Bama is supposed to be B. E. UTIFUL! Perfect for lots of little jobs I would like to get done around the house. Here is a list of things I am looking forward to completing this weekend.

1. Re-grout the bathtub.
2. Touch up paint in the bathroom.
3. Hanging my new paper shade in the living room.
4. Hook up my new printer and crank out some prototypes for my Etsy shop.
5. Cook a roast.
6. Vacuum, dust, sweep...
7. Contributing more to my inspiration notebook.
8. A little more organizing.
9. Clean out my car. And trunk.

Oh, and I think I need this set of tools. What girl doesn't LOVE pink tools! Maybe they can be a Valentines Day present from someone special...

Yes, Please.

I really, really, really, really want this dress. Perfect to throw on in the spring. Now, if I can walk the fine line of waiting for it to go on sale and yet not waiting too long for it to sell out of my size... True talent I tell you. Thank you Gap for always making my heart flutter with your simple, classic clothes.

Dear Golden

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate with a pair of shoes like these! These would be mine if only my foot was a little bigger. But for the price (only 31 buck-a-roos!), I might just have to order them anyway.

Mom sent me a link to my new favorite Etsy store, Dear Golden. It is filled with fun vintage finds and if any one know me, this store SCREAMS Katie. It is so my style that I think the owner and I are lost souls. I mean even her favorite color is gray!

Speaking of Etsy, keep your eyes peeled for something opening soon by yours truly...

Photo Credit: Dear Golden

Six More Weeks...

Of Winter.

Yup, Phil saw his shadow this morning meaning we have to endure six more cold weeks of winter. Normally I would be upset BUT I came home for lunch today to find these little babies waiting on me...

This is not my house - I do not own a wooden rocking horse, although it would be fun...

And THESE should be coming in any day now... I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

TGIF

I will be enjoying some "authentic" Mexican food tonight and celebrating a good friend's birthday.

I will have a margarita (or two) for you.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Domino is Dead

You made me so happy. Please tell Cottage Living "Hello!" up there in magazine heaven.

You will be missed.

Creative Inspiration

I have a lot of ideas floating around in this little head of mine. All having to do with a shop I will be opening soon on Etsy (details will be coming soon!!!!). I have been talking about this for about 2 years now, lurking in the shadows of other stores and blogs that contain images and things that I find inspirational and that stimulate my creative juices.I have taken a idea from fellow blogger Rebekaha and have started an "Inspirational Journal" filled with images, quotes and colors that inspire me to create! Hopefully there will be no more creative blocks in my future...

Photo Credit: Rebekaha

Sammies

Who doesn't love a good sammie now an then? (yes-I am channeling Rachel Ray-even though she drives me crazy)

Since I have been watching my figure in hope to beat out Heidi Klum in the running for the title of "The Body" I have not been able to enjoy my favorite sammies...(ok I will stop now). I have been know to eat a few strange sandwiches now and then. When I was little, I had may different choices to choose from...

Ham, Cheese and Applesauce sandwich (sometimes sans bread)

Ham, Cheese and Ketchup tucked neatly between 2 pieces of white bread

White bread and Sharp Cheddar Cheese, except I took this concept a little further and would "squish" the bread down and make the sandwich as thin as possible. It was delicious.

Bama Apple Jelly on "Mama Bread" (Pepperidge Farm Thin White Bread)

As I grew older, my taste buds grew and I got a little more adventurous. I was meeting new friends and becoming more creative with my sandwiches. Typical lunches would include...

Turkey, Cheese and Mustard sandwiches with Nacho Cheese Doritos smashed inside. This added a little extra crunch, and yes, I was the 'weirdo" at the lunch table in High School.

Double Cheeseburgers with French Fries in between both pieces of meat

After all of this experimenting I think I have found the JACKPOT of ALL SANDWICHES. Some think it is gross but those who have tasted it is all of it glory have begged for more. So, without further adue, I give to you...

..................................

"The World's Most Awesome Sandwich Ever Made By Me"

Turkey, Cheese and Mustard on Whole Wheat "Mama" bread (referenced above), grilled in a pan of butter (Grilled Cheese Style)-topped with a Fried Egg (over easy), and smothered with Green Taco Sauce.

**I was not under the influence of ANYTHING at the time of the latter sandwiches creation-I'm just that good.

Fugly...

My blog is fugly.

I am working on a new blog color scheme/look/overall make-over as we speak.

Stay tuned.

What's Your Therapy?

Mine is piddling with (piddling-is this a real word?) and organizing things around my house on a lazy Saturday or Sunday.

After Mom and I went shopping to find some pillows to "bighten up" my "beige" den, as my sister put it, I was a woman on a mission. Den down, the rest of the house to go... (Soon I will post some pics for all to see...)

I happen to have A LOT of storage space in my little duplex but for some reason still had STUFF EVERYWHERE. Crap in one draw and more crap in another. Tell me, how does one person accumulate so much crap?

I get a little bit of this from my mother who finds things such as paint, paper, string and whatnot and, by not having somewhere to put it, it ends up in draws and on shelves lookin' like a bunch of crap. To artists like us, this "crap" means something. A new project to take on or the remenets of a project never competed.

Well this weekend I took hold of my "crap" and cleaned it up. Most of it went in the garbage, because lets face it--most of it was crap. I re-arranged, laundered, dusted, labeled, organized and vacuumed. All while Stevie Wonder sang to me about love, life and a Reggae Woman.

It was so nice to wake up to a clean, organized house. I tell you what, putting on make-up in the morning is so fun now that I don't have to dig through the drawer to find my eyeliner.

What is your therapy?

New Year Resolutions....

"Success means having the courage, the determination and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be"

-George Sheehan

I didn't make a New Years Resolution this year. I couldn't think of just ONE thing. I think that when you make just one resolution such as "I am going to lose 15 lbs" or "I am going to quite (insert vice here)" you are setting yourself up for failure. Why should we only make a resolution on New Years Day? Shouldn't we make resolutions to ourselves everyday? That being said, I have compiled a set of goals I would like to reach before 2010 rolls around:

1. Get healthy (this includes learning how to eat better and exercises more).
2. Learn how to build a website.
3. Open an Etsy shop.
4. Save at least $2,000 for a trip to Scotland.
5. Take better care of my friendships.
6. Learn how to pick my battles with people.
7. Finish the ENTIRE Outlander Book Series by Diana Gabaldon before the 7th book comes out in the fall (one down 5 more to go, and yes...this is my 3rd time to read them...)
8. Learn how to screen print.
9. Learn how to tile my back splash in my kitchen.
10. To realize EVERYDAY how blessed I am to have both arms, both legs, a loving family, fantastic friends, a great job and a wonderful boyfriend. ( No matter how much I bitch about all of these things)

So, what are your GOALS for 2009?

New Year, New Me, New Blog...

So I haven't blogged since July of 2008...and I have missed it.

I don't know why I stopped blogging-maybe the newness wore off? Maybe I just forgot to post for so long that it seemed kinda silly to start back? Maybe I didn't know what to post about? Maybe I was intimidated by all the other bloggers that seem to have a purpose about their blogs? Maybe I was afraid of letting my inner thoughts out?

I know I probably let some of you down (Mom, Dad...Carli) by not updating this thing or simply by not finishing what I started, but, like the title of this post suggests...New Year, New Me, New Blog.

Hmmm, where to begin-

The last half of 2008 was great! I joined a bunko group (haven't won yet but have impressed my new friends with some sweet skills). I gained about 7 lbs--this is not so great in the since that my clothes didn't fit--BUT it has motivated me to get healthy and fit. I spent a lot of time with family and friends. Traveled to Nashville to pursue my singing career (by this I mean a late night karaoke performance of Reba McIntire's "Fancy" with 7 of the best back-up singers a gal could ask for!). FYI-We got a standing ovation. You know, lots of other fun stuff that I will not bore you with now.

2009 is a brand new year. I can not promise a post everyday-but I will try. You might notice a few changes in my posting personality. I plan on making Navy & Gray (how do we feel about this name? I'm thinking of changing it...) a bit of a "journal" blog. Not really focused on anything but what is going on in my head, and for those of you who know me--THAT. IS. ALOT. I once diagnosed myself with A.D.D and when I explained this revelation to my mother, she simply smiled and said, "We have always known that about you". I replied in the most grown up way possible: "Well, you have it to so you can't say ANYTHING". How adult of me, I know...

Anywhoo- there you go and there you have it-and in the words of one of my pledge sister... "Here's to Lookin' fine, feelin' fine, and gettin' mine in 2009"

P.S. I have lost 2.6 lbs. My dream of looking like Heidi Klum in my bikini is slowly becoming a reality. Eat your heart out Gisiele...