Blast from the past-"25 things" Senior year edition

Hi Everyone! I am not deceased or otherwise grievously injured, just got caught up in the holiday bustle and did a lot of traveling (and subsequently left my laptop charger in Atlanta for a week and a half). One of my New Year Resolutions is to blog a LOT more- if I'm absent for more than 3 days, I expect one of you to tweet/comment/facebook/send smoke signals my way and tell me to get writing! Anyway, instead of boring you with how my holidays went or what I got for Christmas (not to worry, I'll do those posts soon), I'm posting my own version of something Ali over at My Suitcase Full of Tricks posted. If you haven't checked her out, seriously...go now, and minimize my post for later. She's that funny....
okay, are you back? Because of Facebook's new timeline thing, you can see things you posted from the day you joined. Do you remember that "25 Things About Me" note that was going around? Well Ali posted some things from hers and it inspired me to look back from mine. Boy, was I rewarded. This is unedited, brought to you by my senior year of high school self. Brace yourselves, children. This might not be easy to read. No, but seriously, it's hysterical.

1.) I want to bring sexy back to the library by being the hottest librarian of all time
(This is what I originally started college for- I wanted to get my degree in Library Science)
2.) I've never had a crush on anyone the same age or younger than I
(This may explain why Handsome is 7 1/2 years older than I)
3.) I have an extremely eclectic taste in music (everyone looks at me in confusion when my phone plays "Back in Black" "Hey Jude" and then "My Girl" in succession)
(now it's different pieces from the 5th Harry Potter movie's score)
4.) I am positively addicted to Grey's Anatomy.
(not anymore- after the shooting finale, I just couldn't handle it. It's so sad now!)
5.) I secretly love taking family pictures, because I like looking back at how far we've come.
(Still!)
6.) I love all seasons, but if I had to pick, summer would be my favorite, because all of my best memories seem to happen then.
(Also, still!)
7.) I seem really sweet, but I'm tougher than you'll ever know.
(How dramatic of me)
8.) I've played the saxophone for 8 years.
(Well I guess you could say 12 now?)
9.) My favorite movie is Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
( Don't tell anyone okay?)
10.) I'm a proud godmother to 2 1/2 year-old Jonathan, the smartest boy that has ever lived!
(They haven't revoked my godmothership yet)
11.) Some of my life goals- become an impeccable shot, go skydiving, hang gliding, learn to surf...the list goes on.
(Haven't done any of those yet)
12.) I'm kinda a Harry Potter freak (Harry will always be my first love)
(I've already told you that one)
13.) I have a big butt, and I'm proud of it :)
(Nothing I do changes this)
14.) My best friends are related to me ♥
(Also, still!)
15.) I tell it like it is, so don't get offended. If you ask me if you look fat in those pants, I'll tell ya. Hey, you asked! 
(I'd like to think I'm a little more tactful now)
16.) I have really small hands. Seriously, they're tiny.
(I wish they would grow- I should post a picture on here someday- my mother calls them elf hands)
17.) I have a small love affair with the beach. And by small, I mean it eclipses breathing (I can see it from my bedroom window...I know, you're jealous)- Still!
18.) If I could have a superpower, it would be to teleport myself. (Abso-freaking-lutely!)
19.) I have several big brothers and sisters, but none of them are biological. That I know of. Dad?
(bahahaha- "Dad?" )
20.) I'm actually really good at throwing a frisbee. Catching it, well, let's say 75% of the time.
( Have probably gotten worse than I was)
21.) One of my favorite things to do is to listen to my ipod in the halls in school, pump up the volume really loud, and dance on the inside while picturing what people would do if I actually started dancing. 
( I can't say I've done this recently...but I still harbor fantasies of performing in some kind of talent show and blowing everyone away with my singing/dancing abilities)
22.) I love to travel, and I'm not fussy about things like running water or sleeping on the ground. 
(Have gotten a lot worse at sleeping outside- mostly because any kind of excess noise bothers me)
23.) My favorite smells are the salt of the ocean, freshly-mown grass, and melting chocolate.
(Yup!)
24.) My favorite holiday is actually not Christmas. It's the 4th of July!
(Again- yes! Refer back to my 4th of July post)
25.) And finally...
I have a thing for bagpipes. Actually, anything Scottish in general.
(The bf is Italian and Portuguese with some Scottish thrown in, so it's okay I guess.)


Anyone have more of these out there? Tell me what you think of mine!


xoxo, Kate

I'm so far behind, I think I'm first

This Christmas season, I have been feeling exceptionally stressed. I'm doing more than ever; cooking, baking, crafting, buying, wrapping, and especially traveling, so I think that might have something to do with it. We just finished decorating our Christmas tree last night (which feels like a lifetime ago already), and our decorating of the house earlier that afternoon. On Saturday, I went to Atlanta with Handsome to surprise my aunt for her birthday (sidenote: I called her from the car and we chatted about X-Mas gifts and uch, and then walked up to her door and asked if she wanted some company grocery shopping-the look on her face was priceless!). I got back Monday afternoon and haven't stopped since! Here are some pictures of our Christmas tree- it's a live tree, with lots of feathers, sparkly twigs, and silk poinsettias stuck in for some fullness. 

Our creche

Christmas Eve I'm spending at my Aunt's house-we of course have to watch Santa go by the house on a fire truck that night. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without that! Christmas Day is going to be at my Grandparent's house (9 a.m!) with all 20 of us, breakfast made by me and my dad, and then heading over to my boyfriend's aunt's house for Christmas dinner. I am so excited to see everyone and to give the gifts I've made. What are your plans for the Holidays? 

xoxo, Kate

Inspiration Workshop- Holiday Decor

Today I'm linking up with Gussy Sews for an Inspiration Workshop on Holiday Decor. I've been pinning like crazy these past couple weeks and have found some really pretty ideas. I guess if my house at Christmas had a theme it would be New England-style: lots of greenery, cranberries, and candles. We have white lights on our Christmas tree and outside on bushes and in garland around the door, and we usually stay in the red, white, and green color family. However, seeing some of the fun ideas on Pinterest has really got me thinking! Here are some ideas that I've used and some that I'm incorporating this year.

Wreath I made last year for bf's mom, Arlene (she does a copper -themed tree)

Wreath Mum and I made together

Christmas tree from last year- every year we try to make it different. We have 4 totes of just Christmas ornaments, so we have to be selective. 

Living room

Love this idea! We can never hang ours with regular holders because ours are too heavy with presents!

A great way to save the cards you get from family and friends and look back on every year

Love the simplicity of this- we have an antique wooden child's shovel that we decorate with a swag and hang on our back door.

Stars are perfect at Christmas! 

Handsome and I have been collecting pinecones on our hikes to use in Christmas decorating- I'm doing this with some pops of red.


Tell me about your ideas! And don't forget to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

xoxo, Kate

We Encourage- Take a Deep Breath (PLUS GIVEAWAY!)

Hi there! I'm linking up with Call Me Blessed for We Encourage Tuesday.

from here

Today, I'm encouraging all of you to TAKE A DEEP BREATH. The holiday season is fast approaching, and our lives are filled with shopping, decorating, driving, visiting, shopping, praying, cleaning, cooking, and yes, more shopping. Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. I promise!
In fact, one reason I know it's going to be okay- is this...I'm announcing a giveaway! The winner gets my very special homemade brownies in a festive holiday tin, some some other special treats, and a shoutout right here (see, you feel more hopeful already!). I'm trying to drum up more followers, so, to enter, make sure you're following my blog, and comment below. This giveaway ends December 20th at midnight, EST.
For additional entries: follow me on Twitter, tweet about this post, and/or follow me on Pinterest!
Happy Holidays! xoxo, Kate

P.S. It's Handsome's B-Day tomorrow- love you buddy! Thanks for making these past two and a half years so much fun :)

I am (blank) because...

Inspired by a post on my Southern Twin's blog, A Little of This and That, I decided to follow her lead and be completely honest with you guys. All twelve of you. Now it sounds like I'm going to admit some huge secret, like I'm really Madonna's daughter, or I stole a case of Junior Mints from the local supermarket. Well, I didn't. Not that I'm in the habit of lying either, but I like the idea of learning interesting things about everyone. So here we go...

I am weird because...

I do accents at random times of the day- my best ones are British, Scottish, French, Southern, and Boston (that last one is a given). 

I prefer to listen to classical music when I'm driving.
I can't NOT have something sweet at the end of dinner...I'll just keep eating otherwise. 
I sometimes crack myself up in public places when I'm alone. 
I have a huge weakness for McDonald's sweet tea.  I can go through the drive-through without buying anything else, too. 

I am a good friend because...
I don't bother my friends by calling them/texting them too much.
I'm a good listener.
I offer good advice. (at least, I think it's good advice)
It's easy to pick up where we left off when you see me.
(I started to write my own down and realized I was going to say the same thing anyway, so...thanks April!

I am a bad friend because...
I don't catch up with people enough.

Sometimes, when people text/call/email me, I don't get back right away because I've answered them back in my head...does that make any sense?

Sometimes I overcommit and then secretly end up being angry with the person for asking too much even though I know it's my own fault for saying yes. 
I am sad because...

I only have 12 followers! This is depressing, people. Tell your friends, relatives, neighbors, and that crazy cat lady down the road that they should follow my blog. I have 53 followers on Pinterest and 55 on Twitter- obviously I'm doing something wrong.

My knees have been hurting, cracking, and popping beyond belief lately, to the point where it hurts to go up stairs and kneel in church. I'm scared because my Dad, Grandmother, and Aunt all have had knee surgery. 
I am happy because...
I'm making new friends (yes. I'm aware that that statement makes me sound like I'm 5 years old and it's my first day of Kindergarten)
I have several new books on my Kindle and some of my very favoritest Tea 

I'm crafting and creating and feeling good about myself.
I am excited for...
Christmastime!
Cooking and baking!
Making gifts!

Wrapping gifts!

Going to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations

GOING TO PARIS IN 2 WEEKS. YAY!

xoxo, Kate

Interesting Pinning

Hello friends! Due to unfortunate circumstances beyond my control, I had to postpone my New York trip. I know. I'm unbelievably bummed. But on to happier things! I wanted to share with you some interesting things that I have pinned on Pinterest lately- if you're not following me...well, to put it lightly, you're CRAZY. Mostly because I'm a pinning fanatic. Or maybe I'm the one that's crazy...

The first time I did this, the words I got were crush, secrets, and read. When I looked at it again while posting this, I got leave, secrets, and dread. Yikes! Post below and tell me yours!

I'll leave you with this- a good weekend wish to you all!
xoxo, Kate

I wanna be a part of it- New York!

As you might have realized, I'm going to New York City (for the first time ever, I might add). Tomorrow. I'm a tad bit nervous and a whole heck of a lot excited. I'm going to see some friends and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, starring Harry Connick Jr. I'm going to try and get some touristy things as well, like Central Park, the Empire State building, FAO Schwartz, Tiffany and Co., and maybe even Katz's Deli (where that famous scene was filmed with Meg Ryan for When Harry Met Sally). Leave me some suggestions!

Picture from here

Kindly, Kate xoxo