KUWK: Down Under

Deep breath. 

Claps hands. 

Huge massive smile.

Jumps up and down. 

Twirls.

Squeals. 

Today I'm excited to share news that I have been holding in for....ohhhh approximately 5 months now. But I just didn't want to share until it was officially official. And now it's time. 

I'M {temporarily} MOVING TO AUSTRALIA!!!!!!

More clapping.

More smiling.

More twirling.

I received an opportunity through work to basically push pause on my current job, hop on over to Australia, work over there, travel for a bit, hop back on over to America and push play on real life again. 

No I didn't see this coming. Yes, I'm beyond excited. And yes again, I'm still a tad in shock.  

Listen, I don't win scratch-offs, I'm always sitting right next to the section that wins cool things at the sporting events, and my raffle number is never called at a charity event or company Christmas party. I never even pick the winning color for the dot races at the Rangers game. It's fine. I've grown to accept it. I don't even play the slot machines in Vegas.

So when my boss, out of the blue, asked me if I wanted to go work in Australia for a couple of months.... I said "I'm sorry, say what now?" 

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While to most it seems like a no-brainer, I did take a couple of weeks and think through the logistics. There are some events I'll miss here in Texas (weddings, family reunion, etc.) and I just didn't want to make a rash decision. 

My brother, having gone to Australia just within the past couple of years, told me that if I didn't accept this offer he wouldn't talk to me for six months. 

#alrightthen 

So I looked at this once in a lifetime opportunity and said, YES PLEASE.

 Of the people that I've told, there have been a common theme of questions, so I figured I'd share the logistics in Q&A form: 

When do I leave ? 

I'm ironically (and appropriately) leaving right after we celebrate America's independence. There's no better way to say good-bye to America for a bit other than dressing from head to toe in red/white/blue, going to the lake, and watching fireworks while country music plays in the background. 

How long am I staying? 

I'll work over there for approximately two months, and then stay a few weeks (or until my money runs out) afterwards just traveling and getting myself cultured. 

Will I get to travel/see the sights while I'm working the first two months? 

If there's anything I've learned from talking to people, it's that Australia dominates the concept of work-life balance. So I'm thinking that should be a definite possibility :)

Is Charlie coming with me?

Sadly, no, but it just doesn't make sense for him to come. Plus my boss quickly followed up "do you want to go work in Australia?" with "and no your dog can't go." When I made my pro and con list (cause hello, me here) there were only a couple of things on the con side and missing Char Man was one of them. 

...missing Blue Bell was the other.

Am I nervous/scared? 

It's pretty accurate to say I'm equal parts excited and terrified. 

I mean I do know a few people over in Australia (and they've been so wonderful/helpful), but it is going to be weird to land on a continent that is brand new to me. But honestly, it's also pretty exhilarating. 

When I studied abroad one summer in college (Baylor Great Britain - 2008 edition), I felt like I was a completely different person. It was an amazing experience that I will absolutely never forget, and it really did force me to grow as a person. I think this adventure will just be another dosage of that.

Are people coming to visit? 

I don't think I'll get too lonely, we'll just say that :)

What season will it be over there?

It'll actually be Australia's winter. They have pretty mild winters (so my historical weather research tells me) - so we're looking at low 50s to high 60s during the time period I'm over there. The good news? I'll be so over the 100-degree weather in Texas I will likely embrace it with open arms. The bad news? Packing for 2.5 months of weather that falls within a 20-degree range? I can't even. 

THAT is what gives me anxiety. 

Will I be getting a rental car? 

They drive on the opposite side of the vehicle on the opposite side of the road.
Please re-read the above sentence and I think it will answer the question. :)

SO - how's that for some news?!

Again - super excited, but still slightly in shock. If you've been to Australia, PLEASE share your must dos. If you've ever packed in a suitcase for over two months, PLEASE share your tips and tricks. If you've never been to Australia and pack 50 pound bags for a week-long trip....well...you can just share in the excitement. :) 

Happy Tuesday folks!

Until next time,
Katy 

Friday Favorites

Okay - I'll be real with you. Some weeks are a stretch for Friday Favorites. Like I have to think and use my brain. But then other weeks, favorites just smack me in the face. And this week? This week my face was all kinds of smacked with favorites. 

So naturally I'm extremely excited to share them with you. 

Also. It's April. So there's that. 

OH and it's April fools!! Well there is no favorite foolery here, folks. That's for sure.

Let's begin.

1 - "Texas on my Mind" by Oliver & Otis

I'm in love with this shirt. I know I've mentioned other Oliver & Otis apparel in past favorites,  but this right here. This is my all time new favorite. O&O is actually a company run by a sweet girl I knew at Baylor and her sister. They're based in Abilene (so their stuff is delivered pretty quickly if you're in Texas!), and seriously have some of the cutest stuff. Plus they quit their jobs, chased their dream, and made a killer company. I love that. 

Also fun fact - their clothes feel like buttah. (You know, smooth like buttah...) Okay anyways, they're soft, people. For size reference I have on a medium here, and it's longer/larger to where I could wear with leggings (as pants) and not offend the little old ladies of the world.

Love me some Oliver & Otis. Check them out here!  

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2 - Favorite Quote

 I hear Confucius is a smart dude. 

On Wednesday I told you that I'm in the middle of a 21-day challenge to ...well...to fit in my pants again. I am all about the real life this Friday. Anyways, the first week was fun and pretty easy and now I'm all like "hey I don't have abs yet." 

Silly me. Rome wasn't built in a day. And neither were Ryan Gosling's abs. 

So alas, we have to keep the faith, be persistent, and just don't stop. 

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3 - Kendra Scott Amethyst Earrings

These make me smile. 

So we know I love purple. I love Jesus, I love coffee, I love Blue Bell, and I love purple. So when Kendra came out with a special line of amethyst stoned pieces, I had to treat myself! Plus don't these just say HELLO spring and summer? Can you hear them? I'm sure you can. 

You need something amethyst in your life. And you need it soon. Because once the stone goes out- it's out! Limited supply, my fellow purple people!

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4 - "Hint of Lime" Tostitos

PEOPLE. Do not see that I'm blogging about chips and read over this! 

The other day at work, I noticed Mercedes brought a whole bag of tostitos with her to work. So naturally I poked fun at her. And then she looked at me, handed me the bag, and said "try one." Y'all. These chips are the most delicious things....like ever. Next time you have a gathering and need chips, GRAB THESE. 

Plus, if you want to stop eating chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants, get hooked on these. Because restaurant chips will never have the same appeal. 

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5 - Vine + Branches

 

 A couple of weeks ago I blogged about how you, my sweet friends, are doing just fine. In the post I included this sign that I got from the Dallas Flea Market, and several of you have asked me more about the whereabouts. One of my other sweet Baylor friends' sister owns the Vine and Branches shop on etsy. She's currently restocking, but says another opening is just around the corner. In the meantime, you can follow her on instagram and check out all of her awesome signs for your home (and be notified of her next restock)!

Check her out @vineandbranchestx

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YAY!! Weren't those fun!? :) 

Happy Friday friends. Hope this weekend is everything you hoped for and more!

Until next time,
Katy

What's Up Wednesday

It's What's Up Wednesday. 

Which means another month of 2016 has passed. 

Which means one-fourth of the year has passed. 

2016 IS FLYING BY, PEOPLE!! 

Okay, rant over. But seriously, what is that? Years have gotten exceedingly faster as I've grown up. Is the world spinning faster than it used to? Is that it? That has to be it. 

 Alright let's do this. This is what's up. 

What I'm Eating this Week

So this is my second week on a 21-day challenge to not be a lazy lard hiney. While "only" three months have passed in the year, I completely let myself go over the months (we're talking Blue Bell every night), and things were just bad. 

So I've made a commitment for 21 days to be better. To eat healthy raw foods, and work out at least 4x a week. And I will say, I do feel so much better. I have energy, I feel good - these people who do this for real aren't lying!! 

...but I also believe in the 80/20 rule. So for the 20% part I've been eating Blueberry Bundt Cake, Heath Bar Cookies, and Strawberry Lemonade Cake. I love the 20%.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Actually - thanks to Facebook Timehop - this picture popped up. This is me, my mom, and my sister in New York City. FIFTEEN years ago. That is a 12-year old Katy right there, people. 

I miss mother daughter trips. We went on one - again to NYC - back in Christmas 2013 (you can read about that girls trip here), and I miss those trips. As you get older and older it gets harder and harder to have trips with the family. And I miss them. 

What I'm Loving

I'm actually loving...and wanting...Kendra Scott's new Eleanor necklace. I'm all about the statement necklaces, but sometimes I just love a good, simple, wear-all-the-time necklace. And this one might be my new staple necklace. Love love love. 

It comes in three color combos. Check them out here.

 

What I'm Dreading

Bathing Suit Season. See point number one. Just started a week and a half ago. I'm not bathing suit ready yet. Please do not invite me to a pool party until May. If you invite me to one in April, I will be wearing a burka.

What I'm Excited About

EEKS!! I have a pretty darn big announcement to make. But it's so big and so exciting, that it deserves its own post. Maybe tomorrow, maybe early next week. But most definitely soon. HOLY SMOKES I'M SO EXCITED!!!!! 

And you will be too. Stay tuned. News coming your way shortly.

What I'm Watching/Reading

Other than my normal shows (DWTS, Greys, Nashville, Quantico, Scandal, Last Man Standing), I'm also rewatching Gilmore Girls from beginning to end. Lorelai, Rory, and Katy Gilmore. That pretty much sums it up. 

Also - a lot of people are #teamdean or #teamjess, but people. I am #teamlogan. He calls her Ace. I love that. And yes I realize that is a dumb reason to be Team Logan but whatever. 

What I'm reading? Well, you can read all about it in my March Book Review!

What I'm Listening To

Every time I got in the car this weekend, Dan + Shay's new single, From the Ground Up, was playing, and I immediately fell in love with it. So I bought it and it's been on repeat ever since. Such a good sweet song. 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

Baseball Season. 

Hot dogs, baseball caps, Hamels - I'm so ready. And next month begins everything. Last year I did an entire post on why I love baseball so much. It starts with my dad and ends with cute shirts and hot dogs. You can check it out here :)

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And that's what's up! Only two more days of March 2016 - make the most of them! 

Until next time,
Katy

 

Easter Weekend Wrap Up

I LOVE Easter weekend. We all know how much I'm obsessed with Christmas, but Easter weekend is a close second. I love what it represents, I love the church service, I love colorful Easter eggs, I love making baskets, I love the family time. I just love Easter weekend! 

I also love having a place to document weekends like these. Last week I went and re-read how we celebrated Easter last year and it made me chuckle all over again. #eggdyefail 

So let's recap: Easter Weekend Edition 2016

Last year I started the tradition of giving Brooklyn an Easter basket, and while it was fun last year (when she was 2.5), it was even more fun this year as a three and a half year old. Watching those big eyes light up as you walk in with a pretty pink basket just makes for one happy aunt. 

This was her basket this year: 

This year I found the $1 section of Target and it was brilliant. I got four different colors of spray chalk and those pink sunglasses all for $1 each. Add a 400-page coloring book and 64-pack of crayons (because who doesn't love sharp new crayons), a pretty pink nailpolish (because Amy paints her nails now and B is OH-so proud of them), peeps, chocolate bunnies, eggs filled with M&Ms, and little chocolate eggs and there you have it! Pretty simple (and cheap!) to make but pretty exciting for a kiddo. 

OH - and the Easter grass. You can't forget the Easter grass. Brooklyn throws it all over the house and Amy curses my name. I'm going to be so sad when she's old enough to keep the grass in the basket. 

Speaking of baskets. Jeff's sweet mom gives me and Jeff a basket for like every holiday. Valentines, Easter, Halloween - you name it. And I must say, I look forward to it each and every time. Care packages and gift baskets have gone out of style, and we need to bring them back. Just a little something to make people special. Cause these make me feel special :)

Saturday afternoon was absolutely gorgeous in Dallas so I headed down to Amy's house for all things Easter. First things first (post-Easter-basket-break-down), was the kite flying. My mom bought Brooklyn a kite (that was less than $2) and it provided that child with the absolute time of her life. 

Look at that face - pure joy. 

She spent probably 20 minutes just running around the yard, staring at the sky, trying to chase the kite. My neck hurts just thinking about it. I captured this video that cracks me up. Make sure you listen for the following phrases:

"Can't make it!"

"Can't get that kite."

"Wait for me guys!"

After the kite chasing, Brooklyn wanted to show us her T-Ball skills. She wasn't quite sure if she was through with her kite, so like a selfless granddaddy, my dad just stood in the middle of the yard holding the kite while B tended to her other festivities. Great man. 

We learned that Brooklyn has better hand-eye coordination than I do. And she's a switch hitter.

And though he can't chase kites or play t-ball yet, this little stud-muffin was certainly outside under an umbrella hanging out!

 

After a while out in the sun, we decided that dad could reel in the kite, and we'd go inside for some egg-dye action. Now, if you read my Easter post last year, we didn't do so hot on the egg dyeing skills. But my sister is quite the quick learner, and this year we were more than prepared! And highly excited :)

First egg in! Rotating the egg very carefully... Though a couple hours later the rotation was not-so-careful and blue dye water was all over the counter :)

Jeff showed up! Both in deep egg-dye concentration.

Dad documenting Amy documenting Brooklyn.

SO MANY EGGS!! 

Brooklyn decided she needed a break to eat a chocolate bunny. And that is why I love Easter weekend. You take breaks from dyeing eggs to eat chocolate bunnies. 

Love my little chocolate covered mouth squirt. 

Then we went back outside for playing and egg hunting. Gotta take advantage of these gorgeous days while we have them!

The big kid wanted his turn flying the kite. Sadly he didn't chase it around the yard. That would have been quite the video. 

Brooklyn wanted to share her umbrella shade with us. So of course we crouched down and obliged. 

Then it was time for hunting. Brookie and I went and colored inside while Jeff and Amy hid the goods. Then it was go time. I tried to be nice and let her find most of them, but then she rubbed it in and told me she had way more eggs in her basket than I did. So next year it's game on :)

 And you can't forget our sport spectators! 

We then had an amazing dinner (my brother in law sure does know how to use a smoker) and hung out. And I captured this picture that just melts my heart. Can't wait to watch these two grow up together.

Sunday morning was an amazing church service and lunch at Jeff's family's place after. And I would love to insert a picture of me and Jeff in our Easter outfits like everyone else and their mama did, but we didn't take one. It was cold and windy. We could take a picture or go get hot coffee. I chose coffee. Picture us in spirit.

Last night I closed the evening with my personal Easter tradition: curled up in bed with my dark chocolate Easter bunny, gnawed off his ears, and saved the rest for later. 

And aside from the bunnies and the eggs and the brightly colored marshmallow peeps, I will leave you with my very favorite Easter picture. 

Cross to crown. Death to victory. 

Do we deserve it? Nope. 

Does that matter? Nope. 

By grace, through faith. That's why we'll get to see Him one day. And quite frankly I can't wait to throw my arms around His neck. 

Happy Easter everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

Strawberry Lemonade Bundt Cake

As the summer months approach and the weather heats up, I'm starting to reintroduce myself to my summer favorites. Some are welcomed with open arms, and others not so much (i.e., the pale pastiness of my not-so-toned legs in brightly colored J-Crew shorts). We still have some work to do. 

But one thing I'm always eager to bring back is the strawberry lemonade. Kelsey and I both have quite the obsession with strawberry lemonade. We've tried various concoctions (the latest is lemonade with strawberry puree), but only in liquid form. 

Well why not a cake form!?

I like lemon cake. 

I like strawberry cake. 

Why not try a strawberry lemonade cake?!

This one took some thinking. There are all kinds of concoctions you can do...

Lemon cake + strawberry pudding + real strawberries

Lemon cake + vanilla pudding + real strawberries
White cake + 1 lemon pudding + 1 vanilla pudding + strawberries

The list went on and on. And I sat in the parking lot of the grocery store and discussed all of the options over the phone with my mom. We finally decided on a combination and I must say - I'm quite a fan! As is Jeffrey. Jeffrey loves him some strawberry lemonade. 

Here's my new summer love - the Strawberry Lemonade Bundt Cake

 

What You'll Need
for the cake

1 box white cake mix

2 boxes lemon instant pudding mix

1/2 cup veggie oil

1 1/4 cup of water

4 eggs

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 cup of chopped strawberries (1/2 inch size) - tossed in 2 tbsp flour

for the glaze

2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp milk

2 cups powdered sugar

What You'll Do

Mix the cake mix, pudding, oil, water, eggs, and lemon juice together with an electric mixer

Fold in strawberries

Pour into greased bundt pan and bake at 350 for 45 minutes

Combine the glaze ingredients and pour atop cooled cake

 

If serving immediately, I would chop up strawberries and sprinkle them on the top of the cake. You know - really give it a summery fruity look :)

 

 

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Have a great Thursday everyone! Friday Favorites tomorrow! :)

Until next time,
Katy

Movie Review Monday

This weekend I was feeling a tad under the weather, so I donned my sweatpants and did just about the only thing that was appealing to me. 

I watched a whole bunch of movies. 

Two were in the theatre, and one was a Nicholas Sparks movie that I MISSED. How on earth did I miss one? Emily and I were very ashamed of ourselves. We pride ourselves in our love for N-Sparks. 

I feel like we went through a "good movie drought" for a while, but there are actually a lot of movies out right now that I want to see! #boutdangtime

So, in the interest that you are looking for a big screen movie or a movie to watch from the convenience of your jammies, I gotcha covered. 

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On Friday night, Jeff and I got some sushi for dinner and headed to a late night showing of Allegiant (the third installment of the Divergent series). We thought this was going to be the final movie of the series, but alas, they're dragging it out to two parts. Anything to make a buck, eh?

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So hear me out - I read all three books and was obsessed. Me and Kristie would have conversations about these characters (primarily about Four) like they were our friends. So when I heard they were making this into a series, I was overly excited. Like a real-human-in-life Four? Now that's a praise. 

I liked the first movie, thought the second was a bit overly cheesy sci-fi, and actually really liked the third. It had humorous parts, a good amount of action, and the plot actually kept me interested (even though I know the story). 

Would I recommend it? Yes. I mean - it's the third movie. If you've seen the first two, you have to carry out the ending. I'm just here to let you know that, in my humble opinion, it won't be as painful as the second one :)

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Yoookay. So Emily and I saw this preview when we went to see The Choice, and knew we had to watch it together. ...cause we knew we would cry and true friends cry together in public. After seeing enough previews, we knew the tears were going to be more intense than the sniffles, so we did what any normal female would do. We wore sweatpants and removed all make up. Step one. 

We then entered phase two and bought all things salty (popcorn), sweet (buncha crunch), and sour (sour patch kids). And brought water for re-hydration from the tears. Step two. 

Then the movie started. You have to go see this movie. Yes, you will cry 80% of the time, but it is worth it. This movie will speak to your soul, tug on your heart strings, and make you want to hit your knees and chat it up with the good Lord when you get back to your car. You get to "meet" the actual little girl at the end of the movie, and she was on my mind the rest of the weekend. Such a sweet story. 

Now - in full disclaimer, you might want to wait until in the comfort of your own home (aka wait for it to come out on redbox) to get your ugly cry on. Emily and I both left with headaches we cried so hard. Not to mention I had to cover my mouth up pretty much the whole time. Why, you ask? Well, I'm not sure if you knew this, but when you're forced to cry really hard and not make a noise, it comes out your face. Your face turns into a contorted twisted painful expression, and so I had to cover it up so the poor people next to me didn't cry harder than they already were. 

But for reals - watch the movie. 

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So my Sunday night plan was to go see Zootopia because 1) I heard it's funny, and 2) why wouldn't you want to spend your Sunday night watching cartoons? I mean hello. 

BUT then I talked to my dad, told him my plan, and he said going to the movies alone at night was not the smartest ideas. Crazy creepies go to the movies. So one must implement the buddy system. And since I couldn't find a buddy who also wanted to spend their Sunday evenings with cartoon characters, I resorted to Netflix. Specifically, the romantic drama section. 

And that's when I saw it. 

A Nicholas Sparks movie I had not yet seen. 

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AND it has James Marsden in it! I was quite ashamed of myself.

Since I hadn't heard much about it, I didn't have high expectations, but I actually really enjoyed it. I hadn't read the book, so I had zero idea of what was going to happen, but it's a really sweet plot. And yes I cried. But just little tears. Likely because I am still low on ammunition due to the movie above. 

This movie reminds me of Safe Haven. Love story, but a "thriller" storyline too. And it's light years better than The Lucky One and The Longest Ride. Bless. 

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So there's my weekend. Pretty sure I gained about 5 el bees sitting on my hiney, but it is what it is. Today's a new day. 

Also - friendly reminder - if you're in Dallas and love pizza and animals (so, you) stop by Cane Rosso and grab a pizza or seven tonight. 100% of the proceeds are going to the Humane Society in my hometown that had an awful fire last week and lost 70 sweet doggies. It breaks my heart. And nothing cures heartache like pizza. Especially when your cash goes towards a cause. 

Happy Monday everyone! 

Until next time,
Katy