KUWK: Why I Blog

Yesterday was my 100th blog post!

Isn't that crazy?! It's hard to believe that I actually made it to 100 entries. Let's face it, we all start several things with great intentions, but sometimes they just don't get the follow-through. I really hoped this blog wouldn't be one of those things, but in the back of my mind I knew it was certainly a possibility. 

I thought 100 entries deserved its own little tribute on KUWK. A tribute of why I blog. 

When I first started this blog ten months ago, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I wasn't even a huge blog reader (I actually only read one). But I knew I loved to write. Always have. I considered being an English major simply for my love of writing. But alas, I majored in numbers and the only writing I was introduced to in my career was technical accounting memos. 

Say it with me now....wamp wamp.

My friend (and roommate at the time) Lauren told me several times that I should start a blog. I chuckled and said it would be fun, but had absolutely zero idea what I would write about. I'm not that interesting of a person. I'm not married. I don't have kids. So, what? I write about me and my dog? 

I was so used to writing for a purpose. Back in 2010, I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma (aka a really rare form of eye cancer). I started a caringbridge journal to keep family and friends up to date on doctor visits, treatment, recovery, etc. Well God had bigger plans for that little journal. People all over the country were reading about my battle with cancer. I now know some of the nicest people I've never met :) I loved writing that thing - but again - I was writing for a reason. 

I started seriously thinking about starting a blog, and realized I really missed writing in that journal. I don't miss fighting cancer, but I missed pouring raw emotions into words. I've never been an overly private person, so writing is sort of therapeutic to me. 

Fast forward to almost a year ago, and my job was consuming my life. I was losing sight of what made me Katy and it terrified me. I wanted to do something for ME. Work was still crazy, so it had to be something small and simple enough that I could do it frequently. So I just started. Again - I had absolutely zero idea what I was doing, but I just took the first step. 

And then I completely fell in love with blogging. 

Granted, it took me a little while to get my mojo, but now I so look forward to waking up at 5 a.m. (I mean who looks forward to 5 a.m?!), pouring a steaming cup of coffee, and writing. It's like I'm making time for myself before the world wakes up. Because let's face it, when the world wakes up, time is nowhere to be found. 

Where do I want to go with this little blog? I have no idea. Right now I'm just writing. If God has bigger plans for this then He'll let me know. But even though I'm 100 posts in, I still feel new. I'm still trying to understand and get involved in the blogging community (that is outrageously huge by the way), and make these entries for me. I already love looking back and reading posts from a few months back, so I know in a few years I'm going to be really happy I did this. 

I'm a firm believer in doing something for yourself. Doing something that makes you happy. Doing something that makes you feel like you have a doggone purpose in this fast-paced crazy life. I'm still trying to figure out the whole "do what makes you happy" and "have a purpose" thing, but hey - baby steps :) 

So that's why I blog. And why I plan to continue to blog. And why I'm oh so blessed and honored that you take time out of your day to hop over and read my little blog. 

I just hope you're doing something for your happy, too. 

Until next time,
Katy

Weekend Wrap Up

Happy Monday! 

....well as happy as it can get for a Monday :)

Just remember...

Hang in there. 

This weekend actually kicked off on Thursday night when a group of us went to see the one and only Garth Brooks in concert! He is performing SEVEN shows over the weekend in Dallas and so we jumped in our boots and headed out to the opening show. 

Now I have been to many country concerts in my life, and I will have to say this one makes top three. No doubt about it. He sang all of his old classics and it was just one big ole party. Top three moments for me, personally:

1. The whole AAC singing 'Unanswered Prayers' a capella (had some serious chills)

2. The Trisha Yearwood segment (Kristie and I made a mad dash from the bathroom for this one)

3. Friends in Low Places (...duh)

He has a 'day off' on Monday, but if you can find you some tickets for Tuesday - it'll be worth your while. I promise!

Friday morning Jeff and I took off work and headed down to Beaumont for the weekend. Now, as I'm sure you know by know, Blue Bell has implemented phase 1 production - which includes the surrounding Houston areas (NOT Dallas). SO - J and I did our research and realized that we drive through a couple of counties that have Blue Bell. We then did the righteous and noble gesture of packing a cooler with dry ice packs and stopping on the way to bring the ultimate surprise to my parents. (Okay okay....there was a little self-interest in there, too....)

I may have teared up. Okay no I really did. It was the first thing I saw when I walked in. And what a glorious sight it was. This girl LOVES her some Blue Bell.

 ....do you not pack ice cream in your Kroger parking lot?

Char and I normally drive straight through...so this was an adventure for him!

I took this when we unpacked the cooler. I personally think they should use this on their website. This is the epitome of pure joy. 

Later that night, after the three helpings of ice cream settled, the four of us loaded up and headed out to play putt-putt. Yes, you read that correctly. My mom reeeeeeally wanted to play, so we appeased her and did just that! I will say, we all had some really good laughs :)

The signs told us where the "fun photo spots" were. So we did what we were told. :)

And these were just a couple shots of us trying to get mom's ball out from under the bridge. Susie and bridges don't mix when it comes to putt-putt. Hiiiiilarious.

...then we rewarded our 36 HOLES with Blue Bell and Iron Man 3 :)

Saturday morning we ate something other than ice cream, mom and I did some damage in Hobby Lobby while the boys watched football, and then went for a little family swim!

While most dogs fetch like normal, we have to have multiple balls because Charlie must keep one in his mouth at all times. 

Best buddies :) 

The world's happiest pup! 

 

 My new favorite picture.

After more lounging and sports watching (seriously...so much football/baseball/golf happening this weekend), dad and I donned our aprons to make a new dish: eggplant involtini. 

If you've been around here long enough, you know that a) I love to cook/bake, and b) I get that love from my parents. Every time I go home I spend some quality time with the parentals in the kitchen! 

 This dish was deeeeeelicious. I brought an eggplant back home with me and will definitely be making this again tonight! OH, and when you have a themed dinner (Italian), Susan makes sure you have a themed table setting :)

My parents are just the bees' knees. 

Then our counter took on its usual three-carton-look and we ended the night with a wild game of scrabble. Wild meaning Jeffrey made up rules as he went and my mom was so delirious she couldn't talk she was laughing so hard. Good times.

Sunday morning after church we had a big southern Sunday lunch and headed back north. Always a good weekend at home. I just sincerely love hanging out with my parents. God blessed me with some amazing ones. :) 

Countless bowls later and we're still not over it. 

And Blue Bell really needs to hire me for social media purposes. 

Have a fantastic Monday everyone! 

Until next time,
Katy

Linking up here and here

 

Pumpkin Cake w/ Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Boy oh boy do I have a treat for y'all this morning! 

Monday night, Jeff and I went over to his parents' house for a little DWTS premiere dinner. Aren't we just the cutest? :) His mom made her (often-talked-about-by-Jeffrey) beef stroganoff, and we popped open a bottle of wine and settled in to harshly judge watch the new season contestants. 

Then about halfway through the show we dove into my dinner contribution: 

Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

I was pretty hesitant to make this since neither Jeff nor his dad are huge pumpkin fans, but since his mama bought me a new fall bundt pan, of course the first cake I baked had to be pumpkin! Check out this pan. Isn't it amazing?

Your cake comes out with little leaves/acorns! So perfect for this time of year :) 

Again, I went out on a limb here with the pumpkin flavor, so I was pretty nervous about the reaction. ...aaaaand I shouldn't have been. Because both Smith boys went back for a second slice. As did myself and Mama Smith. So by the end of the show we had successfully eaten half the cake. I'd say (and even Jeff said) this recipe is a keeper! :)

What You'll Need

1 box spice cake
2 instant vanilla puddings
1/2 cup veggie oil
4 eggs
1 cup pure pumpkin
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 can cream cheese frosting

What You'll Do

Mix together the cake mix, puddings, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and 1 of the tablespoons of cinnamon. I literally dumped them in a bowl and took an electric mixer to it. 

Pour the cake batter in a greased bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40(ish) minutes. Must pass the clean knife test

Remove the foil lid from the icing and heat for 10-15 seconds. Mix in the other tablespoon of cinnamon. Pour on cooled cake. 

Y'all - you can cut this cake with a butter knife. It is THAT moist. And I hate that word, but there's no other way to describe it. 

 I have a feeling I will be making this cake quite a few times this season. Simple, delicious, and all kinds of festive!

Until next time,
Katy


Recipe found here

Show and Tell - Dinner Party Guests

Today I'm linking up with Andrea for Show and Tell Tuesday, and the topic is:

"What five people would you invite to a dinner party at your house?"

Listen - this was hard. Did I want to have a girls night? Could people that have passed away attend? Can characters attend? No really - I easily could have invited the characters from Friends and called it a day. 

But alas, I think I found five....albeit a random five...but here we go!

First up, we have Carrie Underwood

...is anyone surprised? I have a huge obsession girl crush on Carrie. I was trying to figure out the reasoning for why I liked her so much, and then remembered that my friend Kristie laid it out for me when we were watching CMA Fest. She's got insane hair (yes, she also has a hair stylist but it still stands), she's a country music superstar (so she has my dream job), she always puts God first ('nuff said), she's got a rockin' body (wonder what that's like), and a cutie patootie husband and kid. I mean, what's not to love? 

Now, I'll have to admit, at this dinner party I may nonchalantly start humming a tune so she asks "oh Katy, do you sing?" and I can be like "YEAH girl can I go on tour with you?!" I mean seriously. If I want Carrie to sing some of the songs I've written, I might as well start with dinner! Plus I really do genuinely want to meet her. 

Next up we have none other than George W. Bush

Now, I'm not big into politics, so he doesn't get an invitation for that reason, but I just sincerely want to hug this guys neck. Always have. I do think he was an amazing President, but I really just want to ask him about his take on life. As a father, as a granddaddy, as a man who once had the post powerful job title in our nation - I bet he would have some great advice on life in general. Plus he's just adorable. 

Okay, next on our list we have the beautiful Kate Middleton

I mean HELLO - she's royal. Okay, that's not the only reason. I just obviously want to be around pretty people with good hair. ...Okay that's not the only reason either. Kate has an incredible story. She was a commoner like the rest of us, fell in love, and married into royalty. I'm pretty sure Hallmark has like 42 movies based around that storyline, but it's Kate's real story. 

I also think she is the epitome of a lady. She's beautiful, poised, elegant, and full of grace - but has a genuine smile that draws everyone into her. Not to mention the girl has a rockin' style. I'd honestly rather get a hair tutorial and go to the mall with her, but I guess we'll start with dinner. 

OH - and I know we can only invite 5 guests to this party, but I'd absolutely have a booster seat/high chair ready for baby George and little Charlotte.

Alrighty...next up we have the one and only Miss Paula Deen

 Of course I want to hang out with Paula Deen! I absolutely love to bake, and this woman can bake with the best of them. Not to mention she is hilarious. Did y'all see her on DWTS last night? I was.cracking.up. She is just a hoot. I mean, I'd probably tell her dinner started at noon and then make her cook dinner with me so I could take notes. Can you blame me? 

And finally, I would invite sir Jimmy Fallon to my dinner party!

I think this man is just incredible. He is hilarious, accommodating, talkative, and comfortable in any situation...which is why I need him in my smorgasbord of a dinner party. I would love to know his favorite guests to have on the show, what celebrities he considers actual friends, and where he wants to take his show/career next. I think Jimmy is just an all around great guy. 

So there you have it! To my party I would invite...

a country superstar

a former President

a duchess

a food phenomenon

and a talk show host (to tie it all together)

Who would YOU invite? Beware when you start thinking about it. It can kind of stress you out a bit! I'm just glad the question didn't also include "what would you serve?" Because I have not a clue. 

Happy Tuesday everybody!

Until next time,
Katy

 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Good morning! 

What a great weekend. Saturday was the first Baylor home game of the season, so me and my college girls grabbed our boys and headed down to Waco. Due to schedules, it's rare for all of us to get together at the same game, but this weekend the majority of us could get down there (we missed you Lane!).

 Why thank you, Waco. It was good to be back. 

Jeff and I headed down pretty early Saturday morning, simply because I had to visit my favorite coffee shop and indulge before the festivities started. And boy was that my smartest idea ever. Common Grounds is my hands down favorite coffee shop in the world. Iced Rodeo Clowns are the gateway to my soul. ....not that I'm one for dramatics. 

So Jeff and I grabbed some coffee and walked across campus to meet Lauren and Cody at the bookstore. The Baylor bookstore is a daaangerous place at the beginning of football season. It's like something inside me snaps and I just want one of everything. If it's green, gold, or says the word "Baylor" I have to have it. Sigh. I also think Jeff was a little overwhelmed by the sea of green and gold - but he toughed it out :)

Me, Jeff, and the one and only Pat Neff

 Lauren and I just wanted a picture under the Baylor flags...

Then the four of us snuck in went and visited the new Baylor business building that opened this semester. Let me tell you what - those business students have it made. We all just walked in and stared. Quite a bit of an upgrade from our days at "Hankamer High...."

If you are an alumni, the new business school is a must-see. Make sure you stop by the next time you're in town!

Then it was time to meet the rest of our crew at George's (a required experience for our boys who weren't Bears) and then head to campus for some tailgating. 

This is what happens when you have a large group and only one parking pass..

My absolute favorite walk is crossing the bridge from the campus to the new stadium. It has (what I think is) the greatest view of the stadium. Which just happens to be perfect for pictures, too :)

Probably my new favorite picture of us. Doesn't he look good in green? :)

Tailgating at the George's tent. One is actually a Baylor bear, and the other two are just an Aggie and a Sooner who appease the requests of their women....

 Then it was GAME TIME. 

Hey there McLane. You look good. 

This kid is the best sport. He will travel down to Waco, wear Baylor gear, and mingle with all things green and gold, but when push comes to shove, he's going to live stream the OU game. He's a true Sooner. I can't blame him (too much) for that.

This was the real reason we planned this weekend. We just wanted a group photo. These girls right here have my heart. I love this school and the people that are in my life forever because of it. 

 

We then headed back out to George's tent for more tailgating and mingling. That's what I love about going back for Baylor games. You'll just be walking along and then someone yells your name and it's a huge reunion. I saw so many faces and hugged so many necks of people I only see every football season. So yes, while I may not be an avid sports fan (but I'm getting better!), I love the friendships that the season reinstates :)

We love the Kids! And if I may speak boldly, I think these two guys really enjoyed their first Baylor game experience. I have a feeling it is going to result in me traveling to Norman and Emily finding herself in route to College Station - but I guess it comes with the territory.

 Roommate love. Please note we tried to take a roommate picture like 37 times and didn't like any of them. So we made one black and white and called it a day. Black and white fixes everything. Love her.

And that was pretty much the weekend! Not overly crazy, but a perfect weekend. It was exactly the home game I was hoping for. And to top it off - another Baylor win! (OU won too, just in case you were wondering...) This weekend set the bar pretty high for this football season. And to all my fellow Baylor alumni: if I didn't see you this time - we better make it happen next game!

Until next time,
Katy

Linking up here and here

Friday Favorites

It's FRIDAY! 

Surprise, surprise - I'm linking up and sharing some of my favorites of the week!

But before we get into the favorites, I want to give a huge shout out to my favorite mama! It's her birthday today - and she deserves SO much love and celebration. I just adore this woman. You can read here about all the reason's why she's wonderful. Happy Birthday, Mom! Can't wait to celebrate with you!

Isn't she the cutest?

Alright -back to the favorites. 

 

1. Pumpkin and Lemon Noosa

 

Back in one of my July Favorites, I told you how my favorite yogurt was the honey-flavored Noosa. (Plus their yogurt comes from happy cows, remember?) Well this week I branched out and bought both the lemon and pumpkin flavored Noosa, and my taste buds and I decided I should buy stock in this company. Their yogurt is SO delicious! The lemon genuinely tastes similar to my favorite lemon pie filling, and the pumpkin just tastes like your mouth is full of the fallidays. You have to try this yogurt! Plus...c'mon. You know I have to give you something pumpkin flavored like every Friday now, right? :)

See all fifteen Noosa flavors here. 

2. The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst

Y'all - I was planning to talk about this book in my September book review, but I am so completely obsessed with this book I just can't wait. I joined a small group at church and this was the first book that was chosen for the study. If you are a female who wonders where your life is going, wonders where your hours fly away to each day, finds yourself caught up in people-pleasing, or are a victim of the routine of an overwhelming schedule - then you have to read this book. I'm only three chapters in and I just can't get enough. I kept texting Jeff pictures of paragraphs because I'm just amazed at how appropriate it is for this point in my life. Oh, and she's funny. 

Some of my favorite quotes from the book so far:

"We must not confuse our command to love with the disease to please."

"A woman who lives with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule will often ache with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul."

"The decisions we make dictate the schedules we keep. The schedules we keep determine the lives we live. The life we live determines how we spend our soul."

It's a must-red.

 3. The Pumpkin Collection at Pottery Barn

Um. Let's talk about this. Do you SEE those pumpkin mugs?! I did a little online shimmie over to Pottery Barn last night and was graced with all things pumpkin, pretty, and pottery. My jaw dropped and my eyes bugged out of my head. Imagine that wide-eyed emoji, if you will. I mean, I know that as a 27-year old I don't have a need or space for all of these things, but you better believe this is now on my list of adult goals. Give me the pumpkin drinkware. I mean that pumpkin drink dispenser is begging for a Falliday party, don't you think? 

 

Pumpkin Mugs // Pumpkin Wine Glasses

Pumpkin Drink Dispenser // Pumpkin Decanter

 4. Friday Favorite Quote

 

Can I get an AMEN?! I can seriously crawl in bed completely and utterly exhausted at 9 pm, pull out my phone to check "one thing" - and bam. It's 11 o'clock and I am officially caught up on worthless knowledge and pictures of random people I've never met in my life. Thank you social media. Thank you for stealing my Zzzzs. 

5. Cinnamon Pound Cake Loaf

And last but not least, I leave you with my first favorite fall bread (from Mrs. Paula Deen) - the cinnamon pound cake loaf. I shared this with y'all Wednesday morning, took it to work, and it was completely gone by noon. I went for a post-lunch piece and was met by cinnamon loaf crumbs. I suggest you make your own this weekend, and I can pretty much bet you already have all of the ingredients in your cabinet. 

Let me set this up for you: a cool 60-degree Saturday morning, a quiet house before the college football madness ensues, a large cup of steaming hot coffee, a fuzzy blanket, and a nice slice of this cinnamon loaf. Can you see it? :)

 Find the recipe here!

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And those are this week's favorites! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I'm headed down to Baylor with my crew, and I'm pretty dang excited about it. Fellow Bears, I'll see you in Waco! Everyone else - see you Monday :)

Until next time,
Katy