1st Annual Falliday Scarf Exchange

Eeeks! So excited to share this post. I've seen a couple of people in the blog world do a scarf exchange during the "colder" months, and I completely freaked out. I love scarves, I love throwing parties, I love reasons to buy new fall dishes... I mean, this was right up my alley. 

So, last Thursday I threw my first Annual Falliday Scarf Exchange! 

I love these fools :)

So first off - the invite. I used PunchBowl and went the e-vite route. It's free, easy, and saves you a trip to the post office! Not to mention the invites are pretty dang cute...

Scarves are a perfect thing to exchange for several reasons:

1) They're one size fits all - no one has to worry about sizes

2) You can find a really great deal on a really great scarf (we set a $20 max limit)

3) Scarves are the love language of fall  - there is rarely a scarf that is met and isn't liked

4) They get you in the mood for fall! ...even when it's still in the 90s the night of your party...

My mom and I went to Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago where she helped me pick out new fall party dishes. I LOVE themed holiday dishes. And fall ones speak to my pumpkin-lovin' soul.

Some of the girls asked what to wear to the shin-dig, so when I sent out a group text that lounge wear was both appreciated and encouraged, you would have thought I told them they'd all get cash when they walked in the door. SO much joy. Fancy party plates and yoga pants. That's how we roll :)

So...what went ON the fancy party plates? Well let me just tell you...

We kicked off the assembly line with a meat and cheese plate...

PS see that fancy cutting board? My sweet dad made it for me as a housewarming gift when I moved into Kelsey's! He's so crafty and fantastic and stuff :)

Then we moved onto some chips and dip. We went with spinach artichoke dip (a staple in this group) and "cowboy caviar..." Side note: these leaf shaped dishes are from Michael's....and $1.30 each. I should have bought 20 and made a dang tree!

Then we had some baked brie with jalapeno raspberry preserves (easiest appetizer EVER). I'll share the recipe soon - it was such a hit!

OH - and also presented on a bread board that my dad made :)

Sausage balls were also easy and a must... bisquick + sausage + cheese = one of my favorite party foods. Possibly because I grew up with these suckers. Thanks, mom!

And then we get to the gluten-free section of the assembly line. My sweet friend Emily was diagnosed with celiacs disease a few weeks ago, so I definitely wanted to make sure I had some things she could eat! And let me tell you...my heart goes out to you GF kids. It ain't easy. I read more ingredients in three days than I have in my lifetime. And I didn't know what half of it meant. You go, people. You know your stuff.

I made some bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes (sprinkled with cinnamon!), and they were SO. GOOD. I will definitely be making these again. There's nothing to them and they were definitely a party favorite...among both the gluten-free and the gluten-expensive :)

Then it was time for DESSERT! 

I made some paleo pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (we are talking paleo, GF, and ridiculously delicious). I don't do the paleo thing but I've made these for years. Such a fan!!

And finally....to end the assembly line, we have the pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Because all assembly lines must have a big bang finish!

 

So we ate, we mingled, we drank vino and shared stories...and THEN it was time for the exchange! Can you sense my excitement through the font? CAN YOU? I wouldn't be surprised...

How cute are these girls? Oh, and you see that one wrapped in foil? Yeah, that was me. I mean, scroll up, did you see the food? What more do you want from me? At least it wasn't in a ziploc. I consider that a win. 

We did the exchange like a normal white elephant: draw numbers, open or steal, and when the scarf reaches the third owner it's frozen. It was a pretty non-dramatic exchange. I'm telling you....scarves are just so universal. 

And here was the loot! Aren't we cute!? We had appearances from Loft, Old Navy, Nordstrom, DSW, J Crew Mercantile, Target...and all under $20! Get on it people! Go scarf shopping!

It was such a success we decided to have a spring one, too. Obviously not scarves...earrings maybe? :) Whatever - we just love any excuse to get together (and go home with a present!)

Aaaand to wrap up, some favorites of mine from the selfie stick photoshoot :)

 I just absolutely love them. 

First Falliday Scarf Exchange is in the books. Highlighted, bold-faced, underlined, and ready to be repeated. 

Until next time,
Katy

An Empty Parking Lot Afternoon

I have a complete inability to do two things: 1) make a decision, and 2) understand roads/highways. 

When I say I have an inability to make a decision, I don't think you understand the extent to which I mean this. I seriously think this is like a mental problem and/or block in my brain. Actually, I just googled this and I could possibly have a personality disorder. Thank you, WebMD. 

And when I say I don't understand roads and highways, it means if you speak the words "north, south, east, or west" to me, I will look at you like you are a dang fool. The fact that the iPhone GPS has audio AND video? (raises hand) That's for people like me. 

So on Sundays, I usually drive to Jeff's house, and then he drives us to church. Yesterday morning, I was running a wee bit late (my coffee in bed was just speaking wonders to my soul), so I told Jeff I would meet him at church. Easy peasy nice and breezy. 

FALSE. 

I entered "Gateway Church" in my phone, set out across town, and didn't realize until I pulled in the (completely empty) parking lot, that it was the church's old location. Katy fail #1. So I call Jeff, who is waiting patiently in the correct and car-filled church parking lot, and understand my mistake. Mind you, church started 5 minutes ago. SO - I enter in the correct location in my phone and see that I am 10 minutes away from the correct church location. I do the math in my head, and realize that by the time I park (at the very furthest point of the parking lot) and walk in to the sanctuary, I'm looking at being about 20-25 minutes late for a service that is about an hour long. This is where my inability to make a decision comes in. 

Do I go to church, make my grand entrance during the sermon and "pardon me, excuse me" my way through the Jesus-loving people to find Jeff and my seat, OR just surrender, go home, and give myself an E for good effort.

I sit there for three minutes, realize I can't make a decision, and decide I'll just start driving. 

Katy fail #2. 

I hit massive construction, get all kinds of turned around in a cluster of highways, almost get run over by an 18-wheeler, and then finally pull into an empty warehouse parking lot. And proceed to have a complete breakdown. 

And listen, people. This was the type of breakdown where every little stress you've ever been harboring comes out in the format of ugly cry. The type of breakdown that mid-way through you sincerely hope you have some drive-thru napkins in the console for all of the juices that are falling out of every hole in your face. THAT kind of breakdown.

Side note: all my ladies out there - is it not AMAZING how a good cry can just make you feel fantastic? Spas should add that to their list of services. They could bank. 

Anyways, so as I'm sitting there in that warehouse parking lot, I realize I may not have made the right decision. Or maybe I did, I still don't know. But then it hit me that while God gives us the freedom to make choices and decisions on a daily basis, He always can turn whatever choice you make into good. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

So God plunks that scripture into my brain, and I say to myself, alright, let's reassess. You are sitting in an empty warehouse parking lot. Never mind how you got here; you are here. So what's the next step? With no inner debate, I turned on my Jesus jams, had a little personal worship service in my car, and then stream-lined the sermon on my phone. Thank you, technology. 

I spent an hour with the good Lord yesterday. In an empty warehouse parking lot. After the "service" I pulled back out into construction and realized the way home was actually quite simple: one left turn and then a straight shot on the highway. I drove home with a clear sense of direction and a crazy sense of peace. 

It made me realize that sometimes in life we just may need a parking lot - in both the figurative and literal sense. When you can't make a decision or can't find your way, it's okay to pull over. Park. Let it all out. Chat with God. Recharge. The world will still be there when you pull back out onto the main road.

May your Monday be filled with lots of coffee and needed parking lots :)

Until next time,
Katy

 

Friday Favorites

Well hey there Friday :)

Today (per usual) I'm linking up to share some favorites! 

Let's begin. 

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1 - Jen Hatmaker

Ummm....she's like my new best friend. How did it all start? Let me tell you. I randomly stumbled upon her blog this week where she shares her thoughts on the whole Gilmore Girls series. ...that she binge watched over the summer. I was rolling. Like we're talking knee slapping funny, people. So naturally I needed more of of her. 

So naturally I instagram stalk her. And now I want to be her groupie. This lady is HI-larious, an author (of like a lot), a Jesus-lover, a mother to like 37 kids, she has her own HGTV show...OH OH...and she still finds time to binge watch TV. I mean, how many hours in a day does she get? Does she get more? Show me your ways, Jen Hatmaker.

So yes, she is definitely a new favorite of mine. 

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2 - 1st Annual Falliday Scarf Exchange

Last night I hosted my first annual falliday scarf exchange. And let me tell you what - it was a yes beyond success. And also the reason I'm pumping coffee into my system with the same enthusiasm a teenie bopper throws a fist pump in the air whilst dancing to 'their jam.' But alas it was such a great night: fall decor, fall foods, and so many cute scarves were exchanged! You know, scarves that we can wear in this 85+ degree weather we're still having right now. [insert eye roll] Nevertheless - this little shindig will most definitely be an annual occurrence! More details on how to throw your own to come on the blog next week.

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3 - Favorite Quote

...this. So much of this. Absolutely all of this. 

I've been doing a lot of this this week. I'm desperately, fearfully, emphatically praying about what the Lord has planned for my future, and how it coincides with the passions He has given me that set my soul ablaze. Trust the plans of God, follow the passions He has implanted in you....and watch your world blow up. In the best way possible :)

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4 - DWTS/Nick Carter/Backstreet Boys

Okay, I know we're going from Jesus to Backstreet Boys...but did y'all SEE Nick and Sharna's  performance on Dancing with the Stars this week? It took my inner 15-year old Katy to the intersection of nostalgic and ecstatic. In is rehearsal video I remembered why Nick was my favorite BSB, and during the performance I remembered why the BSBs were my heartrthrob. And Sharna is hot and no one can rock a leotard like her. Right on, girl.

Watch the performance here. And another favorite? Sweet Bindi's performance. You can watch it here. But for the love of decency, have some tissues on hand. I ugly cried my way through this one. Such a special dance.

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5 - Butter Pumpkin Cookies

The fall cookie that can change your life. If you weren't with me here yesterday, I hiiiiighly suggest you click on over to here where you can make a recipe that will kick your fall up a notch (or nine). Pumpkin lovers adore them. Non-pumpkin lovers adore them. You (yes, you!) will adore them. Make the butter pumpkin cookies. Just ignore how much butter actually goes INTO the pumpkin butter cookies. It's not important. 

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And that's all I have this Friday - have a wonderful weekend everyone! And for those of you in the Dallas area, don't bust out the winter wear just yet - we're looking at temperatures in the 90s still.... 

Until next time,
Katy

Butter Pumpkin Cookies

For all the cookies in the cookie jar....you have to try this recipe.

Tuesday night I was in a baking mood, so I decided to try something I've never tried before: a pumpkin cookie.

 ...it's October. Did you really think my next baked good would NOT be pumpkin-related?

I'm not a huge cookie baker. I've had this blog for a year and I have yet to share a cookie recipe. Mainly because I'm not naturally good at baking cookies and it frustrates me. Remember when I told you my failed attempt at a sugar cookie left me in a hot mess of tears? I'm not one for the cookie baking but definitely one for the dramatics. 

Anyways, so I decided to make another attempt last night. I present to you...

Butter Pumpkin Cookies
(with a brown sugar glaze)

And the verdict? SUCCESS. These things are incredible. The texture is more of a light and fluffy bread/muffin type of cookie. Translation: they melt in your mouth. The pumpkin isn't overly powerful or sweet, so the brown sugar glaze provides just the right amount of sugar to the savory.

Another plus? This recipe makes about 45 cookies. So if you're making this for your kids at school or for a large family gathering - this is your lifesaver. Unfortunately,  I did not know this magnitude when I set out to bake these little pumpkin nuggets. By the last cookie rack it was way past my bedtime and I was way over it. I had pumpkin cookies coming out of my ears!

What You'll Need

for the cookie
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 can pure pumpkin - 15 oz
4 cups flour

 for the glaze
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar

  
What You'll Do

 Mix the butter, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt with an electric mixer

Add in vanilla, pumpkin, and flour - mixing after each addition

Place about 1/4 cup worth of batter onto a cookie sheet (covered with parchment paper), placing each cookie about 2 inches apart

Bake at 350 degrees for 14 minutes (the edges will be golden brown - do not overcook!)

 Melt the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over the stove until sugar dissolves. Add in milk and powdered sugar, stirring until smooth. Pour atop cooled cookies.

I took these to work (all 40 of them) and they were gone by 2pm. Even those who weren't the biggest pumpkin fans had more than one. It's a fall cookie for everyone!


Until next time,
Katy

Falliday Decor

Good morning! Today I'm taking you on a little tour.... of my fall decorations :)

 I just started decorating for fall a couple of years ago, so I definitely have plans (and needs) to expand my decor, but for now I'm pretty happy with it. Plus, I don't know how Kelsey would feel if I came home with much more! (Shout out to her for letting me play fall fairy and decorate her house!)

Hobby Lobby is my fall happy place, and there's not one annnywhere near me in Dallas. It's a shame, I tell you. So one of my favorite things is going home to Beaumont and hitting up the Hob Lob with my mom. I'm trying to learn her decorating skills by osmosis :)

Do you have your coffee? Is it pumpkin flavored? In a fall mug? Good. Let's begin. 

Welcome :) 

I found this little welcome sign in Canton, and it has a velcro attachment to change out the picture with the season. And this is my October! My dad built me a stand for this one weekend, and it's one of my favorite home decor pieces. I will say it was difficult picking a "flavor" this month considering I wanted to use the pumpkin for fall, my BU for football, and my Texas Rangers one for the playoffs! SO much going on this month.

Aaaaand because that welcome sign greets you on the first floor, you have to have another little welcome sign to greet you on the second floor. We're all about the hospitality :)

 I told you the other day that I was obsessed with lanterns, so last year my mom created this masterpiece that I attempt to re-create each fall. I can't wait to assemble this puppy on a fireplace!

My mom's version looked way better. But I'm getting there!

Ah, fall foliage. 

Then you round the corner and see this (what I think to be awesome) little fall corner!

It makes me smile :)

This little set up is pretty special to me. The first year I decided I wanted to decorate, my mom couldn't go to Hobby Lobby with me, so my dad took me and created this whole little scene with me on the floor in the middle of the aisle. Isn't he a natural!? Plus homegirl with crazy straw hair just makes you want to have a good day. 

My newest addition to my repertoire of fall decorations! Isn't it amazing? My bestie Lisa MADE it. Like with her hands. Isn't she brilliant? Click here for my entire post bragging on the masterpiece.

A little coffee table action. PS that's Criminal Minds playing in the background. Kelsey loves to watch it even though the show scares the living daylights out of her. 

Corner table - I apparently support fall leaves. Are you indoors or outdoors? I mean you can't even tell.

 Jeff's sweet mom gave me these two sets of decorations. The pumpkin scarecrow man is hand-made from clay. Pretty intricate and amazing. And every time I look at the TV I see my three little glitter pumpkins. She supports my addiction to fall :)

And that's my little fall home tour! Every morning I wake up and drink coffee out of a pumpkin mug, and every time I get home from work I burn a pumpkin candle. And that fall weather? Oh yeah baby - it's on it's way. I am loving October, people. 

**cheers**

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites

It's FRIDAY. And it's OCTOBER. 

And in case you didn't get enough of these pictures on your sources of social media yesterday, here you go: 

 Let's face it. The world LOVES October. 

Alrighty - per usual I'm linking up for some Friday Favorites today! So let's get started. 

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1. The Intern (the movie!)

On Wednesday night Jeff and I had date night, and he surprised me with tickets to Studio Movie Grill to see the Intern. I had been looking forward to this movie for months! And now that I've seen it it's probably my favorite movie of the year actually. Y'all - this is embarrassing - I cried through the whole thing. Not the ugly-you-should-not-see-this-in-theaters cry, but like the sweet heartfelt tears. This movie jumped into my heart, nuzzled up with the warm fuzzies and started pulling all the strings. Jeff made fun of me. 

But seriously - this movie just makes you appreciate the older generation. And the wisdom and advice they give that's based on life experience. It honestly reminded me of my relationship with my dad. Robert DeNiro lets Anne Hathaway do her thing, and then when she needs help, he offers the perfect advice. Great movie. One scene with a bit of language, but other than that it's pretty wholesome, too. I will be seeing it again! ...and bringing tissues. #softy

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2. Pumpkin Streusel Loaf

October means pumpkins. And pumpkins mean they have to be in just about every meal you make until things start turning red and green. SO - I'll add another pumpkin must-have to your list. The pumpkin streusel loaf. It's a pumpkin-spice flavored carb. And Paula Deen's recipe. There's nothing incorrect about it :) Find the recipe here.

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3. J. Crew Factory Quilted Puffer Vest

So I am a sucker of the puffer vest. I'm actually a sucker for any and all winter outerwear (just call me Katy and the coat in every color). SO - I ordered this little gem last night, and I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival. And I think I have time....considering it's still in the eighties here. Thanks, Texas. It's so cute, so versatile, and so on sale. Embrace the puffer! Find it here. 

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4. The Royal We

If you are a frequent visitor over here, then you're so over me trying to get you to read this book. This is the third time I've talked about it this week. I can't help myself. You would think I get a royal commission off selling it to you, but I don't.  It's just SO good! Definitely a must read. You can find a synopsis on my September book review here.

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5. THE RETURN OF BLUE BELL
....to the Dallas area

This is way old news to you Houston folks, but DALLAS - Blue Bell is coming back!! ....one month from today. So you have to wait. But let's all just get really really skinny over the next month and then we'll be in the negative calories for when Blue Bell returns. Right!? Ah, to heck with it. We're entering the holidays anyways - eat and be merry. 

May the countdown begin!

Speaking of countdown....83 days until Christmas! 

Kristie sent me this last night and I thought it was quite appropriate:

 ...pretty much. I'm completely in love with fall, but it is preeeetty exciting knowing the Christmas season is just right around that pumpkin covered corner :)

And that's all I got! Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 

Until next time,
Katy

What's Up Wednesday

Ummm.....so there went September. 

Did you see it? Hope so. Cause it just fa-lew by. 

Today is the last Wednesday of the month, which means I'm linking up with these three lovelies for a little What's Up Wednesday?!

What I'm Eating this Month

....Blue Bell. And lots of it. We still don't have any in Dallas (what is WITH that, by the way?!) So when Jeff and I went home to Beaumont one weekend, we knew we were driving through counties that had it. So what did we do? We packed coolers, dry ice, and picked it up on the commute. Blue Bell is the ice cream of my soul. ...if I were one for dramatics. 

What else have I been eating? Paula Deen fall loaves. Namely the cinnamon pound cake loaf and the pumpkin streusel loaf. OH there was a pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting in there, too. So, fall. I've been eating fall. 

What I'm Reminiscing About

This past weekend. My dad and I spent a whirlwind of a 30-hour weekend in California catching a LA Angels game in Anaheim, and then taking an Amtrak to San Diego for a Padres game before heading home. Why? It's all part of my {30} before Thirty list. To visit 10 out of state stadiums for some home games. In fact, yesterday my dad sent me some potential weekend jaunts for next season. It's a pretty big deal.

 

And how many hot dogs I ate this weekend? I'll never tell. 

What I'm Loving

This probably should go in the "what I'm reading" category, but this book was the first thing that popped in my head when I was thinking about what I loved. I'm obsessed with the book "The Royal We." It's a fictional novel based on William and Kate's courtship/relationship, and I am eating.it.up. Like I am foregoing life for this book. Y'all I didn't eat dinner last night so I could have ample reading time. I love this book. 

 

What I'm Working On

....definitely not my figure. #hellobluebelleverynight 

Let's just say that's going to be an October goal...

What I'm Excited About/Looking Forward to Next Month

OCTOBER is going to be a big month! Lots of fall, football, and *hopefully* some cooler weather? I mean gracious. At this rate I'm going to be singing Christmas carols in my tank top. I need boot and scarf weather!

What I'm Watching/Reading

Well THIS is the perfect question given fall shows have just premiered! 

Watching: Let's see....Sundays we're trying out Blood & Oil and Quantico - you know, those new abc shows. Mondays/Tuesdays are The Voice and DWTS, Wednesdays is Nashville, Modern Family, and blackish, Thursdays (!!) we have Greys and Scandal, and Fridays wrap up with Last Man Standing. ....just to name a few. 

Reading: Lots of good reads this month! Check out my book review for the month here.

What I'm Doing this Weekend

Friends are coming in from out of town, parents are coming in town, Baylor vs. Tech in Dallas, last Rangers home game... I mean it's a big weekend, folks. 

and the seasonal question....

What is my favorite Halloween tradition? 

Okay, guilty. I've never been big on Halloween. Dressing up stresses me out. I know I know. I'm such a fuddy duddy. 

And THAT is what's up! Hope you all have an incredible hump day and a HAPPY OCTOBER!

Until next time,
Katy