{30} Before Thirty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

I turn 27 today. 

(deep breath) 

While that number - for whatever reason - gives me the willies, I love fresh starts, new beginnings, and today is representative of that. 

I'm ALSO excited because today I publish my 30 before 30 list. Thirty things I want to do before I turn 30....exactly three years from today. 

{Courtesies of my incredibly talented bestie, Lisa}

Let me tell ya, this list was tough. Some are pretty easy...some require time and a little more effort. It's hard to {realistically} make a list of things I want to accomplish over the next three years not knowing what those 36 months could hold. And yes, I realize that somewhere along the way life could throw me a curve ball and not all of these will get crossed off. But it's good to have goals, people. 

So here we go! My "30 before 30" List:

1. Write my book

2. Go to Nashville

3. Take a cake decorating class

4. Go dancing at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth 

5. Play one of my original songs on my guitar

6. Make homemade bread

7. Buy something David Yurman

8. See Carrie Underwood in concert....again.

9. Go to a blog conference

10. Cook a rack of lamb

11. Go to 10 baseball games in 10 different out of state stadiums with my dad

12. Go to CMA Fest in Nashville (different from #2)

13. Make chocolate croissants from scratch

14. Have a picnic in the Dallas arboretum

15. Go to movie theater and watch two films back to back

16. See another Broadway show in NYC

17. Visit Charleston, SC

18. Take a photography class

19. Go on a girls trip with mom and sister

20. Refurbish something for the home

21. Travel Overseas (more than once is okay!)

22. Cook an entire holiday meal (Thanksgiving or Christmas)

23. Learn how to do the Dirty Dancing jump

24. Treat my parents to an overly nice dinner

25. Force my immediate family to go on another vacation

26. Take a sabbatical from work
27. Treat myself to a spa day
28. Rewatch the entire 'Brothers & Sisters' Series 
29. Join a small group at church
30. Perform on stage... as much as possible

I'm proud of this list. I put a lot of time and thought into creating it and I'm so excited to execute it. But that will start tomorrow. Today? Well today I'm going to just be happy. And be loved on. And be celebrated. Because today? No one will give me a hard time for wanting to be the center of attention :)

Until next time,
the newly 27-year old,Katy

Summer TV

If you have been around here a while, you know that I love me some TV, and that I'm struggling with the "in-between" stage of my spring shows ending and my summer shows beginning. But alas, we have made it, and in honor of my summer shows starting up this week, I thought I would share them! And if you have any other summer series I need to get hooked on, please do share :)

Rizzoli and Isles

Starts Tuesday June 16th on TNT
(Happy Birthday to me!)

This show literally makes laugh out loud. I love me some cop shows, and this show is about a detective (Rizzoli) and her best friend who happens to be the Chief Medical Examiner (Dr. Isles). It has action and suspense, and their friendship is just hilarious and totally relatable.

Rookie Blue
Starts Thursday June 25th on ABC

 This is hands down, absolutely, 100% my favorite summer TV show. Y'all I have dreams about this show. And I have bought all the previous seasons on DVD after they're over. I'm obsessed with this show. Critics call it "Grey's Anatomy with guns." (I told you - I have a thing for cop shows). It's another funny, action-packed show, but this one has an underlying love story too. And I have a girl crush on Missy Perygrym (the lead actress).

You just really need to watch this show. And if you'd like to borrow any seasons, just let me know :)

Melissa and Joey
Now Playing on ABC Family

Yes, I'm serious. No I'm not kidding. I watch this show. Me and likely a whole bunch of middle schoolers. But I don't care! It's good wholesome entertainment :) Granted, if I need to leave the room when Rookie Blue is on, the DVR absolutely gets paused. If I need to start the laundry while Melissa and Joey is on....I'll let it keep playing. It's a good background show. If I need to clean my room, Melissa and Joey keep me company.

So You Think You Can Dance
Now playing on FOX

 

I don't think it's surprising why I love this show. This show is made for former/current dancers. My high school bestie, Annie, and I would watch this together religiously every summer after college. We had favorites, we voted, and we had a party for the finale. We love this show. (And a lot of my favorites on SYTYCD are now professionals on DWTS!) I'm not a huge fan of the city auditions, but when we get to the top 20 live show, I'm all over it. 

Mistresses
Starts June 18th on ABC

Okay, so this show can get a little weird (and scary) at times, but alas, Kelsey and I eat it up. Plus there's an Australian named Harry that is beautiful and a sweetheart and every time he speaks Kels melts a little. I hear Alyssa Milano isn't coming back this season and the show is taking a huge time jump, so we'll have to see how we feel about that. Stay tuned.

And those are my summer shows! I'm also a huge DCC Making the Team fan on CMT, but the season 10 premiere date hasn't been set yet. (It usually doesn't premiere until August). It airs on Friday nights, so I love waking up on Saturday mornings, pouring me a big ole cup of coffee, and turning it on. And yes I have been known to memorize the dances and do them in the living room. Guilty.

And those are my summer shows! Now help a sister out...

What else should I be watching?

__________

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites

Why can't every week be a three-day week? I could totally get used to a four day weekend and a three day work week. Who do I need to talk to in order to make that happen? 

Friday. Favorites. Let's do this.

1. Sunday Funday

While I'm normally very partial to neutrals and darker colored nails, I finally busted out the bright stuff for summer! Here we have Sunday Funday. This just makes my fingers happy. 

2. Birthday Bestie Mug

When Lisa came over Wednesday to watch the CMT Awards, she brought me a little birthday surcy! (Surcy = surprise for those of you who just furrowed your brow) Knowing my obsession with coffee mugs, and in celebration of my 5-year radiation anniversary, she made me this: 

Isn't she so talented? This was my verse of choice when I found out I was in remission.

And, if you know me and Lisa - you know why this makes sense :)

3. Billy Currington - Summer Forever

This. Album. Is. So. Good. I love Billy's music - always have. His voice is so unique and his music is catchy and just...good. So when I found out he had a new summer album out, I was all over it. And it's a good one y'all. Spark up that spotify and give it a listen. Plus the name "Summer Forever" makes me think of "Texas Forever" whic makes me think of....

Tim Riggins. 

4. My Skinny Summer Sweet Treat

I've been on a huge fro-yo kick lately (probably due to the 100 degree weather that has graced us with its presence), but I'm also still trying to eat healthier. SO - I've resorted to this 140 calorie 'skinny sweet treat.' 

I get a small original tart yogurt cup with blueberries and strawberries. The faint tart of the yogurt makes the fruit super sweet, and the coldness just makes everything refreshing. Plus there's a fro-yo spot within a mile of my house, so if I walk there I'm basically in negative calories :)

5. Kyanite Ring

Boston has one of my favorite jewelry stores. Between my mom and I, we have several rings from this little boutique. When we went this past weekend, I found this little gem (get it?) so my parents gave it to me for my birthday! Isn't it beautiful? I'm obsessed. And kind of feel like Kate Middleton :) If you go to Boston, you have to stop by Geoclassics in Faneuil Hall!

_______________

And those are my favorites! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I'm pretty proud of my morning person seeing as I'm about to chug the rest of this coffee and go to yoga. Me....yoga....6 a.m. What the whaaat? [Almost] 27 can't keep me down!!

Until next time,
Katy

CMT Music Awards

You know what I love about birthday month? ....other than the obvious? 

The CMT Music Awards. First week in June. Every year. Without fail.
Happy birthday month to me.

When we first moved to Dallas (and lived down the street from each other), Lisa and I watched this together every summer. Then she moved to Canada Addison. Things became more difficult. BUT nevertheless we fought the good fight (traffic) and got together on a "school night" to indulge in our beloved country music. 

And, like I hoped (and knew) she would - she brought TJ's Just Mango. We don't do much without Just Mango. 

Just hanging with our girl Carrie. We make a great trio :)

So here are our thoughts as we watched last night's show, fast forwarded through both commercials and the rough performances, and went to bed waaaay past our bedtime.

Hosts

Erin Andrews: noooooooo. I'm not an Erin fan. She made me grunt while watching DWTS, and she made me grunt last night. Do I have any real reasoning? No. Just not a fan. 

Brittany Snow: love her. She's adorable. No idea why either of them are hosting, but that's neither here nor there. 

Collaborative Video
Carrie and Miranda. This I'm okay with. Although it kinda hurt a little bit that Tim and Faith didn't win. It's okay McGraws, y'all are still the hottest couple in country music. Always will be. 

Quick question: where IS Miranda? 

Mmmmmm. Deacon Claybourne. If I weren't about to turn 27 next week, his poster would be above my bed. I miss Nashville already.

Reba PerformanceLisa claims this lil red head never ages. And she talked about how cute she was practically the whole time she performed. The tassles, the go-go boots - she commented on it all. And when it came to these earrings, Lisa had "hoop envy." 

My favorite fan moment -- when the camera zooms in on fans that are passionately rockin' out and do NOT know the words. Fools.

Breakthrough Video of the Year SAM HUNT. There were three loud cheers from this household when he won. We. Love. Sam. Hunt. But not sure why he was wearing a tunic to the award show... Sweet shirt dress, Sam.

Duo of the YearFlorida Georgia Line.... who was surprised? Anyone? Anyone?

Luke Bryan Performance Pants....so tight. Don't care. At all. :) But Kelsey swears his pants are from Forever XXI. Oh well. I love them hips. And those teeth! But "Kick the Dust Up" - not my  favorite. 

Okay but really....where is Miranda? 

Female Video of the YearCarrie girl. I mean I love my Carrie girl, but I would have pegged "Something in the Water" for video of the year, and Miranda's "Little Red Wagon" for this category. Maybe she didn't win because no one could find her.

Jake Owen...is crowd surfing in a bed. a) He's pretty. b) This was probably the most entertaining song of the night. It had props, Jake's smile, as well as his attempt to dance. Good entertainment all around.

Male Video of the Year Luke Bryan. In hindsight, we should have seen this coming, but we initially chose Dierks "Drunk of a Plane." It's just such a fun video! Oh well. Luke's hips reign strong.

Miranda? Still no?

Kenny Chesney Performance In the words of Lisa, "this guy is classic." He sounds good live every time he performs. Whether you're chillin on a lawn watching him in concert, or chillin on the couch watching him on TV - he sounds like Kenny. And "American Kids" makes me bounce. Try and listen to it without bouncing. I dare you.

Carrie Underwood Performance Man I've missed her. Granted, she sang riiiiiiiight under the note the whole time, but it's okay. She's a new mama. She's probably sleepy. And she looked smokin hot, so we'll give her a pass :) Oh, and when they caught hubby Mike singing along during her performance we melted a little.

Also....are even sure she HAD a baby? This is three months post-baby. I don't look like that now and I'm a lot of months pre-baby. Things that make me whine.

Another fun fact: We've decided Arnold Schwarzenagger in a cowboy hat looks like a really really really old George Strait....mixed with Woody from the Toy Story. Tell us we're wrong...

Video of the Year
CARRIIIIEEEEEE!!!! We were right! Not to mention this song is about our good Lord. She got a lot of push back for this song so I'm pumped this little number won.You go God.

Maybe Miranda overslept... or got the dates mixed up. Are she and Blake on vacay?

All in all - NOT the best CMT Award show I've ever seen (hello - I went to the ACMs) - but it was a good dabble of entertainment for an otherwise mundane Wednesday night. Plus I got to laugh until I cried with my girl, Lis. So it was a win for us :)

And just for the record - I so so so so so so wish I was in Nashville for the rest of CMA Fest. One day, people. One day I will be there.  

Until next time,
Katy

Boston 2015

I can't really put into words how much the past four days have meant to me. With my brother and sister being 9-10 years older than me, family vacations are a bit difficult. The last time we could carve a family vacation out of everyone's schedule was EIGHT years ago. Eight. I was a sophomore in college. Needless to say, the past four days were both overdue and cherished. 

The original five. If I talk about what these people mean to me I'd probably blubber my way through it, and there are just too many cute pictures to post for that. So just know this - my family means the absolute world to me. 

Now onto the vacation highlights... :)

Coming from three different cities, we all arrived at various times on Saturday. Once all the "kids" were in town (brother, sister, myself, and Jeffrey), we headed to Faneuil Hall marketplace, grabbed some drinks and appetizers, and just killed some time before mom and dad arrived.

We then just explored the marketplace - what would be our "home base" for the rest of the long weekend. Faneuil Hall is my happy place. Thanks to my eye situation, I have been to Boston 12 times in 5 years...and I go to Faneuil Hall every time! It's got shopping, it's got various restaurants, and it's got the waterfront. What more do you need?

Siblings :)

Me and my Hunny

Photo-bombing Allen's selfies

So Amy went to take mine and Jeff's picture in front of the pretty scenery, and if you look closely in the one on the left - you can see my brother playing his own version of "Where's Waldo?" Sigh. Dumb dumb. But it's okay cause we got a good one :)

Mom and Dad arrived, we grabbed dinner at Joe's, and just talked and laughed while chillin' on the water. Life was pretty good. OH - and did I mention it was in the 60s? Indeed. Life was good. 

The girls and the water

Sunday was GAME DAY! We grabbed some breakfast, loaded up, and headed over to Fenway Park. Holy happy. This crew was ready for some baseball! (Okay, mom wasn't too excited...but she eventually got on board!)

 But first, Jeff caught me and Amy primping and prepping for the game. We heard that you sing "Sweet Caroline" at Red Sox games and we wanted to be prepared. At the time I wanted to hurt him for (sneakily) capturing this....but I'm sure I'll get a kick out of it in a couple of years :)

Sisters Game Day Ready!

Once we got over to the park (us and herds of hundreds of our closest friends) we had to do a little Red Sox prep for the rest of the crew at the Fan Shops. Five hats and a couple of shirts later - we were all decked out and ready to go!

Fenway at its finest! (Including the green monster, of course)

Aren't my parents just the cutest? I just can't get over it. That Red Sox hat was made for Susie. 

Amy, me and Allen - three big-headed kids.

Jeff and I - this is our "aggressive selfie"

This picture of me and my pops is pretty special. But I can't tell you why. Let's just say it's a part of my '30 before 30' list - so you'll find out soon enough!

Now, I will say, why I thoroughly enjoyed the game, really love the Fenway stadium, and also love the passion of the Red Sox fans - I've had better hot dogs, y'all. I will have to choose my Texas Rangers hot dogs over the Red Sox ones. To each their own - but those are my thoughts. And y'all know I'm serious about my hot dogs. 

After the game (and a Red Sox win!), we went to the Boston Commons area to appease the history people. I will fully admit: I am not a history person. I was always a math and English girl. Not so much on the science and history. BUT, I let the family get their nerd on while I just enjoyed the pretty view and brickstone paths. I love that everything in Boston is brick. 

You know what else I love? Boston Commons. I'm a huge park person. When I lived in London for 5 weeks I went to Hyde Park almost every day. Big gorgeous parks are just my everything. While I'm not one to "sit" well - I will hands down absolutely sit in a park and do nothing. If you're heading to Boston any time soon - picnic in this park. You're welcome. 

We ate dinner at the original Cheers restaurant and then called it a day. I will tell you what - going from sitting at a desk all day to walking literally everywhere will really take it out of you! And make you feel old and out of shape. Wamp wamp. 

Monday we woke up early and headed to MGH for my eye appointment. While Jeff and I finished up my tests, the parents met Allen and Amy to walk the freedom trail. Then once my eyes were back to normal (and I got a good report!), J and I went shopping in Faneuil Hall. I so hated to miss out on more history for shopping :)

Our token Boston "selfie spot." And YES that is a new hat! (Yay June Goals!) 

Then we met the rest of the fam for lunch at Tia's before the girls did some more shopping while the boys did the Boston Tea Party museum. Have I mentioned I love Faneuil Hall??

And I also love these women :)

Mid-shop we looked over and saw this cute man reading on a bench under a tree! I just adore this man. So stinking much. Daddy's girl is an understatement.

Then we just all hung out by the waterfront before wrapping up the weekend with a big family dinner at McCormick and Schmicks. Love these goofs. And the fact that my dad candidly posed for the selfie :)

And that was that! Monday we just piddled before all of our flights took off. I will say - it is really nice to just sit in your bed and drink coffee while watching TV in the morning. That one "scene" right there is my true vacation :) 

Not sure when we'll all be able to do this again - but I certainly hope it's not another 8 years. ...especially because I'll be 34 and that absolutely terrifies me. But also because I just laughed so hard and made such great memories with these people that I just can't wait to do it again. Maybe I'll have to put this on my Christmas list this year. It totally trumps a new pair of shoes :)

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

On Vacay!

Happy Weekend Everyone!!

For the next few days I'll be running around this place: 

I'll be back on Wednesday for a full recap, but until then, I'll be enjoying 60 degree weather, watching the Red Sox play, and eating my weight in clam "chowdah." :)

Until next time,
Katy

KUWK - Coffee Mug Obsession

Today I'm introducing my "KUWK" series. It's basically just the things that make me, me. I find it fitting because while it is simply the acronym for "Keeping Up with Katy," it looks like it would be pronounced "kook." And ladies and gents, I indeed am kooky. 

Which leads me to....

My Coffee Mug Obsession

...um, I love this. Coffee is absolutely a hug in a mug. I promise you that first sip does wonders for my brain. ....and attitude. 

But alas, this post is not about my obsession with coffee (though that is also true) - it's about my obsession with coffee mugs. 

Here's the thing....I'm weird about SHAPES of mugs. Like, real weird. The mug below? Not a fan. It's so...square. Yes, I realize this is the most common type of mug. Trust me, I'm aware. My parents may have 1 or 2 mugs that aren't  shaped like this, so I just hand wash and reuse the one I like the whole time I'm home.

My mugs just have to have a lil "sumpin sumpin." They either have to be massive, or curved, or angled. As my mom would say, they just have to have "personality." Like this...this is a good mug.

You probably don't see much of a difference, do you? Ohhhh but there is. The size, the curves, the way it just cups in your hand. Cups are meant to be cupped - not held. Hence the term, "cup." 

I have a ridiculous amount of mugs. If you have ever lived with me, you are very aware of this. I seriously just love them so much. And if they're seasonal? Well just sign me up.

You know who has good mugs? Anthropologie. They're champs in the mug department. 

Here's the thing - I should be obsessed with coffee mugs. I only drink three liquids: coffee, water, and wine. (Also obsessed with wine glasses but that's for another day). When I owned my crazy I told you I only drink water out of bottles - so coffee mugs are my excitement. 

OH - and I keep a mug at work because coffee tastes SO much better in a mug than a paper cup. I don't know how it can be proven but I promise it's a no-brainer.

So there you have it. Katy is obsessed with coffee mugs.

I also saw this on pinterest and literally laughed out loud. Maybe because my big brother is in IT. And maybe because if I told him this every morning I know for a fact he'd frog punch me in the leg :)

Ah, man. That's good stuff right there. 

Here's to hoping your Thursday coffee is in the right kind of mug :)

Until next time,

Katy