12.30.2011

New Year, New You? {Happy New Year}

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Happy {almost} New Year, loves!

What are you hoping this New Year brings?
any New Years resolutions?

I don't really like to make New Years resolutions.
I feel like often people are so gung-ho about them for the first few weeks (like working out at the gym), and then a month passes, and suddenly they don't care to continue with it. It's not that I don't think people have good intentions or that this happens all the time..I just think trying to make a lifestyle change is more successful than creating a New Years resolution.

This year I'm hoping to:
-join Vista church and go regularly (it's a different church than where we got married and I think it's a perfect fit for us)
-continue with the vegetarian lifestyle and {try} to cut out cheese 1 or 2 days a week
-get this booty back in shape after months of being off {I've been able to jog the past few days and let me tell you...homegirl is out.of.shape}
-double what I'm saving every month
-run a half marathon
-spend less on clothes (it's a good thought, right?)
-travel to a different country
-keep good communication in our marriage and be a loving wife!


With the holidays, my body is pretty much screaming at me to give it a major detox. I make a lot of veggie juices in my juicer at home, but I decided to start this New Year off a little differently...

After researching a couple different options, this weekend I'm starting
 Advocare's Herbal Cleanse.

It's a 10 day system that helps rid the body of toxins and waste.
I haven't tried it before, but I've heard great things about it.
When my 10 days is up, I plan on blogging about the results in case some of you are interested in doing it.


So, my plans for this holiday weekend?

Lots of R&R
girl time for my girlfriend's birthday tonight
 spending New Years Eve with Jess (Billy, too..obviously ;))
play with my new favorite toy
 (if you follow KC&CO on facebook then you already know)



(not sure why I left ya in suspense yesterday..I can't keep secrets for long!)

and count down the days until...

Naples, Florida

Last night we booked a trip for mid Febuary (Valentines Day!)
and I'm so excited.

besides, I may have a visitor or 2 when there.
....more on that one later ;)


Have a {safe} and happy New Year, everyone!


12.29.2011

Christmas In A Nutshell. Or 2.





Hi friends!

I've been totally MIA lately in the blog world. Starting next week I will be posting more regularly and will catch up on all my commenting on your awesome blogs. Promise. Christmas has come and gone in what felt like 24 hours, but we enjoyed all the time we did spend with both of our families. Both sides of our family blessed us with wonderful gifts that most of them we have already started using! Thursday night we celebrated early with my parents and enjoyed home cooked lasagna, many Brandy Alexander's, and opened gifts together. My favorite gifts received, if I had to pick, would be our new TV for our bedroom, an electric wine opener (love), and running shorts that my Dad picked out all on his own. My Dad also gave me some sentimental gifts that were my Mom's - those always mean the most.





Billy and I opted to open gifts just the two of us after my parents left on Thursday night.
This year was one of my favorite years opening gifts with Billy because he had no idea what I bought for him. Not a clue. I got him a silver D&G watch (that was a surprise!), running shoes, a couple shirts, Nike Dry fit shirt, a new tie, and some other misc. items.



Love that watch.
go me.


Billy is a wonderful gift giver. Always has been. This year he got me a personalized Longchamp bag that I had been wanting, Nike Free Run's (yay! new running shoes!), Lululemon gym bag, and a beautiful Michael Kors necklace.




But my favorite gift he gave me is something else!
Every year he gets me a new ornament that typically express what happened in our lives the past year (our wedding ornament, our first house ornament...you get the point).
This year he got me this ornament...



Explanation?

Me on the couch propping my leg up because of my knee injury.
That's what life has looked like for me these past few months and he sure did hit the nail on the head with that one.

Hysterical.
and so thoughtful.

He is a good man.


 On Friday, we headed to Cleveland to spend the long weekend with Billy's family. When we arrived, we got some really bad news about his grandpa who recently had a stroke. It turns out the doctors were wrong, and it's actually brain cancer. The worst brain cancer you can have. It was extremely depressing news to the start off the holiday weekend, but the Krysh family is always so strong {with an amazing sense of humor} and together we would get through the difficult time. The mood lightened up throughout the weekend and we had a wonderful time at his uncle's house on Christmas eve...so many laughs, hugs, and of course delicious food. Christmas morning all of us kids {me, Billy, Billy's twin sister, and his brother} waited not so patiently for his parents to get up, and then we all opened gifts together taking turns. Our favorite gifts between the 2 of us that they got us were: North Face jacket, work out clothes (VS!), camel colored purse, money (for our trip to Florida), and charms for my bracelet. Billy's favorite gift? Cavs vs. Heat tickets (10 rows up) from his brother!!! He is so excited.

I ended up making 2 Christmas wreaths for both my stepmom and Billy's mom, and I think it turned out to be one of their favorite gifts! Success. 


(top left to right: new cozy slippers and sweatpants, Billy's mom with her new wreath, Marley Lilly scarf I won in a giveaway, new purse, running gear galore!)



Ooh...and I can't forget to mention the amazing gifts I received from some of my fav girls I've met via blog land?!

Jess bought me a monogrammed pashmina from Marley Lilly in my favorite Ohio State colors and a super cute cup to match! I LOVE them.




...and guess who's coming back to visit this weekend for the 3RD TIME
for NYE?

Yup. Jess - thee Kentucky Priss
{who is still taking a minor blogging break ;)}

   

Last but not least--those beautiful items above?

My sistah alllll the way in Texas
 you know her as Steph (and BBFT)

surprised me with a beautiful glass ornament (now I'm reppin' TX here!), monogrammed Tervis Tumbler cups, and they even went as far as ICING us......
yup. they did.
Steph and BBFT put 2 Smirnoff Ices in a box (wrapped with like 5,693 bags) and cute notecards telling me to get on my knee and chug! So funny.

I was supposed to video tape it, but I failed.

Steph and BBFT get 10 pts for creativeness.
Should've known since it was coming from you two.
Love those 2 rednecks to death! Now get your asses to Ohio so we can partay and be the 4 best friends anyone could have (..we already are.)

 Thank you lovebugs.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family, too! Next up..a new year!
What was your favorite gift you received?!
 I want some good gift giving ideas for next year!!


...and if you're wondering if I got my one true love
 that I've been nonstop obsessing over for 6 mos... 
 the Canon Rebel T3i


well, you'll just have to wait
and see.


12.27.2011

From 2011 to 2012

Around this time last year I posted my favorite things about 2010.
This week I'm reflecting back on 2010 and 2011
 to help plan for a wonderful 2012! It's crazy how fast this year flew by. It's important to me, as I'm sure it is to you, to set goals for myself and to cross off some items on my bucket list this upcoming year!  
Here's what I wrote...
 Top 10 Favorite Things About 2010:

#1. Our Wedding! We finally got married after 6 years of dating. It was everything I ever imagined in a wedding and more<3 can we rewind to that day?
#2. We bought our first house in 2009 and have decorated it and added some personal touch to now be able to call it our H.O.M.E! Something very important? We bought a house that we can afford, that doesn't leave us house poor, and we have yet to be late on a payment.
#3.  I have had & kept a stable job.
Nowadays, with this economy, you just never know.
True that.
#4. We went on an amazing all-inclusive honeymoon to the Dominican Republic. This trip definitely makes the list. still miss it...
#5. I gained more family :) A new mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law! I am thankful for them. :)
#6. I started this blog!! I love it so much and hope that in 2011 I can convince some of my good friends or family to start a blog. It is so therapeutic for me and I love & appreciate all your comments. I have learned a lot from it too! so so much.
#7. I got married. This should count for 2 of my favorite things. I mean come on...this is a big deal! We have now been married over a year! woo woo.
#8. I made new friends and kept the old!  ::insert song from elementary school:: and multiple  blog friends!
#9. Our vacations. I hope to have many more awesome vacations in 2011 and see some new places! Siesta Key, Naples, Boston... {need to work on the new places}
#10. Billy and I are happy & in good health and that's really something to be thankful for.
My knee took a turn for the worse in 2011
 but in the overall picture-just a minor speedbump.



 








....and this year?
My top moments of 2011:


We went to Florida (Siesta Key) for Billy's birthday
in March



During that trip to Florida in March, I read this book which prompted me (other reasons as well) to become a vegetarian!
I've been loving this lifestyle ever since.


continued our St. Patricks day tradition
of going downtown Dublin and to Flannagans for the day


went to the Lil Wayne {our fav, duh} concert
and had tickets in the suite




went with my cousin Megan
to Tim McGraw/Luke Bryan/The Band Perry concert

celebrated my 26th birthday with family and friends!




Billy took me to Naples for my birthday
....and set up a day in Miami to swim with dolphins!!



Billy's parents bought
 a new BOAT!!!


had floor seats to the Kenny Chesney concert
{thanks to my Jessie bear!}

played indoor and outdoor soccer!




Traveled to Boston and Rhode Island in August
for our 1 year wedding anniversary 
 and went on a whale watch when there.

went on my first trip with all of Billy's family
to a state park!

met Jess :)
my first blate!

Dressed up for Halloween as the Mad Hatter & Batgirl
{and Billy won best costume for $200!!}

celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday
and last final party at the house before it sold!

organized a Columbus Blogger meet up
 with Holly

What were your top moments in 2011?

At the end of 2010, I posted this quote and
I repost it today for the end of 2011..

*Always remember to forget,the things that made you sad.But never forget to remember, the things that made you glad.Always remember to forget, the friends that proved untrue.But don't forget to remember, those that have stuck by you.Always remember to forget, the troubles that passed away.But never forget to remember,the blessings that come each day


PS-How was everyone's Christmas?!
We had a wonderful time in Cleveland with Billy's family. I will be doing a recap this week about it! I am guessing I will be behind this week with commenting on blogs, but know that I'm still reading all of yours! I have so much going on this week! ta-ta!

12.22.2011

In the Spirit {Christmas Favorites}



Tonight, Billy and I are hosting our first Christmas celebration at our house with my parents. Since they recently sold their house and moved into a temporary one while they are building, I thought it may be nice to have it at our house instead. We have to celebrate tonight because we are heading to Cleveland on Friday to celebrate with Billy's family. Somehow (many late nights this week) we managed to get all our gifts wrapped for both families, the house cleaned, and all stockings stuffed {ahem Rocky} and are pretty much ready for Saturday to be here! 

Bring it on Christmas..
We're ready for ya!


For our first Christmas celebration tonight, I plan on lighting as many Christmasy scented candles as possible and putting Home Alone on the tv in the background. Two of my favorite things. For as long as I can remember, my Dad is known as the "Brandy Alexander man" in his family during Christmas...that is, after the alcoholic drink. Not sure what a Brandy Alexander is?! It's creme de cocoa, brandy, and half and half mixed in with ice and put in the blender! It's strong, but good. If you make it, serve in little glasses friends-this drink goes a LONG way and you don't want family toppling over before 9pm hits {or do you? ;)}. So, he is sticking to the tradition and is going to make them for all of us tonight. Yum.


Here are some of my other favorite things
about Christmas...



1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate. I can honestly say I've never tried egg nog..it just looks gross.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Technically the elves wrap them and Santa delivers..but for question purposes, I'll go with Santa wraps!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?  When I was younger, I had a big fascination with colored lights, but now we prefer white on our tree. For the house, I like all different types, just not too much if you know what I mean {ie Griswolds?}.

 

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I haven't in our house yet. Maybe I need to next year!

5. When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving. This year I put some up before Thanksgiving but the mister wasn't a big fan of that. He likes to do them all at once and make a big night out of it.

 

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? How can I just pick one?! I love everything! Since this year I've become a vegetarian, I will probably eat at least 3 oversized portions of every delish side dish to make up for not having any meat.
 

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? This is a tough one. I have so many good memories with my parents. I would have to say getting our puppy, Shiver, was my favorite memory. Funny story about that name: my parents told me he was cold on Santa's sleigh when he was delivered to me and we needed to really hug him and cuddle him to make him warm again. When it came time for a name, I thought "C-c-c-c-cold" was most fitting. They didn't seem to agree, so I settled with Shiver. Gimme a break, I was like 6 or 7.


8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure I caught them putting the gifts under the tree. Simply terrifying I tell ya ;)

 

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? In high school one year, we started opening just one gift on Christmas Eve, but then we switched and opened all gifts on Christmas Eve because we would go to my Dad's side of the family for Christmas morning!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I love the sentimental ornaments from my childhood and also ones me and Billy have got together. Gotta add some bling on it, too.

 

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow - especially when we have white Christmases here! But if I had my way it would snow around Christmas, and then leave around the mid-end of January.



Last year I took this looking out one of our windows
 to the beautiful snow


and the snow on our street...



12. Can you ice skate? Yep! My first house growing up had a big pond in the backyard and when it froze over everyone in our neighborhood would skate on the ice! That is another favorite memory of mine.

 

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Go Go My Walking Pup as a child {LOVED that thing}, and typically anything that Billy gets nowadays is wonderful!



14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?  Spending quality time with family and remembering loved ones that have passed on.

 

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? As bad as it is for you, I've come to love/be obsessed with Pecan Pie. But let's be serious..I love any holiday dessert - cookies, peppermind bark, you name it.

Tumblr_lwej8ewlyk1qgujfno1_400_large


16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Making my Mom's lasagna while putting up our Christmas tree together and watching Christmas movies.

 

17. What tops your tree? A star

 

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Both..of course I love opening gifts, but I also love giving them and watching peoples reactions. I hate when people stare at me when I open gifts though..I get so nervous! ha ha

 

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?  Yum, but I don't really eat many of them!



20. Favorite Christmas show? Home Alone, Elf, Serendipity.
Serendipity%2520ii_large


21. Saddest Christmas Song? Any Amy Grant Christmas song makes me sad because I can still remember/hear my Mom singing them, but they also make me happy because they were her favorite and I enjoy the memories of her.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song?  any Amy Grant..for the above reason. Every year right after Thanksgiving {sometimes before}, I pop her holiday album in my CD player in my car and it typically stays in there until the end of January. It makes me feel like she's still here. sorry for the sappy last answer.


What are your Chritmas favorites?!
feel free to copy this little survey so I can learn
 more about you, too!

and if I don't talk to you before Christmas, I hope ALL of you have a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS

from Katie, Billy, and Rocky....







12.21.2011

A Black Peacoat {eShakti}



A couple weeks ago, Jennifer from eShakti contacted me about reviewing
one of the stores clothing items. Have you heard of eShakti? I hadn't at the time, but since then I've learned that it is such a unique store that I knew I wanted to try. eShakti is a unique womens clothing store online that offers custom changes in the style of the garment...like the sleeve, neckline, and length. It can all be costumized to your preference!

When I first heard that any garment can be customized, I figured it would take a lot longer to process and receive the product, but it turns out even the custom clothes are shipped within 3 days. Pretty awesome, right? eShakti has dresses, blouses, jackets/cardigans, and some really cute scarves!




The clothing item I picked was this wool black peacoat. A good black coat is essential in my closet since it gets really cold here in Ohio and it's perfect for not only work, but for nights out with my girlfriends. I actually wore this coat to the Columbus Blogger Meet Up that I posted about earlier this month. The coat isn't currently on their website, but will be back on it soon.





The coat exceeded my expections in that it fits me like a glove and is a lot warmer than I expected. I loved that I could put in my height and weight {you can even do bust size ladies} when I went to order, and it turns out it couldn't fit me any better. My favorite part of the coat is that it has 3 buttons on the side, instead of in the middle like you normally see, so it's really flattering in the midsection.

Now for the exciting part...

Jennifer is offering my readers $20.00 off anything on their website until December 31st.
{use the code: NOTES0811}

eShakti also offers free shipping.


This means that you can buy any of the following items below for $25 or less. A little holiday shopping for yourself? I'm not judging! ;) These are my personal favorites on the website that I'm wanting to order, but there is so many other items to pick from as well. Take a look how cute they are...









All of those are so afforable and cute! This is a great way to shop at eShakti
if you haven't got a chance to yet.

Happy shopping, friends!!
*eShakti did not pay me to write this review!
These are my own personal thoughts on the coat :)



 
PS: Want some awesome modern backgrounds for your iPhone?!
the wonderful Aly posted about them today & I thought I'd share with ya'll.
 They are so cute.
Download them here