1.31.2013

SPD: OPERATION STORAGE {+VIEW OF OUR ROOM}


Hello friends!
Our internet at our house has been terrible...slow and barely working. 
Gotta love when that happens, right? It sucks actually. A lot. But you knew this.

I still got my post in today for SPD and I decided to switch it up a bit!

Last week it seemed like everywhere I looked (aka read on blogs) there were awesome organizing ideas that made me feel extremely unorganized in our house. I felt like I needed to step up my game a bit ever since I decided I would stay more organized this year (I will keep it, I will keep it...) 

So, I did what any logical woman would do....
I went to World Market to stock up on some baskets that I had big plans for.

{from instagram: follow me if you'd like @katiewkrysh}

In our master bedroom we have a walk-in closet, but it is not nearly enough for all my clothes,
and let's not even talk about my poor shoes. I'm 97% sure I have them in our other two guest bedroom closets as well (#girlproblems). I wanted to use the baskets I got to clear up some space in it so not only I could feel more organized, but allow Billy to have more than one teeny tiny section in it! 

My inspiration for one basket came from this pin:


Storing flats in a basket...why didn't I think of that?!
Easy and such a cute display!

Obviously there isn't much to this project, but I can't tell you how much better it works for me.

First of all, I ended up throwing out a few pairs of flats that were old and just taking up space because I wasn't wearing them. So I scored some extra space and got rid of some things...progress my friends.

Now-I keep this basket with the flats I wear the most often in a corner in our room by our mirror and I can see/find all of them so easily! It's much easier when pairing outfits and saves time because I don't have to search through our closet (or closets) for that certain pair.

 I also kinda sorta love the chalkboard sign (it's always the little details, right?) 






Another idea I had when I saw a wire hanging shelf in World Market was to use it to store my lightweight scarves. Scarves don't take up a whole lot of room, but when you have an out of control collection it starts to add up. I love the look of this basket in our room (goes with our decor well) and it helped clear up even more space in our closet. Double win.


Since I was on a roll, I decided to clean up my nightstand a bit.
I always like to switch up what I keep on my nightstand...makes it more pretty and fun!
So here's what it looks like at the moment...

 


The sign is pretty fitting, don't you think? :)

We also have this sunburst mirror (from Target) nearby...

I plan on sharing more of our bedroom (you can see more like the wood plank wall we did: here!) 
once we get new bedding, but I'm saving that for the spring!

I've noticed a theme that keeps popping up in my mind after organizing (especially closet related items) is that if I can't see it, I tend to forget I have it. That's how I know both of these baskets and how I'm using them is going to work for me. Sadly I just wish I would've figured this out sooner! I'm sure Billy does too so that he could've had more room all along. ;)

How do you keep your closet/room more organized?
 Share your tips!

Alright.
You know the drill ladies....
 {and if not-here's the details! Join us!}

the fine print:
+Link up using the linky tool below.
+Link back to Steph and I's blogs in your post so other people can know about the link up!
+Include the button below by pasting the HTML into your post. Pwetty please?

Here's some fun ways to share your project with us: Post it on instagram with the hastag: "#SPDlinkup"
 and also share it on twitter. If you tag me (@katiewkrysh), I will RT your post! :)



1.30.2013

VALENTINE'S DAY: FOR YOUR MAN


For your man


Girls-how impossible are men (sometimes) to shop for?
Men (Dad's you are even harder)-why are you so hard to shop for? 

With Valentine's day coming up, I wanted to share some ideas on what to get the man in your life. 
Some items that you can buy, but also ideas of things you can make. 
The more thoughtful the gift... the better (imo).

Anniversary balloons tied with love notes
 via

You're probably wondering why I have a random picture of balloons up there in that collage.
It's not because of the cute zebra print...I can tell you that much ;)
Have you thought of attaching reasons why you love him on the ends and putting them in your bedroom, or really anywhere in your home? I saw this idea on Pinterest (are we really surprised at this point?) and thought it was really cute and fun!

As for the other crafts I have listed above-I included the beer 'basket' that you might remember me making for Billy last Easter. This craft works for any holiday though and would be perfect for Valentine's Day! You could even decorate it and personalize it a bit more. All you do is fill it up with your man's favorite things!

Personalized Coffee mugs is another cute idea, especially if you just got married and got your pictures back. You could have one of your wedding pictures put on it for him with your wedding date.
 
Lastly, the shop FlytrapOnE on Etsy has some seriously adorable (and pretty naughty ones as well...) cards and love notes. As most of you know, I'm a big fan of little love notes and I think it would be nice to make a little personalized box for him. Check out the shop here


 What are you planning on getting or making your man for Valentine's Day?
Have any other awesome ideas I need to know about?

See you tomorrow for SPD!
Hope YOU will be linking up for it. :)

*Don't forget to enter my Poshlocket giveaway if you missed it yesterday!


1.29.2013

POSHLOCKET (+A GIVEAWAY-CLOSED)


Hey hey hey ladies.

You know it doesn't take much for me to fall in love with jewelry.
Especially jewelry that is affordable, has great customer service, and is from an overall good company!


If you haven't been obsessed met Poshlocket yet, allow me to introduce you two...




I fell in love with this Felicity Arrow Necklace (only $22 and in other colors) instantly.
It was a done deal.
Same with these Fiona Cubic Studs (in CHAMP)..how pretty are they?!

 Poshlocket brings you the hottest fashion jewelry at a nice price point and everything is such high quality.
Both of the items I received above are amazing quality and seem like they would be much 
more expensive than their price tag!
I can tell they will last me a long time and hey, that's pretty awesome in my book.

Guess what else?
Poshlocket also has free shipping and free returns on all US orders.
LOVE that!

 I wore the necklace over the weekend and I got so many compliments on it...
 outfit details // top: Kiki La Rue, jeans: the Limited, boots: Urban OG (last year), watch: Wristology, bracelets: Style love living and F21.


Some of my other favorites (that are now on my must-have list) are these....

The good news for you today is that Poshlocket is giving away one item to one of you!
In fact, you get to pick your favorite piece from their shop.

Here's how you can win:

Required entries-
+Follow Keep Calm and Carry On
+"Pin" your favorite item (at least one) to Pinterest 

**The item you pin is the item you will WIN if you're the lucky winner!**
 Pretty awesome, right?

Extra entries-
+Follow Keep Calm and Carry On on Facebook
+Leave a comment below telling me if you like gold or silver jewelry better! (I love both)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry below. 
The giveaway will be open until Sunday and announced here and via email (by random) on Monday!

GOOD LUCK!

And go check out Poshlocket in the mean time.
I guarantee you'll fall in {retail} love like I did!


1.28.2013

Sometimes It's OK To Act Like A Little Kid....


Sometimes Billy and I like to explore our city and do things that tourists might do if they were visiting here. We always talk about how we research/do so many fun things in other cities on vacation, but yet there is probably still a lot in Columbus that we haven't done (even though I've lived here my whole life ::shameful::). Last weekend I mentioned we won tickets to COSI (big award winning science center here) and lunch in German Village afterwards, so this weekend we decided to take advantage of the free tickets and go on a "day date" through our city. 

Both of us have already been to COSI (you know, back in the school field trip days) but it's changed a lot since then so we knew it would be different and fun. We may or may not have been one of 2 couples of our age (that we noticed) there, but hey-who says adults can't get in on all this action?! 




{an exhibit area called Progress where it takes you back in time and you can see how we have progressed through the years-loved this exhibit.}


The place we went out to eat after is called Schmidt's Sausage Haus and Restaurant and it was actually featured on Man vs. Food! Schmidt's has amazing German food (the bahama mama is what they're known for), but the whole time I had my eye on this guy. Their massive cream puff's the size of your head. Fact: this is NOT clean eating.


 the German beers are not for kids ;)


We had so much fun on our day date and I'm just so thankful I have days (especially in the winter cold when there's not much to do) to spend with my best friend doing different things! :) 

Our Saturday night ended up at my gym where I put Billy to work on the circuit workout I featured last week and then we relaxed in the massive hot tub. Hot tubs are way underrated. Essential to my winter happiness (that and massive amounts of Vitamin D supplement-who's with me?)



I also got to snuggle with these two boys a lot....


 and...

 
 baby Maddox. 
Both equally as cute and exactly what the weekends are for, right? :)

Billy also has been working on an awesome DIY that I'm excited to share with you soon! 

How was your weekend?
Go link up with Sami and tell us! 


PS: Got the VINE app? Yours truly just signed up and I posted my first video this morning. 
Find me at: katiewkrysh.  

PPS: Come back tomorrow for a pretty, pretty, prettyyy giveaway!!

 

1.25.2013

HERE WE GO AGAIN.


Another fabulous Friday.
TGIF party people!
I'm watching the snow come down (pretty hard actually) and can't help but want to be
 snuggled up in my bed. Don't we all?
We don't have much planned this weekend and I'm thrilled with that.
 We are planning on doing a few small things like going to COSI and lunch downtown afterwards, 
delivering my girlfriend Marissa (who just had baby Maddox) a meal, 
and having pizza night but besides that it's all open!

Also, just wanted to say thanks to all of you who linked up with us yesterday! 
I love seeing the link-up grow and all the cool things you made. 
It's great so thank you for that! If you haven't participated yet, well shame on you. ;) 

Here are 5 things I'm currently enjoying right now:

Brown blonde hair
 this hair color.
I'm not sure if I could ever pull it off, but it's pretty awesome.

Easy Appetizer – Hummus Cups With Cucumber And Tomato
 hummus cups with cucumber and tomato
recipe and source

lc lauren conrad: sheer polka top top in black + white
 LC in general. I love her.
 
 bookcase styling
this bookcase and how it's styled. 

Stripes
 this perfect weekend outfit.

What are you doing this weekend?
ENJOY IT!

PS: If you want a really cute iphone home screen ( free)-go here.
In case you missed it:


1.24.2013

SPD: CAKE BATTER ENERGY BARS


Hap hap happy fri-ursday! 
Fri-ursday = not quite yet friday, but still equally as awesome
because of Saw It. Pinned It. Did It that it feels almost like Friday.
You got me? ;)

If you're new around here-please join in on the fun with me and Steph!
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3: Find something that inspires you on Pinterest, pin it,
then make it your own and share with the world us.
Then, you can blog hop and spy on all the other amazing things everyone else made
and get even more inspiration that you never thought was possible.

Let's get into it.

My inspiration for my post today came from two words: cake batter
and then this picture first seen on Pinterest.....
(no-bake) Cake Batter Energy Bars! 
 via

They look ridiculously good, right?
And since they have cake batter in the name-it just makes them that much more awesome.
I'm down to make anything with those words in the name.

Well, I'm here to report that they ARE ridiculously good.
And guess what else? They are NO BAKES, too!

FYI-These bars can even be gluten free! 

Cake Batter Energy Bars
(source and inspiration from: here)

+1 cup rice crispies (brown or white, or certified gf) 
+packed 1/2 cup oat flour 
+1 tsp pure vanilla extract
+1/4 tsp salt
+3 tbsp roasted cashew butter
+5 tbsp agave (Honey will work, but is not for strict vegans.)
optional: a handful of sprinkles
optional: replace up to half of the oat flour with your favorite protein powder


Combine all dry ingredients and stir well.
In a separate (large) bowl, combine wet and stir to form a thin paste.
 (If your cashew butter is cold, warm it a little for easier mixing.)
 Pour dry into wet (not the other way around), and stir until evenly coated.
Line a baking dish or tupperware container with a large piece of wax paper and pour the mixture
 into the dish.
Fold the extra paper over the mixture and squish down as hard as you possibly can!
Use a heavy object to really press it down. (The mixture will fill a 7×5, or about 2/3 of an 8×8.)
Stick in the fridge or freezer to harden before cutting into bars.
Store in the fridge or freezer. Makes 6 bars.

*140 calories in one bar. 




What do you think? Will you give these a try?!
You're turn to show us what you got!

Here's some fun ways to share your project with us: Post it on instagram with the hastag: "#SPDlinkup"
 and also share it on twitter. If you tag me (@katiewkrysh), I will RT your post! :)

the fine print:
+Link up using the linky tool below.
+Link back to Steph and I's blogs in your post so other people can know about the link up!
+Include the button below by pasting the HTML into your post. Pwetty please?



1.23.2013

VALENTINES DAY GOODIES: FOR YOU




Valentines day for you

  


Woo! Wednesday already!
This week is flying by and I can't complain.

 I had some requests for Valentine's Day gift ideas (for you and your man-that one will come next week!) on many different budgets that I thought I'd share today because it looks like it'll be here before we know it (not complaining there either-come on Spring!). Typically, we don't do anything crazy for this holiday, and the gifts I appreciate the most are the thoughtful ideas that Billy comes up with on his own. However, that's not to say you wouldn't appreciate something special and can't hint at your guy for some of these wonderful things. OR..you could just treat yourself to one of these-we deserve it, right? There are some inexpensive items up there for as low as $12 and then there's some really pretty jewelry pieces that cost a bit more (nothing too crazy!). 

I just got the Gomax heels (center) in the mail and am SO excited to wear them!
They can be worn with so much and I've really wanted a style like that since last summer.
{size DOWN if you order them!}

 On top of all of those goodies..I have something even more special to share.
 If you're wanting to give your significant other an awesome and unique gift idea, you should show him Helzberg Diamonds new INFINITY X INFINITY collection. This 21 piece collection is inspired by the hit TV show "Revenge" and offers the perfect gift on any budget (prices range from $49.99 to $999.99).

 Personally, I love the mantra behind this collection: “I love you infinity times infinity.” 
So cute and perfect for Valentine's Day!
Pictured is the INFINITY X INFINITY Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver.

I love how different the necklace is and also what it symbolizes. It's kinda pretty too.. :)
Basically, you can't go wrong with any of them!
You can shop online or in Helzberg Diamonds' stores nationwide.

Before you get your shop on, I know most of you have heard about this but if not-don't forget to shop first with Ebates so you earn cash back on all your purchases. It's a must. 
I've earned so much money back in just a year that I've been using it...it adds up friends!
Sign up here.

What are you loving for Valentine's Day?

I will have some gift ideas for the man in your life next week!

Come back tomorrow for the greatest link-up in all the land (I might be biased)-SPD! 
Mine involves the words: cake batter. So that means it is guaranteed to be good.
Just saying.

xo.

1.22.2013

WHAT NOT TO DO AT THE GYM



 Gym

Happy Tuesday!

I see some weird things while at the gym and I'm sure you guys do too. Some of them are just downright hilarious, and some that make me question what in the world they are doing. Just for the record...I think it's great you're at the gym in the first place, but at least pay attention to what you're doing there!

1. Walk around aimlessly. Before you get to the gym, have a plan for how you're going to spend you're time there. Are you going to do the elliptical, run 3 miles, ride the bike, take a workout class, etc? The more specific you make it, the more likely you'll get it done.

2. This goes hand in hand with #1. There are certain advantages to working out with a friend (more motivation, someone to help you stick to your goals), but there's also disadvantages. You are less focused on your workout and can be distracted if both of you are chatterboxes. Don't just sit there and chat it up for 30 minutes mid workout or pause every other minute to talk. Experts say if you are truly focused on the exercise you are performing, your results will be better and I believe that 110%.

 stay focused and work hard

3. Punch the machine you're on. Once a guy next to me was literally punching the crap out of the treadmill he was on. I kept trying to figure out why one would do this-but couldn't come up with much. I know the treadmill can suck at times, but honestly, what will punching it do?

4. Wear your hair down while running. AHHH! This one drives me up a wall. How can you possibly run well, and hard, with your long hair down swaying back and forth? If you're concerned about looking like a lady, then you're focus is ALL wrong. You're at the gym...look like it.


5. Talk on your cell phone. If it's an emergency and you step away from the machine you're using-then OK, that's understandable otherwise-just no. N-o.

 Gym

6. Skip a shower for the last 4 or 5 days and then decide to hit up the gym. Please...oh please...be aware of your body odor. There are still people next to you that don't want to have to move from a machine to another machine mid workout because of your stench. (This has happened countless times to me...)

7. Talk to others about how tired you are, how you shouldn't be there, etc. Don't make excuses! This isn't motivating to you or the person you are talking to. Mentally work through whatever you're complaining about, and get your workout done! You'll be glad that you did.

workout quotes posters

Workout/gym quotes


Oh, I found this mini workout you can do from home that I thought I would share. 
 Give it a try today!

 no gym needed.

Do you have any gym pet peeves? 
I hope I'm not the only one here!
PS: Like I said earlier, this isn't to bring anyone down per say, 
just to talk about how you can spend your time wisely at the gym. :) 

xo.