Bring Back The Blogging!

Does anyone else feel like more and more bloggers are blogging less often the past few months? Surely I can't be the only one who has noticed this...

Today I vote for everyone to bring back the blogging.

Sure, I admit I have been blogging less the past couple months, but I do show up when I have something of value to say or something great to share with you all, and I definitely plan to up my game in the next month or so. Plus, I think all of us go through "blogging seasons" and have mini breaks from time to time. It's normal, I get it. I give a lot of credit to those who blog consistently year round. Personally, I have full intentions on staying and writing in this little space of mine because I still absolutely love it (which is pretty important) and enjoy connecting with everyone so much. Sorry to disappoint, but you can't get rid of this blogger!

I absolutely love reading others blog posts and connecting with you all outside of say, Instagram. I adore Instagram just like the next girl, but to me a good blog post can't be replaced with a picture. I still want to hear/see more! I read blogs everyday...it's so neat to be able to relate with so many people, see so many different cities, and hear about new products I never even knew existed. I know there have to be others out there that enjoy this as well? I hope?

Maybe it could be a group effort and if we all start trying a little harder then we will all start posting/reading each others posts more often and be inspired together. Or maybe I'm crazy and you can just skip on by this post like you never read it at all...

Anyone agree with me here? Anyone at all?

To wrap this random as can be post up, since I value my readers (you!) very very very much so, I'd love to know what type of posts you like to see here on KC&CO. Recipes//projects//lifestyle//health & fitness? On that same note, what are some of your favorite blogs out there so I can follow along too?!

Please let me know in the comments (thank you in advance to those that do-I've been replying via email but for those who don't have an email set up I will respond directly on my post!) and most importantly, thank you for reading and sticking by me all these years!

Tomorrow This Girl Gets To Meet....

 these two pretty ladies // bloggers:

Sarah (Total Basset Case)
 
and....

Katie (Married...With A Pup)

and I'm so excited. Obviously.
 I mean, who wouldn't be? 

I adore these two girls and have been following their blogs for so long it feels like.

So this is the only natural next step for us, right? 

Follow along for the fun via instagram (@katiewkrysh) if you'd like to!

Also-

As most of you have heard by now (talk about overkill), Google Reader is leaving us July 1st. So rude of them. I'm not sure how all of you follow my blog, but if you want to continue receiving my posts, you can follow me via Blog Lovin'! I would hate to lose contact with any of you!

What are you doing this weekend? Preparing for any 4th of July festivities?

Aside from meeting the girls, here's what is on my weekend agenda:
 A brunch planned with girlfriends on Sunday, Billy's cousin will be in town tomorrow, spend some time with my Dad, a date night with Billy, and hopefully I can squeeze in some pool time (weather pending-crossing my fingers!)

Have a fabulous weekend!

 

 

Some WOW Moments.

via
this just spoke to me and made me smile.

Hoorayyyy! 

It's finally Friday. If you didn't notice this then...
I don't know. But I guarantee you DID.

This week was awesome, but I'm tired and can't wait to get some sleep and have some fun this weekend.

I just wanted to say WOW, I loved all of your comments on my "Where You Reside" post the other day. I read every single one-trust me. Billy did too, actually. I loved seeing everyone's opinion and finding out where in the heck you live! Fun stuff.

Also, thank you to those who linked up yesterday and commented on the shelves!

We have gotten so much great feedback from those who have linked up saying they have made new friends and new favorite blogs from our link-up and that is AWESOME. Couldn't be happier.

I feel like I need to mention this.
I've decided to participate in NO BUY February.
What it means for me is no shopping for myself the entire month.
(technically, until March 2nd because I did buy one thing on Feb.1st)
Outside of "absolute necessities", that is.
I'm not going to not buy tampons or anything folks (sorry to any men reading). Those are a must have.
PRAY.FOR.ME.

I really want to do this and I know I can do it.
If I succeed (err-when I succeed) I want to implement it a couple other months out of the year.
Join me if you want! I'll let you know how I do the beginning of March. 

While I'm off catching up on your posts-
I'd like to point you in the general direction of these posts/bloggers that I enjoyed this week:

Katie made this cute, easy Valentine's day craft and I like that it involves flowers instead of a candle!

Go say hi to her and check it out.

Erin finally bit the bullet (after much convincing from myself) and got a juicer. 

She also shared some of her favorite juicing combinations.

Kristen talks about her progress with the yeast free diet. She has done so well!
I love a good health post.

Jessica and her husband made this awesome wood wall in their bedroom. 

This is my kind of project (as you know from our wood plank wall, our love headboard, and our shelves yesterday. Wow, maybe I need to take it easy with the wood projects...ha)

The other week Shay shared her office makeover that may or may not include a gold chevron wall. If you haven't seen this yet-you're missing out. Plain and simple. So awesome!

{have I told you I get to meet Kristen, Shay & DDHP when we go to TX next month? AH! So.much.excitement.}

There ya go...some reading material for your weekend!

If I didn't list your name-I loved so many posts this week that I might share yours in the future.

I'm off to make the most of this weekend...

Sleeping in, good eats, and family time (aka really low key) is what I'm envisioning!
 Winter is perfect for that, no?

BTW, you still have time to enter my Red Lobster giveaway. Yum yum!

How are you spending your weekend?
 

xo.

BEST OF 2012

I don't think I'm the only one thinking things like, "where in the world did the past year go?" or "is it seriously almost 2013?" Right? Glad we got that out of the way.

2012 went by incredibly fast. I feel like I should be still grilling out and drinking a Corona light on our back deck.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to not only look back at what I accomplished this year, but look at some of my favorite posts I wrote for every month. If you're new around here {even if you aren't}, maybe these will help you get to know me a little better, as some of them are not just recipes/projects but personal.

Here we go!

January 

My Adoption Journey

Vegetarian Lifestyle {Staples}

-speaking of, I will be a pescatarian 2 years this upcoming March! Crazy.

Recipe: 4 Bean Chili and Roasted Chickpea Tacos {a fav in our household!}

  February

 A Very Blogger Vacay: Part 1 

-First time meeting Steph! So exciting! {there are also parts 2 and 3}

 1,000 is kind of a big deal

-a happy point when I hit 1,000 followers on this blog :)

March

 

Beauty Tips for Glowing Skin  

Billy's Fan Club ;) 

Healthy Vegetarian Substitutes 

Makeup Routine 

April

 

Easter 

{ft. Billy's manly "basket"}

DIY First Dance Frame

 

No Bake Energy Bites

 May

Our Deck Makeover

 

Memorial Day Weekend Blate: Part 1

{for my birthday! also a part 2} 

 June

My husband

{sappy}

My Office

 

Journal of Gratitude

July

 

4th of July
Christmas in July at Put in Bay
-our time at the lake/cottage!

 

August

Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan Concert

Travel to {Boston}

Two Years

September

 

California Trips:

Lake Tahoe

Napa Valley

San Francisco & Carmel

 

DIY Wood Planked Wall

October

 

Our Kitchen Transformation

 Recipe: Southwest Zucchini Boats
 

Marmon Valley: Horseback Riding

November

 

Saw It Pinned It Did It: DIY Glitter Shoes,  

Brie & Apple Tarts, Turkey Place Cards & Thanksgiving Banner

Thankfulness + Banana Almond Smoothie

 

I Mustache You A Question 

{little man baby shower!}

Candy Buckeyes

{it's safe to say I did A LOT of baking in November....}

December

 

A {2ND} Call For Help

-we raised $1,000 for Maggie!

How To Spot A Blogger

Recipe: No Bake Oreo Balls

Beauty Faves: Hair Care

DIY Window Pane Decor

A Merry "Krysh"mas

Dear 2012,

It's clear I was way more busy in the summer than the other months.

And in the fall/winter? I baked up a storm.
I also realized how much better I look with a tan, so winter, could you please hurry up?
Girlfriend needs some color and stat!

You were good to me. Very good. 
 It was a truly wonderful, rewarding year!

 Cheers to accomplishing this much + more in 2013 and thank you for another 5 day weekend this weekend. I've become quite good at mastering the art of relaxation.

Love,

Me.

PS: Starting the new year off right by only having to work one day next week...
Cha-CHING!

BIG THINGS POPPIN'

Two muy importante things today, friends!

By the way, happy friday to each and every one of you.

If many of my sentences are run-ons, please forgive me, we went to Circleville's Pumpkin Festival last night and I'm still in a food coma. Something about fried cheese, pumpkin chili, a funnel cake, and a fried twinkie...I don't know. I do know we are crossing things off my fall to-do list left and right. ::Thumbs up::

Numero Uno:

My little bff Texan, Steph, and I are hosting a new link-up!! In fact, it's both of ours first time hosting one. I KNOW! This is huge. We wanted to give you all some notice so that you can link-up with us every Thursday, starting NEXT Thursday, or we will unfollow your blogs.

I'm kidding.

We will only threaten that.

But we would appreciate it if you guys would join along in the fun with us! It's going to be awesome. So, you're probably wanting some details? OK, that is a reasonable request. 

For quite some time, Pinterest has taken over our lives and made recipes in the kitchen easier to come by, DIY projects easier to do and understand {thank you to the creative ladies and gentleman out there for sparking my mind with ideas!}, etc. and we wanted a way to keep track of all the fun things we've found and learned/completed from this genius website.

That is where: *Saw It, Pinned It, Did It!* comes in.

You know that project that you've always wanted to make? Or maybe one you have already made and are proud of? Link it up with us! It's a great way to hold yourself accountable (especially during this next holiday season when the DIY projects are overflowing)...to start and finish a project! Plus, you get to show it off with us...the best part, obviously.

*We just want you to post the original pin (and source) and how you made it your own! It can be anything from a DIY craft, a makeover in your house, a recipe, an outfit you were inspired to try, etc. You could even link up a past project you completed. You have until next Thursday to complete something--so get on it, ladies. Pahlease. :)

I mean, why wouldn't you want to link-up with us?

We only look/act like this on the weekends.

{or do we?}

Numero Dos:

Do you follow Shannon at GBO Fashion? I think I've mentioned her before, but girls, she is one of the good ones. She is one of those blogs I instantly felt connected with because her personality shines through and she is HILARIOUS and on top of that-she has killer fashion sense.

Well, I'm lucky enough to be featured in her "Style Crush" series today, and think you should go give her a visit. She drilled me with about 15 questions and you can go read about my answers: HERE.

You'll love her blog--just letting you know ahead of time. Oh, and let me know what you think about my outfit:

{Outfit details: Dress: H&M (old-this is similar), Vest: Old Navy (similar), Belt: F21, Sunnies: Ray Bans, Boots: DSW (similar)}

and you may see some of this...

"sometimes, THIS happens"

Have a wicked {thanks October for making this OK} weekend!

This weekend we plan on seeing Taken 2 (we loved the first one) and going to our local pumpkin patch! We're even bringing Rocky, like we did last year, because it's not a family trip without our little guy. We are thoroughly enjoying this Fall season, can you tell?

PS-I'll be back next Friday with my "around the www" sharing more blog inspiration.

Promise.

Everyday Inspiration {via Blog World}

Emily's blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere, was one of the first blogs I ever followed. In fact, I loved her blog so much, it was the only one I really looked forward to reading everyday. (I didn't read many back at this point, so don't be offended.) I would save it for during my lunch break at work (anyone else do this?), so that I could read it while I ate and take my time. She has inspired me so much and made so much out of her blog, so it was a no-brainer for me to purchase her book that just recently came out.


I actually read it and finished it recently in one sitting. The book is awesome and extremely motivating. Emily shares some great tips about transitioning your closet between the seasons, which was one of my favorite parts.


Today, I'd like to share some other blogs that truly motivate me and keep me feeling inspired (all for different reasons!), in hopes they will inspire you, too!
*this is just a small fraction of blogs that I love and aside from the blogs I link to all the time that you already know about.


Enjoying The Small Things: If you do not know Kelle yet...what rock have you been living under? Head there now!
Gal Meets Glam: she is seriously too cute for words, am I right?
Centsational Girl
Running on Happiness
Living In Yellow
rockstar diaries
Life Is A Sunset: Chelsea also lost her mom to breast cancer and has continually inspired me with her positive outlook.
My Life in Food: see below
The Hungry Runner Girl
Don't Waste Your Cancer
House of Smiths

You should definitely go check these ladies out, if you haven't visited their blogs before.
Now, tell me, what blogs inspire you?
I love finding new blogs to follow, so please speak up and share with me. 


*In addition to the link love listed above, here is a link to my favorite green smoothie right now. Krista, from My Life in Food, has some of the most amazing recipes and she hit this one out of the park {link here} 

*I'm also on Meghan's blog today (another great girl) sharing a health/fitness post. Go check it out and report back about if you agree with me or not! :)


...and if you wanna know what item I'm crossing off my bucket list soon, come back tomorrow. Eek!

make it a great day
xo.

1,000 is kind of a BIG deal...

Shut the front door.

Is this for real?!

Happy Friday to me.

Thank you just doesn't cut it.

But for the record, thank you.

Thank you to everyone who reads KC&CO,

everyone who leaves loving comments,

everyone who supports me.

I always wondered when 1,000 followers would come

and hoped I would still love blogging as much as I did

at day one.

Well, the verdict is out...

I DO.

...more even.

I will definitely celebrate this tonight

with a glass (or 2) of wine at dinner

when I'm chowing down on (veg) lettuce wraps @ PF Changs with the hubs.

Then, I will celebrate by painting one of our guest rooms

to prepare for my blogger visitors in the next few months. ;)

then maybe I will bust a move...

and wish I were still wearing those comfy yellow pants

that are BBFT's (they are so fashionable, right?).

...He WILL give these to me one day, he just doesn't know it yet...

Here's my photo dump Friday!

feel free to join me- just drop your Instagram pictures in a collage on Picnik.

follow me on Instagram: @whalenkat

Yesterday, Billy's grandma passed away.

 She was 86 and such a sweet, sweet lady. I will never forget how much she favored Billy..it was so cute. She would always just look at him, and tell him how handsome he was. She's right. We will miss her dearly. Her services are scheduled for later this weekend, so we will be traveling to Cleveland in the next day or two.

Thank you for all your kind messages!

What are your weekend plans?

I leave you for the weekend with this.

Thank you, Erica.

#love #pomobsessed

Xo.



To My Readers & TWT



Attention my lovely readers... yes, YOU...

I've noticed a few of you that leave me tha sweetest comments on my posts (bless your hearts) but when I go to reply, I can't because you don't have your e-mail attached to your Blogger profile. It's simple to change and gives me a chance to respond back to you! So if this applies to YOU...GO right now to your Blogger profile and add your email address to it :)

I read each and every comment you all leave me and really do appreciate them. Also, if I suck at commenting on your blogs please leave me a message telling me I suck and to give your blog some lovin'!

Secondly... I need some feedback.

 I've been wondering lately what you would like to see more of on my blog.

I always told myself I would keep this blog true to WHO I am and why I started it in the first place and that's not changing (did you get your hopes up?), but with that being said, I do appreciate all of you who have read about this life of mine and would like a little feedback!

What do you like to see me talk about the most?

1. My normal everyday life (does this put you to sleep? fess up!)

2. Healthy recipes and Workout info

3. DIY projects

4. Food (just because it's awesome)

4. Married life

5. Fashion finds

soooo...what will it be?! how do I entertain you? or do I at all?

 You better leave me a comment and gimme some feedback or I WILL be visiting your blogs today scolding you! tisk tisk ;)

Now it's time for another edition of Tail Wagging Tuesdays with Cassie!

This weeks topic is: Treats!

Would it surprise you if I told you Rocky eats just like his momma?

I hope not! A little heffer that boy is...err actually he's not overweight at all, but he does LOVE his treats..especially PEANUT BUTTER treats (again - he is my child)

At almost 4 years old (omg my baby is growing up) he still gets a treat everytime he "rings" the bell and goes potty. These are his favorite little treats and I swear if the stores stop making them I will protest for my fur baby.....

Blue Dog Bakery - Peanut Butter flavor

nom nom nom!

Rocky will do about 11 twirls (you know, where he spins around and around and around like a goofball...sadly I don't have a pic of this) to get one of those bad boys!

His other favorite treat are these..

Pup-Peroni's!

I also give him a Greenie bone or Busy Bone about every 3-4 days as a special treat. Since he is so small, I don't like giving him too tooo much because I'm paranoid about hurting his tummy and want him to live a long healthy life (I realize how strange I sound).

He does get spoiled with the occasional peanut butter in his bowl every now and then though ;)

Gimmeee a friggin' treat ma..I'm sittin pretty!

(that's the look that gets me everytime..)

Have a great Tuesday and don't forget to give me feedback or ELSE!!

xo. katie

Monster Monday

Green Monster Monday...to be exact.

Now wait...before you go clicking the big "X" to leave my blog...I know this picture may look gross, but I can promise you this girl would NOT drink anything that is disgusting for breakfast!!

 Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, you know.

Have you heard of a Green Monster?

 I just discovered this different type of smoothie and decided that I'd give it a GO!!

I am working on incorporating more veggies in my diet (I love them but it can be hard to get those daily servings!) and I am a HUGE smoothie/shake fan so I thought I'd kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Here's the recipe.

Don't be scurred of the spinach in it, ladies :)

Green Monster

~2-3 cups spinach (for your first one, you can use a little less to get used to the taste)

~1 banana

~2-3 strawberries

~3/4 cup of milk (I use Silk's unsweetened almond milk)

~Truvia sweetner

~Ice

Blend all those suckers together.

Voila!!

It only has 200 calories and is good for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

**I want to hear from atleast one of you ladies {especially all you upcoming brides that are being extra healthy - you know who you are!!} that you tried this soo go on and get to it!!**

One thing before I go...

THANK YOU to the sweet CMae {like how I used your colors?) over at Live What You Love for picking my blog for the "This Blog Rocks" link up!!

It means a lot to me that you guys enjoy reading my blog and I hope that some of you new ladies or gents that come across my blog from this link up will enjoy my blog, too! :)

Have a great Monday!