Saturday, October 29, 2011

I Heart Organizing

I really do heart organizing.  The Container Store is like my Disneyland.  If I had more time, money and resources, I'd start at the top of my house and work my way down organizing every nook and cranny.  When I got to the bottom, I'd start all over again.  Each spring, my husband rolls his eyes when I ask him if he is ready to re-organize our house.  He politely humors me with an hour of his time to re-evaluate, re-fold and re-organize his drawers and closet, and then lets me have free reign on the rest of the house.  My problem is that I'm not willing to invest the money necessary to accommodate and organize our "stuff" in a house that I hope to move out of somewhere in the not-so-distant future.  So, every spring, with as little money as necessary to satisfy my organizing needs, I re-arrange and re-work my shelves, bins, closets and trunks to try to tidy up my house so I can live another year in an un-cluttered and order-proned house.

Unfortunately, Goosey likes clutter, messes and disorder.  I hate that toys and blocks have taken over my living room (and kitchen and bedroom and basement), and I'm ready to put an end to it.


Evidence of the chaos.

The madness continues

This is actually my fault.  Years of work went into making these math binders for teaching.  It'll take me YEARS to part with them!

Imagine my complete delight when I came across this blog: IHeart Organizing.  I giddily read entry after entry, realized that Jen has an awesome sense of style and can totally transform a room into something magical (check out her home tour).  Just wait until you see how she turned a $15 thrift store table into an awesome activity table! Jen has inspired me to attempt to create a play space as awesome as the one she created for her sons (check out her Kid's Playroom).

I love that she uses affordable and clever techniques to make a space that is fun and appealing for her kids.  With a space for everything and everything in its space the kids can have an awesome time playing and creating knowing that clean-up will be a breeze.  And a clean play space = a happy mom!

I'll be sure to blog about my experience trying to turn the little "no man's land" in our basement into an appropriate play space for Goosey and Prince.

In the meantime, I need some MAJOR help organizing my pantry!


Hugs to our followers,
LC

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Pumpkins!

Pumpkin carving time! Joe and I broke out are crazy carving skills this week.  Out of three pumpkins, we (meaning I) only messed up one of them!



I say they are a success. Now, if we only got trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood then Halloween would be perfect.

Happy Halloween everyone!

~Kc

P.S. And yes, I do have  halloween apron. I had to wear for the carving.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

No one's got it all...

I was just having a conversation with my sister-in-law the other day about how great Regina Spektor is. If you aren't a fan, you should be- she's amazing (girl power)!!! I like to listen to lots of her music this time of year, fall into winter type of tunes. Just thought I'd share this little video today since I've been listening to her a ton and I love "500 Days of Summer" (JGL you are a delight!).


There, now you're a fan too!
~M

Wish List



In my family, we start Christmas lists early. Usually by August, I have a pretty good idea of things that will make me squeal with delight come December.

A few months ago, I told my mom I wanted candle stick holders for my new kitchen table. I searched and I searched and I searched and nothing caught my fancy. Until this...

I lllllllllooooooovvvvveeee the mint green color and the ornate look. I can imagine this being a permanent fixture on my kitchen table (of course mine will be fashioned with candle sticks, obvi, instead of tea cups).

Hey, Saint Nick--this may not be easy to find, but I would love you SO much if you left this for me under the Christmas tree this year. Pretty please!

xoxo,

Kate



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Halloween Linzer Cookies

My in-laws were visiting a few weeks ago and that means an opportunity to make some yummy goodies.  (Like I need an excuse to bake?!)  My mom had bought me some linzer cookie cutters last year so I thought now was a good time to make them.  I decided to make sugar cookies and a simple confectioner sugar icing. They were delicious!




These were so easy and simple. I will definitely be doing this again. I have a set of autumn and Christmas linzer cutouts. I can see so many variations to this!

~Kc

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Frog Prince

Here's my version of the story:


Once upon a time, a mean witch cast a spell upon a Prince.

He was turned into a frog.


To break the spell, he needed a kiss from a beautiful princess.


The Prince and Princess rode off into the sunset on their trike.


And they lived happily ever after.


Hugs to our followers (especially KC and M for the adorable baby presents),
LC

Friday, October 21, 2011

NC State Fair is here!

The State Fair is open this week in Raleigh, NC. I love the fair. I love the noise, the sounds, the people watching and the food (duh). 

I went on Sunday with my husband, his dad and stepmother, his sister and her cute little daughter.  Unfortunately, I failed to bring my camera...again.  I swear, I will tether that thing to me one of these days.

However, I am fortunate enough to work fairly close to the fair grounds so my coworkers and I went to the fair for lunch the other day.  I am stealing these photos from my friend, Megan.  Thank goodness for her iPhone!








I am glad the fair only lasts for 10 days. Otherwise, I'd be broke and weigh a million pounds.  But I look forward to October every year so that I can have my caramel apple, pulled pork sandwich, elephant ear, roasted corn...or whatever deep fried yumminess is worth wrecking a diet.  I'm already looking forward to next year.

~Kc

When Harry Met Lucy







"It is so nice when you can sit with someone and not have to talk."  
                          -Harry Burns from When Harry Met Sally


Hugs to our followers,
LC

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Germany in Pictures






1. Outdoor German Market Area
2. Oktoberfest Wooden Barrel of Beer
3. Remember this? On my bucket list was to drink beer at Oktoberfest. Okay, technically, I was about a week late but I think it still counts.
4. The courtyard of the Glockenspiel
5. Me (on the right) and my traveling buddies visiting the Hofbrauhaus.
6. Many cars were parked like this throughout Munich. I can't imagine people getting away with this in DC!

xoxo,

Kate

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Beer, Wiener Schnitzel, and Pretzels





Any avid followers of this blog know that my diet pretty much consists of peanut butter, vegetables, and milk but while in Munich, I dined on some scrumptious Bavarian food that took my taste buds on a culinary adventure.

In my family, we have a {rather grotesque} saying that we like "anything in a casing". And so you can imagine I was in heaven surrounded by unlimited options of Knackwurst, Bratwurst, Weisswurst to name just a few.

I drank beer like it was water, ate more German chocolate than necessary and consumed a soft pretzel at every meal (literally every meal...even breakfast). It was wonderful.

I left Germany with more than I started...more pounds, that is. But it was well worth it.

xoxo,
Kate

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Boo!

I love Halloween. I know there are some that don't like it (I won't single anyone out, wink wink) but I do love the fun of it. I have always enjoyed coming up with costume ideas, decorating, carving pumpkins, and, of course, eating the candy! 

There are some cute Halloween ideas on Pinterest. I wish our house wasn't on the market so I could throw a party!

Pinned Image
Found at Martha Stewart


Pinned Image
Found here


Pinned Image
Found here


Pinned Image
Found here


Follow me on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/jmuheels

~kc

My Son's Namesake

I think about my grandfather often. 
 He was lovable, and huggable, and funny.  
He could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and walk away from it with a new friend.  
My wish is that my son will grow up to become just like him: a hard-working, successful, deliriously happy man who always puts his faith and family above all else. 


                                                 






       



 Here's to a life well lived and one we will always remember!
We miss you, Pop!

Hugs to our followers,
LC

Monday, October 17, 2011

Master Plan


I love Guiliana Rancic.  I think she is adorable, down-to-earth and beautiful.  I was so sad to hear her news about being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Watch the whole video.  Her outlook on this diagnosis (and her life in general) is amazing.  I wish that if and when I have to endure something of this magnitude, I will have the same positive attitude that she does.

Hugs to our followers (and a great big hug for Guiliana!),
LC

Germany!






When my boss first mentioned that I might be traveling to a work conference in Munich, I didn't let myself get too excited for fear the trip would be cancelled and I'd be disappointed.

But once the ticket had been booked, I started dreaming of my European fun and checking the weather on an almost-manic frequency.

If I had to describe the visit in one word, I'd say "amazeballs" (This is actually the first time I've ever used that word but I hope that signifies just how awesome this trip was). Don't get me wrong--we worked hard. Then, we got to play hard.

Even though it was chilly and rainy, I fell in love with Munich. I met some really great people. I shopped and explored and tried to soak up the experience. It had been over 11 years since my last visit to Europe. Now, I hope I don't have to wait another 11 years to go back.

More pictures to come!

xo,

Kate

Friday, October 14, 2011

It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights...


I'm so excited to see this movie!!!! (yes, the muppet movie. I did NOT accidentally load the wrong trailer, I'm just a nerd) I LOVED the muppets when I was little. I'd always tell "chicken cross the road" jokes and then do Fozzie's "Wocka Wocka Wocka" closer. It killed at preschool orientation! I'm pretty sure that's why I always got to be first in line for snack time (or maybe because I was 7 feet taller than the other little kids;either way- WIN!). I did have a bad habit of always calling him Fonzi bear, as in "Happy Days", by accident. #SpecialChild

Happy Friday!
~M

Tar......Heels!

Found here
Today is the most wonderful day of the year. It's the beginning of basketball season.  Here's hoping that the boys in Carolina blue pull off a great season this year.

~kc

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Out of the mouth of babes

This story is too funny not to share.  My husband I went to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey game the other night. Unfortunately, we lost.  But, while watching a particular moment when the players were getting rough and a puck banged into the glass, I heard the little kid behind me say this:

"Too bad this isn't in 3D"

I couldn't help but laugh.

But then again maybe I should have cried!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Simple Delights


KC sent me this sweet card. Just because!

Mail makes me happy. And so do my awesome friends! Thanks, KC, for thinking of me :)

xo,

Kate

Monday, October 10, 2011

It was a cold and rainy day

 (me, brother, sister)



(brothers)

While LC was still in the hospital post-birth of their little prince, the rest of my family gathered to celebrate the wedding of my cousin. To combat the cold rainy weather, we warmed up with some spirits and heated up the dance floor.

I love weddings. And so does my family in case you couldn't tell from these pictures. Too bad I don't have any pictures of us doing the Twist. We looooove the Twist.

Congrats, Mikey & Kelly!

xoxo,

Kate