Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Daniel's 29th Birthday!

Yesterday was Daniel's 29th Birthday.  I think I get more excited for his birthdays than he does.  I love celebrations, but I especially love when they honor a person I love so much!  My instructions were that I had to keep it low key, but I could still execute some of my over the top ideas (Muffin knew it would kill me if I had to do the entire birthday without any elements of fun).

Muffin began his birthday celebrations with a bike ride with his dad.  I'm so glad that he got to do what he loves on his special day!  After the ride, we met the rest of his family at one of our favorite local restaurants.  The meal was wonderful and I felt so bad that I had to leave a little early to get to class.

After my class, the festivities really began.  I really wanted to celebrate the last year of Muffin's 20's by commemorating all of the milestones and important moments in his life.  To do this, I decided to make customized birthday hats that were decorated with photos from the past 29 years.




Martha Stewart, goddess of all things crafty, is where I got the template for this.  You can find it here.  I did have to modify the template--she has tabs and they don't really work.  Instead, I just used handy dandy tape!

Next, it was cake time.  Muffin really HATES sweets...especially chocolate.  So when it is time to bake him something it gets tricky.  This year he requested vanilla cake and vanilla icing.  I couldn't let plain old vanilla happen...so I made a "confetti" themed cake.  Funfetti Cake covered in vanilla frosting and sprinkles.  It was fun to make and Daniel enjoyed it...win win!




Nieces enjoying the sparkly cake.
After all that cake and icing...the girls started to get silly!



Daniel tells me the birthday was fun and just celebratory enough.  I am glad he enjoyed his day, and I plan to keep the party going with my family and his best friend this weekend!

Happy Birthday Muffin!
-Katie

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Monday Musings...On Tuesday

Happy Monday Tuesday everyone!!  We had a BUSY weekend!  I took Monday to recover, and as you might've realized, I also didn't post Week 10's house update!   Today is actually Daniel's Birthday (which I will post about later this week) so I've been prepping/crafting for that as well as trying to get in some time with family!

Here's a sneak peek at what's been going on at the house....WINDOWS AND DOORS!



And here is our weekend in review:

Friday
On Friday, we went out to dinner with Daniel's family and then headed out to Spittoono XXXIV.  Spittoono is a Music Festival held each year that has free admission and all proceeds on Beer, T-Shirts etc. goes to local charities.  We try to go every year because it's fun and laid back.


Our nieces Emily and Amanda waiting for some music.
Our niece Amanda
This year, however, I didn't even make it to the last act at Spittoono!  I was completely exhausted and we left a little bit early!

Saturday 

Daniel rode his bike on Saturday...A LOT.  I spent this time reading, cleaning, and doing laundry.  I know it sounds boring, but I feel like I accomplished tons!


Daniel's mom snapped a picture of him on their ride!  Isn't he so cute?

Saturday evening, Daniel and I had a date night.  We went out to eat and opted for a 9:45 pm movie.  I just need a soapbox for a moment...whatever happened to an 8:00 movie?  It gave you plenty of time to go out to eat and get to the theater!  These days movies start AT dinner (6-7 pm) or the middle of the night!  Off the soapbox now!


We saw If I Stay.  I read the book a while ago and wanted to see the movie!  It was good, but I felt like the movie version spent a lot of time trying to make you cry and I really wasn't that emotional in the book.  Daniel gets two husband gold stars:  1. for seeing the movie in the first place 2. for being seen in public with me as I openly weep.

Our next movie will be a book we both love:  The Giver.  However, I will probably openly weep in that one as well!

Sunday
Sunday was the 2nd Birthday of Lucy and Lola!  As you can already tell, I love celebrations and this milestone couldn't go unrecognized!  We had a mini party for them in the yard complete with Easy Cheese cakes and presents.

Lucy and Lola enjoying their "Cheese"cakes and toys!



Luna partaking in the "Cheese"cake
I also spent the day baking cakes for Daniel and a friend at work.  I managed to finish all of my birthday shopping for Daniel and craft some as well!

Throughout the weekend, I was also doing some reading for my Master's Class.  Tonight is my first class session and I'm a little bit excited because I'm a nerd.  

How was your weekend?
-Katie

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

In Love With...Turquoise

First, I want to say Happy Anniversary to my parents!  You two are amazing and I appreciate you teaching me how to have a long and happy relationship!

This week I'm really loving the color Turquoise.  I know most people associate the bright color with spring, but for me it's very versatile and and works for all seasons.  It's a great transition color from Summer to Fall!  Below are some of the Turquoise inspired items I love right now!




1. This stone necklace.  It is different, fun, and has just the right amount of turquoise in the stones to make it pop!  I absolutely love statement jewelry--it can make a white shirt and jeans a fresh, new look.

2. Turquoise nail polish.  Butter makes the best nail polish and I LOVE it in this color.  Your nails have a subtle pop of color and lasts longer than other polishes.

3. Basil Hand Soap.  It smells amazing and leaves your hands soft and is so much better than a traditional soap for the environment.  What's even better, is that it comes in a cute dispenser!

4. Double Bar Necklace.  Though it's not turquoise in color, I think gold pairs really well with it.  If turquoise isn't your thing, this necklace goes with just about anything!

5. Mason Jar Measuring Cups. These adorable measuring cups stack up to make a sweet little mason jar.  What's even better about them is that you can leave them on your counter and are easily accessible while still looking great!

6. Wild Prairie Print Shirt Dress.  I'm wearing it today because I love it THAT much!  It's a flattering shape and has so many colors that it's versatile.

7. This Black Lacquer Box.  I love small boxes that can house special memories while still looking chic!  This one is especially cute and would be a great addition to my collection and decor.

These are all things that I'm loving right now!  What's your favorite color of the moment?
-Katie



Monday, August 18, 2014

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!  We had a fun and busy weekend.  This post was barely written in my effort to get everything in order for another week!  I'm starting my next set of Master's classes, Daniel is spending some time out of town for business this week, and did I mention we are building a house? :)  Luckily, we had a fun weekend to get us prepared for the beginning of what will be a hectic week!

Here's our weekend in review:

Friday

On Friday, Muffin and I decided to go on a date.  While we go out on a date once a week (yes we are lame and have a standard date night each week at Wild Wings. It's like our version of Cheers), sometimes it's nice to get dressed up and mix up the routine for an official date.  We went to my favorite Italian place where we enjoyed good food, some great wine, AND I got to wear this new dress!



Our food was amazing and this restaurant always reminds me of Rome.  I had Raw Oysters with a fresh tomato and basil cocktail sauce, Mussels with red sauce, and ended with Limoncello Marscapone Cake.  Muffin had the same, but sub the Mussels with Chicken Parmesan.

Saturday 

For those who don't know, my job is planning events and engagement for Clemson University.  I sometimes work odd hours because events typically take place on Fridays and Weekends.  On Saturday, I was at work for an event that took place in conjunction with  Move-In Day.

Here are a few photos from the day:

Flowers from the AMAZING Karen Link




The event was relatively casual, so I wanted to use ivory burlap-esque linens and let the flowers really bring the Clemson theme.  I love event days--having something in your mind come to life is one of my favorite things.  Muffin came to help me and I honestly couldn't have done it without him doing the heavy lifting (after a 2.5 hour bike ride that morning).  Muffin is an unofficial member of the team and even has his own staff name tag.

After the event, we went to see our house with Muff's extended family.  It was extremely fun to share the house with family we don't get to see enough!  All of the kids decided that they wanted to go out on the pond in our Pedal Boat.

Sorry for the blurry photo!  It was getting dark.

We had a great time watching them try to figure out how to steer (especially in the fading light). After the fun out at the farm, we headed home for swimming, giggling, and fun!

Sunday
Sunday included lots of chores and a movie marathon.  Muff had to leave to go on a business trip so I took this opportunity to vacuum in all of the nooks and crannies in our apartment, do laundry, and watch all of the movies he would hate to see!


We had a little laundry mishap...the washing machine WENT INSANE.  It was making all sorts of noises and put a hole in one of my favorite chambray shirts :(  Luckily, the rest of the load was safe and sound!


I love watching movies while doing chores, and when the chores were done it was time to veg out!  Luna snuggled me all through my movie marathon.  We watched:  Upside Down, The Other Woman, and The Spectacular Now.  

Sunday left me feeling rested AND productive!  Now I'm just counting down the hours until Muffin is back from his trip.

Hope your weekend was fun and that you are ready for a new week!
-Katie

Friday, August 15, 2014

Building Week 9

No video this week.  We had some inclement weather and technical difficulties.  I do, however, have some photo updates of the progress that we made this week despite our setbacks!  We have the tar paper on the roof, our stairs are installed, and the arches over the garage door are almost complete!

Front view of the house with tar paper on the roof!

Back of the house.

The cathedral ceiling for the screen porch is installed!

Our stairs are built! (sorry about the natural light that blurred my photo!)

Stairs

Looking up the stairs.

Installing the arches over the garage doors.
That's all for this week!  Sorry again about the lack of video--hopefully we will be back on track next Friday!

-Katie

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Hump Day Favorites

Happy Wednesday everyone!  The middle of the week is always the hardest--you're almost to the weekend, but not quite!

To brighten the week, I thought I would share a few of the things I'm loving right now!

1.  As you may or may not know, I LOVE halloween!  My love of all things spooky, mystical and magical is on another level.  The stores have started putting out Halloween items, and while I know it's early, I JUST CANT HELP MYSELF!

I ordered some cute witch straws from Pottery Barn Kids, but also found the same ones here.  I cannot wait to use them in October (or maybe a little before, but don't tell). 


Image via Pottery Barn Kids

2.  Sparkler Candles.  I am obsessed.  Muff's birthday is coming up and I am definitely using them for his cake.  You can find some here.


Image via EBay
3. This pink geometric dog collar.  I'm always looking for cute collars and I LOVE this one.  I know it's werid, but all of our dogs have a signature color.  Lucy wears pink, Lola wears purple, and Luna wears yellow.  Lucy would be so adorable in this, AND it's from my favorite dog collar company on Etsy--Pecan Pie Puppies.  Now I just have to find something for the other two!

Image via Pecan Pie Puppies
4. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow in Rose Gold.  I've loved it for a long time, but am especially loving it in the warmer weather.  It's easy to apply, can be as saturated or subtle as you want, and doesn't cake in the heat.  The color is also very versatile and goes with EVERYTHING.  Check it out here.

Image via Nordstrom
5. Again, I know it is still summer...but I can't help preparing for things to have for the fall/winter (can you tell I'm not a fan of heat?).  I collect cupcakes...I mean my husband is Muffin, so clearly I'm Cupcake.  I collect cupcakes of all kinds and think I NEED this beanie in my life!

Image via Amazon

Those are all of thing things I'm really loving right now!  I hope you have a great rest of the week!  Be sure to check back on Friday for a house update!

-Katie


Monday, August 11, 2014

Monday Musings

Another weekend gone!  I spent this weekend resting!  Muffin, on the other hand, was riding his bike like crazy.  He's training for a century (100 mile ride) in September and is riding hours upon hours each day to get ready.

Here's our weekend in review:

Friday

On Friday, I had to go to my orthopedic doctor to have some pain in my elbow checked out. Turns out I have tendonitis in my right arm and had a necessary and painful shot in my elbow.  The best thing, however, is my new attractive accessory:  an armband!  I get to wear it every day to help me do tasks like writing, typing, cooking, etc. for 6 weeks!  Anybody have a bedazzler to make this thing cuter?

Friday evening, Daniel and I attended Katilin's (our 13 year old niece) marching band preview. I'm really impressed with her drive with band and loved getting to see the group perform. They did really well!

If you can't tell, it was slightly overcast!  But the weather held out for them.


We all went out to frozen yogurt afterwards, and I FINALLY decided to try Boba Poppers on my mango sorbet.  They are always at frozen yogurt places, and I know that they are in bubble tea, but I've never given them a chance.  I was pleasantly surprised!

Boba Poppers
I love spending time with my nieces, so this was a fun evening!

Saturday 

Saturday is where it all started going downhill for me!  I didn't believe the nurse at the orthopedic office when she told me this would be the most painful shot I've ever received.  I've had two knee surgeries, shots with both, and have a high pain tolerance.  She had to be kidding right?  WRONG!!!!  My arm was basically immobilized by pain!

Luckily, we invested in a really neat ice pack that wraps around your arm like a bandage.  Muffin was wonderful and helped me open drawers, doors, and cabinets because my dominant right arm was useless.

You can find one here.
I took this opportunity to have a serious House marathon. I'm addicted, and though Muff acts like he's not, he will sit down and watch a few minutes and ask me to recap the entire plot line.  Mr. "I hate TV" always wants to know about the stuff I'm powerstreaming!


I know I'm late to the party on this one, but it's just SO GOOD.  I am watching house via Netflix.  If you don't have Netflix, you should check it out here.

Sunday

Sunday I continued taking it easy.  I had some more great snuggle time with my sweet puppies, and was able to work on some "tricks" with Luna.  She's working on Sit, Free, Loose Leash Walking, and I've snuck some Downs in there as well.  She, like Lucy and Lola, is attending Puppy Class at PetSmart.  Luna has tons of energy, and I'm proud of her progress.

Luna on the way to Puppy Class.
We continued our House marathon and got some serious family snuggles with all 3 puppies!  It was wonderful.



Yep, Miss Lola needs a SERIOUS BATH!

We ended the night with some Smoked Salmon.  You can find our recipe here.

I hope everyone else had a good weekend!

-Katie