Yeah that moment when you are doing a self led yoga practice at your parents post
meditation with THIS SONG playing in background...and then you notice that it's snowing!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
Best Apple Pie Ever
HERE is the best apple pie recipe ever. Also, I highly recommend you buy THIS which just makes it a whole lot easier. Honestly, I am not sure I would want to cut up all those apples.
Below are a few pics from my baking today:
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And the finished product: ta-da...my favorite apple pie!
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Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!!
Favorite books of 2013
I've read a ton of books this year. Reading is an amazing gift. I love to escape in a book. This year, I read two books that are MUST READS in my book (get it) - "The Bone Season" and "The Lost Art of Mixing." "The Bone Season" is a cross between Harry Potter and Hunger Games so futuristic and magical. It's the first in a series which I love because you can connect with the characters better in a trilogy or series. "The Lost Art of Mixing" was just a great book about a community of folks and how their lives were better as a result of each other.
What's your favorite book of 2013? Are you on GoodReads? If so, find me. I am ALWAYS in search of a great book (although my list "to read" seems quite long right now).
What's your favorite book of 2013? Are you on GoodReads? If so, find me. I am ALWAYS in search of a great book (although my list "to read" seems quite long right now).
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year To You and Yours!
<3 KT
Sidebar: First and foremost, this marks the first year in a very, very long time where I have actually done Christmas cards. I realized way, way back that the whole idea of Christmas cards made me feel a bit like Scrooge. BUT, this year, I made this. I plan to push this out through all my social media channels. Can you say digitally savvy chick? I mean it is what I do for a living! Anyway, go enjoy the holiday season. I, for one, am playing Christmas music, doing my shopping and decorating the house. Man, I LOVE Christmas!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
#30DayWorkoutChallenge
Come join #TeamLean with some of the coolest, smartest girls in the world. Our first order of business is the #30DayWorkoutChallenge! The goal is to work out #ErrDamnDay from Wednesday, 11/25 thru Christmas.
A 10-minute walk, yoga or meditation counts, as does a long run, SUP or surf session. We are just here to keep you accountable and positive.
Set your own rules and do what works for you, but carve some time out for yourself every day! Who is in?
Below are details about the original one a few years ago!
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A few years ago, I decided to work out for 10 days straight in an attempt to be "bikini ready" for a trip to Florida. I called it the #10DayWorkoutChallenge.
Anyway, I am starting a #30DayWorkoutChallenge tomorrow! Who wants to join? The only rule is you must workout #EveryDamnDay whether it's a slog (slow jog), yoga class, spin class or a 10 minute run. It all counts.
You may be thinking: "Why the heck would someone do this?" Well, here is the answer: The holidays can get a little nutty for most of us...So what better time to do a #30Day Challenge where you must workout #EveryDamnDay.
Best. Christmas. Song. Ever.
Here ya go.
It may be a bit early for some of you...but I started my Christmas shopping over the weekend so it seemed appropriate to start listening to Christmas music.
Happy Sunday!
It may be a bit early for some of you...but I started my Christmas shopping over the weekend so it seemed appropriate to start listening to Christmas music.
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Be fearless
What are you afraid of? What would YOU do if fear didn't control you? Would you go to a movie by yourself, would you eat dinner by yourself at a nice restaurant, try yoga (Hint: YOU SHOULD), go on a fabulous trip...or would you try to surf (even though the water is cool)?
Fear can control us on many levels and ultimately prevent us from doing and better yet experiencing some pretty amazing things.
For me (as of late), I am in total awe of the surfers in the water in November. I have tried surfing before...once in San Diego which was nice because the waves roll a bit slower there (not sure if that is official surfer lingo but you get the drift). From there, I decided to go to Costa Rico for surf camp for a week. That was really hard. Surfing takes some serious core strength and coordination (which I seriously lack). But as I watch the surfers, I am in total awe...and even more impressed when they are out there in full body wetsuits. So, I am making it a goal to try it (even though it's kind of hard and the water is not super warm). It may still be hard...and I may suck at it...but that's not gonna stop me.
Sidebar: You may have noticed that I have been blogging more....let's just say the words are pouring out a bit more lately.
Anyway, what would YOU do if you were not afraid? Go do it...or just start working towards it!
Fear can control us on many levels and ultimately prevent us from doing and better yet experiencing some pretty amazing things.
For me (as of late), I am in total awe of the surfers in the water in November. I have tried surfing before...once in San Diego which was nice because the waves roll a bit slower there (not sure if that is official surfer lingo but you get the drift). From there, I decided to go to Costa Rico for surf camp for a week. That was really hard. Surfing takes some serious core strength and coordination (which I seriously lack). But as I watch the surfers, I am in total awe...and even more impressed when they are out there in full body wetsuits. So, I am making it a goal to try it (even though it's kind of hard and the water is not super warm). It may still be hard...and I may suck at it...but that's not gonna stop me.
Sidebar: You may have noticed that I have been blogging more....let's just say the words are pouring out a bit more lately.
Anyway, what would YOU do if you were not afraid? Go do it...or just start working towards it!
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Headstand on the beach, check!
For those non-yogis out there, this may not be thrill you as much as it does me. I love headstands. Over the last few years, I have actually gotten kind of good (read: really good) at them. Today, I was at the beach and decided to try one (unaided without a wall or spot). Anyway, I not only got up, but better then that I didn't fall. I finally figured it out. I did it three times (no idea for how long). I will continue to practice these unaided on the beach. The goal is to hold it for five minutes! Let's see how long it takes to get there...pretty sure I held one last night (aided by a wall) for about 3.5 to 4 minutes.
Negative to beach headstands (even on a blanket): One ends up with sand in their hair. I am gonna think of it as exfoliating my scalp. :)
Negative to beach headstands (even on a blanket): One ends up with sand in their hair. I am gonna think of it as exfoliating my scalp. :)
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Pulled Pork Recipe
I wouldn't necessary classify myself as a good cook...I get by though. And, I think that a slow cooker is one of the best things EVER MADE! My favorite thing to make in the slow cooker (or crock pot) is pulled pork (which I just finished). Below is the recipe (and in truth I found it on Allrecipe.com years ago):
Directions
My favorite blanket
Yes, you TOTALLY read that correctly...I have a favorite blanket. Below is a picture of it:
HERE is also a link to the blanket if you too want one.
Anyway, back to this blog post. I am pushing 40 and have a FAVORITE blanket. I've always loved to curl up on my sofa with a good blanket, candles lit and either watch TV or read a good book....but this blanket takes that all to a WHOLE other level. It's ridiculously comfy!!
If you haven't noticed, I am blogging more. Long story that I may share one day...
Anyway, back to this blog post. I am pushing 40 and have a FAVORITE blanket. I've always loved to curl up on my sofa with a good blanket, candles lit and either watch TV or read a good book....but this blanket takes that all to a WHOLE other level. It's ridiculously comfy!!
If you haven't noticed, I am blogging more. Long story that I may share one day...
5 things
What 5 things would you tell a complete stranger about yourself?
Below are mine:
1) My friends call me iKatie because I love all things Apple. They even call, Facebook and text me with "IT problems" when a new iOS comes out.
2) There is nothing better then the laughter of my sweet nieces B & S.
3) My three favorite words are: 1) y'all, 2) swoon and 3) wanderlust
4) My current theme song is "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy." Take a listen to the SONG. This is my third theme song
5) My mantra in life is "Be where your feet are." I practice this daily.
Below are mine:
1) My friends call me iKatie because I love all things Apple. They even call, Facebook and text me with "IT problems" when a new iOS comes out.
2) There is nothing better then the laughter of my sweet nieces B & S.
3) My three favorite words are: 1) y'all, 2) swoon and 3) wanderlust
4) My current theme song is "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy." Take a listen to the SONG. This is my third theme song
5) My mantra in life is "Be where your feet are." I practice this daily.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
An open heart
Do you live your life with an "open heart"? Are you TRULY open to all the possibilities? Do you tend to have a plan in your mind of how you think life is gonna turn out? I came across this picture on Mashable that I think is how MOST of us think about our life vs. reality
As my yoga instructor and friend Paula says: "Life is hard. We must do the hard work daily though!" As I embark on this new life in Wilmington, NC living 2 miles (yes count them 1, 2) from the beach and start a new job, I am striving daily to have an "open heart." I am being pushed out of my comfort zone which is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking at the same time.
More about the job (as many of you have asked): I start on 12/2 at boutique agency as the VP of Digital. I am super excited about the new gig and amazing team that I will join!! More to details to come in upcoming weeks on the new gig.
Anyway, it's quite interesting what life hands you (in a good way) when you walk through life w/ an open heart (at least so far on day 6 in my new beach town). I've met some amazing people - some I may never see or talk to again and others I may...but no matter what I am engaging in life and loving it!
A few random stories:
1) Yesterday, I tried out a new yoga studio (Wilmington Yoga Center). Before class, I started talking with another student (an older lady). After class, she said: "Katie, if you need a tour guide, just call me!"
2) I met a couple on the beach (after I asked if I could pet their dog). The man was originally from New York and had lived in Charlotte for 20 years.
3) I talked to a random surfer about surfing (which I am just in awe of). It also didn't hurt that he was totally hot.
There are many more stories like this that have happened....but those are a few of them! Now, I must STOP procrastinating and study for my driver's license test. Try to have an open heart today and be truly open to all the possibilities in life. Happy Tuesday.
As my yoga instructor and friend Paula says: "Life is hard. We must do the hard work daily though!" As I embark on this new life in Wilmington, NC living 2 miles (yes count them 1, 2) from the beach and start a new job, I am striving daily to have an "open heart." I am being pushed out of my comfort zone which is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking at the same time.
More about the job (as many of you have asked): I start on 12/2 at boutique agency as the VP of Digital. I am super excited about the new gig and amazing team that I will join!! More to details to come in upcoming weeks on the new gig.
Anyway, it's quite interesting what life hands you (in a good way) when you walk through life w/ an open heart (at least so far on day 6 in my new beach town). I've met some amazing people - some I may never see or talk to again and others I may...but no matter what I am engaging in life and loving it!
A few random stories:
1) Yesterday, I tried out a new yoga studio (Wilmington Yoga Center). Before class, I started talking with another student (an older lady). After class, she said: "Katie, if you need a tour guide, just call me!"
2) I met a couple on the beach (after I asked if I could pet their dog). The man was originally from New York and had lived in Charlotte for 20 years.
3) I talked to a random surfer about surfing (which I am just in awe of). It also didn't hurt that he was totally hot.
There are many more stories like this that have happened....but those are a few of them! Now, I must STOP procrastinating and study for my driver's license test. Try to have an open heart today and be truly open to all the possibilities in life. Happy Tuesday.
Monday, November 18, 2013
OMG!
I have had a love affair with James Blunt and his music for a very, very long time. I just heard this song from his latest album Moon Landing. The song is called "Bonfire Heart." OMG - it just takes my breathe away.
Listen to IT now! Hope you enjoy
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Update: I downloaded the entire Moon Landing album. I also LOVE "Bones" and "Postcards."
I was listening to this album on my beach walk today and not gonna lie I sang out loud and danced down the beach!!!
Listen to IT now! Hope you enjoy
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Update: I downloaded the entire Moon Landing album. I also LOVE "Bones" and "Postcards."
I was listening to this album on my beach walk today and not gonna lie I sang out loud and danced down the beach!!!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
A few of my favorite winter beauty products...
1) Body Scrub - My body gets super dry as the seasons change from summer to fall and winter. I itch like crazy. I have found that adding a body scrub to my daily beauty regime helps TREMENDOUSLY. You can even make one yourself (try sugar, lemon and olive oil). Plus, I love smelling like citrus (which reminds me of summer) even when it's cold out!!
2) Face bronzer - I hate how pale I look during winter. A face bronzer is KEY!!! Personally, I like Too Faced because it is made with chocolate!! Can you say YUMMY and functional?
3) Aquaphor - Have you ever used Aquaphor? It's amazing. Aquaphor is a cure all LITERALLY for adults and baby dry skin (note: there is a separate baby version)!!
What are a few of your favorite beauty products during colder weather?
2) Face bronzer - I hate how pale I look during winter. A face bronzer is KEY!!! Personally, I like Too Faced because it is made with chocolate!! Can you say YUMMY and functional?
3) Aquaphor - Have you ever used Aquaphor? It's amazing. Aquaphor is a cure all LITERALLY for adults and baby dry skin (note: there is a separate baby version)!!
What are a few of your favorite beauty products during colder weather?
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