{Thursday Thoughts 2.23.12}

Linked up with Sar at [life of love} for another round of...

{one}

i. heart. photography. and everything I learn around it!
Here's a taste of what I'm working on :-)

DO NOT COPY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Isn't she just the most precious little thing ever!? This is exactly why photography is one of the greatest hobbies ever!

{two}

YAY FOR ORGANIZATION! My entire life, I've never been consistently organized, nor has my living space been clean all the time. I will be the first to admit that I wasn't a very tidy person mostly because I would just toss and run to go do the next thing.

For the past couple months, I've really been making it a point to keep our apartment picked up and keep up on the household chores. I started by deep cleaning the entire apartment and tried to come up with some sort of method that would help me keep on top of things. It didn't last long until I became extremely frustrated and felt like I could never keep up, even with the schedule I came up with for myself! Luckily...PINTEREST SAVED THE DAY!!! I found this AWESOME chore list on Pinterest and it actually WORKS! I'm no longer that girl that feels like she's going to have a heart attack when someone calls and mentions that they'll be stopping by unexpectedly in 5 minutes. I'm now the girl that's like "SEE YOU SOON!" while sitting on the couch sipping coffee instead of running around the apartment throwing things in places to make it look decent enough for company to see. Let me tell you, it's such a freeing feeling!

The gal that created this chore list provides the one she made for her household and a blank one for you to personalize to meet your household needs. Here's what they look like...but if you want the link to the direct download...you can find it HERE :-)

Already done for you! :-)

Make you're own! :-)

{three}

Meal planning - at first I dreaded the idea and thought it was a complete waste of time....well, I definitely proved myself wrong! We planned out meals for this entire week, planned our shopping trip around it (for those of you that don't know, I'm a couponer, so being able to be THIS organized with meals, grocery lists, and couponing AT THE SAME TIME is a-mazing!) Here is what the meal planning sheet looks like...

Front Cover

Meal Planner

Back Cover

...isn't it CUTE!?

I've made this meal planner into a small binder and just print out a few of the Meal Planner pages to go inside so I can plan about two weeks at a time. 

You can also find a matching recipe book on there as well. To get to the download, you can find it HERE.

{four}

I'm ready for warmer weather! Took Miss K out in the sunshine (even if there was a wind storm happening) and had some fun at the little playground that sits in the middle of our apartment complex. Here she is getting in some action on the swing.

{five}

I love adding new recipes to my recipe box. A while back I started a little group on Facebook for recipe sharing amongst my friends and their friends and in just a matter of MONTHS, there have been well over 63 recipes shared and they just keep on coming! Definitely one of those things that I never thought would get to be such a huge success and I love it! (and so does my hubby haha). The group is called Recipe Share and I THINK you can asked to join, but if you can't...let me know and I will get you added to the group! :-) 

HAPPY THURSDAY EVERYONE! :-)

{Dear Monday 2.20.12 & New Blog Design Reveal!}

 Linked up with Megan at H a p p yDay

Today, I've decided to do Dear Monday a little differently by writing fewer letters with more to them vs the usual multiple letters that are shorter (well, they're suppose to be shorter haha).

Dear Monday...thank you for allowing Miss K and I to have an extra day with Derek without him having to rush off to class today after our normal morning routine :-) Nice to know I'll get to see his face more today :-) 

Dear Kate at Whimsical Blog Designs...THANK YOU SO MUCH for my new blog design! It's absolutely amazing and better than I could have dreamed of!

For those of you that missed it, I won a giveaway a few days ago on Kate's blog - little somethings, for a whole new blog design. You make want to keep an eye out on her blog...she's looking to do more giveaways!! What do you think of my new blog design?! 

If you're just seeing my blog for the first time, here's what it used to look like...(this was my sad attempted at trying to create something that wasn't a standard blogger template. I wanted a picture in my head SO bad...and I still felt like it was really big...but if was any smaller, it wouldn't center on the page and I couldn't figure out how to do it manually - I was very happy with it because I was so proud that I actually figured out how to do it lol. I'll give myself that much credit! haha)

Here was my blog button, that I design myself almost two years ago (and wanted to scream during the entire process of creating it because I had NO idea what I was doing and it took me about 5 times longer than someone who knows how)

Blog Button - BEFORE

Blog Button - AFTER Kate at Whimsical Blog Designs got a hold of my blog :-)

SO much better!!!

If there is anyone out there looking for a new look to their blog, but are like me and don't know the first thing about how to do it without wanting to scream, Kate is your girl!! Even though I didn't have to purchase my design, I felt that Kate's prices were VERY reasonable, considering what you get and how much time she puts into each design making it extra special for each customer.

I have to say, Kate is BY FAR one of the most amazing people I've ever worked with. I gave her the information she needed about me to kind of figure out what my style was and what things I loved. She asked the right questions, never EVER made me feel "dumb" for not knowing anything that comes to the terms and process of creating a blog or what's involved around it (I really appreciate this because I'm SO not blog design savvy and the terms confuse me, so her not making me feel overwhelmed was really appreciated!).

She worked so hard to make sure I got exactly what I wanted and really made sure that it reflected me and my personality. What I admired even more...was that even though I won this opportunity to have my blog redesigned, with it being free...she took all the time it needed (and more) to make sure that it was perfect, as if I were a fully paying customer. 

I seriously can't tell you enough about how wondering my entire redesign experience was with Kate...you'll just have to go see for yourself! ;-)

{Winning Giveaways?! That NEVER happens!}

I think I'm still in shock...I just won my second blog giveaway in a matter of a little over a week! YAY! This NEVER happens to me! Needless to say, I was doing a half asleep happy dance...which I'm sure you guys would have died to see ;-)

I've never won this many giveaways and I can't even remember if I've won any before this point. Maybe there was one...but it was a long time ago. I enter a lot, I mean...A LOT of giveaways because there's just so many good things people are offering out there and entering the giveaways is pretty simple if you just do that bare minimum. I guess entering all the ones I have is finally paying off in WINS! WOO HOO! Last week on Feb 10th I won the My Memories - Creative Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software through Creatively Yours Photography!!

The scrapbooking program is just INCREDIBLE!! I have SO many unfinished scrapbooks lying around and this is the PERFECT solution to helping me get them done SO much faster. Don't get me wrong, love doing scrapbooking "the old fashion way" by cutting, pasting, design with actual paper, but when you're a Mama of a toddler that only takes a 2 hour nap a day, and no room in your house where I can just leave it out without her getting into it, then I would do it more often. Usually when I start getting all my stuff out right when Miss K goes done, there's only about an hour left before I have to start picking everything back up again. At that rate, I'll never get anything done! haha! If you're like me and looking for an easier way to finish up some scrapbooks or just to catch up so you can actually hand make some out of paper, this program is the perfect solution and worth every penny! I just haven't found someone that prints 12 x 12 pictures pages yet, but I also haven't really researched either haha!

Then this morning I woke up to find out that I just won the Custom Blog Design Giveaway through little somethings!!! Kate at little somethings has designed to reopen her blog design shop and her designs are so simple, clean and just stinkin' cute!! Definitely take a second to check out her shop if you're looking for a new look to your blog too! :-)

I totally love my blog design now, but I will be the first to admit, I'm VERY slow when it comes to designing a blog, even when all the templates are laid out for us on Blogger LOL! This kind of stuff definitely isn't my strong suit! ;-) 

Thank you all for letting me share my excitement with you!

Have an amazing 3 day weekend!! 

{Fill in the Blank Friday 2.17.12}

linked up with Lauren at the little things we do! :-)

1.  The love of my life is   Derek is the first love of my life, Miss K is my second.

2.   Falling in love is   one of the most beautiful things to ever experience in life. Whether you give love or receive love, I wish it on everyone!

3.  Marriage is   isn't necessarily hard work if you find that right person, but it definitely doesn't come as easily as some may think over time. But OH SO very worth it all!

4. The longest relationship I've ever had was  almost 9 years (coming up on April 29th)!

5. The key to a good relationship is  COMMUNICATION! I can never tell my friends and family this enough. If you can't talk about EVERYTHING (absolutely everything) then that should be something to work on.

6. I feel loved when   someone takes the time to just be with me, spend some time getting to know who I am, and when someone takes the extra step to do something thoughtful for me. Makes me feel like I'm a special person if someone takes the time to do things like that :-)

7.  My favorite quote about love is   I have two favorite quotes about love #1 -
"We are all a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." - Dr. Suess and this one #2 - "Love is hard work, but it's the best thing you'll ever work for!" - Unknown

Happy Friday Everyone!!

{Thursday Thoughts 2.6.12}

linked up with Sar at [life of love] :-)

{one}

Prayer really DOES work! 

I usually don't talk about my personal relationship with God or religion too often but I can't help but share this...yesterday we were really starting to stress about our financial situation to the point where I could tell Derek, my hubby, was trying not to lead on that it was a big deal but I could pick up his vibes. I also didn't want my Derek to see how upset I was, so when I took a shower, that's where I cried. I cried and just prayed to God, "please, if there anything you can do, please, I'm asking you for help, we just need a little." When I got out of the shower, hubby and I started talked about our situation and what we needed to be prepared to do (ask someone if we could borrow some money, etc), when I finished getting ready for the day, Derek comes running up to me "oh, look what I forgot to show you!" (he's has the banking app for our bank on his phone) and there it was, our tax return, showed up A WEEK EARLIER than "the earliest day" it was suppose to show up. Needless to say, I cried again. That's the first experience (that I can remember) that I've ever had where my prayers were immediately answered. It was so amazing! Okay, sorry for that long "thought" haha! 

{two}

I LOVE Pinterest! I may have said that already, but I can't help but say how much I love it over and over again, because I just love the endless possibilities it presents to me. Just finished another Pinterest project yesterday...a zipper pouch! The tutorial I used can be found HERE

{three}

Our daughter has turned into a vocabulary BEAST! In just a matter of DAYS, she has learned about 10-20 new words! I'm LOVING IT! It's definitely helping with the "terrible 2's" because now she is starting to be able to express what she wants, rather than us trying to figure it out and experiencing a few tantrums before we finally know what she's asking. YAY!

{four}

I LOVE and I mean REALLY LOVE, giving gifts! There's nothing more rewarding than seeing/hearing someone's reaction to a gift you make/buy and give to them. Back before November, I made this quilt for my one of my best friend's daughter, Raven, for her 1st birthday present...

I've been keeping this a secret from my friend since November and because money has been tight, I haven't been able to completely finish this quilt. This is just the finished top. I couldn't stand waiting for my friend to see it any longer, so I called her, had her get on FB and sent her the picture for her to see and her reaction was more than I could have asked for!!! I'm SOOOOO happy she loves it and now I just can't wait to get it done for Little Miss Raven!!

{five}

I completely adore re-connecting with old friends! I had lost touch with a friend of mine for YEARS after he moved, got married and had a kiddo. My phone died, so I lost his number. But my email account was hacked the other day (which ended up being an unexpected blessing) and I had no idea that I still had his email address, so when I sent out the mass email about making sure no one opens the spam email, he wrote back!! It was awesome! Definitely made my week. Come to find out...he had another kiddo that is almost 1 year old! WOO HOO! Time sure does change things.

{six}

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when my friends come to me and ask for sewing tips, tricks and ideas! Sewing has definitely become, not only my business, but my main passion/hobby. The possibilities of what you can sew are ENDLESS! (Megan at H a p p yDay can relate, right Megan?? haha). For those of you that have a sewing machine, that haven't touched it because they're intimated by it, DON'T BE! :-) Just grab that machine manual, do some reading, get to know your machine, practice threading your machine, pick up a piece of scrap fabric and practice, practice, practice your sewing! Some of you know that I'm 99.9% self taught and it took me seven years to get to the skill level that I'm at today. I lived away from my Mom the whole time I've owned a machine, so I had no choice to figure it out on my own if I wanted to get stuff made :-) Maybe I'll make a video tutorial on how to get started?? Or go over basic mechanics/terms of a machine?? Who would like to see that??

HAPPY THURSDAY FRIENDS!!! :-)

{Dear Monday 2.13.12}

Linked up with Megan at H a p p yDay :-)

Dear Monday - I have to face you, but please be nice to me today...I'm having a hard time waking up! :-) 

Dear Brother in Law - HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY!! Really wish we could spend this time with you as you celebrate the big "2-0" but we're so proud of what you're doing for yourself and this country! We love you so much and miss you more each day!

Dear AOII Sisters on the AAC Committee - yesterday was by far one of the best days/meetings we've spent together, taking names and kicking butt! I'm so blessed to be on a committee with such strong/amazing women that will stop at nothing to make sure the chapter we work for is running great! LOVE YOU LADIES!

Dear Hubby - what little time we did get to spend together was wonderful and I'm SO looking forward to our Family Valentine's Date tomorrow! Butternut squash...YUMMY!! Thank you so much for everything you do for me and our family! I appreciate it more than you know! I can never thank you enough!

Dear Daughter - your Daddy and I are just absolutely amazed by you. These last few days your vocabulary has sky-rocketed! We're SO proud of you and continue to be amazed by everything you learn each day. You're the biggest blessing your Dad and I could ever have in life! WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!

Dear Future Sister in Law - First of all, I love the hell out of you. Second of all, you have no idea how much fun I'm having planning your Bridal Shower! Just one step closer to making you officially family (but you've always been a sister to me!). I cannot wait until your guys' big day! I'll be a complete wreck!

Dear Readers - I hope this week brings you amazing opportunities, great laughs, quiet moments, and memories that will last a life time! Make this a GREAT week! I can't tell you enough how much I love all of you and that you following me on my blogging journey means so much. It's nice to have people here to "listen" ;-)

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE! :-)

{Alpha O for LIFE!}

I was charged by my fellow sorority sister, actually - a fellow Tau Gamma sister, Meghan (who was initiated into the same chapter as I was, just a year after me for those of you that don't quite understand), to write about my experience as a sorority girl and share it with all of you...and here I go :-)

In Sept 2004, I headed to Eastern Washington University to start my Freshman year of college and the beginning of my journey to something amazing and definitely unplanned (aside from getting my college degree haha).

I had a VERY hard time being away from my family, my boyfriend, and everything that was familiar. I had a "not so pleasant" room mate that made it impossible to make my dorm room feel anything like a home away from home. I had no friends at Eastern and for once in my life, I was struggling to make new ones. For those of you that know me personally, I'm very outgoing, bubbly and usually make friends pretty easily. But it was like a whole new experience for me trying to make friends in a place that wasn't familiar to me like my hometown and my high school. Needless to say, I got extremely depressed, homesick, gained about 30lbs and shut myself off from the outside world. I was just days away from calling my parents to tell them that I wanted to come home and that going to college 5.5 hours away from everything I loved, just wasn't for me.

Something that day motivated me to get out of my dorm, where I had shut myself in, and go to lunch at the main cafeteria, sit down, and see if I could meet anyone and at least give it a fighting chance. I had gotten my food, grabbed my tray, walked over to the condiment bar and heard, "Caty?!". It didn't even take me a second to whirl around and see one of my closest friends, Tiffany, staring back at me!

*I know what you all are thinking "how did you not know that she was there?". Well, I'll tell you why...Tiffany and I had played softball together for years in high school. Tiffany was a Senior when I was a Junior and when she graduated, we lost touch for a bit since she was busy getting into college and moving. The last Tiffany and I had talked, she mentioned that she had been trying to get into a college in Oregon, so that's where I thought she ended up, since it had been a while since we talked last.*

Now, back to the story...when I saw Tiffany, I instantly wanted to start crying but there was no way in heck I was going to do that and make a scene, so instead, I left my tray at the condiment bar and ran across the cafeteria to give Tiffany the BIGGEST. HUG. EVER! We ate lunch together, caught up from where we left off and it was EXACTLY what I needed! Needless to say, I never made that phone call home ;-)

One thing out of our lunch date together that sparked interest was that she and her roommate were going through "Formal Recruitment" to join a sorority. This was definitely not what I expected out of Tiffany because we both grew up as "tom boys" and I honestly didn't think we were "sorority girl" material at all! (I know, I was one of those people that only thought of sorority girls being the "Barbie doll" types - SHAME ON ME). She told me all about the experiences she was having, that Formal Recruitment was an almost week long event, and that she was having a lot of fun. I was really interested at this point, but unfortunately, it was too late for me to join the Recruitment process so it was the last time I ever really curious about it.

Tiffany ended up joining the Tau Gamma Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi through Formal Recruitment. Over a few weeks she would tell me about all the fun experiences she was having and all the new friends she was making. This was pretty much the best thing for me to hear because what I desperately wanted was to make new friends and joining a sorority seemed like a great way to do just that. Tiff mentioned something about how Tau Gamma was going to be holding an Informal Recruitment event, to invite women that were interested in potentially joining a sorority or for those who didn't make it to sign up for Formal Recruitment in time (like me). I went to the Informal even with Tiffany, I LOVED all the incredible women I met there, they made me feel SO welcome and a lot of the ladies I talked to made me feel like I had known them for years.

Tiffany and I just before heading out to the Informal Recruitment event

Not sure how much time had passed since attending that event, but I was offered a Bid to join Alpha Omicron Pi and I never looked back!

My Bid Day - Winter 2005 :-)

I feel like my collegiate days were a complete blur because I had such an amazing experience. Of course there was drama, and a fair share of ups and downs, but the experiences I took away from my active membership will be memories I cherish forever! I met amazing women and gained life long friends that are still a huge force in my life today. AOII is the reason I didn't drop out of the first college I committed to and it plays a HUGE role in how I live my life today. While I was an active member, I held the positions of Recording Secretary, Historian and even served on the Panhellenic Council as Panhellenic Treasurer. All of these roles taught me amazing leadership skills that I use today.

The whole group of ladies I was initiated with

Nadina and I

My Big (Tiffany) at the top and my two Littles below me :-)

Bid Day 2005

Us Gals :-)

Lori and I

Red Rose Formal 2006

After going Alumn in 2008, it turned out that my AOII journey wouldn't end there (of course, once you're a member, you're a member for life, so it never "ended"). On this very day, I serve on Tau Gamma's Alumnae Advisory Committee as the Financial Adviser for the chapter that I was initiated into. I've had this position for over a year now and I completely love it! I'm blessed to work with amazing women on the AAC committee as well as amazing young women that are members of Tau Gamma today.

My membership as an AOII means SO much more to me know that I have a little girl of my own, that I can only hope will want to join AOII in the future as well!

I owe SO much to Tiffany for giving me to courage to get out there and for showing me that I was never alone when I felt the most alone I had ever felt in my life!

There are always those select people that will say, "what's so special about being in a sorority, you pay for your 'friends'". I can tell you right now, a quote that I found that I LOVE to use, "I may have paid for my friends, but I surely didn't pay enough for them!!" - Author Unknown ;-) 

So, that's my sorority life story, what's your?! Link up with us on Meghan's page HERE and "TELL US ABOUT IT!!" :-)