Newest Obession

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I can't believe how late I am to the You Tube train!  I have been researching like a mad woman the last couple weeks.  I have totally mastered applying false lashes, using my Clarisonic, rocking out to Biebs, Carrie Underwood, applying the perfect cat eye, sexy voluminous hair and have reviewed endless foundation, bb cream, mascara, self tanner, eye shadow, hair extensions, etc.  It is enough to make a person's head spin - but not this girl.  I am loving it!  I think everyone putting their experiences out there is so great.  I don't have the balls to do that is for sure so I will live vicariously through you.  Thanks!

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Then, this gets me thinking (Cuz I am always thinking see) -

How can I capitalize on my obsession?  Is there a need for some sort of catalog?  Would (Wouldn't it!) it be great to have the best of the best tutorials at your fingertips?  Does this already exist? 

When I complain about my current day job, the conversation always turns to "What do you enjoy?"  "What are your interests?"  Well, if I had a better handle on what I want to do don't you think I would already be pursuing it?! Com'on!

So, I will continue to research and learn more from You Tube.  I thought about posting a Video of the Day and then recreating it on my own to share.  But, then that means that I am on the internet - out there for everyone to see this video?  I mean, it's one thing for the people who are actually interested in seeing it, but totally different for weird randoms to see it - right?  I should research that to help weigh in on my decision.

Anywho - the Olympics opening ceremonies are today.  We are having a few of the boys over tonight to watch and play drinking games.  Yes, we are 21 (30). I was talking to my Bestie, Arielle, earlier this week.  It was then that I realized, how cool would it be to actually experience the olympics!  I am not big on sports (probably because I am not athletic and can't really relate), but I really think it would be such a once in a lifetime experience that how could you not want to be there - a witness to history.

xoxo,

K

It's All About Me

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Do you ever get the feeling that a show, song, or article was written specifically for you? I sometimes get this feeling when watching some of my favorite tv shows (greys, etc).  I think, wow, i am the crazy girl this show is talking about.
And, it has been happening to me lately when reading my favorite blogs! Yes, I have obviously twisted reality in my head when reading stalking my daily blogs, but it seems like their posts are talking directly to me. Telling me, Kathryn, don't be afraid. Take that leap. Try something new. You can't succeed if you don't take that initial risk.
I have been struggling for some time with really deciding on which direction and path I want to take. I wonder why now? Is it because I am bored? Unhappy with my current job? Do I know there is something more that I am destined to do - to achieve?  I also feel some sort of pressure to make this decision. Is there finality in whatever decision I make?  Growing up, choosing things to try and experience was always too easy.  I don't really remember thinking "gosh, I wish I could just quit this and try something else". I would by no means call myself a 'risk taker'.  And, now it seems like any risk is too big to even attempt.
So, just like when Meredith or Christina is speaking to me through their challenge of the episode on Greys, so are my blogger peeps.
I thank you all for posting such motivational topics and words. Your words and thought provoking topics are truly inspirational.  I find myself wanting to take Ginger for a walk and jog for part of it. I am even looking forward to the next time I can hit the pavement and feel the fresh air in my lungs (as much as one can in LA) and gaze upon the vibrant flowers.  I am ready to prepare, research and act on moving on to my newest job.  I would say career, but up pops that finality again that creeps me out.  So, to keep it light and not uber serious, I will refer to this change as a scenery change.  Reading these blogs has given me hope. Hope that I am not alone. Hope that there are people out there who love their jobs so now I know it def is possible.
I will probably never meet a majority of you, but know that you do effect others - for the better.  And, a part I can play in that is to comment and let you know - someone is listening and thanks for sharing.


xoxo,
K

Brown Bag for One Over Here Please

Ughhh

My skin has been so out of whack for sometime...Since the end of last year and I feel like it keeps getting worse.  I have gone through a hand full of different face washes, multiple scrubs, body wash, clay mask (a la dead sea ingredients!), and toners.  I feel like nothing is working.  My problem area from even before my wedding in 2010 was small tiny bumps on my forehead.  Well, with all these different products, those have FINALLY subsided for the most part.  But, the rest of my face is crying out for help.  Who am I kidding - the rest of my body! Sorry for the TMI.  It's sad and gross - even Josh has said "You need to go to the doctor".  :'''(
Oh, and the real kicker is last weekend my Mom even offered up some of her prescription cream.  So, I finally did some research online, the stuff looks legit, and I researched the directions.  I gave it a whirl today.  It's sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur lotion.  The tube is plain jane and has a definite aroma to it.  A medicine-y aroma for sure.  But, hey, I guess that's what the Mom Docta ordered.  So, today was my first night.  I applied about a pea size amount to my face, neck, and mid back.  If this cream can help tame the unwanted visitors on my bod, then I am going to be one happy camper.  Shoot - I gotta get this bod in check.  It's about to be wedding season ya'll.  (I also came up with my Excercise Plan/Routine for the next two weeks so I will be ready for my friend Lory and Derrick's wedding the last Saturday of the month.)
I am hoping this and my newest Sephora purchase - the Clarisonic in berry!!! - will help. Please dear skin gods help a sister out!
So, hopefully I won't be needing my bag much longer to hide from the world.  *Fingers Crossed*

xoxo,
K

Wednesday Randomness

Found this cute quiz online and felt inspired...  Read On:

 

1. Do you consider yourself a city or a country girl?

I have always lived in L.A. so the city ways aint no thang.  I enjoy having all of these amazing opportunities at my finger tips (ie. shopping, Dodgers, Lakers, beach, amazing dining, museums, rando celeb sightings, and being a hop skip and a jump from so many other fun destinations = VEGAS, SD, etc.).  But, having said that, I dream of the time when J and I retire in a small town in our plantation home.

 

2. What would your dream job be?

People ask this question all the time.  It should be such a simple question.  I guess it would be to own my own boutique store and to help style my customers.  So dorky - Yes, I know.

3. If you went shopping and could only purchase one item, what would it be?

Hmmm...prob shoes or make-up.  These are both an easy thing to pick out and splurge on. 

 

4. What is your all time favorite movie?

Step Brothers will always make me laugh.  Every. Single. Time.

 

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Be more outspoken.  Not be afraid to speak my mind.  This is something I have never been comfortable with and struggle with on a daily. *sigh*

 

6. What is your absolute favorite meal?

One of the best meals I have ever had was at Fleming's Steakhouse.  Porcini rubbed Filet Mignon = Heaven. 

7. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do?

Clean out my desk at work and buy a new car!

8. What would make your day?

Puppy kisses from Ginger! Ope- done.  I walked up to the door today and her nose was peeking through.  We may have exchange some kisses before I even crossed the threshhold. ;)

 

9. How many times a week do you celebrate happy hour?

Randomly.  We went to Total Wine this weekend and did some major stocking up on good time.  Bought a few bottles of red, white, scotch for J, and a pre-mixed Pomegranate Margarita mix.  I had a glass of that on Monday after work.  Dee-lish.

10. What are your favorite boy and girl names?

I like Matt, Jason, Tyler, Nicholas - You know, you're typical American home grown names.
Girl names are harder - I always wished my name was Nicole growing up.  I like girl names that you can use masculine nick-names (ie. Victoria - Vic, Kristine - Kris) or just masculine names like Jordyn and Taylor.

11. What would your dream vacation consist of and where would it be?

We went to Antigua for our honeymoon.  It was magical.  I loved it.  The water was the clearest and warmest water ever.  Only down side - if there are bugs that can bite, THEY.WILL.FIND.ME.  I was eaten alive and it kind sucked.  Even our Hawaii trip about 6 months later was a little reminiscent of it.  I got a huge bite on my hand that made golfing a challenge.  But, I powered through it like a champ.  So, after my rant here, my dream vacation would be going to a place like Bora Bora, staying in those rooms over the water, and bug-bite free!  And, since it's my dream vacation - we get to bring Ginger with us.  She would look so cute in snorkel gear.  <Insert Ginger photoshopped w/ cute fins and a mask>  **If I could photo-shop, that would be the pic here.  You can see it, right!??

xoxo,
K

Sunday Night Feeling

I love our Sunday night shows.  It's a good way to wind down the weekend, but I dread having to start a new work week in the morning. Booo. This weekend seemed to fly by. We partied it up Saturday afternoon for my niece's birthday party, I got a facial and my eyebrows done (SO overdue), spent time with the family and tried for the first time - McDonald's Shamrock Shake.

 I enjoyed it - all the minty gooeyness. My tummy did not like it so much afterwards, but I am glad I tried it. This past week I met up with my friend, Wren, for dinner. We hit Jerry's Famous Deli after work. She had mentioned how she had just purchased a new deodorant free of parabens. I was educated and I am reading more labels. Part of my new label reading skills came into use Saturday post facial. Melissa noticed that when she was doing the extraction part of the facial (feels so good but hurts like a beeyotch), that I had a lot of baby pimples in my hair line. So, I am starting with the shampoo/conditioner change-up. I bought some new Trader Joes products that I will do a review on later this week. I have color and highlights so I am hoping this doesn't damage my hair. It was really sad to read all the chemicals in my old Dove products. I need to do more research on Shampoos to determine where to go next. I am looking for the most natural ingredients and a product to keep these locks looking good! Xoxo, K

Just a simple girl

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day...

We will be staying in and cooking dinner together. What's on the menu? Steak, Potatoes, Brocolli, and some Vino. What'd I say? Did I call or it or what!?

I wanted to do something cute and thoughtful for my coworkers tomorrow. But, instead of the usual offerings that we tend to bring to the office and share (candy or fried goods), I wanted to do something that won't hurt our waist lines.

My first thought was to give a rose (or some yummy smelling flower) to my office ladies. Maybe tie a little card around it or something.

Or, I was going to make some healthier blueberry muffins...

Or, I could bring in some cutesy office supplies (cute post its, paperclips, etc)...

But, since I will be finding this cute little token of appreciation tomorrow morning before work, it's looking more like a quick run to Vons and grabbing whatever I can find that strikes me will be our lucky winner.

Do other people bring cute things to work to share with the girls/guys?

Oh well, back to some DVR'd Hart of Dixie. I need some girlie shows after finishing Shameless, House of Lies, and Family Guy. I keep a very wide spectrum of content on my DVR.

xoxo,

K

image via pinterest.com

Got Plans?

Valentine's Day Plans...

My plans involve:

Prep by losing some L.B.s - say 10 20
Get new Fun Flirty Outfit (if we go out and that's a big IF)
Speaking of FFO - I need to get my shoes fixed. Need to get my butt over to Joann's, match the beads, and super glue missing beads back on!

If we stay home, then I need to plan dinner. What does J like? Hmmmm
Baked Potatoes
Steak
Scotch
Wine
Brownie Sundaes
Sneak in some yummy/healthy veggie
Flowers on the table
Set the table with candles
Appetizers? Find something cute - Check Pinterest Boards!
Is it cheaper to go out? Def would be easier *sigh*

I must mention how ri-dic-u-lous it is to be planning so much for this holiday. I know J won't be planning at all! Cuz, let's face it, J's not a planner either. He can be, but for some random holiday you can bet that's not happening.

What would be my dream VDay plans?
Well, I would look flawless in every way (perfect hair, bod, and be dressed so super hot that I am dragging J to leave the house - but sometimes I feel like I tend to do that anyway but that's more b/c he just wants to stay home....)
Back on track here...
We would go to some fancy restaurant and dine in a private room. J had already picked out my favorite things to dine on and we enjoy a nice relaxing 2 hour long dinner just talking and enjoying each others company. We would have dessert - TO GO - and have our "Black Dress" song evening.
While we're day dreaming here, he would have also sent me the largest bouquet (borderline obnoxious) of flowers to the office and left me cute little notes throughout the house that morning that expressed his devotion and reminded me of all the little things I do that make him love me more and more each day.
Oh, and after said dinner, once home he reaches over to hand me my present. It's a large Tiffany blue box that I open and *awww* out pops a puppy with a red satin bow a la Lady and the Tramp. This puppy is also potty trained and can use the doggie door like a champ.

Well, it's time to wake up from this peaceful dream. VDAY plans will go a little something like this: come home from work, open up some wine and have some pasta for dinner. Maybe even some garlic bread. I don't doubt there will be dessert, but at least we won't be exhausted the next day after all that wining and dining. It is true - so many days with J seem like Valentine's day. We do have those amazing dinners where we just connect and really appreciate one another. True, many of these dinners happen to be Friday evenings while sitting on the couch, but I will always remember those moments. It is kind of silly to force it just because of the date.

And, it's fun to celebrate with friends/coworkers that day too. And, I enjoy those chalky heart treats that everyone else hates. More for me! I am sure nobody is sad about that.
:)

xoxo,
K

Why I suck at planning

I wish I had watched some scary movies on Friday the 13th. How perfect would that have been to do a little scary movie marathon? Maybe re-watch some movies from when I was growing up (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Ring, etc). I am not a planner by any means, so this is so typical of me to think of something like this way after the fact. Arghh.
On the 14th, my MIL invited me to go to Breakfast with Belle and see Beauty and the Beast in 3D with her and my niece - a girls day out. It was fun and it's always great to see her little face so excited about doing new things. We had breakfast and then went to the theater next door to watch the movie.


Saturday night I went to an 80's birthday party for one of my bridesmaids. It was so fun to get dressed up (after stressing over not having anything to wear). Again - here is where the whole not being a planner comes into play. Luckily my MOH had some extra pieces for me! That MOH - always coming to my rescue (she's the planner!). It was hilarious seeing all the awesome costumes. I think we can definitely get into this theme again.

xoxo,
K

Blogger Fail

Since I last posted, we have had 3 weekends. Wow, how time flies!
The 6th we went out for drinks and dinner with our friends to Padri Restaurant and Martini Bar in Agoura Hills. That was a lot of fun and the drinks and food were so good. We are still nostalgic for the days when they had the spinach lasagna and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, but we'll make do. :) I had the risotto with chicken and J had spagetti with veal meatballs.

After dinner, we drove over to the neighborhood cigar shop, Old Oaks Cigar Co. in Thousand Oaks. The boys do love themselves a good cigar so we ventured over so they could check the place out and get some now stogies. The owner greeted us with a smile and welcomed us in like we were old friends. The walk-in humidor was something you have to see in person to truly appreciate it. This room was massive and filled from top to bottom with cigars. I felt like I was in a museum. I realized that I don't really enjoy cigars (I can hang with the flavored ones - cigarellos), but it's not something I get excited about. However, I do enjoy the ambiance and attitude of cigar smoking. There is some old glamour to it or something that I get a kick out of.


On Saturday, we met up with my MOH and her boyfriend to venture out to the west side and do some lunch and shopping. We went to Pink Taco for lunch. I love chips and salsa and theirs really hit the spot. I tried a fun non-alcoholic beverage with lunch - Sandia. It's described as "fresh watermelon and lemon juice, with a splash of seltzer water". It was sweet and refreshing. I would get it again so that must mean it was good!
After lunch, we were off to The Container Store. I think we spent almost two hours going through that store. Aisle by aisle and sometimes re-doing an aisle. I went in looking for shoe and makeup organizers. I left with much more than planned and didn't end up getting anything for my shoes. We were able to come up with some ideas that will hopefully help make our closet much more manageable and inviting. Pics of my finds to follow soon.
The rest of the weekend was full of relaxing and putting away the last of our Holiday decorations.
xoxo,
K

Too Hot!

She's here! She's here!!!!
I have been waiting (for what feels like) forever for my new Solia flat iron to arrive. I finally made a much needed purchase last Thursday and she was delivered this afternoon. So, I guess not technically forever... My previous flat iron was a Hot Tools that J got me a few years back as a present. It was good and served it's purpose, but it had definitely run it's course. We played a fun game each time I used it. It went something like this: Hair getting caught if you get it too close to one edge of the plates, fighting to straighten out the cord each time I used it, and my favorite - getting stuck closed on the latch while in the hair.

Gross!!



Two weekends ago J commented that it was "smoking" while I was using it. I figured a little is to be expected but he assured me it was smoke and not steam. So, I decided that now was as good a time as ever and I hopped over to folica.com. This place was a great resource and I read tons of reviews before finally making my pick. The flat iron I ended up going with was on discount and they had a promo code you could enter at checkout to give you an additional 20% off. Done and Done!


Here she is!! New - Shiny - Pink!!

It also came with a free travel heat pouch and 2 year warranty!

I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and give her a test drive. I am sure she won't disappoint.

xoxo,
K

My Debut

Hello Blogging World! My name is Kathryn and after months and months of reading (stalking) other women's blogs, I have decided to finally join the party. I figure what better time to start my new adventure than the beginning of a new year. If I were to gain no more than five members, I will be proud to have at least put myself out there and made some accomplishments - Honest! To those that know me well, they would tell you that I am fun loving, kind hearted, a bit reserved and a great friend. My goals for this blog are to personally push myself to try new things, share my opinion on such things, and to really open myself up to new people and experiences. I thank you for taking a peek at my page and hope to see again very soon. I am new to this and will be sure to make some goofs along the way. But, it's all about living and learning right?! So, without further ado, here goes nothing...