because retro chic sounds good to me.

j crew pretties

2009-09-24T23:10:00.001-07:00

i was browsing the j.crew sale section and found these two lovely items and thought to myself "that would make the most adorable outfit ever!" don't you think?

oh my...my little wish list keeps getting longer and longer.

etsy you tempt me so.

2009-09-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

thought i would share with you some wonderful finds i saw on etsy today...

hello again old friend

2009-09-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

i've been gone for a while. can you forgive me?

while i would like to think i am a dedicated blogger, the truth is, a year without internet really did me in. going to the library each night to update my blog wasn't exactly on top of my to - do list, but alas, i now have internet.

think we can be friends again?

so since i last updated, quite a bit has changed. i now live back near kansas city (mission, kansas). and while i thought i wouldn't miss a whole lot about joplin (aside from my friends and family of course) i've definitely had my fair share of joplin cravings.

joplin cravings? what are these? well, its when you wake up one day and realize you miss your local grocery store, the crazy joplin flea market (where random strangers want to hold your puppy and let it lick their faces), the insanely awesome goodwill, my nice neighbors, academy sports, and my old insanely large room. i miss seeing evan every day, getting to eat with my aunt, going home to see the parents on the weekends, and eating pizza with my friends.

it's funny how life works. when i first moved to joplin from kansas city i was in a little bit of culture shock. it seemed so different, so small, so...something. i couldn't quite put my finger on it. but after a little while it seemed...well nice.

after finding out that evan was no longer going to be rotating in joplin, and seeing as he is my best friend and love, i decided it might be for the best to make a move.

so i did. and here i am in mission. evan is here some and traveling doing rotations the rest of the time. i have a roommate, my friend kate and we eat lots of macaroni and cheese, make many many target runs, and are currently watching the gilmore girls nightly. and i kinda love it. it's nice to be around old friends, people who know you and don't judge you when you make your weekly returns to target because you maybe overbought the last time you were there. people who listen to your rants, don't judge you when you forget the specs on your camera lens, pick you up from the airport, watch your puppy, go roaming around westport with you, and people you can have happy picture fridays with. the people who know you pretty well and have decided despite your quirky statements, sometimes lack of judgement in fashion, and bad eating habits you're worth the trouble to invest in and befriend.

so i moved...and i started working on my photography business. yes my friends, soon (very soon) katie g photography will have her own shiny website and it will be wonderful. magical even. i cannot wait!

what else? between photography and walking my crazy energetic puppy i am going to be working in a box office again. get excited. in fact the other day, i worked the on sale of the broadway show wicked here in kansas city. and while i was a little intimidated at the million shows and thus, million codes i needed to know it worked out just fine. and i am glad to be back in show business. (ha!)

macie is growing up so fast. i know i totally sound like i'm talking about a child, but my puppy is so loved i figured she's worth an update. she's asleep next to me right now and could not be any cuter. she enjoys long walks in the park, playing with her friend elle, treats, and jumping off and onto about anything. oh and naps, she like me, loves naps. i knew she was the perfect puppy for me!

my dear old evan is doing well. as i mentioned earlier, he'll be here in mission some, in colorado much, and possibly in chicago some. he's applying to residency programs now and we're excited to see where the future will take us. i'm so proud of him. he is going to be SUCH a great doctor.

my hero, my mom is doing well. she is such a trooper and an inspiration to so many. i feel so blessed that her cancer spots are currently not growing. after multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation, she finally has a little break to enjoy herself. i'm so happy.

so that's a little update on me. but soon look for all kind of fun updates from photography to fashion to home decor. it's going to be one fun ride. get excited! i am.

and thanks for letting me return to you blog. i'm certainly lucky you don't hold grudges ;)

Sarah and Rob Part II

2009-06-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

this second shoot was so fun. a big thanks to sarah and rob for letting me take their engagement pictures.

its official: meet my puppy

2009-06-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

this is macie. she's pretty much the best puppy in the world. but i could be a little biased. ;)

wish me luck.

2009-03-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

cause maybe, just maybe with a whole lot of luck these puppies might be mine someday. and by someday i mean next week. :) keep your fingers crossed the humane society will choose me. pretty please.

anna maria.

2009-03-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

florida. not the song. but just as pretty.

*there's just something about putting your feet in the ocean, despite how cold the water might be.

j - town.

2009-03-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

j-town has really outdone itself recently. and i have totally loved it. here's some of what i'm talking about...enjoy :)

oh! and guess what?! two of my favorite people came into town! hurray for great in-laws!

our apartment

2009-03-21T19:50:00.001-07:00

i thought i would give a little look into our little life. :)

my girly bathroom. i love everything about this bathroom from the pink towels to the flowered shower curtain.
part 2 of my girly bathroom. headbands, a darkroom timer, vintage prints and perfume.
our bedroom. evan and i agreed on the color green when we were registering and i am glad we picked a color we both can still enjoy.
side view b of our bedroom.
our latest addition in the master bedroom. prints hung from curtain rods.
our guest bathroom. this shower curtain was one of the best gifts we received from our wedding - we've had it for over 2 years and i think it still looks practically new.
my craft/fun room. where i keep my darkroom equipment, my sewing machine, and a lot of my treasures. someday this room will have more than posters from my college days as decoration.
craft room view b.
our dining room. our dining room table is seriously by far my favorite thing in our apartment. our dining room features those wonderful ugly sliding door blinds. but it also features antique plates and prints.
the hubby's study.
hallway.
our linen/store everything closet.
kitchen view a.
kitchen view b. i used to spend practically no time in here other than at the microwave. but, recently i've been cooking a little more. let's hope this trend continues.
our living room features a red leather chair evan and i gave each other for christmas, a garage sale floral couch, a mini couch my friends janeane and courtney helped me re-upholster after we found it on the side of the road, an outdoor light, a mirror evan and i gave each other for valentines day 3 years ago, a vintage photo i bought at a thrift store of a very serious lady, and a few other treasures.

okay so there's our house. i am always wanting to paint it and while i can, im not sure it's worth it in a rental i know i won't be in forever. any thoughts on how to add color to my craft room (and others) without using paint?

spring is here.

2009-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

and i think it calls for a few things to be in order.

**first things first, a new haircut. well maybe. i love this short style :)

**and secondly, spring calls for a wish list. here's a preview of mine. more to come.

fun, bright, and eccentric headbands. because nothing says spring like a giant flower in your hair.

shoes with bows. because everything is cuter with bows.

a long flowing spring dress that says "get me to a beach pronto!" :)
and lastly, polka dots. must i explain? these are crazy cute for any season. love this skirt!

again, more to come. what's on your wish list this spring? getting a new do? or found the perfect spring dress? do share!

a shout out to the best guy i know.

2009-03-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

i'm married to the world's greatest guy who lets me sing at the top of my lungs and spoils me with his kindness. he laughs with me, listens to my crazy stories, eats my burnt cooking, takes me out to see my favorite movies, takes me on crazy roadtrips, surprises me, and takes me out on dates where we order a big chocolate chip cookie for dinner. :) i love him.

twenty five.

2009-02-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

my 25th birthday is in a few days so i thought this list was appropriate.

alright. here goes nothing...
25 Random things about…well me.

1. I am sort of addicted to winter coats. I can’t help it. They’re just so luring. I took them all out and counted them one day in a hope to realize my ridiculousness and stop this addiction, however it did nothing but make me a little embarrassed I owned so many that were the same color.

2. I love flying. Put me on a plane and I’m happy. I don’t really even mind where I’m going. I really like the people I meet in planes. I’ve sat next to dance company members, restaurant managers, band members - I meet the most interesting people in those little crowded places.

3. I used to run quite strangely, to the point that this and only this is what I am remembered for in elementary school.

4. I looked at joining the Air Force after college and still consider it an option for the future.

5. I consistently miss my old boss from Kemper- like everyday at my new job.

6. I collect old cameras and old atlas books.

7. In my current job, the word vagina probably is one of the most used words in our workplace vocabulary.

8. People used to say I walk like Meg Ryan. I think we both walk a little tomboy like.

9. I swear I saw Brad Pitt at Steak N Shake in Springfield years ago.

10. My life used to revolve around music. I sang in 4 choirs, took private lessons since I can remember, and of course, picked my college based on vocal music. I was planning on majoring in vocal music or music business and surprisingly and somewhat sadly, music is not really a part of my life anymore. Hopefully it will be again someday.

11. My best friend lives in England and her and I seriously have a friendship of gold that was put through fire. It could be made into a movie. Roommates, sworn enemies, best friends. She’s the best. I miss her pretty much all the time. No one else is brave/crazy enough to request the Macerena with me at dance parties.

12. I almost literally knocked over Ryan Seacrest at the American Idol auditions in Kansas City at Kemper Arena.

13. I used to have great teeth. I didn’t have a cavity until college - which is sort of amazing if you knew how much sugar I intake.

14. I dance like a crazy person and love every minute of it. Basically I have no shame.

15. I had crazy pink glittery pants and snake print doc martin boots in high school. I have no clue why. I also had short spikey hair that I would make pink, blue or purple with some crazy hair gel. Fun times.

16. Sometimes I think people think my husband and I are a funny fit. He’s going to be a doctor. I’m hoping to be a Photographer. I love him. He is the Greg to my Dharma.

17. I studied in the manor (some would say castle) in England where the Haunting was filmed. I still dream of moving back overseas.

18. I would say most people consider me somewhat outgoing but if you really know me, you know I’m somewhat awkward and nervous in most public situations.

19. I really don’t enjoy when people downplay communication degrees. I think my senior paper and senior speech can compete with any other degree’s senior project.

20. I’m really not your typical sorority girl and yet sorority girl I am.

21. I once prayed for a sign and saw an angel in my backyard. Even so, sometimes I have a hard time believing.

22. I had one horrible fall in cross country training my freshman year of high school. Literally mashed up half my face and was called two face the rest of that summer.

23. When I was announced at the Homecoming dance for court I came out with my cross country running shoes on.

24. I really want a tattoo but am afraid of needles.

25. I love polka dots, bows, and all things pink.

a little leave of absence

2009-02-08T13:59:00.001-08:00

i apologize for the little leave of absence. our internet has been really on and off lately and sadly, each time i would sit down to update my little blog it would decide to stop working. grrr. however, i'm looking for other options and will be updating more soon.

so long for now. see you again soon. very soon. :)

365 project update

2009-02-08T13:16:00.001-08:00

*so i haven't been great at keeping up with this project but here's some of my favorites of late:

the theme to this week: tired, annoyed.

2009-01-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

*next week i will be not tired and happy. i promise.

january 9th: "seriously?" oh my. crazy day. frustration with converting raw files to jpeg.
january 8th: i am rolling my eyes in this picture. had to go and have my annual gynocologist exam. not fun.
january 7th: this night i fell asleep at 8pm in my work clothes.

jan 4th and jan 5th

2009-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

january 5th: so this is my new coat i got for christmas from evan. i am kind of addicted to coats. i've discovered i own quite a few, but this one takes the cake. i love it. it's got a fancy collar and skirt and when i wear it i sorta feel like queen elizabeth. this here below is my best impression.

janurary 4th: i am so tired this week. seriously.

january 3 - commercial st.

2009-01-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

today my good friend michelle and i decided to go exploring and found commercial street. if you are a springfieldian and haven't checked out this up and coming neghiborhood you really should! it's super cute! here's some evidence of the fun we had:

january 2nd - 365 project

2009-01-03T19:04:00.001-08:00

2009 is looking bright. :)

one new years resolution

2009-01-03T18:36:00.000-08:00

i made a couple new years resolutions...

one being that this year i am going to document each day with a picture. i think it will help my creativity.

so here's day one - january 1st, 2009

happy new years.

2009-01-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

so 2009 is here - and to be honest, it's a little crazy. last night, as i sat and watched the ball drop i reflected upon the last year.

big events of 2008:

watched my mom bravely face chemo...then radiation
went to colorado x3
started a book club
finally got around to making my wedding album
thrifted with friends
turned 24 years old
became addicted to 30 rock
worked at an arena in kansas city
had the world's best boss
saw some stellar concets
went to oklahoma city x2
applied and got accepted to grad school in oklahoma city
decided not to move to oklahoma city
ordered my digital camera
won free tickets on the radio
played wii rockband
had some great times with the fam
ran into ryan seacrest at kemper's american idol auditions
danced my "i hate AEG" dance numerous times
went to wine country
worked a lemonade stand
saw st. louis cards, spfd cards, kc royals
threw some fun sleepovers
went to bristol, england to see courtney and paul's life
reunited with julia in barcelona, spain
had fun while eating the worst brat ever in berlin, germay
caught up with my old roomie in oxford, england
saw great friends get married
met my sister in law, christina
called into npr
read some great books
pretended to be rachel ray
wished my husband luck on his medical school tests
celebrated 2 years of marriage to my love
saw my little brother before he left for iraq
walked in the susan g. komen race for the cure for my mom
reunited with friends from all over the country and world
saw my best friends new house in bristol england
toured boulevard brewery
moved to joplin
substitued in kindergarten and first grade
got a pro flickr account
began blogging here
started working on a etsy shop
played with a cute little girl named chloe
scrapbooked with my mom and aunt
missed my friends
cut my hair off for locks of love
photographed weddings and numerous couples
saw my pictures on x-mas cards, save the date cards, programs
started job in gynocologist office
got hooked on some great new music (ex: the ting tings)
got beefy with altell
celebrated my husbands 27th birthday

it's been a good year. but i think next year might be even better.

sweetest husband award goes to...

2008-12-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

evan scott.

who yesterday drove over to my work place parking lot to scape my car windshield. he wins.

i love christmas.

2008-12-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

love love love this holiday.

it's magical really.

want proof?

let me tell you a little story that always reminds me the magic of this holiday. so imagine me freshman year, i was rooming with the wonderful gal who is now my best friend and together we had set up this mini christmas tree my parents had bought me. it was about 2.5 feet tall with lights that flashed on and off. that year my roomate and i had decided to theme decorate our room in a theme and the theme was america. yeah im not even kidding. yes we laugh about it now, but i think if you would've seen our room you would've been impressed. we had flag curtains, red white and blue blankets, flag everything. and thus, at christmas time our mini tree came complete with mini flag ornaments.

i used to love looking at that tree. it wasn't as grand or beautiful as the trees my family had put up but it held it's own. so much so, that it i woke up- in the middle of the night to stare and it and demanded that my roomate take it in as well. poor courtney. as if your roomate waking you up at 3 in the morning isn't bad enough, her demanding for you to look at the patriotic mini tree and making sure you take in it's beauty really takes the cake for crazy. i mean seriously. i think my exact words were "look at how beautiful it is - our tree looks magical....courtney, wake up, i'm serious...look at it. magic. pure magic"

and it was. i mean obviously. magical enough to wake me up in the middle of the night and magical enough to demand everyones attention. the funny thing was the next morning when my poor roomate told me of what i had done the night before, i literally couldn't remember a thing. i never remembered waking up or demanding her to take in the trees beauty.

so to this day when i think of this holiday i think of laughter, christs birth, the gift of giving, and the our little patriotic tree that was so...magical.

j and a wedding

2008-12-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

this past weekend i had the excellent opportunity to second shoot with photographer dustin steller (find his blog here - www.stellertimes.com) - he's a great photographer and i learned a lot by shooting with him. here are some shots i took that weekend:

woof woof woof.

2008-12-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

* paul and courtney have the most adorable little pups. here's proof:

paul and courtney

2008-12-15T21:39:00.001-08:00

my friends paul and courtney were nice enough to let me take some pictures of them and let me just say, first they are both very photogenic and secondly, they are both very fun people. i'm glad to call them my friends.

here are some of my favorites from the day.

*look for another post coming soon of the couple with their adorable dogs.

rob and sarah engagement pics

2008-12-03T16:02:00.001-08:00

my beautiful friend sarah is marrying her best friend and love. sometimes life works out perfectly :)

these are some of my favorite shots from their first engagement session. look for pics from a second shoot coming soon.

so guess what?

2008-11-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

i got a job.

yes a full - time, real adult job.

and i have to tell you- it's sorta exhausting. nope, i take that back really exhausting.

don't get me wrong. i've had a real life adult job before, but this one is different. no, im not an undercover spy, i don't work for the U.N., and i don't sell anything.

i'm a receptionist.

but let me tell you. that job title is deceiving. if you're anything like me you're thinking "alright katie, surely you can pick up a phone, read, write, use a computer, fax, copy, and alphabetize. i mean really how hard can it be?"

yeah i thought this job would be easy. like way easier than my previous jobs but i was wrong. very wrong. and it really got me to thinking, if i was wrong about this job - how many other jobs do i underestimate or sell short? there are probably, sadly a ton of jobs i think i could pick up in a day but in reality are a LOT harder than i believe them to be. in my previous jobs i had those little breaks of free time to check my email, make a personal phone call, go to the restroom - not so in this job. and i bet there are many many jobs out there far harder than what i head into tomorrow morning.

despite the shocking reality of how hard being a medical receptionist really is, my job is actually nice - just a lot different than what i previously thought it would be. it's really given a new outlook on jobs, salaries, what a killer paper cut can be (try a folder cut-ouch!), productivity, lunch (heaven), and co-workers.

today i miss...

2008-11-15T22:39:00.001-08:00

paris in the morning.

whose with me?

adventures coming soon.

2008-11-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

so blog world...guess what?

i am no longer officially unemployed.

yes. it is rather exciting.

but earlier today while at work (long story short- my office was in the process of moving this week) i found myself really missing something. it was kinda strange. it wasn't a person. or a place even. it was a feeling.

yes. i missed my sense of adventure.

im sure everyone has those moements. you're sitting at your desk, organizing files and all of the sudden you ask yourself "whoa, how did i get here?" - don't get me wrong, so far i like my job. i really do. but every once in a while i find myself asking selfish silly questions like why can't i just jump on a plane and head to england to see my best friend or drive all night to go to the coldplay concert? why can't i stand in line all day to be the first into stores on black friday or quit my job and join a traveling show choir?

well- the answer is simple. kind of. some people can do this. they are brave. or crazy. or both. and i am jealous of these people who somehow despite all of life's attempts to steal it from them retain their imagination and sense of adventure. and or, have endless amounts of money and no obligations on their time.

but for me, i can't do these crazy things. at least right now. i'm not convinced someday i won't be in a traveling show choir but for now - my place is here. in joplin. that means i may not be at the coldplay concert or find myself shopping in the best boutiques. i'll be going to my 8-5 job everyday and i'll be alphabetizing files for some amount of time every day. but you know, there are adventures to be had here, alphabetizing and all. i just have to find them. and i will. i'll find some adventures here soon. i've seen glimpses of them in places you would never expect.

and yes. i will report back to you the adventures i find.

the beards are the best!

2008-11-10T16:19:00.001-08:00

evan and i are so lucky to have been blessed with great friends - two of whom came to visit us on thursday and friday. we really enjoyed having visitors- especially such fun ones! we are so glad to be friends with the beards. it was so fabulous to see them, laugh with them, and catch up!

and...they were nice enough to let me take their picture friday afternoon.
here's my favorites:

must haves part I

2008-11-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

in a celebration of fall and winter i started compiling a list for myself of must haves for this season. thought i would share my thoughts:

trench coats - this beautiful tan trench coat can be found at banana republic.

tights. i love tights - they are so fun and add the perfect flair to any outfit. here are some classic examples from the show "gossip girl" - this show has such great fashion.

classic ballet flat. i found this one on target's website. flats are so comfy and so cute. love them during any season.

lastly, everyone needs a perfect peacoat. because fall and winter expects nothing less than your best. i love this yellow.

thus, that concludes part I of this series. soon to come: part II.

this baby will be funny.

2008-10-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

so two of my all-time favorite comedy personalities have had a baby. amy poehler and will arnett are both so so so funny. not only am i convinced their baby will be beautiful and fun but im pretty sure it will inherit they're hilarious personalities.

so congrats to amy and will. and welcome to the world little baby-you're destined to be hilarious- no pressure. ;)

i went to a booksale tonight...

2008-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

and i bought the cutest book called "Without Some Raindrops Failling"

by helen farries

"the days can't all be sunny,
the skies can't all be blue...

sometimes it's dark and cloudy,
someimes its rainy, too...

but when we think it over,
if some rain didn't fall...

we'd have no lovely gardens,
no flowers to pick at all...

we'd have no trees to shade us
or simply sit beneath...

we'd have no pine and holly
to make a christmas wreath...

we'd have no streams to sail on
or dream by now and then...

we'd have no pretty rainbows
to bring the sun again...

we'd have no pretty green leaves,
they'd all be dark and brown...

we'd have no walks together
with raindrops falling down...

so, when we think it over,
when all is said and done...

without some clouds we'd never
appreciate the sun...

so when the skies are cloudy,
just think a bit of this...

without some raindrops falling...

what lovely things we'd miss!"

i love love love this book. the story is great. and the pictures are so adorable-i'll post pictures later :)

i have a secret...

2008-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

it involves some hard work, treasure hunting, and a little website called etsy.

i have started an etsy shop. though it's not quite ready yet to be public. i have some pretty exciting vintage finds i can't wait to post in the shop.

i'll post the link a little later.

for now, it's my little secret. but get excited, it's going be fun.

guess who im going to see tomorrow...

2008-10-23T11:40:00.001-07:00

yeah i'm pretty excited. say what you may, but i for one, really like this lady. hurray for sarah palin.

*image via fox news.

just some details of our life.

2008-10-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

this one time i had long hair.

2008-10-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

so i cut my hair last weekend for locks of love. i've been growing it out for what seems like forever. if you know me, you know i haven't had hair this long since well before kindergarten. while i think short hair matches my personality a little more, long hair was fun for a little while.

here's me before the cut:

during the cut:

right after the cut, holding my locks:

the finished product:

all in all a fun ordeal and for a great cause. if you have long hair and are thinking about getting it cut, i encourage you to check out locks of love. www.locksoflove.org

walmart...

2008-10-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

so i live a lot closer to walmart in joplin than i did in kansas city and thus i find myself there quite a bit more...in the time that i have spent there i've made some interesting observations.

like these for example:

observation a: does anyone else think this girl might be a little too old for this tiny moped?

observation b: this gentleman was found in the shoe section in an ad with some other guys. but really, do you think he has enough layers on? and when have you ever seen someone wearing a sweater under a button up shirt?

thank you joplin walmart for giving me some things to laugh about as i walk through your aisles.

pottery barn

2008-10-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

i love finding deals. given pottery barn has sales, they're normally not the kind of deals i can impulsively buy. however, i do love looking and pining for some of their beautiful items.

lovely. lovely. here's some of my favorites.

and who can resist checking out pottery barn kids? i love their decor!

great living room...

2008-10-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

what a great living room makeover. look at how cute the silhouette pillows are on the window seat. i love this picture.

this gives me inspiration to a) paint a dresser and b) put it in my living room.

photos thanks to diyideas.com

i want this couch.

2008-10-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

isn't it beautiful? this couch is on my wish list. :)

some bedroom ideas.

2008-10-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

im wanting to try something different with my bedroom soon and was looking for some inspiration. love the following looks i found on diyideas.com

love these letters :) seriously!

i love maps. i bought a vintage atlas the other day and am excited to use it as decor in my craft room soon :) would've never thought of using it as a headboard. i like it.

if you know me, you know i love thrifting, antiquing, flea marketing - love love love this room!

so, i love photography and am always looking at new ways to display photos i love. really admiring this idea.

apartment inspiration

2008-10-16T20:26:00.001-07:00

thanks to rita koing (a contributor to domino-images found on domino.com) here's some inspiration for those of you who like me find themselves living in apartments. how lovely is rita koing's apartment?

i love how she used this dark wallpaper with so many detail items in her entryway.

the all white background for her living room is so wonderful with all of the pictures and colors in this room.

i love how this room looks so comfy and warm. i think that's exactly what a bedroom should be like.

a tiny rant...

2008-10-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

so i had told myself i was going to try not to get into politics on this blog...

but,

i just have to say a little something about how people are responding to this election.

*people who i have looked up to and who i respect, are saying and writing things about the election i never thought possible. they are writing and saying the most mean and disheartening statements not only about the candidates but about those who support that candidate. i don't understand this.

yes, i have decided to support a certain candidate, but never would i write or say that those supporting the other candidate are stupid or uneducated because those supporting the other candidate include my friends, people i trust, people i respect. i hope i never forget that a blanket statement about a certain candidates supporters includes people that are my friends, that are my family.

i understand elections bring out passion. and i'm glad for that, but passion coming out in this way is just unnecessary and rude. have we forgotten that everyone deserves respect? everyone deserves to have their opinion heard without name calling? we live in such a great country (not without it's troubles and hardships) one where we have the ability to choose between two educated candidates who would both do a fine job as president. we are given the oppprotunity to vote for one or the other based on issues that are important to us, but i hope we never forget that differing opinions are not a bad thing. we are given the right, here in america to have difffering opinions and i for one, am very thankful for that right-people in our past, in our present, in our future pay dearly for us to keep this right. so let's not make a disgrace of it.

a little confession

2008-10-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

so ive been a little under the weather and thus my blog has been a little blah.

but, today i slept pretty much all day and am convinced i am better. so back to blogging i will be.

i'll post my fashion remix pictures of those days soon.

:)

-katie mae

a glimpse of joplin...

2008-10-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

tonight i saw a guy riding his motorcycle standing straight up on his seat. it was crazy. he was towering over 5 feet above his handlebars.

at first i was amazed. and then i wondered why is he doing this here, why now? but then i realized. it was a little show he was putting on.

yes as i watched in amazement the rider went back and forth doing multiple tricks for the audience inside ...

buffalo wild wings. i can't make this stuff up people. it's for real.

it was awesome and kind of sad all at the same time.

im not kidding when i say that buffalo wild wings may in fact be the most popular place in joplin and beyond. the parking lot is always packed and though i have never actually ate in this location i pass the parking lot all the time. it is never ever even halfway empty. yes the cup is always full if you own buffalo wild wings. at least for now.

get excited. if you're lucky i'll have another crazy story tomorrow.

best husband award goes to...

2008-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

this guy right here. a big shout out to my wonderful husband evan for keeping me sane in a seemingly insane world. he's the absolute best!

because somedays you just miss...

2008-10-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

living in an english manor.

today i miss you harlaxton college. you kind of spolied me.

*photo thanks to university of evansville.

see more of harlaxton college here: http://web.harlaxton.ac.uk/

october 7th is here!

2008-10-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

i've been waiting for this day.

at the cost of probably sounding really lame and showing you my lack of social life i will tell you why for over a month i have been waiting for this day to come.

it's because...

2 of my all time favorite shows release their last season on dvd today! what a great day!
i started watching both of these shows part way through this last year on dvd so i missed most, if not all of both shows recent season. i cannot wait to catch up on it.

and...if you're like me and love these shows, let me share with you a little secret. today, and possibly today only (im not sure how long the sale lasts) best buy has a sale that beats any other store i called including walmart.

so thank you best buy, for making it possible for me to see my favorite shows on dvd without paying an excessive price. i commend your business. :)

and...guess what?

2008-10-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

i am officially a substitute teacher. today was my first day. i subbed in kindergarten. and all i can say is "wow, kids really do say the darndest things".

so...look for me pretending to be a teacher for a day at a local school near you.

wardrobe remix day 6

2008-10-06T22:39:00.001-07:00

shirt- gap- thrifted
sweater- target
pants- the limited- thrifted
shoes- born- 2nd hand store

so this expression and stance in this picture was seen a lot today by quite a few little people. i will explain in my next post.

wardrobe remix day 5

2008-10-06T22:38:00.001-07:00

shoes- walmart
jeans- ann taylor - thrifted
shirt- ann taylor- garage sale
jacket- old navy
scarf- old navy

wardrobe remix day 4

2008-10-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

scarf- street vendor in rome, italy
jeans- gap outlet
shirt- urban outfitters - thrifted
shoes- target.

proof that i wear scarfs like everyday.

hello anthropologie

2008-10-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

this morning i stumble across the anthropolgie site and clicked on the sale link and look at all the pretty items i found:

first the ruffles - i love how girly this is.
a ruffled neck cardigan is classic to me.
black and white is always in style.
this plaid pencil skirt is perfect for fall.
this white blouse is practical as well as fun.
okay. i adore these. thy are so cute!
i love this blue cardigan.
pleated shirt please.
blue bow slingbacks. i love it.
again frills add such a feminine touch.

hope you enjoy. you can find all of these and more at anthropologie's site in the sale section.

welcome here monday.

2008-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

so a while ago i applied to be a substitute teacher and last week found out that all of my background check information is done and they could start calling today.

so what did i do? i got kinda nervous. silly i know, but i did. i woke up at 6 am (they told me they could call from 6:15-6:45 am normally) and did my hair and makeup. i showered last night and contemplated what to wear.

however, as luck would have it. here i am. makeup and hair done, sitting on my couch in my p.j.'s at 7:30 am. i don't think the call is going to come today. but no worries, maybe tomorrow.

i am kind of excited, think of how much i can get done in a day when i have the whole day.

so yes. welcome here monday. i'm glad you've arrived.

my parents are the cutest

2008-10-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

this is my mom and dad. i love them so very much. tonight they're out on a date. and i just think that's the cutest. :)

wardrobe remix day 3

2008-10-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

so i wear a lot of scarfs...because this is yesterday, the last 2 days i wore scarfs and today i found myself wearing another one.

this polka dot scarf is thrifted. it's one of my favorites.

oh and guess what? today i went to this grand garage sale and got the cutest polka dot coat for...a dollar. yes a single dollar can still get you something...you just have to find it among a lot of junk.

i'll post a picture of my pretty new coat later, in the mean time if you haven't check out old navy's 1492 sale...you should. they have skirts, sweaters, jeans, dresses, blazers, all for $14.92...this weekend only - so check it out.

it's almost that time...

2008-10-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

for my locks of love haircut.

i tried doing one of those post your picture look at a haircut on your picture online, but nothing looked quite right. none of the haircuts looked even close to alright. so i got scared that maybe, possibly, this was always the case and my head doesn't take any type of hair.

i'm crossing my fingers this isn't the case.

i'm trying to decide exactly what i want to do...as of now i'm thinking this is what i will choose:

i wanna know what you all think...good haircut for fall?

wardrobe remix day 2

2008-10-02T19:17:00.001-07:00

so here's my day 2 of wardrobe remix. not gonna lie, part of me just wanted to stay in my pajamas today. yep, i do believe that this could really be a challenge for me. a good challenge but a definite challenge.

so far, these outfits really remind me how much i love thrift store shopping. my shoes, my polka dot top, and 1 of my red necklaces are all from thrift stores.

i love thrifting. recycling. reusing. reducing. all while supporting good causes and saving a lot of money. yes. thrift store shopping and i go hand in hand. :)

wardrobe remix day 1

2008-10-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

in an effort to wear more of the clothes that fill my closet i decided to join the wardrobe remix group on flickr.com. my plan is to document what i wear each day so that hopefully i won't continue to wear the same thing each day. so here's day 1 - yesterday.

lots of my clothes are thrifted and i get really excited about the treasures i find at goodwill. here's a perfect example. these jeans are ann taylor's - they looked like they were never worn - and they costed me less than $5. and i love them. and i've worn them an embarassingly large amount of the time since i bought them. so sorry thrifted ann taylor's you will soon see a break when i start wearing the clothing i've seemingly forgetten about.

so here we go. i'm hoping this whole experience will help me to dress better. we'll see. ;)

exploring joplin...

2008-10-01T16:34:00.001-07:00

evan and i decided to do some exploring in joplin. while we were exploring, we decided to take a few photos.

i welcome fall with open arms.

2008-09-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

i am so excited for fall! it's my favorite season. the landscape is so beautiful. i get to wear my fun coats. and though the pool in our apartment complex is closed, everything from cooking to laundry becomes a little more fun. this season reminds me of family, friendship, and love.

thank goodness for autumn.

i have decided...

2008-09-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

the funniest woman in comedy is...

tina fey.
seriously, if i could hone in and learn from one person and somehow inherit their skills it would be this woman.

i mean really, being funny is sort of like a super-power. it really is. and i am just a little tiny bit funny, not whole heartily funny. but i wish i was.

so tina, if you're ever looking for a comedy apprentice, count me in.

she's back...

2008-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

carrie bradshaw is back.

actually all the ladies are...

so yes, i am one of the many women (and men) who went out and bought the infamous movie when it came out on tuesday. the friendships, the fashion, i just couldn't resist. can you blame me?

julia and justin part II

2008-09-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

this shoot was towards the end of summer, but with the move and everything i am just getting around to posting them. i hope you enjoy :)

here's a few of my favorites from that shoot:

some wall art ideas thanks to www.diyideas.com

2008-09-24T20:43:00.001-07:00

thanks to my mom who loaned me some of her wonderful interior design, do it yourself magazines, i checked out the do it yourself ideas website. and wow. this website is pretty awesome. just check out these wall art ideas:

using a tablecloth as art. i love this.

framing fabric is always nice. i'm pretty certain i am going to be doing some of this in my craft room.
so i bought a vintage atlas book the other day for 50 cents and i figured i would frame them...however, look how stellar this looks (i can't tell if it's framed or unframed for sure, but to me it looks unframed).
this one is really cool. it's a weave that the person did using all kinds of different mediums. i love how chaotic it looks over such a calming chair and on such a calming wall color.
they call these some kind of ceiling tiles. i would absolutely love love love to find some of these. i've never found any this pretty, but it looks fabulous.
yes, using the frame in an unconventional way always makes it a little more interesting.
this is so awesome. i would love to do this someday. it would take quite a bit of collecting, but i think it would be totally worth it.
this is bits of a text book blown up ...awesome right?
framing pictures from magazines. i'm always amazed at how good these look.
this is a new one to me. using placemats as art. i'm a fan.

want more on these ideas and others? go visit... www.diyideas.com

okay, okay. i'm sorry.

2008-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

i'm currently apologizing to my own blog for such a lapse of time.

apology accepted? good.

moving just is crazy. end of story.

but on a much brighter note, we found a wireless connection where we live, and alas here i am typing away. :)

yes it is true. i am officially a resident of joplin, missouri. and i have to tell you. it's not so bad. i could even go so far as saying i like it. is it smaller than kc? yes. despite the smaller city size, do people in their cars honk at you an abnormally large amount for normal driving? yes. have i made any new friends? no. BUT, the library has FREE dvd rentals, there's a 1/2 of 1/2 store where i have found 3 cute shirts for $1.50 each, i've gotten to see my aunt, uncle and cousins more often, had the opportunity to catch up with fellow jewell grads, have a kitchen pantry, there's a target less than 10 minutes away, the goodwill has been good to me, i've started cooking, and...after much much much cleaning and along with that frustration, i love our apartment.

is it different than kansas city? yes. quite a bit. i no longer wake up to ambulances, police helicopters, and gunfire, rather to trains. that's right trains. not as dangerous, and not quite as annoying. i currently spend my days job searching instead of in the kemper box office and my nights cleaning, reading, and movie watching instead of with my friends. but...i am confident that both friends and a job will come. it just takes patience. and honestly i'm not the best example of patience. thank goodness, despite change, some constants stay the same. family. friendships survive distance, and love. evan, my best friend and love keeps me entertained.
it's been awesome watching evan grow more into a doctor each day.

so if you find yourself going down route 66 or I-44 or 71...feel free to stop by. i'll make some chocolate chip cookies.

packing.

2008-08-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

i used to love packing. i mean really love it.

it's so exciting to get ready for a trip or moving to college.

however, the mood changes once you're an adult and have to move literally EVERYTHING.

needless to say, i don't love it anymore.

i love mama mia.

2008-08-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

what a great musical. i loved this movie. the music is tremendous. check it out !

introducing my sister-in-law...

2008-08-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

it's amazing how many cute pictures you can get of a photogenic couple in 20 minutes.

so this is my brother and his new bride, christina.

she is an excellent addition to our family. and she's pretty darn adorable. evidence seen below. here's a couple of my favorite pics from a quick 20 minute shoot we did downtown this weekend.

hope you enjoy :)

family photoshoot

2008-08-19T22:42:00.001-07:00

i am excited to introduce to you my sister in law, christina. she is the pretty one on the left in this picture below.

anyways, we decided that we wanted to take some pictures - a family photoshoot if you will - we had tons of fun. here are my favorites from that day. enjoy. :)

some baby love.

2008-08-19T22:41:00.001-07:00

cutest baby ever.

longest day...ever.

2008-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

does anyone else feel like today is the longest tuesday in the history of all tuesdays. i know at least me and my boss think it is. which here in our office, constitutes a majority.

it's only 3:30...shouldn't it be about 5ish? shouldn't the work day be over already?

(sigh) sometimes time goes by so slowly.

engagement pictures. part II

2008-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

krohne and laura were nice enough to let me take their engagement pictures. here's some of my favorites:

engagement pictures. part I

2008-08-12T12:05:00.001-07:00

i've done a few engagement sessions lately. these are my favorites from justin and julia's session.

some wedding love.

2008-08-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

my hero. my mom.

2008-08-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

the strongest woman i know.

a little of what i've been up to.

2008-08-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

lately i've been busy taking some portraits. weddings, engagements, and people. just thought i would share a few in these next few posts. hope you enjoy :)

i want these clocks.

2008-08-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

look at how adorable they are. seriously. i know they're technically in pottery barn kids but no one needs to know they were made for kids. it will be our little secret.

talk about a dream cabinet...

2008-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

look at what designspongeonline shared with me today.

i want this to put all my fabric in. and i really like that it's pink. pink just makes everything a little happier.

:)

some kitchen love

2008-08-12T11:28:00.001-07:00

i saw this on apartmenttherapy.com and had to share. i love how this designer has used all recyceld items (the cabinets are a great example of her use of previously used items) to make her kitchen unique.

my weekends are not for the faint of heart.

2008-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

whew.

what a whirlwind of a weekend.
here's a lowdown of what happened in those 3 short days:

watched the american idol auditions in kansas city from my office
almost walked over ryan seacrest. whoops.
went on a date with my husband
saw mama mia
ate giant cookie for dinner (x2)
watched olympic rowing
went thrift store shopping with morgan
caught up with corrine over amelie
had dinner with jono and corrine
went to race for the cure at 6 am
walked a 5k with kate, nick, and jill.
ate a pancake
watched mens sand volleyball - olympics
went to see sisterhood of the traveling pants II
stopped by city market
went to antique store
returned and bought some target items
went to surprise shower for becky
watched the men's 4x100 m men's relay team make france eat their words
made an itenerary of next week
cleaned my apartment
watched women's indoor volleyball - olympics
taken lots of pictures using my little point and shoot
researched some paint ideas/colors for new apartment
looked for bookshelf
chatted with my new neghibor ryan

yes. i am a little tired.
that's understandable right?
it's a little sad i barely have enough energy to survive my own weekends.

i'm a little relieved it's monday.
all i have today is: work, some phone calls, and laundry.

here's to a nice quiet evening filled with olympics, the smell of fresh laundry, and catching up via phone with some good friends and family.

the chandelier i hope to get...

2008-08-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

why?? because i like it and think it would love perfect over my dining room table. wouldn't you agree?

i love these storage ideas...

2008-08-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

so as i mentioned before...we're moving.

2008-08-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

and boy am i going to miss our apartment. let me explain. right now we live in a historic tri-plex...basically 3 apartments in one house that is over 100 years old. and i love it. love love love it.

except for the fact there is a gang war going on over our neghiborhood i love everything about it.

we have great neighbors, a great historic fireplace and mantle, we have tons of kitchen storage, and a front porch and back porch. oh and did i mention our furniture fits perfectly? it does.

so really the whole gang thing is the only downside.

sometime soon i will put up pictures of our apartment and show you what i mean. until then, you'll just have to trust me.

okay so i will miss this beautiful apartment and the wonderful memories that have taken place there but i am kind of excited to get to completely start over decorating wise.

we're moving into a 3 bedroom, 2 bath in a large apartment complex with...wait for it...a pool. yes. i have always wanted to be the person who gets to go to the pool whenever her heart desires. however the downfalls with a large apartment complex - no hardwood floors :( all white walls :( no fireplace :( no real character :(

however. on the bright side we can paint (hurray) and while some critics would argue painting an apartment to give it some color is a real waste of time when a) you have to pay for the paint and b) you have return it to white when you leave- i am convinced that paint will make a real difference as well as possibly a chandelier i found on craigslist today (okay katie - don't get too excited yet- you haven't even called about the chandelier yet- it could already be sold).

if you have any suggestions as to how i can make this cookie cutter place one of a kind, i would love to hear them!

here are some examples of how just a little paint can make a big difference. enjoy :)

sorry for the lapse in time...

2008-08-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

i took a little break from reality and went to colorado with my husband to see his family. we had so much fun.

saw garden of the gods
went four wheeling up a mountain
hiking
picked wild rasberries on the side of a mountain
ate some wonderful food
and...saw some bears

i kid you not. fun time had by all.

needless to say i'm back- so posts will be coming as usual. :)

until then,
katie mae

summer.

2008-08-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Moving.

2008-07-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

I really like the idea of re-arranging my furniture, re-decorating our bedroom, color - coordinating my bookcase, and finally, as i have mentioned before, re-organizing my closet. and while i know it's not practical to do any of these before we move, in a little over a month, i am not looking forward to moving.

maybe it's that i'll be in a new, smaller town with no job, maybe it's because we have yet to find the perfect apartment (i love the one we're in now in kc) or maybe it's because packing boxes begins to really stink after about 5 minutes.

i think it may be more packing up everything that's bothering me the most. i mean, we own a lot of stuff. it just accumulates. don't ask me how, it is a complete mystery.

so the other day while i was snooping around the martha stweart site looking at design ideas i ran across this handy checklist, and while i am not financially stable enough to hire movers (and thus about half the list below doesn't apply to me), i still think there are some handy tips.

so thank you martha stweart.com for making this checklist at just the right time. :) and here it is:

Moving Essentials: Moving Checklist and Moving Box labels

6 Weeks Before
Hire a Mover
Ask friends for recommendations, and get quotes from three licensed companies. On-site estimates tend to be more accurate, whether pricing is by weight and distance or a flat or hourly rate. Decide if the movers or you will pack (regardless, you may want to wrap fragile or costly items yourself). Ask if the quote is binding or nonbinding, what charges could arise, and what insurance is included. If necessary, contact your insurance company for additional coverage. Request a copy of the signed contract.

Stay Organized
Dedicate a three-ring binder to move-related paperwork, such as to-do lists, contracts, receipts, checklists, and phone numbers.

5 Weeks Before
Organize Your Belongings
Conduct a room-by-room survey to determine what you plan to keep, sell, and donate.

Document Valuables
Have items such as artwork and antiques appraised in case they get damaged. Photograph or videotape them, and upload the images to your computer. Also save them to a CD, and store it with your small valuables (see "1 Week Before," below).

4 Weeks Before
Gather Materials
Stock up on moving supplies, including boxes, box cutters, tape (packing, masking, and blue painters), tape dispensers, wrapping material (bubble, plastic, and tissue paper), and labels (see Packing Strategies below). If in doubt, purchase extra; you can return any unused products. Wardrobe boxes, with built-in bars for hangers, can transport clothing as well as light fixtures. Used boxes from bookstores, which are built to carry compact but heavy loads, are excellent for most other items.

3 Weeks Before
Start Packing
Box infrequently used items, including the contents of the garage, the attic, and other storage areas, as well as out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, books, and special-occasion dishware. Number the boxes, and keep track of the contents on a master inventory list. Try to limit each box's weight to enable easy lifting. Fill large boxes with pillows and other light things, and reserve smaller boxes for your heavier possessions. Always reinforce the bottoms with packing tape. Secure fragile objects with cushioned packaging material and painters' tape, which releases easily. Pack electronics and small appliances in their original packaging or in snugly fitting boxes.

Color-Code Rooms
Assign a color to each room, and mark boxes and furniture (be mindful of delicate surfaces) with coordinating stickers to ensure the movers will know at a glance where everything should go.

Notify Utility Services
Request that your utilities and phone and Internet service be disconnected the day after you leave and installed in your new home the day before you arrive.

Call a Locksmith
Arrange to have the locks in your new home changed on moving day, or earlier if convenient.

Hire a Cleaning Company
Consider having housekeepers scrub both of the spaces -- so you don't have to -- preparing the new house in the morning before you arrive and tidying up the old one after you have left.

2 Weeks Before
Continue Packing
Before you pack the bulk of your belongings, think about whether you'd like to do so by room, by category (such as sports equipment and formal dinnerware), or by another system that works for you.

Change Your Address
To have your mail forwarded, complete a change-of-address form online or at the post office. Update newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and notify banks and credit card companies.

1 Week Before
Prepare Your Moving Papers
Print an information sheet for the movers with the old and new addresses, directions, and your cell phone number. Have a cashier's check or a credit card (if accepted) on hand, plus cash for a tip.

Finish Packing
Box your remaining items, setting aside sufficient clothing for the week ahead, as well as a suitcase or two to transport it.

Create a Last-Out, First-In Box
Pack your day-to-day necessities so that they're together in one place, including bedding, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, basic tools, cleaning supplies, medications, a camera (to document anything broken in transit), snacks, a few dishes and utensils, and a coffeepot -- plus coffee and mugs. Take the box with you in your car.

Stash Small Valuables
Keep jewelry and important paperwork together. Have a friend hold on to them until you get settled, or lock them in the trunk of your car on moving day.

Moving Day
Take One Last Look
Do a walk-through before movers arrive to verify everything is packed and afterward to make sure nothing was left. Give your keys to the real estate agent or landlord.

Direct Traffic
Arrange for someone to be at your new home when the movers arrive to oversee them and answer questions. Check items off the inventory list as they're unloaded.

Inspect for Damages
Photograph relevant objects before signing the release, also known as the bill of lading.

Start to Settle In
Test faucets, toilets, utilities, phones, smoke detectors, and security systems. Turn on the water heater, if necessary. Begin to unpack, discarding anything that no longer serves you. Flatten boxes to recycle, or store them for next time.

Packing Strategies
A few tricks can help make your move more manageable, ensuring your belongings will travel safely and easily from one home to the next.

Add Handles
If your moving boxes don't have pre-punched grips, make a set of your own. Using a box cutter, create inverted triangles on opposite sides of an empty box. The top edge of each triangle should be wide enough to accommodate all hand sizes. Take care not to overpack your boxes, as they'll be more difficult to maneuver, with or without handles.

Label Boxes
Download our moving-labels, and print it onto self-adhesive paper. Write your name and the box's contents on each label. Assign a color to every room, and mark the boxes with coordinating stickers so you and the movers will know where each one should go. When coding furniture, be mindful where you affix stickers.

Protect Glass
Make a masking-tape X across mirrors and framed artwork. While this technique won't prevent shattering, it will help absorb shock and hold the glass in the frame should the item be dropped. Pack objects in a tightly fitting box clearly marked "fragile" on all sides. Make sure the corners are well-padded, so the objects won't slide around.

Wrap Furniture
When transporting anything with doors or drawers, such as bureaus, cabinets, or large appliances, wind a few layers of plastic wrap around the item to secure it. This eliminates the need for tape, which can damage delicate surfaces, and helps safeguard against scratches. Plastic wrap can also protect upholstered furniture against dirt.

First Published: April 2008

my unhealthy addiction: hgtv

2008-07-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

i kid you not. i think i'm addicted to hgtv. unfortunately, i don't have cable at my house but any time i visit the rents you can be sure at some point i will be nailed to "divine design" or "colorsplash" to name a few. i start to miss those shows when i've been away from them for too long (i warned you it was unhealthy).

today i decided i would post some bedroom inspiration from the hgtv website because a) i love hgtv and b) i'm wanting to go in a new direction with our bedroom once we move so i'm on the lookout for ideas that i could do in an affordable and fashionable way.

i love how this huge print acts as a headboard while elongating the small room.

i love this headboard. give me a headboard with tufted buttons and i will love it. i really like how this room feels so breezy and relaxing.
this below is a huge room. i mean seriously, maybe someone out there has a bedroom this big but it's certainly not me. i do like how they have the dresser at the end of the bed (interesting effect) and how they have arranged the desk and sitting area within the room.
this room below is oh so eclectic, but i love it! mixing crazy with classic.

here's a couple of questions for you readers (if I have any ?):
*do you feel as though a bed must have a headboard and if not what could act as a headboard?
*what is your favorite decor idea from your room?
*how do you incorporate a desk into a bedroom without overtaking the room?

have a happy friday :)
-katie mae

yes. i'll have one of everything.

2008-07-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

i love j.crew. and even more so when it's on sale. take a look at some of what i found on their website under the sale section.
check out these adorable yellow flats. perfect for the rest of the summer season. not to mention next spring. :)

hello beautiful dress. you look like you would be perfect for fall.
yellow shirts are just fun. plus the frills = really fun.
this little jacket looks perfect for autumn.
i think if you wear this yellow dress you must be in a good mood. it's just too happy of a dress not to be.
polka dot wellies. yes please.
this dress looks like it would be a perfect outfit for fall or winter.
hello sweater. you are so cheery and fun. i would wear you with everything.
check out this trench coat...adorable.
polka dots are my favorite.
again frills on a dress. love it.

this tank would be great for the rest of summer.
hello khaki jacket. you are fun.
i love how simple yet modern this dress is.
stripes are always in, no matter the season. especially pink stripes.

*happy deal shopping. hurray for sales. :)

because bathrooms can be beautiful.

2008-07-23T10:43:00.001-07:00

i love the romantic, yet practical feel of this bathroom. not to mention the pink is fabulous. i want a bathroom with pink in it.

closet organization

2008-07-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

i love organizing my closet. i'm not quite sure why. and to be honest right now my closet doesn't look so great and it's really getting under my skin. usually about once a month i try to reorganize my closet which involves pouring out all of my clothes to see if i want to rid myself of any of them (which of course i usually end up ridding myself of nothing) and then taking the huge mess and trying to put it all back together again-better than i found it.

i really want to reorgainze my closet now, but since we're moving in about a month i figure it might be a useless cause. i am excited already to organize my closet in our new place.

so since my closets a wreck right now and i don't think you want to see it, i thought i would post some closet pictures that inspire me.

here goes:

i love when everything has it's place and is color coordinated.

:) color coordinated.
shoes. i wish i had a giant bookcase for my shoes. looking at this picture is kind of funny. if this was a girl there would be a million different kinds of shoes, for a man it's same shoe, different color. (all variations of black and brown)
i heart this closet.
watch out joplin. beacuse in about a month i will be orgazinging my closet and it just might end in a masterpiece. maybe i'll sell tickets to it. ;)

it's always better when we're together.

2008-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

this is evan. isn't he cute? yeah i'm a lucky gal.

i have the best husband ever.
seriously i do.
and today 2 years ago we were walking down the aisle saying "i do".

in the last two years we've done a lot:
*we've called kansas city home.
*we've had lots of fun:

*we've celebrated holidays:
*we've traveled near and far:
*we've gone to concerts, weddings, birthday parties, etc. (pic taken by photographer at adam and abby's wedding):

i cannot think of a better way to have spent my last two years than with my best friend and love, evan. marriage isn't always easy but getting to spend my life with evan, makes it totally worth it.

penelope movie

2008-07-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

so i said there would be more to come. and here it is.

i know film critics have found quite a few things wrong with the movie, penelope but i wanted to share a few reasons i enjoyed the movie.

*the fashion - the fashion in this movie is beautiful. in my opinion up there with sex and the city movie and marie antionette. penelope wears a coat throughout much of the movie that is purple and adorned with buttons and in my opinion, absolutely adorable. i want a coat like that. the movie features eclectic fashion combining polka dot tights with cute heels and skirts.

*the set - i love love love this set. penelope's room in the movie is breathtaking - magical even. the set designer was a genius. i also loved the city, it reminded me of a cross between london and new york. taking the best of both cities of course.

*the cast - seriously. christina ricci, james mccavoy, catherine o'hara and reese witherspoon. who wouldn't love this cast? i thought the casting of christina ricci and james mccavoy's characters were right on. and catherine o'hara is hilarious.

speaking of...

2008-07-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

nick olsen. check out this great idea for apartment decor. decorate your fridge.

two examples.
the first is a from a how to tutorial he did for a newspaper article.
the second one is from his own apartment.

decorator nick olsen

2008-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

decorator and blogger for domino, this guy has quite the taste. i love how he has decorated his apartment. i especially like the wall color.

penelope

2008-07-18T22:11:00.001-07:00

great movie.

i'll write more about why tomorrow.

united against breast cancer

2008-07-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

this is my mom and dad at my mom's last chemo session.

last july my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. after two surgeries and over 6 months of chemo she is getting to have a little time to take a breather before they preform more tests and possibly more treatment.

my mom looks nice doesn't she? she is nice. but don't confuse nice with weak for she is by far the bravest lady i know.

why am i writing all of this? well for 2 reasons:
1) because cancer really sucks
2) because there is something we can do to fight it

susan g. komen which is arguably the leader in breast cancer research and education in america is having their race for the cure here is kansas city on august 10 at union station. they will have a competitive run and then a non-competitve walk/run both being 5k's as well as a 1 -mile walk/run.

if you're not sure you're up for the whole race part there is something you can do for susan g. komen foundation that will cost you nothing but you're time - volunteer. that's what i plan on doing this year. because with statistics like these listed below, i can't just sit around, i must do something.

* In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimates that 182,460 women and 1990 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer; during the same time, 40,480 women and 450 men will lose their lives to this terrible disease.

* Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages of 40 and 59.

* 80% of all breast cancers occur in women with NO KNOWN RISK FACTORS. All women are at risk; and one's risk increases with advancing age.

* A woman's chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. In the United States, a woman has about a 13.2%, or 1 in 8, lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

* It is estimated that there are 2.5 MILLION breast cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today.

The website to register to run/walk or volunteer is:
http://www.komenkansascity.org/userarea/staticpages/RacefortheCure.asp

cars.

2008-07-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

what are they good for?

well transportation of course.
and taking all your moola.

sometimes i wish i was a mechanic and could fix my own car. why? no reason. other than i think i would save myself enough money to quit my job and own a house.

just kidding. kinda.

oxford, england

2008-07-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

the last leg of my journey was to oxford, england where i got to catch up with a dear friend of mine who was studying there. i really enjoyed my time in oxford despite the fact i felt like i should be carrying some huge stacks of books instead of my camera and looking really academic rather than really like a tourist if i wanted to fit in. oh well. fitting in is overrated.

a taste of oxford if you will. we'll start with the staples of the city.

punting. seriously a staple of oxford. you go there you will see punting. and usually it's pretty funny.

beautiful archway. what a walk to class huh? oh i'll just walk over that historic beautiful archway on my way to history today. no biggie.

universities. yes. i know it's probably no surprise but universities are somewhat of a staple of oxford. they're kinda what the city is known for. i took this picture below and then did some cross processing and it looks almost identical to a postcard i bought in one of the stores. the postcard looked like it was made about 10 years ago.
this view was magnificent. oxford is so beautiful.

now for the details of the city.

this ceiling was inside one of the cafe's. so amazing.

i thought this little house so tightly nudged between two buildings was kind of adorable.

however, if i had the choice i would definitely live in this house instead of the tightly nudged house because it's basically the prettiest house i've ever seen. the gate was open and i was so tempted to just walk up and ask if i could look around. however, i thought that be overstepping my boundaries as a tourist.

another cute picture worthy house. doesn't this make you want to pack your stuff and move to a cottage in england?

and row houses. who doesn't love row houses? especially when they're painted all different wonderful pastel colors.