Sunday, December 30, 2012

Tuesday Topics is Back!

My favorite Tuesday link-up is back!! What a fun way to bring in 2013 with the first Tuesday Topic being "Ten New Years Resolutions! 

Link-up with my girls Tiffany and Lauren this Tuesday - I can't wait!

The Austin Family Diary

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Newtown - One Week Later


On December 14th the nation was crushed with the tragic news in Newtown, Connecticut. My heart broke for all of those who were involved. I came across Karla's blog and she is from Newtown and hearing someone talk first hand about the horror in this quaint city made it feel even more real to me.  Kayla was my connection to someone in Newtown and I thought of her daily wondering how her, her family and friends were coping.  She graciously accepted my offer to do a guest post for me today on how we can help the city of Newtown build hope and give them reasons to smile again.

While it may be one week later and the media may have shifted its attention on to something else - please remember this Christmas that there are still families grieving, families that will be broken forever. Reach out, pay it forward and always remember Newtown.
__________________________________________

Hello to all of Kathleen’s lovely readers!
I am so grateful to Kathleen for letting me reach out to you all today.
 
My name is Karla,
& I blog over @ Forever Newly Wedded.
I’m a newlywed, and I blog about my day to day life,
as a newlywed newbie.
 
I have a very light-hearted blog,
but after the tragic shooting that took place in Newtown on
December 14, I have been finding it difficult to post about anything happy.
 
Newtown is my hometown.
I was raised there,
my little cousin attends 2nd grade at Sandy Hook School,
& my father works there as well.
(both are safe)
So, this tragedy has not only struck home,
it has struck my heart.
 
It has been over a week since the shooting,
& though my heart (and the hearts of many others) are not
& never will be completely mended,
I have started to smile again seeing all the love & support the town has gotten.
It’s been unbelievable. 
 
It helps me re-gain hope that this world really does have more good, than bad in it.
& I want everyone to know that my town has been absolutely inundated with donations… so much so that the problem now is just getting it all where it needs to go.
 
If you’d like to help,
Here is how!
 
The need right now is:
- School supplies (pencils, paper, notebooks)
-School decorations (they could be winter décor, or just school décor)
Their new school for the remainder of the year will be a middle school in a neighboring town, and it needs to look welcoming for the students)
-       Money  (Both for a new school & a scholarship fund for all students at SHS, and their siblings, including siblings of victims).
- Prayers (can never have too many)
 
The address to send this to is:
 
Newtown Board of Education
3 Primrose Street
Newtown, CT 06470
  
Newtown was also collecting teddy bears too for all the students in the school, but there have been thousands of those already donated.
 
In fact, a lot of school decorations have been donated too.
& The Sandy Hook School Support Fund online has reached over $100,000.
It’s been absolutely incredible.
  
These are things that you don’t really read about it the paper, or see on the news, so for all of you who have been inundated with bad news about this shooting, I hope that this brings you a little bit of happiness.
 
Though nothing in the world could buy the victims lives back,
my town is starting to heal,
& I’ve started to see smiles again,
at a coffee shop in Newtown,
where an anonymous man in Florida
called and told the owner of the shop to put everyone’s coffee on his tab at the end of the day.
 
Now, that is something to smile about.
 
Newtown will get better.
Newtown will heal.
Because when a tragedy like this happens,
we are all,
Newtown Strong.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

December Happenings

Has your December been as crazy as mine has been?

I am exhausted.

Busy.

And am trying to find time to get some me time in - but somehow I keep adding things to my schedule.

December has been my month of random blog posts. Here is another for you!

My little brother is a college graduate! I briefly mentioned this last week - but I love this family picture. What a happy day it was and I cannot explain how proud I am of my brother!

I really am so surprised that I have not discussed these amazing glassybaby votive candle holders. These are a HIT in Washington and I will need to dedicate a whole post about them in the near future.  These Christmas colors have completed the dining room table at my parents house. 

I am really good at shopping. But really bad at wrapping. I have told myself every single night this week that I would wrap and get it all done by this weekend. It is Thursday and I have not even started. Maybe tonight with be the night?? Ha! I make myself laugh!

It makes me so happy when blog friends become real life friends.  One of the most beautiful Christmas cards I have received this year. My preggo blog friend Tiffany at the Austin Family Diaries is adorable and just one of the sweetest girls I know - hopefully J and I will get a chance to visit them the next time we go to Arizona.

Christmas came early for me! I got my amazing May Book in the mail yesterday and am so excited! There is something about a empty planner that gets be so excited. 2013 will be an amazing year and I cannot wait to fill those pages up with fun things happening in our life! 

I am usually the girl that is 100% on point when it comes to getting our adorable, photographed Christmas cards out. It is December 20th and I never got around to creating a card let alone getting anything out in the mail. I do not know what it was for me this year but I just could not get in to it like usual. Tonight along with wrapping (ha) I will be writing out some Christmas cards!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Homemade Dog Treats

Today was a baking day.

A rainy Sunday inside cooking up a storm with my Mom.

Indeed it was a good day.

While I spent a lot of our time making delicious goodies, I wanted the dogs to benefit from all things yummy too.. so I found a simple dog treat recipe and made them in to little gingerbread men! 

All this recipe calls for is:

- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 cup peanut butter

Heat the oven to 375 degrees and cook for 20 minutes! That is all ladies - like I said it is so simple!


Co-Hosting I Love My Online Friends 'GFC' Blog Hop

Welcome to another week of the I Love My Online Friends 'GFC' Blog Hop. 
For more info on the hop and guest hosting, please read HERE. Well, are you ready? Let's go hopping! 
RULES FOR THE HOP 
1. Please follow your host and the fab five on Google Friend Connect (GFC). 
2. Link up your homepage and start hopping around. Remember, this is a blog hop, you've gotta do some hopping in order for it to truly be worth your time. When you get a new follower it's always nice to return the favour. Visit their blogs, leave them a comment and/or return the follow. 
3. You are not required to, but it would be great if you could tweet/like/pin/share this post and/or grab the button and share it on your blog. The more people that see this hop, the more blogs for us to visit and the more followers we gain. 
Thanks and Happy Hopping!
The Things We Find Inside

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Life Lately

Sorry friends - blogging has taken the backseat lately.
 
I have a lot on my mind - have started countless posts - but nothing ever feels good enough.
 
Ever have those days??
 
So today you will get the joy of listening to this girls random thoughts and life happenings. 
 
 I have a cold today. I felt it coming on Monday night and went to sleep so fast in hopes it was my stress and exhaustion teasing me.. I woke up yesterday and today with my new BFF cold. Not fun considering this week has been insane and work has been even crazier with it being the end of the year.
 
I am sad I was camera shy in 2012.  My picture taking skills were lacking and I did not carry my camera around with me enough.  I did not get to capture as many moments this year as I wished. Big mental note to myself on making that change in 2013. 
 
John and I may have some exciting news to come (no it is not a baby).. we have spent the last few months house hunting and we have narrowed it down to one we really love. We are showing both sets of families this weekend! Wish us luck, as I really love this house and I have high hopes. More to come on everything house...
 
I hate when I hear people say the "R" word.. I just cannot tolerate it at all.
 
Every single time I walk into the kitchen at my office there is a new fatty food "gifted" to our office.  Damn holiday season... cookies, candy, chips, popcorn, crackers..
 
I love ordering a new planner for the year to come. Seriously, this makes me SO happy. I ordered my new May Book planner and cannot wait until it comes. My 2013 calendar already has so many fun things going on. Can't wait to make them official and put them in the planner :)
 
My bridesmaid dress for a wedding I am in this summer came in the mail. Love, love, love it!
 
I need a haircut so bad. My last cut was almost one year ago and I just need to finally get one scheduled.  Adding that to my December goal sheet right now!
 
Speaking of goal sheets.. I make way to make charts, lists, plans..
 
Wine. I love it. Pinot Grigio you da man!
 
Wrapping Christmas presents is not my thing. I have not started and am honestly dreading that whole process. Maybe I will settle on cute bags this year.
 
Sunday my Mom and I will be spending the day in the kitchen! She is making her delish homemade spaghetti sauce and our family favorite Christmas cookies - while I whip up batches of homemade dog treats. Sunday will be a good day!
 
My brother graduated from college this past weekend from Washington State University - Go Cougs! I am so proud of him and know he will go places in life!
 
The Santa Clause (one of my favorites) was made made 17 years ago! How can this be???
 
Tomorrow we draw names at work for our office Secret Santa.. this makes me giddy!
 
And this my friends is my feel good for today - we could all use a Karma Cleanse every now and then.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Empowered Living Blog Hop

What a blessing it was to find Jesse at the Empowered Momma. This blog breathes positivity and insight and I am so happy to have found her and her link-up.  I am feeling so honored today to co-host a link-up and blog I believe in and find so much inspiration from.

It is so important to celebrate, recognize and support all the things we go through as women - and the blogging community is a great platform to gain support from women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and lifestyles. I am honored to have met some fabulous women that continue to inspire me day by day.

Come link-up with some amazing women today with some amazing stories!
Happy Empowered Living everyone.

Today is the day where we gather and meet one another by simply sharing the love we have for ourselves, family and others. 

A place where you can let your confident and creative self shine by linking anything that made you or others feel empowered. 

Aunt To Be

My heart is complete.
 
I am going to be an Aunt.
 
To the Royal Baby to Be that is!
 
I have been waiting for this day to come and I am so happy to know that my darling Kate and Will are having their first baby! Not a bad family to be born into.. I guess I need to start shopping for a new hat for the christening!
via

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Loosing Weight In December

Loosing weight during the holiday season is possible.

It is December and I have set my goals. 

I will loose 10 pounds this month.

It is so refreshing when a new month begins.  It is a new start. A new time to re-group my thoughts and establish new goals, new plans. Another month for me to work on me and become a much happier, healthier and confident version of myself.

The holiday season has officially arrived and if any of you are like me you have a full month full of holiday parties, cookie exchanges, happy hours.. you name it! While celebrating is my middle name - I plan on being full of aware of choices I make to make this month successful for myself.  I have lost 21 pounds since October and am so excited about my progress. I cannot and will not sabotage what I have started and accomplished to date.  

That being said - I do plan on over indulging at parties and being festive and merry this season! Some of my favorite foods are centered around this season and I plan on eating my favorites. The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone struggling during the holidays is not to stress over every piece of food but be aware of what your weeks look like and go in to every week in December with a plan.

When starting my weeks this time of year I look at my planner and see what I have going on.  Usually I have a dinner party of some sort during the weekend and one or two happy hours during the week (the later in to December I get the more I have going on).. I am fully aware from the get go of what my plans are and I can successfully plan around what my exercise/food plan will be.  Having 4 days a week of no cheating, logging my food and at least a hour of cardio will make me feel less guilt while enjoying myself at holiday celebrations! 

Also, drink water.  Water is amazing and will help flush out all of the extra sodium stuck in your system! Water, water, water - no need to say more..

I have one week until my final weigh in for my Biggest Loser Challenge at my gym! Here is to hopefully being down 30 pounds and to feeling great during the holidays! 

B-Spears Forever

Happy Birthday to Miss Britney Spears!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday Topics

I have the travel bug really bad right now.
 
Dreaming of a warm vacation crosses my mind multiple times a day but the realization of a long winter ahead quickly becomes my reality.
 
So for now I will dream and enjoy my occasional fake n' bake "staycation" in good 'ol Washington and supplement by body with the proper amounts of vitamin D it needs!

Luckily today's Tuesday Topic (hosted by the wonderful Lauren and Tiffany) is "If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be"...
 
In a heartbeat I would go on my honeymoon over and over again. We went to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico and it was the most amazing place.  I had never traveled to this part of Mexico and it was so amazing being on the Caribbean side. 

 
If I could go anywhere in the world that I have never gone AND money was no issue I would definitely go to Bora Bora and stay in one of the bungalows on the water.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Tell Me About It Tuesday

I am SO excited to be co-hosting one of my new favorite link-ups Tell Me About It Tuesday! 

Stop by and share any recent post! The only thing that is asked of you is to copy the button box below linking back to us and to follow the hosts! These girls are wonderful and I love following their blogs - I know you will too!

Newlywed Moments





Saturday, November 24, 2012

Random Ramblings

I watched Football yesterday. Aren't ya proud?

Washington State University vs. University of Washington.

MY COUGS WON!


It made me think of all my Southern blog friends - because you girls represent when it comes to the game. When I read your weekend recap posts during football season you girls always look adorable. Perfect hair, perfect make up, perfectly color coordinated outfits - ya'll seem to know exactly what you are doing and rock it. 


I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving - I sure did. It was great spending the day with family, eating delicious food and relaxing!

This is me in Kindergarten! What a cute pilgrim I was!


I have so many things to be truly thankful for and I need to spend more time giving thanks. It breaks my heart thinking of those who spend the holiday season alone.. spend some extra time practicing patience, smiling at a stranger, buying someone coffee.. You never know someones life situation and I just wish we all could be friends.

Four day weekends should be the normal. I wish,

Tomorrow I am making these yummy energy bites! I made them years ago but Pinterest reminded me of these treats.. and they are SO easy to make!


Today I had a personal training session at the gym. I explained to him that I am loving all the workouts he is teaching me but I hate how self conscious I feel when I am in the middle of the room for everyone to watch.  He reassured me everyone else felt the same way and were only paying attention to themselves - which I do believe. BUT of all the things he makes me do after our conversation... He made me do this ab workout called the DEAD BUG???!!!!! 


Basically you alternate your arms and legs each rep and flap around looking like a struggling bug??? Talk about feeling self conscious......

I just watched the movie Country Strong. I was impressed by miss Blaire Waldorf's (Leighton Meester) singing skills. Pretty decent movie for a Black Friday deal at Target! 


And now I am off to decorate our Christmas tree!! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

21.5 Lost

I was a lazy bum these last two weeks.

Still had the determination.

But the motivation, yeah that was lacking.

Monday night was my third weigh in since I started the Biggest Loser program at my gym on October 8th (we weigh in every two weeks) and I am offically down 21.5 pounds! I have to say I was pretty nervous going in to the weigh in because I did not try hard at all these last two weeks and I was really hoping I would get to 20 pounds down - and I did! YAHOO!

The food part was hard, the working out was hard.. everything about this was tough, not fun and I could not get myself motivated.

I went to a seminar over the weekend on getting through the holiday season with food. It was great! They gave us a great "day after detox" that I will have to share with you all - it will definately help clean me out from the salt and alcohol consumed!

My goal in place for the remainder of the competition (ends October 10th) is to kick some serious ass and give it my all. I want to loose a solid ten pounds more so I need to get my mind in the game and keep on!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thankful Thursday

A warm meal.
 
A warm house.
 
All things we take for granted.

Last night I had such an amazing and humbling experience - I was able to cook and serve dinner for the residents of Tent City that are currently residing at my church. The night was wonderful and I can't stop thinking about it.
 
When I was a teenager I was very involved with my youth group and outreach in my community.  I feel as I have gotten older I have used my "busy schedule" as an excuse and have not made volunteer work a priority.  After last night, I know I need to do more. 
 
I loved getting my friends together to do something good for my community.  A simple task such as cooking dinner - something we all do every night - for people that needed it felt rewarding and made me realize that my "life problems" are not so big in life's bigger picture. As the holiday season approaches it makes me want to do more for others and give more of my time to make someones holiday season merry and bright.
 
Today I am thankful for good friends that helped made last nights dinner possible. I couldn't have done it without you. 
 
Tonight when you go home and have dinner, climb in to a comfortable bed and heated house be sure you give thanks and count your blessings for all of the things you have. 
*Tent City 4 is a homeless encampment of up to 100 people created in May 2004 in eastern King County outside of Seattle. Residents are adult men and women, although there is a provision for quartering minor dependents in emergency situations. Residents may have their own tents or single men or women may stay in gender specific community tents. Dumpsters and portable toilets are provided and there is a portable shower. The community currently relocates every three to four months on the property of Eastern King County churches upon invitation. Proponents state that the average length of residency per inhabitant is six weeks, with fewer long-term than short-term members. via

Thankful Thursday
The Fontenot Four

Monday, November 12, 2012

Tuesday Topics

Linking up with Tiffany and Lauren for Tuesday Topics! Today is all about my blog identity!

Here I go...

When did you start blogging? I started blogging this past June.  I am relatively new to the whole blogging world and am loving it!

What's something you readers know about you? I would hope that my readers see that I am honest and real. That life is hard - but with a positive attitude life is an adventure. I love trying new things, being motivated and working hard.  My family and husband mean everything to me.

What can't you live without? Memories, pictures. I am such a sentimental person and cherish special moments in life. Taking pictures and holding on to that memory means so much to me. Smells, sounds, feelings - I love remembering it all. 

What inspires your blog posts? My inspiration is easy - day to day life. 

What do you do when you feel uncreative? Honestly, I just skip out on a post. My posting is not to gain a huge following but to be real and inspiring. If I skip out on a day of posting it is because I have nothing amazing to say :)

How has blogging hanged you? I love this question. It gives me a creative edge and a reason to write. Really, as an adult I do not have a list of reasons to write for fun other then at work.. so blogging is a time for me to just play around with words and if people like hearing from me even better! I love that I have made some dear friends in the blogging community and hope to one day meet some. You all are wonderful.

What advice do you have for new bloggers? We all start with zero followers. Write from your heart. Have fun with blogging. Be real. 

What blogs inspire you? I will list a few out for you!

Brandi at Mama Laughlin - My fitness guru, health and motivation guru. I love, love, love Mama! She has wrote some beautiful posts that have me in tears because they are so real and I can relate to a lot she has to say. Her voice on weight loss is raw, honest and blunt. 

Erin at The Sunnyside Up - Erin is one of the reasons I started blogging. At first, she was my daily check in because her writing, organization and life are entertaining. She made me want to document parts of my life through a blog and I thank her for giving me the boost of confidence to do so. She is freaking amazing at organizing and is a wonderful Mom. The advice she has given on motherhood is inspiring and I hope I can be a great Mom just like her someday. Her family is lucky to have her! 

Kelle Hampton at Enjoying the Small Things - She is an amazing writer and so creative.  The messages I get from her writing are absolutely amazing. She is so inspirational. 

And some daily favorites: 

Weekend Update

The weekend always goes way to fast.
 
I wish my weekdays went faster and my weekends would slow down.  
 
Nonetheless, this past weekend was a great one.
 
We were able to have a very relaxing weekend which we do not get often. Saturday we started some early Christmas shopping! It always feels a lot less overwhelming for me when I spread my shopping up between several paychecks rather then one big spree right before Christmas! Now I am collecting the last of my Black Friday coupons and will be ready for round two of shopping come next week (can't believe next week is already Thanksgiving, crazy!!)
 
John and I have slowly been looking at houses for the last several months but do not plan on buying until May-July. Well, what started as a wrong turn on our way to our shopping destination - may have ended up being the turn to our new home. Way more to come on that..
 
With that wrong turn came a lot of deep conversation Saturday night. We went to a local Italian restaraunt and discussed a lot of topics over pizza and wine. The night was wonderful. John and I were on the same page on so many different topics and it felt nice and right.
 
Sunday was perfectly relaxing! We started our day off with a trip to Costco (typical Sunday activity) and came home turned on some candles and my Scentsy and watched my amazing Costco find -  The Santa Clause!  
 

Another Costco score ended in total dissapointment. We usually love the Aussie Style Licorice, but the Marionberry flavor was no bueno! Not worth it at all!


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Sunny Saturday

It is a beautiful Fall day in Washington today!

I am loving it!

Hope your weekend if off to a good start :)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Here we are - week two of Thankful Thursday.

This week I am extremely Thankful for my family. My parents, brother and puppy KC make up the lovely "K" Family. I love my family more then anything - I would choose my family over anything and I value them with all of my heart. We have always been close, but as I get older I love my parents even more and my relationship with my brother gets stronger and stronger.



Thankful Thursday
 
I am also thinking up for the weekend blog hop :) Come check it out!
 
At Home Take 2

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

What I'm Loving

Happy Hump Day.
 
I woke up and thought it was Tuesday - I am thankful it isn't.
 
Linking up today for What I'm Loving Wednesday.
 
I am loving that RHOBH is back on. I started last nights episode but was distracted by the election results and was so tired that I only got through the first few minutes.. you know what I will be doing tonight!
 
 
I am loving that my best friend asked me to be in her wedding last night! This makes me so excited and feel so honored.
 


I have kept my posts political free but today I am loving that this election is over and our country can move forward. I believe that no matter who we voted for that we put all differences aside and trust the leadership of our country. Go America!
 
 
I am loving the show How I Met Your Mother. Thank you Netflix for having 6 seasons airing! I love Marshall and Lily. My husband may or may not have called me his Lilypad last night. So cute!
 
 
I am not a huge lover of skinny jeans - but Old Navy has a great selection right now. Affordable, stylish and comfortable. Old Navy I am loving your clothes right now (it is usually an extremely hit or miss for me at that store)
 
via