Yet Another Hiatus

Back again!  Life happens, I tell ya.

Life these days has been leaving me to choose between spending my extra time blogging, and spending my extra time CrossFitting.  Henceforth, since bikini season is upon us...  CrossFit it is!  However, I love the idea of using this little space on the web to document these stages of my life.  When I look back on these posts some day, I assume they'll bring me smiles.

So, here's what's happening in the life of Katie Kidwell.

In March, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Everything happened so quickly, yet it seemed that we were living in slow motion.  Long story short, after a lumpectomy, radiation, and oral chemo...  Here we are!  She has officially been deemed 'cancer free,' but will stay on oral chemo for the next five years with frequent trips to her oncologist for check-ups.  She's a strong lady, and I'm so proud!  Through all of this, she graduated as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, and will soon start her career.  What a fun new chapter!  Here we are {mama, sisters, & I}, on our way to Tulsa for my mama's lumpectomy.

After mom's surgery, I decided I wanted to do something monumental to honor her.  I'm not sure if it's considered borderline crazy or incredibly brave, but I signed up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 10K.  Yes, that says 10K.  Y'all....  I hadn't run 6 miles in a row in YEARS.  Yes, I did CrossFit...  I DO CrossFit.  But after I started my new job, I took a little break.  Like, a 5 month break.  When I signed up for the race, I'd only been back to CrossFit for 1 week.  So, crazy?  Yes.  BUT, I did it!  By golly, we woke up at 4:30, we drove a little over an hour to the race site, and I raced my little heart out.  I was super thrilled with my finish time and absolutely loved the experience!  I've already decided this might be my annual ritual :)

Another big, exciting family milestone.. My little sister graduated from college with her degree in graphic design!  Not only THAT, but she just got a job with Hobby Lobby corporate in Oklahoma City!  That's right, folks.  My sister's designs will be in Hobby Lobby's all over the country.  SO.  STINKING.  PROUD!!!!!!

In other news, my BFF is having her first baby in August.  And it's a GIRL!  HALLELUJAH THANK YA JESUS!  So ready to meet little Lucy :)

Annnnnnd, I'm competing in my first CrossFit competition in June.  Yeah, there's that.  No pictures to accompany.  However, I'll be sure to post near-death pictures after I compete.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.  BUT still super excited!

Needless to say, I'm blessed beyond belief.  Not sure what I did to deserve such a fabulous family and incredible life!  But, hey...  No complaints here :)

Well, that's all she wrote for now!  See you soon, bloggyland!

Complete and Utter Randomness

The title says it all - I feel like the world's worst blogger... ever!  I was so excited to get back to blogging and so inspired with lots of post ideas...  Then it happened.  I got sick.  Saturday resulted in a trip to the doctor's office and a diagnosis of strep throat and a severe sinus infection.  One shot in the rear and three meds later, I'm on the mend!  Suffice it to say, the entire weekend was spent on the couch or in bed, and filled with lots of soup and popsicles.  The irony of it all is that I was literally just telling someone last week how I'd "managed to escape the sickness this year."  Yep, cursed.  Lord help!

So, for lack of inspiration, I give you a random list of what I'm loving lately :)

1. Grey's Anatomy - You read that correctly.  I realize the show is long gone.  However, I loved the first two seasons and then sort of stopped watching.  Since every season of the show is now on Netflix, I started from the beginning!  I'm now on season 4 and am already dreading the end.  Come back to me, McDreamy!
2. Hair - I've been hearing lots and lots of wonderful things about the new Crown Beauty Bar in Fayetteville, and decided to give it a try!  I've been going to the same hairdresser for about 4 years now and love her to death.  But what's a little change every once in awhile?!  I've heard rave reviews about the color and products they use at Crown, and am waiting with bated breath for my appointment next Saturday!  I even have a picture of the color I'm wanting to try out, and am excited to be a little daring with my hair. Since Fayetteville is about 45 minutes from me, I'm going to make a day of it.  My hair appointment is in the morning, so I'm going to spend the afternoon perusing some of my favorite Fayetteville spots - Riffraff, Shindig, Pigment, etc.  I can't wait for a "me" day!
3. Party planning - If you were following along in September when I got my braces, you know this girl loves a reason to celebrate!  Both my mom and baby sister have birthdays in the month of March, within 6 days of one another.  We picked a Saturday for a joint celebration, and I'm the hostess!  I've been gathering ideas for decor, menu, and birthday cake and can't wait to see how it all comes together.
4. The Antelope in the Living Room - It's the new book I'm reading and it's hysterical.  This author released her first book {Sparkly Green Earrings} last summer, and I read it while vacationing at the beach.  I died laughing the whole time.  Dare I say her new book is even funnier!  If you're looking for a good read, do yourself a favor :)
5. Target - This is nothing new and, if you know me in real life, should come as no surprise.  I.  Love.  Tarjay.  I could spend hours on end in that place.  In fact, Saturday morning when I was trying to avoid the doctor's office at all costs {I have an aversion}, I spent almost two hours in Target.  That's right.  I said it.  Sorry I'm not sorry.  If a girl really spends time digging in Target, she can find some glaringly great deals.  The SALES, y'all!  Seriously.  For instance: pajama pants, a Sugar Paper LA monthly calendar, clearance kitchen towels, clearance thank you cards, clearance washi tape, super cute items in the dollar section, clearance party supplies, twenty dollar steak knives that come with a $10 Target gift card when purchased {shout out to Mama K}...  The possibilities are endless.  I mean, not that I would know or anything....
6. Thank you cards - And really any cards or stationary for that matter.  If you saw the collection I have, you'd be embarrassed for me.  Yet I keep buying...  A girl can never have too much stationary! 
7. Old quilts - We have this monthly vintage flea market in our area and I'm kind of super obsessed with it.  Last time my mama and I went, we both scored this stupidly inexpensive but gorgeous and in stellar condition vintage quilts.  I, of course, had to buy two.  Had I known then just how often I'd use these babies, I would've bought every quilt the woman had.  I keep one in my bedroom and drape it over my comforter on chilly nights, and the other stays on my couch and is constantly wrapped around me - especially since I've been sick!
8. Tory Burch - Again, no surprise.  And the black Miller sandals may or may not be en route to my front door...  If I had zillions of dollars, I'd own everything that ole Tory makes.  No lie.  I'm in love.
9. Converse - If you don't have at least one pair, we cannot be friends.  I used to think they were so silly and I was just sure I couldn't pull them off in a million years.  Last May, I bought my first pair.  That was almost a year ago.  I now own 3 pairs.  They go with everything and are so freakishly comfortable.  If I could wear them every day, I totally would.  Are we sensing the whole "I might have a slight shoe obsession" pattern?!  Good. 
10. Peonies - I've decided that they're my very favorite flower.  On the planet.  Next to hydrangeas.  A bouquet of the two might send me into a tizzy. 

What are you loving lately?!  Anything that we all just can't live without!  Do tell, please :)  Have a wonderful week, lovelies! xoxo

A Happy Heart

Hey there, blog land!

I'd venture to say it's been far too long. But, life happens, and now is as good a time to come back as any, right?!  How ARE y'all?!  Wonderful, I hope.

Just a quick little recap on what's been happening around my world.  As you all know, I started a new career adventure in November and to say it's kept me busy would be an understatement.  However, I'm not at all discounting the fact that I'm blessed to be gainfully employed and able to provide the lifestyle I want for myself.  That's worth a big hallelujah, in itself!  Other than work, not just a whole lot is going on.  I am constantly reminding myself to be joyful in each day.  I'm still enjoying cooking and reading, and sadly don't get to exercise nearly as frequently as I was able to this fall.  In the first week of March, I'll be going out of town for my last work trip of the foreseeable future.  My hope is that this welcomed break in travel will provide some extra time to squeeze in some CrossFit :)

Now, here I lay on my bed on Monday evening, sipping my glass of wine, typing this post, and preparing to crawl into bed with my newest read.  I hope this post finds you all at the start of a wonderful week!

Stay tuned - I'll be back SOON {promise} :)  Have a blessed week, friends!

She Lives!

Helloooooo, bloggyfriends!

I'm stopping by via the iPad just to let you know I'm baaaaack :) {Partially} acclimated to my new job and ready to start blogging again! Look for a post later this week!

xoxo

All I Want for Christmas

Since Halloween will officially be out of the way in less than 36 hours, my mind can't help but drift to Thanksgiving.  Food, family, fellowship...  My family has a tradition of going to see a movie on Thanksgiving night!  We eat our meal around lunch time each year, so by the evening time we've worn off enough of our food coma that we can indulge in popcorn and a blockbuster.  Since my birthday is around Thanksgiving each year, I adore the month of November and the Thanksgiving holiday.  However, I'd be remiss to say that my mind doesn't focus on Christmas the entire time!  Skip decorating for Thanksgiving {who does that?!}.  The minute Halloween is over and November 1st strikes, Christmas decorations are adorning my humble abode.  I want them to be up as long as humanly possible, so I make no qualms about starting the Christmas season off right.

With the most wonderful time of the year at our heels, I thought it might be fun to do a little Christmas gift guide!  I picked a few of my favorite designers/sites, and put together a list of affordable, yet totally give-worthy gifts.  {I've also included the links to each gift - You see, I'm a firm believer that Santa needs some help putting a few extra lovelies under the tree for me each year.  I may or may not treat myself, wrap presents, and denote them "To Katie, Love Santa."  You're welcome for the idea!}

If your little heart doesn't just flutter at the site of this precious coffee mug, well then you must not have a heart.  How fun would this be to give a sweet friend for Christmas, filled with some of her favorite candy or maybe a fun pair of earrings?!  At just $20, my main homie Kate Spade did us a grand ol' favor.

Speaking of Kate Spade, how about gifting one of your dearest gal pals with this adorable bow ring?!  The bow is a Kate Spade signature, and you just really can't go wrong.  I was in Kansas City on a weekend trip about a year ago, and decided I was going to divvy out no more than $50 for a fun little souvenir to remember the trip by.  Enter, my Kate Spade "spade" ring - it's basically identical to the bow ring with its gold tone and pave accents, but just has tiny little spades in place of the bow.  I absolutely, positively love it.  The best $48 I've likely ever spent!  It's sweet and dainty, and goes with anything and everything.  This adorable bow ring also rings in at $48, but the Kate Spade site offers free nationwide shipping, so it's a win for you!  They also offer free returns, but let's be honest....  Who could want to return this gorgeous little thing?!

And, because I just really can't get enough of Kate Spade, take a peek at this colorful coffee table book!  Who wouldn't just love to have this sitting on their coffee table for all the world to see?!  A great gift for the fashion-conscious gals, this book rings in at just $40.

Onto one of my other faves - Tory Burch!  What girl do you know that wouldn't just love this tortoise Tory cuff?!  I'm dying over it.  What a statement piece!  What I most love about Tory Burch is her knack for timelessness.  All of her pieces are effortlessly flawless, and of the very best quality.  At just $50, Tory Burch hit the nail on the head with this precious gift!

If I was dying any more over these Pottery Barn mirrored dresser-top trays, I'm just not quite sure what I'd do with myself.  This is truly a gift that any girl would cherish forever.  With two options for size and price {$39-59}, you even have the option to have these beauties monogrammed.  How great would this be to set on your nightstand or vanity for your daily-wear jewelry?!  I seriously couldn't love these things anymore.  The temptation to buy one for myself is just too great.  I LOVE the oblong shaped one pictured below, but also really can't get over the cuteness of the tiny square-shaped option! {either way - I'd have to include my monogram, of course}  Receiving this as a gift would ensure a BFF status for LIFE!  One or both of these trays need to come live with me.  Now.

Back to Kate.  I've decided these Keds for Kate Spade are my newest obsession.  I'm sorry, but who doesn't love these?!  If you raised your hand, we just really can't be friends.  They come in a few different color options, but this gold glitter option is obviously the most fabulous choice.  I'd much rather spend $85 on these than on some boring old tennis shoe!

I can attest to how fabulous these Lilly Pulitzer tumblers are!  I own one and love it.  Sadly, I recently broke the straw that goes in mine :(  These are much taller than your average tumbler, so I've not been able to find a replacement straw to date.  Since these beauties are only $15 a pop, I'm thinking this cute elephant one should come live with me!  These make GREAT gifts, as I received mine as a gift and just absolutely adore it.

Anthropologie is just a go-to for fabulous gifts.  How about these precious paisley PJ pants?!  I love the wide array of colors and they just look so comfy.  At just under $50, they're pretty pricey for some jammie pants.  You could likely find something similar at Target for much less.  Their Gilligan & O'Malley brand sleepwear is divine.  I just couldn't pass up sharing these beauties for your viewing pleasure!

 



 

What are some of your favorite gifts to give your gal pals or the girls in your family?!  How about those who are hardest to buy for?!  Leave your ideas and suggestions in the comments :) Be blessed today! xoxo

 



Weekend Re-Hash

Good Monday morning to ya, bloggy land!  How was your weekend?!  Mine was spent mostly trying to kick the very last of this yucky sickness I've had going on for the past month. 

Friday night I came home, opened the windows, and lit my very favorite fall candle - Leaves by White Barn Candle Co {found at Bath & Body Works}.  The pups certainly didn't mind some snuggle time and a very early bedtime!

Saturday morning I was in no hurry to crawl out of bed.  Once I finally did, I made a yummy breakfast, enjoyed my coffee, and watched a little Saturday morning TV before getting up and around.

It was fairly yucky outside with a chance of rain.  A "CHANCE" of rain was all I needed to break out my Hunter wellies! ;)  I paired them with leggings, a comfy t-shirt, cheetah print, cardi, scarf, and my glasses for a day of errands.

I had to run an errand to the car dealership, which meant a little trip to Fort Smith.  A sweet friend had seen me post the picture of my breakfast on Instagram and made a joke about how I should come see her at work - she works for a little local boutique called Suite One and works most Saturdays {something that us non-weekend workers totally pity!}.  So, I was inspired to do a little surprising on my Saturday!  I put together a little gift to let my baby sister know that I'm "SOAP proud of her" {get it?!} and made a stop by a local bakery to grab a few cupcakes.  I dropped one by to Allie at Suite One - a "SUITE" treat;)  While it was nothing big, the act of spreading a little kindness on a Saturday sure set the tone for my weekend!

While I was in Suite One, I snagged this precious little piggy necklace.  A girl's got to support her Hogs {even if they are absolutely, terribly miserable this year....}

I'd gotten an email Saturday morning that everything at one of my very favorite boutiques, Riffraff, was 50% off.  So, naturally, I headed to Northwest Arkansas!  My first stop was Riffraff where I got this precious and hilarious pillow.  Stay tuned to see how I incorporate it into my home!

After my little shopping excursion, the rest of the day was spent watching football and the Cardinals/Red Sox game.  Those Cardinals nearly gave me a heart attack, I tell ya!

Sunday morning before church started off right with a little blueberry cake donut {& maybe a jalapeno cheddar kolache?!  I'll never tell....} 

Sunday was another rest day, filled with a family lunch, a few errands, and lots of time on my couch.

What did you do this weekend?!  Have a wonderful Monday, lovelies! xoxo

This Week, I...

Friday, we meet again!

This week was a good one!  Not for any particular reason, really.  It was just a great week.  Last night set the tone for the weekend with a fun dinner date to a local Cajun spot and some great conversation.  With not many concrete plans for the weekend, I'm looking forward to sleeping in and spending some time just relaxing with Henley & Harlow.

This week, I.....

...had a pretty eventful text conversation with Caitlin that resulted in an impromptu rendezvous for lunch.  We were so hungry that we were about to eat our keyboards.

...got to wear my J. Crew herringbone for the first time!  I already know I will wear this poor thing out this fall and winter.

...tried a new brew.  I'm not super adventurous when it comes to beer and I don't drink very much as it is.  I received a recommendation for this Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale, and a friend surprised me with a 6-pack of bottles after knowing I'd been dying to try it.  Not going to lie..  I historically have hated Blue Moon, but I love this stuff!  It's a great pairing for hearty, fall meals.

...had a nice, slow evening at home.  Speaking of hearty fall meals, I made that delicious new pasta dish I'd mentioned this week.  It's a keeper!  I enjoyed a night with the windows open, fall candles burning, and some relaxation on my couch.

...had lunch outside at the Yellow Umbrella!  And, for dessert, I made a stop by Bruce Terri for the world's best strawberry milkshake.  Bruce Terri is owned by the family of two brothers who were my friends in college.  I try to convince myself that I swing by so often just to say hello and to chat about a shared interest - CrossFit...  But, truly, it's for the coveted milkshake!  {Sorry, Kyrk...}

...used my entire kitchen to fold laundry.  What can I say?!  I have a lot of clothes!  I need all the space I can get.

...enjoyed my favorite Sleepytime Tea with local honey and the book Unglued.  "Early to bed, early to rise, makes the heart healthy, wealthy, and wise!"

...basked in the beauty of my fully bloomed mums.

...got crafty!  I adore this quote and just had to have it displayed in my bedroom.

...made an 8pm trip to Walmart for Pumpkin Pie Spice creamer!  I realized at about 7:45 that I was out, which I then realized would mean no coffee the next morning.  To Wally World, I went!

...wore white pants after Labor Day.  Sue me.

...caught photogenic little Henley Jude in the act!  I really can't handle the cuteness.

...found my favorite new song!  Is this song really old and I'm just now discovering it?!  I don't care.  It came on XM, and I can't stop listening to it.  Love the words.  Love the message.  LOVE.  The end.

What were you up to this week?!  I'd love to hear!  Have a wonderful weekend & be blessed, friends! xoxo