It's summer.  I should blog.

Sometimes I feel like I can hear you so well when you see my blog...
What I'm Loving Wednesday?  Seriously, Katie needs to get a life.  Who does she think she is that she thinks the entire Facebook world cares about what lotion she's using this week?  Yeah, you right...but here you are reading about what lotion I like.  Ha!

Jerkins Coconut
It's summer.  ALL. THINGS. COCONUT.  Under normal circumstances I'd never cheat on my Original Jerkins but...COCONUT.  It smells perfect.  Not too fake.  Still perfectly Jergensly moisturizing.



I Wish You More
My boss just gave out this book and it's so cute!  If you're a parent, get it for your kids today!  What? MY kids are almost teenagers, they would never sit down for a kid's book.  Try it.  ALL kids love being read to.


This Quote
Erica just gave me a journal with the world's nicest, most meaningful letter inside and this quote on the front.  It's true and a good reminder to all of us.  We're pink Starbursts Friends!


Tropical Cherry Sparkling Water
Yes, I'm still addicted to sparkling water and I have no intentions of quitting anytime soon because I just keep finding new and more amazing flavors!   This is my new fav from Target!
Glass Containers 
I heart meal prepping.  No, scratch that.  I don't love it at all but I tolerate and am willing to do it IF I have containers to put my food in after I'm done...which I didn't.  Plus. I'm trying to get rid of all plastic and convert to glass so these are my new go-to containers.  I tried it today and give it two thumbs up.


Puzzles
Seriously, if you're ever wondering what to get me for a present, get me a puzzle.  It's so calming for me to sit and do one.  Hot tea, a puzzle and my AARP Magazine.  Ha!  Just kidding about the magazine.  This is my current one.  Thomas Kincade meets Beauty and the Beast.  Tom text and said, #isthatforlily (his 6 year old daughter).  No, no it's not Thomas.  It's an ADULT puzzle.  Katie, maybe you should spend a little LESS time puzzling and a little MORE time dating?  Good idea but as ya'll know I can't stay on this slow boat if I spending time dating the RIGHT men so I'm going to periodically go back to the WRONG men and, while I'm not doing that, work on my puzzle.  I got this.  ;)


Phew, I'm going to be able to sleep better tonight knowing that you prefer glass containers over plastic.  You're welcome.

What are your favorite summer things?

Plastic Tumblers
Nothing says Summer like a big plastic tumbler, not hard plastic.  I like it soft (TNWSS <--- Inappropriate joke but props to you if you got it).  I love to fill them with Raspberry Ice Crystal Light (pretend I'm just kidding since I'm super against all those chemicals in drinks) ice water

These Rafts
I would never buy a different raft.  That's a lie.  I have a different raft in my garage.  In fact, I don't actually own a raft like this right now but I saw one at the pool the other day and almost stole it from the owner.  They're so perfect.  You're "in" the pool but not totally and you can still read a book.


My Suitcase
I told my dad's wife, Sue, that I was in love with her Da Kine suitcase because it had a million compartments for organization and she got me one for Christmas!  Every time I get to use it, I get SO excited!  Be jealous.  It's bold, and sassy and says, "Vacation" all over it!


My Clean Garage
Yes, folks, I put the Christmas decorations away!
Congratulations on doing what the rest of the Nation did less than a month after Christmas.
Thank you.  Thank you.


Emergency Sunscreen
I couldn't resist this $2.49 buy.  I put it in my purse for a time where I find myself in the blazing heat without any sunscreen.  I haven't needed it yet but when I do, I'll be prepared.


All Things Coconut
Ahhh!  Summer in a bottle!  I just bought a Bath and Body Works Spray.  B-T-Dub I feel like I'm 15 years old buying body spray but I don't care.  Too hot for real perfume so body spray it is!  PS.  Semi-annual sale on RIGHT now!



Baskets
I wish I could afford more.  I don't even know that I have more stuff to put in them but I am in love with baskets so I can organize my things.  I have them all over my house.

Scout's toy basket.
Scout's treat/medicine/item basket.
Blanket basket.
Downstairs shoes/dog leash basket.
Scout's toy basket for the other room.
Daily use make-up basket.
Perfume basket.
Card basket.

I've said basket too many times.  Now it sounds weird.  Basket. Basket. Basket.
Katie, you're a basket case!  
Bah ha hah!

If you're ever in the market to get me a gift and not sure what to buy, get me a basket lined with fabric!  You don't need to put a thing in it, just the basket will do.

So many things to love and so much gratitude to give...
Facebook Posts
I mean, really, so many people took time to type out great Happy Birthday messages and I loved reading every single one.



Being Called Beautiful
Yep.  You already know I'm that vain.  I don't know why I appreciate being called beautiful more than anything else.  My mother is shaking her head somewhere in Heaven right now, "Kathryn Ann, that is NOT the daughter I raised!"  What?!  Who doesn't like being called beautiful?!


Non-Working Lunches
We didn't even have our computers out!  We just sat and chatting and enjoyed the most delicious home-cooked meal AND dessert that I didn't feel the least bit guilty about eating because it was my birthday.  Did you feel guilty for the Tropical Sno you ate the other day...it wasn't your birthday that day. 


High/Low
"Katie!!!," they collectively yell when I force them to play High/Low but I know they secretly love it just like I do and all my work friends fully appeased my need to play.  Because we knew you wouldn't shut up if we didn't. 



Thoughtful Gifts
The girls bought me so much great stuff but I was SO excited that they remembered how much I wanted to try a french press.  I'm so excited.  A friend is coming in town this weekend so french press coffee will be served!  I'll wait for the #coffeefail post on Facebook. 

And...I got a HYDROFLASK!  The ice stays as ice ALL. DAY.  LONG.  Yes, even in Arizona.


Flowers
I got 3 bouquets of flowers!  So, so beautiful and so thoughtful!



Dinner with Old Friends
It feels like we have known each other forever, we pretty much have.  It's just easy.  No niceties, just normal.  I love that they made it happen.


Unexpected Texts
I got a text from an old friend.  Short.  Simple.  Unexpected.


Video Messages From My Family
They all sang to me and now I have that video to keep so I can see those cute faces anytime I want.  Win.


Old Pictures
My friend sent me tons of old pictures of us from college...we were such babies!  I loved taking a walk down memory lane every few hours.  I had the best college experience and best friends anywhere...and with a little bit of luck, I even got a degree.

Cool pleather pants

A Text an Hour
Are you ready for this?  My brother sent me the most detailed, sincere text every hour.  I literally had tears in my eyes every hour.  Almost every single conversation I have with Tom involves him telling me why I'm wrong about something but on Monday, he was Mr. Sensitive and I loved every minute of it.  Until next year Little Brother.


A little insight into my blog...finding each of these pictures takes a really long time and after the first few, I don't want to find anymore but I feel bad for the other little paragraphs, like they will get their feelings hurt if they don't get a picture, so I keep going.  You're such an odd duck KC. 

Yesterday was so great.  Today, I'm just fucking 35.

Maybe it's that dip down to the low 100s or perhaps the fact that my seatbelt didn't scald my skin once last week but lately I can't get my mind off of Fall.

"What's Fall?" asks Arizona puzzledly.  <--- Puzzledly is a word I just made up.  Feel free to use it.
"Fall, you know, that season that feels almost exactly as Summer?  For most of the country it means this... In Arizona we pretend it's this too but if you look at our lower backs, there's a good chance you can see a sexy ring of sweat."

I don't care, I'm ready for Fall.

Fall Decorations 
In Arizona we have to create Fall and I can't wait to add to my decorations this year!  Here's the decor I'm planning on adding this year.  I say "planning" because, chances are, if they're not in the dollar section of Target, I won't be adding s!@#.



Fall Fashion
This is Fall uniform that you'll see me in a variation of every single day.

I have all the pieces to make this outfit.  Score

 

All I need to make this is the dress and belt and sweater and scarf and purse and boots and tights

 

Adorbs

These pictures make me want to shop right this second.

Crock Pot Chili Look at where this is from. Hilar.  I kinda wanna check out the website

Crockpot Sausage and Cheese Tortelini. Obviously super healthy-cream cheese, pasta and sausage.

Fall Drinks

It's Summer and I'm crazy motivated!



I'd like to say I'm not sure why, but I know exactly why.  I saw a picture of myself, with my sister-in-law.  Funny, how you're just goin' along with your daily life and then, bam, a sick picture hits you in the face.  It could have been so cute too.  It was taken by a real live photographer and we were having a moment.  Because Danielle has, maybe, taken 1 bad picture in her entire existence, she looked great.  I did not and I'm not even trying to be self-deprecating here. I DO think I have a pretty face but not when it's a fat sugar-face.

Anyway, I'm motivated and these things are helping me.

Gallon Jug
I'm a part of this wonderful group of ladies, called The Daily Grind.  They are a very non-judgmental group of encouraging girls that help you stay on/get on track.  This girl, Kyla, runs it and the expectations are:
- Drink a gallon of water a day
- Eat clean
- Do the daily WOD (or some other form of exercise)



I was slacking on getting my water down and she recommends that you actually use the gallon jug so I copied one of the pictures she posted and made my gallon beautiful.  It's helping so far.  Seeing the times on the jug hold me more accountable.

The Daily Grind
I'm so lucky to be part of this secret group who is full of super encouraging, judgmental ladies.  I've noticed that when I actually pay attention to what Kyla posts and really contribute to the group, I stay on track!  Love you Grinders!  If you want to be part of it and you're a committed woman, let me know!


Flower Child
If you're in Arizona and haven't tried this place, get there now.  It's local.  It's organic.  It's super cute inside.  I love everything about it-from their food, to the tea selection, to the fresh looking people who work there.  My only complaint is that it's VERY loud so I recommend that you sit outside or try for a Saturday which, surprisingly, was way less busy than the weekdays.



Pure Maple Syrup
I've made some switches in recent years...
I went from Fat Free French Vanilla Coffeemate to Natural Coffeemate to Organic 2% milk and sugar to Organic 2% milk and Pure Maple Syrup.  It's pretty spendy.  This bottle cost about $9.00 but I like the fact that I'm not adding any chemicals to my morning coffee and it lasts quite a while.



Blue Bell Fruit Bars
I have to feed my sweet tooth or she gets real angry and starts eating chemically cookies.  I have found an alternative that's not perfect but pretty minimal in the processed food department and they're popsicles!  Yes.  I get to feed my popsicle addiction while staying on track.  I'm limiting myself to 1 per day which isn't that hard because they're pretty hearty as opposed to my Root Beer Float Popsicles that I ate more than 1...ok 5 per day.


Qwest Bars
Ovi, everybody knows about these because of JohnJay <---I like to act like we're friends.
It's so important to eat breakfast every day and many days I make my egg muffins or a smoothie or something fabulous.  However, there are times when I don't have time or am too lazy but I still need to get that metabolism movin.  So, Qwest Bars to the rescue.
Calories: Fabulous.  180 per bar
Protein: 21 GRAMS
Ingredients: Borderline.  Not fabulous, it does contain sucralose which as you know is a form of all those other -ose yucky pretend sugars but



Blog for another day...Summer Food Prep