Elsewhere Today

Guess what?  I'm over on Anna Delores Blog today talking about Pinterest!  Go say hi!

just keep swimming

I loved the 3 day weekend, but the short week has been stressing me out a little bit.  If you're feeling the same way, I hope this will help keep you going.

Dory is stuck in your head now, right?  Then my job is done.  I was also inspired by this cute quote graphic that Katie put together this week (and have you seen this Pinterest board? Clearly I'm obsessed.)  And it's summer, and we all know how badly I want to be in the water.

Today is also the last day of May, which means my swap buttons will get switched tomorrow!  I want to thank these ladies for swapping with me, make sure you check out these awesome blogs if you haven't already!





And don't forget the Sponsor Spotlight post 1, post 2, post 3, and post 4!

it's possible

If you've been around here for a little while you know that I started my web design business in November (and if you didn't, now you do!)  I had a few clients before 2011 was over- really the perfect amount for me to get started.  I was excited; I had hope.

Then January started.  And there was nothing.  I worked my butt off in hopes that it would result in some work.  I definitely got cranky and discouraged some days.

Source: lanaloustyle.blogspot.com via Kate on Pinterest. Artist: Letitia Buchan

Then last week, some things started coming together.  It was weird because I could almost feel that it was going to before it happened.  Like this is the week.  And it did.

I don't mean to run around blog land with my arms open shouting "I'VE MADE IT BIG, GUYS!"  Because I totally haven't.  That would be absurd.  I just have more design work than I ever have before.  I even had to tell school that no, I wasn't available to come in more than two days this week, because "I have some design work to do."  That felt good to say.

I am thrilled, grateful, excited, and... scared.  I love what I'm doing, but sometimes just the thought of knowing that you have to produce something that someone else will like in a timely fashion is stressful.  Naturally, I try not to think too much.

It felt good to write this post, friends.  I like sharing with you, and I'm not talking about food posts.  We'll have to do this more often.  Hopefully I haven't turned anyone off if you're out there and were maybe sorta thinking about hiring me.  Because I would love to work with you.  And I'm not too busy for you, I promise.

While I have your ear, hope over to Sketch and Wash today to check out my Art to Inspiration post!  You know you want to join in next month!

Also, Amy over at The Charming nominated me for the Liebster Award.  Isn't she sweet?!  Go love on her.

with love

I've been a little AWOL this week because I came up to Northern VA so that I could sub a few days here and keep my sub certification active.  I'm subbing for the same second grade class for three days in a row, which in all the time I've subbed I think that is the most consecutive days I've ever been with one class.  Mostly what I've learned is that I really wish I had the energy of an eight-year-old.

Source: zeroing.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

I wish I could plaster this inside my brain for tomorrow.  I'm so sleepy and a lot of times that means I am wishing the minutes away.  But really I would like to enjoy my time there as much as possible, because while the kids can act up (some more than others) there is also so much good in each of them.

Tomorrow is Friday!  I can't wait.  I'm driving home on Saturday and taking pictures at a family friend's restaurant along the way... so excited to share them once they're done!

What have you been up to this week?  If you're new around here, say hello! (or if you're a regular!) I could use a pick-me-up.

big thoughts about little stuff

I've come to the conclusion that I really hate stuff.  Brian and I have been working on that whole "clean apartment and SIMPLIFY" resolution for the last 48 hours or so.  We took everything out of our closets and produced two boxes for Goodwill and lots of stuff for the dumpster.  And we're still not done.

Source: piccsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

It's enough to make me want to convert to some minimalist religion (which one is that again?) and forgo all things.  And this year in particular we've acquired lots and lots of things.  Which we are beyond grateful for.  Truly.

But, it does make you think about gifts.  And why we give them.  And should we give them?

Not to give you the impression that we were entirely blameless in acquiring all this stuff.  Heck no.  Brian and I have purchased our fair share.  Which brings about a different set of questions about our culture and how we live.

Thanks for reading this edition of "big questions with no answers."  Better luck with closure and conclusions next time.

But seriously, do you have any solutions for organizing and purging your stuff?

what a week.

I won't be sad to wave a cheerful g'bye to this week, my friends.  Too much to do and too little time.  Also, somehow it seemed like all the things about being a grown-up that I have been blissfully avoiding decided to hit the fan of life.  Student loans, insurance companies, switching doctors... let me just say that being a grown-up sucks.  Today alone featured an unexpected half day of work (resulting in a ten minute lunch break where I inhaled some leftover pizza), failed trips to the DMV and the pharmacy, and horrendous cold and rainy weather.   That last one just made everything worse.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kate on Pinterest

Tomorrow is Brian's final final (hooray!)  On Tuesday we head north for an undetermined length of time to spend the holidays with our families and friends.  I've been trying to wrap everything up before we leave, because I don't take my files with me.  We'll see.  On Monday Brian and I are planning on having "mini Christmas," which hopefully doesn't wind up being way lamer than we initially intended.  I'll keep you posted.

What's lifting your spirits this week, friends?  I came back from Thanksgiving break so excited for the holidays but I feel like this last week or so has kind of crushed my Christmas spirit.  What's putting you in the mood for a festive weekend?

laundry

Hope everyone had a good weekend!  Mine was busy, productive, and fun!  I worked on installing two blogs (check out Katelyn Brooke Designs this week to read more about them!) and yesterday I went shopping in Charlottesville.

Moving on to more exciting issues, our washing machine and dryer has been broken for a couple of weeks, and our new ones are finally being installed tomorrow! (I know, you're dying from anticipation!)  But seriously, I've always thought new household appliances were exciting.  And even though our laundry room is a creepy hole in the wall, are a few pictures of beautiful laundry rooms to get me in the mood for the MOUNTAIN of laundry that is waiting for me after these babies are hooked up.  Enjoy!

Source: theenchantedhome.blogspot.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: junkgardengirl.blogspot.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: casadevalentina.com.br via Kate on Pinterest

Source: fromscandinaviawithlove.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

for your weekend

Have a wonderful weekend!  I really liked doing links last week, so I thought I would do a few again!  My mom was supposed to come this weekend, but something came up, so now my weekend has kinda opened up.  I hoping to take the opportunity to be super productive, including taking some pictures of the Christmas decorations in town.  What are you up to this weekend?

{No pin caption today folks, I made this all by myself!}

Hope you have some fun holiday get-togethers this weekend!

Halina posted these gorgeous photos of snow today.  Kinda gets me in the mood for some flurries!

I've been getting more and more into Twitter lately, follow me so that we can be friends!

It's my life's goal to make things for my Beautiful Words board on Pinterest out of my own pictures, and this post inspired me to do something today.  So if you wanted to pin the crap out of this, I wouldn't mind some internet viral action this weekend.

Check out this series of awesome giveaways from Everyday AEM!

I thought this little ode to shutter-bug girls was cute.

Friday Links!

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today I have a subbing gig and then I'm hopping on the highway to head home for the weekend.  My mom and I are going to do our Christmas cards together, as well as maybe some decorating/ picture taking, and then on Saturday night I'm going to a concert with my dad and my brother.  Also, I can't wait for blog brunch tomorrow!  Are you taking part?

{I'm always obsessed with Mr. Boddington.  Love everything abou these!} Source: mrboddington.com via Kate on Pinterest

Here are some links to peruse over the weekend!

You know how much I love silhouettes.  Brooklyn Bride did a round-up post of the best details!

Faison is hosting a whole slew of Kate Spade Giveaways this month.  Go check out her latest!

I never used to "like" blog pages on Facebook, but I've started to and it's really making Facebook more interesting.  I have two Facebook pages that could use a little love if you're interested!

Rachel made this adorable to-do list with bloggers in mind!  It's printable AND free!

Definitely food for thought (I'm such a sucker for infographics!

What are you up to this weekend?

crunch time

For those of you who are still in school, I'm sure your feeling this too.  Today is December 1st which means one thing to higher education students: finals are coming.  I'm not a student this year, for the first year ever, but being around Brian brings back the memories of deadlines past.

Source: thelateafternoon.com via Kate on Pinterest

I myself am feeling a crunch of a different kind: the holiday crunch.  It's December 1st.  We have not one holiday decoration in our apartment.  Well, that's not true.  There's some in the closet.  But displayed?  Nope.  Not one.  I haven't done any Christmas shopping or made a game plan for the gifts I need to purchase.  Let the 25 day countdown commence.

Are you feeling the crunch?  Tell me we're not the only ones.

busy in the best way

Alright guys, things are crazy busy around here.  For a few weeks I kept up posting on not one, but three blogs.  Last week I was so proud of myself because I went out of town with several posts scheduled and ready to go.

This week I got back into town and I feel like I've been hit with an overload of stuff to juggle.  I'm working on three blog designs right now, which is a lot for my newbie self, not to mention I've got some stuff in the works for updating Stripes and Polka Dots.  I couldn't be more thrilled, but it's putting a damper on the blog content machine that I was the last few weeks.  Please bear with me.  And my expressions which may or may not make sense.

Source: flickr.com via Kate on Pinterest

I'm working on a itty bitty Christmas list post for later in the week, but for now tell me: do you use Polyvore?  I looked at it once but I got confused and never went back.  Is there some trick to it?  Can you add any product, or do you just browse their catalog?  Any other ways you like to make blog collages?  I'm trying to be more efficient and after my marathon session of photo editing yesterday, I am realizing just how necessary efficiency is.

thank you

Whew.  It's been a crazy couple of weeks around here.  I've launched two websites and recapped my wedding in 5 posts.  And those things were fun and exciting.  But you know what?  I've really missed just writing.  Nothing exciting or overly important.  Just sharing with you guys.

I have to admit that three months ago I thought Stripes and Polka Dots was toast.  I got married and I found myself spending my days day dreaming about being a blogger that made money.  I was going to start this spiffy art blog and people were going to read it and share it on Pinterest and I wouldn't post about frivolous random things anymore.  I would only post about things that pertained to my topic and my audience.  My two year "blogiversary" rolled around and I had 10 followers.  I was over this.

It's funny how things go sometimes.  I started reaching out to more bloggers before my fancy new blogs were finished.  Which brought them here.  I redesigned Stripes and Polka Dots and all of a sudden I couldn't imagine quitting it.  I got all sentimental and suddenly I didn't care if I had to maintain 3 blogs at once, I was going to keep my life blog.

Source: theblackapple.typepad.com via Kate on Pinterest

So thanks from bringing me back from the edge, guys.  The last few months have been my favorites on the blog by far.  I've enjoyed getting to know each of you through your blogs and your comments and I finally feel like I'm part of a community here instead of typing to myself.  You guys rock!

An Ode to Harry Potter

I've mentioned on here before that I started rereading the last 3 Harry Potter books in August.  I really haven't been reading much, so it has taken me a long time, but I finally finished on Thursday.  I'll try to limit my unoriginal gushing over J.K. Rowling's masterpiece, but reading it the last few days just reminded me that I really feel that it is the best story ever told.  Truly.

I know I'm far from the only Harry Potter fan out there, so I thought I would post some of my favorite HP finds from Pinterest since I can't get the Boy Who Lived out of my head!

Source: hadilaksono.bigcartel.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Kate on Pinterest

Source: 28.media.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: downwiththe-capitol.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: monstacookies.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: terriblyartistic.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: ellemenoh.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

friday follow-ups

I feel like I should follow up on my post on Monday... Monday itself was an ease into it sort of day, because although I tried to cut out snacks and eat relatively healthy meals, we still had half of a carrot cake in the fridge from the night before and, well, we're not wasteful people.  The rest of the week we did a really good job of working on portion control and cutting out snacks and dessert.  Except for yesterday when I basically whined so much about wanting chocolate that we went and got Blizzards.  Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

I mentioned on Tuesday that I was making this crockpot recipe.  It was okay.  It didn't change my life or anything.  But it was fairly healthy and the fact that I wasn't obsessed helped with portion control... that's a plus I guess?

Normally trying to eat healthier would be coupled with an attempt to workout more, but since I haven't been able to shake this bug yet that hasn't happened.  This cough is so obnoxious.

Brian and I figured out our Halloween costumes for the party we are going to on Saturday, we went to Goodwill yesterday and everything is ready.  But I think I'm gonna keep it to myself until I post pictures on Monday!

It's supposed to get really cold here this weekend.  Why does the temperature always seem to drop right before Halloween?

I heard this was on ABC last night, but I didn't watch it.  Wouldn't this poster be cute to hang in your house around Halloween?

Source: thisisnthappiness.com via Kate on Pinterest

Have a spooky weekend!

P.S.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

cabin fever

It is such a beautiful day here today and I have yet to leave the house.  I'm so over being sick.  I spent all day feeling out of it and then around 2:00 I saw the microwave was flashing "end."  I never drank my coffee!  I'm on my way out the door to drop some mail in the mailbox and then maybe Brian and I will go for a short walk this afternoon- I'm hoping some fresh air will perk me up.

Source: None via Kate on Pinterest

Thanks for all the recipe ideas yesterday!  I'm trying this crockpot recipe tonight- I'll let you know how it goes!

And stop by tomorrow- I'm gonna be sharing MY FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!  Eeek!  You guys are going to love it!

due to the weather

It's rainy today.  I was supposed to hop out of bed, bright and early, and workout, head to the farmers market, take more photos, and go to the grocery store, all before work at 11:30.

You guessed it.  None of that happened.

Source: cargocollective.com via Kate on Pinterest

It almost feels like you're doing a disservice to the day by being productive when the weather is like this.  Days like today are for warm drinks and slippers and a good book.  I'm really just trying to uphold the ideals of the day (except swap the book for my lovely computer.)

Happy Wednesday!

Creative Itch

Do you ever get that creative itch? I have it big time. It started while I was studying for my midterm yesterday. Isn't that always the way of it?

{Pastels via Pinterest}

It always strikes when there are a million other things I should be doing. Yesterday it was studying. Today it is working on my cover letter and resume. What I want to do is paint, draw, design wedding invites... so many options.

Today in class I was supposed to be listening to lecture OR frantically flipping through flashcards. Those were my options. What did I do instead? Brainstorm names for my imaginary blog/company where I sell paintings. Because obviously that was really pressing.

{by Stephanie Ledoux via Pinterest}

Oh yeah, remember way back when I had a DIY project to complete? I finally did it!

It's just a little canvas workout bag for me to throw my ipod, reading materials, and water bottle into. It works. As you can see it's not in the best condition, but I think the pink shoes make it cuter than just carrying around a plain canvas bag.

The weekend starts tonight! Wishing you and inspiring and productive weekend!

Monday

{image via Pinterest}

Today was one of those cloudy days that required a hot cup of tea in the afternoon. And a big dinner made of exclusively comfort food. Fried chicken, onion rings, mac and cheese... and no green in sight. Don't get me wrong, I love green on my plate but... today was one of those days.

But it was still a happy day. Slow, but happy. I walked to class for the first time in three weeks. I was glad to see the sights of my beautiful school again. I'll try not to take that walk for granted anymore. After all, I really only have two more months to walk the walk. Well, less.

Happy Monday : )

mac & cheese kind of girl

Lately, I have been obsessed with macaroni and cheese. All kinds: from the box, made with a cheese sauce, with a crunchy topping, spicy... you name it. I'm not usually cooking it myself, but I seem to have cultivated a mac & cheese awareness that my brother pointed out to me last weekend as we were deciding where to go and I was able to describe each restaurant based on the quality of it's mac & cheese. When I am making it, I have to admit to an extreme love for Kraft Three Cheese mac and cheese, by far my favorite box recipe!

Yesterday on Pinterest I found this picture.

{recipe found here}

Delicious-looking, AND easier to make than the box?! I was intrigued. I went to Brian's for dinner tonight and was adamant that we cook this instead of going out. This is a rare occurrence.

It was very tasty. Not as creamy as I was hoping for/expecting, but still yummy. The chicken broth and cream cheese make it very rich. It was pretty good though.

After this experience I was thinking back to the other recipes that I email to myself and save on Gmail (I think this idea came from Kate at Elefantitas Alegres). I was perusing my accumulated recipes (that I don't make but have saved for later) and I realized that an alarming amount of them were pastas. These three are ones I definitely want to try sooner than later:

Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi a la Pioneer Woman.

Lighter Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Skinny Taste.

Bacon and Parmesan Pasta via In No Simple Language.

What have you been craving lately?

a little pick-me-up

Whoa, there. Was I a little too depressing in that last post? I think so. I think some gratuitous happy photos are in order to cheer up the ol' blog.

{From here via Pinterest}

{from here via Pinterest}

{from here via Pinterest}

And for good measure, a wedding photo. It is Wednesday, after all.

{from Once Wed}

The week is almost over my friends! The weekend is upon us!