Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts

May 26, 2011

Coming Out of My Hole

I know what you're thinking...FINALLY! Right?

It's fine, I deserve the "Major Suckage" Award. It was brought to my attention last Friday at a get-together with the girls, that's it has been more than a month since I updated this blog. Yes, this one, that is collecting some major dust bunnies. I bet most of you don't even remember that I used to be really good at this whole blogging thing.

I actually never thought I would be one of those people that didn't blog for a long extended period of time, but certain things in life can make this happen.

One, I have been EXTREMELY busy at work. Like the pull your hair out, almost in tears, question throwing in the towel kind of busy. It's been brutal and not very fun, but that's just life. I've got just a little under three months of this crap left until the other coordinator decides to come back from maternity leave to save me.

So, amidst all this craziness at work, I have been quite sick. And tired. And somewhat miserable.

Why do you ask? Well, because Baby Kutter is the now the size of an apple and growing in my belly. Yes folks, I'm going to be a mommy!

I'm at 15 weeks as of yesterday, due in November and finally starting to feel better. Let me tell you, this pregnancy stuff is NOT glamorous! At least my experience hasn't been. Nausea, vomiting and feeling like you have a hangover 24-7 is the worst feeling in the world.

Literally, all I have been doing is sleeping, eating saltine crackers, getting sick, trying to find something I can eat (and keep down), and being moody with my hubs. He sure does love me these days. Actually, he's been an angel. He still manages to get in lots of "Moody Woman" comments:), but other than that, he has been extremely helpful. Grocery shopping, bringing me breakfast in bed (helps with the nausea to eat before getting up), and dealing with the fact that I haven't cooked in over a month.

But, it will all be worth it! So there you have it, the real reason why I have taken a long hiatus from the blog. I hope to get back into it though. And I promise not to bore you with too much mommy/baby stuff, although our lives are about to significantly change. For the better of course!

We're super excited about his next chapter in our lives! More posts to come on what we've been up to the last few weeks.

Until then, enjoy a glass of wine, a nice cold beer or a turkey sandwich for me. Did you know you can't eat deli meat when you're pregnant? 

March 27, 2011

Technical Difficulties with the Blog

Alright blog friends, anybody else experiencing issues with uploading photos?

I just tried to upload a post that appears fine on the back end, but the photos are missing when posted. This is so frustrating!!

My posts would suck without photos.

I found a link that appears I'm not the only one struggling with this issue.

Stay tuned...hopefully Blogger will work it out.

Until then, I will be wishing I was here...(Obviously you can't see the picture because of the issue, but I was forced to upload a photo, and send the link to Blogger so they can continue working to resolve the issue.)

Update: According to Blogger, it's an Internet Explorer issue only. So, if you are experiencing the same issues, visit the link above and send your info to blogger. Otherwise, use a different browser in the mean time.

January 18, 2011

Introducing: Basement Facelift

You might remember when I blogged about our basement project here, here and here. A formerly unused space, small, drab and screaming for help. Not to mention the tan 80's-looking couches that just sat there collecting dust.

They might have been really comfortable couches, but I just couldn't see the room coming together if they were included in my Young House Love inspired mood board (sorry hubs).

Well, I have finally caught up with my crazy life this week and have photos and details to share with you all!

For starters, when I began this random blog almost a year ago, I never thought Keeping Up with the Kutters would be a space I would share home improvement projects. Not because I don't have anything to share with people, simply because we haven't achieved any home improvement-worthy projects.

We haven't conquered a kitchen remodel or knocked out a wall. Heck, we haven't even completed a tile job. YHL would most definitely laugh at our amateur upgrades.

But, I realized after reading many of the blogs I follow, a project doesn't have to be significant in order to share it. It surprised me how the smallest of projects would keep me engaged, give me inspiration. Seeing the way others displayed decor, the arrangement of pieces, combinations of colors.

So peeps, I might be sharing some of our past (and future) home improvement projects with you. Don't expect originality or anything close to greatness, but someone might enjoy it.

In all honesty, isn't that what us bloggers hope for anyways? We plan, think, compile and write, and then we hope that someone out there gets something out of it. It's sort of like taking a shot in the dark and hoping you hit something. Right? Why else would we take the time out of our busy lives to do this?

Wow, my mind is totally wandering now. I'll save this thought for later and get back on track. :)

Without further adieu, I present our new basement.

BEFORE:


AFTER:


We can't believe how much bigger our house feels now that this space is complete! Brian is loving that we both can comfortably lay down with room to spare.

Couch: Choices by Jonathan Louis from Nebraska Furniture Mart
This couch is awesome! I can't say enough great things about it. With the awkward size of the room coupled with our desire of getting a sectional couch, we were really worried about finding something that would work. The Choices collection allowed us to mix and match pieces to fit our room perfectly. Offering 13 different ways to build a sectional, it's like having a custom sized couch! Plus, it comes with custom pillows of your choice.

Rug: New Wave by Momeni from NFM
Two words. Love it. 

Ottoman Cubes: [No particular brand name, just awesomeness] from Target
This room wasn't equipped to have a coffee table, too small, so I searched far and between for these bad boys to take its place. Crate and Barrel, Home Goods, Pier1, Kohl's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, you name it. Nothing compared to the ones I ordered online from Target when it came to quality and look. Plus, these have a nifty tray on the backside of the lid, making the piece multi-functional: coffee table, foot rest and storage. Thanks to Target's free shipping on $50 orders, no added expense and delivered to my doorstep!

TV Stand: By Aspen from NFM

Yellow Vases: from NFM
K Art: Hobby Lobby, $5.

Tower Vase and Stems: from Pier1
This item was a must to cover up our the electrical outlet and cord. I love how it looks in the room.

Framed Art: from Michael's
I originally wanted obsessed over three framed art pieces from Crate and Barrel, but the hubs didn't like my find when he realized they were $70 a piece. To compromise, I found these framed squares (buy one get one free) at Michael's and filled them with scrapbook paper, $0.25 per page.


Funky Mirror: HomeGoods
I love this mirror. And it was only $25. It goes great with the vase and stems, adding a metallic element to the room.

And that completes the tour of our new basement!

Signing off for a date with the DVR, sprawled out on the new couch.

December 7, 2010

Grrrrrrrrrr. Blogger Help.

So, I was all excited to post about my first craft project from the weekend, but blogger isn't being very nice right now.

I can't upload photos!

It is telling me I am out of storage space and have to purchase more??? Does anyone know what this is all about? HELP!

I guess I don't mind purchasing more (wait, yes I do! I'm cheap!), I just had no idea this was going to happen. Is there any way around it? Can't I host my photos elsewhere?

And, I don't decrease the size of my photos before uploading, so had I known this was the case, resizing my photos would have really helped with the storage space. Geez.

I don't have time to deal with you right now blogger. And in my opinion, the majority of blog posts are just not worthy without photos.

I guess my crafts will just have to wait.

November 11, 2010

Blogging has PERKS!

Last week, I had a major breakdown when I suddenly realized it was already November.

I mean, we have some big things coming up -- hosting Thanksgiving at our house in KC for the first time ever, getting our basement ready for show and tell, lots of holiday parties, my cousin's wedding in Dallas, and the always dreaded...Christmas Card.

Don't get me wrong, I love cards. And I know our family and friends love receiving them.

It just so happens that the annual Christmas card requires a lot of time and preparation. I have always designed, printed and mailed my own cards. The process goes a little like this...

1. Scour your computer for a photo worthy enough to go on the card
2. Realize you don't have a worthy photo, so force your husband to do a self photo shoot
3. Select a photo
4. Start designing the card
5. Edit, edit, edit
6. Change the photo because you decided you didn't like the one you chose
7. Ask your husband for his input and get nothing
8. Finalize the card
9. Purchase paper and fun envelopes
10. Print cards and address labels (no turning back)
11. Trim cards
12. Stuff envelopes
13. Address envelopes
14. Stamp envelopes
15. Send to family and friends

Doesn't that sound like a lot of work and somewhat stressful?

Well, Shutterfly is making my life a little easier this holiday season.

They are offering 50 free holiday cards to bloggers. What a perk! I can't tell you how excited I was when I read about this deal on a friend's blog.

Did they just say free!? Why yes they did. Click here to join in on the sweet deal.

So, after spending hours on their site browsing the endless options, I have narrowed it down to four designs. Now, I used the photo from last year's Christmas card (plus a few random others), just as an example. Why you ask? Please refer to number two above. Can you guess what we might be doing this weekend? :)

Option 1: Bright and Cheery Holiday

Option 2: Simple & Clean

Option 3: Holly Jolly, Jake Front & Center

Option 4: 2010 Timeline

Which one do you like? I need your help to decide!

With SO many options available on their site, it was super hard to narrow down, For someone who was dreading this process, I had way too much fun with this.

Their Christmas Cards were at the top of my list, but I was tempted to throw in the towel, and just do a Thanksgiving Card this year. How fun and different would these be with a nice photo of trees/leaves in the background?

I also plan to check out the Canvas Wall Art. Maybe something to go in our new basement room?

So, a big THANK YOU to Shutterfly for turning the much-dreaded-annual-Christmas-Card-fiasco into a fun, shopping adventure!

Don't forget to comment and help me decide which card to choose!

November 4, 2010

To Blog or Not To Blog?

Blog. What a funny word.

A word that is widely used in the world of social media today. One's attempt to get their voice heard among the online crowds. Or maybe just a place to think or daydream.

By definition:
A blog (a blend of the term "web log") is a website or part of a website maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries.

Well, mine is most obviously the latter. A personal online journal where I post the most random experiences and thoughts. A weekend adventure, a recipe I discovered, my obsession for Nutella or my opinion on a random subject.

Weird combo, I know. But it's the direction my blog decided to take me in.

I never really knew what having a blog would be like. Honestly, I contemplated the idea of starting one for about three months before I actually took the plunge. I thought to myself, is my life exciting enough to tell people about? Do people even care? Do I have time for this? Isn't this a little self-serving and narcissistic?

The whole blogging world was absolutely crazy to me. It still is. I sometimes wonder why I ever started one, but certain moments and thoughts bring me back to the real reasons I put in the effort.

It's a place where I vent and reflect.
It forces me to be creative and somewhat artistic.
Encourages me to really think about things longer than I would have.
Therefore, teaches me to be a better person, and strive for things.
Often surprises me.
Can annoy the hell out of me for time sake.
Is a place where I collaborate and collect my thoughts.

The blogging world has also reunited me to old friendships. I never would have thought I would reconnect with some college friends via online commentary.

And I can't tell you how much I actually learn from reading blogs. Each and every one of us has a story to tell - in our own way of course - whether it's a random experience, opinion, idea, thought, project or tip, somebody out there wants to listen or know about it.

So, to all you fellow bloggers and readers, keep it up!

June 25, 2010

Chicken & White Bean Salad

I'm not exactly sure when my blog turned into a place to post the recipes I attempt, but it did. I'm not a great cook nor even consider myself one at all, but I do my best to keep the hubs happy.

So he says to me as I was making dinner this week, "Why do you have to take pictures of every meal we make? This is getting a little ridiculous."

HA! What a supportive husband of my blog I have. Little does he know, it is a major stress reliever for me. It's a place I go to let it all out, regardless if anyone reads it or not. Although, I would love to have more followers:)

Anyways, in the working world (at least for me), recipes have to be fast, quick and easy. And still be tasty. I absolutely love trying out new recipes, especially when they come from someone who knows it was delicious.

So, three words for you babe: Deal with it.

I hope you guys enjoy the recipes and are trying them out! Have a great weekend everyone!

********************************************************************************
Here's a new, easy recipe I tried out last weekend. Every month, my bank (Cap Fed) sends a newsletter that includes a featured recipe. This one was REALLY good. Much to my surprise, Brian even loved it. He's not much of a salad guy (not too fond of lots of veggies) but he scarfed it down. Thanks Cap Fed!

A healthy bean salad with a zesty, full-of-flavor, hint of mexi-flavor type of dish. You could easily double this recipe if you are making for more than 4 people. It disappeared from our fridge in two days.


Chicken and White Bean Salad

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast, roasted or grilled
2 (15 oz.) cans cannelloni (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium sweet, red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 green onions (the recipe didn't call for this, I added it myself and I think it made a good difference)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper


DIRECTIONS:
Chop or shred chicken into small bite size pieces and place in large bowl. Add beans, red pepper and garlic; stir to blend. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken and beans. Mix thoroughly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This recipe is an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber. It's also a good source of Vitamin A. Enjoy!

May 24, 2010

Daydreamin'

So here's some random thoughts I have at this very moment.

I'm excited for...
The Bachelorette! New season starts tonight featuring a guy from my highschool. Although, I talked to him on fb and he goes home the first night:( I'm still so excited for the show. Loved Ali last season!


I'm proud of...
My dear friend Hännah! She just found out TODAY that she is not going to get laid off. This is due in large part to her dedication, hard work and loyalty. To give you a better idea of how wonderful she is, of the 35 non-tenured teachers at her school, only 3 didn't get laid off. She is a great person, teacher and friend. Truly an inspiration and one of the most genuine people I have the pleasure of knowing.


I'm dreaming about...
Mexico! Boy do I miss waking up with a mimosa or bloody mary in my hand!


I'm pleased with...
My motivation to work out lately. I'm totally not a morning person, and I have successfully transformed into a morning worker-outer!


I'm missing...
All my out-of-town friends. This photo doesn't even begin to encompass nearly everyone, but this picture is great. Too bad it's not from the Iguana Mirage night club.


I can't wait for...
My girls trip to NY in August!


I'm not looking forward to...
Cleaning the house. It's been before Mexico that I even touched the floors or dusted. Ewwwwwww, I know. We have an out of town friend staying with us on Thursday, so the cleaning must happen. Boo.


I'm thankful for...
My boys! I don't take enough opportunities to tell my hubby how much I appreciate him. So here's to you baby! Thanks for being the greatest friend, listener, confidant, snuggler, supporter and motivator a girl could ever ask for.


I'm craving...
Ice cream! Or a strawberry slush cream pie shake from Sonic! According to Hip2Save (link below), Sonic has buy one, get one free shakes until June 27! Haven't been to Sonic to try it out yet, but tonight might be the night!

Hip2Save Sonic Deal


I'm nutty about...
Blogging! Is it bad that many of my thoughts during they day are now followed by ways I can turn them into blog posts? Yes, that's sad! Geez...get a life!


February 9, 2010

2010 Brings a New Blog!

What!? Yep, that's right; I have decided to start a blog. I have wanted to create one for awhile now, but just never knew if I had the time to commit to it. After convincing from several people, I decided to take the plunge! I don't know if our life is interesting enough to blog about, but I hope this will give our family and friends a little glance at what goes on in the Kutters' world. Enjoy!

Choosing a Blog Name
I mean seriously...how hard can it be? I like to think of myself as a creative person, but when it comes to coming up with something that represents you and your husband’s lives, well, it's pretty tough:) I totally stole reality tv show title "Keeping up with the Kardashians", but it totally works with our last name, and I really couldn’t think of anything more engaging. Plus, Kim and I can relate to each other because we both have a really big booty, ha! Love this show!

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