Girl Starts Blog on New Year's (Eve)

This is exactly how I would like to ring in 2013. (But maybe wearing these instead ;-))

Back at the dawn of 2007, Joanna Goddard was "brave" enough to do what I'm sure many people would love to do on NYE: Stay in. She turned her night's activities into her first blog post ever: Girl Stays Home for New Year's, Bakes Cookies. Today A Cup Of Jo is not only my all-time favorite blog and a source of true inspiration for me, but also a Forbes Top Website for Women. I'm sure it must be surreal for Joanna to have seen those NYE cookies turn into what her blog is today. I'm using Joanna's "strategy" to jump into blogging at the start of this new year. I can only hope to attain a small amount of the success she has had, and to continue to be motivated by her (and all the inspiring bloggers out there!) to share my thoughts, feelings, and baked goods with those who care to tune in!

Later today I'll post my resolutions for the year ahead! 

Happy New Year!

xo,
Kelly

{Photo courtesy of Pinterest}

Make Way For Lucky '13

As The Weepies would say, 2012 was Not My Year. It has been the hardest year of my life by far. One in which I've seen my family splinter, had a close friend diagnosed with illness, left my job, lost my home and dog, and on top of it all I turned a quarter century old!!  -->
(OK maybe that last one wasn't so bad.)
This is not to say there haven't also been many life-affirming and joyful moments in 2012. Usually spent with smile-inducing friends and family who I am oh so grateful for. Through it all I have turned to blogs for inspiration and uplifting. It has been my dream for many months (if not years now) to get my own blog up and running. I can't imagine a better time than the start of a new year! 2013 is truly a new leaf for me.
Last month my horoscope gave me this little nugget:

“Keep in mind that you bond with your fellow man through your vulnerabilities, not your strengths.”

 I hope that this blog can be a constructive outlet for me, as well as a means to connect to a strong and supportive community. 

Goodbye 2012...Here Comes 2013!

 
{Photo courtesy of Buzzfeed via Cake Appreciation Society}

Black Friday & Blogshop

I've never been a Black Friday shopper. On the contrary, I am hoping to do a lot of DIY gifts this year. However, when I get back from holiday shopping, my favorite part of the process commences: gift wrapping! 

1. Anthropologie Pompom Wrapping Paper.  2. Rifle Paper Co. North Pole Map Postcards. 3. Etsy Red Pin Stripe Washi Tape. 4. Anthropologie Tundra Mammoth Ornament. 5. Anthropologie Gourmet Gifting Tags. 6. Paper Source Santa Hat Dogs Wrapping Paper. 7. Etsy Red Stripe Italian Twine. 8. Urban Outfitters Wine Sock Monkey.

Using my new found Photoshop skills from Blogshop, I've gathered some of my favorite wrapping accessories from the web. I am ever so grateful to Bri and Angela for the knowledge they imparted in one weekend. It has increased my confidence to move forward with my blog and opened up so many possibilities. My Photoshop trial is up in just a few days and I need a copy of CS6! This is my entry to the Blogshop Photoshop contest!
Thanks Blogshop!!

A Different Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am thankful for Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole! And much more.

Today marks our first holiday season as a fractured family. My Mom isn't here. She is surely cooking dinner for her "new family." It has been an unexpectedly emotional week leading up to today, but I am so thankful to be surrounded by a wonderful and supportive family. And the things that are important to this family- great food and drink!!
Here's to a great meal and a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Bon Appetit!

oh happy weekend

I just pulled these pumpkin pie s'mores cupcakes out of the oven. I originally planned on making the sweet potato version, but I couldn't get past the boiling of the potato. In addition to a potato-boiling lesson I need a frosting lesson. Mine is sad.

I tuned into this inspirational live virtual chat yesterday! Thanks Joy!

What I learned this week: 6 realizations from dog siting.

Also, I have accepted this.

Now penning: 10 signs you're addicted to Thought Catalog. Just kidding. But it should be written.

Worst trick ever!

Mac Attack! I'm determined to conquer all of these. 


{Photo courtesy of How Sweet It Is}

oh happy weekend

For the next two days I'll be in blogging bootcamp at BLOGSHOP, hosted by Bri of Design Love Fest! I cannot wait to come out with whole bunches of inspiration and photoshop knowledge! I keep telling myself I want to get this (blog) baby underway! After Blogshop I'll have NO excuse!

I didn't eat a single piece of Halloween candy this year. But if I had leftovers, I would make this.

Congrats to Victoria who is getting hitched this weekend!

Need to go on a cupcake roadtrip!

Another thank you to Melanie for her great Alt class this week! I signed up for this too! It's free!

Pinning the heck out of fall food.

Amazing Manhattan skyline in the wake of Sandy.

Have a wonderful November weekend!

Photos courtesy of Blogshop.

Oh happy weekend

 

Nailed it!

It's shaping up to be another beautiful fall weekend in the Bay. I could not be more excited that the Giant's are killing it in the World Series! Looking forward to Game 3 tomorrow!

Other plans include hiking Angel Island with a group of girls, baking pumpkin-y treats, and getting my costume on (to be determined)!

I want to start doing these fall challenges.

Making these for tomorrow's Halloween Party.

Retire home free!

Flexible family.

FREE things to do in SF!