Katie Company

DIY: Recycled Brick Patio

2011-06-07T09:40:00.009-05:00

Before: Dirt, Dirt, Dirt.

For a while now, my sister and I have been debating putting a brick patio in out tiny (now fenced in backyards. I say backyards because right behind our laundry rooms we have an nice little walkway that connects the two "backyards". While my side is slightly bigger, Mary-Keeley's side is free of plants, pretty level and now quite sunny (thanks to the Tornado that brought down the HUGE oak--on our house, might I add--that provided nice shade). Another reason for a patio is the fact that a very large grill will be coming to live with MK and her boyfriend in July. Not wanting to grill in the dirt, we decided it was now or never for a patio.

During: Filling in cracks with paver sand. We only had to use one bag for leveling the ground and one for filling in the cracks!

While looking around the internet, I realized that I didn't like the look of the new brick pavers that kept coming up in my search. I wanted something with character, something with and Old English garden feel...

Enter---Wood Manor Apartments. While driving through a tornado ravaged neighborhood just a street away, I spotted a GOLD MINE of bricks. It seems that the entire side of this apartment building just crumbled to the ground. I thought they may want to save those to rebuild, but realized that with the whole second floor gone, they would be tearing down in the near future. I jumped at the chance to "save" these bricks from the land fill. 3 loads and 2 hours later we gathered the best looking bricks and headed home. Only spending a total of $15.00 on 3 bags of paver sand, we managed to complete a pretty darn good looking patio on MK's side with 1 bag of sand to spare!

After: Not perfect but just the right amount of charm that we were looking for!

We can't wait to finish up my side, lay some sod and start enjoying our new backyards!!!

Missing in the Month of May

2011-06-03T10:10:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I'm sure that you all prob thought I was gone forever... What with only about 2 posts in May? Sorry about that. I have been slowly putting things back together around my house. I have also been re-evaluating my creativity. My work room is in a mess and my head is barely screwed on straight. Don't worry your little hearts though. During the month of June, I will be re-stocking my Etsy shops, re-working the blog and I have a few little before and afters to share.

I know you hear it from me a lot but PLEASE bare with me. Good things come to those who wait!

Now for a little link love on this glorious and HOT Friday...

Awesome People Hanging Out Together

Where early photography meet extreme hotness. My Daguerreotype Boyfriend

I have joined the Pinterest bandwagon!

Filling my Domino void with Online Shelter Magazines.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Stripes-Making lemonade from a tornado...

2011-05-16T09:58:00.006-05:00

Well, I have the F4 tornado the thank for ruining the 1984 metal awnings that decorated the front of my duplex. Bummer. However, this is the perfect opportunity to have them replaced with something amazing... BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED AWNINGS. Hell to the yes. Oh, and being that my sister and I live on either side of said duplex, things have to match. She is getting them too!

We all know my love of stripes right? Remember the striped cushions I added to my front porch? I love the cottagey charm that these shades add to a house. My sister and I even took turns holding up my cushions to make sure that they would look right. Lets just say, PERFECTION. Here is a little inspiration that we found...

Anna Spiro's Home

DREAM backyard!!!

Pictures above and below looks most like what we are thinking. We have screened in porches that wrap around the front of our houses...

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

2011-05-11T09:17:00.003-05:00

Geez-I woke up on the WRONG side of the bed today. I am in a horrible mood for a number of reasons but will spare you all the details as I may start screaming or crying-or both.

I will leave you with what seems to be the most appropriate quote that represents where I am in my life right now and where my community is 2 weeks after an EF4 tornado destroyed it.

Tuscaloosa Tornado 4.27.2011

2011-05-03T09:23:00.008-05:00

15th Street...the heart of town.

As I am sure you all know, the South was torn apart by tornadoes on Wednesday, April 27. My hometown of Tuscaloosa, AL was left in piles of rubble as I watched the F4 tornado go straight through my neighborhood of Forest Lake. Thank God my sister and I made a split second decision to head to my Dad's house north of the Black Warrior River to ride out the storm. As we watched the mile-wide black funnel tear through homes that have been there for decades, I prayed that my friends, who live right on Forest Lake, and their 3 month old were in their basement and safe and thanked God that my ex-boyfriend (and still my very dear friend) and his roommates were in South Dakota on a hunting trip. If they had been in their house, directly in the path of the storm, they would not be here today.

It has been hard to put into words what seeing the town I was born in, raised in, went to college in and still live in in total chaos. It is heartbreaking. I feel empty and sad, knowing that it will never be the same.

I was lucky, my house had minimum damage. The rest of the neighborhood and the surrounding areas were not so lucky...

Wood Manor Neighborhood, one street behind my house.

Big Lots/Hobby Lobby

Shell Station

Forest Lake

Cedar Crest Neighborhood. The entire neighborhood is gone.

A friend sent out this email along with some pictures that she took. I know that every "Tuscaloosian" will find comfort in her words, as I did.

Five days in, you’ve no doubt, been mentally water-boarded, overwhelmed, maybe even jaded, with images of Tuscaloosa. I’m no exception. It’s all around me so I try not to lose focus. This is so real...

The few houses still standing along Hargrove and Kicker are marked with the Search & Rescue X's (marked only like I’ve seen in Katrina depictions - representing the date searched, how many accounted for and how many found alive), cars crushed as if in a junk yard, hundred year old trees snapped, catapulted and pierced through homes and brick buildings broken and ravaged like a kid’s make-shift fort.

When you let the smells, sights and sense of panic soak in, it’s hard not to have a notion a war zone... Desolate, barren, devastated. The damage and loss of life still beyond measure... Hundreds of people still remain unaccounted for... Heck, the VA is being used as morgue for unclaimed bodies. Either because in the storm, they were carried too far from home for loved ones to know where to look or because there’s no one left to go look for them.

In a town whose landscape (or much else) doesn’t seem to change often, a missing or damaged restaurant, house, or street sign can be startling. To someone that knows its ins and outs, consistency is often the best part about a town this size. Businesses and landmarks I regarded as stable, yet boring ‘ol parts of the Tuscaloosa, now gone with the wind, remind me how fleeting and temporary life is and how much I have to be thankful for. I think the whole town got a big dose of that and I’m so proud of it.

It’s more than a Southern way... It’s a sense of community I’ve never witnessed. On some scale, I keep thinking this is what it must have been like for New Yorkers on 9/11. It’s enough to bring tears to your eyes even if you don’t know “a one of them.”

I’ve heard stories of complete strangers risking their lives to pull another out of rubble and from underneath a tree. The scene is this: Teenagers seeing their town, that in recent years dominated Fall Saturdays and had gotten “big” with Starbucks and Barnes & Noble, be overpowered by something inconceivable so they walk down 15th Street with backpacks of water just wanting to help. Organized relief efforts at every church, lucky survivors feeding and preparing to clothe the now homeless. Self employed contractors, towing their machines, just waiting for direction to dig out the next person’s salvageable belongings. I'm telling you, until you see it for yourself, it's to fully take it in. Seeing things through the TV, a random website or person’s Facebook page I barely know, cheapens the impression.

Here are some I took... I had to make them kinda small to fit in the email but hopefully you can get some of detail. I left bits of my car in some of them so you know how “first hand” they are... I’m sending these because I think it’s important to celebrate the city we love and remember, when T-Town grows back bigger and stronger, AND IT WILL, what it had to overcome.

**I will be posting ways that you can help in a later post. I also want to thank all of the volunteers that have come out to put our town back together... THANK YOU!

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-04-20T09:59:00.005-05:00

After a 2 week hiatus: we are back with Quote Worthy Wednesday!

Keep Company: Wild and Precious Giveaway!

2011-04-19T09:50:00.004-05:00

via Wild and Precious

When I first spotted Keep Company's, Red Thatch Bentens on Blair's feet over at Wild and Precious, I squealed with delight. "I must have these shoes", I said to myself. They are the perfect balance of preppy, street smart, and comfort. Plus, I can not resist anything that slightly resembles my now deceased Sperry Top-Siders. (They died in a tragic accident involving a 4-wheeler and a lake full of mud-as deep as a grown man's chest. Don't ask....)

Well what do you know, Blair is hosting a give-a-way today featuring one pair of Keep Company's shoes, YOUR CHOICE!!! Of course, the Red Thatch Bentens are my favorite. Duh.

Head on over to Wild and Precious and check out the deats on the give-a-way!

Power. Life. Red.

2011-04-19T09:32:00.005-05:00

I am here, I swear. Just digging out of a hole at work and home. I did get a few short minutes to myself yesterday and did a little painting...

RED nails always make me so happy!

Rosemary Beach Weekend

2011-04-11T14:13:00.004-05:00

The BEAUTIFUL bride and her brother.

I spent the greater part of last week and this weekend in Rosemary Beach, FL attending and standing in one of my best friends weddings. That, and recovering from the Druid City Art Festival from the weekend before is the reason for my blogging absence.

This is just a quick note to say I am still around and I will now be posting on a regular basis. Stay tuned for more pictures from the weekend and a small video of the AMAZING house that I stayed in...

Disclaimer: I am REALLY bad about documenting my weekends and I am kicking myself for not taking pictures of all the pretty things I saw this weekend.

I blame the champagne.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-03-30T11:28:00.002-05:00

I am still here yall! Swamped with some side projects and getting ready to head to the beach next week for one of my best friends weddings! I have lots of great posts in the works for the next couple of weeks so please bear with me....

Do you ever feel like you get in over your head with commitments? Sometimes I just can't say no. But I also feel like I do some of my best work under pressure. Maybe I am just in denial...

I also have a new member to my household. I will keep you in suspense until he is ready for his introduction. :)

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-03-23T09:23:00.002-05:00

I have been a busy little bee this week getting ready for my show this weekend so I have borrowed this lovely little quote from Wild and Precious.

This is such a great quote, but sometimes I find it hard to let go of my "plans". I am a bit of a control freak. I need to learn to go with the flow and just let things happen on their own.

Happy Hump Day!

Enjoy!

Druid City Art Festival

2011-03-21T09:57:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, March 26th I will be participating in the 2nd Annual Druid City Art Festival in Downtown Tuscaloosa! I have been a busy little bee in my studio cranking out some awesome new jewelry designs so show! Three words: Mini. Infinity. Scarves.

If you are in town, come out and see me and and other local artists and help support the art community in Tuscaloosa. Festival starts at 11:00 and ends at 7:00 and it is FREE admission so no excuses on not coming... :)

I will try and get some pictures of the lovely goods I will have to offer later this week. I hope to see you there!

Saturday also marks one year since I lost my mother. It will be bittersweet and I am prepared for every type of emotion that may come. I honestly feel like it was yesterday and can't believe that I have actually survived a year without her. I feel it is only appropriate for me to be doing an art show on this anniversary. I don't think my mom would have it any other way. In fact, I think she will be with me throughout the day cheering me on.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-03-16T09:49:00.002-05:00

Babysittting...

2011-03-14T10:48:00.002-05:00

This little guy last night and today plus the time change makes for a long and sleepy Monday.

How could I say no to a face like this?! He even helped me fold laundry last night!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Here Comes The Sun

2011-03-10T09:34:00.004-06:00

In honor of Daylight Savings that will occur on Sunday, I made up this little treasury in Etsy to proclaim to the world my LOVE of sunshine. I can't wait till I wake up in the morning and have the sun trickling through my window and for it NOT to be dark when I come home from work.

I can't wait for grilling out and drinking ice cold beers on my front porch at 8:00pm and it still be light outside. Hurry up Daylight Savings and get me out of my S.A.D. funk. I need a little sunshine in my life. :)

"I've been waiting for that bright sunshine to show up and shine in my back door someday."
Luther Allison

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-03-09T11:02:00.003-06:00

Photo from here.

Happy Birthday, Long Weekend and other nonsense...

2011-03-08T10:00:00.003-06:00

Photo from here.

My sister's birthday was yesterday. She turned 25! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY KEELEY. She is at the beach right now helping with some photo shoots for Tuscaloosa Magazine so we are not celebrating until Wednesday... I can't wait! And I can't believe she is 25.

I spent the weekend in Atlanta with a few pledge sisters celebrating the upcoming marriage of one of them to her bf of 7 years. With every Bachelorette Weekend I attend, one thing stays the same. GOOD TIMES. Plus, champagne, laughing so hard you cry and gluttony beyond belief. I feel like a stuffed piggy right now.

On a side note, I threw my back out yesterday morning while getting out of the shower. WTF. I am 26, not 86. Gah.

On another side note, I apologize for the sporadic postings as of late. I have been quite busy with designing wedding programs and such for a dear friend whose's wedding is coming up on April 9th. I also have an art show coming up on Saturday, March 23. My weeknights and weekends consist of copious amounts of Diet Coke, fabric scraps, and Illustrator. With a few episodes of Mad Men thrown in.

On a third note, I got a new paper cutter. It is amazeballs.

The End.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-03-02T10:20:00.002-06:00

For Anna Gordon, who is battling leukemia and fighting for her life right now waiting for the go ahead for her second bone marrow transplant. She is one of the strongest people I know and I wish that I had just one ounce of her courage and vigor. You can do this Anna, I believe in you.

It's like a party in your mouth...

2011-02-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

How Sweet It Is

Yes, those are Cake Batter Pancakes.

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR.

Sweet Jesus.

I first spotted these on The Social Secretary and with some investigating I found that the lovely Jessica of How Sweet It Is is the mastermind behind these delectable little fella's.***

I am drooling on my keyboard as I type this post. I love ANYTHING that taste like cake batter. Actually I love all kinds of batter-cake, brownie, pie, muffin... I tend to think the batter taste better than the finished product most of the time. Alas, this does not mean I don't eat the finished product, because I do. Oh, how I do. Nom, nom, nom.

My sister's birthday is coming up I wonder how she feels about these bright and early in the morn. I would wake up at like 3:00am for these. Seriously.

***Oh SNAP-gurl's got helluva recipe list too. drrrrroooooooolllling...

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-02-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Alice, Again...

2011-02-21T11:06:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much to 4leafclover for featuring my "Six Impossible Things" print in her Alice, Again... Etsy Treasury! I don't think I will ever get tired of Alice in Wonderland. So magical and dreamy!

I also want to thank everyone for the kind words regarding last week's post. I didn't mean to ramble on and on but sometimes it helps me to get my feelings out. I appreciate all the comments and emails from yall. You really do know how to lift a gal's spirit.

Now, lets get this Monday over with. Pretty soon it will be Friday. :)

One last thing: I have a pretty rad make-over that I am going share with yall towards the end of the week. I think you are going to love it. Stay tuned!

I'm in a funk... (possible long rambling post ahead)

2011-02-17T15:42:00.003-06:00

Photo

I'm in a funk yall. I'm not sure if you have noticed I have been sort of quiet on the blog... I think I am possibly on the verge of a mental breakdown. I am anxious, nervous, jittery, can't concentrate, can't finish tasks and I have this nagging feeling like I am forgetting something. Basically I feel overwhelmed and lost.

I'm not looking for a pity party. I just need to get my feelings out. I am starting to feel overwhelmed with blogs and all that is "IN" right now. How if you don't "discover" something first you are just a follower of a trend. I am jealous of the bloggers and Etsy sellers who have made it big and able to quit their day jobs to peruse their passion. I feel like a little fish in a big sea. I know this is a direct relation of them putting the time and effort and patience into their craft (whatever it may be). I am jealous of the people who are able to stay at home with children (or no children) who have stability in their lives and have nothing to lose when they start their side projects or small businesses.

I feel like I have so many ideas that it paralyzes me. I start something and then think of the other 5 million things that I could be doing that would be just as great-IF NOT BETTER. I don't even know where to start in trying to create my own business but I know if I COULD start it I would make it AMAZING. I mean, I don't even know what my business would be... A jewelry, paper goods, screen printing, graphic design, wedding planning, all around Empire of Awesome?

Damn you ADD. You will be the death of me.

Am I the only one who ever feels this way?! I hate it. I hate feeling jealous and lost.

I really miss my mom and wish she was here to give me advice.

I am trying to work through these feelings. I think a lot of sister/friend/family time will help. A 6 pack of beer and a front porch will too.

I may or may not pop in tomorrow or not. If not, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-02-16T09:33:00.003-06:00

Photo from here.

LOVE

2011-02-14T09:54:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentines Day to all you lovers out there! This year I am in love with mixing pinks and reds like J. Crew.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-02-09T10:01:00.003-06:00

For all you lovers out there... ;)

Fridays are for LIVING FOXY (and Giveaways!)

2011-02-04T09:37:00.005-06:00

Happy Friday!

I am attending a bachelorette party this weekend and have had the hardest time finding something in my closet to wear. I know (at least I think) I have good pieces to work with but I can never seem to put them together in the right way...

I also always seem to want go buy the ONE thing that will complete my outfit like, THE DAY I AM LEAVING. For example:

WHERE CAN I FIND ONE OF THESE ON MY LUNCH BREAK???????

Audrey from Living Foxy has the cutest outfits! I need to learn how to switch thing up like her and not stay in my "comfort zone" when I dress. Sometimes I leave the house looking like I am high school-literally. People probably think I am skipping school.

Her blog is totally cute AND she is hosting a GIVEAWAY for all you peeps out there. Everyone needs a pair of feather earrings in their jewelry collection! Go check out her blog, Living Foxy, for all the details!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!

Katie Company Prints: Etsy Treasury "Bee's Knee's"

2011-02-03T08:47:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much to The Last Branch for featuring my "Bee Happy" print in her "Bee's Knee's" Etsy Treasury! It is just the sunny yellow perk that I need this morning!

The Last Branch's shop is filled with beautiful handmade jewelry, like this lovely Lemon Yellow Locket Pendant. How sweet and perfect for spring and summer!

You should check out her shop HERE!

Have a wonderful day!

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-02-02T09:01:00.003-06:00

Photo from here.

Emerson Made: Mod Dress

2011-01-31T07:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday!

I need a pattern for this dress ASAP. Emerson-you have perfected the perfect everyday dress. I can't afford is sadly but it seems like a easy dress to sew. I just need to track down the perfect pattern to match OR I could always pick up this book and MAKE MY OWN PATTERN*. OMG.

Emerson-you are precious (and your husband is a FOX). I love you and your EMERSONMADE empire. If you ever need extra hands on the farm, I am available.

That is all.

*If I ever get around to actually making a dress like this it would never turn out as beautiful as Emerson's and I would never turn around and profit from someone else's design, it would be for my personal use only.

Eric Carle and Custom Prints

2011-01-27T09:57:00.005-06:00

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Eric Carle Fabric

Here are 2 custom prints I did for a Mom decorating her boy/girl room with Eric Carle curtains. Who doesn't love The Very Hungry Caterpillar?! I can't wait to see the finished project in the pictures I practically BEGGED to see.

I especially love the tie in to another children's classic, Goodnight Moon. Goodnight MUSH-anyone? See if you can spot the mush in the room above? Hint-it is by the BRUSH! :)

Print availible at Katie Company Prints

I will keep you all posted on the pictures of the room!

P.S. Tomorrow is Friday.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Something to brighten up what was a gloomy day yesterday. :)

Honky Tonkin'

2011-01-21T10:40:00.002-06:00

These are not my friends but they look like a lot of fun. Found here.

I am headed to Nashville, TN tonight with all my girls to attend and engagement party for one of our besties on Saturday.

After that-we are going honky tonkin'.

I am way too excited about this and am having a hard time picking out the perfect outfit to boot, scoot and boogie in.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-01-19T08:42:00.005-06:00

Katie Company in Poppytalk Market!

2011-01-18T09:17:00.004-06:00

You are looking at the newest shop to be featured in the Poppytalk Handmade Market!!! The theme of this market is LOVE TRANSFORMS and what better to represent that than my LOVE Necklaces!

Screenshot of my table on Poppytalk!

Poppytalk Market is amazing---think of it as a virtual Craft Fair. So many wonderful things to look at, all in one place and mostly all handmade! Thank you Jan and Earl for creating such a wonderful environment for all of us crafters to showcase our goods! If you haven't already you should also check out their blog! It is fabulous.

Quote Worthy Wednesday: Inspiration for Your Everyday

2011-01-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Quote Worthy Wednesday, where every Wednesday I will be posting a little something to lift your spirits, get you inspired, make you smile or make you think.

I have always had a love of inspirations quotes and find that there is always one that that is perfect for the situation. I have decided to meld my "quotational lurve" and some pretty graphic skills into a new weekly series here on Katie Company.

Feel free to spread the love and repost (just remember to link back to me)! Most of the time I won't be going into detail about what the weekly quote means to me and how it makes me want to run through fields ala Sound of Music, yada, yada, yada... They are meant to be interpreted by you, the reader.

Go forth my friends interpret till your heart is content. Let me know if a particular quote strikes a chord with you, changes the way you think or makes you want to turn into Julie Andrews...

Snow/Ice Day in Tuscaloosa

2011-01-10T09:08:00.004-06:00

I am sure most of you have heard about the Winter Storm the swept through Alabama last night... Needless to say, we get pretty excited (ok-we go overboard) at the mention of SNOW. Here is picture of the bread isle in a grocery store in Trussville, AL. Seriously, 1-3 inches predicted and we clear out a bread isle in 1 hour.

I know all you people who get regular snow showers are laughing at us, but hey-at least we are prepared... :)

All jokes aside-I am at home due to icy conditions on the road and my horoscope ending in this sentence: "Avoid accidents that may involve fire or metal". Um, ok.

I have some great posts planned and may or may not have a few "Weekly Blog Series" I am working on. Yes. Get excited.

Now I am off to convince my sister to help me put together my new cabinet for my craft room that Santa brought me for Christmas!

Happy Colors

2011-01-05T11:19:00.002-06:00

This color combo makes me SO FREAKN' HAPPY!

Thank you J. Crew.

Buddy the Elf/Bichon

2011-01-04T08:46:00.004-06:00

Photo compliments of my very talented Sister

Yes, I know Christmas is over but look at this little guy who is now the newest member of my family! My sister's BF surprised her with this little love muffin 2 days before Christmas!

His name is Buddy and I love him. I also spoil him rotten.

Bring It On 2011

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! After a much needed vacation, I rang in 2011 with some help from my Grandmothers sequin drawer. This was just one of the gems that I found and decided that it would be the prefect "sparkle" to dance the night away in.

As far as resolutions go, I know we all make one but this year I hope to stick to mine. No, not to loose weight or make my bed everyday, but this year I am going to live my life to the fullest. I won't stress the small stuff and I will take everyday with a grain of salt. I don't want to miss out on ANYTHING this year. I want to really LIVE. I want to try new things and not be afraid of failure. I want to be inspired and inspire everyone around me.

It is day 3 of 2011 and yes, this seems like a huge undertaking for me but I am taking it one day at a time.

So, here's to you and and your New Years resolution. I hope that 2011 holds as much promise for you as I know it does for me!

BRING IT ON 2011!!!

Christmas Vacation

2010-12-21T10:04:00.006-06:00

Weheartit

I am taking a Christmas Break from blog land for the next two weeks. I will be busy spending time with family and friends-laughing and remembering. As tough as the Holiday's are after the loss of a loved one, I am taking this one in stride and opening my heart and mind to all the emotions that may come my way.

Posts may come few and far between during these last days of 2010, unless I have something really great to share with you. I wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I thank you all for the support and love that you have shown me this year.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.

XOXO

Women in Business: A Manifesto

2010-12-15T09:58:00.003-06:00

Shouldn't we all live like this?

I stumbled upon this website proving to be "A fresh perspective for women in business & entrepreneurs".

I dig it. A lot.

Bun in the oven...

2010-12-14T08:51:00.003-06:00

No-I am kidding. But a bun is on top of my head today. Thank you Studio 13 for introducing me to this awesome "HOW TO" on bun making.

The Bun from Sydney Poulton on Vimeo.

The funny thing is-once I completed my bun, I instantly turned into Carrie Bradshaw. Amazing huh?

Have a wonderful day my little sugar plums. I am off to hit up a sample sale at TJ Maxx.

Believe

2010-12-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here is one of the pillows that I whipped up last weekend. Super easy and super fun! This one now lives next door at my sisters house. She said I could come and visit is any time I want.

Sorry for the poor quality-I am mastering my iPhone camera.

Diagnosis

2010-12-10T08:43:00.002-06:00

We found out that Anna's leukemia has returned yesterday. She will be admitted to the hospital next week and will be spending her 3rd Christmas there. They are planning a 2nd bone marrow transplant in early 2011.

I am devastated by this news and SO ANGRY. Anna has gone through so much and she is only in her early 20's. She has her whole life ahead of her. This just isn't fair!

Keep your head up Anna. You have so many people behind you and praying for you. YOU CAN DO THIS.

I will end this with a little something I wrote back when Mom was still here and we were in the middle of chaos. It seems like the only appropriate thing to say. A little colorful-so, pardon my french...

Fuck you Cancer. I hate you.

There. I feel much better.

All I want for Christmas is BOOKS!

2010-12-09T08:55:00.005-06:00

Here are a few that I hope are waiting for me under the tree on Christmas morning! A little all over the place but you get the idea..

1. The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sanora Beam

2. UN-Marketing by Scott Stratten

3. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander

4. Indie Publishing edited by Ellen Lupton

On a side note: While I was searching Amazon, I saw that they recommended this book to me. Are they trying to tell me something? Thanks, Amazon-like I don't already know...

Then, I started virtually flipping through the pages and found this:

Maybe they are on to something.

Orange for Anna

2010-12-08T09:15:00.003-06:00

Anna is a family friend who has been battling Leukemia for the past 2 years. She was a few doors down from Mom in the hospital a few times and she and her family were so wonderful answering all our questions, and giving us advice on how to deal with a diagnosis of Leukemia.

She received a bone marrow transplant earlier this year and was pretty much in the clear. She and her family have been looking forward to spending Christmas at home this year, rather than at UAB. However, as of last night, it looks like her Leukemia has returned. A bone marrow biopsy today will confirm weather this is the case or not.

In honor of Anna, and my mother, I have created an Etsy treasury compiled of every shade of orange-the official color of Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness.

I don't normally do this but I am asking for prayers, well wishes and general positive energy for Anna and her family today. They sure need it.

Free Downloadable Cross-Stitch Christmas Tags by Katie Company

2010-12-06T07:00:00.003-06:00

I hope you all had a nice weekend! I spent some quality time with my sewing machine and cranked out some pillows for my humble abode. Don't worry, I will have pics up this week!

If you didn't seen my little feature over at Cartwheels in My Mind then you missed out on some AWESOME free Cross-stitch Christmas Tags that I designed...

Looks like yall are in luck because you can get them HERE. Just download them to your computer, print on cardstock, cut out and enjoy!

DOWNLOAD CHRISTMAS TAGS

Katie Company featured on Cartwheels in My Mind!

2010-12-03T08:56:00.002-06:00

When I was contacted by E of Cartwheels in My Mind, an online art magazine that focuses on and highlights handmade crafters and companies, to have a little feature written up about Katie Company for their 25 Days of Christmas feature, I JUMPED at the chance. Literally-then my pajama pants got caught in my chair and I flipped backwards and, well, now I'm rockin' one leg.

The feature is up NOW over at Cartwheels in My Mind. GO SEE IT HERE!!!

A HUGE thanks to E, who also blogs over at her personal blog, Adam & E, for thinking of me for this series! Having only met her once, in passing, and by stalking her fabulous life she is living across the pond in England-I have come to the conclusion that she may be MK's and my long lost sister from another mister (and mother) for that matter. Whatevs, we can totally pretend right?

THANKS E!!! (I am going to take you up on that offer to come visit you... MK is coming too. You know what they say... "If you give a mouse a cookie...")

Happy Friday Friends! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!!

New on Etsy: Katie Company Cross-Stitch Jewelry

2010-12-02T08:52:00.004-06:00

Find it here!

Just listed these beauties and more on Etsy last night. I LOVE the LOVE one! I also have it available in earrings but have not gotten pics of them yet so it is just another thing added to my weekend to-do list.

The custom initial necklaces (and earrings, and rings!) make for a perfect Christmas gift! Just $24.00 and you have a custom piece for a loved one!

SHOP HERE!

As for product pictures, I have realized that it is hard work! Props, lighting, to have a live model or not? What do yall think-do you like seeing jewelry on a person or not?

Wet Weather

2010-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Calls for WELLIES! I DIE for the Poppy ones. Literally.

These make great Christmas gifts for anyone you know living in a land of wet weather (which has been around these parts lately and has overstayed it's welcome. Seriously, I don't know how people in Seattle do it).

Evercreatures is the maker of these cuties and over on their website you can get a whole mess of cute Wellies and Wellie accessories... They even have WELLIE WARMERS!

Well, hello there!

2010-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the unplanned absence!

I spent most if my Thanksgiving break unplugged from the World Wide Web and it was incredible. Not that I didn't miss all of you and my daily blog reads (my Google Reader is out. of. control. right now), I just needed a vacation from, well... life.

Mary Keeley (my lovely lil' sis), Dad and I packed up and headed to the beach the weekend before Thanksgiving for some much needed family time. We have had a pretty rough year and it was nice for the 3 of us to chill out with each other.

This is what happens when you go to the beach with two photographers, one of which is a silly sister, and plenty of Corona...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner? I am so unprepared. Gah.

Just in time for Christmas: Katie Company Sneak Peek

2010-11-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Just a lil' som-som'em that is brand spanking new to Katie Company. Here's your first look at something that I have been working really hard these past few weeks...

Look for this and MORE coming in the next week in my Etsy shop just in time for Christmas!

Oh, and for all you local Tuscaloosa, AL folks, you will soon (as in next week) find Katie Company at Everyday Indulgence!

I will keep you all posted for it's debut!

Velvet Underground-Revisited

2010-11-17T10:30:00.000-06:00

Velvet leggings. Yes or no?

Velvet Underground

2010-11-17T09:16:00.003-06:00

via Burke Decor

This year I want to throw tradition out of the window and not send your typical “family photo” Christmas card, but one of these decadent Velvet Cards to all of my favorite people.

You can’t get much more DIVA than Velvet correspondence. Seriously, I die.

Blogger Interviews: A Place for Twigs

2010-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Claudia of A Place for Twigs has rounded up a FABULOUS group of bloggers to answer a few questions about blogging and standing out in the blogging world. She has lined up a different blogger for each day of this week and has them answer 8 simple questions - to help motivate and encourage as well as give advice on breaking into the the blog-o-sphere.

Brittani's Workspace (via papernstitch)

One of my favorite bloggers, Brittani from Papernstitch, started off the series with a BANG yesterday as well and tipped me off to this little gem of information. Thanks Brittani!

I can't wait to read off of the rest of the interviews. I have seriously been reading most of these blogs since they have started and it has been amazing to watch them grow as bloggers.

Monday, November 15th – Brittni Mehlhoff

Tuesday, November 16th – Victoria Smith

Wednesday, November 17th – Tara Gentile

Thursday, November 18th – Erin Loechner

Friday, November 19th – Ez Pudewa

(via Papernstitch)

Bijou and Boheme

2010-11-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

All images from Bijou & Boheme

I love how when you get lost in blogland you discover amazing new inspiration and great new blogs.

I was playing over at Design Blooms (one of my daily reads!) on Friday and stumbled upon Bijou and Boheme. Christine has been blogging for only about 2 months and she has already created an inspiration mega-file of pretty interior things to look at. Literally, her blog has barfed beautiful. Her Perfect Pairs: Fabric Collection's are genius. Hurry on over to her blog to check it out-this lady is going places.

I wish she lived near me so she could help my sad lil' duplex out.

Maxine Sutton=Awesome Ornaments

2010-11-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love everything about these. The color, the "folk"iness of them, the slight old world look to them.... Everything. These would look amazing in my sister's house on her Christmas tree.

Maxine Sutton is the textile and embroidery artist behind these awesome ornaments. I stumbled upon her website (and SHOP) via Reform School. Her stuff is AMAZING. OMG.

Lets Get Organized: Planner Edition

2010-11-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Planners found via Etsy

It seems like I have been relying on my iPhone and Google Calendars a lot lately. With so many friends getting married in the next 5 months and me-always the bridesmaid, never the bride-means that a of "Hold on, let me check my schedule" has been coming out of my mouth. I love that my weekends are filled with exciting things and good friends but using these electronic calendars makes everything seem so business like.

Here are a few lovely planners that would make my 2011 a little easier-and prettier!!!

2011 Pocket Planner

2011 Pocket Planner-Stack

The Pryus Collection 12 Month Planner

Hand-bound Leather Weekly Planner

Black and White Stripes?-Um, yes please. I would carry you everywhere and feed you lil treats when you did a trick. And show you off to all my friends. Oh how I love you so.

Penny McAllister Originals

2010-11-09T10:13:00.004-06:00

I will never forget the day that Mom came home screaming that Midwest of Cannon Falls had picked up her collection of whimsical figurines. Now they would be available all over the country!!!

Well Mom, I think this is your best collection yet! I bet you are dancing a little jig right now looking down on all this. MK and I "oohhhhhed" and "ahhhhed" over everything we saw yesterday.

You really out did yourself and you should be very proud.

WHO IS SHE!

2010-11-05T14:15:00.003-05:00

1. I am so glad it is Friday

2. It is finally COLD here in Bama (word up-sporting some bright blue fuzzy socks here at work right now)

3. I am going to attempt to make meatballs tonight for a small football gathering I have having tomorrow.

4. I just ate my 3rd Fun Size 3 Musketeers of the day. Don't worry, I will not stop at just 3. I have a problem.

5. I want what they are on. Hilarious.

I am a little dramatic...

2010-11-03T21:56:00.004-05:00

They are really not as bad as I made them out to be. Pardon the fuzziness of the photos-that is what I get trying to take pics using the natural light on a gloomy day. Dang you high ISO settings...

Business Cards: Fail

2010-11-03T10:27:00.002-05:00

So after weeks of anticipation, I finally received my Katie Company Business Cards yesterday. I am sad to say that they are not as fabulous as I had hoped. I don't know if I jumped the gun on the design or what. They are a little hard to read and I am just not happy with them. Not such a big deal because I didn't spend a lot on them but now I am stuck with 250 of them...

Holla if you want me to send you some!

Here are a few business cards that I really like. Clean, simple and straight to the point.

Caitlin Creer of CC Interiors

Kate Murphy Photography

Jen Ramos of Made By Girl

The Suburban Pen Pal. Genius!

Grace of Design Sponge

Yes, I know these are mostly yellow. I like yellow. It reminds me of sunshine and it is gloomy here today so I wanted something to cheer me up.

I will TRY to get a good shot of the cards this afternoon so yall can see what I am talking about...

Disorganized: The Story of My Life

2010-11-02T09:18:00.002-05:00

Image from here.

Yup, this is me. Every Morning. (ok, this is not really me in the picture but the mess sure is mine)

Am I the only one who's bedrooms looks like this while trying to get ready for work/school/whatever? I really don't know what my deal is. It is getting really old feeling so out of control all day and forgetting things or not being able to find things.

I need a vacation. Thanksgiving-will you please hurry up?

This post is really much to do about nothing. Bear with me until I actually have something interesting to talk about. :)

Martha Stewart: Epic Fail

2010-10-28T09:54:00.008-05:00

After my sister and I discovered that The Martha Stewart Show comes on during our lunch break we have been hooked. With our Pepperoni Lean Pockets and our TV trays, we sit and see what crafty things Martha is up too. One such episode featured an awesome Halloween costume and Mary Keeley announced that she would be a "Beehive" via Martha Stewart this coming Sunday.

We gathered our supplies last night, cut copious amounts of yellow yarn and plopped ourselves in front of the T.V. to enjoy some Modern Family and Martha Stewart.

All I can say is to you Martha is this.... FAIL. We did everything you said to do and followed your directions to a T.

Looks like MK will be staying home for Halloween.

You always make it look so easy Martha.

Freaky Weather...

2010-10-27T16:02:00.004-05:00

Image by me.

...makes for a freaky/random post. Sorry it comes so late in the day but I have been playing "Storm Watcher" in the office today. Nothing too exciting to report. Except my hair looks like crapola (thanks a lot humidity, gah) and my sister told me my outfit today makes me look like a Russian Dancer. I think she is just jealous of my awesome outfit-making skillz.

I forgave her for that comment and tonight we are going to find a Halloween costume for me. I hope there is something left besides Slutty Pumpkin Witch costumes...

Now I leave you with this: Seth's thoughts on Sharing Ideas. Pretty good stuff.

Holla!

You Are Beautiful

2010-10-26T09:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I had a little too much fun and took yesterday off from blog-land.

I stumbled upon something pretty amazing this morning while playing on Facebook and I had to share it. A friend of mine posted about a mysterious message that had been painted on a busy Birmingham overpass. It's message was simple... "You Are Beautiful". No one knows who painted it but everyone is enjoying this positive message. Some believe it is part of Operation Beautiful-an online project that is helping transform the way women (and men!) see themselves by posting anonymous post-its in public places for people to find. The encouraging messages are there for anyone to see in public restrooms, gyms, libraries-you name it. Pretty amazing huh?

So, why don't you go out and spread some love today...

Before and After: Front Porch

2010-10-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

It is finally here. The Great Porch Makeover. I know it took a while but hey-Rome wasn't built in a day. Feast your eyes, my dears, on my little labor of love...

Before:

After:

The white "granny chic" wicker got a fresh new coat of high gloss black paint and while I was banking on Benjamin Moore's "Million Dollar Red" for the front door (ROLL TIDE-duh) our local Home Depot didn't have it so I chose the next best red-Martha Stewart's "Ladybug". I am literally obsessed with walking in my front door everyday. It makes me so happy!!!

A cheap curtain rod from Big Lots, your average painters cloth as curtains and the perfect cushions from Overstock and.......BAM. Done.

Hook. Line. Sinker. Done.

Mom is totally jealous of my red door right now.

* A HUGE thanks to my seeeeester-Mary Keeley for being my personal photographer! You are the best!

Orange Crush: Yes, Please!

2010-10-20T09:19:00.003-05:00

Totes. Love. Die.

I am going to go ahead and predict that this will be the new "it" color. In the fashion, interior, and design world. You heard it hear first people.

Gwyneth, you are perfection.

Kate-lay of the champagne there gurl. You kinda look like a hot mess.

Kentuck: Festival of the Arts

2010-10-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! The weather here was perfect and I spent my Sunday at the Kentuck Art Festival. I have been going to Kentuck every year since I was little and I must say that this year was pretty spectacular. Here are a some of my favorites things from yesterday.

With over 250 vendors, Kentuck is know nationally for it's diverse group of artists and crafters. It is held every 3rd weekend in October in Northport, AL. If you didn't get a chance to come this weekend I hope you make it next year. If you have never been to Kentuck I highly suggest you make the trip Down South to experience this amazing festival.

Leopard

2010-10-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Photo taken by yours truly via iPhone

Happy Friday lil' boo boos.

Now, yall go'on and get out there and enjoy this nice fall weather...you heard me- go'on GET.

Katie Company Business Cards

2010-10-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Here they are! What do you think?!

I ordered my new Katie Company / Katie Company Prints business cards last night and I CAN NOT WAIT for them to come in! It is like 2 business cards in one! WHAAAAHOOOOO!!!

I'm sorry, I am easily excited.

No really.

It's true.

Katie Company Prints: Etsy Treasury "Pink Typography"

2010-10-13T09:52:00.002-05:00

I forgot to tell yall about this pretty little treasury that my "Six Impossible Things" Print was featured in! Thank you magalerie!!!!

R & R

2010-10-12T09:59:00.002-05:00

Image from here.

I took some much needed R&R yesterday from this weekend so I apologize for no post on Monday. Looks like this will be all for today...

Things to look forward to:

The Great Porch Makeover-THE BIG REVEAL
A little fall make-over in my house...
New jewelry designs coming your way!
A sneak peek at some business cards I have been working on...

Wedding Weekend

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

This one and that one are getting married tomorrow. She is one of my best friends-going all the way back to high-school. They have been together off and on for about 10 years. Needless to say-this has been a loooooonnnnnnngggggg time coming.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to share pics from the wedding festivities with you next week!

My Favorite and My Best: The New Decorno?

2010-10-07T09:50:00.006-05:00

After stumbling onto My Favorite and My Best I suddenly realized that I had found that something to replace the void in my life that occurred when my beloved DECORO quit the blogging world. I felt so lost when I read this post. I was devastated. I no longer had the will to look at design blogs. D would say the things that I only thought to myself as not to upset the world of interiors...(not like my opinion mattered anyways) not to mention that she was one of the first interior design blogs I ever read and introduced me to so many other wonderful blogs. She even posted about my little bedroom make-over (bedroom has since changed since this) that I did way back on my old blog. It was the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my blogging life. I mean, I was pretty much famous.

Jenny over at My Favorite and My Best has given me something to live for in home interior and design. She is witty, funny, cusses like a sailor, and is just all around wonderful. She ain't afraid to stand up the fads in the design world and tell Moroccan poufs to go on with their bad selves. She pretty much told wall decals to 'eff off. Thank you Jenny for bringing me back to my old self.

Thank you.

New Logo For Gap

2010-10-06T16:16:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the late post today.

It looks like the GAP got a new logo. My thoughts? Yuck. Your thoughts?

Spotted: New iPhone Apps

2010-10-05T11:13:00.006-05:00

As I was checking out one of my favorite blogs, Creature Comforts , I ran across this amazing new iPhone App called POST. Created by Hanna Nation of Gadabout, this app for your iPhone/iPod lets you send text/invitations that are so fun to look at! Gone are the green "pop-up" bubbles and here to stay are fun, modern and festive images to look at whilst receiving a text! For just .99 cents you get over 60 invitation backgrounds to choose from! Eat your heart out Evite. Looks like you've got some competition.

If modern is not your thang then you should check out the Cartolina iPhone app. So pretty and at $2.99 it is cheaper than buying a card and mailing it!

I have both apps. One for the days I am feeling modern and colorful and one for the days I am feeling whimsical and "granny-chic". I can't wait to send all my friends fun little text messages. I may just throw myself a party so I can send out an i-vite. Yes, invite + iPhone = i-vite. This will catch on. I am sure of it.

Sunday at the Fair

2010-10-04T10:32:00.007-05:00

Yup. The fair came to town and Sunday was the last day. Mary Keeley and I packed up and drove over to see what all the fuss was about. Ok, I lie. We went for the Petting Zoo. And the festival food. Here are a few shots (taken by my beautiful and talented lil sis) from Sunday!

The Ferris Wheel (of Death). No, this is not as fun as it looks in The Notebook. MK and I will never be riding one of these again. We were terrified.

This is Sandy, the worlds smallest horse. She came up to my knees and she has special booties that she wears. I wanted to take her home with me.

must. find. a. baby. pig. and. adopt. it. ASAP.

He is awesome. And loved the camera. And Mary Keeley.

It's FRIDAY and I've been tagged!

2010-10-01T10:56:00.007-05:00

Photo from here.

Heck yeah. My new blog bff (she just doesn’t know it yet) Michele over at Stories from my Fingertips has tagged me! She sent over 8 questions for me and a few other bloggers to answer and I am so excited! So here goes:

[1] Out of all of your senses (hear, see, smell, touch, and taste) which one is your favorite and why? OMG this is a hard one. Right off I would have to say smell. I think that smell brings back such wonderful memories and I always associate smells with people and experiences that have impacted my life in one way or another. For example, I keep my mother’s perfumes (one she wore when we were little and one she wore later on in life) on my dresser so that I can always pick them up and smell them and feel like she is still with me. Another would be "football" weather in the south. The smell of bourbon, grills, and crisp fall air will always make me happy.

[2] If you had to choose one family member to be your lifeline on "Who wants to be a millionaire?"...who would you choose and why? Easy. My grandmother, Meme. She is like a walking encyclopedia and knows EVERYTHING.

[3] When did you first start wearing makeup and how was your first experience? I don’t think we were allowed to wear make-up until we were 13 or something but from someone who has allergies and asthma I have always had horrible dark circles under my eyes. I remember in 7th grade taking my mom's Maybelline Concealer Stick to school in the pocket of my Patagonia and applying it in the bathroom. I emerged looking like Powder. Shortly after that I discovered my love affair with blush. We are now best friends forever.

[4] Would you rather go bungee jumping or sky diving? Um, sky diving. Go big or go home.

[5] What is one item on your bucket list? To travel to Scotland where I will meet and fall in love with a handsome sheep farmer, marry him and then spend our summers in Scotland and winters in the States where I can take full advantage of my coat, boot and scarf collection.

[6] Who is that one person that you can go talk to about anything? My sister, Mary-Keeley.

[7] If you could be one famous celebrity for a day, who would it be? Heidi Klum-that body. Need I say more?

[8] Why do you blog? I use blogging as a creative release and a way of keeping track of all things that inspire me creatively everyday. I blog because it is totally awesome to "meet" other people who are interested in the same things that I am.

Now that I have answered my questions, I get to tag 8 more people with my own set of questions. They in turn tag 8 people and make a new set of questions! Here are my chosen 8!

Playing Grown-Up
Adam and E
Sorellina
Lottie Loves
Gypsy Diaries
The Merriweather Council
Making it Lovely
MadeByGirl

*Some of this little ladies are my friends, some I admire, some I love their style, and some I think are the bomb. Most don’t know I exist but I would love to hear their answers!

On to my questions:
1.) What is one piece of clothing in your wardrobe you cannot live without?
2.) What would you grab first if your house was on fire?
3.) When you go into a gas station on a road trip-what is your go-to snack?
4.) What is the one recipe you are known for?
5.) If there was a Broadway play written about you, what would be it’s title?
6.) What is the best costume you have ever worn for Halloween?
7.) What would be the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
8.) If you had to change the name of your blog RIGHT NOW-what would you change it to?

I hope everyone plays along! I can’t wait to see these answers! Don’t forget to link back to me!

Moths...

2010-09-29T21:25:00.005-05:00

Someone out there please enlighten me on how to get rid of moths. Besides turning off the light. All I want it to sit on my front porch with the light ON, have a beer (or two....or three) and enjoy the lovely fall weather that has finally gotten here without being dive bombed by 37 moths. Does anyone have any advice? Is anyone else having a MAJOR moth problem?!

Sorry, this post has really much to do about nothing-my brain is a little fried right now.

You can find Lou and all of his little friend in this amazing shop.

I now leave you with Lou. He is silly and I love him. He kind of looks like the way I feel right now. Frazzled.

How do yall deal with the the "frazzled" feeling?

Is anyone even out there.....?

New Blog Friend: Michele from Stories From My Fingertips

2010-09-28T14:58:00.003-05:00

I have found a new fun blog via Merriweather Council. Hop on over to Stories from my Fingertips and check Michele out! She also resides in the great state of Alabama and is hosting an AMAZING give-a-way!!!

Stop by and check it out! Stories from my Fingertips is now a daily read for me-make it one of your too!

Fall is for Elephants

2010-09-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Fall was in the air yesterday here in the Deep South. FINALLY.

Fall is my favorite. Fall really has nothing to do with elephants but I love them both equally. I decided to whip up this little Etsy Treasury after spotting Tomo-The Felt Elephant during one of my "Etsy" breaks at work. I just had to showcase my love for these gentle creatures. Be sure to check it out... maybe we can make it to the front page!

On another note: I am so freakn' glad Monday is over.

Katie Company Prints: Technical Error

2010-09-27T23:01:00.005-05:00

I just realized that the link to Katie Company Prints was not working today-my bad y'all.

Just click HERE to take you to the shop! (I also fixed the link in in the original post!)

Enjoy!

Katie Company Prints on Etsy: NOW OPEN

2010-09-26T22:05:00.006-05:00

I have kept you all waiting long enough!

Katie Company Prints is now open on Etsy! Here is just a peek and some of the awesome (in my humble opinion...) prints that I have to offer!

Be sure to check it out!!!

Front Porch Makeover: Update

2010-09-24T11:36:00.004-05:00

I have not forgotten about this little project! I spent last weekend and some of last week working on The Great Porch Makeover. Let’s take a look at what I have done:

1. ~~Paint wicker furniture black~~. 2 days and 6 bottles of spray paint later...

2. ~~Paint front door HIGH GLOSS red~~. OMG yall. Martha Stewart "Ladybug". I was looking for "Million Dollar Red" but Home Depot didn't have it.

3. ~~Find a cheep-o outdoor rug and add an awesome DIY treatment to it ala~~ ~~DIY MAVEN~~. Rug has been ordered and it's on it's way!

4. Hang sheers.

5. ~~Watch the Crimson Tide bring home another win~~. ROLL TIDE!

I am having trouble deciding on curtains: sheers or painters drop cloths? What do you think? I am trying to keep this entire makeover under $200.00 (I am at $150.00 right now) so I am leaning more towards the drop cloths. Now to figure out how to get grommets in them…

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how it is all coming together! I can’t wait to show yall pics. Good thing I have a profesh photog living right next door to me!

I am looking for some shade friendly fall plants/flowers that I can use to bring something alive to the porch. Any suggestions? And no, I do not like cactus.

Super Harvest Moon

2010-09-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dude, did yall see the moon last night?!

Ok-I admit it, I couldn't really see anything from my house. All MK and I saw was a strange cross-like glow coming off the moon. Freaky. I was expecting Edward Cullen to fly out of the tree and start glowing and stuff.

If I lived out in the country I bet the Super Harvest Moon would have looked a little more something like this. Pretty amazing huh? I guess I will just have to wait until 2029 for the next Edward Cullen I Love You, Will You Marry Me Moon to appear.

Hey, yall remember when all thing "celestial" were totally the IT thing in like 1998? I will never get tired of this moon guy's face. He looks so wise and not at all like he is made out of cheese.

That is all.

Is it Friday yet?

Something is brewing over at Katie Company!

2010-09-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Question: What do these 2 things have in common?

You will just have to wait and see!!!

Are you tired of me teasing you yet? I swear yall will get some answers VERY soon. I am just getting all of my ducks in a row... :)

Happy HUMP day!

End of Summer Sale: Katie Company

2010-09-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

In preparation for new fall inventory, I have put a few jersey necklaces on SALE over in my Etsy shop! Be sure to stop by and have a looksie at these necklaces before they are gone!

Katie Company: Featured in Tuscaloosa Magazine

2010-09-20T15:39:00.004-05:00

Yup, you read that right! My first feature!

Our local magazine here in Tuscaloosa, The Tuscaloosa Magazine did a feature story on Dorm Room Make-Overs, using my good friend Matt Clinton of Matt Clinton Designs!

Being the awesome friend he is, Matt called me up and said "I must have some of your art to put in the dorm room!!" I did the Butterfly Prints in a set of 6 as a gift to my sister a year or two ago and she now has them hanging in her den. Matt "borrowed" them for the shoot and I think they were the perfect finishing touch to an already FABULOUS room! What do you think?!

I bet you didn't know I made prints, did you? Well-this is a slight SNEAK PEEK at something coming out of Katie Company in the VERY near future. Keep your little eyes peeled for a HUGE announcement...

Front Porch Makeover: Design Board

2010-09-17T11:30:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday loves!

Bama has an away game this weekend which leaves me with PLENTY of time to tackle a few around the house tasks. The main one being "THE GREAT PORCH MAKEOVER". Yall remember the sad state that is in right now...

(above) BEFORE: Sad, pathetic front porch in need of some TLC.

(below) DESIGN BOARD: Classic, clean and modern.

(I whipped this little sucker up on Polyvore really fast to please excuse the poor quality)

What do yall think of the design?! I love it! I was debating on going with a hot pink front door (and still may change my mind) but I LOVE the red. I call it my little ode to Mama. She always wanted a red door and never got one-so here's to you Mom! I hope you love it too!

Think I hope to accomplish this weekend:

1. Paint wicker furniture black.

2. Paint front door HIGH GLOSS red.

3. Find a cheep-o outdoor rug and add an awesome DIY treatment to it ala DIY MAVEN.

4. Hang sheers.

5. Watch the Crimson Tide bring home another win. ROLL TIDE!

What do you have in store for this weekend?!

Fall Favorites

2010-09-16T10:34:00.004-05:00

This Anthro sweater will be coming home to live with me on Saturday.
These boots should be arriving via mail to me this afternoon!

Save the Date

2010-09-14T22:20:00.001-05:00

Hello all! Yes, I am late this week on my postings but better late than never I say!

I whipped up this little Save the Date for one of my besties about a month ago. I have been itching to share them with you but wanted to wait until she mailed them out as not to ruin the surprise...

She was looking for something slightly vintage and beachy. I think I hit the nail on the head, no? She loved them and this is definitely one wedding I can't wait to attend!

Etsy Treasury: Alabama vs Penn State

2010-09-10T16:17:00.002-05:00

Just a little Etsy Treasury that I whipped up in anticipation of the long awaited and highly anticipated Alabama/Penn State game on Saturday.

Happy Friday and ROOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Y'all, I wore linen today...

2010-09-09T16:22:00.004-05:00

...and if you are from the South like me then you know it is a HUGE no-no to wear white below the belt or linen after Labor Day. I wore a sleeveless linen shirt and get this... IT WAS WHITE! I know. Crap. Whatever-it is hotter than 2 rats screwing in a wool sock here in Bama. What's a girl to do?

Linen Tunic via isabelamyo on Etsy

However, you would not have to twist my neck to break the rules if I had one of these incredible blouses to wear everyday. I will take one in every color....k-thanks!

End of Summer...

2010-09-07T21:55:00.006-05:00

Wow, I can't believe that the end of Summer is here! I hope everyone had a lovely 3 day weekend! Like last week, I have A TON on my plate and hope to get some posts cranked out but it looks like it will be a light blog week here at Katie Company. I have a lot of fun things up my sleeve that I am DYING to share with you.

For starters, this here blog got herself a little make-over... Whatta ya think? I am still working out the code so if it shows up whoppy-jawed on your monitor/phone/google reader, please bear with me. It looks like Playing Grown-Up and Merriweather Council got a a little face lift too! I dig it.

For now I will leave you with some free downloads I discovered over at Pugly Pixel. Katrina Tan is incredible and made clip art from vintage feed sacks! These are so charming and they let me hang on to the last little bit of Summer... If you have not seen her blog I suggest you check it out. It is full of great stuff!

Emily Henderson: My New Obsession

2010-08-31T16:26:00.007-05:00

I am surprised I have not seen much in blog land about Emily Henderson's very first show on HGTV: Secrets of a Sylist (maybe I am looking in the wrong places).

This show came on Sunday night after I returned home from my lake weekend and I had to hold my eyes open to watch it. I was so tired but I was determined to stay awake and boy and I glad I did. Seriously. This girl is amazing. I LOVE her style and kinda want to be her. She is one of the first designers that I have really connected with. Her rooms look comfortable, lived in and homey. Not to much trend, not to much fluff. Just right.

These pics are from the house she styled for her friend Ian Brennan-one of the creators of GLEE (my all time favorite show in the world). I love the way her rooms look like they evolved over time. Nothing bothers me more than walking into home and realizing that someone when to Pottery Barn, Ikea or Ballard Designs and bought the first room display that they saw (chatskis and all). Don't get me wrong, I love these places but I don't my entire house to look like I ordered it straight from the magazine...

I pulled these photo's from Emily's portfolio on the HGTV website and literally jumped with joy and squealed while posting them on here. That is how much I love her work. I feel like it LOOKS like me and what I like. Check out her blog The Brass Petal-my home girl is also very funny!

I love you Emily-can we be friends?

Tuesday-not as fun as Thursday

2010-08-31T09:03:00.005-05:00

Beautiful Photography by lindsayhusk on Etsy

Good morning lovelies!

I was in recovery mode yesterday from my fun filled trip to the Smith Lake in Arley, AL with my college besties, so I am sorry for not posting. I hope everyone had as much fun this weekend as we did! I will try and weed through my pictures and pull some appropriate ones for yall to see... 2 words: Skinny. Dipping.

I have a jam packed week coming up so postings may be few and far between. Thursday I am off on anther trip-this time to the Gulf Coast for a dear friend's bachelorette weekend/mini vacation. You remember this post about her wedding coming up in October? Well she finally picked out a color scheme and I will try and get up a mood board for Thursday so you guys can see!

Diva Lake Weekend

2010-08-27T13:54:00.002-05:00

On the road to a much needed girls trip with my "Divas". I will be back in action on Monday!

Have a lovely weekend! Yes, I need a pedicure.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Alabama Art Kitchen

2010-08-26T09:14:00.004-05:00

My sister told me about this AMAZING new initiative going on here in Tuscaloosa. It is called the Alabama Art Kitchen. Here is a little bit of info about it that I snagged off their Facebook page:

"The mission of the Alabama Art Kitchen is to provide studio space and equipment to local artists as well as exhibitions, classes and workshops for the community at large. We are committed to passing on our creativity, volunteerism and experience in art and strive to increase interest and involvement with the local Tuscaloosa arts culture. We believe that making and sharing art is a great way to connect people and to support and inspire community."

You can also check out their blog here.

They are turning this historical home in Downtown Tuscaloosa into a studio space for 4-6 artists and will also have room to offer workshops, a gallery space as well as a library. I am SOOOOO pumped about becoming a member of this group and look forward to seeing the art culture in Tuscaloosa grow.

For more info you can email them at alabamaartkitchen@gmail.com.

Cardinals For My Mother: Etsy Treasury

2010-08-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Every time I see a cardinal I think of my Mom. She loved red birds so much and we would always get so excited when she would point one out in the yard. I have seen one almost everyday since she has been gone and it really gives me comfort to say "Hey Mom!" when one flies by.

This is my first attempt at an Etsy Treasury so I only thought it would be fitting to make one based on something so special to me.

I am pretty sure I am addicted to making these now so hopefully you won't get tired of seeing more of them on here... :)

Why don't you try your hand at making a Treasury? I would love to see what you come up with!