TheNerdyKatie

My favorite apps!

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago my girl Totty made a awesome post about her favorite iPhone apps. I have been begging her to do this because chick always manages to find the most gnarly (I'm bringing it back) apps. So I figured, you could be like me, and want to see my most excellent appage. (No, I have not watched Fast Times at Ridgemont High recently, but I need to).

Here we have my main home screen. It has my Instagram (you can follow here :) ), Pinterest, Tiny Towers (so addictive), Tumblr, and so forth. The Wiki and IMDB gets used a insane amount of times during the day, probably during every tv show I watch. HAR is a local real estate app that I am addicted to because I like looking at houses

Seriously y'all, Tiny Towers is addicting!

I mean, are y'all surprised? I am a huge book worm. And yes, I have read a whole novel on my phone.

page deaux.

This has games I don't really play, news sites, and some apps I don't really use. I would also love it if more blogs had apps like PrettyShinySparkly. It gets read so much more because it is so gosh darn easy!

All the news I read.

The top four are all Houston news apps, the bottom 2 are pretty obvious. I bet there are some people surprised I don't have Fox News on there!

I really don't think I would have been able to quit smoking if it weren't for the livestrong app. I am going to go into more detail in another post on it, but really. It made quitting SO much easier.

You might have noticed that The Toddler doesn't have any apps on here. Well, that's because he has his own iphone (thanks to his Auntie Meg) so they are all on there.

So tell me, what are your favorite apps?

Let's talk about audio books shall we?

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a completely nerdy topic that for some reason I have been afraid to discuss. For some reason people get touchy when audio books are brought up. I think you are either for them, or against them. I have always been in the against camp. I know, I know, I'm an ass (or awesome, depending on your camp).

My main complaint with the audio book is it doesn't count as reading. Here is the definition of reading for those of you who don't know it.

1: the act of reading

a : material read or for reading

b : extent of material read

a : a particular version

b : data indicated by an instrument

a : a particular interpretation of something (as a law)

b : a particular performance of something (as a musical work)

: an indication of a certain state of affairs

{via Websters}

And then I got a Audible account.

A few months ago I signed up for a gold membership, it was all because of a boy, isn't it always about a boy?

{via google}

This boy to be exact. Have you ever heard Ed Westwick talk in his English accent? SWOON. I found out (by stalking his IMDB page) that he is one of the narrators for City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Book 4). I have already read this book (like, with my eyes) and I thought it was the best one of the series. I figured what the hell and signed up for the Audible account to get the book for free and listen to Ed's voice for 5 hours. WIN.

Then they charged my credit card for 2 more months after that (it was legit, I just forgot, oops!). So I got two more credits (you get 1 credit, which is one free book a month with a gold membership). So I got Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices) and Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices). Now, these two I haven't read (with my eyes) so it's going to be different for me when I do listen to them (in Eds voice, duh). When I do finish them I won't count them towards my reading goal, which I have yet to decide what it is this year. I feel like listening is cheating still. When I am listening to these books I am doing it while I study and write papers, normally my focus isn't 100% on them, when I read I want my focus to be 100% on the book.

So what side of the fence are you on when I comes to the audio book? Let me know in the comments, see if you can sway me!

Sh*t Mom (I think all) Blogger Say

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am apart of a thuper thecret group on Facebook that has some like minded bloggers in it, this was recently posted by Melissa {Growing Up Geeky} and killed dead, brought me back to life, and then killed me again.

I am guilty of so many of these, the one that really had me going was "watch the kid so I can go to a blogger meet-up!". I do think most of these can count for general bloggers to, because I recognized some of them for my girls without kids!

What is some ish that you think bloggers say? Something you say a lot?

Today is the last day to enter the book swap, don't forget loves!

My first Birchbox!

2012-01-11T15:23:00.002-06:00

{via}

My friend Tara {Fabulous But Evil} recently posted about Birchbox (you should really read her post BTW). I had heard about it here and there, but hadn't seen much about it. So after reading her post I decided to try it out.

You sign up, pay $10 a month and you get some samples of different beauty and health products. From what I understand they will also surprise you with full sized products on occasion. Every month that you use the service you get 10 points that can go towards a full sized purchase.

Jouer Lipgloss in Birchbox pink, I put this on and immediately asked J if I looked like a whore due to it's electric hot pink shade. He said I looked more like a slutty sorority girl. WIN FOR ME. Some Juicy Couture perfume of the same name, I am good with this, I always like to carry a sample in my purse. I am really excited about the Zoya nail polish in Kristen. It's been in the 70's here in Houston so I am craving spring colors even though it is January, so this makes me happy. Some VMV Hypoallergenics eye serum, meh, I love the Bobbi Brown stuff I have, this will probably go to mi madre.

I also got a magnent and a Larabar, I didn't care for the larabar to much, The Toddler called it yucky, but Molly the dog really seemed to like it.

I would call this a pretty good haul if I do say so myself. I am going to keep up with Birchbox, it was fun getting this stuff and I also like to get things that aren't bills.

Don't forget to sign up for the awesome book swap that Heather and I are hosting!

Book Swap Time!

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

My awesome sister in bookworm-dom, Heather from Blonde Undercover Blonde and I are hosting our first annual book swap! The rules are this are simple. You fill out the little form, we pair you up with someone, email you who you got, and y'all converse about swapping books!

Heather and I recommend setting up a Amazon wishlist so you get what you want and not some moldy old book that has been sitting around in someones bathroom (yuck!) We will do our best to match you up with someone who has similar book reading styles, like both of y'all have e-readers. The spending limit is $15 dollars, please try to adbide by it. The deadline to sign up is this Friday. We will email you ASAP to give you your matches, then the ball is in your court. You have two weeks to get your books out to your partner. If for some reason you do not recive your book, or any communication from your partner please email me at katie@thenerdykatie.com and let me know. Also, if you plan on being a asshole and not sending out a book, don't bother signing up please. You will get called out on your asshole ways! On January 30th we will have a link up where everyone can show off the books they received!

If this sounds like the most fun in the world to you (and really, why wouldn't it?) sign up below! Happy swapping!

****The swap is now closed to new entries***

In my Mailbox

2012-01-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

It was a good book buying week at the TNK house y'all. I got "real" (non e) and e-books this week! Hopefully next week will be the really big haul since I ordered some of my text books last night. I already have one paper to write and two chapters to read by the time school starts. That's just for the two classes that I have done my orientation for :/

But that's boring talk, lets talk about BOOOOOKKKKKSSSSS!

P.S.-- I Made This . . .(PS I Made This): I See It. I Like It. I Make It.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

I also got some new-to-me music!

Brothers

And this is hands down one of my favorite albums of all time. I want everyone to go buy it right now

Awake Is the New Sleep (Dig)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T16:45:00.000-06:00

Hello friends! I had taken a little bloggy break, but I am back now, 100% full steam ahead. There is so much going on this year in the TNK house. With me going back to school, The Toddler being a Mother Day Out drop out and me thinking about going back to work, at least part time. But I want to add to what I am doing. So in addition to all that (okay, for some reason I don't feel like it is that much), here is what I want to be doing for some me time.

{via}

I really want to learn to knit, and 2012 is going to be the year! If you know of any good tutorials or blogs please let me know!

{via}

I didn't make my goal this year and that makes me mad at myself, because that is the only person I have to blame! Okay, maybe Netflix to :) But I will read more this year. I haven't decided what my goal is yet, but I will let y'all know as soon as I do!

{via}

My Aunt gave me her old sewing machine that needs to be fixed, it's amazing, and I will be able to monogram! I live for monogram y'all. I have all these visions of the beautiful things I will make for myself and friends. Let's just hope it pans out okay?

{via}

My Uncle gave me his Kitchen Aid mixer (I have seriously awesome family) and I am going to bake more. Homemade y'all, breads, cakes, cookies, donuts (God how I love donuts). This one goes hand in hand with walking more to :)

Hopefully, I will accomplish at least one of these this year! What are your plans for 2012?

I got new books!

2011-12-16T22:20:00.000-06:00

I have been bad and not reading as much lately. I blame Netflix for that, I know, I'm horrible. I was craving to read the other day, so I went on a little buying spree. I swear having a Nook makes it so much easier!

The Great Gatsby

Yup, I have never read The Great Gatsby, but that shall change shortly my friends!

The Future of Us

I am really excited about this one! It's all about some kids in the 90's who see their Facebook pages because of some weird twist.

The Paris Wife

This one is all about Ernest Hemingway's wife Hadley (I love that name BTW) and takes place in, duh, Paris. I have been obsessed with Paris lately, no idea why, but man do I want to go there. So hopefully this book will take me there.

TheNerdyKatie's Christmas Wishlist!

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have no sense of timing what-so-ever, hence this post going up, what two weeks before Christmas? That's why they make rush shipping folks! J has been asking me to make a list of things I want for Christmas, two birds one stone, I make my list AND he reads my blog!

I love this necklace it is just so girly, nerdy and me!

Kate Spade Necklace

I have the type of fat wrists that bangles hate, so this one with a clasp is perfect for me!

Kate Spade Bangle

Words can not describe how head over heels in love with this ring I am. I HAVE to have it on my hand at some point in my life, the sooner the better. I am not really a ring person, but OMG Y'ALL.

Kate Spade Ring

This is a great stocking stuffer! I have little Coach keychain that has the picture thingy, but it has worn down over the years. I think the leather would hold up better, no? And yes, I am forcing J to do stocking for us this year :)

Kate Spade Keychain

I have a serious thing for cell phone cases. I know there is no way in hell J will buy me another, but a girl can wish right? I love the quote on the inside, and the kelly green!

Kate Spade iPho

I have been drinking a lot of hot tea lately and really want some nice mugs to drink out of.

Le Creuset Stoneware 12 Ounce Mugs

What are you hoping to find under the tree this Christmas?

Hey Girl....I'm Guest Posting....

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

You can find me guest posting today for my doll of a friend Michelle from The Vintage Apple today! Go and check it out boo boos!

This is how you crash a party.

2011-12-12T20:26:00.000-06:00

Here lately The Toddler has been obsessed with Star Wars. I was trying to push Harry Potter on him, but alas, his father won and my kid is a Star Wars nerd. He had been asking for everything Darth Vader related for his birthday, including decorations. I went one and above folks, I got a real Stormtrooper and Tie Fighter! One of my Moms friends is a official Trooper and responded kindly to our begging to come, he also has a Tie Fighter costume, so my Moms other friend (and a former teacher of mine) wore that one.

Sadly, The Toddler was not into it. He was deathly afraid, something we hadn't thought would happen. Why that didn't cross our mind? I have NO clue. The adults had a blast though getting their pictures taken. Here are some of the highlights.

"Were here looking for a droid"

I love that J and The Toddler are wearing matching shirts.

I have no idea why J asked to have this picture taken. The guy next door was very amused.

Even Meg and Greg got in on the phone!

Happy Birthday to The Toddler!

2011-12-09T09:53:00.001-06:00

Today is my amazing little guy's third birthday! I can't believe that I have been a Mom for 3 years and have been privileged to be with this funny,loving, expressive boy 24/7. Instead of getting all sorts of sappy (that would be this post with my birth story) I made a slide show of his 3 years of life thus far.

Instagram love!

2011-12-08T20:42:00.001-06:00

Are you on Instagr.am yet? I have been obsessed with this app lately. Like, non-stop updating, refreshing stalking. It has become Facebook for me, I really only used Facebook to whore out oddly colored pictures of myself where I looked nothing like my actual weight do the angles I have discovered. So having one more place to be a attention whore has been amazing for me!

The concept is easy enough, you just upload your picture, pick the filter that makes you look the most amazing, or the food you are taking a picture of the most delicious, upload it, and people will comment or like it! You can also have it automatically update to your Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr.

Funny enough, I have been using this app as a reader of sorts. I am going to be 100% honest, I have never been good with Google reader. I use the same reader that comes with a blogger account, or Twitter and Facebook updates. But now the new thing is to take a picture of your blog post and post it on Instagr.am , so now I know to click over and do me some readin!

If you have a Instagr.am leave me a comment with your handle so I can follow you, like I said, I have been obsessed with it lately!

**I am not at all getting paid or compensated for this, I needed something to blog about and decided to blog about my love of instagr.am**

I need some Christmas help, y'all.

2011-11-15T16:55:00.001-06:00

I love everything about Christmas, except the cards. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE getting them. But I am horrible at sending them out! I manage to lose my address list, every year. My cards are <b>always</b> late, like February late. But this year, I am going to be good! I am getting them ordered <b>now</b> and I am going to try to make it as easy on myself as possible. I am finally getting my rubber address stamp, and I am going to invest in some clear labels! I have so much going on, with getting ready for school and The Toddlers birthday (which he is being a diva about).

Thankfully Tiny Prints makes it easy for a slacker like me to get my cards out. Now I just need your help picking one! J had only one request, that I don't put another crying picture of The Toddler on it, and that it says Merry Christmas.

{via}

Tiny Prints is giving me 50 free Christmas cards to exchange for this post. If you would like to blog for 50 free cards, just fill out this form! It's awesome I tell ya!

Big News!

2011-11-14T15:45:00.001-06:00

I'm going back to school! This is a huge deal for me, because I am not at all a school person. Which is ironic, because I want to teach school. But I figure when I am teaching, it will be something I love and not having to study and take tests all the time. My first day back is January 17th, I hope to God I am ready! I still have a lot to do, I have two days of orientations, and still have books to by.

My first attempt at college.

Thankfully, all my courses are on-line, don't worry though, it's thru a "real" college and not something you see on daytime TV. So I am not going to have to worry about childcare, or put on real clothes. I do have to get a new computer though, and I am pretty sure I am going to get this beauty......

MacBook Pro 13inch

I am tired of having to buy a new laptop what feels like every year, the keyboard needs to be replaced on mine, yet again, hence why y'all haven't heard from me in a few weeks.

So wish me luck! I have a feeling I am going to need it. But I just have to keep my eye on the prize, and know there is no going back since it's all paid for!

Blood Drive {Book Review & Giveaway!}

2011-10-13T02:05:00.001-05:00

When a group of vampires rises from the dark of the humid Miami summer and murders her partner, officer Cara Evens gathers a group of allies with their own unique abilities to avenge her partner's death and save the city. To succeed she'll have to accept her own changing abilities, ignore her lust for a vampire and hide the one thing her enemies need to kill them all. {via

amazon

}

Blood Drive, is Tracy Houstons' first book, and I must say, I am excited about this author, and to pick up where the story left off. I feel like it has been a while since I read a good new to me book (and this book is brand spankin' new), I have been re-reading the same ol same ol over and over again. I am also still in my Vamp craze so this was a good newb for me to pick up.

The story was great, it seemed like the paranormal stuff was true to form, in a good way! It was consistent with what I have read in other things, less just put it this way, the vamps didn't sparkle, you can tell Mrs. Houston did her research. I wasn't overwhelmed with new characters with complicated names all at once (a huge pet peeve of mine) and she did a great job of focusing on the main four, and giving them their say, I feel like I got to really know the characters.

This book is action packed y'all, and the women were strong as nails in this book. I hate when it there is a weak leading lady who is constantly whining about having to kick some ass, I didn't see that at all. I would say the women did the most ass kicking of anyone. It sends a good strong message to women that just because a evil vampire is hunting you down you don't need to run off to some rando guy, you can take the bull by the horns and form a plan to take him out! Love that!

Some might consider this book YA (young adult) but there is a pretty graphic sex scene in it, if you are okay with your kids reading that, more power to you. This girl though? Loved it!

My only complaint is I wish we had more back-story on the characters and more about all their abilities. It did get confusing at times but was cleared up quickly.

If you are a fan of ass-kicking women and hot vamp sex, leave a comment with your email address! I am giving away a copy of

Blood Drive! This giveaway is only good for the US and no PO Boxes please. I will announce the winner on Tuesday.

Thank you Yara {Once Upon A Twilight} for letting me take place in this book tour! Be sure to click the link under the banner to check out where the tour is going next!

Also, don't forget to enter my Mada's Place giveaway! I will be drawing a winner on Friday!

I am Guest Poster Today!

2011-10-12T02:32:00.000-05:00

Today you can find me hanging out with my girl Michelle from The Vintage Apple! I am guest posting on her blog today for "Oh How Pinteresting!!". Y'all need to go check it out, I promise it is worth it, tons of candy for the eye if you know what I mean wink wink nudge nudge ;)

And please don't forget to enter my Mada's Place giveaway!

Mada's Place Giveaway!

2011-10-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of Mada's Place, Stephanie makes the cutest things for both baby and Momma. When I decided to do all the giveaways this month I knew I had to get my girl to hook you guys up!

The Katie Clutch is amazing and had made a few appearances on here before. Maybe it's because it is named after me and I am a ego maniac? Or maybe because it is just kick butt like that. I carry one in my purse to keep all my lip glosses in and the other is in my bathroom hanging from my necklace holder with all my earrings in it. My Mom also has one that she uses to carry her external hard drive in. I am telling y'all, you can use these things for anything!

Stephanie is offering readers of The Nerdy Katie blog 15% off their order! Be sure to use code THENERDYKATIE15 (be sure to use all caps!).

And congrats to Ashley! She was the winner of the $10 Starbucks giftcard!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Like everyone, I am currently obsessed with pumpkins, you have to be, it's fall people! We have finally gotten some fall like weather here in Houston so I have been going BSC with all the fall fun. I am also going to buy a bazillion cans of pumpkin at the grocery store today to make all this stuff, I can't wait for the donuts.

{via Pinterest}

Have you entered my giveaway yet for a $10 Starbucks gift-card? Remember you can tweet once a day for extra entries!

The Oak Tree Festival

2011-10-04T15:37:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we decided to head to my hometown of League City for the Oak Tree Festival. "Back in the day" when League City was a small town (now they have a Mini-Cooper dealership) the town had Oak Trees all over it. I love taking The Toddler to League Park, I feel closer to my Dad when I am there, and it's beautiful and the park equipment is the best in the area.

I have loved this gazebo since I was a little girl!

The Toddler loves to swing, and that's a fancy swing y'all.

I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun on this equipment.

The fair, it was pretty small. Lot's of booths to buy arts and crafts.

But they had a bounce house!

My boy is a bouncing fool!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $10 Starbucks gift card! If you have already entered you can tweet again to win :)

It's my birthday month! And y'all will benefit!

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I decided that since it's my birthday month, I am going to give y'all presents! Each Monday I will open the giveaway with something I love, you will be able to enter all week and it will close on Friday, I will announce the winner Friday night!

This week I am giving away a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks! I am in love with the Pumpkin Spice Latte right now, and that new salted mocha something. So have a cup(s) of coffee on me!

September Reading Wrap Up

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that September is already over! How did this happen? Is it really almost my birthday month, do you really only have 18 days left to buy my birthday present? Yea, you do. Anyhoodle, it's time for my monthly reading wrap up, YAY!!

Unleashed: A Dark Ones NovellaAn eSpecial from New American Library

A novella set in New York Times bestselling author Katie's MacAlister's Dark Ones series.Meet Jacintha Ferreira, kitty whisperer. Or at least that’s what the guys around the Washington State Game and Wildlife office call Jas. Her skills with bigger cats than are normally found left on the back doorstep of the Cupid Cats Animal Shelter are put to the test when she encounters a sexy Dark One shape-shifter who has no idea how he became a really big kitty…but he does know a Beloved when he sees one.{via amazon}

This was a mini book, maybe 100 pages that was, from what I could tell written just to help explain the next Beloved book. If you are a fan of the series you will like this one, it was a good short read.

Heat Rises (Nikki Heat 3)
The bizarre murder of a parish priest at a New York bondage club opens Nikki Heat?s most thrilling and dangerous case so far, pitting her against New York?s most vicious drug lord, an arrogant CIA contractor, and a shadowy death squad out to gun her down. And that is just the tip of an iceberg that leads to a dark conspiracy reaching all the way to the highest level of the NYPD.
But when she gets too close to the truth, Nikki finds herself disgraced, stripped of her badge, and out on her own as a target for killers, with nobody she can trust. Except maybe the one man in her life who?s not a cop: reporter Jameson Rook.
In the midst of New York?s coldest winter in a hundred years, there?s one thing Nikki is determined to prove: Heat Rises. {via amazon}

Loved this! I am a huge fan of the show Castle, the books are just as great. This one really compared to season 3 of the show, you could see all the parallels pretty quickly. It kept me on my toes as well. I read a lot of murder mysteries and am pretty good at picking the bad guy, this one really had me shocked. Even if you don't watch the show this is a great series to pick up.

New York to Dallas (In Death)The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago. {via amazon}

This story is starting to get old, the characters are getting a little stale, I need something major to happen to keep into the series. This book was predictable, it went on a little to long and we didn't get near much time with the "crew". We did get a bunch of new characters, but some of them were hard to keep track of. I liked this book for what it was, but I hope the next one offers more.

Real Vampires Have More to Love Glory St. Clair is a vampire with man trouble. Between her on-again, off-again lover Jeremy Blade, smoking hot rock star Ray Caine, and former bodyguard turned apartment mate Valdez, there's enough man-candy around to make even a gal with a liquid diet feel a sugar rush.
Glory's got no time to enjoy it, though, considering that she's in the middle of planning her best friend's wedding. And let's not forget that there happens to be a hit on her head, thanks to when she took out a techno-freak billionaire. Now, between planning a bachelorette party and dodging stakes, Glory has to decide which man she really wants, before her love life meets an early grave... {via amazon}

LOVE the Glory St. Clair series and I honestly think this is the one supe book that everyone should read. The vamps are loveable (you know, for vamps and all), the sex is great (which you want in a vamp, duh), so funny and witty. And the best of all, I can relate to Glory (well, minus the whole "un-dead" thing) she is a plus sized girl trying to make it in a sample sized world. These books have evolved great over the year, they are still fresh and you are not getting new characters thrown in your face every 10sec (Hi JD Robb!) This one you do need to start with the first book in the series to fully "get" everything, but it well worth it, trust.

Kate Spade Style
Back in 1993, editor-turned-designer Kate Spade made a splash in the fashion world by turning out a small collection of boxy, utilitarian handbags, each elegantly accented with her name stitched in discreet, lowercase letters. As a result, the simplicity and unabashed refinement of the Spade moniker on those Lilliputian labels has come to define the very foundation on which the designer has since built a fashion empire, one that now, in addition to handbags, includes shoes, clothing, and smart home things, all of which embody the Spade formula of timeless style--a seamless merging of cheerful colors, clean shapes, and well-chosen embellishments. Not bad for a Kansas City-born girl who used to comb vintage stores for fun. Having perfected and expertly marketed her own brand of personal style (one that has famously been counterfeited throughout the world), the designer has emerged with an equally elegant trio of books whose topics Spade has become a virtual authority: Style, Occasions, and Manners.{via amazon}

Y'all, don't bother. You will get no tips in this book and it basically comes off as show-offy, name droppy and pretentious. I really wanted this to be a good book, it wasn't.

It's OK Thursday

2011-09-29T10:02:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up with Amber and Neely today for It's OK Thursday, and that's ok :)

It's okay that I haven't really been updating this week, I needed to step away from the computer a bit, and I honestly didn't have much to say, now I have lots :)

It's okay that I waited an hour at Starbucks today to get a Pumpkin Spiced Latte

It's okay that I am dressing for fall, even though it is still 100+ outside

It's okay to question what your doctors say, and have 100 women back you up on that.

It's okay if your kid watches Toy Story 3 everyday, at least it isn't Saw 3 right?

It's okay to let your kid have a pink sprinkled donut for breakfast, he is going to choose my nursing home someday.

It's okay to cuddle on the couch with your dog, she doesn't expect you to put out.

It's perfectly okay to eat bacon with every meal.

It's okay to put your plans for all fashion reading on hold for a bit because three of your favorite authors came out with a book this week.

It's also okay to read all three of those books in one week, letting everything else in your life sit on hold....right?

Fun With Our Phones Monday!

2011-09-19T12:45:00.002-05:00

I love this little meme that Savanah does, because I get to show off. Y'all should be show off like me :)

Codric, the most awesomest cod there ever was.

My Missoni for Target finds!

Crazy guy at Chick-Fil-A

Teal for Ovarian Caner Awareness month!

Maddie <3

My boy loves his swing!

He has no idea I took this picture, or posted it on the internet.

Reading FAIL!

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

As I said in this post I am going to be reading a lot of fashion books. I had decided to start with Kate Spade Style, but The Toddler must have realized I thought it was crap, and hid it from me. Thanks little dude. Once I find it I will tell y'all my thoughts on it. I can't guarantee they will be good, at least from the like half the book I have read.

Since that was supposed to be my post today, I am going to tell y'all about more new books! Because yes, I keep buying books even though my pile to read is almost as tall as me, and those are "real" books, only one is a e-book. Oops! But thanks to the Borders sale (okay, maybe not thanks since they are closing and all) I managed to get some more books, yay!

I was really excited to pick up True Prep I loved the orignal The Official Preppy Handbook, which sadly I lost my copy of and is a beech to get now since it is out of print (my birthday is October 18th hint hint) so, when I saw True Prep for $2, I made that bad boy mine! Granted, I have read the first part, but I have it in e-format, which is crap for this book. There are tons of pictures and the formatting was all off. Granted, I haven't tried reading it on the iPad, because I just remembered to do that now, but oh well. It's something I can pass down to The Toddler though, hopefully he won't lose it the way that I lost my copy of The Official Preppy Handbook that my Aunt gave me.

I also picked up Laura Rider's Masterpiece, Incendiary and Beneath a Starlet Sky. I will fully admit that I got these books because they sounded somewhat interesting but I really thought the cover was pretty. Yes, I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but lets face it, I'm a judgey bitch, there are tons of people sitting at home nodding there heads at that statement.

Needless to say, I am going to be doing a lot of reading this weekend. Did any of y'all make it to the Borders sale? What did you pick up? I know Tara{Fabulous But Evil} managed to get the House of Night series for a steal!

Shopping for kiddos {with tons of Toddler pictures!}.

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I would really like to think I have a well dressed little man. God knows he thinks he is. He is such the fashion critic that when I go shopping he will straight up tell me if something is bad, or if it is wonderful. Nothing will boost your spirits more than hearing your little guy say "Momma, you beautiful". Melt my cold black heart. Also, did I mention he isn't 3 yet? I'm in for it.

The Toddlers wardobe mostly consist of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, and of course the ever popular, Target. Don't let those name brand names make you think I am Mrs.Money Bags, so not true! I just know how to shop, and I love a good sale!

Places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx keep The Toddler clothed for the most part. They have a great selection of Ralph Lauren, some of it comes with 2 pieces for around $14, then I can re-sale it for $10. Same thing with the collared Polos, they retail from $7-$14, if they are in great condition I can sell them for a little more than half of that. Jeans at these places are usally cheaper than going to Target where a good pair can run $15, I can get named brand at one of the other guys for half that.

Sales are also your friend. I have been shopping at the same Dillards for years, we know the people that work there (Hi Janice!) they always give me the heads up when the big sales are about to go down. That's how I am able to get a seasonal wardrobe over hall for myself for under $100, like you kinda saw in this post. Dillards can be pretty hit or miss as far as the kids clothes go. If you have a girl, you might have a little more luck, but the boys stuff I can still get cheaper at the other stores. Now shoes though, if you hit them the first day of their 40% off already marked down prices, and usually they go lower, well you hit the jackpot. Last year I was able to get The Toddler a pair of Sperrys and a pair of Stride Rites for $21 all together. I am kicking my self for not stocking up!

I am going to start trying to buy more online, I read about people getting amazing deals all the time. But I am one of those who likes to see what I am buying, if it's for me, I am a little more okay with. But the last time I ordered on-line for The Toddler I got burned so I am a little gun shy.

What amazing deals have you gotten lately? Have some favorite places to shop?

And come someone please tell me how this adorable little Astro turned into this handsome little boy?

Oh, How Pinteresting! {Just Awesome Edition}

2011-09-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

I have a board filled with random awesome stuff. Most of it is funny sayings, or crazy clothes I would never wear, but all of it is awesome.

And I am going to share some of that awesome with you guys today, you're welcome.

I totally have these on my Mini-Van, Big Pimpin.

Art for Arts Sake!

2011-09-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

The Toddler is in Mothers Day Out 2 times a week, so this means that we have tons of his little master pieces. I am one of those people who holds on to everything so it's super hard for me to decide what to keep and what to toss. But then I had a idea! I am sure I saw it somewhere, I have no clue. But for now, the idea is mine. I scanned in everything and the next time I get one of those emails for a free book from Shutterfly or Snapfish I am going to make a book of his art!

Here is some of the most awesome art you have ever seen.

This is currently the background on my laptop, AWWWW <3

Looks just like our dog Maddie.

That little hand melts my heart.

I think I might frame this for my fall stuff.

I hope this is a scarecrow and not a hippy.

Fun With Our Phones Monday!

2011-09-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up with Savanah today because 1.) She's awesome and 2.) I am a attention whore and like showing off pictures. WIN! If you are a AW like me, you should link up as well.

We built a tent in the living room and camped out. Some how a ball made it in.

Think he is going to be a parking garage designer when he grows up?

I don't know what Molly did, but she got put in time out.

The Tent of Awesome.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T10:46:00.000-05:00

When I was a child I would always ask my parents where they were when JFK was shot, the Challenger exploded, or in my Grandparents case Pear Harbor. I honestly never thought I would be answering a question like that to my own child someday.

I was 17 and a Senior in high school, in my first period math class. It was towards the end of the class period and someone had gone to the bathroom and came back saying that the President had been assassinated. Of course we all talked about that, but the teacher never did anything to confirm it. This was also in the days before you could just whip out your cell phone and check out the CNN app, we didn't even have texting!

Bell rings, leave class, as I was walking threw the halls to my second period Theater class (I was a aid so therefore special) I heard kids talking about the President, and planes crashing into NYC. Still nothing concrete and I just kinda blew it off as crazy rumors (my school was really good at starting those).

I went into the Theater office and our Tech Director(TD) was sitting at the computer with the other aid trying to get on the CNN website, TD confirmed that a plane had sure enough flown into one of the twin towers. What I remember most about that moment is the other Aide cussing, he said something like "holy shite" and I looked to TD waiting for him to get on for him to cussing, he just shook his head and said it was a time to cuss.

Bell rings, we go to our classes, the teacher I was working with (Farlanator) had our class go into TD's class. That's where we watched everything unfold. We stayed in that class period for longer than we were supposed to. They came on and made an announcement as to what happened. And then asked us to turn off the TV, not look at the internet. Well, us Theater people are rule breakers so we kept watching.

We were all scared, a lot of us were crying there was a lot of confusion. The rest of the day went by in a blur, a lot of kids were pulled out of class, some even evacuated. Our neighborhood is directly behind NASA, my Mom told me to stay at school because I would be safer there. That was another scary though, I was safer at school than my own home.

For years after that plans didn't fly over our house, we were a no fly zone. They just recently started flying again, and they flow low since we are in the fly plan for Hobby Airport. I would be lying if I said it didn't scare me at times.

Today is a day to reflect. To mourn the lives that were loss, the loss of innocence to our country, to be thankful for what we have. May we never forget those who loss their lives in New York, DC and Pennsylvania.

Dump Cake

2011-09-09T15:19:00.001-05:00

I am a huge fan of cake, any kind of cake. Unless it has nuts, that's just weird. If a cake is easy to make it somehow taste ten times better, probably because I am not all sweaty from being in the kitchen. So I am going to share with y'all the wonderfulness that is Dump Cake.

I know, it's a weird name for a cake, but that's because you literally dump everything into the dish. And no matter how you make it, it tastes the same, unless you do something weird to it like try to make it healthy. It's one of the few things that I can make that just remind me so much of my Granny, it's like we are hanging out talking books again when I eat it.

yes, this is the best picture I have because this stuff does not last long!

Ingredients

1 Large can of cherry pie filling
1 Large can of crushed pineapple
1 Stick of unsalted butter
1 Box of yellow cake mix

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350
Dump the can of cherry pie filling in the pan
Drain all the juice out of the pineapple, and then dump in the pan
Dump the yellow cake mix on top, but don't be lazy, spread that out!
Cut the butter up in patties and spread on top of the cake, yes, you will use the whole stick
Cook for 30 min, I would check on it around 20, the top should be nice a golden.

That's it y'all! How easy is that? In J's family they just use peaches, so you can do that to. Also, you might want to serve it with some vanilla ice cream because it is kinda sweet. It also makes a wonderful breakfast!

Fashion by the Book.

2011-09-08T17:53:00.002-05:00

I am not really that fashionable, I know a bit. I have the basics, and love to shop. So it should be pretty easy for me to figure this stuff out right?

So I have enlisted some of my best friends-books! September is going to be the month of F&B! I love fall, I love fall style and being in Texas I can get away with a lot more. Basically up until winter I can wear a tank with a cami over it, and shopping this summer I shopped with that in mind. Thankfully I am pretty set on tops (but there is always room for more!). It's the bottoms that is going to be a issue, I am down 2 sizes from last fall (yay!). So that's where my lovely books come in.

Which ones am I reading you ask? Well, I shall tell you my friend!

Kate Spade Style Style, with 230 watercolor illustrations, is a wonderfully personal and friendly book intended for readers of all ages and style temperaments. If there's one rule Kate espouses, it's that true style comes when you follow your own rules. Moreover, as the writers William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White once wrote, "To achieve style, begin by affecting none." {via amazon}

What Would Jackie Do? Shelly Branch & Sue Callaway We can’t help but want to be like her: Exuding unmatched poise and style, Jackie O continues to fascinate women and men of all ages. But how would Jackie have handled the twenty-first century? What would she have thought of a society defined by casual rules of conduct? Gathering intriguing research, commentary from today’s experts, and fond reminiscences about the first lady of perfection’s day-to-day decisions, journalists Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway offer a sparkling answer to the question: What Would Jackie Do? {via amazon}

The One Hundred Nina Garcia In the wildly popular The Little Black Book of Style, fashion authority Nina Garcia showed women how to think about personal style in an entirely new way. Encouraging readers to creatively assert their style identities, Nina showed women of all ages how to hone and self-edit a distinct fashion voice.
With her style philosophy firmly out in the world, Nina decided to address the most popular question readers consistently ask her: Exactly what are fashion's timeless pieces? {via amazon}

Savy Chic Anna Johnson Anna Johnson is not a tea-bag squeezer, a penny-pincher, or inherently thrifty in any way—but she knows how to enjoy the finer things in life . . . for much, much less! In Savvy Chic, she shares her secrets on how to dress, decorate, entertain, and travel in high style without breaking the piggy bank. Style: Get "rich girl" chic for dimes and master the fine art of thrift-shop vintage. Decorating: Create exquisite curtains with Chinese lace tablecloths and shop the flea market like a stylist. Entertaining: Feast on abundant rather than expensive food—from the ten-dollar dinner to the shoestring wedding reception. Travel: Fake snobby style in Capri or make a one-star hotel feel like home. Leisure: Take the town with nothing but a ball gown and twenty dollars or enjoy the most original dates in the history of love, for less of course. All it takes to live well is taste, style, imagination, and rebellious flair—and Savvy Chic will show you how. {via amazon}

I am so excited to start on these books! Of course I will let y'all know what I think of them, even if you don't want to know. I will also keep y'all updated on how I am doing with my fall looks, because I know y'all care :)

Fun With Our Phones Monday!

2011-09-05T22:39:00.000-05:00

I totally forgot today was Monday. I seriously thought it was Sunday all day. Hence why my Monday blog is going up at 10:28, but it's still Monday right?

I am linking up with my boo Savanah tonight, y'all should to. All the cool kids are doing it!

First Day of School!

Waiting in the car on the first day of school!

I think this is the longest time I have ever played a game.

J, he was supposed to be taking a picture of us. FAIL.

Birthday cake, nom nom nom.

Steppin Out!

2011-09-03T20:09:00.000-05:00

My friend Ashley is always posting the cutest outfits and such or her blog. The girl has great style and you would never know she had two kids. Anyhoozel, she is always doing the Harpers Happenings hop and has basically talked me into it. I love fashion stuff, just never really post about it. I try to leave that to the pros!

This is the outfit I wore last Sunday for the H-Town Bloggers meet up. We had a great lunch at The Tasting Room which is in Uptown Park in the Galleria Area. It's so great to get to hang out with this amazing group of women. And the food is really awesome to, like, really awesome. Like, if I was Tracy Jordan I would say that I want to take it behind the intermediate school and get it pregnant. But since I'm not Tracy Jordan, I will just say the food is outstanding. I had a burger with thick apple wood bacon, fresh onion and lettuce (there was tomato on the plate, but I don't like tomatoes) and a avocado aoli (which is really fancy mayo y'all).

I got my top about a year ago at a amazing Dillards sale and I am pretty sure Sunday was the first time I wore it. It's Michael Korrs, I got it on sale for I think $15. I think it looks a little old for me, so I gave it to my Mom.

The pants, I never thought I would wear white pants. But these are awesome. I already have tons out outfits planned around them! They were another Dillards sale item that I got a few months ago. Again, Michael Korrs, and $10, you read that right Michael Korrs for TEN DOLLARS I love the Dillards sales!

The layered pearl necklace is from Ann Taylor, the watch is Betsy Johnson (another Dillards sale score!). I don't remember what shoes I was wearing that day lol.

I will try to get better pictures next time! Once fall rolls around my wardrobe gets a lot better. Living in Houston and 100+ weather everyday you basically try to wear as little as possible with out getting arrested, or on People of Wal-Mart.

Meg & Katie: The Vlog (Part 2)

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I bet you guys have been really excited for today, Cod knows I am! It's part 2 of the most awesome vlog on Al Gores greatest invention- The Internet. You also get more of Meg posting on my blog. The "write more crap here". My BFF is creative y'all! I hope y'all enjoy, and have a wonderus weekend!

Write more crap here.... lolz.

Mat Kearney Album Review

2011-09-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of Mat Kearney? Well, I hadn't until a few weeks ago. I am usually like a year late on hearing new music and I normally listen to gangster rap (I am dead serious). But, Mat Kearney was a nice surprise! Super catchy music, he reminds me a lot of Coldplay (who I love) but a lot more fun. The Toddler and I pretty much fell in love with this album in like 5 minutes.

I am really digging on his single Hey Mama, I would like to think he is singing to me, the clapping is catchy and my kid looks so damn cute bopping a long to it. This is a fun album, I recommend getting it. It has that laid back, good time vibe to it. If you are having a bad day, it will lift you up!

***FTC disclosure, this album was provided to me for free from One2One Network in exchange for my honest review.***

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday! DIY

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

I honestly don't know why I have a DIY board on Pinterest. I am not a DIY kinda girl, my idea of hell is arts and crafts. But I have a board devoted to DIY, so lets look at the crap I will never make shall we?

Meg & Katie: The Vlog (Part 1)

2011-08-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

Write crap here

You know you can trust a person when they have the password to every single one of your sites. From your blog, to your Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and garage door. That's why Meg from O.Is Me started this post for me. She provided the video and the "write crap here". I think that has to be my favorite part. Honestly y'all. I had drank some wine, I'm not a wine drinker. You can tell I'm tips because you can hear the Texan in me. I normally don't sound Texan at all. Y'all enjoy, the next part will be up when Meg posts it on my blog :) .

{Guest Post} How I Became a Guitar Hero

2011-08-29T19:04:00.000-05:00

Today Amber from the awesome blog Educating Miss Amber is here to guest post today! I hope y'all love her post, and her blog. I think she is pretty gosh darn awesome. And I am so sorry that posts are going up so late. I try to schedule them to go up at 8am, but they aren't and for some reason I don't catch it until the evening. Hopefully blogger will get on the ball and fix that stat! And now, here's Amber!!

One of my favorite lessons to teach is a lesson about malleable intelligence. We have an incredible growing brain that I keep in the closet of my classroom, and I truly enjoy getting my students to buy in to the idea of malleable intelligence. Malleable intelligence is the idea that you are not born either smart or dumb—a person has the capability of shaping or changing their talents by working hard. Sadly, for a long time, I didn’t really buy in to the idea of malleable intelligence. I truly believed that I was naturally good at English and social studies and naturally terrible at science and math. However, Guitar Hero changed my mind.

I have too many awful memories of embarrassing myself trying to play video games with my friends and family. I often drove my Princess Peach into the water trying to play Mario Kart, and everybody would get frustrated with me because I made the game last way longer than it should have. When I discovered Guitar Hero during my first year of teaching, I figured it would be another game that I would pick up once, embarrass myself, and never play again. The first time I played, it lived up to my expectations. I was getting less than 30% of the notes correct on the easiest songs the game had to offer.

Eventually, I became pretty good at the Guitar Hero. My friend Jenny and I played often, and she would encourage me to keep challenging myself. We set a goal for ourselves. We wanted to reach 80% mastery on the expert level of “I Love Rock and Roll” by Christmas of that year. We surpassed that and eventually moved on to harder songs. When I took the game home over Christmas break, it became the family past time to try to get good enough to beat me.

Becoming good at Guitar Hero made me realize that I wasn’t just born good at English and social studies—for the first three years of my life, I lived less than a block from our local library and read often; I had a mom who was an English teacher and encouraged me to write as much as possible; and as I got older, I had a grandpa who would loan me his old Time magazines. I had become good at English and social studies because I worked at it.

Much has been written about the idea of malleable intelligence. Discovery Health reports that the environment in which a child is raised could make a difference of as much as 40 points in that child’s IQ (even I was shocked by this number). So, providing a stimulating environment is incredibly important.

In a 2009 op-ed piece for the New York Times, David Brooks suggests that that perhaps even Mozart’s talent was not the product of some innate gift. He writes, “What Mozart had, we now believe, was the same thing Tiger Woods had — the ability to focus for long periods of time and a father intent on improving his skills. Mozart played a lot of piano at a very young age, so he got his 10,000 hours of practice in early and then he built from there.” (Keep in mind this article was written pre-Tiger Woods Thanksgiving drama.) It is not my goal to raise a child prodigy; however, it is my hope that one day Liam understands that hard work will lead to success.

Friday Night Vlog!

2011-08-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

I tweeted tonight about how I was thinking about doing a upcoming vlog, people wanted it tonight! So here you can, you ask, I give. Ignore me and look at the adorable toddler :)

Untitled from TheNerdyKatie on Vimeo.

Oh, How Pinteresting {Eye Candy}

2011-08-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

I'm just going to get straight to it.

Lets look at some Pinable guys shall we?

Target Tuesday

2011-08-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

I'm linking up with Tara from Fabulous But Evil today for Target Tuesday. I'm kinda obsessed with fall and wish it was here like yesterday. I am trying to figure out what I am going to do with my wardrobe because in Texas Fall and Winter are just about the same thing. So far I have just planned on adding a few things to it, like some brown boots (must have) and updated jewelry.

Fun With My Phone

2011-08-22T18:35:00.001-05:00

I am linking up with the awesome Savanah for Fun With My Phone. You need to go check out her adorable blog people!

This was my weekend, two under two. I was watching my niece, all by myself at that!

Okay, Maddie did help. The Niece now calls Maddie her dog.

My lunch! Ham, avocado, thinly sliced red onion and two slices of Munster on wheat. The most awesome grilled cheese I have ever made!

I saw this in Southern Living, yes, I read SL. I took a picture of it to pin to Pinterest.

Oh, How Pinteresting! {Printables}

2011-08-17T11:49:00.000-05:00

Miss Michelle from The Vintage Apple is our kind host for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday". For more info on Pinterest click here, to follow me click here, and if you would a invite email me at Katie@TheNerdyKatie.com and I will get you hooked up!

I am kinda in love with printables, so much so I have ran out of ink in my computers. OOPS. I of course have a million ideas on how I will find the perfect frame at a thrift store, paint it and it look like a million bucks. Yea, that never happens. The thrift stores around me are either gross or cost a crap ton of money. So, they will sit in my computer until Aaron Brothers has a sale.

{Guest Post} Dentist Tips on Helping Your Kiddo Brush Their Teeth

2011-08-15T10:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!! Obviously I am a stay at home Mom for saying that :) Today I have my buddy Melissa from The Mommyhood Chronicles guest posting with some awesome tips on getting your wee ones to brush their teeth. I mean, if you have a friend that is a Dentist in another state and you can get free dental care from them, you bet your butt I am going to be bugging her for advice. And since I am nice and all I will share it with y'all.

Let's pray to God her tips work for me, my kiddo thinks the toothbrush is a microphone and just sings "Poker Face" when he is supposed to brush.

When Katie asked me to share some tips with you all on helping younger kids brush their teeth, I was honored that she asked me. As a kids’ dentist and felt I could help with many parents’ issues with their kids’ teeth. I wrote this post with suggestions from my dental hygienist, Carleen.

Some tips to help with brushing:

Brushing kids’ teeth can be extremely challenging. One of the most important things you can do is establish a routine with brushing your kids’ teeth. When most patients’ moms ask me how this can be done with a wiggly kid, I usually suggest brushing their teeth in the bath. Sounds funny, right. I can tell you it does work in a lot of cases! Most kids love to bathe and are surrounded by toys. While they are playing with their toys, use this as a distraction and whip out the toothbrush. Most of the times they are having so much fun, they will be happy to oblige.

Go to the store with your kids and have them pick out their own toothpaste flavor ( refer to the no section below for options). Give them a few choices and have them pick out their favorite toothpaste. Believe me it works. With my own daughter, we had so much trouble with the toothpaste. When she was a year and a half, we went to the store and I gave her 3 toothpaste packages and told her to pick out the one she wants. When we went home and it was my time to brush her teeth, I whipped out HER toothpaste and explained to her that we are going to use what she picked. It worked!

If using a manual toothbrush doesn’t work, let them pick out an electrical toothbrush that sings to them. They have virtually every type imaginable in a local CVS or Walmart. The kids will be too distracted by the toothbrush “singing” they will forget that you are brushing their teeth.

Make sure you give them some time to “brush” their own teeth and then once done explain to them that mommy/daddy are now going to brush their teeth.

Have them brush your teeth with your toothbrush. Show how happy you are to get your teeth brushed by them. Then tell them it is time for you to brush their teeth. Role play- it works!

At the infant stage, take a little washcloth, wet it, and take them to the mirror. Only water at this point though! Have them watch you cleaning their gums. Babies like their reflection and will learn that having something such as a washcloth/toothbrush in their mouth, is normal. When an infant gets used to having someone in their mouth, it will also make the first dental visit less traumatic when they are a toddler. As they get older, keep this tradition and show them brushing by doing it in the mirror.

As they get older, set up a timer for 2 minutes and tell them till the beeper goes off, they mush brush. (see #5 below)

Positive reinforcement always works well. Try with just praise by way of hugs or words. If they are still refusing to have you brush their teeth, try sticker or little prize reinforcement. Absolutely no candy reinforcement for brushing though.

THE NO’S:

NEVER NEVER NEVER put your kid to bed with a sippy cup/bottle with milk or juice in it. You can email me and I can tell you some horror stories of kids’ teeth that had to be extracted at a young age because of this!

After brushing, no snacks or food should be given. When an adult brushes, that signals the end of the day and we are done eating. Don’t give into kids. Once they are brushed, they are done eating/drinking as well.

NO FLOURIDE toothpaste should be given till they can learn to spit. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste can be damaging so it is best to avoid it till they master spitting. Most kids are able to spit between 2-3 years old. If you want any suggestions for natural toothpastes that I recommend, please feel free to email me.

Only use a pea size amount of toothpaste. You do not want a ribbon of toothpaste. The kid will end up gagging if this is done.

And I will end with this. Once kids reach the school age and are dressing themselves, DO NOT let them brush their teeth by themselves. They might say they are going upstairs to brush after you put on the timer. They will then proceed to tell you they are all done. Don’t take their word! Chances are they didn’t really do a good job brushing or perhaps didn’t even brush at all. Make sure you are there when they are brushing. That is the only way you will know it was done proficiently.

It's in the Bag {part 2}

2011-08-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

A long long time ago (over a year ago) I wrote a post about what was in my purse at the time. I know some of y'all are sitting back saying, "who the eff cares?!?". Well, the answer my friend is me, people like me. This post is for all the nosy beeches out there that are dying to know what kind of crap you haul around with you on the daily. Be sure to check out this post to compare, because holy moley I have gotten rid of some junk!

The bag, it's a "vintage" Dooney &Burke, and by vintage I mean I got it in high school, but it's coming back in style!

1. Mada's Place Katie Clutch, I love this thing! The print makes me so happy, and it's named after me (true story). You should buy 50 of them.
2.Cheap sunglasses
3. Eos lip-balm, I am crazy addicted to this stuff. I think I have just about every flavor. Their shaving lotion is awesome to, I just don't carry that in my purse.
4. Key, with my Severus Snape Lego keychain.
5. Iphone 3gs
6. Wallet
7. Ibuprofen
8. Vera Bradley coin purse. I looked for it online to link it, couldn't find it. But it's from the "Frill" line.

In my make up bag, and yes, I pretty much keep all my lip glosses with me.
1. Bobbi Brown pressed powder.
2. Neutrogena healthy volume mascara
3.Stila long wear liquid lip color in Muse.
4.Stila lip glaze in Apricot
5.Stila lip glaze in Chocolate CD
6.MAC lipglass in Just For Fun
7.Korres lip gloss in Light Purple
8.Givenchy lip gloss in some color that the print is to small to read, but I saw a 4.
9. Stella Nude sample spray
10. some crap

And then this happened.

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday! Fall Clothes

2011-08-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

Miss Michelle from The Vintage Apple is our kind host for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday". For more info on Pinterest click here, to follow me click here, and if you would a invite email me at Katie@TheNerdyKatie.com and I will get you hooked up!

I am dying for fall to get here, maybe it is the 100+ Houston weather that has me seeing red, maybe it is because my house has been cool and has that fall smell. I can't tell you what it is, but fall is my favorite season, I wish it was fall 99% of the time . Anyone know where it is always fall? One of my favorite things about fall has to be the clothes, I have found some awesome fall clothes to share with you guys today. I already have most of the stuff pinned, or a variation of it, I just need the brown boots!

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{Guest Post} You Always Remember Your First Time

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have a special treat for y'all today! The awesome Jenn from When In Doubt, Add More Salt is guest posting! Her blog is filled with awesome, you should check it out asap. She is also one of the H-Town Bloggers and a awesome twitter buddy. What I am really saying is you should be counting yourself luck that you are getting to read her amazing in one more place :) And how adorable is her family? Mental note, I need to set up a play date soon!

If you would like to guest post on my blog, shoot me a email! Katie@TheNerdyKatie.com

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No, my friends, we aren't going there this morning, but...

HI! This is my first ever guest post! I was super excited when Katie asked for some guest bloggers and figured I'd throw myself out there! So, hi (again), I'm Jenn, just met Katie at our Houston Bloggers meet-up, and I'm so glad I did. She's so fun! And I haven't met her kiddo yet, but he's super cute. Don't you agree?

I like being in the kitchen (cooking and baking, not cleaning, of course), running (in whatever small doses I can get), reading, singing in the shower, receiving/giving greeting cards, and of course, journeying through the world of bloggers meeting new faces.

Speaking of blogging? My post today is about ruts, and in particular, bloggin' ruts. Some of you are hard core, and this would NEVER happen to you. But some of you totally get me on this. You wake up (or you've been up), and you want to write. Nothing there. No inspiration. Nothing funny, nothing sappy, just nothing.

You could find a linkup. OR you can use one of the ideas below and have posts for a few days (and even weeks!). And you can thank me later for passing on some of these great bloggers too! :)

I'm hoping to partake myself in one or some of these, and if you do, be sure to check back in and let us know. Ready....Set...Geaux! (Yep, I'm Cajun, and we like to jack up our spellings sometimes.)

1. Go say hi to Tara and check out 10 Meaningful Snapshots. Who doesn't love life through the lens?

2. Next stop is Allie who is working on the 10 Day You Challenge. Ten days--completely do-able right?

3. Ten posts not enough? Go back and visit Tara and take on your own 30 Day Challenge.

4. And finally, a little bit of reflection. Check out an example of the 7 Links Project and then peruse through your own past posts and make fun of yourself, be proud of yourself, but mostly, love yourself!

(Sorry, I get cheeseballs!)

5. If all else fails, make a damn list already!

And just in case you think this post has been total crap, I give you....

TEXAS BEST CHEESE DIP also known as QUESO.

I was skeptical. It's got greenery in it, but it is full of awesome!

Make this. Tonight, and grab a bag of chips and get to blogging.

Ingredients

1 lb Velveeta Mexican Cheese (original will do just fine, too)
12 ounces cream cheese
1 can ro-tel
1 bunch green onions, tops only, chopped (to taste), optional
1-2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped (to taste)
2-3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (to taste)
black pepper, cracked

Directions

Melt cheeses together in microwave or on stove top. Stir in all other ingredients. Serve warm with tortilla chips. (You can put cheese dip in a crock pot and keep on warm to keep cheese dip from getting sticky.)

Now you have to like me. :)

In My Mail Box

2011-08-07T22:47:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you had a faboosh weekend. My was pretty good, I got to sleep in late, and nap! Always great in my book :)

Today I am linking up with The Story Siren to let you know what I got in the mail this week.

Anna Johnson is not a tea-bag squeezer, a penny-pincher, or inherently thrifty in any way—but she knows how to enjoy the finer things in life . . . for much, much less! In Savvy Chic, she shares her secrets on how to dress, decorate, entertain, and travel in high style without breaking the piggy bank.

Style: Get "rich girl" chic for dimes and master the fine art of thrift-shop vintage.
Decorating: Create exquisite curtains with Chinese lace tablecloths and shop the flea market like a stylist.
Entertaining: Feast on abundant rather than expensive food—from the ten-dollar dinner to the shoestring wedding reception.
Travel: Fake snobby style in Capri or make a one-star hotel feel like home.
Leisure: Take the town with nothing but a ball gown and twenty dollars or enjoy the most original dates in the history of love, for less of course.

All it takes to live well is taste, style, imagination, and rebellious flair—and Savvy Chic will show you how. Fun, fulfilling, and frugally fabulous, here's your indispensable guide to five-star elegance on a one-star budget. {via Goodreads}

From fashion to finance, a sophisticated and entertaining guide that shows readers how to attain the elegance and practical smarts that defined Jackie O

We cant help but want to be like her: Exuding unmatched poise and style, she continues to fascinate people of all ages. But how would Jackie have handled the twenty-first-century? What would she think about a society that celebrates outsized egos, instant everything, and casual rules of conduct? How might she dress for the office, scan for a man, accessorize a homeand get away from it all when necessary? With intriguing research, commentary from todays experts, and fond reminiscences from those who knew and admired the first lady of perfection, journalists Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway now offer a sparkling answer to the question, What Would Jackie Do?
Applying Jackies philosophies to every aspect of contemporary life, including relationships, office politics, family matters, and entertaining, What Would Jackie Do? is a trove of advice, featuring:

Noblesse Oblige for Beginners
How Not to be an Interchangeable Woman
Mastering the Effortless Rich look
The art of attachment: lessons on sex, marriage, and men of consequence
Career Whirl: Pearls for Getting Ahead
Caftan in a Kelly bag: How to travel beautifully
O- Behave! Anti-brat strategies for parents
* En Suite Home: Perfecting Your Domestic Pitch

The next best thing to having Jackie O. as a personal adviser, What Would Jackie Do? reveals the practical wisdom behind an icon and gives all readers a piece of the Jackie mystique, be it of the heart, the mind, or the home. {via Goodreads}

Childrens Book Giveaway Winner!

2011-07-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Kristen! You won your pick of the childrens book pack sponsored by Cassie from Cool and Crafty with a side of Crazy.

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday, Kitchens!

2011-07-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

Miss Michelle from The Vintage Apple is our kind host for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday". For more info on Pinterest click here, to follow me click here, and if you would a invite email me at Katie@SeeKReadBlog.com and I will get you hooked up!

I love to cook, I love to hang out in the kitchen and talk while I am cooking or just waiting on something to happen with my cooking. Meg & her husband come over while Dexter is on and we always cook dinner and then watch the show. You can usually find Meg leaned against the fridge and me at the sink doing something.

So what I am saying is, I need a kitchen the is not tiny so I can be all cozy like in it, have a place to put my crap and cabinets that aren't all sorts of jacked up!

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TrueBlood Tuesday

2011-07-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hello all! First off I am sorry I didn't have a post for y'all last week. I was out of town when the show aired and it took me two hours to watch it on the hotels crappy wifi. But, that episode didn't have much in it thankfully. I honestly can't really remember it now, and I know Caitlin had the same problem.

On to this week! I am just going to break it down by story line. I think that would be easiest.

Bill- I am very glad you discovered you are banging out GGx4. That was nasty and I am glad you have taken my advice and stopped banging her. Portia, you are sick. Really, please don't try to justify incest, that's beyond gross. I do love it that she will be afraid of him every time she sees him now. Hehehe.

Jason- Who wants to start a bet on how many strange little children he is going to have? I really hope this story line is ending. I am over it, as I have been saying since day one. Hopefully Jessica's blood doesn't turn him into a panther. Speaking of Jessica, the dream had me cracking up. Especially the end with Hoyt. Awkward!

Sookie and Eric- I still don't feel like we are getting enough time with these two. And while they are great together and very funny in the "aww" way, I feel like it is dragging. Right when things are starting to get good it looks like Bill is going to come in and mess them up.

Tommy- I want to like Tommy, I really do. He is hot, the actor is from Texas, and he is hot. Plus he is also that type of wayyyy scrwed up kinda bad boy that I used to fall for ;) But, another story line I am over. I am hoping it is going to get better, that we see him and Sam form some sort of relationship that makes them all puppies and rainbows and the only time we see them is when they are wearing their "I <3 My Brother" t-shirts (I will also settle with "I'm With Stupid" with a arrow). But I am so glad that the parents are dead, but now watch there ghost come back. And the alligator was priceless.

Speaking of ghosts Arleen and the baby- I don't like it when bad stuff happens to kids in shows. Maybe it's because I am a Mom? I didn't like it on Sons of Anarchy, or on Dexter. Don't like it now. Again, another story line I could do with out. I did love that Tara's Mom got her Minister. I love the way she talks. She was the only good part in all this mess. But, the more that I think of it, I guess I am okay with the baby thing if it brings Renee back. I really liked him, I know he was a psycho sick serial killer. But I like the way he talked. I also like the way Sara Palin talks. We might have a pattern here folks.

Pam- Poor Pam, girl is going all zombie like all over the place. Y'all know she is going to get fixed, I'm not worried. I would have been worried if Marnie was somehow controlling her. Which I am sure that is the next step. Also, how was Pam able to betray Eric? I thought she wasn't able to do that. But then again, look at Bill and Lorena. On the subject of makers. Was that the same Godric? He looked different.

The Witches Do we really need to dig deeper into Jesus history? I bet we are going to find out the he is somehow related to whoever is possessing Marnie. I am kinda digging the Marnie story line now though. I am anxious to see how she handles being held captive. Tara can just go back to NOLA though.

I think that is about it for me this week on TB. I do like how the episodes are getting funnier, that is helping with the waaaayyyy to many story lines. What are your thoughts? Find anything I am forgetting?

A Vlog on why I don't Vlog.

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

The other day I was watching a wonderful vlog, I don't remember who it belonged to, but it was good. The Vloger had her hair and make up looking wonderful, she was wearing nice clothes, her home looked child free. Then I looked at myself. Hair a mess, no make up on and a child climbing up my back. I decided that would be a great time to show y'all why I don't vlog. And what I deal with daily. Enjoy me in my nasty hair, makeup free realness!

Our Galveston "stay"cation!

2011-07-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am nice and happy from a great weekend! This post is going to be picture heavy, so be prepared.

Sunday was my sister in laws birthday, she wanted to have a weekend getaway to Galveston to relax and play on the beach with the family. It looked like it was going to rain this weekend (it didn't) so she, my other sister and law, mother and law, and 2 nieces moved there hotel reservation to another weekend in August. We couldn't get out of ours, so we still went, why waste the money right?

So glad we did! The family still came and hung out with us on Sunday, we took The Toddler to the beach for the first time, which he loved! And just bummed around the island. I have never felt like a tourist in Galveston, maybe it is because I live 30 minuets from it? But this weekend I did, I guess it was because we were staying in a hotel?

J and I got to have a date night, that never happens!

The view from our hotel.

I don't know who loves Rita's more, The Toddler or I!

My sister-in-laws and I. Yes, I am wearing a huge floppy hat, I have Irish skin that burns at the word "sun".

Pina Colada!

Can you tell I like onions? And yes, those are onion rings in the back ground.

That plaque shows the water line from Hurricane Ike. I was standing on some stairs taking it. It was about 6ft from the floor to the plaque.

The Toddler loves chips and queso!

J and I have decided that we are going to try to do little trips like this more. We are already planning a trip to the Texas Hill Country to visit my family and bum around. I seriously can not wait! Have you ever taken a staycation?

Childrens Book Giveaway!

2011-07-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

The awesome Cassie from Cool and Crafty with a side of Crazy has generously offered up a 2 pack of childrens books up to one lucky SeeKRead follower!

Aren't these books (links to the girl set) adorable?!? The Toddler needs the boy set, I wonder if I can win?

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday! Flower Edition

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Miss Michelle from The Vintage Apple is our kind host for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday". For more info on Pinterest click here, to follow me click here, and if you would a invite email me at Katie@SeeKReadBlog.com and I will get you hooked up!

I love, love, love fresh flowers. I know a lot of people don't like them because they die and all that. But they just make me all sorts of happy. I am a big fan of the discount section at Krogers. I have had a many of great finds there, from potted orchids for $4.99 (usually $9) to a dozen roses for $2.00. I like shorter vases and to make the bunches of flowers super tight. I have finally figured if I put a rubber band at the base of the flowers I can get this effect pretty easily. Here are some flower arrangements that I am drooling over.

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We Have a Winner!

2011-07-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Ashley! You one the giveaway :) Please pick any book off of my 111 in 2011 list and I will send it to you.

For those that didn't win, I am sorry :( Once I get to 200 followers I will be giving away another 111 book! On Thursday I will be announcing another giveaway, so you still have chances to win something from me!

Today is the big day.

2011-07-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Book Giveaway Time!

2011-07-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am feeling generous today, since that doesn't happen a lot, I figured I better jump on it. So today I am giving away a copy of any book I have read in 2011. To view the full list go here, there are over 50 to chose from!

I am trying out Rafflecopter and am super excited about it! Every time I post a giveaway I always wish someone would make a service like this, so I am pretty stoked that someone has. The mandatory entries are marked in green, so you still need to click on those to enter even though it is already clicked off.

This giveaway is open to all my readers in the US and Canada and ends Monday night, I will announce the winner later that night.

This giveaway is 100% sponsored by me, because I am nothing but giving :)

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday! Harry Potter Edition.

2011-07-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Miss Michelle from The Vintage Apple is our kind host for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday". For more info on Pinterest click here, to follow me click here, and if you would a invite email me at Katie@SeeKReadBlog.com and I will get you hooked up!

I have been collecting Harry Potter pins for awhile now, and even have a board full of Potterness. So, I found it very appropriate to make today dedicated to Harry.

These last three are because I am always fighting with Twihards about how Bella is not a role model for young girls, the Twilight books are not romantic and Edward is basically abusive. Genny Weasly is a role model yo.

TrueBlood Tuesday

2011-07-12T12:35:00.000-05:00

I am going to do something a little different today for TBT. I am going to write a open letter to Bill Compton. I loved most of Sundays episode. But I have a bone to pick with my favorite vamp. I am still processing the death of Claudine (I think I am happy about it, over the fae), the Panther gang bang. I mean really, WTF? Really. WTF? Same with Debbie Pelt. But Bill, I'm not letting you get off so easy.

Dear Bill Compton,

   WTF are you doing man? That's your Great-Great-Great Granddaughter you are banging. That's even grosser than first cousins, just don't. Not only that but she is the naked chick from Dexter, I am surprised we are just now seeing her naked. I feel like I know her better than her gyno. But please Bill, stop banging your "kin folk". It's gross and Sookie isn't going to want you after that. Okay?

   I love that you have power and all, but that doesn't mean you have to be a dick. And yes, you are being a dick. There was no reason to put that random guy down, he got caught feeding on film because he was tricked. At least he wasn't BANGING HIS GREATx4 GRANDDAUGHTER.

Stop banging your Gx4GD (that's what I am going to call her), and I can not stress that enough, and go and get Sookie back! She is currently being wooed by Eric, sweet puppy dog Eric. Sure, he sometime confuses her with a tan stain from the Jersey Shore. But he is all cute and cuddly right now. And you are banging your Gx4GD. You are losing her man! And you are losing me (which is most important)!

I don't want to have to switch my Team Bill button out for Team Eric, I can only handle so much suckage at once and right now the Astros have that void filled.

Please do not disappoint me, and I hope next week you are only looking for Eric so y'all can bond. Not kill. I have an idea, why don't you introduce him to you Gx4GD!

                           Love,
                                   Katie

Don't forget to grab your button to rep your team, and be sure to check out Caitlins blog for her TBT post!

Guest Post from Jessica Park, author of Flat Out Love

2011-07-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Today I bring you the wonderful Jessica Park, author of Flat Out Love. I have lent her my blog for the day so she can tell y'all how wonderful book bloggers are and make me feel all warm and fuzzy (I never said I wasn't selfish). But really, she wrote a very moving post that everyone should take a few minutes out of there day to read, and then buy her book. I will share my warm fuzzies with y'all, for a few minutes.

I posted about Jessica's book in April, loved it then and still love it. It's a great book that is very funny as well as a book that makes you think. To read my review on it from April click here. I you are interested in purchasing her book it is available in e-formant for the Nook and Kindle. Of course I highly recommend your buying it :)

In the Company of Bloggers

  I can’t begin to imagine having the slightest success self-publishing without book bloggers. What an invaluable, generous, thoughtful, amazing bunch. Trust me, there is nothing more intimidating and humiliating than searching for good book blogger sites and blindly emailing bloggers to see if there is any chance they’d be willing to read an e-copy of a self-published novel. It’s nerve wracking. When I wrote for a publishing house, I got “professional” reviews via ARCs and galleys, although I still did some marketing myself. When I published RELATIVELY FAMOUS myself, I was suddenly in the position of doing absolutely all marketing myself. (Although truth be told, NY publishers do less and less for most authors these days. But that’s another blog.) It was my first YA book, and I had no contacts. No author friends who wrote YA, no one to turn to… Ack! I was alone. Twitter has been a saving grace in this business, and nearly all of my YA contacts have been made there. (If you’ve read FLAT-OUT LOVE, then you know that I am a slave to Facebook, but Twitter is an author’s life force when it comes to blogging.)

  So I sent out emails with the dubious hope that someone might possibly take my book for review. It sounds silly now that I know better, but I was absolutely stunned at how many bloggers not only agreed to review the book, but were totally supportive of self-publishing. People were wonderful! I couldn’t believe what genuinely sweet emails I started exchanging with YA reviewers. Then I released FLAT-OUT LOVE a few months ago, and I’ve been blown away by how the blogging world has rallied around me in support. It’s quite moving, actually. The funny thing that happened is that connecting with bloggers for book promotion purposes has had an unexpected and awesome bonus: I’m meeting such a totally cool group of people. I’m meeting friends (One of my best pals is Lori from Lori’s Reading Corner! I met her when she came to a Gourmet Girl signing that I did years ago.)

  The stigma of self-pubbed books is waning a bit, but I’ve also worked hard to make sure bloggers and readers know that my books are professionally written, and that I put a lot of thought and time into my writing. I’ve tried to “package” myself as someone to be taken seriously and who, in turn, takes bloggers seriously. I know how many books are out there for them to choose from, so it’s important that I have the appropriate respect for the time I’m asking them to take to read and review my books.
Authors have spent hours (and some plenty of cash) trying to figure out what sells books. Trust me, it’s exhausting. And rather fruitless. As far as I can tell, what really sells books is word of mouth. Right? Hearing from a friend that she loved a book is a good incentive to give it a try yourself. That’s essentially what bloggers do for us; they’re the ultimate in word of mouth! And, man, do we appreciate it. Not only do they give reviews (and often post those in multiple places on the web), but they are so welcoming about having authors do guest blogs or interviews and running contests and sales events. Bloggers retweet our book info like crazy, too, and you can’t put a price on a good RT. Plus, FB and Twitter friends and bloggers are there during the writing process. It’s nice get online cheers when I post that I’ve finished a chapter, or written 8,000 words that day. It makes writing less of a solitary process, because there are days that I get so lost in my fictional world that I feel lonely when I finally emerge to the real one.

  I wish that there were a way to thank all of the bloggers who have given me their time and support. Words are inadequate, truly. I’m at an absolute loss about how to explain how much they do for us. I owe any measure of sales success that I have to this universally warm, funny, loyal, and encouraging group. It’s humbling and special and mind-boggling and touching and…
Well, those words barely scratch the surface. I’ll have to go on faith that they know how adored they are.
Here’s to you, bloggers!

Jessica is posting on my blog in part of Ashley, from The Book Labyrinth blog tour that she is hosting for Flat Out Love, thank you so much Ashley for putting all of this together and letting me be a part of it!

True Blood Tuesday

2011-07-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Trubies! I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend, I did, which y'all will hear about later. For now, it's TrueBlood time. If you haven't watched it yet, and care about spoilers, I suggest that you don't read this post. You have been warned.

I watched this episode right after the first one last week, of course. I have watched it twice more this week, yes, I know, obsession. But in my defense, Netflix was slow sending Gossip Girl.

I am pleased at how fast the Eric story line is moving! I was worried that it wouldn't really get going until mid season. I would like to see it at the fore front, I as usual feel like there are to many story lines going on. Let's count them based on this episode.

Hotshot, I was annoyed by it in the book, but I am even more annoyed by it now. Maybe it is because they made Calvin such a jerk when I really liked him in the book. I can't stand it, Crystal hooked on V? Basically raping Jason? Then we add Andy hooked to V which I am sure is going to go along with the Hotshot story line. Over it, and it's only episode two.
We have the Bill backstory. Like I said before, I know they had to do something because in the book Bill was in Peru. But now, I don't know. I am still on the fence. He is pissing me off because I feel like he should be chasing Sookie, he doesn't even seemed concerned about what is going on with Eric buying her house, anything. He is more into getting around town, and by getting around town, I mean getting it in around town. Please Bill, get your girl back! I am anxious to see how he handles the Eric situation, Pam was the one in control of that in the book, now I wonder if it is going to be Bill.
The Fellow Ship of the Son is back, I think we are going to see something more from them. In I think it is book 7 they are responsible for the terrorist attack on the Vamp convention in Rhodes, since Alan Ball has made it clear that it this show might not go past next season, I wonder if they are going to throw that in some how. I would also like to point out the protestor that said "I am a Christian God Dammit". Anyone else see the irony in that statement?
Sam and his shifter friends, I love Sam, but I love the book Sam. He was all around a sweet good guy with no dark side. I feel like there is so dark in this show, why add to it? Now we add Luna? We have to deal with her baggage? Really, do we need this? Let's focus on Sookie and Eric, we don't need anymore! On that note, why could Sookie not tell Sam where she was? He has no interest in the fae.
The end of the show, oh how I loved the final scene with Sookie and Eric. Did anyone else get chills when he said "why do you smell so good"? I was intrigued, frightened, and giddy all at once! I hope this new found zomg you smell like fairy thing keeps him from shacking up with Sookie. I think this is where we are going to see Bill come into play to keep it from happening. I am really, really hoping the Alan Ball doesn't jump the shark with this. So much from the book story line has already gotten twisted. I almost don't see how the can justify having Eric stay with her. Remember he was supposed to be in hiding? The witches were after bar profits? Now what? I have to constantly remind myself that the book and tv show are way separate and that they basically just share a theme and some characters.

Did you watch Sundays episode? If so what are you thoughts? Feel free to link up in the comment section, and don't forget to grab a badge to support your "team"!

Thoughts on Forever (the book people).

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater
In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. {via GoodReads}

I honestly still don't know what to think of this book I just finished it a few hours ago. I can tell you this much, I didn't care for in that OMGIMUSTREADITALLNOW kinda way. But, I was also the same way with Linger. I honestly just read this to see how it all ties up, and it didn't really feel like I got any closer. I am not going to go into hardcore details because the book isn't out yet and I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

This is a long book y'all. Not super long, but you are noticing the page numbers because you are just waiting for something to happen. Maybe my problem is I don't care about people's feelings in books, I do in a fleeting way, but not a 3 page spread over the meaning of cranes on the ceiling or whatever. For it being what I felt was a long book, the chapters were short. Right when something was about to happen it would switch over to someone else (basically 4 main characters) and I felt it lost momentum.

I feel like it has been at least a year since I read Shiver and Linger, I need a quick review. Nothing way to intense that take chapter, but just a quick, here is what happened would be nice. I had totally forgotten about Grace being in the hospital and Olivia becoming a wolf.

I do love Isabelle, honestly, I wish we would have seen more of her. I love her snark, she has her head on. I wish she would have been the main character. Loves her. I feel the same about Cole, hopefully we will have some sort of follow up with them.

All in all I give this one 2 stars.

It just took it sooo long for anything to happen that I could only focus on that. I like fast moving books, this isn't one.

This review was sponsored by Once Upon A Twilight's Forever Tour.

***FTC disclosure, a ARC of Forever was provided to me at no cost for this review, which I then sent on to the next person in the tour***

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Today I have a very special post for you. Chris DiGiuseppi, author of The Light Bringer is taking over my blog, and giving away a copy of The Light Bringer autographed by him and Mike Force!

Many people have asked me how The Light Bringer came about. Mike and I have been in law enforcement for a combined total of approximately 50 years. We've worked together for the last 19 years and over that time frame had frequently talked about those difficult and traumatic times where we've tried to help people deal with horrific situations. These trying events, which seem to wear on one's soul, had eventually pushed us to try our hand at writing fiction.

About three years ago I put together a draft based on some of the many instances that Mike and I had encountered in both our personal and professional lives. From there we both wrote the initial copy of The Light Bringer, incorporating not only those incidents based on true events, but the fictional explanation that takes the reader beyond life itself. We wanted to create a good verses evil story told in a unique fashion that sent a message of hope.

The book attempts to provoke thought regarding how we live our lives and how that affects us after death. We believe that The Light Bringer will appeal to a variety of readers from those who enjoy an inspirational story of hope, to those who are drawn to a supernatural adventure involving the battle between good and evil.

To win a signed copy of The Light Bringer please fill out this form. The giveaway will end Monday night.

Some helpful links for extra entries:

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday!

2011-06-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

Miss Michelle from The Vintage Apple is our kind host for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday". For more info on Pinterest click here, to follow me click here, and if you would a invite email me at Katie@SeeKReadBlog.com and I will get you hooked up!

This week I am going to focus on home libraries. Looking at libraries is like looking at porn for me. I can't wait for the day that I can have my own libraries. Maybe my Beast will build me one (HINT HINT J, I KNOW YOU READ MY BLOG).

TrueBlood Tuesday

2011-06-28T13:13:00.000-05:00

As you may have notice, I am a huge TrueBlood fan, like massive. My besite Caitlin is also a huge Trubie, we have been known to discuss the books and show for over an hour. So of course it makes sense that we host True Blood Tuesdays together! This is where I am going to tell y'all my thoughts on the show from the previous Sunday, Caitlin will as well on her blog. If enough people want to do it I will throw one of those linky things on the bottom, but for now leave your post in the comments please :)

Oh, and we have buttons y'all! The awesome and amazing Becca from Jumping Jax Designs made these for us. So grab a button with the "Team" you represent and post it proudly on your blog!

And now for my thoughts on the premier! This WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS if you have not watched the show yet and get all pissy if things get spoiled then you are going to want to come back after you watch the show!

I really hate it when shows mess with time. I would have been happy if it would have been the 20 minutes after she came out of the fairy hole (hehehe) instead of a year.
Also, did anyone else thing that the fairy land looked like Star Trek? But not new StarTrek, like back when William Shatner really was cool?
I don't like at all that Andy is addicted to V. It's just another story line that we can do without.
Oh yea, Tara's back. I am so excited? Or should I be calling her Tony from Atlanta? She should have gone to Atlantis. Bazinga.
Love the story line going on with Sam. I am used to him being this super nice guy in the books, I hated seeing him turn into a massive asshole in the show.
Oh Bill Compton, you sexy motha you, and now he is a man in power? Oh dear God hold me now you cold one.
The witches, I would be okay with them if LaLa and Jesus weren't involved. But I guess they have to get their story line in somewhere? Also, I love that Aunt Petunia from Harry Potter is the lead witch. Love.
Jessica I guess is finding herself? Which I like, her and Hoyt were boring together. I hope they break up. I also like to see her and Bill interact and was disappointed I didn't get any of that this episode.
Jason and Hotshot, I can already tell this is going to be my least favorite story line. Just move on dude, call CPS, get the kids out and count your loses because you are boring me bro.
I can already tell that this season is going to be hard for me, I am very Team Bill by the books, especially after the last book. But I don't know if I like the person that Bill has become, I guess they had to do something with him since in the book he was in Peru. But, this is one of my favorite books, and I am already enjoying Erics story line, but then knowing what I know in the last book, it makes me feel dirty. Maybe I am just Team LaLa and he and Sookie run off to Miami together.

So, who else watched? Please tell me your thoughts in the comments, or better yet right your own post! Caitlin and I will be posting on TrueBlood every Tuesday so be sure to check back. And don't forget your buttons!

There is a lot going on y'all.

2011-06-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

You know how I love my lists, so that's what y'all are going to get. Lists of awesome...dun dun dun...

FOUR Days until The Light Bringer comes out! Have y'all checked out Blonde Undercover Blonde? Yea, Heather is giving away a Kindle, a KINDLE people!

What about Sippy Cup Mom? She is giving away a iPad for the release of The Light Bringer! Yes, a iPad people!!

True Blood Tuesdays start tomorrow and is hosted by Caitlin and I and we want every one to post with us please :)
And finally, did y'all catch my guest post on Meg from O. Is Me blog? It has tons of picture of The Toddler, funny stories and me waxing all poetic about what a kick ass Mom my bestie is going to be.

That's what's going on this very busy week folks, in addition to me trying to catch up on Gossip Girl, finish reading Forever, which is like pulling teeth and re-read Flat Out Love for the tour that starts next week. I see a lot of late nights in my future.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Lets get hoppin yo!

2011-06-23T12:03:00.000-05:00

I am doing 2 hops today. Why? Because they are fun!

1) Tell one thing not many people know about you.

I don't think there is much, I am pretty much a open book :)

2) If you HAD to change your first name, what would you change it to?

I like my name, but if I had to change it, I would probably change it to Jane. I love that name. As a matter of a fact, in The Toddler would have been a girl, his middle name would have been Jane.

3) What are your 3 favorite songs of the moment?

Check out the videos I posted above!

4) List 3 goals on your life's to-do list:

Own my own business
Send my kiddo off to college
Travel, lots of traveling.

5) What is one of your favorite quotes?

This isn't all inspering and all that jazz. I just think ironic and true! It's from Beyonce's new song. "How we're smart enough to make these millions Strong enough to bear the children Then get back to business"

6) Fill in the blank: If I had an extra 10 dollars to spend . . I would buy __________?

The next level up on Netflix so I could get more Gossip Girl discs.

7) What’s your birth date?

October 18th

8) Do you have a hidden talent and if so what is it?

I can put my fist in my mouth LMAO.

9) What do you think of when you hear the word blue?

My eyes, because I am super vain.

10) Finish this thought: I need . . .

a babysitter! Momma needs a break!

Bloggers for Joplin

2011-06-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last month, I announced that I would be accepting June advertisers with the proceeds going to help the town of Joplin, Missouri.

I was blown away when Melissa had over 40 bloggers contacted her to let her know they wanted to do the same thing.

Together, we created Bloggers for Joplin.

We spread the word and got amazing advertisers on board, along with a couple of generous donations.

I have met amazing people during this that have became friends and I am so proud that we all came together to help.

We were able to donate an initial $1,348 to the Heart of Missouri United Way.

The Heart of Missouri United Way is working with no overhead to provide 100% of donations to help Joplin, Missouri.

After that initial donation, we still had donations rolling in from generous advertisers.

We were able to donate an additional $130 for a total of $1,478!

You can check out Melissa's exciting video of her making initial donation via Paypal.

All additional donations were made by Paypal also.

A HUGE thank you to the blogs that participated in this event:

Sippy Cup Mom

The Maven of Social Media

Miracle Momas

An Idol Heart

Mommy PR

Motherhood Unadorned

Girl Gone Mom

Crazy about My Baybah

{Not Quite} Susie Homemaker

a belle, a bean & a chicago dog

Family and Life in Las Vegas

Fun Finds For Families

A Creation of Miracles

Family Friendly Frugality

The Reynolds Mom

Sarah’s Deals

2 Boys + 1 Girl= 1 Crazy Mom

Taming Insanity

Return to Disney

JDaniel4′s Mom

Smart Ass Direct

The Scoop on Poop

Three P’s in a Pod

Life Below Zero

YUMMummy

The Magic Farmouse

Kate n’ Kaboodle

See K Read

My Crafty Life

StL Baseball App

Mom-Blog

The Turnip Farmer

Night Owls Perch

Shopaholic Mommy

Purple Baby Brigade

Meil et Lait

Project Alicia

Crazy and Cool with a Side of Crafty

The Interuppting Cow

Midnight Mommy

The New Glasers

THANK YOU to all of the advertisers who are participating! We have over 52 advertisers with MANY advertising on several blogs!

The Life of Rylie and Bryce

Crazy & Cool With a Side of Crafty

Taming Insanity

Chasing Twins in Louboutins

Charms of Life Etsy Shop

Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks

Savvy Shopper Services

Giveaway Corner

Freebies and Cheapies

Confessions of a Couponer

Fun Finds for Families

Money Saving Secrets Blog

Cherished Hearts Vintage

a grande life

The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man

Scandinavian Child

Nonsense and Whimsy

Creations by Kristen

Please make sure to check out these bloggers and advertisers! Without them, it never could have happened!

Please remember to keep the town of Joplin, Missouri in your thoughts!

So, Fathers Day.

2011-06-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

I know this post is 2 days late, but this is when I could write it. It's about to get real up in here, just a fair warning.

My Dad passed away when I was 14. I was and still am a total Daddies Girl, my Dad was my best friend and a amazing man. Fathers Day is hard because it makes me remember what I don't have any more.

Me, being the selfish ass I am, gets upset when I see people out and about with their Dads having lunch or whatever. Don't they know that some people don't have Dads with us any more? Don't they know how insensitive they are being? When they bitch and complain about their Dads don't they know that some people would literally give anything to have just one more hug from our Dad (I swear my Dad invented the bear hug).

I know that's not the attitude to have, and this is the first time I have ever said that out loud (wait, I think I did talk about it with a friend who knows what it's like, so since she agreed with me, it doesn't count. Bazinga). Everyone gets upset over what they don't have, it's human nature. I don't have my Dad with me anymore, so of course I am going to look on with envy at those who do.

I didn't do the whole change your Facebook picture to him, I have tons of him on there. For some reason this year it hurt to bad. So I will show y'all some picture of my kick ass Dad now. Seriously y'all, he is the coolest man you never met. He taught me what a sense of humor is (and a dirty one at that) about music and being southern. His namesake Grandson is so much like him, it brings me both comfort and scares the crap out of me all at once.

And this is my Dad. So very him, and if you know me, so very me. And I just realized I have the same Sperrys that he is wearing. I really am my fathers daughter.

DISCLAIMER: The ugly couch is not ours. I repeat, the ugly couch is not ours.