Two blog posts in a row?! Does this mean I’m finally getting back to my groove?! Don’t get too excited but I’m hoping so!

Today, I’m linking up with Andrea to discuss our guilty pleasures!

{Bachelor in Paradise}

Bachelor in Paradise… need I say more?! I know it’s such a dumb show but I love watching the drama unfold! It started last night and I’m catching up with it today (so no spoilers!).  Although, after the whole Corrine/DeMario deal and it saying that the couples are already picked before they go on the show makes it a little less appealing to me lately… that shouldn’t be the only thing, right?! ha!

{Lifetime Movies & ID Discovery}

I don’t know why but I just love these.. And to be honest, really just the thriller ones! They’re beyond ridiculous and most of the acting is terrible BUT I can’t help it.  I had to stop watching ID Discovery at one point because my nightmares were crazy; especially since it’s all REAL stories! Ugh.. but it’s so good so it’s hard to stop watching it all!

{Music}

Listening to 2000’s hip hop and boy bands/Britney Spears! Guarantee we’ll be listening to some St. Lunatic’s Pandora this weekend at the Lake and I’m so stoked!  Every time I’m in the car by myself for longer drives, I just love jamming out to some B Spears and “oldies”!

{Queso}

I don’t know why but I couldn’t live without some queso and chips in my life! If I could have some queso and chips – and not just like from the store in a jar… that’s not good but from an actual Mexican restaurant then my life would be pretty full 🙂 And I don’t just mean my stomach! haha!

{Watching Instagram & FB Live videos}

Love them. Love them. Love them. I feel like I should do like 5 a day because I just love watching other people’s so much.  But not just like videos that are shared on FB but actual ones from people and into their lives. So interesting!

I could probably think of a million more guilty pleasures but I figured I’d stop here for now… when I asked Logan what my guilty pleasures were he responded with “Smooch by Kristi” hahahaha! Men… 😉

What are some of your guilty pleasures?!

Hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

Kristi

Happy Tuesday!

Today I’m linking up to do one of my favorite things… see inside other people’s homes!  When I was younger (and let’s be real, I still do!) I used to wonder what people’s homes looked like on the inside when I’d drive through random neighborhoods.  I’d wonder what their decorations were or how it was set up… and if they had my dream kitchen?!

Today, I’m linking up with Andrea to share our home tour!  I shared our fall home tour here and our Christmas home tour here in case you want to check those out 😉

I’m only sharing a little peek into our home but there’s been a few updates (decor wise) that I’m excited to share!

This is what our front steps currently look like… Clash much?!

This is the sign normally on our door 🙂 Isn’t this the cutest door hanger?!

This is the look down from our stairs – I recently added the bench with the hanger and wreath! I’m waiting for Logan to hang a sign above the Magnolia wreath 🙂 Hopefully that will happen soon enough!
I also switched out our dark espresso frames for these white ones! It looks so much brighter in our house with all these whites!

Another thing that’s new – I painted the espresso colored wine cabinet white to brighten up the space a bit!  You can see the old spaces above in the other home tours!

They certainly aren’t professional pictures, I’ll work on that one for the fall tour! And real life – our house isn’t always super clean so you can see how we really live 🙂

If you want a glimpse into other people’s homes (without being a creeper), check out the link up here!

See you back here tomorrow (for real this time!) and I’m sharing my Weekend Wednesday!

Kristi

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  It’s been a crazy weekend and day yesterday with my nieces visiting me and I can’t wait to share that with you later this week but for now, I’m linking up with Andrea to share my top 5 (maybe 10) pictures 🙂

Keep in mind, this is going to be from college on because let’s face it.. those are the pictures I have on my computer so bear with me.. in no particular order, I should say!

{One}

I have so many pictures of my nieces and myself, it’s crazy! No joke… but I’ve always loved this one from Easter weekend so many years ago!  I can’t believe these girls are now almost 12 and 15.

 Where does the time go?!!?

{Two}

One of the things we spent the most money on for our wedding happened to be one of the worst decisions we made – our photographer! So unfortunately, I don’t love very many pictures from our wedding BUT I will always be grateful to my Aunt Lynn for getting this one before we left that night 🙂

It’s absolutely one of my favorites!

{three}

The next two are from my last summer at home after college and before law school!  This was the first time Logan had been to Niceville and it was seriously the best time!  He came twice that summer (I was gone for roughly 2 months before we moved to Minneapolis together) and those two weeks will always go down as some of my favorite memories!

This is from that same summer (and one of the trips with L in town!) – it was so much fun dancing on the docks on the Harbor with my Mama in tow!

{four}

These next two are from the same weekend so that counts as one picture, right?! 🙂

This is right before the “big surprise” party for my MIL this past summer.  I just love us all dolled up and ready to go – and my MIL had no idea!

This one is from the same day but while we were setting up.  We worked hard to make sure it was a great day for my MIL and it definitely was a day to remember! 🙂

{five}

I absolutely love this picture from this past October with my family!

{six}

I know, I’m basically over my limit but I can’t decide… I love these from my wedding and will always cherish having these two in my life!

I mean, how cute are my Grandmas?

I could seriously keep posting so many pictures!  We have so many important friends and people in our lives that were left out of these pictures (we really love you ALL!) but I can’t help but smile when I see these ones! Side note: Most of these are from 2015- current… I mean, I could have shared a few more from 2010, right?! If you want to see #allthepictures just let me know! Ha!

I’ll be back tomorrow with What’s Up, Wednesday to share a little more of what we’ve been up to this month!

Kristi

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m linking up today with Andrea for Show & Tell Tuesday and today we’re re-introducing the loves of our lives… aka spouses, pets, families, etc. so without further adieu… here are some of the loves in my life!

{Husband}

Logan and I met in January 2010 during my senior year of college in Eau Claire, WI.  After graduation (and a summer in FL), we moved to Minneapolis where I attended law school and he transferred job locations for an energy company.

In 2013, we bought our first home and were engaged in September 2014 (during our annual crawfish boil).

While we wanted a Spring or Summer wedding ideally, we were not willing to wait until 2017 for a wedding date (those dates book up so fast!) so we set the date for December 12, 2015 and started the plan for a winter wedding!

We planned to go all out for “winter” since we couldn’t have the season we wanted and planned an outdoor ceremony (in Minnesota.. in December)!  We were hoping for snow but instead had rain the day of the rehearsal and 20 degree weather!

We honeymooned in the Dominican Republic shortly after.

And the rest is history!

We don’t have any babies yet (hopefully soon!) but we do have two little pups that are like children 🙂

{Pets}

{Leinie}

We got Leinie from my in-laws in January 2012 (they breed little dogs).

She’s the sweetest little thing.

{Destin}

Destin was the newest edition to our little family – we got him from my in-laws in January 2015.

And two years later, he’s still just as energetic and playful as when he learned how to walk! Yes, I realize I’m talking about him like he’s a child but we just love him 🙂

I mean…. 🙂

I shared more about them here and lots more pictures!

Well, that’s our little family!  I can’t wait to hear about all of yours!

Kristi

Today I’m linking up with Shay and Erika to share three Christmas movies I’d take along with me on our stranded island!

This was hard for me because #iloveallchristmasmovies.  I mean, seriously, only 3?!  I’d pick the whole two months of Hallmark movies if I could 🙂 I could watch those on repeat day after day!

Since I can’t do that… the three Christmas movies I’d take along would have to be…

One

Holiday in Handcuffs

This movie is beyond cheesy but I look forward to watching it so much every year!  It’s just a cute and light-hearted movie which I love!

Two

Hallmark’s Christmas Magic

This movie is just so.. wonderful!  It’s happy, sad and gives you all the emotions.  It really makes you think about your life and how everyday is a gift – not to be taken granted!

Three

Of course this is on my list.. I need some laughter on this island 🙂

And I know it says three BUT I have to also bring along Home Alone!

This movie never gets old no matter how often I see it!

Honestly, you name the Christmas movie and I’d love to bring it along.. I could name about 50 others I’d NEED to bring too 🙂

What Christmas movies would you bring if you could only bring 3 to a deserted island?!

In case you missed it, I shared a little bit about our wedding on Monday since it was our first year anniversary!

Kristi

Happy Tuesday!  I’m so excited to share some of my Christmas decorations with you today for Show & Tell Tuesday with Andrea and Erika!

I’ve always been someone who loves to see inside people’s homes all year round but especially around Christmas.. I realize that sounds creepy and maybe it is but this past weekend in Chicago, I was all about wanting to see inside those neighborhood homes!  I mean, I won’t stay… just want to come in for a quick lookaroo 🙂

  Since clearly that’s not really possible (or welcome), this is the next best thing!  I’m sharing more pieces of our home tomorrow but without further adieu…  come on in and take a look!

Welcome to our home!

I really love a front porch that is inviting to everyone!  Unfortunately not everyone feels that way.. a few weeks ago, I noticed someone cut a few of our net lights so that they would no longer work!  Who does that?!

I finally got around to buying another net light and still need a few more but this works for now..

I’ll be showing you the entry way, dining room and kitchen tomorrow but for today..

A little Christmas touch to our bedroom!

And a little Christmas book on my nightstand of course 🙂

And across from our bed – a little gallery… of course now that I’m looking at this picture, I’m realizing how uneven a few of those pictures are.. arg! Guess I know what I’ll be doing after work today 🙂

My cookie exchange party is Friday (can’t wait to share all those details with you!) so I wanted to make sure the whole house put us in the holiday spirit.. therefore a few Christmas touches in the guest bathroom as well!

One day I’ll figure out how to photograph our bathroom better.. and house.. one day..

And lastly for today’s tour… our living room and Christmas tree!

And a cute little puppy as well 🙂

I bought the Christmas tree topper this past weekend in Chicago at an antique store but I’m not sure I’m sold on it for the tree.. might need a little more pizzazz!

I also need to find a better tree skirt.. I can’t believe I haven’t found one I love yet!  The ones I have don’t really match so in the meantime.. the presents will do 🙂

I’ve always wanted a fireplace mantel to decorate for the holidays so until I get one.. the entertainment will have to work!

Christmas Vacation on the tv 🙂

I don’t love the tissue garland here but it’s part of the photo booth that will be at the Cookie Exchange party on Friday so there they will stay until then!

Thanks for stopping by!  I’m sharing the other rooms of our home tomorrow so make sure to check back – or subscribe to the blog if you’d like to get the emails directly to your email!

Also, if you missed it, I shared my trip to Chicago yesterday on the blog.

What does your Christmas tree look like?! I’d love to see 🙂

Kristi

It’s been a crazy week… and weekend!  We got some terrible news last week that my  husband’s Grandpa had passed away – and even though he wasn’t doing the best, it was still a definite shock!  Thankfully, we did spend a little time with him two weeks ago when we were back in Oshkosh but we didn’t think it would be the last time!  He was such a great man and was so very important to Logan – he was so loved and will be greatly missed.  We were back in Oshkosh after the Christmas Carol Friday evening and headed back home yesterday.

It’s never fun to lose someone (unfortunately, I would know) but it doesn’t make it any easier that it’s so close to the holidays.  Definitely hold your loved ones tight and tell them how thankful you are for them – every.day.

  I’m linking up with Shay to share what else has been going on in our world this past month.  So let’s get it started..

What we’re eating:

Let’s be real… we’re eating ALL the turkey we can this week and I can’t wait 🙂 Oh yes, and some mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, stuffing – etc!

Seriously… love me a big Thanksgiving feast 🙂

What I’m reminiscing about:

A Christmas Carol that the hubs and I went to last Friday!  It was something out of the ordinary and definitely put us me in the Christmas spirit!

We had Happy Hour at the Newsroom beforehand for the first time and it’s a place we’ll head back to time and time again 🙂

What I’m loving:

All the Christmas music/movies and decorations!

I seriously can’t get enough Christmas!

What we’ve been up to:

I can’t believe it’s already December next week.. I mean, seriously where did all the time go?!  This month has seemed extremely busy but for some reason I can’t think of everything we’ve done:

An Escape Room for my SIL’s birthday

The hubs hung Christmas lights outside

I saw Trolls with this sweet friend (same girl I’m tackling Chicago with next weekend!)

Watched the movie Elf

and heading to my Mama’s tomorrow for Thanksgiving with my family!

 What I’m dreading:

Sounds funny since it’s not even the Christmas season yet but I just know it’s going to fly by (our weekends are already packed :() and then i’ll be so sad I have to wait another year!  I’m just trying to soak it all in!

What I’m working on:

Our cookie exchange party that is in a few weeks!!  I have so many fun ideas that I need to start making my lists – a photo booth, finish up the games (Christmas Family Feud, Christmas Carols song game, etc) and decide what I’m going to make for some apps!

What I’m excited about:

So many things… of course all Christmas related 🙂 I’m headed to Chicago next weekend with a friend to see all the Christmas lights and markets – so excited!

My sister might join us too which would be so fun!

The following weekend is my Cookie Exchange party and the hubs and I will be heading up to Bentleyville for the night to celebrate our Anniversary! Wow, I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since this happened…

What I’m watching/reading:

Well I finally just finished this:

And now want to start reading these!

Right now, I’m watching:

I seriously love this show! Can’t believe I used to think this show was terrible! Now, I can’t get enough 🙂

I’m also still watching:

I don’t know what it is about this show but I’m always hooked!

What I’m listening to:

Christmas music… #duh!

and basically anything that comes up on my country Christmas Pandora 🙂

What I’m wearing:

Love a good festive shirt 🙂

And fun festive pajamas 🙂 I mean, who doesn’t love those?!

And I wore a very festive – green and red to the Christmas Carol on Friday because #duh!

What I’m doing this weekend:

We will be finally cutting down our Christmas tree, Black Friday shopping (because I’m crazy and just love the atmosphere – not the people!) and celebrating Thanksgiving!

Thankfully I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done so I’ll hopefully be completely done after this weekend!

What I’m looking forward to next month:

See what I’m excited about above 🙂 Chicago, Cookie Exchange party, Bentleyville…. Need I say more?!

What else is new:

Not a whole lot… just every day life.

It’s been a bit of a rough year for us – and I’m definitely hoping 2017 is our year!

Do any of you have fun plans for Thanksgiving?  Do you cook the big feast yourself or go elsewhere?! Any Black Friday shoppers out there?

 Kristi

Before I start this post I HAVE to announce the winner of the scarf giveaway!

Drum roll please….. and the winner is…..

Fern Hummert

I’ve emailed you this morning so please respond within 24 hours for your scarf!  🙂

For the rest of you… there will be plenty of giveaways in December so stay tuned!

Can I just say – I can’t believe that I haven’t had to pull out my winter jacket yet and it’s November 9?! It’s crazy the weather we’ve been having and I am not complaining!  While I’d like to think the deserted island is in a hot and sunny place… I need to make sure I’m prepared if it gets cold as well!

I’d definitely bring my utility jacket because A) it’s cute and B) it’s warm for not too chilly weather! I’d also bring a blanket scarf (it’s a blanket and a scarf all in one- big score!) but that doesn’t count as a full item! 😉

Maybe my down coat.. I mean, where is this island anyway?!

And lastly – I’d bring a puffy vest – because it’s warm but not too hot if the weather is just a tad chilly!

I just picked up this one from Gap Outlet and seriously.. it was $12!! Can you believe that?!

What three pieces would you bring with you?

Also, I’ve started my “holiday planning” for the blog and I’d love to know what you’d like to see on here; a few of my DIY decorations, gift guides, etc? 🙂

Happy Wednesday!

Kristi

I promise I’ll get back to regular scheduled blogging soon enough 🙂 Like Thursday BUT in the meantime, I’m linking up again with Andrea to share what I would do if I won the lottery… which is actually harder to answer than I thought!

On a side note: Anyone else feel this way after daylight savings this weekend…?!

…because this is seriously how I’m feeling today!

ALSO – Today is the LAST day to enter the giveaway for one of my favorite scarves! Winner will be announced tomorrow.. Finally!

Hmm.. If I won the lottery… what would I do?!  Well, for starters, I’d definitely book a fun vacation for my whole family and my in-laws to Hawaii!  The majority of us have never been and it just looks beautiful.  I’d rent a few homes on the beach and just have a fun time for a few weeks!

Image Via

I mean, couldn’t you just imagine laying out and having some cocktails (or sodas?!) and not having a care in the world?! And to be with family would be so much fun!

Then I’d buy a beach home in Destin or Seaside, FL because it’s home to me and it’s beautiful! Maybe one of these…

or these…

I always loved walking along the beach and looking at all of the amazing homes so I would absolutely purchase one of those for friends and family to use as well!

And because maybe I shouldn’t just say the “fun” stuff I’d do with the money – I would take my help my family with their medical issues to help take some of the struggle away.  They all have enough to worry about with their health – they shouldn’t have to worry about the bills associated with it!

I would build our dream home (I keep saying I but really I mean, we… right hubby?! ;)) closer to our families.  I’m talking my dream open kitchen (because it’s evident by yesterday’s post that I’m a HUGE cook :)) along with a beautiful deck!  It would be great to be close enough to both of our families to have weekly dinners or at least weekly visits… then go down south all winter and spring because after Christmas.. why is there such a thing as snow?!

And in all honesty.. I think I’d keep my job too because let’s be real, money doesn’t last forever! I would just go down to part-time until retirement 🙂

I would update my wardrobe as well because I’m seeing lots of designer items! #duh

I’m sure if I asked my husband what he’d do if we won the lottery and his response would be completely different than mine… it would be “invest”!  Which duh.. I agree just after there’s a little play money spent!

What would you do if you won the lottery?!

Kristi

Hello!  Today I’m linking up with Andrea to share all about what makes me “me”, any quirks, etc.. to be honest, I couldn’t think of what made me “me” (mainly because it was Monday and that means my brain isn’t ready to start working!) so I had to enlist the help of a friend!  When I asked her what she thought my quirks were, she had no problem thinking of a million 🙂 And that’s what friends are for, right?

Let’s start with that one.. she noted that I say “right?” in almost every sentence as well as “we’ll see” and I love the word ridiculous.  I thought to myself – I must be really annoying but then moved on because she had a list of other things to add 🙂

I am seriously (I say this word a lot too, I’ve noticed!) the world’s pickiest eater.  I don’t like any condiments and can’t really think of any I’ve truly tried.  I have this ability to just “know” I don’t like certain foods 🙂 It drives my husband nuts!  I would rather eat plain lettuce than try a new salad dressing if they don’t have Caesar (the only one I’ve tried, aside from Olive Garden salad).

I only wear one pair of jeans even though I have about 10 pairs.  Usually jeans are so uncomfortable to me (they fit in all the wrong places!) so once I find a pair, I only need to wear those 🙂

The bigger the jewelry the better is definitely a motto of mine!

I love hot and humid weather – and don’t mind sweating a bit!

As I said before, I don’t mind sweating from the heat but I don’t enjoy sweating from working out; I own a gym membership but haven’t been once this whole year.  The gym is literally 5 miles from my house. It’s one of my new years resolutions for next year..

I love all things pineapple and flamingo.  Add some tassels and it totally has my heart ❤

I’m obsessed with monograms… if it’s not moving, monogram it, right?

I love Lilly Pulitzer and all bright colored things!  Life is too short to only wear dark colors 🙂

You know those people who hate having their pictures taken? Well, that’s not me. I LOVE having my picture taken and taking pictures of literally everything. I mean.. have you seen my blog?

I’m obsessed with Christmas and anything associated with the Holiday season.  Come November 1 and I’ll already be sharing so many Christmas thoughts!

What are some of your “quirks”?

Kristi