LADIES DINNER - 8.12.14

Hi guys it's me, that girl katie, I love summers and since I am unable to do any outdoor activities because of my recent ACL surgery I am finding other ways to enjoy the outdoors. So, I hosted a summer ladies dinner.

My adorable husband agreed to make pizza's & grill the flank steak. He even cleaned up which was beyond nice because it would have been a lot on my knee.

Planning a party takes a lot of prep. I enjoy the creative and design aspects of the party and like to outsource the food unless it involves making homemade ice cream. So, a special shout out to Laura who helped make a lot of the other food. Even party planning can take a village to pull off.

It was a relaxing and fun evening and I am glad I was able to share it with these special ladies.

CHOOSE HAPPINESS WITH CRICUT – 8.21.14

Hey guys, it’s me, that girl katie, I received my awesome Circut machine last week and ended up with 1 evening to learn how it worked + create my design for the Cricut Design Star Challenge before leaving town.

While I worked during a hot August evening, I had images of Jane Fonda in the movie, Working 9-5 during the copier scene where she created a paper explosion. By 1am my office looked something like that movie scene.

This months challenge subject was fashion/gear and the team I am apart of "Lucky #13" decided on the theme "Gold Is The New Black".

I created the CHOOSE HAPPINESS ribbon.

This year I learned the simple yet complex lesson that happiness is a choice & I am trying very hard to choose happiness! Some days are easier than others.

For this months challenge I wanted to produce an item that could be worn while promoting a conversation, “What makes you happy?”

Here are a few responses to the question.

While my design is super basic it’s an example of what the Circut can produce and how it can help make a difference in someone’s day.

I am excited to forge ahead with my Cricut Design Star Challenge creating original items to share with you all.

Meet my team "Lucky #13".

If you have time I hope you will consider checking out their awesome designs.

1. Andrea- andreas notebook 2. Celina- petit a petit and family 3. Erin & Tricia-suburban bitches 4. Monica & Jess- east coast creative blog 5. Jessica & Sarah- pretty providence 6. M.J.- pars caeli 7. Sadie Jane- simply sadie jane 8. Crystal-sew creative blog 9. Melissa-the sweet escape

In the future I will have more detailed posts on how the Circut works but for now I have one tip. Avoid using construction paper because it will leave a film residue on the mat.

Until next time, what makes you happy?

P.S. I was compensated with a machine but all projects, ideas and opinions are all mine! Thanks to Cricut for hosting the Cricut Design Space Star!

OUTSIDE PORCH: Before + During = Now 8.19.14

Hi guys it's me, that girl katie, We bought our house over 5 years ago moved in and then moved out to do a major renovation.

This is what our porch looked like when we bought it.

And this is how it turned out after our remodel. We liked it but didn't love the dock feel of it. We knew someday we would do more landscaping while we gained a better feel on how we would use the space. Would we want a outdoor table or a outdoor living room setting?

We did consider putting a roof on the porch but the budget didn't allow that. Plus, I was worried about a roof affecting our inside light. I did know living in Jackson Hole an outdoor fireplace was a must.

A year ago we worked with a landscape designer who had ideas about adding on to the deck so that we could have both an outdoor living space + an outdoor eating space. The idea of an outdoor pergola was tossed around and before we knew it, it was snowing so we pushed the porch update to the back burner.

If you have ever watched a home design buying show one of the 1st things a potential new buyer will say is "this would be great for entertaining". My husband and I laugh at that because we would never buy a house based on entertaining rather instead function for our needs. So, I started to brainstorm ideas for how our family would use the space.

My inspiration:

My main goals were for it to be useful, cozy and convenient to our kitchen. My husbands requests were pizza oven and grill. I came up with the idea of a joint outdoor living and dining space. We have used it more this summer than any past summers. We LOVE how it came out.

In progress:

Finished:

Summers in Jackson tend to fly by. I am really glad we were able to complete the porch update and now I am working on styling it so it feels even more cozy but, I'll have to wait until next summer to show you what I come up with because the end of summer is just around the corner.

Thanks for stopping by.

Source:

Teton Heritage BuildersLanternsPizza OvenBlaze Grill

GET THAT PIG - 8.14.14

Hi guys, it's me, that girl katie, A few weeks ago was Jackson Hole's annual Teton County Fair which means a lot of fun for all ages. Last summer my husband entered and coached my daughter and her friends in their 1st pig wrestling event. When it came to signing up this year they were pumped for another chance to "Get That Pig" 2014.

The team uniforms are a big deal so with a little help from my mom since we don't have a large selection of brand name stores, she went to her local Walmart and found these super girl costumes and then I added my creative touches using avery photo transfer paper.

This was my first time doing an iron on transfer.

It's a really easy process but I did problem shoot a few things.

MY TIPS:

1. You must flip your image before printing especially if you are using text.

2. There is difference between and an ink jet printer and a laser printer. You NEED an ink jet printer. Currently, most people only have laser printers which will melt the transfer paper during the printing process.

3. If you mess up (which I did) you can scrape it off with a knife and start over.

Source: Avery photo transfer paper & their video.

Well, that is another year of pig wrestling. I bet you can't wait until next year? I have no doubt that the girls will "Get That Pig" in 2015. Stay tuned for another season.

CRICUT - 8.11.14

Hi guys, it’s me, that girl katie, I had on my to do list to buy a Circut and then I was approached by them to participate in a blogger link up contest. I was so shocked that anyone else besides family and friends were actually reading my blog. I became so excited to collaborate with other creative minds. For me, this couldn't of come at a better time.

Crystal-sew creative blogMelissa-the sweet escapeErin & Tricia-suburban bitchesM.J.- pars caeliAndrea- andreas notebookJessica & Sarah- pretty providenceCelina- petit a petit and familyMonica & Jess-(Diana) east coast creative blogSadie Jane- simply sadie janeKatie- that girl katie

So here is the 411 on the contest. As a team each month we will come up with a theme and then individually produce a product using the amazing Circut. And then every blog will post their creation. Pretty cool right?

I hope you will follow along and watch the amazing talent from Cricut Team, LUCKY 13. Chances are you will get inspired and want to get your "Cricut on" by purchasing your own Circut.

To get you excited to follow along here are a few Cricut made samples that you can view at Circut.

Cricut ideas are very unique and will add that extra spice to a party, a gift or your day.