Hello Kiley

it's okay!

2012-01-26T10:33:00.000-06:00

I didn't go to Pure Barre this morning because my ass and thighs? They're dying. After volleyball Tuesday and PB yesterday...my muscles are just done. Day off! And it's okay. :)

It's also okay...

...to feel guilty because I don't know which cat I love cuddling with more: Neko or Patches (Drew's big, fluffy love-muffin of a cat). It's a toss-up.

...to obsess over my nails.

...to be a lil' nervous for BlissDom! :)

...to live almost entirely off of Bagel Bites.

...to use quotes from "The Happiness Project" as your new mantras. Sometimes, I wish I were someone else: thinner, more glamorous, richer, smart, but the best thing I can do is just "Be Kiley." :) (New post on the book and my own project coming up!)

...to be considering using a wheel chair at work today. Seriously, can't feel my legs.

...to have accidently stolen (no kidding! just had them in my hand with my wallet and phone and didn't realize it) not one but two glass nail files from Walgreen's the other day and kept them because I was too lazy to drive all the way back. Shhhhh!

...to have too many glass nail files. I'm at four now.

Go link-up with Neely and Amber! It's my favorite part of every Thursday. :)

xo.

Hair, Skin & No Fail

2012-01-25T01:26:00.000-06:00

I love makeup. I love skin care. I love trading tips and beauty miracles. Recently, I underwent putting together a plan-of-action to fix two things that have been bothering me, a LOT: my peeling, weak nails and thin, breaking hair. *I would have put my acne-prone skin on that list, but it's always on the list (I've suffered from mild-to-severe cystic acne my whole life, so I'm ALWAYS putting together a plan-of-action to fix it. Ah well, we can't all have perfect skin, I guess!)*

For as long as I can remember, my nails have always been pretty weak. Lately, however, they have been peeling a LOT. As for my hair, I've started teasing it a lot more than I ever used to, so I've noticed that it's breaking off a bit more often that usual (my hair is pretty fine. I no longer color it, so luckily that's one thing I can cross off the list of things harming my hair!).

Today I wanted to share with y'all two things I added to my daily routine that are working WONDERS (as well as my go-to beauty favorites!):

(1) Hair, Skin & Nails supplement, &;

(2) Moroccan Oil

I've started using HSN as my daily multi-vitamin, and boy is it WORKING. I take it twice a day and I can tell a huge difference in my nails. They are stronger, which makes it much easier to shape them. Before, my only option was the cut them as short as possible to get rid of the ugly, peeling tips. I can't wait to see what my nails are like in another three weeks!

I've always read about the miracle that is Moroccan Oil for your hair, and you were ALL right! I can see and feel an enormous difference in the texture of my hair!

Hair, Skin & No Fail by hellokiley on polyvore.com

Some of you have told me before that you don't believe I used to have such bad acne. Well, I've spent my whole life figuring out what works best for me and my skin is much smoother than it used to be. As far as my daily routine and go-to products, here goes:

Skin Care:
In the morning...
- Clarisonic Mia
- Cerave cleanser
- Yes to Carrots Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF 15

In the evening...
- Eucarin eye cream
- Clinique Seven Day Scrub
- Cerave moisturizer OR Eucarin moisturizer OR Philosophy Hope in a Jar (I switch them up every few months)
- Tazorac Cream (a tough acne-fighting cream. Only a pea-size amount is recommended!)

For acne...
If you have bad acne like I do, I've come to find that Eucarin moisturizers and Cerave cleansers are some of the best around. They're gentle yet effective; Eucarin doesn't feel sticky, and Cerave foams up a perfect amount. And if you have bad acne? MOISTURIZE. I know it seems counterproductive, but it's important to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you're using acne-fighting medications and creams.

Most weeks, my skin has been more clear than it used to be, but I think I owe most of my success to my dermatologist. I have tried EVERYTHING, y'all. One day, I'll have to do a post reviewing every single acne-fighting product I have ever tried, but for today I'll just tell y'all what is working for me now. I take two oral medications: twice a day, I take a pill that basically fights against bacterial infections. Once a day I take Spironolactone, a diuretic that is used as an antiandrogen.

I attribute the long-term success I've been having with the latter. It's been my wonder pill! I started it for the first time in May of 2011, and I've had barely any cystic acne since. HOWEVER, this pill may not be for everyone. It messes with my period - BAD - since it's an antiandrogen that messes with your hormones. For the first three months I took it, I didn't have a period. I did a bit of research, and turns out Spironolactone can really mess with your cycle. Some women have a normal period like usual, others don't have a single period the entire time they're on the medication. In my case, my period is now totally random, but hey, for me it's worth the clear skin!

And now that I've said period more times than anyone should ever say period on their blog (D:), that's my skin care routine!

As far as makeup goes, I think Makeup Forever HD foundation is the best at covering up my scars.

I wanted to post this and share what works for me so that maybe it could help someone else going through the skin/nails/and hair woes I've been through myself. Any of you gals ever use Spironolactone? Have you had the same experience? Do tell!

What's your beauty routine? I'd love to hear any tips y'all have for fine hair and weak nails!

I took a break from Skyrim to write this.

2012-01-16T13:24:00.001-06:00

Show of hands: who's tired of hearing about Skyrim?

WELL, TOO BAD.

Though I did take a break because this week I start school again. You heard right. Let me just say - I'm a little nervous. Excited! But nervous. My classes are for both my masters and my teacher certification and they're all online. I have never taken an online class in my LIFE, so...eek.

I'm about to get really personal with you guys right now, so here goes: have you ever quit something that you knew in your heart was the right decision, and had almost everyone in your life look down on you for it? Okay, maybe "look down on" is a little harsh. Let's just say, I could feel the disappointment and skepticism radiating from others the day I quit law school. Everyone had an opinion. The tension was palpable.

And let me tell you - my least favorite thing to do? See someone I haven't spoken to in a while because the conversation inevitably goes something like this:

"So, how's law school!?"
"Uh, I'm, well, not in law school anymore."
"Oh. Well, what are you doing?"
"I'm going back to school to get my M.A. in Education."
"Oh. Well...that's nice!"
*Awkward silence*

It's as if anyone who isn't a teacher (or should I say, isn't a teacher with a passion for education) thinks being anything other than a lawyer is not good enough.

I had no passion for law. Zip. Zero. I actually started keeping a running tab of how many times a day I rolled my eyes in law school; it got up into the hundreds. Don't believe me? It's in my planner under the notes section; feel free to look. (Also in my notes section are many drawings my friend and I would create of one of our professors who looked like the mom from Rugrats. As you can see, law students are super focused and serious...)

That little part up there in the center of passion and cause? I want that. I want to find a purpose.

History? Helping others understand how to better write and learn? Guiding kids through the wreck that is high school? Those are things I can get on board with.

And the next time someone tells me, "Well, you know teaching doesn't pay a lot..." I'm punching them in the face. I'm serious. Don't say I didn't warn you all. Do the people in my life somehow forget that my PARENTS were teachers? Mom still is? (Dad's a paramedic now) Do they think my family is just crapping money? I like my life. I appreciate all of the things my parents have done for me, and they've done a LOT. On a teacher's salary, no less. Birthdays. Christmases. School functions. Drill team. Dance. Gymnastics. Piano lessons for ten years. Craft supplies. Computers. I had a car when I was sixteen. College. I've never wanted for much of anything, and I had an amazing childhood.

But seriously, I don't think I'll be able to keep one more straight face the next time some shmuck tells me that I'm not going to make as much money as I could as a lawyer. Go fuck yourself. (Can y'all tell this is a bit of a sore subject? Sorry.)

I'm ready to get started on this new path and do something that I wanted to do a long time ago. You guys? I learned a lot in 2011. I used to look back and think, "2011? You were an asshole." But now 2011? You weren't so bad. You taught me a lot, and I hate you a little less.

Wish me luck friends. xo.

Any of you darlings have experience with online classes? Suggestions? Advice?

DRAGONS!

2012-01-09T22:13:00.001-06:00

Want to know what I've been doing for the last five days?

This. This is all I'm doing. And all I will probably be doing because it takes 150+ hours to beat Skyrim and it's worth every. single. second. (seven days until school starts. GOTTA GET MY GAME ON.)

Oh, and I also started going to Pure Barre again so WOOT. Two classes in and can't feel my ass. So, there's that.

And you're probably sitting there all smug thinking, "Oh, but Kiley? Didn't you say you were cutting out the time in front of the TV? And blah blah blahdy blah?" You just had to bring that up didn't you? Well, if it makes me you feel better, I'm not watching/playing anything else. And I read a book two days ago. And didn't you just hear me say I've worked out?! I WORKED OUT. LIKE, WITH MY ARMS AND LEGS AND STUFF.

Want to know what I'm up to whenever I'm not here?

Find me on Instagram;

or, as always, on Twitter. :)

i'm craving tacos.

2012-01-05T16:51:00.000-06:00

It's Thursday, five days into the new year, and I'm already stressed out. I feel like I'm breaking one of my resolutions somewhere in there...

I'm also excited for my favorite link-up. :)

IT'S OKAY:

...to be excited that my hair is getting back to it's natural color. No more platinum blonde for me!

...to seriously contemplate borrowing a wheel-chair from someone because Pure Barre yesterday kicked. my. ass. I need to start learning the names of more muscles (like the ones behind your ribs down your back? the heck are those called?) so that I can start complaining about them.

...to be a little nervous about starting school again.

...to be broke. as a joke. addicted to coke.

...to be insanely excited to have a lil' blog meet-up tonight!

...to watch "Dance Moms" and thank the Lord that my mom was never like that when I danced as a kid.

...to wear gold and silver jewelry together.

...to only buy wine that has a pretty bottle/label so I can make a wine bottle lamp out of it.

...to want to live off of tacos and enchiladas alone.

Guess what, y'all? Tomorrow's FRIDAY! I know, it's glorious.

bringing the message home.

2012-01-03T16:17:00.001-06:00

Okay, we all know we should be more active. Watch less TV. Eat a few less chicken nuggets (I may or may not have had Chic-fil-a for lunch...UGH. BUT OMG Y'ALL THEY HAVE TORTILLA SOUP RIGHT NOW!)

Saw this video on Debbie's blog and thought it was a great message to drive home one more time.

I'm a TV junkie. I admit it. And, most of the time, I actually realllyyyy enjoy the fact that I'm current on a lot of the great television that's out there.

HOWEVER.

I know that life is not about TV. I want to cut back and make daily activity the most important thing in my life.

How are those resolutions goin'? It's the 3rd so I'm sure most of us quit already. ;)

thinking about resolutions.

2012-01-02T06:00:00.004-06:00

In 2012, I want us all to make it the best. year. yet. It's that time of year again: time to tell ourselves that this year we will be healthier! skinnier! will accomplish all of the things!

But really. This year? Let's do it.

Make goals, strive to add things to your life to enhance the awesome person you already are. If you don't achieve a goal? So what? You're still awesome. Eat ice cream when you want it (remembering moderation, of course), let go of things holding you back (be it people or things), be kind to everyone, remember to smile, ignore those who are bringing you down. Save your money, then splurge once in a while on those fabulous new shoes. Say I love you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you (and try to be an inspiration to others!). Make an inspiration board. Make it a goal to not just pin things on Pinterest, but actually create. Immerse yourself in the online world whenever you want, then take a break when you feel like you need it. Take a bar method class (you will all thank me). Spend time outside. Take more pictures (you'll be happy you did when you spend the last days of the year looking back at all of the memories). Go to the beach. Respect yourself. Let's all do the things that truly make us happy.

In 2011, I spent a lot of time reflecting. Thinking. Living day to day, and trying to decompress. I was depressed (I didn't talk about it much), and I needed time (a lot of time) to work it out.

In 2012, it's all about the big picture now. I have goals, and I'm going to spend each month slowly working towards them. Sarah wrote a fantastic post about doing just that (she also designed my blog. Yeah, she's pretty nifty!).

I already listed my resolutions here, and I'll be sure to give y'all a peek of my vision board I created once it's finished. I love making lists; I love checking things off that I've accomplished even MORE, so that's where a giant vision board of lists and goals comes in.

Bring it, 2012!

2011 in review.

2012-01-01T16:12:00.000-06:00

2011. It wasn't the best year. It wasn't the worst year. There was good, bad, and all kinds of shenanigans in between. The best part of this year? Well, to get all cliche on you guys, I learned a lot about myself.

2011 was a year of reflection.

So, here's the yearly round-up.

January: I was working my butt off in law school. Drew made my life so much easier with all of the stress I was under, and we had an amazing month. I also made a resolution to complete Project 365. Well, we all know how that turned out.

February: I discovered the Snuggie Sutra. Whoa. Dallas was covered in ice and snow. I went a little stir crazy. I also built my first real snow man!

March: Drew went with my family and I to the beach house for spring break and had an amazing, relaxing time. (Nothing better than walking around downtown Galveston with your favorite people!) I made the decision to quit law school. It was rough. We bought our tickets to Comic Con, which was far from rough.

April: April was a tough month for me, so Drew and I planned a lot of dates to try and cheer me up. We went on a fun nature walk, saw a TON of movies, and started working out more. I went to Austin and the lake house. I celebrated Easter with Drew's family,

May: I met some fabulous bloggers at DBM. I went to one of my favorite places, Dave and Buster's. ;) Drew and I started watching my new favorite show for the first time, Parks and Rec (It's truly life changing). I had much needed girl time and also hit up Taste of Addison. My blog also got a face lift!

June: I made some summer guidelines. Drew and I went to the Backstreet Boys/NKOTB concert and had a better time than all good times in the world combined. I started reading Game of Thrones (ALSO LIFE CHANGING). We also watched the Mavs take the championship at the ACC watch party.

July: I sang karaoke. A lot. Went to the beach. A lot. I helped Drew move into the new house. My grandparent's celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. I celebrated the 4th at the beach house with my family and resented Drew a little bit for not coming with us. I hated my job for a second. We went to San Diego Comic-Con and had a big, huge, freaking blast.

August: I had the post-con blues. I continued to enjoy Drew's gaming trash-talk. I decided I needed to make some changes because this list wasn't cutting it. My grandmother passed away. I had another reminder of how short and precious life is.

September: My friends were awesome. Drew freaked me out by eating a baby lemur in my dreams. I also participated in some fabulous link ups. :)

October: I let myself shop for the first time in forever, and it was magical. I was gleeful. I redecorated. I started Pure Barre! And made several commitments to myself. Drew celebrated his 24th bday. I got free Jamba Juice because I have a big ass. I won a giveaway. I welcomed little Neko into my life. We went to the State Fair! And I hosted a giveaway. I also decided to never host a giveaway again.

November: This month was full of dates, times with good friends, Pure Barre, happiness, and snapping out of funks. I wrecked my car. Men were scum. I turned 24. I celebrated Thanksgiving in Oklahoma.

December: I made puppy chow and enjoyed preparing for the holidays. I dreamed about presents under the tree. I made resolutions. I realized, once again, just how baller my grandmother is. I reflected on the past year and realized how much better I was starting to understand myself.

Happy New Year, kittens. I, for one, am ecstatic for 2012. 2011 was a necessary evil; the not-so-good year that is always the precursor to an AMAZING new one.

I can't wait to start a new year on this blog. Blogging has become something special to me that I can't quite put into words, and I'm ready to give my little nook on the net some more TLC in 2012.

it's okay!

2011-12-29T01:18:00.000-06:00

It's Thursday, so it's time for another It's Okay Thursday link-up with Amber and Neely!

It's okay...

...to be dreading New Year's Eve just a tiny bit. 1. The pressure to make sure NYE is always a big blasty blast can be a bit of a let-down when the night doesn't end up meeting expectations. 2. Let's be honest, I'm not sure I'm ready to greet 2012 just yet! I've barely processed 2011.

(and OMG I DIE to this picture Laura found)

...to sometimes let the little things go.

...to tell someone what they need to hear, even if you might disagree.

...to do a little retail therapy once in a while!

...to party into the wee hours of the morning. On a Tuesday. In The Middle of Nowhere, Texas.

...to eat dinner at Central Market because no one feels like cooking.

...to be looking forward to writing your 2011 recap post.

What is everyone doing for NYE? We're doing the house party thing, though I'm going to go to Uptown before to spend a little time with the girls.

Happy Thursday, friends.

some ramblings, just in time for christmas.

2011-12-24T00:22:00.000-06:00

...hi! I'm alive. Work has been hectic, I've been stressed by all the things, and I found myself away from the Internet a lot. But I've missed you guys!

...SANTA! OMG SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM. I KNOW HIM!

Christmas is SO right around the corner! I already had Christmas at my grandparent's house yesterday, and it was a blast. My grandma, as I'm sure I've told you guys before, is a straight up gangsta. I mean, the woman is CRAFTY and she makes some of the most amazing things. Don't believe me? Here's, ya know, a STAINED GLASS MOSAIC she made me. No big deal. (And this is one of five that I, personally, have. There are many more.)

Yeah, I know. Baller status. I wish I could get a better pic of it in the sunlight in its real glory.

This year she has been making a lot of crosses, so I figured I'd get a new cross, but she really surprised me!

She made me a mosaic picture frame and put a pic of me and Drew in it! I LOVE IT. And could y'all do me a favor and please disregard that I have Twilight stacked on top of a collection of my favorite Dickens novels? Charles Dickens is rolling in his grave...

AND this K initial! I can hang or stand both the frame and the K. I wish y'all could see it in person because each glass piece has glitter in it.

She also made my mom and I about a million different infinity scarves because I told her I wanted one. Like, one scarf. So she made fifty. She's always doing things like that and I just love her for it. My grandparents have bought me all kinds of things over the years from Kindles to iPods, but it's the handmade treasures such as her scarves, mosaics, paintings, etc. that I am most proud of.

Oh yeah, and I'm also super in love with my grandparents today because my grandpa basically surprised the bajeezus out of granny. They don't usually get each other gifts. After fifty years, I guess they decided to just get things when they want them and forgo the whole gift-giving ritual. Well, after all the presents to me, my mom, and my dad (and the ones from us to them) were opened, my grandpa goes to the tree saying "I think I forgot something," coming back with a small box for my grandmother. It was an iPad, and I swear to you she cried for almost thirty minutes. She wouldn't even OPEN it for ten because she was too shaken and happy; I was almost worried that grandpa broke her. She stayed up until midnight playing games on it. She's worse than I am! :)

...In an effort to be an even worse 24-going-on-10 year old, I've started collecting a lot more Hello Kitty Christmas decor. I was SO surprised and giddy when I got the cutest HK ornament in the mail from Jodi for our swap!

She got me the ornament on the left. Isn't it perfect! And the other two are from McDonald's Happy Meals. Yeah, I go to McDonald's for Hello Kitty, what of it?!

...sometimes, I get into this mood where I download new music for like, four hours. And I PANIC. I feel like if I don't download everything new that I haven't heard or want in my library RIGHT THEN I'll never hear it again. I mean, what is that? (I may or may not have done this again today...)

...I'm ready to get a new job so I can stop having to cancel on people because of my terrible schedule. I feel like a horrible friend, because I have to do it to EVERYONE. I won't lie, it's probably been the biggest factor in my stress levels as of late.

...MY ERIN CONDREN PLANNER IS HERE!

Definitely copied, like, everyone, but I love how this cover feels most personal. Makes me happy to look at all the things that make me smile at this point in my life!

...my cat is both psycho and adorable. She is a hellcat, but I wouldn't have her any other way.

Okay, that's sort of a lie. I would like her to get over her fetish with water. She jumps in the shower as soon as I'm done, won't leave the toilet alone, and I can't have a glass of water all to myself to save my life. But yeah, real adorable.

I hope you and all of your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday! May Dominick the Donkey bring you many goodies. :) Love y'all!

xo.

resolutions.

2011-12-08T15:48:00.001-06:00

1. Why is it that when a guy gets sick, the world stops spinning on its axis (haha, thanks Aly!), fire rains from the sky, and the zombie apocalypse comes?

Drew's sick, poor thing. Though seriously, guys get sick - anywhere from the sniffles to the flu - and you'd think they had the plague.

2. I don't know where my new followers came from this week, but HI! Welcome to my blog, and thanks so much for following. I'm glad to have you here. :)

Anyway! I'm here to link up again with Neely and Amber for the Fabulous Holiday Challenge!

Today's topic: RESOLUTIONS.

Last year, my resolutions went a little something like this:

lose weight.
lose a little more weight.
tone up.

And I actually DID accomplish those things! Until I hit a funk - partly from dropping out of law school, partly from being the girlfriend of a guy whose four main food groups are McDonald's, pizza, beer, and chips - and gained most of it back.

But I'm no longer discouraged because this past year brought a major attitude adjustment my way, on MANY levels. I've really gotten a sense of what works for me and what doesn't diet/exercise-wise. Pure Barre certainly helped in that area. :) I've already lost a few pounds again, and I'm ready to keep the cycle goin'!

So, my list of resolutions for 2012!

keep taking exercise classes because they work best for me!
keep learning how to cook with Drew, and make many more meals at home.
get my teaching certificate and masters quickly, so I can begin my new career. :)
do something I've always wanted to do, and take some photoshop/graphic design classes.
finally get rid of the bags of clothes that have been piling up in one of my closets (stuff I need to sell).
become the best CoD girl gamer out there because I'm telling you - there's nothing more fun than talking crap to a bunch of guys online when they find out you're a girl! (yeah, I have weird priorities...)
get better at planning date nights for my guy and I.
find a volunteer organization to get on board with in Dallas.
scrapbook WAY more than I did this year. The photos are just piling up!

I think that's a pretty do-able list! Next year, it's all about having FUN. I want to stop stressing over the past mistakes and regrets and just start living life like it's a party - because really, that's what it should be!

Can't wait to read some of your resolutions!

Unicorns and pomeranians,

Kiley

wish list.

2011-12-07T15:35:00.003-06:00

Hey y'all, remember that one time when we were all complaining how hot it was and how we wanted to die?

Well, it's too cold.

None of my coats seem to be cutting it right now, so instead of venturing outside on my day off I'm sitting here making Christmas wish lists online. I certainly don't need a darn thing, but it's always fun to look at the most ridiculous things and put them on my list. Honestly, my dad helped me BIG TIME with fixing my car and helping with bills so my parents are pretty set in the whole what-to-get-Kiley-for-Christmas thing.

Linking up today with Amber and Neely for the Fabulous Holiday Blog Challenge!

Today's topic: WISH LISTS.

What do I want? Oh, not much...JUST A TON.

I want this more than anything I've ever wanted ever.

These are my absolute favorite color brown and I want themmmm.

This would be my coffee table book for real.

This is simply beautiful.

Blu ray player. For real, yo.

Honestly, I'm pretty easy to shop for. You could get me a random vintage-y print off Etsy, movie tickets, or make me some puppy chow and I'd be more than happy.

Now, Drew on the other hand?! I seriously don't know what to get that boy this year. HELP!

winter whimsy.

2011-12-05T14:50:00.002-06:00

The holiday season is that time of year that, if your family is anything like mine, means hearing the same ol' stories, eating the same ol' holiday feast, seeing the same ol' faces, but loving every minute of it like it was the first time.

It wouldn't be the holidays without making the three-hour drive to grandma's house on Thanksgiving, WHICH might I add is three hours of listening to AM talk radio (Dad's orders). I mean, have you guys ever actually listened to talk radio? In the middle of nowhere? Where it's mostly just static? My dad is practically deaf in one ear but somehow he can understand the garbled mess that is Oklahoma talk radio. It's basically that walkie-talkie scene from "Signs" in my family's car every holiday.

It wouldn't be the holidays without watching "Elf" a million times, listening to my grandpa tell the story of when he and his friends drove over "Gobbler's Knob" (LEGIT NAME OF A HILL IN OKLAHOMA. I MEAN...I CAN'T EVEN.) and saw a herd of chickens crossing the road so they decided it would be hilarious to drive full-speed into the flock (Thank god PETA wasn't around then...), and eating my body-weight in puppy chow.

Also, if you've never made puppy chow before, it's time to correct that ridiculousness. It's the perfect holiday treat. Here's the recipe!

PUPPY CHOW!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon vanilla9 cups Crispix cereal (any flavor)

3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:
1. Combine peanut butter, butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.

2. Microwave for one minute then stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir well.

3. Place the 9 cups of Crispix cereal in a very large bowl.

4. Pour the peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss evenly, making sure all the cereal gets a good covering.

5. Place the powdered sugar in a large zip-lock type plastic bag.

6. Add the peanut butter-chocolate cereal mixture to the bag, leaving enough room for the puppy chow to be shaken (you may have to divide the mixture into smaller batches, coating one batch at a time).

7. Shake the bag to coat each piece of the puppy chow with powdered sugar.

8. Once the mixture is fully coated, place in a large serving bowl sugar to the bag as needed until all the mixture is coated and DONE! :D

So easy!

What's not easy? Holiday shopping. For me, anyway. I'm just so darn indecisive and buying gifts for people kind of gives me panic attacks. Also, I'm never doing more than one blog swap at the same time again. EVER. What good is a planner when you write down the wrong dates and send one swap item too early and one item too late?

Happy Monday, folks. xo.

AFK.

2011-11-30T13:13:00.000-06:00

I've been completely away from the Internet lately so I have, of course, been a bad blogger. On top of that, I have nothing of interest to say! So, until later this week when I play catch-up, AND as a giant I'm-sorry-will-you-ever-forgive-me, here's a picture of a dog who adopted a lost baby piglet:

You totally forgive me now, right?!

I know. Baby piglets-being-adopted-by-old-hound dogs FTW.

thanksgiving, noun.

2011-11-22T14:32:00.001-06:00

I'm going out of town for another early Thanksgiving with my family in two hours and I haven't even showered yet. I blame you, Pinterest.

While I certainly believe that we should remember to be thankful for the blessings in our lives more than once a year, I tend to let myself forget all too often, so I am actually quite thankful for this holiday and what it means to so many families.

I've been in a downright funk lately, and by lately? I mean for the last three weeks or more. I've been wishing away life hoping for better days to come, instead of appreciating and enjoying what is in front of me right now. I'll be taking this week to really reflect on what I'm thankful for while also formulating a plan of action to get me out of this rut I'm in.

Though I'm starting to believe it's something in the water. I've had a few people come to me saying they've been a little out of it.

What do you guys do to help bring you out of a funk?

PS. I just watched Parks and Rec from last week. YOU GUYZZZZZZZ. Who out there watches it? I'm still squealing. And if you DON'T watch it: WHY EVER NOT!?!?!?!?

scenes from the weekend. sort of.

2011-11-21T12:16:00.000-06:00

Because I have literally nothing of substance to write about - HEY LOOK, it's pictures! And some of them over a week old! Huzzah!

This weekend was full of more birthday shenanigans and an early Thanksgiving potluck. Isn't the birthday girl beautimous?

Girl time is the best time.

And these here are some more pictures that I was too lazy to post from my birthday, and yes...I am wearing fur. It was my late grandmother's. It was a wildly inappropriate choice for the setting we were in, but biatch, it's my birthday! I wear what I want. It was also obnoxiously fun to go up to people and ask them to pet my dead animal. (Okay, this was only funny to me and I'm pretty sure came off as sexual and ~~a bit~~ a lot creepy to everyone else...but I digress.)

Love my boys!

I did not take nearly enough photos. I mean, half of them are just me making an ugly/funny face at the camera, and the other half are of me forcing Drew to take a picture. Birthday picture fail.

Happy Monday, lovers.
xo.

it's my party.

2011-11-14T13:35:00.003-06:00

So, it happened: I'm 24 now.

And what did I learn after turning one year older? I still feel like I'm 19.

Except for the hangovers. No, those are getting worse with age.

Thanks for the birthday lovin', you guys. I had a great one!

xo.

it's okay.

2011-11-10T13:00:00.001-06:00

I'm linking up with Amber and Neely today because it's Thursday and it's darn okay. :)

So, here's what's okay. It's okay...

...to countdown to your birthday. (One more day! And then I'm 24. Whoa.)

...to believe my eyes are going to melt out of my face because of too many video games.

...to believe I'd rather read a book than hang out with people.

...to be planning out my outfit already for Saturday. I'm wearing my infamous "Cupcake Dress." Don't worry, pictures will be posted!

...to still be obsessed with Pure Barre and trying to eat healthier.

...to have to rely on other people for rides. (My dad had to take me to work yesterday. I felt like a middle schooler again!)

...to make a smoothie almost every single day.

...to be both IN LOVE and IN HATE with American Horror Story. And to also think that JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE PUTS FOOD IN FRONT OF YOU DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO EAT IT. I'M JUST SAYING. Double also? Tate is kinda sexy. Crazy murderous personality aside.

So what's okay with you lovebugs this fine Thursday?

and then there was that one time that a customer made me feel dirty...

2011-11-09T01:55:00.000-06:00

I've had my job with a certain handbag store for quite some time now, and as long as they'll have me I plan on continuing to work there alongside my career. Most days, I love my job. I love working with customers, meeting new people, being surrounded by mindless consumerism, chatting with my co-workers (who, pleasantly enough, I enjoy each and every one of), and - of COURSE - being surrounded by pretty leather goods all dang day long.

I always love my job - up until that moment when a single customer enters my work place and makes me remember why sometimes mankind just. plain. sucks.

I was checking out a customer tonight (a real sweet woman who was so happy to be shopping for her daughter's birthday) when the phone rang.

I cheerily answered, "Hello, this is Kiley, how can I help you?" only to be greeted by a very nervous, twitchy sounding man.

"Uh, yes, may I speak to Mary?"

"She's not here today, but is there something maybe I could assist you with?" (Little did I know, this was my big mistake)

"Um, well...yes, uh, you see, I received an appreciation card in the mail from Mary (something that my store gives to customers at certain times of the year who spend over two hundred dollars. Our store also sends out personalized thank you notes to each customer who spends at least one hundred dollars.) and, well, I need to be taken off your mailing list."

This is not all that uncommon. While I think it's fan-freaking-tastic to receive free money in the mail, not all people like getting anything from a retailer.

"Alright sir, so you don't want to receive any more mail from us, that's perfectly alright. I'll take you out of our system right now. Can I get your information, please?"

He proceeded to give me his name, Mr. Chang, along with his zip code. I was about to find out, however, that wasn't his only request.

"Okay, well...uh, thank you. I, uh, still have one more thing I need to ask of you, though. I'm going to call you back later tonight, and I need you to tell me that I was sent this thank you note saying I bought things at your store by mistake. That it was a mistake on your part and I'm not supposed to be in your system."

"I'm sorry? I, uh, what is it exactly that you're asking me to do?"

"Well...I...see, I'm going to call you back and ask you why I received a gift card in the mail. How could I have gotten it if I didn't spend any money there, you see? You NEED to tell me, on the phone later, that I never shopped in your store. I am not a customer of yours."

I didn't see. Through his many pauses, and nervous twitching, my naive little brain thought that this man had purchased a bag for somebody for the holidays, and he got caught when the thank you note was sent to his house. I figured, "Oh, he's trying to backtrack and preserve the surprise."

He hung up on me before I was even able to formulate a response. And then it dawned on me. I looked up this Mr. Chang and found out he has only shopped with us one time. Last week, he spent eight hundred dollars. In cash. He provided all of his own information accept for two things: the phone number was different from the one he called me on, and the email address was of a woman with a completely different last name. Now, I'm aware life brings with it a plethora of coincidences, but I'm not so blonde that I didn't realize that Mr. Chang was trying to turn me into some kind of accomplice in his web of deceit. He got caught. If he was trying to preserve some kind of surprise, all he had to do was tell me that. Instead, he was nervous, a bad liar, and downright disgusting. His wife, I'm sure, opened up our thank you note and, well, whaddya know? Says here my husband bought two bags and I don't own either of them. Wonder who he gave them to?

An hour passed, the store was busy, and I forgot all about Mr. Chang. Until he did indeed call back.

"Hello, this is Kiley, how can I help you today?"

"....pause.....*kids playing in the background* Hi, this is Jim Chang."

My stomach sank.

"Hello."

"I'm calling because I received some gift card in the mail and I'm wondering why I got it."

And then he paused. For what felt like an eternity. And I was not about to give him a scapegoat.

"Well, we send those out to our customers, sir."

Pause. Giant. Freaking. Pause.

"I've never shopped at your store before. This was sent to me by mistake and I'm wondering how I am in your system...Maybe you have a lot of Changs and I was mixed in somehow?"

I heard the kids playing in the background, again. It sounded like two of them. Very young. And then I noticed something else. I was on speakerphone.

This fucking douchebag had me on speakerphone so his wife could hear me "correct our mistake."

I nearly exploded. Countless things popped through my head - there were a few choice words I had on my mind to say to dear Mr. Chang. "Oh, really? Because it says here, Mr. Chang, that you bought two purses and a wallet on October 28 with cash. How is your wife enjoying her handbags, sir?" But I'm a professional, dammit. So I just spoke the truth in my little cowardly way.

"I'm very uncomfortable with this situation, Mr. Chang. The store is busy right now and I just don't have time for this."

And I hung up. He didn't call back.

I felt what I can only describe as dirty the entire rest of my shift. I hate men right now. I can't know all of the details of this family's life. All I can do is speculate. But I still feel terrible for this woman and who I assume are her children.

Who wants to go with me to egg this dude's house this weekend?

the robots are winning the war.

2011-11-08T06:00:00.003-06:00

Monday I had an ever-present, terrifying thought: technology is ruining our lives (says the girl writing a blog post on her MacBook).

My love affair with my Kindle has produced one unfortunate consequence - I think I've forgotten how to read an actual book. You know, that thing with the pages and a cover? Yeah, that. So why is my Kindle ruining my life? I picked up a book at the book store (I went in to use the bathroom. Perhaps that's red flag #2), and when I went to turn the first page, I caught myself pressing down on the edge of the page like I would find my all-too-familiar arrow key on the side of my Kindle.

Want to hear something worse than that sad spectacle?

A couple weeks ago, I bought an e-book to read. What's so bad about that, you ask? I already own the book in hardback. I just wanted to read it on my Kindle instead of carrying around the actual hardback.

"The Machine" is winning, y'all.

PS. Thanks for the kind words on the twit about my accident yesterday. My poor car looks totaled, and the initial inspection pretty much confirms as much. #wah. I think I need to hire a chauffeur from now on; my bad luck is legit, guys. Have I ever told y'all about the time a coyote committed suicide into my car? I mean, full on ran across the highway directly into the side of my car. There's a wolf-shaped facial dent in my door as proof. Ridiculous.

Any takers on being my personal driver from now on? I can pay you in baked goods.

Happiness is...

2011-11-07T06:00:00.002-06:00

finding the perfect lip gloss after countless years of searching, actual GOOD stand-up comedy, Ryan Gosling's abs and Clive Owen's smile, Backstreet Boys (someone please take me on the BSB cruise...I'll do your laundry for a whole month! Okay, okay - TWO!), clean sheets, finally enjoying working out, that moment when you realize that it's fall back and you get a WHOLE EXTRA HOUR AT THE BAR, playing Assassin's Creed again, finding that it's still hilarious the hundredth time you scare someone by throwing a giant plush Angry Bird at them from around a corner (complete with "BRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" sound effects), hot chocolate, a snuggly kitty, Pumpkin Spice lattes in a red holiday cup, Tom Haverford, Uggs season, a weekend full of friends, hysterical and ridiculous text conversations, planning a ski trip, hugs from Mamma, and hope.

And last but not least, this princess:

Life is good, y'all.

a little Sunday recap.

2011-11-06T19:42:00.000-06:00

YOU GUYS. This weekend. THIS weekend. It was the definition of great.

The only thing that could have completed this weekend would have been being in Austin and seeing Ryan Gosling at Fun Fun Fun Fest. (And all you Austin peeps? Thanks a lot for making me consistently jealous all weekend long with your #fx3 tweets...One of you better at least have gotten a picture of him with his shirt off!)

It was one of those weekends that is so fun I don't even think to pull out my camera and snap a picture of the moment. So sadly no...I have no pictures to show you guys.

This weekend achieved what I thought was the impossible - it snapped me out of my funk. Alas, lately (I feel like it has been months, I've lost track) I've been in a giant funk. One moment I'm sad, the next I'm kicking myself for being sad when I have so many things in my life to feel blessed about, then the very next moment I'm staring off into space thinking about mistakes, regrets, and worrying about the future.

I'm one of those people who believe in regrets. I can think to myself, "Live life with no regrets!" but that's a bit of a pipe dream to me. Is it really possible to live without regrets? I certainly don't believe so. I believe in regrets, and I of course believe in learning from those regrets. All of my mistakes in judgment have changed me, and I like to think made me a better person. This weekend snapped me back to reality by making me recognize one vital thing - I've been letting my regrets own me, instead of owning them. Instead of thinking over and over moments I wish I could go back and change, I need to still recognize my past mistakes, but only keep them in mind to make sure I never make such a mistake again.

I'm happy that I had my little epiphany this weekend so that I can start out my Monday morning with a fresh new perspective. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend yourselves. And thank you everyone who wished us a happy anniversary! Our original plans for going to the Arboretum were kind of ruined with the weather today, so Drew and I settled on a giant lunch and then a movie at iPic theaters in Allen (the place where I hope to die one day. I think I would leave this world quite contently curled up in their big, orange lounge chairs with blanket and glass of wine in hand. Apparently these are the thoughts I have in movie theaters...). EVERYONE GO SEE PUSS IN BOOTS.

And yes. Drew and I are 24 going on 8.

on two little things (and a giveaway winner!).

2011-11-04T13:58:00.001-05:00

1. This weekend is chock full of greatness, and I couldn't be more excited. Girl time, Pure Barre, no work, my grandparents are visiting, the list goes on.

2. Drew and I are celebrating our one year anniversary together on Sunday. No idea what he has planned, but I'm excited to spend the whole day with him.

AND NOW...*drum roll*

I'm so happy to announce my giveaway winner!

The winner of the Urban Decay Naked Palette is number 18...

CAMILLE!

I'm excited for ya, girl. Email me with your info (cloggingmolly@gmail.com)!

Thank you everyone for entering! I really enjoyed meeting so many of you and finding some great new blogs to read.

on a good time.

2011-11-01T16:36:00.002-05:00

Last week consisted of a lot of Pure Barre, date nights, relaxation, and birthday shenanigans.

Drew turned 24, but if you went out with us I'm sure you would have suspected he was really turning 21. Friday, I took the mister out for hibachi (our favorite is Geisha House in Plano!) and then to Uptown for drinks and some fun with friends.

Saturday was basically a repeat of Friday night, sprinkled with a little TV catch-up (anyone else watching The Walking Dead or American Horror Story? We're addicted.).

But the biggest excitement of my weekend? Learning that my public library rents out e-books over the internet. I mean, I basically squealed for half an hour after I learned that. It's about to get all sorts of bookworm up in here. I hope my Kindle is prepared.

And remember! (1) It's NaBloPoMo (post every day in November, sign up here! Gonna be a challenge, but I'm readyyyy), and; (2) my giveaway ends tonight! So get those entries in below this post. :)

How was everyone's weekend?

it's tuesday - the unofficial giveaway day.

2011-10-25T06:00:00.016-05:00

Well, according to me anyway. So, because I love all of you and I'm in a fantastical mood this week (and Neely inspired me), I'm giving away one Urban Decay Naked Palette.

I got it as a gift and since I already have one, why not gift it to somebody else in need? Because trust me: you NEED this. Everyone needs this. I wear Urban Decay shadows almost primarily and go back and forth between the Naked Palette and the Limited Edition 15th Anniversary palette. If you don't already use this palette, you're missing out.

Here's what one of you lucky kittens will receive:

Not my picture, obviously.

Twelve shadows. THE coveted palette. Good for day or night, smokey or natural, sex kitten or SEXIER kitten. These shadows are pigmented, but still blend very easily. The colors are almost across the board universally flattering, my favorites being Half Baked and Dark Horse.

So, here's the deal (open to US residents only):

Mandatory entry (separate comments, please): Must be a public follower of Hello Kiley. BAM, easy.

Some little extras:

Follow Hello Kiley on Twitter. (1 entry)

Blog about this giveaway. (2 entries)

Tweet about this giveaway: @hellokiley is giving away an Urban Decay Naked Palette! I know, better hurry on over: http://www.hellokiley.com (1 entry)

Giveaway ends November 1st.

So there you have it! Five easy ways to win. I'm so excited to share this with y'all, and can't wait to see who wins!

urban decay is not affiliated with this giveaway in any way and all opinions are my own.