Kate As Of Late

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-25T05:32:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Just call me Scrooge...

2012-12-24T04:57:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve, most of us have been anticipating this night and the morning to follow for months now...

For me though that hasn't exactly been the case. I have had a very hard time getting into the holiday spirit this year, I have to admit. I haven't decorated my house at all even though I have plenty of little things I could put out in storage. I procrastinated on my Christmas cards so now they will be more like New Years cards. I change the radio station if Christmas Music comes on...

And the other night I was looking through photos of last Christmas and I realized why I just can't find the joy this year: I'm not home for Christmas.

I'm not with my parents and little sister today, running around to finish last minute shopping, dressing up to go to dinner and then to church together, eating a delicious midnight meal before we read Polar Express all together and go to sleep, looking forward to the next morning for not only the presents, but mostly the family time we know will be for just the four of us; my favorite part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.

This will be only the second year out of my 23 on this Earth, that I will not be with my parents and sister for Christmas. My mom and dad have always made an effort to help create special memories for us, and holidays were no exception. My mom loves to decorate, and the way she does up the house for Christmas each year seems to just get more and more gorgeous.

I took for granted when I was younger the work my Mom put into the house and making it just absolutely shine for Christmas.

She usually had a work party at our home a few weeks before Christmas, and therefore she would go all out in holiday decor for the house.

Our front yard was always the most lit up in the neighborhood, we had moving, light up reindeers in our yard to match the gorgeous lights that were strung from our rooftop.

Inside each room is different. She has always put up more than one tree; one in the living room with all of our very nice and expensive ornaments, a decorative one in the den and our kids' tree in the basement with all of our old collectible and handmade memories. And she always sets out her villages.

The Christmas Tree we open presents under each year.

A few of the pieces of her collection.

She always has the best little holiday accents if you really look for them.

She loves Vintage Santas.

And those are just a few of the shots that I grabbed last time I was home. There are so many other little details that she puts so much time and effort into... And without that I just can't seem to find the joy this year.

Is it sad that the best I can say is that I miss my Mommy?

Missing out on all of our traditions as a family of four has really bothered me this entire December, and today, Christmas even is probably the hardest day I've had yet.

I guess you can just call me Scrooge this year.

Hope you all have a little more holiday spirit in your hearts this year than I do! Enjoy your time with family!

Friday Letters (again already??)

2012-12-21T17:27:00.000-05:00

Dear Friday: You snuck up pretty quickly this week! Working 6 hour shifts every night of course made the week fly by, but honestly, couldn't it have been a little longer? I still have so much to do before Christmas!

Dear Work: Thanks for the unlimited overtime! My wallet will thank you later. Also, I couldn't be more thankful for my amazing team or supervisor. Thanks for being consistently amazing. I'm so happy to have a job I look forward to doing everyday!

Dear Aveda: Your salon was incredible! Thank you for an awesome experience as well as doing an incredible job! I love my hair!

Dear Long hair: I don't miss you. Not at all. But I am so glad that you were donated to a good cause, and in memory of Newtown.

Dear Short Blonde Hair: Oh, hey. I'm really starting to like you! I don't freak out anymore when I go by a mirror, confused as to who that blonde chick is with the short hair and what she is doing in my house. Grow a little more and I think I will like you even better!

Dear Furbabies: You two are super cute, and I've loved having the extra cuddle time with you this week. And you take pretty adorable photos too.

Dear Fellow Bloggers: I know we have all had a hard time coming back to posting after the tragedy a week ago, but I wanted to say that all of you who did open up and write about how you were feeling, you all are not alone. Not all of us may have written a post, but we were all affected similarly.

Dear America: Please, please, PLEASE find a way to compromise on some changes, not only with Guns but also with the economy.

Dear Landlord: Thank you for finding my package!! Super excited to have my long lost Christmas present from my amazing Aunt and her family!

Dear House: Sorry I haven't decorated at all this year... It just doesn't feel like Christmas to me this year. It probably has a lot to do with not going home this year, I just don't feel the joy like I usually do this time around.

Dear Furbabies: Because you always get two letters, Sadie you have been so cute getting excited everytime a new box gets dropped off! I'm sorry that there hasn't been anything for you yet! You will open your stocking Christmas Eve sweet baby! Be patient!

Happy Friday Everyone! Hope you have a great pre-holiday weekend!

A Very Pinterest Christmas: Gift Wrapping Ideas

2012-12-19T00:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Welcome back for the second offical post of A Very Pinterest Christmas Year 2!

We are officially less than a week away from Christmas! It's hard to believe but it's really sneaking up quickly and if you haven't already, it's time to get those gifts wrapped and under the tree!

This year, rather than spending a ton of money on wrapping supplies, I decided to do a lot of it myself. Here are just a few of the ideas that I used for inspiration from Pinterest!

Source: sewcakemake.blogspot.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: odessamay.blogspot.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: wihousewifeconfessions.wordpress.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: servemenow.wordpress.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: oursuburbanfarm.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Did you choose a theme for wrapping this year? Did you handmake any of it?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

God Bless the littles

2012-12-18T00:05:00.000-05:00

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A Very Pinterest Christmas: Favorite Christmas Movies

2012-12-17T00:13:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that next week is Christmas! It seems like we wait all year for this special season and then it comes and goes so quickly there hardly seems time to enjoy it!

But I am determined this year to go through with a few of my traditions as I don't get to participate in my favorite ; at home with my family.

And that means, bringing back for the second year, A Very Pinterest Christmas!

Today, I'm featuring my favorite Christmas movie!

I'm not usually a big fan of holiday movies. I of course love the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" and the Grinch, but typically I only watch a Christmas movie when I'm with family.

There is one though Christmas/Holiday themed movie that I love that I will watch over and over without complaints.

Source: imdb.com via Skyler on Pinterest

I'm talking about The Holiday with Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz.
Kate Winslet has always been a favorite of mine, and who can complain about Jude Law and Cameron Diaz?

If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it. It's a nice break from the typical Christmas story. Two women who are each having their own issues switch houses and essentially lives for two weeks right around Christmas, and the changes that they didn't know they were looking for are astronomical.

The movie is adorable, funny, heartbreaking and of course a great one to catch with your family, friends or even your significant other.

You will laugh, cry and of course relate to the wonderful characters in this Holiday classic, whether you're more of a Scrooge or Mrs. Clause.

Happy Holidays everyone! Spend extra time with your loved ones this year and give them extra hugs! Life is short and if nothing else has been shown in the past few days, life is short and precious and shouldn't be taken advantage of.

Smile, laugh and love big this holiday season.

Other Very Pinterest Christmas Posts!

*I was not compensated for this post in anyway, this is entirely my own personal opinion of a favorite holiday movie*

Friday's Letters: AKA Post Finals Brain Dump

2012-12-14T10:54:00.001-05:00

Dear Friday: thank you for finally arriving and signaling the beginning of a two week break from classes!!

Dear school: thanks for being over for the semester. Glad you ended with lots of organization and motivation, but still, the study schedule... Killed me.

Dear Scout and Sadie: thank you for being the most amazing, perfect doggies this week. You both were so snuggly and quiet and patient while your Mommy studied, I couldn't be more proud. You both have grown up and matured so much, but you will both still always be my furlittles! I love you sweet babies, can't wait for extra adventures and snuggle time during our winter break! Also, you both look super cute on our Christmas Card. My heart belongs to you two sweet girls! Also, Sadie, I promise a bath is in your near future.

Dear CVS and Family Dollar: thanks for the gorgeous, incredibly priced Christmas cards! I can't wait to send them out!

Dear ELF: thank you for FINALLY shipping me my package. I just wish all of the items I ordered had been included... and that I wasn't now waiting for a refund for what you didn't send me.

Holy ELF

Dear HSN: I love my polar bear Coca Cola blanket, and it got here so fast! It is bigger and more beautiful than I ever imagined! Looove it!

Dear self: Congratulations on finishing the semester! Now you get to spend the next two weeks doing what you love: crafting, blogging, spending time with family and of course working. Also, keep up the incredible bonus streak at work! You hAve realy found what you are good, so stick with it, love it and perfect it.

Dear Readers: bless you all, new and old! I love my followers, and as Kate as Of Late approaches 26,000 page hits, I cant wait to spend the next two weeks really connecting with you all, commenting on and reading your blogs! Happy Friday sweet readers, and happy holidays!!!

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Just a few updates...

2012-12-08T20:52:00.002-05:00

Just checking in to say hello and give you all a few little updates! Hopefully I will have a few more holiday themed posts coming up this week, as well as a few DIY gift ideas I'm going to attempt and maybe a few other things if I can get them together! I love being busy and this time of year is no exception! I have a full schedule and I want to keep you all included in the goings on of my life, whether you like it or not! Ha, just kidding. Kind of. ;)

I've been back at work for two full shifts now, and going into my third I'm super excited and confident. It was just like getting back on the bike, and I was able to get right back to where I left off when I took my sick leave.

My voice is back as well, my cough is slowly going away, and overall I'm feeling much better!

Finals are of course kicking my butt, but Monday marks the half-way point, and also the completion of my more difficult final. I am definitely looking forward to that, as well as a day off on Tuesday. I already have a lot of studying done for my second final on Friday, so I'm looking forward to a relaxing week with a little bit of studying as well as finalizing of Christmas gifts to keep me occupied.

I also ordered my Christmas cards yesterday! I was able to find a promo for 25 free cards from CVS, and they turned out great! A little DIY doctoring and they will be ready to send out very soon! If you are interested in receiving a card from Sadie, Scout and me, email me your address and I would be happy to send you a little holiday cheer!

I have to admit, in the past I have been quite the Scrooge. It usually starts when I see Christmas decorations up the day after Halloween, and that just puts me in a mood that I usually can't shake until Christmas Eve. This year though, I don't get to spend Christmas with my parents like I have the past 22 out of 23 years, and so I will be working extra hard to put my Scrooge tendencies on the back burner, and give myself a little boost of Christmas Cheer this year.

Happy Sunday everyone, I hope your weekends have treated you well and you are resting up for your last few weeks of work or school!

Happy Holiday season everyone!!

You get what you pay for...

2012-12-07T18:19:00.005-05:00

It's kind of a known fact that I have an affinity for popping tires. It happens to me at least once a year, and it's never just a simple patch fix. It's always a new tire.

Not too long ago, the time of year came around again I guess, and making a u-turn on a large street in a not so great area at about 10:30 at night I popped my tire.

A call to AAA was made and also to the police to sit with me until AAA got there (always a good idea when you're alone ladies), and about 30 minutes later I was headed back home with a donut.

At the time I had a lot of other expenses coming up and therefore needed to find the cheapest place to buy a tire. I ended up at Walmart, where I found out that not only could they put the new tire on the car for me, but they would also rotate my tires and check the pressure for me. I agreed to all of this, and a little while later they called me back to the Auto Center and let me know that they had replaced and rotated the tires, but couldn't figure out how to put my spare back under my car. I told them that was fine, I'd do it later and left. I had already been waiting about an hour and I was ready to go home.

A few days later I put the spare back under the car (took me 5 minutes, how trained mechanics couldn't figure it out is beyond me) and I thought all was well. I actually drove about 400 miles to Georgia a few weeks later for Thanksgiving. My family was also there, and one afternoon I casually asked my Dad if he wouldn't mind checking my oil, and all that jazz.

He determined a trip to Jiffy Lube was in order, and we hopped in the car and were on our way.

Jiffy Lube was quick to put my car right on their "rack" and they gave it a quick once over. One of the really nice guys working on my car called me over to the computer and with a concerned look on my face asked me if I was the one who had filled my tires last.

I told him all about my trip to Walmart and he sort of nodded his head while he listened to me. As soon as I finished he said, "Well, you had about 80lbs of pressure in your tires. You should have had around 35."

My jaw dropped and so did my Dad's next to me. We were told that a few other things had been overlooked, but what we were all most concerned about was the pressure in the tires.

I jokingly said I felt lucky to have made it 400 miles on those tires, and the same guy who had told me about the tires practically passed out when he heard that I had made that trip on such dangerous pressure.

Overall, the men at Jiffy Lube changed my oil, replaced multiple light bulbs, replaced my windshield wipers as well as topped off all of my fluid, corrected the pressure in my tires and rotated them again for me. They also said they would perform the same service for free (minus the oil change) if I were to bring my receipt to a Jiffy Lube anywhere in the nation in the next year. All of this? Less than I paid Walmart for my new tire and installation.

Leaving Jiffy Lube I was so impressed with how my car was running, my Dad a passenger only for the second time in my car even commented, and then asked if I was going to write about Walmart on my blog. I told him I hadn't thought about it, but ultimately decided I needed to warn anyone who was reading this.

I'm not saying Walmart auto centers are not a good place to have your car serviced: all I'm saying is that you get what you pay for. I got a very discounted tire put on for a very discounted price, but was also put in an incredibly dangerous position when it came to an error that they made while servicing my car.

I have to say I'm lucky to be alive, and very thankful to Jiffy Lube and their technician's throughness when it comes to inspecting the cars they service. From now on, I will definitely be going to Jiffy Lube for future mechanical services on my car, and also will be recommending them to anyone who asks.

I'm a single woman in my twenties, I look a lot younger than I am, and therefore it is very common for people to try to take advantage of me when it comes to situations like this. I just want to warn everyone to double check the work you've had done on your car, especially if you go to a place where their main focus is not automobiles. I didn't, and it almost cost me my life.

Stick with the ones who know what they are doing, I always say. I love that commercial: "You wouldn't let your doctor do your job, so why are you trying to do theirs?"

Stay safe this weekend everyone!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in anyway for writing this review: all opinions are my own. Neither Jiffy Lube or Walmart are aware of this review.

Finals week, we meet again...

2012-12-04T00:52:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year folks. Most of us are decorating for the holidays, baking cookies, spending time with our families and many more traditional festivities leading up to the big Holiday celebrations.

For most high school students and older though, we have a few different traditions during these weeks leading up to the holidays.

While you are decking the halls, we are burying our heads in the books, cursing any lazy weeks we have had in the past semester where our notes may be lacking... We are raking through our books, highlighting key phrases, chugging coffee and the occasional espresso shot. You may see quite a few manic eyes if you were to step on a college campus around this time. Warning: Any one of us are liable to break out into chants of vocabulary words and pneumonic devices at any moment.

This is all a part of the rhythm of the year, and we are all so thankful as soon as we turn in our last final that we usually forget about the pain of the past few weeks until the next semesters end.

I myself am hitting the books hard for my two finals. I am going to take advantage of my leave from work and really use my extra time to absorb as much information as I can and therefore do as well as I know I am capable of doing.

Don't worry though dear readers, I will definitely still be blogging! It has become my favorite part of my day, my "me" time, and really my only outlet without my voice.

In the mean time though, I hope you all have a wonderful week, I will be studying hard and eagerly awaiting December 14th!!

And because pictures of puppies always make me feel better...

Happy Tuesday!!

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Prayer Request

2012-12-02T00:48:00.000-05:00

Some of you probably know this amazing woman and are aware of her blog, but some of you don't and I felt the need to share her story with you all, especially this week.

Meet Summer, the blogger behind Summer's Story.

If you haven't already started following her, you need to!

Summer had a miracle little girl about 5 years ago after a long struggle, and just a little while later was diagnosed with quite a few life threatening diseases. Not only does she suffer from Rhumatoid Arthritis that keeps her in pain most of the time, she also has a few other diseases that a lot of us know nothing about, JM and DM. She currently undergoes Chemotherapy as well as many other treatments that make her pretty miserable. The only way you would know this though is if you read her posts specifically on her struggles with her illnesses. Otherwise, Summer is easily one of the most positive people I know. I haven't known her long, but in an incredibly short time she has reminded me that I am not alone, and that there is real love and positivity in the world.

Summer has been through so much in the past few years, and this week she begins a new battle. Summer's incredible doctors are changing her treatment plan to hopefully bring her into remission soon (a life free of pain and worry) and in order to do so they have to adjust a few things and put Summer through a few more treatments. Summer referred to it as a "massive dose of poison" a few days ago, and therefore I am asking for your help this week.

Pray for Summer...

I think it would mean a lot to Summer and also her family, if this week we can lift up a few extra prayers for Summer as well as her husband and Daughter. Just a few extra good thoughts. Let's send some sunshine her way this time, she is ALWAYS bringing it to our lives.

Be sure to check out her blog, and also grab a button below if you want to help pass along and ask for prayers for Summer this week! Our sister in this blog land we all know and love needs our thoughts, love and prayers, and in the spirit of this season it's the least we can do!

Good luck Summer, we love you and are always here for you! We are on your team sister!! Keep fighting, you are amazing!

Love you Summer, stay strong girl!

On this lovely Friday in Florida...

2012-11-30T00:49:00.000-05:00

On this lovely Friday in Florida, I first wanted to say thank you for all of the amazing comments you all have left in the past few days. Next, I wanted to welcome all of my new followers! I'm so excited you all have decided to come along on this journey with me and I can't wait to read all of your blogs as well!

I also wanted to let everyone know that due to a lot of recent growing up on my part, a lot of the old MeMes and About me Posts don't really apply. I have to admit that even my 25 in 25 or my ultimate goals have completely changed in the past year.

I can't wait to share with you all this new found Me and I hope you all will stay and continue to follow. This blog is about to get a lot more real; I want to focus on the issues that are affecting me and that I know are part of all of your lives as well.

There will still of course be the occasional Pinterest dump, recipes and of course my adventures in DIY and link ups galore. Those quick posts mean a lot to me and I truly enjoy writing them. But I do want to try to reach a new place, where I talk about more serious issues and ultimately want to focus more on what I want to write and what makes me happy.

I want to blog when I really feel like blogging, and about what I want to write. I don't want to spend days agonizing over whether or not I should post something because of the reception I'm afraid it might receieve.

Blogging for me has become another fight in overcoming my anxiety and I want to say in advance I appreciate the love and lack of judgement that will come from my readers. (Did you catch my hint there?)

Really though, I love you all and I hope you know that as long as I'm around, you are never alone! I am always up for a conversation, and will gladly discuss anything and everything with you. Whether it's what shoes you should wear on a date or overcoming a serious obstacle in your life, I'm here for you! I might not have advice to give, but I will always be a listening ear.

There are tons of ways to contact me just a few:
Email: KateAsOfLate@gmail.com
Twitter: @KateAsOfLate
Instagram: @KateAsOfLate

Worried again...

2012-11-28T21:39:00.004-05:00

I'm headed back to work tonight after a few days of being sick, and the anxiety I'm feeling is out of this world.

All night, I haven't felt like I can get a good breath, my heart feels like it's about to beat out of my chest...

Why am I so nervous?

I still don't have a voice...

I mean, I can occasionally get a little bit of sound out, but it's a struggle and quite painful.

The doctor prescribed me an steroid and an antibiotic. One dose of the steroid and I thought I was dieing. She said not to take it anymore. I'm three doses into my antibiotic and I'm feeling a lot better, but still not 100%.

I'm worried customers won't be able to hear me. I'm worried I'm going to damage my voice more by trying to yell for 5 hours tonight.

I'm worried I'm going to get in trouble at work, regardless of my medical documentation.

I'm just worried.

As the clock ticks down and I get closer and closer to my shift, my heart is beating a little faster. I know it's just like riding a bike. When I get back on the phones it will come naturally. I just have never been a fan of embarassing myself or of pain.

Wish me luck everyone... Hopefully I can pull this off without too many transfer requests.

Happy Thursday Night everyone!

What is going on?? Two posts a day, two days in a row?? Lots going on people. Listen up ;)

Oh How Pinteresting: Christmas Preview

2012-11-28T05:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

This week I'm linking up with Michelle to showcase a few of my newest Christmas pins!

Here we go!

Source: Uploaded by user via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: sanvie.de via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: lifesweetlifeblog.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: thatvillagehouse.blogspot.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: google.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Source: roomzaar.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

Head over to Michelle's blog and link up and show off what you've been pinning this week!

Happy Holidays!

Tales From Sales II

2012-11-27T11:04:00.001-05:00

The worst curse to befall a telephone sales person has cruelly come my way this holiday season.

My voice, my lovely voice which I depend upon for my income, is gone. Left in its place is a barely audible whisper meaning I am in no way capable of taking calls at this point.

Of all the times for this to happen, this week has to be the worst. Not only did I miss out on the last of one of our largest weekends of the year, I have a feeling Cyber Monday is a loss as well. Not not am I losing paid hours, I am also missing a huge chance to make money in terms of my bonus pay.

The simple fact is, if I can't speak, I can't sell, meaning I can't work.

There has only been one other time in my life that I have lost my voice,and that was for two long weeks at a sleep away camp. I remember being silent most of the time, but when I did open my mouth to speak the only response was typically laughs from my fellow campers. My voice is a little humorous currently I'm sure.

This was the same result when I tried to work last. I lasted about 15 minutes and there wasn't one customer who didn't either laugh or ask to be transferred.

As I am writing this I am headed out the door to the doctor two hours away (when you find a good doctor you stick with her) to hopefully have a little diagnosis of something of the like so I can get back to work ASAP.

Pray for me and my voice!

Women Connect '12 with From Mrs. to Mama

2012-11-27T00:17:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be able to participate today in an amazing new linkup, hosted by Becky of From Mrs. To Mama today. Without further ado...

Becky at From Mrs. to Mama is an incredible woman. She is not only a wonderful mother, but she is also incredibly inspirational as a Blogger. So many of her posts are inspiring and thought provoking, and I have always loved participating in her linkups.

This amazing woman juggles so much and has added one more project to her list: Women Connect '12 : A special linkup she is hosting to bring together women bloggers from all over the blogosphere.

What I take to be the goal of this linkup is to essentially write a post, pouring your heart out, and in doing so, hopefully find other women who are going through the same struggles you are. A time to share our own personal truths to connect with others.

I am linking up and sharing today because I hope with all of my heart that it helps someone who is struggling with the same things I am. Knowing I am not alone would mean so much to me at this point in my life.

My truth:
My anxiety has taken over my life.

My entire social existence, it has been known to everyone that I am the type of person who is liable to break down at the littlest of circumstances, and lately this has only become more pronounced and obvious.

The biggest chance lies in a plan I put together to go somewhere.. Usually this involves hours of agonizing silently to myself over the details: what time will I leave? Do I have enough gas to get there? If not, where is most convenient and safe to stop? Should I go iand pay or pay at the pump? Should I use cash? Should I go to the ATM where people have been known to get shot or robbed? If I don't go to the ATM I will have to use my card. Do I have enough money on there to do that? If I use that money now what will have to be forgone later? And it goes on and on and on. God forbid this is a road trip where I have to plan for long distances and also multiple days. That practically gives me an ulcer.

All of this processing and planning brings not only brings me to a point where I have every little detail broken down for myself, it also means that if one little thing changes, or my plan is disrupted in any way, I will most likely lose my composure.

My mom said to me after a recent breakdown that I needed to seriously work on my coping skills. This is something I have been told for years and honestly, most of the time, I could swear that I have worked on it and made progress... Up until I am faced with the chance to really incorporate my supposed new skills into my life... If that happens, I guess you could say, anything goes.

I think everyone experiences some levels of anxiety in their daily lives, especially those of you who are graced with the current journey of motherhood, and even those of us who are in college or just starting to really find our place in life. Some of us handle it better than others. Some don't need help, but others might need help their entire life.

Sometimes, thou, it can be as simple as letting someone else know that they are not alone. Perhaps all another person needs is a hug. Maybe make a goal to live a day like your entire purpose to make everyone's day a little bit better.

This is sometimes a silly goal I like to put into play for myself, and making someone else smile does make my heart and the weight I feel on my shoulders just a little lighter.

This week I'm hopefully accomplishing that with this virtual hug, inspired by Becky, brought to you by me.

You are not alone, you are loved, smile.

Head over to Becky's blog and link up with us! I can't wait to meet all of you!

The Perfect Apple Pie

2012-11-26T06:24:00.000-05:00

I fell in love with Apple Pie in High School, and started a desperate search for the perfect recipe. I am an incredibly picky eater and it took a long time for me to find an Apple Pie that I could make that I really liked.

I started with a Recipe from All Recipes.com called Grandma Opal's Apple Pie and have adapted it in the past few years to become something just a little different.

This isn't the most nutritous Apple Pie out there, but it is a crowd favorite and is guarenteed to please any audience.

Ingredients:
1 Pie Crust
1 Stick of butter (1/2 cup)
2 Tsp Cinnamon
2 3/4 Tablespoons All purpose flour
1/2 Cup water
1/2 Cup White Sugar
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar
Dash of Vanilla

6 Granny Smith Apples

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 475.
2. Peel, core and slice apples.
3. Prepare glass pie pan with a light coating of butter, and one of the 9inch pie crusts.
4. Mound and layer apple slices in pie.
5. Over low-medium heat melt butter. Slowly stir in flour and brown and white sugars. Add a dash of vanilla and cinnamon. Add water in slowly, constantly stirring. Bring mixture to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Once mixture is a carmel like consistency, pour immediately over apple mound evenly.
7. Place remaining pie curst over the apples. You can create a lattice like I did in these photos or you can simply cover the pie with the crust with a small opening in the center.
8. Finally, before placing pie in the oven, take about a tsp of white and brown sugars and sprinkle over top of crust. Add a little melted butter before hand if you like for more a browned pie crust topping if you like. Finally, a dash of cinnamon to top it off and it is ready to place in the oven.
9. Bake at 475 for 15 minutes and then lower temperature to 350 for 35-40 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool, and then enjoy.

Let me know if you try and enjoy the pie! Hope you enjoy this super easy apple pie recipe!

Pit Bulls and Parolees - An easy way to give back

2012-11-23T06:53:00.000-05:00

When "Pit Bulls and Parolees" premiered on Animal Planet, I admit I skipped over it at first. It wasn't until one of those rare mornings when I was able to camp out in front of the TV, that I decided to give it a chance, and it quickly became a favorite; a permanent series recording setting on my DVR.

The show is all about the dogs and men a vibrant red head named Tia Torres rescues and cares for at her pit bull sanctuary, called Villalobos. Alongside her her children, as well as multiple men who happen to be on parole, they find new homes for pit bulls and pit bull mixes that wouldn't have a chance otherwise.

The men that keep the sanctuary running day to day are normal guys who are hard workers, enduring long hours for the sole benefit of the pit bulls. Most of all though, these are men who are just trying to make a living so they can live day to day, just like a large majority of us out there.

Tia realized that, just like pit bulls, parolees have an incredibly hard time finding a new "home", i.e a job or cause once they are released from prison. Tia takes them in and treats them like they are her children, the same she does with the pit bulls and literally, hundreds of lives are saved as a result.

This show is incredibly inspiring, not only because of what Tia can do for these men and these dogs, but also what she does on an incredibly limited budget.

But here's the best part for you...

Animal Planet is giving you the easiest opportunity ever to help raise $50,000 for Tia and her dogs. Watch Animal Planet Saturday November 24th at 10pm Eastern/9pm Central/10pm PT. (More information here!)

For EVERY viewer that night of the new episode, R.O.A.R., a non profit segment of Animal Planet, will donate $.10 per viewer- up to $50,000 to be donated directly to Villalobos!

In 2010 the profits from this same fundraiser covered almost half of the vet bills for the year at Villalobos. This allows Tia to treat and prolong care for certain dogs that might not have had a chance anywhere else.

This is so simple, and is a chance for you to make a huge difference without even spending a dime! You don't even have to leave your couch!

Tune in to Animal Planet Sat. Nov 24th @ 10 PM Eastern, enjoy an hour of wonderful television and also feel good about the fact that you are helping Tia to save lives.

This was not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and do not represent anything or anyone associated with any other source or network.

Thanksgiving Memories

2012-11-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

As this posts I will be on the road, headed to my favorite place to spend the Thanksgiving Holidays, my lovely Aunt Katy's house.

She is my mothers sister, and the resemblance to each other, and also their late mother, my Nana, is uncanny. Not only in looks but also in the way that they love and care about those they are close to, and even those they aren't.

My Mom, Aunt Becky and Aunt Katy

She is the woman I am named for, and I like to think some of her compassion was passed onto me in some way.

Countless Thanksgiving gatherings over the years at her house, has grown into a huge to-do, sometimes with 20+ people attending when all is said and done. We laugh, eat, joke, sometimes there are tears, but most of all we are together as a family, basking in the ambiance Aunt Katy has seamlessly put together for us.

We play an incredibly intense family bingo game with actual prizes, we cook, eat, walk, spend time outside. There is a game of soccer played where we plan to have no injuries but we all know plans don't always work out. And of course soaking up time as an extended family unit is the most important to all of us.

Aunt Katy's 3 story red brick house sits on top of a steep hill. The house is warm and inviting and even though there is room enough for all of us to gather inside, the only way to seat everyone in one place for dinner is usually a tent set up in the courtyard, complete with buffet tables stacked with endless desserts, chandeliers and heaters. Some of my favorite holiday memories were made under those tents; going around in a circle, all of us saying what we are thankful for in turn, eating, laughing and drinking together, reminiscing and telling stories of holidays past. We take pictures and make videos, but most of all we create new memories. Memories that have the power to overtake you when you go back to them.

Even though we never go anywhere but the tent, we all dressed to impress. I remember the scent of my cousins' perfumes in the air, bracelets jingling as last minute touches are placed on the feast we all know our incredible Aunt Katy, once a professional Chef will prepare for us to bless and enjoy together.

As this side of my family has grown and changed throughout the years, so has everyone's locations. It's rare that we are all able to come together in one place, and so when it happens we all take advantage of every moment.

Yes there will always be family drama as there is with every family out there. Sometimes there will be tension and sometimes there won't be. some will get along better than others, but that is family.

No matter what we, love each other. Those holiday memories are proof of that.

I wish for you all the same, wonderful feeling this holiday. Love a little extra and say "Thank You" more than normal.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Commenting Blues

2012-11-16T20:52:00.001-05:00

Commenting blues

I dont know about you all, but I usually read blogs from my iPhone or my iPad. I am rarely on my laptop these days (hence the extreme lack of blogging), because honestly working from home on that same computer for sometimes 20+ hours a week, makes it extremely hard to want to sit in front of the computer to do anything else.

The iPad and my phone are convenient to keep up with blogs for the obvious reasons, but, there are also pit falls to this strategy.

The biggest? Autocorrect. Ugh. Please tell me I am not the only who has hit submit and then seen the mistake? Drives me nutso! (IPad just tried to write "Nigel") this leads me to a dilemma. Do I comment and run the risk of possibly looking like an idiot who cant proof read? Or just go for it because I know you all will understand my pain?

Another issue: Those times my pesky little phone logs me out of google and I post as "Anonymous". Annoying, no? Especially when there's something in the comment only you and the other blogger would understand, and then you just sound like a total creeper.

And then there is word verification. If it isnt so obnoxious theres no way i can read it and therefore epically fail at my attempts to get it right, my good friend autocorrect will jump in. Then there is no way I will be going through the hassle of rewriting the comment or trying it again.

The moral of my sad story?

I still read and love all of your blogs, I promise I WANT to comment on your blogs. I come up with witty responses and great words of wisdom, but you just hardly ever get to see them.

So when you do see a little comment from me, know a lot of effort went into it and be grateful damnit. Just kidding. I love you guys.

Thanks for sticking around, y'all.

I'll be back!

It's been a while, I know...

2012-11-15T05:15:00.001-05:00

And, you remember that big news I promised you all a while ago?

To make a long story short, it was starting to look like a dream was literally coming true for me. It was beginning to seem possible that I might have been able to cheer again. While it was free anyways.

Finances kicked in though, inflation sucks, and adding another HUGE expense just couldn't happen at this point.

In high school, my parents graciously paid my way through an All Star Cheer program my senior year, and it was an incredible experience. To this day I consider those days to not only be some of the best I can remember, but also some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I have ever had.

I wasn't able to cheer when I started college the next year - for quite a few reasons, and it looked like my days on the mat were over. The chance to compete seemed to have come and gone with that passing year.

This was up until a few months ago when I found an All Star Cheerleading gym randomly online that had an adult All Star squad. I had no idea these even existed, so I called and found out that they were actually just putting together a team. I was invited to come out for the first month of practices, and I am so glad I did.

The feeling of being back out on a mat with a team of people , all with similar interests and ways of communicating brought back the feeling of being so at home and I was beyond thrilled at the possibility of being a part of all of this again.

And then the night came a few practices in when they handed out the costs sheets. A little rush of panic went through me as I added up the numbers. I'm always hyper aware of my budget, and I knew immediately that while it was incredibly reasonable, this wasn't going to work. I would be basically adding a second "rent" payment to my budget once gas and everything else was considered.

There were still a few practices left before we had to pay, and I put my all into them. I pushed myself harder than I had in five years and accomplished so many goals I didn't even know I had set. . For those 1 and a half hour practices, I didn't think about anything else but how happy I was and how easy it was to smile and not be anxious and worry about what was coming next.

My hope is that starting in mid December or early January, once a few funds even out and the dreaded holiday season is over, I will be back on the mat.

In the mean time, I'm still stretching, trying to keep up with cardio, and mostly trying to keep my spirits up.

There's a lot more to all star cheerleading than the smiles and bows and extreme facials; trust, team work and hard work. But sometimes you have to let that part overtake you for a little while outside of the gym. That part of my personality is there for a reason, to bring me out of the dumps when it needs to.

Not only was it one of my dreams come true to cheer again, it was also an excellent reminder to always look for the positives, and find the "cheer" in my life again.

In the time i will be spending taking a "leave" from the squad, if you could call it that. I'm going to try to not only keep my natural endorphins up with excercise, but also try to look deeper inside myself to find the little things that make me happy.

Whether that comes by way of blogging, crafting, cuddling with my fur children, or even hitting a huge milestone at work, I am confident that I can and will find the little things again that make my days just a bit more cheerful.

A quick hello!

2012-10-17T01:20:00.001-04:00

I know it has been a while...
But...

I am coming back to Kate As Of Late very soon, and with some very big news to share!

Check back soon, to find out what I've been up to in the past few months.

A little sneak peek:

Two On Tuesday: Week 2

2012-08-28T04:21:00.000-04:00

Welcome back for Two on Tuesdays: Week Two!

The concept is simple: Two questions you can answer anyway you want. You can answer one or both, your choice! Linkup below and be sure to use the button in the post or link back to www.Kateasoflate.com!

Here we go with week two's questions:

1. What is your favorite blogging link up?
I adore Michelle @ The Vintage Apple's Oh How Pinteresting each week. Not only is it so much fun to put together a post full of fun pins, but I have also found so many incredible blogs through this link up! Thank you Michelle for hosting it every week without fail! You are incredible!

2. If you could go to one blogging conference, which one would it be?
I am hoping to attend some sort of conference in 2013, my dream conference is one with all of my closest bloggy friends!

Thanks so much for linking up last week! I appreciate you all taking the time to write up posts and also taking the time to read my little old blog!

Link up below to share your answers for week two and get ready for week three's questions!

Week 3:
Question 1: What kind of driver are you?
Question 2: What is your dream car, any specific amenities inside or out that are must haves?

Happy Tuesday!

Grab a button and link up below!

Thanks Isaac...

2012-08-27T20:37:00.001-04:00

Today was supposed to be my first day of my fall classes for the semester, and instead the campus was closed as a precaution.

I was disappointed. I am one of "those people" who get super excited for the first day of school. I love to get my notebooks and pens ready, organize my planner and get everything packed the night before. I love the first day of school.

Instead, I woke up as early as I would have for class, and spent my day working on homework anyway, a few loads of laundry were washed and folded and put away, and I was almost swept away with my cabana in my backyard.

Remember this beautiful ($15) addition to my backyard?

Well, it is gone. Okay, not gone. In my garage in a few pieces. But I almost went with it.

The wind picked it up and out of the stakes in the ground, and when I went out to try to salvage it before it took off through the neighborhood, I grabbed on and was literally lifted off the ground.

I'm not sure how I managed to get it into the garage and not with me into the sky, but somehow it's in there. When things dry out I will do my best to disassemble it before I replace it.

Glad to be alive, I came back inside and wandered a bit. I love my house but there's only so much time one can spend inside without going a little stir-crazy.

I'm only on campus once a week, 3 hours for one class, and so far I won't be there for that until September 10th...

I've been thinking about how to fill my afternoons, and sitting at home today watching the rain I realized how much I just wanted to spend time outside, near the water. I searched around a little on the student websites, happened upon the student employment section, and found an office job at our campus waterfront.

I spiffed up my resume a bit, filled out the application and submitted it. And wouldn't you have it, there's a student employment expo on campus tomorrow for positions.

A second job? I asked myself if this was really something I wanted to do. I have been known to over-fill mysschedule and stretch myself before, but I'm looking at this a little differently.

This is going to be my "fun" job. The one where I can go and be on campus, working with fellow boaters, a simple customer service position? It is honestly a no-brainer for me. And the opportunity to be on campus, in the sun, on the water a few afternoons a week? Count me in!

So thanks Isaac. Not only did you steal my beautiful cabana in my back yard, you also inspired me to get another job.

I hope everyone is well and dry this evening, and don't forget to link up tomorrow for Two On Tuesday!!

(Questions here!)

(PS: I am praying for the Gulf Coast, specifically Louisiana and Alabama and potentially Texas as well, I pray you all feel as little as possible in the way of tropical weather).

Spruced up Microwave Vegetable Steam Bag

2012-08-24T04:51:00.000-04:00

I guess you could say I haven't joined the modern world yet, because I have yet to purchase a microwave for my new house. I kind of like it this way. It forces me to cook things that have to be eaten fresh, or can be eaten cold. It is challenging for leftovers but a warmed oven is sometimes just as good (if not better) than a microwave.

When my parents were here, we stocked up on a few freezer specialties, and I went ahead and grabbed a few of those microwave steamer bags of vegetables. I knew I didn't have a microwave, but I had plans for these babies.

Source: birdseye.com via KateAsOfLate on Pinterest

I threw the bag in a skillet, added about a tablespoon of butter, another tablespoon of teriyaki sauce and about a cup of chicken broth and let it simmer until the rice had absorbed the liquid.

The finished product...

Was absolutely delicious. I can't imagine it would have been better from a microwave.

So, if you want to spruce up one of your microwave steamer bags, here is just a quick little recipe:

Stove Top Microwave Steamed Vegetables

1 Bag "Microwave Steam Vegetables"
1 Cup Chicken Broth
1 Tbsp Butter
1 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce

Combine ingredients in skillet. Bring to a boil on high stove top setting, then lower heat and allow to simmer until liquid is absorbed.

Allow a few minutes to cool before serving.

Another quick, easy and cheap recipe, from your's truly!