Snapshots // 12.23.13

I'm not really sure how it's Christmas week already, but I'm super excited! Here's a little glimpse of my world lately.

I'm ridiculously obsessed with these little guys. Trader Joe's is doing it right.

The Blogmopolitan Quiz

Wow! I didn't think I'd be quite so busy this week. My time has been occupied with car stuff and furniture refinishing...not all the fun Christmas stuff that I'd like to be doing. My goal is to get all my errands and chaos squared away so I can really enjoy next week with my family. I also don't want to neglect my blog. I really feel good when I post things and I hope you enjoy it too.

I'm a little late joining the Blogmopolitan bandwagon. This is a Cosmo-inspired quiz for bloggers from Two Thirds Hazel. I know I just posted some random stuff about me for my Liebster Award, but as a relatively new blogger, I just don't feel like you guys know enough about me. So, here it is!

Do you have any questions for me? I'd love to answer those too!

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies // A Vintage Recipe

You guys, I don't know if I should even consider this  recipe "vintage". It's more of an antique. This is the recipe for the cookies that my Mom and I bake together every Christmas. It was my great GREAT Grandma Robinson's recipe. (My 86 year old Grandma's Grandma) They don't have your regular cut-out cookie flavor. I think they're more like scones or biscuits. Anyway, give them a shot and let me know what you think. They're definitely a taste of history and a family favorite.

Snapshots 12.16.13 // Instagram Edition

As you may already know, my favorite social media is Instagram. I often forget that a lot of you don't have it or use it (including my husband). I wanted to do a little Instagram roundup today to catch you up on what I've been sharing lately.

Top row, left to right - Satch & Gus hanging out on the couch less than a foot apart (Progress!), a necklace that I saw that instantly made me think of Darth Vader (Josh's nerd is rubbing off on me), Gus looking particularly muppet-like

Bottom row, left to right - Maya snuggling on my (and her) favorite blanket, icicles and a scalloped awning, my Mom's Christmas village (one of them!)

If you'd like to follow me on Instagram, my username is @kate_soyouguys.

Lately // 12.14.13

Hi, guys! This is just a quickie no-photo (gasp! Who AM I?!) post to give you a little update.

I've been a bit under the weather this week fighting off a nasty cold. The last thing I wanted to do was sit and cough at my computer screen, so I've spent a lot of time in bed. Unfortunately, Josh has been dealing with heartburn from hell. It's been really whiny over here, to say the least.

I did manage to get some holiday baking done with my Mom and I'll be sharing our family cookie recipe later in the week. Josh hoped we'd make it out to see the Hobbit today, but we got another winter storm and chose to stay in. Maybe we'll go tomorrow. It's not really my cup of tea, but I will humor my favorite geek.

You might've noticed that I've changed my blog around a bit. Ever since I got Picasso, I felt like it needed some tweaking. One addition I've made is the sponsor section. Because of Crissy's post, I decided to join Passionfruit. It makes everything really simple. Make sure you check it out if you want to sponsor me or trade buttons!

Snapshots ~ Christmas Pajama Edition

It's been so busy around here lately, that I haven't taken a lot of pictures. So, the snapshots I'm sharing today are from Christmases past. I'm calling this one "Christmas Pajama Edition".

It all started in 2005, when my Mom got my eldest niece and me matching flannel pajamas. How could anyone resist the chance to wear ducks on skis?

Fave Five Friday 12.6.13

Do you guys have movies that you just have to watch around the holidays? You know, movies that aren't actually Christmas movies; but they still put you in the holiday spirit. That's what these movies are to me.

Edward Scissorhands came out at Christmas time, but it doesn't take place just in the winter. Still, the ice sculptures get me in the holiday mood every time! (and the DVD is on sale at Amazon for $4.99, just click the link)

Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake

I've made this recipe a few times and it's always a crowd pleaser. I used to be afraid to make cheesecake. I was intimidated for some reason. Fortunately for me, my friend Amy is a cheesecake baking pro and was happy to show me the ropes. 

I adapted my recipe from this one that I found several years back in a magazine.

My Top 10 Non-Traditional Christmas Songs

You guys, I'm a Christmas music fanatic. I've been playing my holiday tunes since October and I have A LOT of favorites. Today, I thought I'd share 10 of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs with you. Even some of you Christmas music haters out there will enjoy these!

If the playlist doesn't load, for whatever reason, you can listen here.

These songs are in no particular order & yes, I did bring Barry Manilow into the mix. Happy Listening! And for fun, you should check out this video too. Enjoy!

Snapshots 12.2.2013

The holiday season is here! Hooray! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We had a casual day with lots of great food. I even caught the parade. I still want to be a Rockette every time I see those girls perform. Anyway, here are some snapshots from the long weekend...

1. Thanksgiving cranberry salad and some fun with the Studio app

2. Sweet potato casserole in vintage Pyrex, what could be better?! Also, playing with the new & improved ABeautifulMess app

3. Kick-ass savings at CVS with more ABM fun

4. Satchmo's new favorite spot

5. I have to admit. I got all fangirl over this. I just love Jenny! If you haven't read her book, you better get on that. It's hilarious!

6. Dash & I are getting along very well with Picasso now.

That's all for today! What's new with you guys?

Giveaway Time!

I'm so excited to be a part of Sabrina's giveaway over on Cattails & Cardigans. She's reached 1000 followers on her blog & a bunch of us have joined together to help her celebrate with a giveaway. Here are all the goodies you could win...

200 x 200 ad space from A Little Too Jolley 

 Diamond Ad Space 30 days from True Love For Style 

 2 months FEATURED ad space from You're in Brookelynn

Small Ad Space, (200x100) from True Blue Abbi 

 3 months of 200x200 ad space from So, You Guys.

Warrior Princess (235x250) ad space +
advice on coming up with content ideas from Be A Warrior Queen
2 Months Large Ad spot - 200 x 200 from This Analog Adventure
3 months "Middle Man" ad space from Sometimes Z Takes Pictures

30 day ad, 250 x 200 sidebar banner from Safaris and Sunsets

200x100 ad space from Cattails + Cardigans

Medium Ad Space (250x75) from True Vintage Love

Large Ad Space (60 days) from Something about You + Me