Hello. My name is Katie & I'm a Workaholic.

(...you say, "hi, Katie.") 

Hello bloggin' world, and please forgive me for going MIA the last few months. All of my one, maybe two, readers have mentioned that I haven't posted in a while and their lives were completely falling apart. How could I allow that to happen?!

WEDDING PROJECTS are in full swing, and the planner inside of me is running around like a lost 12-year-old at an amusement park. It's a lot of fun for me...but (giggles) more poor, poor parents. They seem to be having fun so far, and their white knuckles around their checkbooks seem to be rather normal, as well. I swear I am DIY'ing it as much as possible, Mom & Dad!! 

Here, let me share my most recent project...

I saw this super cute idea on Pinterest (which I gather is most likely the equivalent to a rednecks "here, hold my beer" line when they're about to try something way over their heads) and had to put my own spin on it.

BRIDESMAID PLANNERS!

Here's the original pin. Cute, right? I looked it up, planners are $28.00 on Lilly Pulitzer.
Not too bad, except I have four bridesmaids. 4 x $28 = Ouch! Free just sounds so much better, to me and to my parents. Plus side?! They're just as cute!!

You can get yours here on Lilly Pulitzer's website OR you can take this cool idea of mine. I've done all the hard work!

... pssst, you're welcome. 

FREE LILLY PULITZER INSPIRED 2015-2016 CALENDAR PAGES

Just click. Print. Have bound at a print shop. Voila!
Bridesmaid gift number one, done & done.

I plan on putting these at their place setting with their other gifts at the upcoming luncheon, "Come Have Tea with the Bride-to-be!" It's going to be a casual get-together where I can formally ask them to be my bridesmaid. More details and photos to come, so be on the look out!

Here's an example of what I'm going to have printed on the back sides of each month to help keep the girls in-the-know for special dates.

I found all of these << FREE >> fonts on Pinterest and used them in Word on my Mac. Just follow the pin to their original webpage, and then follow the instructions from there on how to save them for use. It was easier than should be allowed, but thank goodness it was!
Here are a few that I used here and here, too. Enjoy!! 

Note how I mixed up the use of large letters and script fonts? It gives the page more character. More like something you paid big bucks for, like from LP, don't ya think? Play around with the different styles 'til you find what you like! It's a ton of fun, but admittedly time consuming. You got this. Just keep reminding yourself of alllll the money I'm saving you with these tips, and that you're saving yourself by being an awesome DIY'er. Your parents are smiling with the thought, and can end up spending it somewhere else more useful! Like an awesome photographer with an assistant... an open bar... doves that fly off after the 'I Do's"... the possibilities are endless. Another tip? I keep using the pinks and gold tones for a reason. They're my wedding day colors! Nifty, nifty. 

Because my wedding date is still a whole year and some odd months away, I'm keeping these calendars rather blank for the girls to add their own information in. I'm also planning on adding sections where they can add reminders, and a section to add memories or photos so they never forget all the fun we had making this day happen. Also, I plan on putting in a tentative time-line for the big day, all the important contact information they'll need so they can all stay in touch, and other fun tidbits like each other's birthdays and fun quotes. At the end of it all, they can look back through this book and remember all the crazy awesome-ness that we all went through, together. 

Check out my Pinterest page to get other awesome DIY ideas, and stay tuned for more fun projects that I get caught up in.

Oh, & P.S. here's those other month's for you to save & print for your girls' planner books...

 

Sir Duke Treadway is HERE!

What a crazy, eventful, and a totally chaotic blessing of a week this has been! From working extra to make up for my missed days, to picking up our newest edition, throwing him a welcome home party, and then finally, all the new puppy duties we have taken on.... whew. I am poooooped, but oh so happy hearted. My cup runneth over with love. This little guy is absolutely p e r f e c t!

Go ahead, enjoy some pictures of his home coming...

Everyone said, "It's like baby practice!" Y'all... you guys weren't kidding. Up every 2-3 hours of the night to walk him outside (and the temperatures outside weren't too pleasant), feeding schedule, prepping his food for his puppy teeth, making sure he doesn't drink city water at first,  potty training, crate training, vitamins, special bath regimen with baby wipes (which by the way took us 20 minutes to pick out at the store to make sure it didn't have alcohol in them, and had aloe for his sensitive skin), teaching him not to chew on EVERYthing, and swooning every time he falls asleep and counting each and every roll he has. You did see those rolls, didn't you? I mean, how can you miss them. Ahhhh-dorable. He is worth every single minute of standing outside, freezing, and every hour of sleep missed. 

Lucy & Charlie haven't exactly gotten used to him, yet, and I'm running out of ideas. We have tried loving on them while he comes up to them so they don't feel threatened, engaging them in play together for camaraderie, and sweet talks for encouragement. No luck. I can't tell if they're being skittish, cautious or if they're scared?? If anyone has any advice, do leave it in my comments box!!!

 Furthermore, we have to register his AKC papers soon, and I have to think of a name that no one else has taken! We are thinking about using Josh's late grandfathers last name "Grimsley" somehow... Sir Duke Grim Treadway? Again, if you have any suggestions, let me know!! 

It's fun to see Josh step up to the plate and turn into a "daddy", and how he wakes up to take him out in the middle of the night or volunteering to take him to his first vet visit. I am so proud of my sweet man. I know one day he'll make a great daddy... but no time soon, haha! Let's get down that aisle first, yeah?! 

Just look at that cheese... Happy Daddy!

Speaking of weddings...  :D .... planning for our upcoming nuptials has been fuuuuun! I am totally in my element. We have picked a photographer, she's amazing!! I will make sure I can get her permission for a shout out in future posts to come so that she gets the credit she totally deserves. We interviewed a few florists, bakeries, wedding planners, DJs, and have been "pinteresting" it up... and when I say "we", we all know I mean "me"! Ha! Josh has actually been taking the wedding planning pretty well. He has helped me pick out an invitation style, tuxedo colors, and wedding colors along with other small details. Gotta keep that man busy, girls! ;) The biggest to-do on my list is to lose some weight and tone it up. Currently researching, err... postponing... my efforts as to which "diet" aka "life style change" I want to dive into, so if you readers have any suggestions, please leave your comments below! I am pretty sure I am going to try the "21 Day Fix" and see where that takes me. Wish me luck!! 

Well, I believe I have brought everyone up to speed on my totally mundane to you but oh-so-exciting life for me! I really enjoy taking the time to write about the little, or BIG, things that take place in my life!! I hope soon to take the time to blog about my fun DIY projects, recipes I've tried, and cool wedding planning tips I figure out along the way. Stay tuned for more fun ahead! 

Time for Dukes potty break before bed... xoxo.

Love Always, Katie

Projects for Daysss...

Well hello readers :) 

I hope this post finds you as cozy as I am right now, sitting on your couch and drinking coffee while snuggling with your dog-babies. *Deep Sigh* Lord knows I needed this. Relaxation at it's finest. But, if you find yourself sneaking this read on your lunch break (or even while on the clock, you rebel, you) then just close your eyes and repeat after me... 

"Summer is only 103 days away!" 

Feeling better, already? Yeah, you're welcome! 

 I named this blog "Pretty Big Things" because I don't know what it means to do something in a small way. When I start a project, I jump in head first and don't stop until it's done to my liking. It causes some new grey hairs sometimes, but when it's all said and done, I am one happy happy happy girl. I dream BIG, plan BIG, and do all things in a BIG way! It's just who I am am. 

"I yam what I yam an' tha's all I yam!" -Popeye. 

With that said, Josh and I finally cranked out a dog bed made from reclaimed pallet wood!! Well, I stood by and watched it happen any ways. His dad, "Treadway", and him had a blast making it while his mom, Jayne, and I directed the whole project. There might have been a few margaritas on site, too. It was such a beautiful, sunny day, that we had to honor the spring-like weather in a fun and productive way! Here are a few pictures of the finished product...

 Before the stain was applied...

 ... & after!! 

We used a dog pillow we found for Duke that we both loved, and used it for the dimensions. It turned out PERFECT!! All I want to do is add feet to it, and wood burn his name into the back board. Stay tuned for the finished product! It will be FAB-U-LOUS!! This item will soon be featured on our Etsy shop, "Treasures & Trinkets", so keep checking in if you would like to purchase one!! 

{ WEDDING UPDATE! }

Wedding planning is under way! We have OFFICIALLY picked a date for our beach nuptials. 

I will be "Mrs. Treadway" on August 31, 2016 after a small ceremony, with our closest family and friends present, held on the family oriented, beautiful beach of Ocean Isle Beach, NC at this beautiful home:

 "The Memory Maker"

If you'd like to see more, read about the proposal or our love story, check out mine and Josh's wedding website at:

www.ThomasAndTreadway.ourwedding.com

The planning has started, and I will be sharing some fun DIY projects throughout the whole process so be sure to check back. Better yet, SUBSCRIBE to "Pretty Big Things" by entering your e-mail address over here on the right, and be the first to read all about the fun to come. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my check-in!! More fun projects to come, so don't stay gone for too long. With all my love,

We're Expecting!!!!!!!!!!!

Hehe...  I'm so mean... 

Raise your hands if you got a little too excited when you read the title of this post? 

(I see you, Mom) 

No, friends, we aren't literally expecting. *knocks on wood* 

However, we have some pretttttty exciting news! Josh and I have officially decided to adopt a third fur baby!! Our breeder finally sent us some updated photo's on our new buddy, and I couldn't WAIT to share them with the world. Literally, everyone has had to take a moment to look at them with me. Sorry I'm not sorry :)

Meet Sir Duke Treadway...

 I'm sorry, if you don't think that's the cutest little bundle of chunk, then you just need to exit off this blog and never return. If you don't like puppies, you must lead a really sad life. Just sayin' because ... LOOK. AT. THAT. FACE! 

We pick him up at the end of March and are all too excited, literally, and counting down the days..the minutes...the seconds... 'til he's in our loving arms. Is it a tad crazy to throw him a "Welcome Home" party? Hm... that's an idea...to be considered! (making a note in my Erin Condren as we speak) We bought the new dog food that is special for his English Bulldog tummy, his collar, his dog bowls, fun toys and special soaps for his delicate skin. We've been to Pet Smart at least 30 times this week alone (not kidding), and have read every article on EBD's that we can find. Josh has even decided that he wants to make 'ol Duke a customized dog bed out of pallets and reclaimed wood! 

*perfect segue into my next exciting topic*

A dream of mine has always been to start my very own boutique, sell everything monogram-able and all things pinky & girly. Well everyone, it is sort of coming true! 

I'm not sure if you have noticed my new tab at the top of the blog labeled "Treasures & Trinkets" but if not, go do so right now (pretty please). 

 You will read all about our new, and still under construction, Etsy shop. 

Josh is going to feature his handy reclaimed/ pallet wood furniture and I am going to start my hobby of monogramming everything! 

Coming to online shelves a click away, and close to you, very soon!

Thank you for your continued support in reading my posts here on Pretty Big Things! Seems like everything happening right now is no small thing, but I suppose that's the point, right?! These small, joyous moments are new chapters in my life that I am absolutely thrilled to share with you, in a big way. I can't express how blessed I am and how lucky I feel for that. 

Life is truly amazing, if you let it be! Go after your dreams, don't stop 'til they're a reality! Work hard. Play hard. Give God the glory :) 

'til next time, y'all! 

With love,

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope this post finds each and every one of you doing well on this frigid morning, or at least, in my opinion, it is severely cold here in Charlotte, NC. Maybe that's just my thin-Florida-girl blood talking, who knows. Anyways, I hope that you're all snuggled up in bed, underneath multiple layers of blankets and possibly sipping something warm (while reading this fun post, of course). For me? Not so much. Yay, weekend work! (note: sarcasm) Don't get me wrong, I love my job and am very thankful for it... but who knows someone who actually likes leaving their bed at 7:15AM on a Saturday morning? Go ahead... I'll wait.

In the meantime, I have a fun Valentine's Day recipe/ craft that I made last night, and am thrilled to share with you now! Chocolate covered strawberries can be costly if bought through a "1-800" number delivery service, so why not try to make them yourself? It was so super easy that you could even get your kids involved! Maybe you could have your sweetheart help you make them as a romantic Valentine's day activity?! Oh, the possibilities. *wink*

 

 

Here is the recipe and simple step by step directions on how to make these awesome Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

 

You Will Need:

• 1-2 packages of fresh strawberries, quantity is up to you
• 1 package of Chocolate & White Chocolate "Candy Quick" (find in the baking aisle of your grocery store, also known as "Almond Bark")
• A straw
• Wax paper
• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

1. You might be thinking... why a straw? Oh my, you guys, once you see this trick, you'll never cut the tops off of strawberries again! Check it out on my Pinterest by clicking the link to the right, and going to the "Healthy Eats" board or see the picture below. It's pretty simple, though, you just take a straw and push it up through the bottom of the strawberry. It will take the stem from the top right off and helps save more strawberry for eatin'! What, what?!
   

   
2. Rinse the strawberries gently and thoroughly, then individually dry them off with a paper towel. This way the chocolate will stick better to the fruit :)
3. Place the Chocolate Candy Quick in a microwavable-safe bowl. Nuke it for 30seconds to a minute at a time, stirring it each time in between, until it is a melted pool of chocolate-y goodness ...and refrain from diving in.
4. Now, this is the fun/messy part and you can execute it however you prefer. I, myself, held the strawberry with two fingers and swirled it in the pool of chocolate, allowed the excess to drip off, and then placed it on the wax paper on the counter. Sure, my fingers were covered in chocolate afterwards, but I wasn't complaining. I suppose if you wanted to use a spoon or a fork to dip it in there, you could... but, life's too short to not get messy from time to time. Just saying.
5. Once all the strawberries are covered in chocolate to your liking, then place the White Chocolate Candy Quick in a microwavable-safe bowl and repeat step 3.
6. Take a fork, swirl it around in the white chocolate, and then drizzle the dripping white chocolate from the fork all over the top of the strawberries. Get creative! Make swirls, lines and patterns. There is no wrong way to do this!
7. Optional, while the chocolate has yet to be cooled, sprinkle on some fun toppings!
8. Allow the chocolate to harden by placing them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.
9. Enjoy :)

 

Simple, easy, and oh-so-good! Good luck eating just one, and remember to enjoy these sweet moments with the ones you love.

I'm engaged, y'all!

Hold the freakin' phone... I AM ENGAGED! Josh (finally, yes) got down on one knee!! After 5 happy years, which were filled with many growing pains and plenty of bumps in the road, I have the privilege to call this sweet man my FIANCE! What?! Is this even real life...

It was just a regular Friday night when Josh decided it was time, and honestly, it totally caught me by surprise! I knew we were getting more serious about it being in our future, but I didn't know when... how... where... I was grungy to say the least, I had just came home from work with a bun on top of my head, make up melting off my face, and smelling like a nursing home (mm, sexy). The only thing I had on my mind was a margarita, especially after the long work day I had just endured. Hindsight is 20/20 for sure, because now that I think back on it, he was pacing around the house like he was forgetting something. I was standing at the kitchen counter going through the mail, like any other day, and I asked him if he was ready to go eat. My back turned to him, he started talking and I could hear a quiver in his voice as he took a deep breath. He began by saying, "I know you've had a long day, " which for the record, caught me off guard because we had already discussed my not-so-fabulous day, "but I was hoping I could make it better." That's when I turned around to look at him with a quizzical expression on my face, and he reached into his Carhartt jacket pocket with shaking hands to pull out a little black box. Some people talk about it all being in slow motion for them, the moment that they were proposed to, but I can't say the same. Before I knew it, a bunch of words came out of his mouth and he was down on one knee.... but all I could focus on was the fact that his eyes were red from tearing up, and he had this beautiful look on his face of true love. I do remember him asking, "I was hoping you'd spend the rest of your life with me." Crying and hugging then commenced for what felt like forever, I just couldn't believe it. I had to shake myself to remember to say, "YES!" This man, who used to always say he wasn't sure he wanted to get married, just proposed! To me! Ha! Bless his soul. I suppose after five years he knows what kind of craziness he's marrying, but all I know is that I haven't ever been so happy! Those were some of the happiest phone calls I've ever made to my Mom, my friends, and my sister... my best friend screamed in my ear for like 30 seconds, no joke. I wasn't mad at her for it either. Everyone who knows me, knows how long I have been waiting for this moment. It's finally here. 

And in case you were wondering, yes, I did get my margarita! ;)

& so 2015 has begun...

Ok...before I get started, before I say another word, follow this link to get yourself one of these awesome doodad's!! No joke, I got my first one last year and it has absolutely changed my life. This, my friends (in case you didn't know), is an Erin Condren Life Planner. Oh, no biggy [sarcasm], just a beautifully personalized, awe-inspiring, mind-blowing, super amazing organizer and ::LIFE:: planner that will knock your socks off. I will most likely feature my days, weeks and months planning throughout this blog, using the ECLP, so hold onto your seats friends and family...the awesome starts NOW! Follow this link for $10 off your ECLP!!! https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/katiethomas

OH, sweet Jesus, it's that time of year again. January Resolutions time! Yup, my top resolution is to lose weight..surprise, surprise. I imagine it may be at the top of many people's 2015 Resolutions, so why not do this together, y'all?! Let's hold each other accountable, share recipes, motivate each other through workouts and give each other inspiration to keep going! Don't stop 'til we reach our goals! 

This year I'm trying a low sugar, low carb, high protein diet that is very similar to the Paleo Diet. Totally efficient and has worked wonders in the past. Head over to my Pinterest board (link over on the right) to see some of the recipes that I've pinned that I plan on trying, and check back here to see my review on them when I finally get around to making them. Oh, the suspense! I know, I know.

Recently I read that drinking a gallon of water a day helps curb your appetite, flush your systems and keeps you hydrated which helps with overall weight loss. Bring on the water! I decided to mark off times to help motivate me, with Kendrick Lamar's help, throughout the day and have a good idea of where I should be so that I don't get off track! Give it a try and let me know what you think! 

Also, who says we can't have chocolate?! Hello Chocolate Ice Cream protein shake ;) I like to take my protein power, add coffee and vanilla almond milk, shake it up with ice and, Voila! 

Iced Coffee Protein shake! You're welcome.

Setting resolutions is the easy part. I can make lists all day long...in fact, I think it may be one of my hobbies. Ha! Any ways, the point is, don't just make a list! Go after your goals and make it happen this year!! It's still January and we have like four months 'til we have to break out those shorts, bikini's and flip flops! Would you rather be covered in sweat now or covered up at the beach!? (That's what I keep telling myself when I'm huffing and puffing on my treadmill or busting out another set on a machine.) You can do this! Think positive thoughts and plan ahead. Together, with each others support, we can do this thing!

Check back soon to see my attempts at some of these Paleo recipes, if not anything then to just laugh at my 'Pinterest Fails' (because it's bound to happen, I'm no Suzy Homemaker). Thanks for reading and for bearing with me while I figure out this blogging thing!