Yes, the time has come, my friends.
All of my ducks are quacking in chorus as they stand in a row.... I think. No, I hope.
Can you hear them?
With all the glorious chaos in my life, I would like to think that this blog is the one thing I do have control of. Instead of lolly gagging around and keep putting this switch off, I'm just ripping off the band-aid.
Today I will be changing blog publishing services.... there I said it, now I HAVE to see it through to fruition.
This translates into AMAZING new developments that I am VERY excited about!
You will find on the new (but same) blog: user-friendlier functions (is user-friendlier the correct grammar usage?), a more streamlined look, an easier email subscription service, some SWEET new posts that I have been working on, the launch of my photography business that I have decided to just jump on in the deep end head first, the series of the Photography Workshop I have been working ever so diligently on, very cool new blog posts, product reviews, and much much more!
Since I don't want to confuse everyone and have new post flying all over the place, I am going to take a short break from posting.
I hope to have everything back up and running within a week. I think. No, I hope.
I am super duper (yes, I just said supper duper) excited about all the new changes that I can hardly wait to launch it!
I don't want to rush things because I want it to be done right and done beautifully, though!
So folks, I hope I make it to the other side! More than that, I hope to greet you at the blog door and say, "Welcome back, blog peep of mine!"
Stick with me! Trust in your girl and pray that this process will be as seamless as possible.
The blog will continue to be at the same place, www.lifeaskaciknowsit.com but the little oompa loompas behind the scenes are getting an upgrade to cooler, more hip and rock n roll oompa loompas. Think of them going through "Cool Camp".
Here goes nothing!
Peace, love and blogging!!!
xoxo
-Kaci
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Palm Reader
A friend at work found this cool Palm Reading Boot App and we have had alot of fun seeing what our hands say about our personalities.
Do you ever think that you leave evidence of your true self and personality on your body such as the lines on your hand? Kind of like invisible tattoos.... Cool!
I could get into a very deep and complicated explanation for what I think about this but I will spare you from having to remove me from your email subscription list.
So here is what my hands say about me. It's pretty wicked how accurate it is.
What does your hands say about you?
Do you ever think that you leave evidence of your true self and personality on your body such as the lines on your hand? Kind of like invisible tattoos.... Cool!
I could get into a very deep and complicated explanation for what I think about this but I will spare you from having to remove me from your email subscription list.
So here is what my hands say about me. It's pretty wicked how accurate it is.
What does your hands say about you?
 |
| True |
 |
| Hmmm. Mixed feelings about this one. |
 |
| Good to know. |
 |
| I would think that I am. |
 |
| I try at least. |
 |
| ooooooo!!! Exciting! |
 |
| Hahahah! Duh! |
 | |||
gre·gar·i·ous/griˈge(ə)rēəs/
|
 |
| I'm trying really hard to dig it out of myself. |
 |
| I can see that. |
 |
| ok. |
 |
| Truth hurts. |
 |
| Hahaha! I am? |
 |
| Why do you think that? How did you come to that conclusion? Did I do something to make you think that? |
 |
| Very spiritual. |
 |
| I'm sure about this one. |
 |
| Absolutely. Remember my post about my hidden hippy? |
 |
| Kinda sorta. |
 |
| Is it funny to you that the middle finger indicates this, or is just me? |
 |
| I've been known to. |
 |
| I ALWAYS trust my intuition. My intuition tends to predict what will happen. It gets scary at times. |
 |
| I don't know if I'm talented at multiple things but I do know that I DO multiple things AT ALL TIMES. I can't help it. If I don't have a million things going on at once, I get bored. |
 |
| Totally true. My soul needs to move constantly! |
Thursday, July 5, 2012
My Baby Isn't A Baby Anymore...
My baby... I mean my almost 2 year old, Blaze is growing into an adult right before my eyes.
Where did my baby that fed every 2 hours, could cook up the most horrendous diapers, and that would snuggle up to me while sleeping and never wiggle go?
My baby... I mean, Blaze now won't touch any food that resembles the texture of baby food, is trying his hardest to convince me he can drink from a glass, talking up a storm, has had 4 haircuts and is developing his sweet but sometimes touchy personality.
For me, since I have gotten into photography, I am so sad to say that I have neglected snapping pictures of my own child. I am missing out on so many wonderful opportunities... if he stays still long enough for me to take a picture that is.
This Sunday when Clint came home from a horseshow in Tulsa, he decided that it was time for Blaze's summer haircut. You know, so the dudes can be low maintenance and cooler while they work during the hot summer.
Clint has given Blaze all of his haircuts and I do not dare take him to a barber. Clint thinks that it's a Daddy's job to fix his boy's do.
With every swipe of the clippers, I realized more and more that I don't have a baby anymore... I now have a boy. A crazy, dare-devil, accident prone, dirt lovin' little boy.
Here are a few pictures that I snapped. Don't you just want to eat him up???
Where did my baby that fed every 2 hours, could cook up the most horrendous diapers, and that would snuggle up to me while sleeping and never wiggle go?
My baby... I mean, Blaze now won't touch any food that resembles the texture of baby food, is trying his hardest to convince me he can drink from a glass, talking up a storm, has had 4 haircuts and is developing his sweet but sometimes touchy personality.
For me, since I have gotten into photography, I am so sad to say that I have neglected snapping pictures of my own child. I am missing out on so many wonderful opportunities... if he stays still long enough for me to take a picture that is.
This Sunday when Clint came home from a horseshow in Tulsa, he decided that it was time for Blaze's summer haircut. You know, so the dudes can be low maintenance and cooler while they work during the hot summer.
Clint has given Blaze all of his haircuts and I do not dare take him to a barber. Clint thinks that it's a Daddy's job to fix his boy's do.
With every swipe of the clippers, I realized more and more that I don't have a baby anymore... I now have a boy. A crazy, dare-devil, accident prone, dirt lovin' little boy.
Here are a few pictures that I snapped. Don't you just want to eat him up???
 |
| Blaze showing off his new do. Please ignore the scrape on his head... and his bare feet... and the ketchup on his face... and the fact that he doesn't have a shirt on. |
 |
| He's trying to tell me to hop in the passenger seat. He doesn't realize "hop" is not in my vocabulary anymore. |
 |
| Blaze loves riding horses. This is his attempt of saying "cheese". It sounds just like "shoes". I just love Clint's expression. If that's not love and adoration, I don't know what is. |
 |
| This is our life in a nutshell. Dirt. Boots. Jeans. Horses. Dogs. Baseball caps. Snacks. |
 |
| This is my little "Sarge" overseeing the dirty work. |
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Stockyards Mini Sessions
As some of you may know, I have opened up photography sessions to others.
On Saturday July 21, 2012 I will be doing mini sessions in the Fort Worth Stockyards to those interested.
Email me at kacijohnsonphotography@live.com with questions and to reserve your spot!
On Saturday July 21, 2012 I will be doing mini sessions in the Fort Worth Stockyards to those interested.
Email me at kacijohnsonphotography@live.com with questions and to reserve your spot!
Boot Camp & An It Works Body Wrap Giveaway [Winner Announced]
AND THE WINNER IS........
Entry #2 Jessi W.
Jessi Email me at lifeaskaciknowsit@gmail.com to claim your prize!!!
I talk alot of crap about my plans to lose weight and get my body back. I have indeed belly ached and sulked about it for almost 2 years now. Yes, I will have a 2 year old in less than 3 months...
Where has the time gone? I have no clue.
Where has my fat gone? NO WHERE!...... Wait just a minute, let's back that last sentence up just a little bit... Let's try that again.
Where has my fat gone? Where in the world has that fluffy, yellow, clumpy fat gone?????? Well I do know where 13 pounds of it went! OFF OF MY BODY!!!! Oh yeah! Mama is getting in shape!!! I've got a ways to go but I'll take 13 pounds ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!
I have refrained from blogging about my little feat because I have noticed a pattern about myself. I have noticed that as soon as I talk out my butt and make these huge and ridiculous life changing promises, it makes me not want to do it anymore. Then I just end up answering awkward moment questions like, "How is your diet going?"
I'm kind of like Ricky Bobby's dad in "Talladega Nights". As soon as something starts to go right, I bail. It's a character defect that I'm trying my hardest to correct.
Another thing I have realized about myself is that as soon as I make something a habit, I can't shake it. So all it takes is for me to get over the hump of something being hard (dieting and exercise) and then it is smooth sailing from there.
Thanks to Fun Girl Fitness and It Works Body Wraps I have flushed 13 whole pounds down the drain.
Let me tell you one thing, it has NOT been easy... at all! I wake my lazy self up 3 days a week at 4:30 AM..... Yes, there is more than one 4:30 in a day... go to "boot camp" and I sweat my ass off (literally). Then I go about my regular day with a 40 hour a week job, then come home to a family and my many irons I am always having in the fire....Whew! It can get a girl down at times. But until my second chin finds a new home, I'm not giving up. I really hope I just didn't doom myself.
Actually having to work really hard to stay thin is a new concept for me. I have always been active and athletic. This uncoordinated, roly poly is not what it used to be. It is frustrating when I am physically limited to make it through a rough 1 hour workout. I swear someone put weights in my shoes.
This chitlin' raisin' does some wicked things to your body. And who has enough time to squeeze in fitness with your busy life? It just come down to a point where you make time because you are worth saving yourself!
So at this boot camp, they make me run (ugh!), they make me gasp for breath (ouch!), they make my face turn red after 2 minutes (embarrassing), they make me push myself when I would probably just lay down and pass out if I were doing it myself (that's a plus), but the most important, they make me feel a thousand times better about myself. I'm getting the old me back.
Also, I am one of those girls that if I don't see results in like... a minute, I give up because all my hard work isn't paying off.
I was introduced to It Works Body Wraps and I was totally skeptical about it because I don't fall for instant gratification miracle solutions. With my first body wrap, I could totally tell a difference in my stomach area! It was awesome! I couldn't believe it!
This wrap gave me the boost and confidence I needed to keep pushing myself to reach my goals.
I was so impressed with my first body wrap that I became a consultant so I can have these wraps at my fingertips to keep seeing results coupled with my hard work.
So because I want YOU to experience the awesomeness of It Works, and start feeling better about yourself, I am giving away 1 Ultimate Body Applicator away!!!!! WAHOO!!!
All you have to do is follow the instructions that Rafflecopter tells you to!
It will begin Wednesday June 27 and will close July 3rd at midnight!
So don't forget to share this giveaway on your Facebook for more chances, subscribe to each and every blog post by email for more chances, like "Life As Kaci Knows It" on Facebook and comment below with your summer plans.
Good luck everyone!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Entry #2 Jessi W.
Jessi Email me at lifeaskaciknowsit@gmail.com to claim your prize!!!
I talk alot of crap about my plans to lose weight and get my body back. I have indeed belly ached and sulked about it for almost 2 years now. Yes, I will have a 2 year old in less than 3 months...
Where has the time gone? I have no clue.
Where has my fat gone? NO WHERE!...... Wait just a minute, let's back that last sentence up just a little bit... Let's try that again.
Where has my fat gone? Where in the world has that fluffy, yellow, clumpy fat gone?????? Well I do know where 13 pounds of it went! OFF OF MY BODY!!!! Oh yeah! Mama is getting in shape!!! I've got a ways to go but I'll take 13 pounds ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!
I have refrained from blogging about my little feat because I have noticed a pattern about myself. I have noticed that as soon as I talk out my butt and make these huge and ridiculous life changing promises, it makes me not want to do it anymore. Then I just end up answering awkward moment questions like, "How is your diet going?"
I'm kind of like Ricky Bobby's dad in "Talladega Nights". As soon as something starts to go right, I bail. It's a character defect that I'm trying my hardest to correct.
Another thing I have realized about myself is that as soon as I make something a habit, I can't shake it. So all it takes is for me to get over the hump of something being hard (dieting and exercise) and then it is smooth sailing from there.
Thanks to Fun Girl Fitness and It Works Body Wraps I have flushed 13 whole pounds down the drain.
Let me tell you one thing, it has NOT been easy... at all! I wake my lazy self up 3 days a week at 4:30 AM..... Yes, there is more than one 4:30 in a day... go to "boot camp" and I sweat my ass off (literally). Then I go about my regular day with a 40 hour a week job, then come home to a family and my many irons I am always having in the fire....Whew! It can get a girl down at times. But until my second chin finds a new home, I'm not giving up. I really hope I just didn't doom myself.
Actually having to work really hard to stay thin is a new concept for me. I have always been active and athletic. This uncoordinated, roly poly is not what it used to be. It is frustrating when I am physically limited to make it through a rough 1 hour workout. I swear someone put weights in my shoes.
This chitlin' raisin' does some wicked things to your body. And who has enough time to squeeze in fitness with your busy life? It just come down to a point where you make time because you are worth saving yourself!
So at this boot camp, they make me run (ugh!), they make me gasp for breath (ouch!), they make my face turn red after 2 minutes (embarrassing), they make me push myself when I would probably just lay down and pass out if I were doing it myself (that's a plus), but the most important, they make me feel a thousand times better about myself. I'm getting the old me back.
Also, I am one of those girls that if I don't see results in like... a minute, I give up because all my hard work isn't paying off.
I was introduced to It Works Body Wraps and I was totally skeptical about it because I don't fall for instant gratification miracle solutions. With my first body wrap, I could totally tell a difference in my stomach area! It was awesome! I couldn't believe it!
This wrap gave me the boost and confidence I needed to keep pushing myself to reach my goals.
I was so impressed with my first body wrap that I became a consultant so I can have these wraps at my fingertips to keep seeing results coupled with my hard work.
 |
| See for yourself. These arent my results because I'm still camera shy. |
So because I want YOU to experience the awesomeness of It Works, and start feeling better about yourself, I am giving away 1 Ultimate Body Applicator away!!!!! WAHOO!!!
All you have to do is follow the instructions that Rafflecopter tells you to!
It will begin Wednesday June 27 and will close July 3rd at midnight!
So don't forget to share this giveaway on your Facebook for more chances, subscribe to each and every blog post by email for more chances, like "Life As Kaci Knows It" on Facebook and comment below with your summer plans.
Good luck everyone!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Splurging On A Budget
Talking about money teeters on the line of acceptable things to discuss. People tend to keep their financial matters locked up tight with a lock and key.
What is giving a few tips on saving for the things that you want gonna hurt, though?
I am the world's worst about working my butt off extra cash just to have it burn a whole in my pocket and spend it on something that I have buyer's guilt for later.
I have just recently realized my financial habits when my best friend called to tell me that she was engaged and that she wants to get married on the beach at the end of September.
My first reaction: Oh my gosh!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!
My second though: I need to get my passport renewed.
My third thought: Whoa! I need to start saving money! Fast!
My fourth thought: Who in the WORLD gets engaged and then gets married three months later??? That is crazy talk!!!
I'm just kidding about that last part. When I finally gave Clint a chance, we decided to get married only three weeks after the night he danced me off of my feet and held my heart captive. (Insert your "Awww, how sweet" comments here.)
That was the end of September 2008 and we decided that we would get married in December during the National Finals in Vegas.
I gave my friends and family zero notice but they were there and that meant the world to me.
Not going to my friend's wedding is not an option. So what is an option? Penny pinching and bean counting, that's what.
You would think that I would have a financial plan in place on a normal basis for such situations because I am adult, you know..... hahahaha, you're funny.
There are several other things that I need to save for but I haven't yet. Like:
- We are going to Vegas in Decmeber to watch my Dad and Clint rope in the World Series finals and it's my cousin's graduation celebration!! Go Celeigh! She will be graduating from TCU's CRNA program! I'm so proud of her! So saving money for this trip is a must.
- I REALLY want an iPad. Do I need one? No. But I REALLY want one.
- Everytime I go on a photoshoot, I realize just how much I NEED an Epiphanie Camera Bag. This should go high on the list.
- I really WANT a Canon Wide Angle Lens. Expensive but I do eventually want one. This is on the line of want and need.
- I really WANT a new kitchen table. I already have one but its a small pub table that we got when we were newly weds and childless. Now if we want to have friends over, we set up TV trays in the living room and people sit in chairs and couches.
- I REALLY want a pair of Aztec Gypsy Soules. I really really do!
Budgets and planning are not my forte. It is time for me to force myself into making it my forte.
Here are a few tips to help you to get you the things you want/need:
1. Determine your budget.
- Write down your income, all of your bills and your budget for things such as gas, groceries, etc.
-Decide the percentage of what is left over that you are willing to put towards your wants/needs.
2. Write your wants/needs down.
- I am a notebook queen. I start lists all the time for things such as these. When you actually write things down, you are more likely to stamp it on your brain and remember your list. You will also have a hardcopy to return to if you forget. But I don't need to ever return to it because I remember everything..... And pigs fly.... And Elvis is alive....
- Separate your list into wants and needs. When you have your list down on paper, you will begin to prioritize the things that are necessary and the things that you can mark off your list. This makes room for the things that are most improtant.
3. Prioritize your list.
- Determine the things on your list that are more important to you in order of importance and feesibility.
-Meaning you are more likely to put something higher on your list that you really need.
-Think to yourself if what you write on your list is needed to help you make money. If it is, then it should take higher priority than something that is just a want.
Now I am going to go practice what I preach. Hope you find this post of some use to you.
XOXO
-Kaci
What is giving a few tips on saving for the things that you want gonna hurt, though?
I am the world's worst about working my butt off extra cash just to have it burn a whole in my pocket and spend it on something that I have buyer's guilt for later.
I have just recently realized my financial habits when my best friend called to tell me that she was engaged and that she wants to get married on the beach at the end of September.
My first reaction: Oh my gosh!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!
My second though: I need to get my passport renewed.
My third thought: Whoa! I need to start saving money! Fast!
My fourth thought: Who in the WORLD gets engaged and then gets married three months later??? That is crazy talk!!!
I'm just kidding about that last part. When I finally gave Clint a chance, we decided to get married only three weeks after the night he danced me off of my feet and held my heart captive. (Insert your "Awww, how sweet" comments here.)
That was the end of September 2008 and we decided that we would get married in December during the National Finals in Vegas.
I gave my friends and family zero notice but they were there and that meant the world to me.
Not going to my friend's wedding is not an option. So what is an option? Penny pinching and bean counting, that's what.
You would think that I would have a financial plan in place on a normal basis for such situations because I am adult, you know..... hahahaha, you're funny.
There are several other things that I need to save for but I haven't yet. Like:
- We are going to Vegas in Decmeber to watch my Dad and Clint rope in the World Series finals and it's my cousin's graduation celebration!! Go Celeigh! She will be graduating from TCU's CRNA program! I'm so proud of her! So saving money for this trip is a must.
- I REALLY want an iPad. Do I need one? No. But I REALLY want one.
- Everytime I go on a photoshoot, I realize just how much I NEED an Epiphanie Camera Bag. This should go high on the list.
- I really WANT a Canon Wide Angle Lens. Expensive but I do eventually want one. This is on the line of want and need.
- I really WANT a new kitchen table. I already have one but its a small pub table that we got when we were newly weds and childless. Now if we want to have friends over, we set up TV trays in the living room and people sit in chairs and couches.
- I REALLY want a pair of Aztec Gypsy Soules. I really really do!
Budgets and planning are not my forte. It is time for me to force myself into making it my forte.
Here are a few tips to help you to get you the things you want/need:
1. Determine your budget.
- Write down your income, all of your bills and your budget for things such as gas, groceries, etc.
-Decide the percentage of what is left over that you are willing to put towards your wants/needs.
2. Write your wants/needs down.
- I am a notebook queen. I start lists all the time for things such as these. When you actually write things down, you are more likely to stamp it on your brain and remember your list. You will also have a hardcopy to return to if you forget. But I don't need to ever return to it because I remember everything..... And pigs fly.... And Elvis is alive....
- Separate your list into wants and needs. When you have your list down on paper, you will begin to prioritize the things that are necessary and the things that you can mark off your list. This makes room for the things that are most improtant.
3. Prioritize your list.
- Determine the things on your list that are more important to you in order of importance and feesibility.
-Meaning you are more likely to put something higher on your list that you really need.
-Think to yourself if what you write on your list is needed to help you make money. If it is, then it should take higher priority than something that is just a want.
Now I am going to go practice what I preach. Hope you find this post of some use to you.
XOXO
-Kaci
Monday, July 2, 2012
Blog Switcharoo
This blog will be undergoing some serious and fantastic changes.
I put my heart and soul into this blog but I've noticed that the blog is not as user friendly as I would like. Like it's not easy to comment on posts, it's hard to find old posts and so on.
So in an effort to to streamline the madness, I will be changing blog services and website hosting services too.
I have no idea how long this process will take and I do not know if every single little thing will transfer from this blog.
What I do know is that the blog will go on in the midst of the changes and that the end result will be totally kick ass!
Bare with me folks, Life As Kaci Knows It will be going through a little growing pains but it is a change that needs to happen to keep all my peeps and me happy. Any feedback, input and what you would like to see on the new (but still the same) blog will be amazing!
Love ya.
Mean it.
-Kaci
I put my heart and soul into this blog but I've noticed that the blog is not as user friendly as I would like. Like it's not easy to comment on posts, it's hard to find old posts and so on.
So in an effort to to streamline the madness, I will be changing blog services and website hosting services too.
I have no idea how long this process will take and I do not know if every single little thing will transfer from this blog.
What I do know is that the blog will go on in the midst of the changes and that the end result will be totally kick ass!
Bare with me folks, Life As Kaci Knows It will be going through a little growing pains but it is a change that needs to happen to keep all my peeps and me happy. Any feedback, input and what you would like to see on the new (but still the same) blog will be amazing!
Love ya.
Mean it.
-Kaci
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Tattoo Follow Up
As a follow up to my rant the other day about tattoos and judgements....
That is all. Over and out.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
366 Days Ago.... GIVEAWAY!!!
366 days ago I made my first blog entry.
I started this blog as a creative outlet for my brain that was overloaded with ideas, opinions and interests. It started as a "Dear Diary" kinda thing.
I expected to just have fun and make my blog entries with no expectations that anyone would read it.
Over the year, this blog has made me do some serious soul searching. This blog has made me dig deep inside myself to figure out who I am and why I am the way I am.
I found out that not everybody likes what I have to say, which is fine by me, because I appreciate everyone's opinion. But I also realized I care TOO much that not everbody likes what I have to say.
I realized that people are quickly to judge me by a few words that I might say but not take the time to really get to know me. I guess that was a shocker for my sheltered self, thinking that everyone lived in harmony and felt that everyone is allowed to have their own opinions and beliefs and people just accepted that fact.
Since I take everything to heart, it has made me realize that I shouldn't always.
This blog has gone from a few entries a month to about 15 a month.
It has gone from 2-5 pageviews a day to 100-200 pageviews a day! That's exciting! I didn't know I knew 100-200 people.
It got it's own Facebook page.
It has it's own email.
It is now it's own dot com!!! Wahoo for dot com's! http://www.lifeaskaciknowsit.com/
It has made me strive to be better in all aspects of my life: wife, mother, daughter, friend, blogger, cook, career woman, and volunteer. It is a constant self refelction.
What I did not expect was to have this blog be a vehicle for realizing my dreams and true passions. That part is especially exciting to me because for the past several years I have been tormented with the fact that I don't know what I am supposed to be when I grow up.
For everyone that reads this silly little blog of mine, THANK YOU! I can't believe I actually stuck with something for a whole year! I don't usually stick to a hobby long enough for it to evolve in to a lifestyle change.
It means so much to me when I hear that you saw something on my blog that you liked or that I made you feel good about yourself, or that you realized a dream of yours, too!
The inspiration for me starting my blog has been The Pioneer Woman and since I love her so much, and I love YOU so much for sticking with me for a year, I am giving away her latest, greatest, and oh so fabulous cook book!!! "The Pionner Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier.
This cookbook along with her first has made me go from a wife that would burn water to a wife that my husband now sings my praises everytime I cook him a meal. Yeah, it's THAT monumental!
So what do you have to do to win???????
I'm going to make this SUPER easy since other giveaways of mine seem to confuse and scare people away. I'm going to try this Rafflecopter thing on for size. Let me know what you think!
Good Luck!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*** This giveaway is sponsored by Life As Kaci Knows It****
I started this blog as a creative outlet for my brain that was overloaded with ideas, opinions and interests. It started as a "Dear Diary" kinda thing.
I expected to just have fun and make my blog entries with no expectations that anyone would read it.
Over the year, this blog has made me do some serious soul searching. This blog has made me dig deep inside myself to figure out who I am and why I am the way I am.
I found out that not everybody likes what I have to say, which is fine by me, because I appreciate everyone's opinion. But I also realized I care TOO much that not everbody likes what I have to say.
I realized that people are quickly to judge me by a few words that I might say but not take the time to really get to know me. I guess that was a shocker for my sheltered self, thinking that everyone lived in harmony and felt that everyone is allowed to have their own opinions and beliefs and people just accepted that fact.
Since I take everything to heart, it has made me realize that I shouldn't always.
This blog has gone from a few entries a month to about 15 a month.
It has gone from 2-5 pageviews a day to 100-200 pageviews a day! That's exciting! I didn't know I knew 100-200 people.
It got it's own Facebook page.
It has it's own email.
It is now it's own dot com!!! Wahoo for dot com's! http://www.lifeaskaciknowsit.com/
It has made me strive to be better in all aspects of my life: wife, mother, daughter, friend, blogger, cook, career woman, and volunteer. It is a constant self refelction.
What I did not expect was to have this blog be a vehicle for realizing my dreams and true passions. That part is especially exciting to me because for the past several years I have been tormented with the fact that I don't know what I am supposed to be when I grow up.
For everyone that reads this silly little blog of mine, THANK YOU! I can't believe I actually stuck with something for a whole year! I don't usually stick to a hobby long enough for it to evolve in to a lifestyle change.
It means so much to me when I hear that you saw something on my blog that you liked or that I made you feel good about yourself, or that you realized a dream of yours, too!
The inspiration for me starting my blog has been The Pioneer Woman and since I love her so much, and I love YOU so much for sticking with me for a year, I am giving away her latest, greatest, and oh so fabulous cook book!!! "The Pionner Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier.
This cookbook along with her first has made me go from a wife that would burn water to a wife that my husband now sings my praises everytime I cook him a meal. Yeah, it's THAT monumental!
So what do you have to do to win???????
I'm going to make this SUPER easy since other giveaways of mine seem to confuse and scare people away. I'm going to try this Rafflecopter thing on for size. Let me know what you think!
Good Luck!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*** This giveaway is sponsored by Life As Kaci Knows It****
Friday, June 29, 2012
Advice From A Tree
Just right under the surface of myself lies a tree-huggin', free lovin', Earth savin' hippy that just begs to show it's flower-adorned head every once in a while.
Clint used to think I was crazy but I see little instances where I have rubbed off on my rugged cowboy husband. When we go grocery shopping, he pays more attention to ingredients (good boy), he buys organic and he even buys Earth friendly products! I'm so proud!
I saw this on one of my fellow hippy friend's, Katie, Facebook page. I hope she doesn't mind me calling her my fellow hippy friend. Do you mind me calling you my fellow hippy friend, Katie? She is my hippy friend because she is a yoga instructor, a gardener, and a naturalist. She emailed me today saying that she is thinking about starting a blog of her own about yoga life and I cannot WAIT to see what she comes up with. Katie has been an awesome friend to me. She has been my counselor at times, my shoulder to cry on on more than a few occasions, and she's also been my partner in crime. I love her.
She shared this photo from Homesteading / Survivalism and I felt the need to share with you all. You should also check out Homesteading / Survivalism's website and Facebook page. It has tons of good information and tips.
Speaking of, I will be working on doing a little canning of my own this weekend. Stay tuned for what is most likely to be a comedic post about my first canning experience.
Back to the photo. I am sharing it because it is a good reminder that we all could take some tips from nature. It is, afterall, what was intended.
Clint used to think I was crazy but I see little instances where I have rubbed off on my rugged cowboy husband. When we go grocery shopping, he pays more attention to ingredients (good boy), he buys organic and he even buys Earth friendly products! I'm so proud!
I saw this on one of my fellow hippy friend's, Katie, Facebook page. I hope she doesn't mind me calling her my fellow hippy friend. Do you mind me calling you my fellow hippy friend, Katie? She is my hippy friend because she is a yoga instructor, a gardener, and a naturalist. She emailed me today saying that she is thinking about starting a blog of her own about yoga life and I cannot WAIT to see what she comes up with. Katie has been an awesome friend to me. She has been my counselor at times, my shoulder to cry on on more than a few occasions, and she's also been my partner in crime. I love her.
She shared this photo from Homesteading / Survivalism and I felt the need to share with you all. You should also check out Homesteading / Survivalism's website and Facebook page. It has tons of good information and tips.
Speaking of, I will be working on doing a little canning of my own this weekend. Stay tuned for what is most likely to be a comedic post about my first canning experience.
Back to the photo. I am sharing it because it is a good reminder that we all could take some tips from nature. It is, afterall, what was intended.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Clearly I Have Made Some Bad Decisions
I had to share this photo just because it is hilarious!!!
I would never get a tattoo like this for one very simple reason... I do not regret not one single ounce of ink that I have on my body. I never have and I never will.
I hear all the time, "Think about when you get to be an old lady, your tattoo is going to be in a different place."
You know what I say to that? I say, how do I know I'm going to grow old enough to be an old lady, huh?
I hear all the time, "Think about your children. They are going to be embarrassed of you because you have tattoos."
Well you know what? That may be true but I hope that my child realizes that I was my own person and I made decisions for myself for my own reasons and I didn't let anybody sway my decision. Hopefully my child will see that I was a free spirit and that having tattoos doesn't make me a lesser of a person. It makes me a lover of life, expression and love.
So if you were wondering, I love every single one of my tattoos. Every single one has a deep meaning to me. I don't regret any of them. I want more.
I don't believe in regrets. Because all of my decisions have shaped me into the person I am today. I'm not perfect, but I sleep at night. At the end of the day, I'm proud of the person I am.... bad decisions and all!!
Yay for being yourself!
xoxoxo
-Kaci
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Photography Workshop: Intro
It seems likes photography has become increasing popular lately.
With all the wonderful technology at our fingertips and the viral popularity of social media, there are photographers popping up everywhere.
I have always had an appreciation and love for photography.
I remember when I was a little girl, I would get those disposable cameras and try to take artistic and different point of view photos.
My subject matter at that time was my ridiculous collection of stuffed animals. Then it progressed to my trophies when I would win at play days or at sports. After that, my animals and any animal I could find found it's way into my viewfinder. I would marvel over the pages of "Sports Illustrated" of my dad's. I remember looking over the pages and thinking "what a beautifully captured photo." When I laid my eyes on the swim suit issue of "Sports Illustrated" is when I started getting interested in model photography. I had to get my hands on everything modeling. I loved looking through the pages of "Elle" , "Vogue" and "Harper's Bazaar" and seeing the high fashion models with their bold looks and eyes that would pierce right through you.
I guess I have always loved a beautiful photo. I get into a very deep and WAY over thought out explanation about artistic photography.... it's kind of disturbing. So I won't bore you about all that.
But what I DO want tobore talk to you about is beginning photography and getting off auto mode.
When I first got my camera, nobody told me what an aperture was, or how fast my shutter speed should be in low light, or when to use my flash, or what all the buttons on my camera meant.
That is the reason why I was scared to death to take my camera off auto mode. I was afraid I would miss out on an awesome picture because I didn't have all my settings right. Going manual is SO fun and it produces exponentially better photos. I promise once you go manual, you will never go back to auto.... Ever. From this point forward, we are going to reference auto mode as our ex-boyfriend... or ex-girlfriend....
In my quest to learn how to operate this wonderful piece of machinery I searched the internet and any photography forums for classes. Nothing.
I tried to ask other people with cameras. Nothing.
I tried reading my camera manual. Boring.
You see, I don't learn by reading. I am a visual learner. I need pictures and I need direction. Once I get what I need, it's all smooth sailing from there, baby.
Since I am learning by good ol' hard work (watching tutorial videos, reading every word of photography information that my brain can soak in, learning the hard way) I want to pave the road for others that are maybe starting out in photography, have an interest in photography or have nothing better to do than read me ramble ramble ramble.....
I'm going to break it on down for my peeps. Because navigating your way through your camera and to a beautiful picture can get a little cray cray, Mama is gonna make it a little easier for you.
I am no camera expert, I'm just trying to help those out that are in the same situation that I was in several months ago. I know the questions that you have about the little stuff because I had the same ones.
I know you've probably heard, "To get this picture, you need to adjust your aperture." or "You're ISO is too high."
Ok? What the hell is an aperture and how do I adjust it??? ISO? ISO, what? ISO awesome? I'll take it.
In this Photography Workshop, I will talk about the anatomy of your camera, basic camera functions, photo composition, photo editing, starting out in Photoshop Elements among many, many, many other subjects.
So all you budding photogs, sit down, buckle up and prepare to take yourself, your brain and your camera on a little tour. You are going to be getting to know eachother VERY well.
Can't wait to share all this good info with you!!!!
With all the wonderful technology at our fingertips and the viral popularity of social media, there are photographers popping up everywhere.
I have always had an appreciation and love for photography.
I remember when I was a little girl, I would get those disposable cameras and try to take artistic and different point of view photos.
My subject matter at that time was my ridiculous collection of stuffed animals. Then it progressed to my trophies when I would win at play days or at sports. After that, my animals and any animal I could find found it's way into my viewfinder. I would marvel over the pages of "Sports Illustrated" of my dad's. I remember looking over the pages and thinking "what a beautifully captured photo." When I laid my eyes on the swim suit issue of "Sports Illustrated" is when I started getting interested in model photography. I had to get my hands on everything modeling. I loved looking through the pages of "Elle" , "Vogue" and "Harper's Bazaar" and seeing the high fashion models with their bold looks and eyes that would pierce right through you.
I guess I have always loved a beautiful photo. I get into a very deep and WAY over thought out explanation about artistic photography.... it's kind of disturbing. So I won't bore you about all that.
But what I DO want to
When I first got my camera, nobody told me what an aperture was, or how fast my shutter speed should be in low light, or when to use my flash, or what all the buttons on my camera meant.
That is the reason why I was scared to death to take my camera off auto mode. I was afraid I would miss out on an awesome picture because I didn't have all my settings right. Going manual is SO fun and it produces exponentially better photos. I promise once you go manual, you will never go back to auto.... Ever. From this point forward, we are going to reference auto mode as our ex-boyfriend... or ex-girlfriend....
In my quest to learn how to operate this wonderful piece of machinery I searched the internet and any photography forums for classes. Nothing.
I tried to ask other people with cameras. Nothing.
I tried reading my camera manual. Boring.
You see, I don't learn by reading. I am a visual learner. I need pictures and I need direction. Once I get what I need, it's all smooth sailing from there, baby.
Since I am learning by good ol' hard work (watching tutorial videos, reading every word of photography information that my brain can soak in, learning the hard way) I want to pave the road for others that are maybe starting out in photography, have an interest in photography or have nothing better to do than read me ramble ramble ramble.....
I'm going to break it on down for my peeps. Because navigating your way through your camera and to a beautiful picture can get a little cray cray, Mama is gonna make it a little easier for you.
I am no camera expert, I'm just trying to help those out that are in the same situation that I was in several months ago. I know the questions that you have about the little stuff because I had the same ones.
I know you've probably heard, "To get this picture, you need to adjust your aperture." or "You're ISO is too high."
Ok? What the hell is an aperture and how do I adjust it??? ISO? ISO, what? ISO awesome? I'll take it.
In this Photography Workshop, I will talk about the anatomy of your camera, basic camera functions, photo composition, photo editing, starting out in Photoshop Elements among many, many, many other subjects.
So all you budding photogs, sit down, buckle up and prepare to take yourself, your brain and your camera on a little tour. You are going to be getting to know eachother VERY well.
Can't wait to share all this good info with you!!!!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Soul Gravy Giveaway [Winner Announced]
Ok, hopefully it works this time. I have been trying to post since Sunday and the blogging gods haven't been letting me. So here goes nothin'..........
The random number generator selected comment #7 so the winner is..........
Maybe i miss your body lieing right next to mine. Maybe I miss your touch just a little to much.~Dyanna
Congratulations Dyanna and thank you to everybody that participated! Dyanna, email me at lifeaskaciknowsit@gmail.com so I can send your good to ya!
Be on the look out for more giveaways soon!!!
When I get on a certain subject, I tend to run it into the ground until another topic piques my interest. Thanks obsessive A.D.D. I have been so wrapped up in photography lately that I have neglected two very important things that makes up the essence of this blog.
1. Rock n Roll
2. Giveaways
So to kill two birds with one stone (because I'm efficient), I am going to give away rock n roll!
No, I'm not going to send Guns N Roses to your house. Because if I had the opportunity to meet Guns N Roses, I would keep them for myself. Sorry guys. I just might pass out if I ever get to meet Slash. He is my favorite musician EVA!
What I AM going to do is give away my most favorite CD in the entire universe of music, Soul Gravy by Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Why is it my favorite, you ask? From the first guitar riff to the last note sung on this album speaks to the person I was, who I am, and who I want to be. It will always be a part of the soundtrack to my life. Even though I evolve and it stays the same, it takes on a relatable meaning in my life at all times. Since it came out in 2004, I have been listening to the whole thing on repeat without ever skipping a song.
This album came along at a time in my life where I was trying to figure out who I was as a person. It nursed me through break ups, my parents divorce, leaving home for college, finding my place in this world, some of the most wonderful times of my life and becoming a youngresponsible adult.
Don't think that I haven't played the air drums, air guitar and sang in to my fist thousands of times to this album. Over and over and over and over again. That's right, I am multi-talented. It takes a special person to play that many air instruments. Maybe I will give away lessons next time.
So what do you have to do to enter to win???????
Well there are 5 ways to get entries:
1. Answer this question in the comments:
What is your favorite album ever and why?
2. Give me 2 lines from any song on the "Soul Gravy" album in the comments.
3. "Like" the "Life As Kaci Knows It" Facebook page.
If you already like the Facebook page, just say so in the comments.
4. Share this giveaway with your friends by posting a link to this page on your Facebook, Twitter, email or whatev. If you do, write in the comments that you did.
5. If your friends enter the contest and comment that you sent them, you both get another entry!
- Write separate comments for each entry, ya dig?
- Each answer equals one entry with a maximum of 5 entries.
- A winner will be selected at random using this handy dandy little tool called the random number generator.
- Entries will not be judged on how awesome they are. Totally random.
A winner will be selected on Sunday June 17, 2012 at 12 noon and will be announced on the blog. The winner will need to contact me via email with their address so I can mail them their goods.
Happy commenting!!!
Peace, Love & Rock n Roll!!!
-Kaci
***This giveaway is sponsored by me. Cross Canadian Ragweed doesn't even know I exist. It would be alot cooler if they did.*****
The random number generator selected comment #7 so the winner is..........
Maybe i miss your body lieing right next to mine. Maybe I miss your touch just a little to much.~Dyanna
Congratulations Dyanna and thank you to everybody that participated! Dyanna, email me at lifeaskaciknowsit@gmail.com so I can send your good to ya!
Be on the look out for more giveaways soon!!!
When I get on a certain subject, I tend to run it into the ground until another topic piques my interest. Thanks obsessive A.D.D. I have been so wrapped up in photography lately that I have neglected two very important things that makes up the essence of this blog.
1. Rock n Roll
2. Giveaways
So to kill two birds with one stone (because I'm efficient), I am going to give away rock n roll!
No, I'm not going to send Guns N Roses to your house. Because if I had the opportunity to meet Guns N Roses, I would keep them for myself. Sorry guys. I just might pass out if I ever get to meet Slash. He is my favorite musician EVA!
What I AM going to do is give away my most favorite CD in the entire universe of music, Soul Gravy by Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Why is it my favorite, you ask? From the first guitar riff to the last note sung on this album speaks to the person I was, who I am, and who I want to be. It will always be a part of the soundtrack to my life. Even though I evolve and it stays the same, it takes on a relatable meaning in my life at all times. Since it came out in 2004, I have been listening to the whole thing on repeat without ever skipping a song.
This album came along at a time in my life where I was trying to figure out who I was as a person. It nursed me through break ups, my parents divorce, leaving home for college, finding my place in this world, some of the most wonderful times of my life and becoming a young
Don't think that I haven't played the air drums, air guitar and sang in to my fist thousands of times to this album. Over and over and over and over again. That's right, I am multi-talented. It takes a special person to play that many air instruments. Maybe I will give away lessons next time.
So what do you have to do to enter to win???????
Well there are 5 ways to get entries:
1. Answer this question in the comments:
What is your favorite album ever and why?
2. Give me 2 lines from any song on the "Soul Gravy" album in the comments.
3. "Like" the "Life As Kaci Knows It" Facebook page.
If you already like the Facebook page, just say so in the comments.
4. Share this giveaway with your friends by posting a link to this page on your Facebook, Twitter, email or whatev. If you do, write in the comments that you did.
5. If your friends enter the contest and comment that you sent them, you both get another entry!
- Write separate comments for each entry, ya dig?
- Each answer equals one entry with a maximum of 5 entries.
- A winner will be selected at random using this handy dandy little tool called the random number generator.
- Entries will not be judged on how awesome they are. Totally random.
A winner will be selected on Sunday June 17, 2012 at 12 noon and will be announced on the blog. The winner will need to contact me via email with their address so I can mail them their goods.
Happy commenting!!!
Peace, Love & Rock n Roll!!!
-Kaci
***This giveaway is sponsored by me. Cross Canadian Ragweed doesn't even know I exist. It would be alot cooler if they did.*****
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Wine Walk 2012
When you grow up in a small town, all you think about it getting out.
For me, I didn't loath my hometown of Granbury, Texas as much as my other friends and classmates but I didn't appreciate it either.
I never cared about the history, or the architecture, or even the culture.
Since we were on the road my whole life whether it be for sports or rodeos, my hometown was just a place in the background of my life.
Now that I'm grown and have a family of my own, it has come apparent to me that I know nothing about the place I've lived in for over 20 years.
A couple of weekends ago, Granbury hosted its annual Wine Walk that showcased dozens of Texas wineries, several home made cheese vendors and several handmade crafters.
As I was walking around the square of our hometown, I didn't realize how beautiful the architecture and the history that lies in between the layers of Granbury, Texas.
Here are a few pictures from the 2012 Wine Walk.
For me, I didn't loath my hometown of Granbury, Texas as much as my other friends and classmates but I didn't appreciate it either.
I never cared about the history, or the architecture, or even the culture.
Since we were on the road my whole life whether it be for sports or rodeos, my hometown was just a place in the background of my life.
Now that I'm grown and have a family of my own, it has come apparent to me that I know nothing about the place I've lived in for over 20 years.
A couple of weekends ago, Granbury hosted its annual Wine Walk that showcased dozens of Texas wineries, several home made cheese vendors and several handmade crafters.
As I was walking around the square of our hometown, I didn't realize how beautiful the architecture and the history that lies in between the layers of Granbury, Texas.
Here are a few pictures from the 2012 Wine Walk.
 |
| We got these wine glasses to sample wine = I was drunk by the time I sampled 15 different wines. |
 |
| Awesome furniture made from wine barrels. I didn't get their card and I'm mad at myself for not. Anyone know anybody that makes wine barrel furniture? |
 |
| This homemade cheese was delish! |
 |
| This guy from Marrs Art Glass Company was making hand blown glass and it was so cool! |
 |
| We lunched at Christina's on the Granbury square. It is a new bistro and it is a must if you ever visit my little town. |
 |
| There is the Granbury Courthouse. Ain't she a beaut? |
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Lone Wolf Photography
This past weekend when me and Clint were helping out with the All Around Ranch Rodeo in Glen Rose, I brought along my camera because I knew there would be plenty of opportunities to get some good pictures. A couple of things happened photography wise this weekend.
1. I successfully learned how to shoot in full manual mode!!!!! WAHOO!!! It is so not as hard as it may seem. I wish I could carry around my camera 24/7 to test my manual mode skills. I would look a little funny sitting at a desk in a doctor's office with a camera around my neck snapping pictures though.
2. I did NOT successfully learn how to use my new flash in a low light, action setting... darn it.
3. I got some AMAZING pictures of the broncs when they were let out in to the arena to exercise before the rodeo.
4. And the most important and exciting thing that happened was that I met Gabe and Stephanie from Lone Wolf Photography. They are usually at the ropings and rodeos that we go to taking the event pictures but I haven't been able to meet them yet.
I have followed their work for a couple of years now. Gabe takes some of the most beautiful pictures. He takes the sport that I love so much and captures it from an artistic and very beautiful angle. I aspire to resemble just a smidge of his work. I dig art, beauty, and photography. Hmmm... there's a t-shirt idea for myself.
On Thursday when the stock contractor let the broncs loose in the arena to exercise like I was talking about before, I stopped what I was doing and grabbed my camera. I raced down to the arena and found a corner that I could hide behind a panel so I could take pictures of these beautiful animals without them noticing me.
As I was clicking away, Gabe came over to where I was sitting with his much larger and better camera and his much larger and better lenses and started taking pictures too.
We were both sitting there in awe of the pecking order these horses displayed as our camera were constantly snapping pictures with a mind of their own.
I said to Gabe, "I'm just a beginner, do you have any advise for me?" I braced myself for the rejection because some photographers can be a little protective of their craft.
Then Gabe said, "You know, you just need to take your camera with you everywhere you go, take pictures of everything you see, find your own style and just go with it. Soak up any information you can."
I was in shock that I wasn't completely shut down.
We continued to discuss photography, lenses, photo editing, cameras, angles and everything under the sun about the subject. I found out that we both see photography as an artistic expression and a somewhat spiritual experience. It was great talking to Gabe.
I think highly of him for sharing his advice with me and I will be forever grateful.
If you get a chance, you should check out Lone Wolf Photography , you will not be dissapointed.
Peace, Love & Picture Taking!
-Kaci
1. I successfully learned how to shoot in full manual mode!!!!! WAHOO!!! It is so not as hard as it may seem. I wish I could carry around my camera 24/7 to test my manual mode skills. I would look a little funny sitting at a desk in a doctor's office with a camera around my neck snapping pictures though.
2. I did NOT successfully learn how to use my new flash in a low light, action setting... darn it.
3. I got some AMAZING pictures of the broncs when they were let out in to the arena to exercise before the rodeo.
4. And the most important and exciting thing that happened was that I met Gabe and Stephanie from Lone Wolf Photography. They are usually at the ropings and rodeos that we go to taking the event pictures but I haven't been able to meet them yet.
I have followed their work for a couple of years now. Gabe takes some of the most beautiful pictures. He takes the sport that I love so much and captures it from an artistic and very beautiful angle. I aspire to resemble just a smidge of his work. I dig art, beauty, and photography. Hmmm... there's a t-shirt idea for myself.
On Thursday when the stock contractor let the broncs loose in the arena to exercise like I was talking about before, I stopped what I was doing and grabbed my camera. I raced down to the arena and found a corner that I could hide behind a panel so I could take pictures of these beautiful animals without them noticing me.
As I was clicking away, Gabe came over to where I was sitting with his much larger and better camera and his much larger and better lenses and started taking pictures too.
We were both sitting there in awe of the pecking order these horses displayed as our camera were constantly snapping pictures with a mind of their own.
I said to Gabe, "I'm just a beginner, do you have any advise for me?" I braced myself for the rejection because some photographers can be a little protective of their craft.
Then Gabe said, "You know, you just need to take your camera with you everywhere you go, take pictures of everything you see, find your own style and just go with it. Soak up any information you can."
I was in shock that I wasn't completely shut down.
We continued to discuss photography, lenses, photo editing, cameras, angles and everything under the sun about the subject. I found out that we both see photography as an artistic expression and a somewhat spiritual experience. It was great talking to Gabe.
I think highly of him for sharing his advice with me and I will be forever grateful.
If you get a chance, you should check out Lone Wolf Photography , you will not be dissapointed.
Peace, Love & Picture Taking!
-Kaci
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