why i'm giving up on to-do lists

It used to be I loved making lists because of the pure satisfaction I’d get from crossing my completed tasks off, but lately it seems my lists keep growing faster than I can actually draw that beautiful line through each ‘to-do’. And suddenly, I’m beginning to feel more overwhelmed than ever before and I’m growing to despise the lists that once made me feel so productive and on top. I spend more time these days writing down all that I need to get done than I actually spend getting said things done. It’s like, just thinking about all of it exhausts me and requires a nap. So, I’ve got to figure out how to fix this. If my lists are failing me (I know, it’s not my lists it’s me, but just go with it) then I obviously need to find a way to push myself to make the most of my time. Honey says I need to, “just do it” (gee, I wonder where he heard that one). He’s right though. I need to just get off my butt and do it, but without my lists how am I to know what I’m supposed to do? This is a serious problem peeps. So, I’ve come up with a plan. I don’t know if it’s going to be successful, but at this point, I’ve got nothing to lose.

It’s called, wait for it… a schedule. *gasp* A what?!

That’s right, I am placing myself on a strict schedule. I have a real bedtime, no longer a tentative one. And get this, I’m actually going to try really really super hard to wake up before 9:30 am. Oh, early mornings! We’re not friends, but we’re about to be! And another thing, I’m turning the clock back to 1990 and holding myself accountable for my household duties by utilizing a chore chart. Remember those?! A chore chart! Complete with gold stars and weekend rewards like candy and quarters even! AND I’m exercising. Regularly. Not just thinking about it. I’m doing it. Bring on those endorphins! Heaven knows I could use a major dose of those bad boys.

I know what you’re thinking. “Really, Kait? You can’t just handle your business like a real grown up?” And the truth is, no. For some odd reason, lately, I just can’t. I NEED those gold stars and that early bedtime. I need that schedule and that specified treadmill time. Some people can do it on their own, without a chore chart to answer to at the end of each week, but me, I’m so easily distracted by all of the things I WANT to do like catching up on every episode of Downton Abbey and showing off my Draw Something skills or stalking my friends on Facebook. So balance, here I come. And ‘to-do’ lists, bite me. And tomorrow, you better watch out, because I’m about to schedule the crap outta you and start handling some damn business.  

xo,

Kait the (soon-to-be) Great

weekend walks

 

With Summertime fast approaching, Honey and I have taken up ‘free’ weekend activities for the next little while in order to save up our dough and prepare for the many adventures that are crowding our Summer calendar. No complaints here. It’s refreshing to challenge ourselves and be creative about how to spend our weekends together without diving into the good ol’ pocketbook. This week, we wandered about Salt Lake City’s East bench with our family canine companions in tow. The canines walked us (yes, you read that right) to the nearest gully, complete with rushing river water and knee deep mud (a dog’s best friend and my worst nightmare), and as much as I adore my sweet purrball, Franklyn, I can hardly wait for the day when Frankie boy gets a puppy (even if said puppy is as fond of mud as I don’t want him/her to be). I just know that someday Frankie is going to make an amazing cat Dad to a sweet little baby dog, he just doesn’t know it yet. Hope your weekend has been lovely as well!

xo,

Kait

spring cleaning and victory

I’m in the middle of a major spring cleaning project. And by, “in the middle”, I literally mean I’m stuck in the middle of the world’s largest pile of junk. How all of this junk has fit into my teeny tiny apartment, I will never know, but oh my it feels so so so good to get rid of it. I filled an entire room with ‘stuff’ to donate to our local Deseret Industries. This includes the FIFTEEN pillows I found jammed into what should have always been our storage space. Fifteeeeeeen! I’m blowing my own mind with that one. I even chucked some old furniture into the big dumpster out back. Furniture like my dining room table and my desk. I told you, I’m getting serious over here. Suddenly, I can see clearer, breathe easier and dance to Paula Abdul all around my living room. It seriously is amazing what some good ol’ de-junking can do for the soul. Closet, you’re next, watch your back…

In greater news… the Utah Jazz made it into the NBA Playoffs when they smashed Steve Nash and the Pheonix Suns last night!! Wahoo! I know you’re wondering why you should care, but Honey and I love our Jazz (see here). So much that I woke up this morning to a body that could hardly move and a voice that could hardly talk. Apparently, I used every fiber of my being to cheer on my boys last night. And it was worth it. Oh, so worth it.

xo,

Kait

party animal

 

My friend, Sissy, is a baby making machine. We’ve always known this about her. Even before she ever had a baby, or a husband for that matter. And I don’t mean that in any sort of inappropriate way. Sissy’s just always possessed that ‘magical mama’ gene. It’s a good thing too, because she happened to make the world’s most delightful chubster and this last Saturday we all got together to celebrate our little prince’s first year. It was a party to be remembered, equipped with every toddler on the block as well as half of the neighbors’ farm animals. Baby Ian, you sure are loved, and even though your mom won’t let me babysit (I can’t blame her, I’m regularly surprised that my cat is still alive and healthy), I sure do adore you and those gosh darn perfectly plump little cheeks. The ones that were practically begging to be kissed all night long, and Lord knows I just can’t say no to kissable baby cheeks. Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

xoxo,

Auntie Kaits

      

notes to earth

 

Dear Earth,

Happy Earth Day. I really like you. A lot. And although I sometimes forget to throw my plastics in the blue bins or turn off the lights, I really try to remember to be kind to you. Because you're pretty kind to me. And again, I really like you. A lot. So today, and henceforth, I am going to be even more conscious of how I treat you. And I’m going to take even more time to enjoy you and do things like run my toes through the grass. Because you deserve it. And you’re just so rad.

xo,

Kait

light me up before i go

 

Today is special. I can feel it in my bones. It’s been miserably raining all. week. long. and I’m tired of it. But today, oh today, she’s special. For more than one reason. For starters, the sun is set to be out. Oh, sweet sun! And it should stay in the 60’s for the majority of the day. Five o’clock just can’t come quickly enough. I have big plans. Like plans to wander about my lovely neighborhood. And plans to turn up my speakers and open my windows and doors to let Springtime in. And plans to spend some quality girlfriend time (because Honey is gone getting some quality cabin time with his sweet Mama and Pops). And plans to enjoy. Because today, oh today is just special. xo

currently crushing: the staves

For your Sunday viewing pleasure…

It’s been on repeat over here and I don’t even feel bad about it. I might even get out my trusty guitar and do some work on my finger callouses.

You’re welcome.

brownies & blossoms

It’s one of those weeks. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. Those weeks when nothing seems to make you smile, except a Symphony bar with almonds and toffee, of course. Last night, it was half a tray of fudge brownies. I’m honestly beginning to wonder why Honey still claims to love me (and just for that, I love you too, Honeybuns). But really, as if being a woman isn’t a task enough, every few weeks or so, I’ve got to deal with this monster inside of me that wants to devour everything in her sight and scream at everyone in her path. So, to tame the beast, Honey and I filled our bellies with a delicious gnocchi dinner last night and then took a stroll through our neighborhood. Which currently happens to be sunny and in full bloom and doesn’t require a sweater or jacket. SCORE. Now THAT makes me happy. Even happier than chocolate fudge brownies with symphony bars. *Gasp* Did I just say that?!

 

mama loves her cake balls

 

These little beauts were a hit Friday night! They were featured at the Cake & Cocktails event at Alta Moda Bridal, in Salt Lake City, and I’m just going to say it, I was one proud and excited baller mama. There isn’t much that makes me happier than someone who loves our cake balls, and sure enough, the love was a-flowin’! It’s official, cupcakes are so out and cakeballs are in!

xoxo,

Kait

this just in…

 

My closet couldn’t be more ecstatic about the new delivery of aprons that has just arrived. Finally my blouses can breathe a sigh of relief as they’ll never have to endure a long soaking due to another chocolate smear again. I hope. Anyway, I’m just so excited about our aprons! Someday, I know I’ll look back fondly on these sweet little moments in small business ownership and probably giggle at how ridiculous and silly I am for having a mini freak out/screaming sesh (the good kind) in the car with my favorite partner in crime as soon as we got these bad boys in our hands. Yea, we did that. Yea, people saw us. And no, we’re not embarrassed.

Ballin’ 4eva,

Kait

wedding bells and dance floors

 

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

 

My auntie Ana got married! Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe that someone so striking and young could be an aunt to 60 or so nieces and nephews but what can I say, I come from good genes, which probably explains why we seem to procreate in large masses. Anyway, I’m getting off track. The wedding was amazing. It was beautiful and heartwarming like weddings should be, and it was tons. of. fun. Like way too much fun. We ate great food, made fun of each other and got to own the dance floor as a family for the night, and trust me, owned it was. And we all got to be together, which pretty much sums it up. We Aiono’s LOVE being together because we always make memories. So who’s getting married next??  And don’t look at me. I’m entirely comfortable with continuing to plan my non-existent wedding on Pinterest, thank you very much.

Cheers to my Auntie Ana and new Uncle Greg! Wishing you nothing but a lifetime of happiness, love and laughter! Love you both!