KICK UP YOUR HEELS for DINNER AL FRESCO 10.16.14

Hi guys, it’s me, that girl katie I love traditions and Dinner Al Fresco has become a favorite of mine.

This year we hosted Dinner Al Fresco with our amazing friends Hunter and Molly who own the restaurant, E.Leaven.

Summers tend to fly by everywhere but even more so here in Jackson because of the short summer season due to mountain living. So we are making it an annual tradition to end the summer season enjoying good friends, great food, yummy drinks and of course the beautiful Tetons.

Having 4 of us to divide up the work was perfect because we were all able to really enjoy the evening. Hunter, Molly & Matt took care of the menu while I took care of all the décor elements + my homemade ice cream.

It was a perfect night and we definitely KICKED UP our HEELS.

What dinner party traditions do you have? 

DIY CHORE BOARD 10.9.14

Hey guys, it’s me, that girl katie, I recently became a little obsessed with the idea of a chore board for my kids and the more I talked about it the more excited they got about it.

So, I did some research and really liked this chore board. But if I was going to make one I wanted to make sure it was something that would work in my family. So, I needed to tweak Sarah’s amazing design a little to fit my family’s needs.

My Chore Board requirements: 1. Conveniently located – it’s in our kitchen 2. A reward system that was visual and not about money 3. Easy to update and make changes

Chore Board Steps:

1. Buy Supplies 2. Attach molding – Glue + Nail 3. Chalk & Sand Corners 4. Prime – Frame + White Boards 5. Paint Frame 6. Varnish Frame 7. Paint White Boards 8. Print Font + Chore Graph 9. Add Font + Chore Graph 10. Hammer Boards In Frame 11. Add hooks + Paint Cans 12. Add Stones

Supplies:

- Plywood - Frame Molding - Wood Glue - 3 boards - Primer - Paint (Regular Paint + Dry Erase Paint) - Clear Semi Gloss Varnish - Small nails (for molding) - Finishing Nails (for white boards) - Hanging Material - 6 Mini Paint Containers - Vinyl Font & Chore Graph - Stones - Popsicles Sticks + Sharpie Pen (for extra chores + rewards) - Dry Erase Pens - Cricut Explore

Chore Board Rules:

All 4 chores must be completed per day to get to 2 stones. If you act poorly a stone is taken away. Extra stones can be earned by doing the extra chores. Once the bucket is full then a reward can be chosen.

I am sure the rules will be tweaked over time.

Tips:

- If you live near a Home Depot have them cut all your pieces to size. You will save a lot of time - I wet sanded a few times in between coats of the Dry Erase Paint - I painted at least 6-8 coats of the Dry Erase

Please Note - I am not sure how the Dry Erase will hold up over time because this is the 1st time I am using their product

Source: - Font - Paint Buckets - Chore Board Graph

Do you have a chore board or something similar for your kids? Since every family is different I would love to hear what works in your house.

QUOTES 10.3.14

Hi guys, it’s me, that girl katie, If you have been following along you know that this year has been the hardest year of my life.

I had many friends tell me “Katie, you have a lot on your plate". I could hear what they were saying but at the time I was just doing what I needed to do which felt like being on a moving sidewalk putting one foot in front of the other trying not to fall down. But all the hardship I have experienced is nothing compared to my sister fighting for her life and having to saying goodbye.

Over the year quotes have really helped me and at times I held on tight to a few of them and still do. So, I thought today I would share a few that really ring loud in my ear.

And this quote I hold very close to my heart.

Do you have any quotes that ring loud in your ear?

TOP 5 JACKSON WINTER ACTIVITES FOR KIDS 9.26.14

Hi guys, it's me, that girl katie, With kids back in school you might be thinking about where to spend your family holiday's this year? Well, Jackson, WY is a great place to enjoy the Wild West as a family.

The TOP 5 kid friendly Jackson, WY winter activities:

1. Ice Skating Where: Town Square (Outdoor skating rink) When: Mid-December through February Why: Strap on your ice skates, and glide around under the festive winter-time antler arches of Jackson Hole’s town square. Warm up with hot chocolate and refreshments while enjoying one of town’s many local, live bands! Cost: Skating is free, skate rentals available on site Contact: 307-739-6789 Jackson Hole Skating Club

2. Jackson Hole Kid’s Ranch (Ski and Snowboard Club)Where: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village When: December-March Why: The Kid’s Ranch provides a myriad of activities for children, age 6 months to 18. From the Wild West Woods to the educational ski and snowboard program, children spend the day discovering the mountain. This also gives parents time to explore alone, and an afternoon reunion can be spent exploring the snow castle on the village commons, as well as listening to live music under the Tram (late season only). Cost: From $105, depending on the program Contact: 1-800-450-0477 or 307-739-2788

3. Snow King Tubing ParkWhere: Base of Snow King Mountain Ski Area located at Snow King Avenue & Cache Street (6 blocks from Town Square) When: Mid-December through early April Tuesday through Friday from 2:30pm-6:30pm Weekends from 11:30am-6:30pm Why: Outside fun as you fly down a groomed track. You need to be at least 42” tall Cost: $16 for a 1-hour adult session, $21 for a 2-hour session Juniors/Seniors are $13 for a 1-hour session, $18 for a 2-hour session. Contact: 307-734-8823

4. Jackson Hole Children's MuseumWhere: 174 North King Street, Jackson, WY When: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-3pm Why: To inspire imagination and creativity. Children and their families will be encouraged to examine the world together through interactive exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences, ecology, and history and to further explore the exceptional place that is Jackson Hole. Cost: $7.50 daily entrance fee, children under 2 are free Contact: 307.733.3996

5. Winter Sleigh RidesWhere: National Elk Refuge, tickets can be purchased at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at 532 North Cache When: Mid-December through early April, from 10am-4pm Why: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride among thousands of elk, providing riders with a unique wildlife viewing experience and an incredible opportunity for photography. What to wear: warm layers, boots, gloves, and a winter hat. Blankets are provided. Cost: Adults $19, Children ages 5-12 $15, Children under 5 are free. Private sleighs are $350 per sleigh for up to 16 people. First-come, first-served, Reservations are available but not required except for private tours or groups of 20+ Contact: Double H Bar, Inc. 307.733.0277