February 28, 2012

Introducing Karen Norton: Author of PattySue Stories

Today I'm excited to have the honor of introducing you all to Karen Norton. This is a woman that I have always admired. She is now a published author of several books, including PattySue Finds a Home, but I will always remember her as Mrs. Norton- Head of The Independent School.

You can read a little more about Karen and The Independent School here.

Introducing Karen Norton: Author of PattySue Stories
PattySue, Kathy Simms-Melzer, and Karen Norton at the Kansas Humane Society

1. What inspired you to write the PattySue Stories?

When I met PattySue, it didn't take me long to realize that she had a very special personality. Since her owner, Kathy Simms-Melzer, and I are friends, we would walk together at least twice a week. Several times I had told Kathy I was going to write a story about PattySue, because she kept doing funny things. We wrote the book about 4 years ago, but because we couldn't afford to put it in print, it just sat. About two years ago, Kathy's son suggested we turn it into an eBook, since many of his friends with young children used iPads and Nooks for their children. After diligently searching for and finding an illustrator (Donavan Lawrence) who had the technical knowledge to create an eBook, we headed down that path.

Introducing Karen Norton: Author of PattySue Stories

2. Will there be more books about PattySue and her adventures?

Definitely! We already have one nearly completed and two in the "thought" stage. The next one will be PattySue learning about friendship, since she tries to play with every animal she encounters . . . some with not so great results! Luckily, she doesn't meet many skunks or porcupines.

Introducing Karen Norton: Author of PattySue Stories

3. As a published writer, do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

In the book Anne of Green Gables, Anne's friend, Gilbert, told Anne to "write what you know." Although I read Anne many years ago, I have always remembered that line, though I didn't really think it applied to me because I never anticipated becoming a writer. When I retired, I began to write a history of an area where I grew up. It didn't occur to me that I was writing what I know . . . but I was. My subsequent endeavors have included writing about The Independent School (A School Like No Other), which I know well, and PattySue. Suddenly, Gilbert's advice seemed so smart.

Also, this is not a process to be done by oneself. After I wrote the first draft of PattySue, Kathy read it and made many suggestions. Although she didn't tell me the book was boring, I guarantee you that her experience as an English major and as a principal player in a children's theater troupe (Tales for Tots) brought PattySue, Hugo, and Oscar to life. We needed each other to bring the story to fruition. With suggestions from many more adults and some children, we finally landed on what we think is a fun, lively story that is mostly true!

Introducing Karen Norton: Author of PattySue Stories
Introducing Karen Norton: Author of PattySue Stories
How cute is this?

Where to find PattySue Stories~

February 26, 2012

This week according to my iphone...

This week was exciting yet rough all wrapped in one. We've enjoyed some leaps forward for the music, fabulous Texas weather, and as always delicious food...so no complaining here...

This week according to my iphone // Home is with You

We started off the week at the Irish pub again for some open mic action...this week we met a cool couple on vacation from Alaska...

This week according to my iphone // Home is with You

Started a perfect day with a cup of chai tea

This week according to my iphone // Home is with You

We were finally able to announce that Dave signed another deal with MTV! They can now play his album on their "top tier" shows, like Jersey Shore! So proud of him...

This week according to my iphone // Home is with You

A few prints are now available in the shop! I'm so excited.
 I printed this pretty picture for myself and put it in the bathroom...

This week according to my iphone // Home is with You

Friday we took a day to unwind and I was excited to check out a local shop with lots of fun beads and jewels. I got a few ideas for some new pretties for the shop! 

Later we enjoyed some moscato and I had a girly movie night while Dave played some shooting game on the computer. 

 PS~ you can find me on instagram here.

**Linking up with Story of my Life and A Good Life...

February 25, 2012

A perfect day...

Thursday was a perfect day. The almost 90 degree weather in February definitely helped. I'm sure come summer I'll be complaining about the warm temps here, but for now I'd just like to soak it up.

I took a little break in the afternoon to layout at the pool. It felt so good to have some real sunshine beating down on me. Even though I think I freaked everyone else out with how white my skin is. That will change soon (don't worry I wear sunscreen!)

A perfect day // Home is with You
A perfect day // Home is with You

Later that night after Dave got home, we went for a run somewhere we hadn't yet and it was gorgeous. I'm excited to walk it with my camera soon and get some pretty pics.

A perfect day // Home is with You
A perfect day // Home is with You
A perfect day // Home is with You

...like I said, it was a perfect day.

February 24, 2012

Spread the Shine.

Today I am beyond thrilled to introduce to you a new project from Ashley of The Shine Project.

 Pass it Forward.

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And really, it's as simple as that. Here's what Ashley has to say about it...

"Pass It Forward was designed to get people to do little things, everyday, that makes an impact on the community around them. Pass it Forward is designed around a card. Each card is given a unique ID number. Lets say we're at McDonalds, and I decide to pay for the person behind me in the drive through. I'd give the cashier the card, and tell them to pass it along to the next car when the give them the food that has been paid for. I then go home and log into the website that was on the card, and find my unique ID number. I log into it, and add my information... My first name, city, and a description of what I did....

Let's say the person behind me was you, you would pass it forward to someone else, and then would go home and do the same thing. From the very beginning, you will be able to track where your card goes, and how many people you affect just by doing one simple act of kindness."

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Amazing. I just love this girl! Here's what the back of the cards look like...

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To check out the new site, go here. And to read more about the project, go here. Are you guys as excited about this as I am? What would you do with your pass it forward card?

February 23, 2012

A little fishy...

Since the weather has been so nice here I've been trying to get back into a running routine (since I don't do treadmills). Because of this I've been trying to watch my protein intake and make sure I'm getting enough (since I don't eat meat- only fish, and usually not very much). I drink hemp protein shakes after really long runs, but sometimes that's not enough...

So this week I've been trying to get more creative so I don't get bored with eating fish...all of these were toasted in the toaster oven, so simple!

Fish Recipes // Home is with You

First I was only using tuna. Those of you who follow me on Instagram saw the delicious tuna wrap I made, with tuna, mayo (we use the reduced fat kind with olive oil), mustard, celery, and tomato...mmm.

The next day for lunch I made this tuna sandwhich- Albacore tuna mixed with mayo and mustard, lettuce, and whole wheat bread. All with a tiny bit of garlic salt and lemon pepper sprinkled on top. It was so good!

Fish Recipes // Home is with You

Then, the other day at the store I decided to give the salmon in the packages another look (it has always kind of weirded me out). I saw that one packet has only 90 calories and 17g of protein! So I bought a couple of packs to give it a try and it was totally worth it.

I've had this little concoction the past two days for breakfast. One of the new "everything bagel thins", light cream cheese, and salmon. Perfection.

**Side note- make sure when buying fish that you get the kind that is "wild caught", it's much better for you and the environment...to learn more go here.

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February 22, 2012

Trails.

Not only do I love the warm winter weather down here in Austin,
 but I am loving the gorgeous places to run...

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Happy Wednesday! Hope you all are having a wonderful week...if you didn't see I listened to you all and added some prints to the shop! And as I said in this post, 10% of every sale goes to charity.


February 20, 2012

Photography class.

As you all know I went to a photography class on Saturday...and loved it. I learned so much and can't wait to put it all to good use. I love meeting other people who are passionate about life and what they put their energy into- whether that's photography, music, accounting, journalism...whatever.

I believe we get one life and why would you ever want to waste it on things that you don't care about and that don't make your heart beat a little faster?

Photography class // Home is with You

 My best friend does tax and that's her thing, she's been my favorite little math nerd since forever so I'm not surprised that she ended up in that career field and loving it (even though she is exhausted this time of year). Doesn't have to be something out of the norm, just do what you love and what ignites you to learn more.

That being said, photography has always been one of those things for me. Since my grandpa got me my first digital camera I've always loved taking pictures of everything, especially the gorgeous outdoors and the people I love. I get excited capturing the little moments that a lot of people let pass them by.

Photography class // Home is with You

The class was held out at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center here in Austin and unfortunately it was cold and stormy that day. I'm hoping to get back out there soon to take some pics of the pretty flowers!

Dave woke me up that morning with a pre-made egg-white sandwhich (that I just had to pop in the toaster oven) and an amazing salad he'd packed me for lunch...yes that has crab and feta on top...I'm a lucky woman :)

Photography class // Home is with You

I furiously took notes all day and tried to let everything they were teaching me set in. The class just got me excited to learn even more (and of course now I want all of these fancy gadgets I can't afford).

So tell me, what are you passionate about?

February 19, 2012

Life Lately via Instagram.

This week Dave and I hit up a bunch of open mics this week and we had a lot of fun with it. Now that we're settled a bit more I can't wait to meet some of my Austin friends :)

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Monday night we hit up open mic at BD Riley's. We met some fun people (like a man who once opened for Johnny Cash and later got in a fight with him- how cool is that?) ...and much to my surprise the KU vs. KSU game was on tv there so this girl was extra happy. Especially when the Hawks won :)

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Top two: Valentine's day box of love from my Mom and Step-Dad :)
Bottom two: Dave and I's Valentine's Day celebration. He cooked some ahi tuna and veggies and later we made some chocolate covered strawberries...all enjoyed with some cupcake moscato (to die for)...

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Top pic: Wednesday was GORGEOUS, so I took advantage of the weather and went for a nice long run in the park next door :)

Bottom two: That night we hit up open mic at Poodies outside Austin, I fresh faced and opted for darker lips instead.

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Another night, another open jam...

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Friday was celebrated with leftover Valentine's M&M's. We headed to the post office and sent out a bunch of albums and headbands. Dave even sent a few albums to Hungary and Romania...awesome.

And by popular demand, I'm now offering prints of some of my photographs in the shop...I was so excited to list the first one on Friday, putting up more today!

Life Lately via Instagram // Home is with You

Saturday was my photography class that Dave got me for a birthday present. I loved it and learned a bunch...post coming soon...

Would love for you all to follow along, my Instagram username is mallorieowens

Linking up with Story of my Life and A Good Life

February 15, 2012

Kick Butt.

Friday and Saturday Dave played at a place called Kick Butt Coffee...two different nights, two different locations. Very cool place here in Austin and a great way to kick off Dave's shows here in town...

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Dress: Charlotte Russe // Tights and Boots: Target ...for full outfit go here.

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February 14, 2012

Homemade Cheesecake Recipe

Happy Valentine's Day! How is everyone celebrating today? Dave and I are picking a recipe we've never tried before and having a nice night at home, cooking together. For those of you that will be doing something similar, or want something sweet to come home to, here's the homemade cheesecake recipe I promised...

Homemade Cheesecake by Home is with You

I went off of this recipe and made it my own. So here's my version...

What you'll need~

Crust:
2 cups crumbled graham crackers
6 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp cane sugar

Filling:
3 8oz packages of cream cheese (I used Horizon organic)
1 cup cane sugar
3 tbsp whole wheat flour
lemon
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs (I used egg whites)

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all of the crust ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix until well combined and sticking together. Push crust into the bottom (and a bit of the sides) of a pie pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes. When finished, set aside and set oven to 425.

Homemade Cheesecake by Home is with You

While crust is cooking beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer until it starts to get smooth. Add sugar, flour, juice of the lemon, and vanilla and mix again until smooth. Slowly add the eggs while mixing. *just a tip on the mixing of all the filling, if you put your bowl on the warm stove as the crust is cooking it will help the cheesecake get a bit softer, making it easier to mix

Homemade Cheesecake by Home is with You

Pour the filling over the crust. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes. Then bake at 250 for about 40-45 minutes. Let cool at room temperature and then place in the fridge.

Homemade Cheesecake by Home is with You

Enjoy!! As I said, my sweet husband said it was, "the BEST cheesecake he's ever had!"...and that was after having Cheesecake Factory cheesecake days before :)

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February 13, 2012

Accept yourself.

Accept yourself // Home is with You
Touche, fortune cookie

...this is always easier said than done. We hear it all the time "be yourself" "love yourself" "accept yourself"...but do we really listen? As silly as it sounds, when I opened my fortune cookie the other night and found this quote it made me stop and think. I'm so hard on myself sometimes...

But worrying and self-doubt don't get us anywhere. And while I agree that we should love ourselves in the moment, I also believe if there's something you don't like...change it! Some things may take longer to change than others, but it's worth it to take the steps to get there.

Accept yourself // Home is with You

One of the things Dave and I have been wanting to do is take action on our desire to give back. Now that we're settled in Austin we plan to do just that. We're looking for somewhere to volunteer some of our time, but we want to do more. So last night my sweet husband, who has the biggest heart, came up with a wonderful idea...why not give 10% of all album and shop sales to a charity of our choice?

Where the money goes will probably change month to month because there are multiple efforts that we're passionate about, but we will keep you all updated. We just want to but our money where our mouths are...
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