I Moved!

In the process of recreating me I have decided to Simplify my blog and create a whole new look.

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This blog will no longer be available after 10/31/2013.

Thanks to everyone who views this page!

Re-vamp

So I am slowly trying to update my blog and get it into a design that I like and enjoy, and it has proven rather time consuming. So I am going to apologize now for the chaotic mess that y'all are experiencing.

Prayers Please!

One of my FurMonsters is having a surgery today to determine whether or not he has cancer. I am known as Auntie Kylea to him and he is a very special boy in my life.

Please help me to send healing prayers to the wonderful Neeko Bandito. I will keep everyone updated on his conditions. 

Books on the Brain

It is so gorgeous outside here in Arizona that I want to just go lay on a blanket in the grass and read all day. Instead I am stuck in my stuffy office, staring at amazon, and attempting to not buy any books yet. (Yet is the key word). So instead I bring you some of the things that make for some perfect reading.

A role model: 

A fabulous Printable from my new friend Amy at Club Narwhal: 

A curious new book: 

And some AWESOME Bookmarks available here! I absolutely love these things, you will never loose a page again! 

And a place to read : 

Am I the only one with the stuck in the office blues?? 

Monday, Monday, Monday!!!

Said in a "Marsha, Marsha, MARSHA!" tone. Seriously don't Mondays make you feel a little bit like this?

So how do you make Mondays a little more bearable? 

You need to take a kid day and watch a Disney movie!  Preferably Disney's Tangled. 

Because: 

But any Disney Movie works in my books! 

What's your favorite Disney indulgence?

My Favorite Apps!

So I thought I would take a moment to give my lovely 2cent opinion on my favorite apps. I have an iPhone and I unfortunately cannot live without it. So of course I have my apps that I use on an everyday occasion. 

Evernote: 

Evernote is amazing for many reasons, but mainly that it syncs to literally any device. I have it set up on my phone, work computer, home computer, iPad, and access to it from online. I have separate notebooks for recipes, that book that I have been working on for 7+years, work information, and notes for class. I even have a separate notebook for blog ideas. The best part, I can access all of them from anywhere! And if I am not in an internet connected area, it will save it as a draft and sync when my device connects to a network.  I was even able to get my boss hooked, which is pretty hard. Evernote also works on ways to grow with their apps and make it more convenient for their users. AND IT'S FREE!! 

 Wunderlist: 

Ok if you are anything like me, you have sticky note to do's all over your desks, and a list full of reminders in your phone. Well not anymore folks! I have switched it over to Wunderlist, and it's a wonder why I have never used it before. I have reminders for everything from work to weekly school assignments. This is another one of those apps that also syncs up to everything. Which makes it seamless working with both Macs and PC's.  Now you can put things as a priority, set up due dates, and make things reoccurring. And again it's another free app!

Flipboard: 

Now I only have Flipboard on my iPhone and iPad, but the best part is that it links all of my social media into one convenient app. I can even post status updates and blog posts from the app. Another free app! 

Spotify: 

Now the app for your phone is Free but in order to take advantage of it's full capabilities, it is best to become a Premium member on Spotify. I live by music, and to have an app that lets me listen to almost any album from any artist whenever I want is pretty amazing. Especially when I need to prepare for a certain Keith Urban concert that is happening this next Sunday *Cough Cough* front row *cough*. You can also make play lists and then access them "offline" which doesn't eat up the data on your phone! At $10 a month for the Premium, you can download it to multiple devices and you never have to listen to those pesky commercials. 

Test them out! What are your favorite applications? 

(I was not paid or asked to make reviews on any of these applications, this is merely my opinion.) 

Top three things I am doing instead of doing my accounting homework.

I mean who really wants to be doing accounting home work?!

1.) Watching my boxer attempt to follow my grandpa around the house.. it is extremely adorable how much he loves him so.

2.) Playing on pinterest.... yyyeeeeeaaaa

3.) Trying to beat this stupid level on Candy Crush! CURSE YOU 147!! CURSE YOOOUUUU!!!!

Happy Sunday!

Random thoughts....

I think that in life I forget that I can be too nice, I can be too forgiving, and I can forget when to stick up for myself. I have a tendency to dream for too much but not go after what I want.

I cannot determine whether these traits can be good or bad. Or are they just bad in different amounts?

Office Space Part One: Inspiration

So I have been thinking a lot about what to clean up and get rid of as I start my adventure into packing for Texas, and have come across a dilemma.... My office. It is literally the worst room in my house. So bad in fact that I am ashamed to post before pictures, until I have the after. It has kind of become that one room that I do not go into unless I need to temporarily "store" something. The only problem, I have been storing stuff without actually finding a home for it. And now that I need to get my boss into the idea of me permanently working from home I really need a space that I can work in without feeling crowded and blocked into.

So here I present Office Inspiration, brought to you by Pinterest.

Not only have I been in love with teals lately, but I do have a twin bed in my office for guests and for Ghillie. What can I say, my boxer is my life. With the mixture of blues it is not too over powering, but just calming enough. 

I love how the photos are displayed in this office. I can see my office in Texas being displayed this way with all of my moms photography. Plus how there is conveniently a space for the pup. However I would have a serious OCD  problem with the chords being jumbled. 

Seriously! A perfect feel of old but simple. I love the feel of this area and the length of the desk. I would probably hog the entire space for myself, but it is enough for two people, and solid enough to scrap on. 

I don't think that I have ever thought of pulling my desk away from the wall like this. Maybe because the space itself is tiny but its a good idea to do instead of having to stare at a blank wall. I also love the shelving unit in this one. There are countless moments that I catch myself staring at the Target and Ikea versions, listening to their cries of "take me home".

One always needs inspiration for their crafting needs!

And last but not least one for my actual cubicle. I always love having words of wisdom in my cube. This is clean but creative. And I love the filing cabinets. 

What is your office space inspiration? How did you clean out unnecessary clutter?

Music Mood

Music has an important impact on my life. I may not have any musical talent (unless we count car singing, rock star statuses) but I listen to practically every genre of music. Some more frequently than others, but I never judge music unless I have tried to listen to it.

My spotify musical finds of the week are both similar but a different sound.

The first is a band that I have loved and adored before.

I think that their last album was in my car for two months straight and that's literally the only thing that I listened to for one of those months. My favorite on this album happens to feature a country artist. Although it is a bonus track it is beautifully done, and I would urge you to take a listen. Stars (feat. Kenny Chesney) reminded my how powerful Grace Potters voice is. It draws you in and BAM inspiration takes place.

The second is Bastille.

They are new to the music scene (at least mine) and I stumbled upon them when listening to random tracks on Spotify. They have a fun beat and rhythm, perfect for a road trip sound track.



What kind of music inspires you?

Uneasy Day

It's a day known in history for multiple reasons. First because it is my Grandpa's birthday, and he is literally my favorite relative besides my mother. And let me tell you I am a total grandpas girl (it helps that I am the only granddaughter). I make it a point to tell him that I love him every time I see him or talk to him, because he is so important to me, and is there for me all of the time. I can find no better way to show my appreciation then telling him what he means to me.

The second is because it is 09/11, a day that has been in our hearts for the past 12 years. I remember being at home with my mom when we saw the news. The entire day at school was solemn, and the teachers were in a silent shock as they tried their best to keep brave faces and try to explain the events of what happened. This day, unlike others, still haunts America. The wounds still fresh and re-opened every year that we remember the tragic events that killed so many innocent lives. The irony that history has, in a way, repeated itself has not left an impression on our political leaders to change the way of thinking in America. Rather that violence and unnecessary action should always take place. It's on this day that I have decided to make some changes of my own, so that I can make a change in my life and community. Changes that will make me the person I hope my grandpa will remain proud of.

How do you choose to make a difference?
What does this day mean to you?

Simplicity

I have headed back to a more simplistic look for my blog while I try to figure out the next steps to the master plan are. I feel as if I over complicate aspects of my life by cluttering it with objects or bling. I understand the need for that in my scrapbooks, but I think that is the only place it needs to be.

Over the next few months I get to experience the de-cluttering phase of my life to begin my journey from Arizona to Texas. I have three rooms to clean and just purge items from. However I have an unnecessary attachment to items (the first step to hoarding right?)

Let me know your favorite technique to de-clutter your life, or reorganize a room are!

I have an office/craft room, bedroom, and living room (plus an entire storage unit that I need to go through.

Things I am Loving Tuesday!

OK so seriously, there have been so many things this past week that I have been absolutely obsessed with.

First: Divergent! I mean come on, who was not obsessed with this book? And to find out that this is the guy playing Four!

I mean I loved him in Golden Boy (and the last Underworld) but it is good to see this lovely lad getting into a movie series that can either make or break his career. Check back in a day or two for all of my book reviews. and get a preview of what I plan on reading next!

Second: SOA
For those of you who do not know what that is, SONS OF ANARCHY! The season premier is next Tuesday Sept 10 on FX, and I am seriously ready to figure out what happens with everyone especially Tara. Kurt Sutter could not have made it more of a jaw dropping WTF season.

Not impressed by Charlie Hunnam's next movie project though. Charlie plays main character Jax Teller, and magically thought it would be a career booster to do 50 Shades of Grey? Have fun dealing with your SOA crew on this Charlie; I hope Kurt Sutter terrorizes you.

Third: Krewella and Avicci
My music collection is like a child who is highly caffeinated and possibly on crack. So it shouldn't surprise some people that it goes from country to heavy metal to any thing in between. Lately I have been on a bit of a dubstep obsession. I have listened to Wake Me Up by Avicci too many times to count. I adore the lyrics, and find them highly relate-able. And now Krewella! seriously these kids have some skills. Take a listen to their new track Live for the Night on their site.

Fourth: Twitter

Sadly I think I may be the last person in the world to actually get on the twitter bandwagon. But I hopped right on and am now tweeting away. Look me up @KyleaMJohnson

Peace, Love, And Puppies!
Kylea

Book Obsessed!

One of my goals for 2013 was to read 1 book each month. Well thanks to my slight hospital upset in January things got off to a bit of a rough start. But it seems that now I have picked up steam and have finished 2 books in about a month. So what have I been reading lately? Well my 24 year old adult self went back to Young Adult readers, and I have started The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I am now looking at purchasing the third book but am torn on whether or not I want the kindle version, or the actual book. I love physical books and there is nothing that can replace them, but with as quickly as I have been reading these books the kindle version makes more sense. Granted I actually have to charge my iPad now to get the Kindle app, even though I am secretly looking at the new Kindle Fire and telling it to come into my life. 

Now I will self indulge, I secretly started reading this series because I knew that they were making a new movie out of it with Lily Collins. And I think that that girl has been pretty brilliant in her past roles. But as I finished book one, I quickly became addicted. There were many different twist and turns that left you page turning until one in the morning. 

A little quick Kylea synopsis of book one: City of Bones 

Clary (short for Clarissa) starts off as any other normal Teenage girl with a loving artist mom Jocelyn, cool bookstore owning "uncle" Luke,  and  best friend Simon (who secretly reminds you of Duckie from Pretty in Pink).  During a visit to a local all ages club Clary see's something that no one else can, a boy with a knife. Now either she had the bravery of a lion or was just slightly suicidal, but she followed the boy into a hallway of the club where he is there with three other people, one of which is later killed because he is a Demon. 

We soon after learn that this boys name is Jace, and his friends/family are Alec and Isabelle. They are Shadow Hunters, and they protect the "Mundanes" (think muggles from Harry Potter) from down worlders and demons. Little do they know they will need the help of the down worlders and a Mundane or two as the book continues. 

Now the book does have a little religious feel to it, but seriously nothing enough to phase anyone. It is mostly the background and history of certain Angels and demons. 

It is a good read and pretty quick too for those who read like maniacs! I just finished the City of Ashes so stay tuned for a quick little synopsis of it too! But beware there might be a spoiler or two! 

Anyone planning on seeing the movie this weekend? 

Pleace, Love, And Puppies! 

KMJ&Co 

6 food recipes that I am dying to try!

The time has come where I really need to buy groceries. I no longer have logical edible food in my house and trying to find something to eat the past three days has been torture. Also looking at the amount of money I spent buying lunch was astronomical! I could have boughten some really cute shoes with that money. 

The funny part is, I collect random recipes! I literally have over 60 recipes saved into my evernote and the are categorized into different notebooks. So I thought "Hey Kylea, this would be an awesome thing to post on your blog and then follow up on with on how they turned out." Also it helps to keep my grocery shopping to a budget. I am one of those awful food wasters, and it is really REALLY bad.  

So here are top  6 Recipes of the week that I would love to make. 

Always start with dessert first! Strawberry Cheese Cake found here!

Something I eat all the time and pay so much for, Granola! Recipe found here! 

Now onto the main courses! 

This little quesadilla looks easy and simple for just me! It's not spicy and has my favorite ingredients, BACON and AVOCADO! 

Cheesy Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Quesadilla Found here!

Here is another that would be good for just me, or even for lunches! 

Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Peppers found here!

Next, we have yet another recipe that includes bacon! 

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Broccoli and Rice found here!

Here is something scrumptious and healthy for the summer months that looks like it would go fabulously with some sangria we have: 

Easy Roasted Veggie Spring Pasta found here!

They all look so yummy and relatively easy! Plus they would work for both dinner and lunches! Saving me time and money! BAM! Two birds one stone!

Do you have a favorite recipe? Let me know, I am in need of some yummy inspiration! 

XO 

KMJ&Co. 

Friday Favorites

It has been far too long since I have lost posted anything in this blog. So I thought I would start something new! So hear are my favorites of the week! 

Music: So MANY this week that I have been completely in love with. But I have to go with the hunky Keith Urban's new song Little Bit of Everything. It reminds me a bit of his older stuff and now I am extra excited to see him in September! For a runner  up I have to go with Scotty McCreery's See You Tonight! 

Movie: The Great Gatsby! I am still thinking about this movie and I saw it 2 weeks ago. Such a perfect rendition of the book. I swear there were moments when I knew that it was the perfect picture of what it would look like reading it. Everything I had imagined was on that screen. And if you listen to critics when they say it is a wast to see it in 3-D, you are a dum dum. 

Book: I am actually looking for suggestions... I have restarted The Rules of Civility a few times and cannot get past the third chapter. The sad part is that I actually enjoy reading it too. But I need something new! 

Blog: Found a new one! I absolutely adore this blog! She just seems so real and like someone I would be really good friends with. 

Thing to do: lately it has been house hunting/townhouse hunting for places in Texas. I miss my momma and although I can't do anything until February/ March of next year it doesn't hurt a girl to look. 

Back to the daily dose of reality for me! If you read my blog please be sure to follow it! Google reader is going to be extinct in July so FOLLOW ME!! 

Love Always, 

KMJ & Co

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The Monster Takes Over

The last couple of months, my wonderful Ghillie Monster has taken over the house. He has proceeded to tear up two toys (as expected), tear up both floor pillows, and get stuff off of the top of tall dressers and cabinets. But when it comes to taking pictures he is nothing but pose central! Here are some pics of this terrifying monster.

Motivational Monday

Well, Well, Well.....

It has come to the point where I have no idea where this blog is going. I have been to this place before, numerous times in fact.

But I think I have come to the realization that I want this to be more than just my adventures in house sitting. I mean I give people this address so that they can see what happens when I am around and the somewhat awesome photos that I take of their pets. But what happens when you want to see what I am doing outside of my second job?

I know that for me it would be comforting to give you all aspects of my life and blog my little heart out versus just having one or two little posts a month.

So what do you think? Should it be more or should I stick to pets and pets only?

Always thinking....

Kylea