Tuesday, December 16, 2008
. . . . . . . .
Until 2009,
Kate, Carl, Buffett & Bogey
Thursday, October 9, 2008
As seen in The Decatur Daily: 09.30.2008
A Clutch is Worth a Thousand “Wows”
I am a firm believer that the key to dressing chic every day lies in a single piece that pulls an outfit together and finishes it. This piece is the “wow” factor and it is the reason two women wearing very similar clothes can look completely different – one far better than the other. Be it a belt, shoe, scarf, necklace or handbag, the “wow” piece takes an ordinary outfit to a whole new level.
This season a “wow” piece you must have in your possession is a clutch handbag.
Forget what you ever thought you knew about clutches – especially if you thought they were evening appropriate only. This season clutches are not only daytime ready, but are delicately tailored, intricately detailed and lavishly adorned. They almost resemble pieces of jewelry…except these bobbles store your lipstick, cell phone and credit card and are perfect companions to the grocery store.
Two designers have outshined the rest and mastered the art of concocting the perfect any time clutch – Rebecca Norman and Lauren Merkin.
Each has her own recipe that mixes casual, distressed leather with delicate beadwork or dressier, pearlized leather with a bohemian, brass wrist strap. Their designs are the perfect marriage of daytime casual and cocktail chic – they are the perfect “wow” to any outfit.
Find Rebecca Norman and Lauren Merkin clutches at Carriage House, 115 Johnston St. S.E. in downtown Decatur.
Fashionably Yours,
Kate
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I am officially suing whitepages.com
This admiration ended today.
I was doing the norm, looking up a few addresses, etc. when I realized how fancy the website had gotten. It now informs you whether the address and phone number listed is the person's work or home number and who else might be residing at their same address. It also lists where else he or she may have lived in previous years, and allows you to purchase (for a small fortune) a brief history of anyone with a social security number.
So I did it. I "whitepaged" myself. At first everything seemed fine. It showed I had a previous address in Collierville, TN (Memphis) and one in Decatur. I trusted their free information was correct and opted not to fork over the $54.99 to be sure.
Then I scrolled down and saw it: "Katherine Klepper.....Age 40." FORTY for craps sake!!! I haven't even celebrated my 30th.
Now, I don't know if this is some kind of sick joke set into motion by a person from my past who works for their company and has it out for me or if it is a legitimate mistake, but no one ages me that many years and screws me out of that many birthday gifts at the same time. Whitepages.com, either fix your misprint by 0400 hours on Thursday or I'm suing your inaccurate booty for defamation of character. In fact, as many people as you have listed on your website I bet we could get a little class action business going.
(ATTENTION READERS: If you have been defamed by whitepages.com please contact us immediately.)
I am serious. This is not a joke. Fix the lies you have listed on your website.
In separate but related news...Today's Lesson: pretty much everything you read on the Internet is false.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Lessons Learned by a Football Fan's Wife
I have grown to enjoy some parts of this Saturday ritual, but even after drinking the Kool-Aid for many (many) years Auburn football still doesn't trump a proper fashion show swag bag in my mind. But marriage teaches you things. Just as Carl has learned the importance of Vogue's September issue, I've learned that Auburn in HD fails in comparison to seeing them in the flesh. And so follows a few other things I've learned in the almost two years of marriage to a footballer.
1. Ask before you invite. Although we females enjoy viewing our favorite sporting events (Oscars, Emmys, MTV Music Awards) surrounded by hundreds of our closest friends, oddly, males don't necessarily want to share the big game with them. Some prefer to experience game day solo - so they can blurt expletives and throw chicken wings at their flat panel without judgement.
2. As a person with an appreciation of aesthetics I naturally have a love for fashion. Carl calls it an obsession, whatever, pre-med/pre-law. Anyway, I've learned that kick-off isn't the time to ask your husband's thoughts on 3/4 vs. opera-length gloves. The only thing you will successfully accomplish is raising his blood pressure.
3. Your husband doesn't care (especially during an extra point kick) that the "HeatGear" technology in the team's uniforms, designed to keep players cool and dry in extreme heat, is similar to the moisture-wicking fabric found in a brand of pajamas for menopausal women.
4. If you walk softly and carry a case of your husband's favorite beer he'll be much more inclined to hand over his credit card, sign off on Botox or agree to give you half of his already minuscule closet space.
5. Football season is the best time of year to recover your dining room chairs, purchase new draperies or paint the entire exterior of your home (just don't touch the room that houses your hubby's favorite TV). Your beloved will be so wrapped up with game day he won't even notice the changes until well into February and by then you will have them paid off.
6. It's considered in poor taste, unAmerican even, to suggest your spouse sell his AU/LSU tickets for a hefty profit so you can buy fabric for new throw pillows for your living room sofa.
7. If there is ever an overtime situation it's best to avoid conversations that begin with: "What do you want (insert dog's name here) to be for Halloween?"
With the better part of a football season ahead of us I'm sure there is lots more to learn. Stay tuned...
A first and a few other things
Please note that this particular bath actually occurred weeks ago so don’t call social services just yet. He’s had several baths since; it has just taken us a while to post pictures. We don’t want anyone thinking we’ve waited this long to bathe the poor guy. What kind of parents do you think we are?!?
We also wanted to share a few photos of Bogey’s latest sleeping position and beautiful new bed. We call it the Spread Eagle Royale. Clearly, he finds his new digs comfy.
Question: When is it appropriate to decorate your pets (and house) for Halloween? Please advise. Bogey really likes sporting his “Trick or Treat” bandanna so we hope we aren’t breaking protocol. I also fished out my “If the broom fits…ride it” tea towel but I don’t think it is Halloween specific.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
My Favorite Superheros
Carl has a big test coming up so he was unavailable to entertain me. His nose was constantly stuck inside the pages of "The Complete Internal Revenue Code" and as enthralling as that title may sound it's not really my cup of tea. I was forced to amuse myself.
So there WE were: Blue Bell vanilla bean ice cream, DiGorno four cheese rising crust pizza, Sargento string cheese twisters, Jose Ole grilled chicken & three cheese quesadillas, Maizetos Fiesta Pack tortilla chips, Pace chunky salsa (medium), Rold Gold mini pretzel twists, and Me. Clearly, by Sunday evening I was feeling fat, greasy and guilty...but mostly fat.
In a moment of sheer desperation I frantically tried to decide whether it would be easier to exercise the calories off by alternating laps around Delano Park with sets on our Ab Lounge OR convince the weekend staff at Decatur General's ER to prescribe me a super laxative. (Could they surgically remove the food? Would my insurance cover it?) Instead, I decided to call on my favorite superheros for inspiration - Elle Woods and Cher Horowitz, the stars of "Legally Blonde" and "Clueless" respectively.
These ladies have it together. They're smart, funny, beautiful and know exactly what they want. Cher took a less-than-stellar report card situation and turned it into the chance to help her teachers, and eventually herself, find love. Elle handled getting dumped by her boyfriend with poise and grace - by getting into Harvard Law, winning the case and finding new, better love.
After my four hour movie marathon I felt refreshed, renewed and slightly less bloated. Elle inspired me to give myself a manicure and pedicure (OPI Second Honeymoon), and Cher, to exercise, finalize my outfit selections for the week and "do something good for humanity." My peace of mind was restored. Carl even glanced up from the pages of his textbook to compliment me on my nails!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Softball & Wedding Cake
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Jackie O. would be proud
While Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain share little in common, they both do possess an appreciation of fashion and a smart sense of style. While it's a talking point political analysts often side-step, it may be the one thing that successfully holds my attention for the duration of this year's race for the White House.
Oh the femininity, luscious textures and masterful tailoring...I'm clearing a space on my coffee table for the book right now. These are a few favorites I hope make the cut.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
2 - 4 - 6 - 8 Albany A's are Super Great
In case you're unfamiliar, Albany is the beautiful historic district in Decatur in which we live. Every Friday we meet at the home of our Patron Saint of Albany, Margret Ann Templeton, for "8th Ave. Culture Club." This is a tradition that has been alive for 20 plus years and Margret Ann happens to be our across the street neighbor. At one of our regular "Culture Club" sessions the idea of a neighborhood girls softball team was thrown on the table. We, of course, in all our gin-soaked glory, thought it was the greatest idea and immediately agreed to play. The fact that we'd actually have to play softball never occurred to us...we just thought we'd get to buy a pink glove and platform cleats and that would be the end of it.
The following day much of our roster began back-peddling with excuses of work commitments, family obligations and manicure horror stories. Many of the previous night's most enthusiastic signers were one-by-one raining on our estrogen parade. If Albany was to have a team at all (read: if we were going to get to buy pink gloves and platform cleats) we would have to withdraw our "pink skorts only" rule and recruit our husbands, brothers and cubicle mates. We would have to go co-ed.
And so began what will surely prove to be the most stressful four weeks of our husbands', brothers', etc's lives.
Naturally, I immediately volunteered Carl to coach. I figured he didn't have enough on his plate with intense casework, attending classes to earn his legal masters in tax law and studying for tests and exams. Surely the only thing lacking in his already over-packed 24 hour days were holding tutorials on the fundamentals of softball and recruiting enough decent players so he would never actually have to put us on the field.
So Tuesday arrived and the original "Angels" took their designated places on the dugout's bench. We led a few cheers, heckled the other team, snapped a photo or two and discussed the best place to get your eyebrows waxed. All the normal chit-chat one would expect from a serious sports team. Then something unexpected happened, something we weren't prepared for. Carl actually put us in. I hadn't even bought my glove yet. All the pink ones were on back order.
Now, I'm not one to brag but I'm about to...
Of the two points we scored I contributed in great part to one of them. Up at bat, I blindly swung at the first pitch and by some miracle made contact. The ball bounced between the pitcher and second baseman and again, by some miracle, I got to first base faster than my opposition could get the ball there. And while I was running to first, Carl was running from third to home plate. My hit successfully sent Carl home to score our team's second of two points. Shortly thereafter I was thrown out at second base and the game was over but I didn't care. I had earned my very own RBI.
Post-game we toasted with a celebratory beverage at Hard Dock Cafe, our team's sponsor. Everyone was excited, mostly that we had survived our first game with minor injuries but me about my awesome miracle play.
Our next game is Thursday and based on how well we did in Game One, I predict we get to play at least five innings. I guess this means I need to take my name off the wait list and buy a glove, gasp, off-the-rack.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Today's To-Do List
1. Go to Church
2. Unload dishwasher
3. Reload dishwasher
4. Give myself an at-home facial
5. Shave my legs
6. Take inventory of fall clothes
7. Go to grocery for: lunch food, Diet Mountain Dew (in cans), toilet paper, Clorox wipes, string cheese, and food for neighborhood cookout
8. Grill out with neighbors (5 p.m.)
Things I have done today (as of 2:52 p.m.):
1. Watched Gustav coverage
2. Cooked a pizza
3. Watched Bogey harass Buffett
4. Blogged
Saturday, August 30, 2008
*****BREAKING NEWS*****
WE'VE GOT REAL BREAKING NEWS!
WE'VE GOT A YORKIE EAR POP.
Only one ear for now, so it might remind one of Jeff Leonard's old "one flap down" home run trot... (obscure Vice-Presidential references combined with obscure baseball references get bonus points) but nonetheless, it is the long anticipated sign of Yorkie development. (Sniff, sniff) I'm kind of going to miss the floppy ears...
The Adventures of Bogey
He still worships Buffett, and Buffett has grown to love him back. He follows him everywhere and does everything Buffett does. If Buffett gets water, Bogey gets water. If Buffett piddles in the far left corner of the yard, Bogey does too. He also loves to cuddle and spoons with Buffett every chance he gets.
My three precious boys napping together. They all woke up just after these pictures were taken because I felt left out and wanted to squeeze in with them. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and two darling pups!
One of Bogey's favorite games is tug-of-war with Buff's tail. It's so funny to watch. He tugs as hard as he can and is so serious about his game. Poor Buff lets him play for a while but eventually gets annoyed and gives us his look that means, "seriously, can you get the kid a rope chew?"
Friday, August 29, 2008
What a Croc!
NO THEY ARE NOT!!!
In fact, after you celebrate say your sixth birthday Crocs are no longer acceptable footwear outside your garden. Ever. Under any circumstances. Even if your home is ablaze, they're sitting by the nearest exit and all other shoes are upstairs.
I'm going to give the six and under crowd a pass. 1.) You don't pick out your clothes anyway so it's not really your fault and 2.) I can understand their appeal as they're easy to put on and take off, inexpensive so your parents aren't investing much on growing feet, and simple to clean - just hose 'em down. But as soon as you can count six candles on your birthday cake it's time to retire them for something a little less plastic.
The rest of you should know better. It is not okay for a 38-year-old to wear Atlanta Braves-themed shoes. Not even if you are en route to Turner field. Even the more understated solid black or brown models are still hideous. Fashion isn't everything to everyone but no one has to settle for ugly.
Many of you Crocsies will argue how comfortable they are. Well, I wouldn't know as I've never let one near my feet, but are they comfortable enough to warrant actually wearing them in public? My house slippers are heavenly but I don't wear them out to dinner.
In addition to their comfort, the gospel according to Crocs, inc. touts their extreme light weight, their ventilation system that keeps feet cool, and their "ultra-hip Italian styling," as well as a few other bells and whistles. Now, I don't know about you but all the normal, non-ugly shoes that have crossed my path have never weighed so much that they hindered my day-to-day activities. And my feet generally maintain a comfortable temperature on their own so a personal air conditioning system in my footwear just seems unnecessary. Lastly, I've been to Italy; there were no Crocs.
So ladies, gents, children over six, next time you're headed out the door and reach for your Crocs or are shopping for new shoes and some Crocsie pressures you to join him on the dark side, please look past all the podiatrists' testimonials, advanced features and the attractive price tag. Look past these things and directly at the shoes. They're not a pretty sight are they? Look a little ridiculous, huh? I beg you. Keep Crocs off our otherwise clean, attractive streets...or prepare to be mocked.
Personal Trainers are Strict
From the beginning I made her aware that I might prove to be one of her more "challenging" clients. I hate to work out. Sweat gives me acne, there is nothing I would rather wear less than a rubber-soled shoe, and the only time I feel it necessary to run is if I am being chased by an intruder with a deadly weapon of some sort. She would have to force me to exercise and I encouraged her to do so.
So today I started thinking about what a strict trainer she is. And by strict I mean great, excellent, the very best.
As hard as I try to tap dance around our workout and attempt to bribe her with wine she doesn't give up. It's not her reunion that is fast approaching. These aren't her flabby arms that must look svelte in the unforgiving, cap-sleeve dress I purchased for the event. Yet her persistence and energy endures. I'm pretty positive if I were in her sneakers and had to put up with me I would have walked a long time ago.
So thank you Liz for sticking with and not giving up on me. I praise you for your patience and dedication to the cause. I promise to get serious about our workout schedule and not fake illness or debilitating injury...starting Monday.
I want a pretty blog
Thursday, August 28, 2008
If Your Pet Sheds, FURminate Him
(Actual results following a single FURmination session, photo courtesy of furminator.com)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
INTRODUCING....
"Bogey" would like to thank the academy...as well as all those who participated in the 2008 "Name that Yorkie" contest. He extends a special thank you to Mary Bibb Pylant who contributed in great part to his naming. He hereby bequeaths his favorite squeaky toy to her in appreciation.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Today's the Last Day to Name that Yorkie!!!
Cheerio!
No-Name Yorkie Cole
1. Humphrey Bogart Maxwell Cole (Bogey), submitted by Carl Cole = 6 votes
2. Prince Charming Boy Sally, submitted by Mary Bibb Pylant = 3 votes
3. Theodore (Ted or Teddy), submitted by Caleb Cole = 2 votes
4. Zevon (Z), submitted by Jimmy Adams, jr. & Annette Sides = 2 votes
5. Lonnie Earl, submitted by Kristi Tapscott = 2 votes
6. Diogi (pronounced D-O-G), submitted by Carlton McMasters = 2 votes
7. Sergeant Yorkie Cole (Serge), submitted by Carl Cole = 1 vote
8. Baby Snoop (Snoop), submitted by Steve Klepper = 1 vote
9. Yogi, submitted by Carl Cole = 1 vote
10. New York, submitted by David Higginbotham = 1 vote
11. Baxter, submitted by Jenny Parker = 1 vote
12. Master Stewart Tiny Cole (Stew or Stewie), submitted by Kassady Wise Gibson = 1 vote
13. Brownie, submitted by Mandy Dolly = 1 vote
14. Button, submitted by Bo Brown = 1 vote
15. Norman (Norm), submitted by Leanette Jackson = 1 vote
16. Calvin, submitted by Liz Brown = 1 vote
17. Wasabi, submitted by Liz Brown = 1 vote
18. Manolo (Mani or Rolo), submitted by Christine Self Castellvi = 1 vote
19. Sam, submitted by Dave Gibson = 1 vote
20. Obama Rodham Klepper Cole, submitted by Charly Kusta = 1 vote
21. McGhee Maxwell Cole (Mac), submitted by Stephanie Gantt = 1 vote
22. Jimmy, submitted by Jason Gantt = 1 vote
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Final Nominations are in...Please Vote!!!
AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE.........
1. Button, submitted by Bo Brown = 1 vote
2. Sergeant Yorkie Cole (Serge), submitted by Carl Cole = 1 vote
3. Baby Snoop (Snoop), submitted by Steve Klepper = 1 vote
4. Sergeant Baby Snoop, submitted by Kate Cole = 0 votes
5. Humphrey Bogart Maxwell Cole (Bogey), submitted by Carl Cole = 4 votes
6. Yogi, submitted by Carl Cole = 1 vote
7. Mr. Chompers, submitted by Kate Cole = 0 votes
8. New York, submitted by David Higginbotham = 1 vote
9. Baxter, submitted by Jenny Parker = 1 vote
10. Master Stewart Tiny Cole (Stew or Stewie), submitted by Kassady Wise Gibson = 1 vote
11. Brownie, submitted by Mandy Dolly = 1 vote
12. Theodore (Ted), submitted by Caleb Cole = 1 vote
13. Diogi (pronounced D-O-G), submitted by Carlton McMasters = 1 vote
14. Zevon (Z), submitted by Jimmy Adams, jr. & Annette Sides = 2 votes
15. Levon, submitted by Carl Cole = 0 votes
16. Norman (Norm), submitted by Leanette Jackson = 1 vote
17. Groove, submitted by Carl Cole = 0 votes
18. Calvin, submitted by Liz Brown = 1 vote
19. Wasabi, submitted by Liz Brown = 1 vote
20. Lonnie Earl, submitted by Kristi Tapscott = 1 vote
21. Manolo (Mani or Rolo), submitted by Christine Self Castellvi = 1 vote
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
NEW NOMINATIONS!
1. Diogi -pronounced DOG. Get it. This one was first brought up Saturday and it has now been brought up by a close friend.
2. Zevon - We've got a Buffett, so keeping with the music theme, what better name than the writer of Werewolves of London and Lawyers Guns and Money. "Z" for short.
3. Levon - cause he shall be a good man.
4. Norman - would be called "Norm!"
5. Atticus - he's spent the day in a lawyer's office and has acted very much accordingly. By that I mean whining he wants to go home and sleeping on top of the desk. He takes after his Dad.
6. Groove - Because he is the most laid back Yorkie we've ever seen and that was the nickname of a guy with a similar personality at Troy.
7. Troy - for obvious reasons.
And until the results are updated I will say there has been write in emails for Sarge, Diogi, Norm and Groove.
The nomination of "Yorkpie Hat" was rescinded in the same email it was mentioned. By a wise man.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Name that Yorkie Update - Bogey leads
Oh, and we had a question as to my nationality. I'm of English heritage. Cheerio!
1. Button, submitted by Bo Brown = 1 vote
2. Sergeant Yorkie Cole (Serge), submitted by Carl Cole = 0 votes
3. Baby Snoop (Snoop), submitted by Steve Klepper = 1 vote
4. Sergeant Baby Snoop, submitted by Kate Cole = 0 votes
5. Humphrey Bogart Maxwell Cole (Bogey), submitted by Carl Cole = 2 votes
6. Yogi, submitted by Carl Cole = 0 votes
7. Mr. Chompers, submitted by Kate Cole = 0 votes
8. New York, submitted by David Higginbotham = 1 vote
The Cole Family Blog is Back in Action!!!
1. The 2008 Name that Yorkie contest - submit the best name for our newest addition and you'll win a prize. (See #2 for possible prize)
2. Wardrobe & Closet Consultations - Kate's new venture that will help you make the most of what's in your closet, what to keep, what to pitch, and how to utilize every article of clothing so nothing goes unworn.
2B. The 2008 Name that Business contest - submit the best business name for Kate's wardrobe and closet consultation venture and win a prize.
3. Fall Fashion 2008 - quite possibly the best season in fashion yet!
4. Game Day 2008
5. Shame On You John Edwards!
6. Buffett's Babblings - Buffett's thoughts on life with a new brother
7. Olympic Glory
8. Fabulous finds and Gorgeous To-Die-For Stuff - our latest obsessions and favorite things
Help Name Me!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
WHO IS THIS LITTLE GUY?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My Top 10 Favorite Kate Pictures
10. Sentimental favorite. Our first Christmas after we married. Love the lighting.
3. She was just getting to know Buffett. Win over the dog and you've got me.
2. The real 2nd favorite has not been authorized as the subject of the picture thinks it shows a little too much leg. Therefore, this is a substitute. It was one of our first pictures together taken on our first vacation together. And if I can't show the leg, I can at least show some shoulder.
1. The one that first made me go, "Wow!"