Happy One Year Blog Anniversary to Me

Because all good blogs start with a kitty picture or two.  Callie aka Baby Kitty.  Falling asleep in my lap.

Sabrina.  Queen of the castle.  I'm her peasant.  Just her supplier of treats, food, litter, water, treats, toys, pets, and more treats.

 Testing...one....two......testing....

Hey!  I guess this ole thing still works!  Man I haven't posted in forever.  I'm sure you have just been sitting on the edge of your seat waiting, too.  Ha-ha!  Well I just paid to renew the blog today, so I figured I better start using it again!!!

So what exactly have I been up to?  Sitting on the beach in Jamaica for the past 6 months.  Drinking fruity drinks while being fanned by some cabana boys.  (Ha-Ha, I wish!)  Actually I've just been doing the normal living human things.  Feeling very unmotivated to write any blog posts.  I promised myself when I started this blog, I wouldn't write if I didn't feel motivated.  I guess I got into that old winter slump, too.

One thing I struggle with writing, is sometimes I just don't want to put it all out there.  Believe it or not I can be kind of a private person.  (Hard to believe with my big mouth.  I actually can be a shy person when you first get to know me.)  As I've gotten older, I've been super careful of what I post on social media.  Because when you put it out there on the internet, you can never take it back again.  I worry that someday, something I write will come back and bite me in the bum.  Life is about taking chances though.  And I feel like I have something to say.

Writing a blog makes it really easy for you to get to know me and what I am doing in my life.  You can read my stories. You get to see pictures of my life. You can see all these things on social media if I am not writing about it on here.  But what bothers me is I don't get to see your life, your struggles, your heartache, your joy, etc.  Is this making any sense?  I guess I just went through a phase where I didn't feel like it was fair that you could read all about my life and I knew nothing about yours.  It just didn't seem fair.

My biggest supporters of this blog were not my immediate family.  (Or so I thought!)  My Dad has only read this blog a couple of times.  He is a man who loves to write and I thought he would be one of my biggest fans.  But that is okay.  I talk to him everyday and he lives this life with me.  (Even from 4 hours away.)  Just like my close family and friends.  They are there with me during these experiences and they might not want to read about them.  My 2 biggest fans are my Aunt Sally and sister-in-law Stacey.  I'm pretty sure they read every post and talk to me about them, too.  That means a lot.  (I also have some distance family, friends, co-workers who are also great supporters!  I appreciate every reader!!!)  It is always fun when a friend I don't talk to on a regular basis, mentions a blog post.  And yes Mom I know you read this, too.  It isn't as exciting for you because you know all my stories ;-)

It has been one year since I started this blog.  Total I have had over 14,318 hits on my blog.  In the month of April, I didn't write one post, but had 683 views.  From all over the world, too.  Kind of exciting.  So I am going to keep writing this blog.  Maybe I will become famous someday.  (Tee-hee!)  Maybe I will make a supplemental income off this blog.  But regardless, I am going to keep telling my stories and sharing my 384,402 pictures of my nieces.  I hope you will keep reading because I have a lot to say. 

There are those nieces.  I promise Baby K was happy.  She just didn't want to stop playing long enough for a quick picture.  17 month olds.  Geez!

So....where have you been?

I have written, and re-written this blog post several times in my head.  I even started writing it on here and then deleted it.  I over think things WAY too much.  So let me just get down to business.

Blog posts are going to be a little thin over the next couple of months.  When I started this blog, I really wanted it to grow.  And it has done very well.  I really enjoy writing and it is a release for me.  For the next several months though, I won't be writing as much as I would like.  But after the first of the year, GAME ON!  I will be coming back at you full force.

So I'm being pretty vague, eh?  I promise you my life is not that exciting.  I am taking a class this semester and it pretty much eats up all my free time.  But I'm cool with that.  I've also had some health issues (nothing too major).  For right now everything is good on that front (*knock on wood).  But my body is fighting back and I need to listen to it.

When I am not studying and worrying about myself...............I like to focus all my attention on my family.  Especially my nieces.  My heart overflows with so much love for them.  Here are some pictures of when they came to Indy a couple of weeks ago to visit little ole me.  We went to the Indianapolis Zoo.

Photo courtesy of Stacey.  Me and my girls.  The waitress asked if K#2 was my daughter.  That she looked exactly like me.  My day was made!

This double stroller is AH-MAZING!  Stacey just whips it in and out.  It has all these cool places to store things.  Plenty of cup holders.  The kids can lay down or sit up.  Pull a shade over them.  I mean it does everything but change a diaper.  And people get out of your way when you have a stroller!

A flamingo.  Their legs look just like sticks.  They look so breakable!

When you have your best dress on, you have to run through the splash pad.  (It was a super hot day!)  Aunt Meggie may have ran through a little bit, too.

I really like the Zebra.  Their stripes are so perfect!

All K#1 wanted to see were the elephants.  After we saw them she then announced we could leave.  We had only been there about 30 mins.  Silly girl!

Giraffes

Dippin Dots!  She may have eaten mine, too :-)

Poor Baby K.  She was tired.  She had a little stomach bug all weekend.  But you would never know it.  She is the happiest little thing ever.

Aunt Sally came to the Zoo, too!  It was her first time meeting Baby K.  K#2 went straight for her jewelry.

In the dolphin splash zone, waiting for the show to start.  I was not upset I had to sit there.  Secretly I loved it.  K#1 was mad we only got splashed once.  He-he!

A big THANK YOU to my SIL, Stacey.  She drove everyone to Indy and back.  (I'm sure she had lots of fun with her chatty Mother in law and daughter.....hehe.)  Not only that but traveling with 2 young girls is not easy.  It takes a lot and it was no vacation for her.  She is just an amazing mother!  Stacey, thank you so much!!!!  I love you!!!

A big birthday wish to 3 members of my family.  (Their birthdays are almost all within the same week.) 

Stacey:  Sept. 24

Dad:  Sept. 26

Mom:  Oct. 5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 


Thanks for reading and I will pop in here when I can.  Be sure to follow me on social media, especially Instagram and Twitter.  Thanks and have a great week!

Facebook:  NapTown Diva Blog

Instagram: naptowndiva

Twitter:  @naptowndiva79

Pinterest:  naptowndiva79

Taking Stock

Because every blog should start out with some amazing pictures.............

Wishing I was here at Half Moon Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica.  Best vacation ever with my Mom.

I want to get married here.  Any takers?  He-He!

I read Kate's post from a Small Things Blog and thought I would join in on the fun.  Let you know a little about my life today, in the heat of the moment.  

Making :  This week I made these cheddar bacon ranch pinwheels for my lunch.  I love when I cook ahead and don't have to think about what is for lunch.  I hate lunch.
Cooking :  Last night I made homemade chicken pot pie.  Lots of leftovers!
Drinking :  La Croix passionfruit sparkling water.  My Mom is addicted to La Croix and shared some with me.
Reading:  Most Talkative by Andy Cohen
Wanting:  A nap.  I love to sleep.  That is why this blog has a double meaning!  Naptown=Indianapolis Napping=my favorite hobby
Looking:  At the skyline of Indy. 
Playing:  My radio.  Country Hank FM 97.1 in Indy.
Wasting:  Time.  Aren't we always?
Sewing:  hahahaha.  If only I knew how to.  I can sew a button on and fix a hole in clothes.  That is about it.
Wishing:  I was laying on a beach somewhere or floating in the pool.
Enjoying:  A pretty quiet day.  
Waiting:  On Lee to finish Fault in Our Stars.
Liking:  The veggie chips I had with lunch.  I'm obsessed.  You need to try. 
Wondering:  Do I need a haircut?  Should I keep it long or cut short?  Should I color it?
Loving:  How much fun I had with my nieces this past weekend.
Hoping:  To have a nice 4th of July. 
Marveling:  That I think I brought my bamboo plant back from the dead.  I have such a black thumb.  I think I saved it!
Needing:  To get groceries.  I HATE grocery shopping.
Smelling:  Nothing really.  A little bit of my Philosophy Amazing Grace lotion.
Wearing:  Comfy clothes. 
Following:  Some new bloggers.  Trying to network more.
Noticing:  The 4th of July is next week!
Knowing:  I've got to go to the grocery store.  BLAH!
Thinking:  Where am I going in my life? 
Feeling:  Content and mellow.
Opening:  Emails.
Giggling:  At the new movie Tammy with Melissa McCarthy.  It looks so dumb but so very funny.  Hoping to see it next weekend.

(I wrote this post Friday but I'm posting on Monday.)

Blogs I read

One of the things that inspired me to write a blog (read about it HERE) are the other blogs I read.  For over 2 years now I have faithfully read the following blogs everyday.  As crazy as it sounds they become your unofficial online friend.  You follow them on social media and know all about their lives.  A friend asked me who is this Living in Yellow you always talk about?  Why do you link up with the High Five for Friday #H54F each week?  I thought to better understand where I am coming from and what I am trying to create with my blog, you need to learn about the bloggers in my life.

Kate @ The Small Things Blog

The Small Things Blog is the first blog I started reading regularly.  You know that addictive site Pinterest?  Well I came across one of Kate's hair tutorials and immediately started digging into her blog.  Kate is a former hairstylist turned stay at home Mom.  Her blog has a huge following as she became very popular from Pinterest.  I have to admit a lot of the products she recommends I do try.  She got me hooked on Essie nail polish.  She is also an avid Target shopper and a cat lady.  Kate lives in Raleigh.

Lauren @ The Lauren Elizabeth

Lauren is Kate's sister so it was just natural I start reading her blog, too.  She started the link up High Five for Friday that I participate in every week.  I like Lauren because we are a lot alike.  Crazy cat ladies, homebodies, adore our nieces and nephews, Target shoppers, and watch some of the same TV shows.  She does a lot of beauty posts as well and I love some of the products she has recommended.  (Including a few cat toys.)  Lauren lives in Chicago.

Erin @ Living in Yellow

Erin hails from northern Indiana so we are practically neighbors!  I can't remember exactly how I came across her blog but I'm so glad I did.  When I read Erin's blog I feel like she is talking to me in person.  Her style of writing is hilarous and she let's it all hang out.  Her blog has become so successful that she has been able to turn her 9-5 job into a part time job and dedicate the rest of her day to her blog.  Erin is a social butterfly and likes to spend her weekends on her boat.

Lindsay @ Pursuit of Pink

I found Pursuit of Pink from Living in Yellow.  I'll be honest.  It was the color pink that took me there.  I didn't know there was anyone else out there that loved it as much as me!  Lindsay is an adorable southern belle who is in the process of moving with her family from D.C.  She has the cutest ginger baby who is turning 1 very soon!  Baby K is the most stylish 1 year old I know.

Lisa Leonard @ Lisa Leonard

Kate (from Small Things Blog) was hosting a giveaway from Lisa Leonard Designs and that is how I started reading her blog.  Lisa is from California and runs her own jewelry business.  They sell really unique pieces.  Lisa has 2 adorable boys and I love her even more because she has curly hair like me!  Lisa has a heart of gold and seems so down to earth.

Lindsey @ The Pleated Poppy

I came across the Pleated Poppy blog from Lisa Leonard.  Lindsey is also from sunny California.  She does a lot of craft projects and is always rearranging/redecorating her super cool house.  Lindsey use to have an online store of items she made but recently gave it up to focus more on her 3 kids.  

Ree Drummond @ The Pioneer Woman  

You know how much I love PW?  Well read all about it in my first blog post ever.  She is kind of amazing.  Before she got her own show on the Food Network, she was a fellow blogger.  What I love most about her blog is her sense of humor.  And you get the behind the scene stories.  I want PW and Marlboro Man to adopt me so I can go live on their ranch in Oklahoma. 

Melissa @ Bless this Mess Please

Melissa is a friend of a friend.  A former Hoosier she currently lives in Utah with her husband and 4 young children.  They have a booming hobby farm and in the process of opening a hardware store in their teeny, tiny town.  Melissa is a fabulous cook and shares lots of recipes.


New blogs I just started reading:
Venus Trapped in Mars
The Grits Blog
Helene in Between
Baby Boy Bakery 

**all photos taken from respective blogs.  all the photo credit goes to above mentioned bloggers**

Why I started a blog

My New Year's Resolutions for 2014

I have been thinking all day what to write about and then I thought I would share a little bit about why I started my blog.  (Also a very close friend asked me and it dawned on me I should probably share that on here.)

As you can see in the picture above, it was a New Year's Resolution.  That is honest to goodness the resolutions I wrote on January 1.  I keep it on my bedroom mirror so I can see it everyday.  I actually started my blog in mid January.  I drafted my first post and just let it sit there for several months.  Finally in April I thought let's do this!!!!  I can't believe that I have gotten over 800 hits in less than a month.  Thank you!

I have been following about 8 blogs on the regular now for about maybe 2 years.  Most of them are beauty bloggers but they talk about their normal every day lives as well.  One blogger I started following from pinterest and the others I randomly came across.  I am also a big fan of the Pioneer Woman as you know.  I enjoy her blog so much.  A lot of the ladies blog to supplement their income or it is their full-time job.  I would love for this to be a source of some income for me but I'm okay if this is just a hobby.  I thought if these ladies can do it, then so can I. What do I have to lose?

I wanted to feel like I had a voice in this crazy world.  I'm not sure what kind of theme this blog may have.  I plan on writing about my life and the things I do.  The only things off limits will be my job, politics, money, and religion.  My Grandmother told me to never discuss the last 3 because you will never agree.  And well Grams is right!

So where did NapTown Diva come from?  Well the answer is my Dad.  Whenever I was little and needed a name for a new doll, stuffed animal, Barbie, toy....he was the man for the job.  He is very creative and puts a lot of thought into things.  He came up with NapTown part and we threw a couple of ideas around.  I said Diva and well the rest is history.  I am somewhat of a Diva in our family.  Did I just publicly admit that?  Oh well it is the truth.  If you didn't know NapTown is a nickname for IndiaNAPolis where I live.  I do love naps, too!

Me and my Dad

I know I am not a writer.  (We will leave that to dear ole Dad.)  I'm sure I will write in run on sentences and say things that make no sense to anyone but me.  Hopefully I don't embarrass anyone too badly.  This is all in good fun.  I just wanted to share a little piece of myself with the world.



Now let me break down my 'about me' section.  It goes something like this. "I'm a TV junkie, country music lover, crazy cat lady, aunt, daughter, friend, Target shopper, Social Media addict, looking to be inspired, 30 something diva living the single life in NapTown."

TV junkie-I watch way too much TV.  I have over 50 season passes on my DVR.  Don't even get me started on on the reality shows I watch on BravoTV.

Country music lover-since only about 2010.  My good friend T kind of forced it upon me when we traveled to Gulf Shores for a family vacation.  Sugarland is probably one of my faves.  Luke Bryan is my boyfriend.

Sugarland in concert a couple of years ago.

On a serious note*  Yes I was at the Sugarland concert where the stage collapsed.  By far one of the most terrible things I have ever seen in my life.  My friend Jennifer and I witnessed the whole thing from the stands.  A night neither one of us will forget.  God bless all those who were injured and lost their lives.
Crazy cat lady-Yes.  I've got 2 cats.  I probably would have more if Lee would let me.  He's says three is too many.............Whatever.

Aunt-Proud Aunt!  I've got 3 nieces and 1 nephew.  Okay 2 are technically not related to me but I love them as my own.

Me with D&P a couple of years ago

Daughter-My Mom claims me.  My Dad well you will just have to ask him.  ;-)

Friend-I have a small circle of really close friends.  I don't let too many people in.  They are my people.  They get me.

My besties.  BFF 4-ever and ever.

Target shopper-Even I wear myself out on Target sometimes and need a break.  It is worth it to drive to Super Target to avoid that other hellish store that shall NOT be named.

Social Media addict-Yes I have to check Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Vine like a billion times a day.  (In that order, too.)  Instagram and Twitter are my favorite.  FB is sooooooo 2010.

Facebook:  NapTown Diva Blog
Instagram: naptowndiva
Twitter:  @naptowndiva79
Pinterest:  naptowndiva79

Looking to be inspired-Trying to figure out what I should be doing with the rest of my life.

30 something-When did I get so old?  I am 34 and holding.  I'm not sure I can handle turning 40.

Single-Yes I am forever the single girl.  I have never found someone who is worth my time.  Maybe I have very high standards.  I also grew up hearing from my Mother and Grandmother.....'Never get married!'  Yes I can see your point.  It gets really lonely some days but that is what the cats are for.  Right??!!!??

I drink large margaritas because I can!!!