It's a Jolly Holiday with Katy.

I'm over at Katy's place today. 

Sharing with you some of my Christmas favorites. 

{Just some of them. Because there are SO many favorite things around Christmas time.}

But these are the best of the best.

And I'm giving a set to one of you guys. 

Chickety check it out. 

NOW.

{Please excuse my bossiness.}

CuppaTech at Your Service

This pic has nothing to do with this post.

 
Alright, I'm gonna take a moment here for a public service announcement.

I have been wanting to write a post like this for a while, but never really got around to it...

I get a lot of questions from people about bloggy stuff, and sometimes there are things I tell people, that they don't even know exist...

Let's start with my number one topic:
COMMENTS.
Did you know that the default setting on leaving a comment is anonymous?
Well, maybe not anonymous, but basically you leave a comment, and it sends me an email.
But the email comes from No-Reply@Blogger - which is so sad - and means I can't reply to your comment directly.
A good handful of commenters have already made the switch, but there are a few of you that haven't - and it makes me sad (because I love being able to reply to you!).

Here's a link to a super simple tutorial on how to fix it. 



While we're on the topic of comments, let's talk about CAPTCHA.
That is the super annoying letters that we have to type in to leave a comment.
I used to have this turned on, it seemed like a great idea to prevent spam.
BUT, guess how many legitmate spam comments I have received. ONE.
I don't know if  I'm just lucky or what, but I haven't needed CAPTCHA.
Care to turn yours off?
(You may not even know it's on!)
It makes it so much easier for your readers to leave a comment!
Here's a link (with pictures) on how to do it .
(Settings, Comments, Word Verification: OFF)

Let's move on to SUBSCRIPTIONS.
Do you have a bunch of blogs bookmarked and pop by every now and again?
There are a handful of options to keep them all organized!
My personal favorite is Google Reader.
It's kind of like an inbox for blogs, it's where I have been reading all of mine for years!
But what I didn't know, until about a year or two ago, was that if you click "FOLLOW" on Google Friend Connect (like the one on my sidebar) - the blogs you follow will automatically pop up in your Google Reader.
You can manually add them too by clicking the subscribe button on Google Reader and typing in the web address of the blog!

You can also subscribe by email - most blogs have a little box on their sidebar where you can type in your email address and every time a blogger writes a post, it will be sent to your inbox! Pretty awesome.
There are even other ways to subscribe and follow blogs - but I think that those are the two simplest.
Now you won't miss the latest and greatest!

Okay, and last but not least, will you let me know you've stopped by?
I'd love to say hello!
Especially if maybe you haven't commented before, or  in a while, it's always nice to put a name (or a face) to a blog hit. 
I promise I'll say HELLO right back, especially if you are not a "no-reply blogger".

Happy Anniversary Little Blog & Congrats Mug Swap Giveaway Winner!

Today, A Cuppa Kim turns TWO.
Two years of blogging. Starting here.
Three hundred posts.
Two thousand five hundred comments.

I think to celebrate, I will head off to Europe for two weeks.
While I'm gone, you should read a little bit about my European adventures from two years ago (right after I began this blog), which I posted while I was gone last year. (I also have a few fun posts scheduled while I'm away).

Aside from this post about my day in Barcelona, I still haven't blogged that trip.
I had big dreams about getting that done before I left.
I got one more day done, stay tuned, the post will be coming this week.
Let's hope I do more soon. I really, really want to.

But you guys went NUTS on the mug swap. BSC if you will.
In a good way.
240+ swappers.

Did you mail your mug?
Today is the deadline.
If you didn't, do it NOW. Like go.
Post office. Pronto.
Link up on the 10th, so it needs time to get to your recipient.

Also, to celebrate, let's announce the winner of the mug-swap-blogiversary giveaway, shall we?!
I want to point out a few of the giveaway items:

This super cute coffee print from Katy's shop: Katygirl Designs

A set of adorable note cards from Jenna's shop: Jenze

Your choice of one pair of earrings from Hannah's Shop: Happy Days by Wifey Singer

A set of 6 coffee note cards from Lindsay's shop: Pen & Paint

And a few other goodies, Starbucks gift card, 1lb of blonde roast, See's mini-pops,
 that have already been packaged up and sent by me!

There were 240 swappers + 84 additional entries for promoting the swap.
#289/324 was the winner.
And I forgot to capture the screen shot of the Random.org generator...

You guys.
The big winner is...

 ALLISON FROM PAISLEY SPROUTS

(you will be getting an email from me with all the 411)

And I think everyone else may need to treat yo' self to some new goodies.
It will cheer you up. Promise.
Head over to those shops and check them out.
All of these shops have been incredible Mug Swap supporters and Promoters!!

Thanks again to everyone who swapped and promoted and mugged and shipped!
I hope when your mug arrives you feel like a big winner too!

I have a lot of fun posts scheduled while I'm gone...so be sure to come back and visit.
And get yourself ready for the 10th. I'm already dying from all the muggy cuteness I've been seeing on Instagram. This has seriously been ridiculously fun! :)

Smooches and thanks for being a part of A Cuppa Kim for two years and counting!

Scenes from a Saturday

Yes. Another weekend has come and gone.
Yes. It was another doozie.

Katygirl & Cammiegirl came to visit.
I wish I had taken more pictures.
But, instead we talked.
FOR. HOURS.
I was nervous there would be some awkward silence.
There was no silence.

I made reservations for an early dinner for Katy, Jessica, Cam and I, and before we knew it, it was dinner time.
Annnnnnnd we were still at my house.

 Taking funny pictures of Cammie, like this.
Sippin' on her La Croix. Like a proper blogger baby.

Thankfully, Katygirl drives fast, and totally does NOT drive through red lights, and got us there in no time flat.
Also, Jessica doesn't let things like 2 year old's car seats get in the way.

The people two tables over from us were discussing bloggers, and Pinterest. I'm pretty sure they recognized Jessica from her PinterTest kitchen.

 Also, we may have been recognized by our blogger photography habits.
Like selfies. And selfie retakes. Times five.

Photo Courtesy of Katygirl

 And me taking a picture of my food and Katygirl instagramming.

 
Here is Jessica taking a picture of me and Katy taking a picture of dessert, while I take a picture of her taking a picture of us.

Also please note suspenders.
I really don't know what was going on.
Awkward first date with Italian flag cufflinks.
I don't think it was going well.
I think it could have been due to the accessories.
Wayyy too many accessories.

Also, the desserts.
SO GOOD.
We split them both in threesies - Jess picked the Raspberry Bread Pudding and Katy chose the Coffee Ice Cream Pie. I chose to eat.
I almost died of happiness right then and there.
Well chosen ladies.

Cammie was a rockstar through the whole meal.
I got a quick snuggle in with her. 
I know she looks concerned.
I'm pretty sure she had just gotten a glimpse of the suspenders and cufflinks next to us.
I know Cam, I know.

 

And then we all went back to my house to talk and talk and talk a bit more before Katygirl & Cammiegirl had to go.

Despite being 6 1/2 hours, it went way too quick. 

Which is just plain rude.

I'm pretty sure they need to make a tunnel or high speed train directly from my front door to Katy's.
Like. ASAP. I mean God Bless the US, but we need to get this whole highway 5 thing out of our way.

We loved having you guys here, the door is always open, feel free to run a few red lights and come back anytime.

The Mug Swap is Here! The Mug Swap is Here!

Hello Faithful A Cuppa Kim Readers!
I am so excited!
I have a BIG announcement to make.

I began blogging almost two years ago!
Last year, to celebrate my one year blogiversary I hosted the first annual Mug Swap!
The response was so much bigger than I had hoped.
And it was SO. FREAKING. FUN.

It was probably one of my most favorite things I have ever done via blogging!
I have been looking forward to hosting the second annual mug swap for a few months now.
And I know a few of you have asked when it would be!

Well, here it is!
(And check out the cute new logo courtesy of Katygirl Designs)

Are you ready for the info on how it works?
Okay, here we go:

Step 1. Email me. (cuppakim@gmail.com) Leave a comment here. Text me. Instagram me. Tweet me. Facebook me. Let me know you want in, and leave me your email address. I'll sign you up - and contact you for your mailing address. Sign ups close at Midnight on August 8th. (a week from today).

Step 2. Spread the word. Last year we had 33 participants. It was awesome, because this is how I got to know a lot of people in the blogging world. Friends of friends signed up. And now you are my friends! The more people who sign up, the more fun this will be.

Step 3. On Sunday, August12th I will email you your assignment.

Step 4. On or before August 23rd Find & Mail your mug. This means your mug should be en route to its recipient NO LATER THAN the 23rd.

Step 5. Receive & Document your mug! This is the fun part! Blog, Instagram, Tweet your Mug Swapping Adventure. Be sure and use #mugswap on Instagram & Twitter so other Swappers can find you!

Step 6. Link up! This year, I will be hosting a Linky Party on September 10th for those of you who are bloggers and want to link up your posts! (This gives you plenty of time to make sure your mug arrives & recap your adventures!)

That is it.
It's pretty simple.
Sign up & send. 

Now, I know a lot of people have more questions about the details, so here are some FAQ's!

Mug Swap Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Do I have to have a blog to participate?

Nope! 

Not at all. Everyone is welcome.

2. Do I have to spend a ton of $?

Nope. 

You can spend anywhere from $0 & up. I advise you don't spend more than $20.

Unless you are sending a solid gold mug, in which case, I think this swap will be VERY popular next year. 

3. Am I sending to and receiving from the same person?

Nope. 

I guess technically you aren't "swapping", more like a daisy chain or domino of mugs will be flying through the skies via USPS (God Bless Them). You will send to one person and receive from someone else.

This way you get to know at least two people!

4. Is it a secret?

Kinda. 

I will only be telling you who you send to.

It's kinda fun to find out who your mug is from when you get your package.
Like a Secret Santa.

But, I guess it's kinda up to you.

5. Where should I get a mug?

Anywhere. 

You could get one from Etsy, or Target, or the Dollar Tree, or a Thrift Store.

That is the fun part about mugs, there are millions of fun, funky, creative ones out there. 

If you do order online, you could save yourself a step and have it shipped directly to the recipient.
You decide the direction you want to go. The mug can be something YOU love
or something you think your recipient would love. No real rules here. Just be fun.

6. I never got my assignment.

When you email/comment/tweet/instagram/facebook me signing up - I WILL reply confirming you are IN.

(And asking for your mailing address). 

If you did NOT hear back from me, it means I did NOT get your email/comment/tweet/etc.

Make sure you follow up.

I don't want anyone to miss out!

7. Are you doing a giveaway?

But of course!

I almost forgot!

Every participant is automatically entered in my 

Blogiversary Mug Swap Giveaway!

Woo to the hoo.

Prizes include:

A pair of WifeySinger Earrings
Note Cards from Jenze
A Print from Katygirl Designs

$10 Starbucks Gift Card

1lb of Starbucks Blonde Roast

Miscellaneous goodies.

What, you want Additional Entries? You got it!

You get an additional entry for the doing any of following prior to August 8th:

Tweeting about the Mug Swap

Blogging about the Mug Swap

Instagramming about the Mug Swap

Repping the Mug Swap Button on your sidebar

Okay, I know this is a TON of information.

But here's the synopsis:

Sign up.

Spread the word.

Get your assignment.

Send a mug.

Blog about it.

Link up.

<center><a href=" http://www.acuppakim.com/search/label/mugswap "><img border="0" src="http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af252/kkfults/mugswapcopy.png"/></a></center>

A New Look & a Sneak Peek.

My cute blog is even more cute now thanks to katygirl designs. 

Come take a little look around.

Are you dying like I am?

Girlfriend is GOOOOOOOD.

Be sure to grab my cute new button over there on the sidebar.

Come back tomorrow for a full report on all things London.
There will be three things in abundance:
Wigs, Eyeliner, & Fake Tattoos.
You won't want to miss.

And for now, here's a little sample of what I have to show you.

See you then!

It's a Happy Thursday at Happy Days!

Hi Friends.

I'm over at Happy Days today.

Sharing a little bit more info about Hope4Sudan. 

Head over there to find out more!

Lots of other fun stuff going on this weekend. 

Including the reveal of my secret project.

If you follow me on InstaGram you will definitely get the inside scoop.

Be sure to check in here next week for a full recap, 

and another super fun announcement on Wednesday!

God Bless the US: Every Heart Beats True to the Red, White, & Blue

It's here. 

God Bless the US!!!!

Time to recap your fourth over here in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

My sister and brother in law had vacation time last week.

They rented a two bedroom cabin half a block up from Lake Tahoe.

So I did what any normal sister would do.

Crashed their vacay partay. 

I posted the above photo to Instagram informing my sister I was on my way, and instructing her to have dinner waiting,  and then drove solo 4 1/2 hours up into the Sierras.

SOLO.

Scary.

But me, Ravigail & the SF Giants (losing, BOO) on the radio,
followed by an awesome playlist made it there.

No problemo.

I arrived to these two nerds.

But Gourmet Nerds. 

My favorite kind.

Steaks on the grill.

Guac and Chips on the patio.

Off to a good start.

And then there was a bit of a grease fire.

While I continued instagramming the above picture, my sister panicked and ran for water.

Distractedly Calmly I informed her water was not for grease fires.

I also instructed them to pull the grill away from the wall.

But not under the umbrella.

And we closed the lid on the barbecue for a bit.

Saving lives.

It's just what I do.

The house had a hot tub in the back yard, and backed up to a golf course.

There was a lot of ducking each time I heard "FOURRRRR"

After a fair amount of hot tubbing, there were some fireworks down at the lake.
We caught a few through the trees.

And caught what quite possibly might knock Love Actually, The Holiday, and Home Alone out of the running for my favorite holiday movie.

Independence Day. 

Will Smith.

Dreadlocked Aliens.

I mean. 

Best. Movie. Ever.

And pizookie.

As my sister said... "It's for Amurrrica"

We rested up, because in the morning, it was time to Party in the USA.

I woke up early, and enjoyed some patriotic coffee by the dawn's early light.

And then, back inside to do Betsy Ross proud.

Flag Fruit Skewers.

Sub bananas for marshmallows. 

WINNING AMERICA with that one.

Patriotic fruit skewers pair well with pancakes and nutella.

And sliced bananas. 

I mean, Jack Johnson WAS onto something with his song.

Just keep them off my skewers and fruit salads.

And then it was off to do ACTIVITIES.

As my sister requested.

Sea Lake Kayaking.

Sadly, it hurts my soul when iPhones go along for water activities, so mine had to stay at home.

You'll just have to take my word on it.

2 hours of beasting through Tahoe.

MyFitnessPal was happy.

MyFitnessPal was not super happy about the double hot dog.

But hot damn, hot dogs taste SO good on the 4th of July.

The afternoon was a return to the lake.

For some sun.

And a lot of Floatopia.

Other beachgoers were definitely feeling the Spirit of America.

And decorated their spaces accordingly.

We wrapped up our 4th festivities back at home.

Among the trees.

And in the hot tub.

I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free to use a flag towel.

More hot dogs.

Lot's of hot dogs.

Hot dogs, hot dogs, hot dogs.

I forget how much I love 4th of July.

I will never forget.

We spent our next morning taking in the views

from Sea to Shining Sea.

Or something like that.

A little lakeside coffee.

Sun umbrella.

Light reading.

And patriotic parasailers.

It would not be a lie to say I REALLLLLLY wanted to go up in that thing.

A quick two and a half days of America the Beautiful.

Purple mountains, majesty.

It was a good time.

So happy 236th, America. 

You don't look a day over 235.

I need to know how you Let Freedom Ring.
Link up below with me and Katygirl

God Bless America

My home, sweet home.

God Bless America

My home, sweet home.

Be sure to grab our button here,
(so people can find and join the party!)
 and link up below!
Be sure to stop over and see how your fellow Americans stayed true to the Red, White & Blue.

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Happy Days by Wifey Singer

Alright fools, let's talk.

Ever since I started blogging, like for reals (cause I blogged for a while not so for reals), I have met some amazzzzing other bloggers.

One of them is Hannah, from the encouraging and lovely blog HAPPY DAYS.

Here is what I love about Hannah:

I feel like she is the welcome wagon of the blog world.
She is always introducing me to new bloggers, and seems to be friends with everyone.

Everyone I know admires her greatly.
And for good reason.

Hannah is also the biggest supporter of her friends' handmade shops and businesses.
Girlfriend LOVES herself some handmade.

And Hannah herself is getting in the game.
I am SO thrilled to tell you about it!
Hannah's sweet shop, Happy Days by Wifey Singer has just opened, and you need to go check it out.

And support our favorite friend Hannah.
Her stuff is AWESOME.
Dainty.
Delicate.
HAPPY.

Look at her adorable packaging?
Washi tape, bakers twine, pops of color.
Imagine coming home from a long day of work, or checking your mailbox after a crazy day with your kiddos, and finding this in your mailbox.

And these are her lovelies.
Totally gorgeous beads. Shiny happy.

Loving my two newest accessories.
Please, do yourself a favor, and go check out her shop!
I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy myself THESE, if you don't beat me to it.
Because, HOW CUTE ARE THEY?!?!
Oh, and guess what!? She is actually doing a giveaway with them over at her place today!!

So run, don't walk, over to Happy Days by Wifey Singer.