Welcome

Welcome to my blog.

My name is Kari. I am not new to blogging. I started a blog several years ago that I consistently maintained. However, that blog had run its course and it was time to shut it down. I have been thinking about starting a new blog for a while now and all it took was a gentle nudge from a long time friend of mine (thanks, Kathy) to inspire me to get going on this "new" aspiration of mine...a blog created and written for women like me. "And Now They Call Me Ma'am" is intended for women who are happy and proud of who they are no matter what their age. This blog is for women who strive to be the best version of themselves on a daily basis - sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, but always learning.

I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend and a child of God. Each of these roles and relationships hold meaning for me and have formed me into the woman I am today. 

In addition to being a woman called to serve and be in relationship with others, I am also a firm believer in ME! I love taking care of myself. I am at my best when I feel good. Who isn't? I love learning about how women take care of themselves and I love sharing my own thoughts and ideas with those who want to listen. 

On occasion, I cook a really good dinner or bake a really good dessert. Currently, I am finding most of my new recipes on blogs. I love to share recipes when I come across a good one.

I love simple clothing and home decor. The best word to describe my fashion and house style is comfortable. I love the color white and 100% cotton. I also love blue. I love all shades of blue, but currently, I really adore navy blue.

I am addicted to The Bar Method for exercise. I got hooked 16 months ago. I eat a mostly high protein/low carbohydrate diet during the week and I make (lots of) room for splurges on the weekend. I do believe in the scale. 

I quit drinking alcohol 8 months ago. I was mostly a wine drinker. It was a personal choice to quit drinking and one that has proven to serve me very well. I am living this "alcohol-free" choice day-by-day but think it may be a forever kind of a thing. 

I love water, coffee, unsweetened tea and sweet tea. In that order. I would take sweet tea over unsweetened tea but you know, the calories. Sweet tea is a splurge! I gave up diet soda two years ago. 

I prefer sweet over salty.

I love sleep and I love naps. I love naps.

I love the freedom and bronzed skin that comes with the summer but I love the coziness of winter. 

I lean more towards the introvert side on the personality spectrum. I can be an extrovert when the occasion forces me to be one but I much prefer being an introvert. I am not afraid to be alone. 

I make my bed daily and never go to bed with dishes in the sink. I don't enjoy it, but I do a load of laundry every day. I don't like clutter. I allow myself one pile of paper work and try to weed through it weekly. I am not a good deep cleaner.  I do enjoy cleaning out closets and drawers once I can get myself to dive in and start the project.

I was a Gymboree franchise owner for 10 years of my life, it was a time in my life that I will never forget. My most recent job was working at Loft. I worked there for a year and am still paying on the debt I accrued from having the 50% off discount. 

The idea for my blog title "And Now They Call Me Ma'am" was inspired by the fact that three years ago I moved from California to Texas where women my age are called "ma'am". I am a third generation, native Californian but my heart and soul are southern. I love living in Texas and I love being called "ma'am". 

Welcome to my lifestyle blog. I look forward to sharing my life and style with you.