November Favorites

When I planned out my November blog posts, I threw around the idea of doing a favorites post, but passed over the idea. Then all month I kept falling in love with things and thinking "I have to put this in my favorites post!" So here i am, pulling together a November favorites for you all. Here's some things i have genuinely been loving.

Beauty/Fashion
Essie Gel Setter - I love having gorgeous nails, and I don't mind putting in the time, except that I never seem to be happy with the finished product, and my manicures don't last longer than a couple days before they crack and chip. I decided to try out an at home gel manicure set up in the hopes that it would deliver, and to my excitement, it did. I freaking LOVE this stuff. I used it with Essie's color After School Boy Blazer and it was the perfect fall manicure. The shine is unbelievable, and it feels incredibly strong--like, rock solid-- which means it lasts forever with no chips. Highly recommend.

Amber Eyes Palate - I've been loving the copper/orange eyeshadow looks this Fall, especially for blue eyes. However, the palate that I had my eye on (Urban Decay's Naked Heat) is way out of my experimental makeup price range. I really started wearing eyeshadow this past month, so when I stumbled across this new palate for cheap at Target, I had to try it. I love the wide range of shades, included, and a tip for all my fellow blue-eyed gals: these colors look amazing. My favorites would definitely have to be the mauve/pinks, like  Another great eyeshadow for blue eyes that I have been loving is Amber Rush by L'oreal. I've been using this little guy for two years and I can't count how many compliments I've received. It's like my eyes pop out of my head they're so bright!

White Turtleneck Sweater - I bought this sweater because I was looking for something warm and cozy for the colder months. Usually I get ridiculously claustrophobic with any kind of turtleneck. This however...soft, the perfect white, and slightly cropped. It's in my work wardrobe at least once a week, and I'm terrified of wearing it out too fast because it is literally my favorite sweater and I would cry if it got ruined! I've considered getting it in the teal/blue as well. It's that perfect.

Miscellaneous 
Reputation Album - I've been jamming to this album ALL. MONTH. LONG. I was excited but skeptical about the album before it was released...I mean, I love me some Taylor Swift, but 1989 is such a hard act to follow. Then on release day I found out the album was not on Spotify and hauled myself to Target so I could hear it. And...I loved it. Particularly the first five songs. In Kate's world, liking half of the songs on the album is a very high percentage (I tend to only like one or two) so I'd say Taylor won me over here. I honestly don't know if I have a favorite song, but I do know that Don't Blame Me is amazing for carpool karaoke.

Rifle Paper Co Phone Case - I love pretty much everything Rifle Paper Co makes. I bought this planner from them over the summer and I'm in love with it. So when I saw they had phone cases in a matching print, I had to have one. It's beautiful, fits my phone perfectly, and protects it as well (cause let's be honest, I drop my phone all the dang time.)

Teavana Youthberry - I love getting a tea or coffee while I'm out running errands or catching up with friends, but it's hard for me to find drinks that I like, since I'm not a coffee person and I'm picky about most hot teas. A couple weeks ago, I tried the Youthberry tea from Teavana (with a little bit of honey) on a whim and loved it. It's gotten me through many cold rainy fall/winter days, and a week of the flu. I've even considered buying some to keep in the cabinet with all my others teas. I love how fruity it is without being overwhelming. The name is pretty cute too.

There ya have it. What products have you been loving lately?

Friendsgiving Twenty Seventeen

Okay okay, I know this is late, as in Thanksgiving is officially donezo and my Christmas obsession is now socially acceptable. I had plans to post this last Monday, but I had way less work this week because of the holiday, which meant sleeping in and taking a break. Unfortunately that also meant that blog/creative stuff took a backseat as well, but also sorry not sorry cause I was starting to feel a bit of burnout coming on. Instead of throwing out the entire post (that I have been very excited for btw) I thought I'd just post it late. Cause better late then never. So...let's go :)

For a couple years now I've wanted to host a Friendsgiving dinner. I love good food...I love gorgeously decorated tables...I love my friends...and Friendsgiving is basically a perfect mix of all three. I also looove the Holidays, so in short, Friendsgiving is an extremely Kate thing. I figured that this season of my life is the most ideal time; working full time (so I have enough money to actually pull it off)  and no school stress. So last week I hosted Friendsgiving dinner.

In Kate fashion, I wanted to go big or go home. And by big, I mean everything had to be *perfect.*  So perfect, I even attempted to make my own fabric napkins. That lasted about ten minutes before I gave up...ain't nobody got time for that. In all honesty, I'm glad I did because the next day I fell in love with a set I saw at World Market (aka the best store ever, second only to Target.) Bonus: There was a matching table runner. You know you're growing up when you get excited about table linens...yet here we are. 

I started planning by scouring Pintrest in search of some yummy recipes. Traditional Friendsgiving involves Turkey and stuffing, but I knew that would be too much for me to handle, so I went with a baked chicken (because it looks like a mini turkey so we still get the effect, amirite?) and mashed potatoes. For drinks I bought the boys some root beer, and for us girls I got two different kinds of sparkling juice...man am I a sucker for cool drinks. I also made some yummy appetizers and a cake for dessert. Simple, festive, and delicious :) 

Now on to the table. As I said, I found some adorable linens at World Market. I got eucalyptus bunches and some festive red berries at Trader Joe's for pretty cheap, and pillar candles on Amazon. The taper candles and sticks are from my mom's stash, as are all the dishes and utensils. Once again, I grabbed some ideas off Pintrest (let's be honest, that's where most of my ideas come from) and set up this super chic, minimalist tablescape. Much pleased, very happy.

The day of, I did all the cooking, cleaning, and setting up in what I like to call "The Domestic Hurricane." My mom was such a help with getting everything done. Moms the the best. Thanks mom :)

I mean I have to include a couple pic cause he's just so dang cute. 

Here are links to the recipes I used--super delish. The mashed potatoes were a H I T . 

Appetizers: Baked Brie with Peach and Basil // Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

Dinner: Lemon Rosemary Chicken // Parmesan Mashed Potatoes // Pear & Feta Salad

Dessert: Buttermilk Spice Cake

After dinner we sat down to watch It's A Wonderful Life, which was basically one or two people actually trying to pay attention and the rest of us making dumb comments. I had plans to take a lot more pictures, but I was so busy prepping beforehand and then once everyone arrived I really wanted to BE in the moment, which meant a lack of photos. But I'm okay with that...Basically it was awesome and I can't wait for next year.

Now on to CHRISTMAS.

Holiday Hairstyles for Short Hair

Retro Wave

Tools:

Curling Iron

Clips or Rollers (optional)

Brush

Decorative hair pin/clip (optional)

1. For this style you're going to curl your hair like you would for any other style, with a few tricks to help you achieve a 50's Hollywood wave. Firstly, do a deep side part and divide your hair from ear to ear into two sections; the bottom half and top half. Then curl your hair in reasonable sections; If you have thick hair, use less, and for thin hair you should use more. 2. The trick here is to curl all of your hair in the same direction. When you're done, take down the top half and curl, once again in the same direction as the bottom layer. 3. Another tip is to use clips or rollers to help set the curls. This is totally optional, but if your hair doesn't hold curl well, then I would strongly advise this. Just roll the curl into the roller, or place it flat on your head and stick an alligator clip in it. There's definitely a technique to this, so if you're interested or need help, Youtube has tons of great videos. 4. Let the curls cool. If you brush them out while still warm, they wont hold nearly as well, and you'll end up with more frizz than you want. 5. When they're ready, brush the curls out lightly, and smooth/style with your fingers. Careful not to brush them to death or you'll just get an afro. Just enough to smooth and blend them together. 6. I also like to pin the side with less hair back behind my ear with a cute clip, although it looks great both ways!

Braided Ponytail

Tools:

Clear Elastic

Ponytail Holder

1. To start out you'll want to part your hair heavy on the side, and split it in two. take the side with more hair and part it into two horizontal sections at the ear. 2. Now do a dutch braid across the top/side of your hair. A dutch braid is like a reverse French braid; instead of pulling the hair over, pull it under. Tie off the end of your braid. 3. Now you'll want to beef up and soften the look of your braid by pulling on it a bit to fluff it out. this adds volume and makes the whole look messy and romantic. Pull your hair into a ponytail, add the braid, and tie off with a ponytail holder. I like to keep the braid in the ponytail, but this time it got bessed up and looked a bit funky, so i took the elastic out and incorporated the hair into the pony. 4. To hide the ponytail holder, take a piece of hair from right underneath the base of the pony and wrap it around as many times as it'll go. Then bobby pin it underneath the base and voila, done. Or you could use a decorative ponytail holder and not disguise it...totally up to you :)

Half Twist

Tools:
Bobby Pins
Decorative hair pin/clip (optional)

1. This style is probably the easiest of the bunch, and still looks perfect for any occasion. Start by parting your hair the way you like it. 2. Take some hair from the front of one side. As for how much, it depends on your taste, but for reference I did about an inch or two from the beginning of my forehead, if that makes sense. Twist the hair lightly, and if you want some extra texture, hold the end of the twist and tug the hair out to loosen it. Pull back and pin with a bobby pin. 3. Do the same thing to the other side. Make sure to find a good placement on your head; some like it a bit higher, others like it lower. I prefer somewhere in the middle, so that's what I did. You could also add some sparkle and put a cute clip in right on top of the bobby pins.

Messy Updo

Tools:

Ponytail Holder 

Bobby Pins

1. Start out by sectioning your hair into three parts and doing a regular braid, and tie off the end. 2. Pull on each section to fluff the braid; this gives you the messy vibe. 3. Then tuck the tail of your braid under and secure with bobby pins. I like to gently pull a few pieces out to amp up the messy look and frame my face. I love how polished this style looks, and its so easy!

Which would you wear to your holiday events this season?

My Favorite Saints

St Dymphna

Whenever discussing my friendship with St. Dymphna, I always make sure to start by saying that she chose me. I honestly don't even remember how I first heard her name, but it was during my middle/high school years, when my anxiety disorder was at its peak; I'm taking daily panic attacks. I came across her story and was amazed by the similarities she and I shared.  Dymphna was an Irish princess during the 7th century. After her Christian mother's death, her Pagan father slipped into a grief-fueled insanity. He demanded Dymphna marry him and convert to Paganism. She refused, and fled to Belgium. He eventually found her, and after denying his requests one last time, she was beheaded by her father. Dymphna was fifteen. She is the patron saint of mental and nervous illness. How crazy is it that the patroness of anxiety (which I am struggling with) was fifteen (just like me) when she was martyred, and just so happened to be a bajillion percent Irish (just like me)? You can't make this stuff up. I felt as if I had found a twin and role model. The level of courage and peace that Dymphna exercised at such a young age shook me; If she could stand strong in the face of fear, then so could I. I truly believe God sent her to me as a friend and comforter. During my panic attacks, a simple prayer to her would ease my worry. That's not to say I was cured, but her presence made a visible and positive change in my life. The day I connected everything and realized God had sent me a friend was one of the most beautiful days of my life. 

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

"Suffering is a sign that you have come so close to him that he can kiss you."

Mother Teresa is another holy woman with which I closely related to. I have always been a compassionate soul, probably due to my sensitive, empathetic nature. I mean, I cry every time I see roadkill (which is a lot) or any time dinner looks especially delicious. That being said, I'm also an incredibly tough, stubborn person. The best way to keep me from doing something is to order me to do it, even if I had planned to do it previously. Que Mama T. Mother Teresa's trademark themes are love, compassion, kindness, humility, and sacrifice. Love and kindness are two qualities that I relate to quite closely; Like I said, I'm a bowl of mush. But Mother Teresa's definition of love is far beyond emotions. Instead, she speaks of love as serving others. In Mother Teresa's world, love is not a feeling, but an action. This distinction changed my life. When I read the words of Mama T, her call to everyday kindness and compassion resonate deep in my soul. Humility and sacrifice, however, are a bit harder for me. And by a bit, I mean a lot. Pre Mama T, Kate thought she was pretty humble. Post Mama T Kate doesn't even know what humility is. Just take a look through the Litany of Humility and you'll know what I mean. Growing up I always had an underlying feeling of invisibility. I struggled with the desire to be noticed (but not too noticed cause that's terrifying lol.) Feeling ignored and misunderstood were not uncommon for me. As I became more familiar with Mother Teresa's message, I came to realize that even the desire to be understood, though a very human emotion (and not necessarily bad), could quickly become prideful. It was then that I realized Kate was definitely not a regular member on the humble bus. I find it amazing how I can feel validated by many of Mother Teresa's words, and simultaneously be challenged by them as well. I could go on forever about the beauty of her attitude and work. She inspires me so much, I chose her as my confirmation saint while she was still a blessed, and last year on her canonization day I cried tears of joy. 

St. Augustine

"In my deepest wound I saw your glory, and it astounded me."

I was exposed to the story of St Augustine at a young age, having graduated from a school named after him. I remember my 7th grade history teacher telling us about how Augustine stole pears from a tree not because he was hungry, but simply because he liked stealing. (He also imitated in a whiny, high pitched voice the famous 'Tolle Lege' song that Augustine famously overheard. But that's less applicable here.) Now that I'm older, I realize just how miraculous St Augustine's conversion story is; He was more than just a bad boy. St. Augustine was deep in sin, and by the grace channeled through his mother's prayers, he became one of the biggest assets to Heaven. Knowing that anyone--even those who seem to be too far gone--can experience Christ's mercy and grace is extremely encouraging for me. Also, Augustine is the perfect blend of Romantic and Intellectual; most everything he says is spot on, and beautifully expressed.

St. Edith Stein

"The world doesn't need what women have. The world needs what women are."

As a young woman who is firm in her conviction both as a Catholic and a feminist, Edith Stein's words on womanhood really strike a chord with me. St. Edith perfectly describes the female soul, and how desperate the world is for its proper presence; She is a Jewish convert to Catholicism, living in World War II Poland, so as you can imagine, she was witness to many atrocities. If anyone knew, it was her! I think this especially rings true in today's age, with so many questioning the true meaning of gender. In my opinion,St. Edith perfectly captures the kind of feminist I hope to be; she maintains the truth behind the gentleness of womanhood, while simultaneously casting it in a heroic light. The idea of strength in vulnerability is one that I've seen proven over and over again in my own life. I'm so thankful for her writings on women because of their endless impact on me as a young catholic woman! When I read and reflect upon her writings, I feel as though women can save the culture, and therefore the world. 

St. Pope John Paul II

"You are a heartbeat of God."

One of the most disappointing moments of my life was when I realized I would never get to experience Pope JP II's brilliance and love in person. I truly believe he is a trailblazer for the young, modern Catholic, and therefore a tremendous influence in my life. His ability to spread wisdom and truth is phenomenal, but his ability to get people to listen is even more impressive. I remember hearing about Theology of the Body in middle school and thinking "Wow, that sounds so dumb. We get it, sex is bad." Then as I came to grow both physically and spiritual, I understood that the real message behinf TOB is not that sex is bad--rather that it is so good. So good it needs to be protected from being abused, and so that no one gets hurt. During a time when teenagers are trying to "find his/herself," JP II's guidance helped me to understand in a healthy way. To this day I'm a huge TOB nerd, even through I'm just getting around to reading it in its entirety. Definitely expect some TOB inspired posts in the future, haha! Bonus points for JP II being a both an adorable old man and a really cool hipster. He was somehow way before his time and yet exactly where he needed to be. 

St. Josemaria Escriva

"Diamonds are polished with diamonds, and souls with souls."

If you're looking for a modern, shoot-from-the-hip saint, Josemaria Escriva is your guy. Most everything I've read from him goes a little like this: "Stop making excuses and be better." While I tend to prefer the gentle approach, I really appreciate and admire St. Josemaria Escriva. He's also extremely eloquent. My love for his ministry began last year when I read a compilation of his quotes. I felt so peaceful from how beautifully the words were spoken, yet at the same time I was ready to get cracking because he's so inspiring. I had previously heard about him through the movie that came out a couple years ago (The name is escaping me, something about dragons?) But I didn't come to appreciate him until reading his words. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

The Blessed Mother seems like an obvious and cliche choice, But there is so much more to her than what many people realize. During my college religion classes, Marian Theology was (and still is) always my favorite part. There is so much complexity, beauty, and inspiration to be found in our Blessed Mother. I've learned so much about her this past year, but my favorite thing is probably how close we are to her. Mary is our spiritual mother, and she longs to be close to us, she really does. Mary is such a powerful intercessor with Christ, which is something I deeply underestimated growing up. I once read a quote about how Christ listens to his mother, so we should always go to Mary with our prayers--not as a way of bypassing Christ or simply getting what we want, but because we understand how beautiful Christ's relationship is with his mother. When my mom asks my brother to do something, it gets done double time, because he respects and loves our mom. He wants to please her, and trusts that she has the best intentions in mind. It only makes sense that the same rule would apply to the ultimate, perfect mother/son relationship. Another point of connection I have with Mary is that we are both daughters of God. Yes, I just said Mary is my mother, but she's also my sister; she may have been saved from original sin, unlike myself, but she is still human. She still experienced great joy and great pain. I can go to her for girl talk and know I'm in good hands, and I can trust her advice. I can pour out my heart to a fellow woman of God, who just so happens to be the mother of the Savior. How cool is that? 

Who are some of your favorite saints?