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.

Couples Halloween Costume 2017

Ever since Michael got me into The Office last year, I've been begging him to do a Jim and Pam couple costume with me. Last year we weren't able to, with me being in Florida. But this year...

Just your neighborhood Jim and Pam! Dreams have come true here. I got the shirt and shoes at Goodwill for about $10, and borrowed the skirt from my mom. Michael already had everything for his costume because let's face it he's a living Jim Halpert. He asked me, "Do I have to bring everything? Like dress shoes and a belt?" To which I replied, "Does Jim Halpert wear dress shoes and a belt?" I'm not sorry for the seriousness with which I take Halloween costumes. It's one day a year; go big or go home, I say.

His costume is definitely better than mine. Believe it or not, I had a hard time finding a shirt that looked perfect for Pam, but I told myslef, "Kate, you are super extra when it comes to Halloween costumes, so a Kate 5 is like a normal person 7. Take a chill pill." I mean I spent $7 dollars on the ugliest pair of heels I've ever laid eyes on and they don't even fit, just for a two minute photo session. I even made my boyfriend get in full costume on an 80 degree day in September and go in public, just to get pictures before I chopped and colored my hair, and therefore would look nothing like Pam Beasley. I paid my dues with this one. 

And this was when the geese of Downtown Brighton began to descend upon our photoshoot and we got the heck outta there. I've seen the youtube videos of angry geese attacking people and I'm quite good, thank you very much. Plus as I said, it was HOT and I promised Michael a root beer for his compliance. 

By the way, I'm already cooking up ideas for next year. 

Fall Lookbook

Recently I ventured into the world of Youtube and made a video. I've wanted to do this for a very long time, but never really had the guts/motivation to actually film...until now! I think media is such a powerful tool, and should be used for joy. So, I hope watching me strut around in public looking kinda dumb but also having a ton of fun brings some joy to your day. My sister and faithful Instagram husband was a huge help during this project; we both learned so much! Honestly I'd love to make regular videos, we'll see how that goes...give it a watch and let me know if you have any video ideas for me.

DIY Halloween Decor

I went a bit crazy in the Halloween section of JoAnn's a couple weeks ago, and it resulted in lots of different DIY decoration ideas. I'm the type of person that goes all in for holidays. Like, all in. So if you want to know how a crazy enthusiastic person with a very strict aesthetic decorates their room for Halloween on a budget...look no further.

General Decor 
Black and White pumpkins: $3 at JoAnn's

Pumpkin Spice Candle: $7 at Target

Letter board: $10 at JoAnn's

Felt Bunting

Felt Sheets

String/Twine

Ruler

Sharpie

Hole Punch

For the triangles, I just used the ruler and sharpie to draw triangles with sides about 6 inches long (each square gave me two triangles.) Then I cut them out and put two holes in each triangle with the hole punch. String them on your twine, hang it up, and you're done.

Floral Jack O Lantern

Jack O Lantern

Silk Flowers

Hot Glue Gun

Wire Cutters

I got this idea from the display at JoAnn's. All you have to do is buy the ceramic Jack O Lantern (I think he was maybe $7) and some silk flowers. Then cut the stems with a wire cutter, arrange them to your liking, and attach with hot glue. This is by far my favorite decoration, because pumpkins and flower crowns.

Black Bats

Black scrapbook paper

Scissors

All I did was Google 'halloween bat' and picked out the image I liked best; then I printed it out and used it as a guide when cutting the sparkly paper. Slapped on the wall with blue painter's tape. Super easy and cheap but so adorable!

Just wait till Christmastime...haha!

Autumn Inspired Makeup Look

Products
L'Oreal Lumi Primer
Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 91
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 15
L'Oreal True Match Blush in Baby Blossom
ELF Baked Highlight in Moonlight Pearls
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette
L'Oreal Infallable Eyeshadow in Amber Rush
ELF Prism Palette
Loreal Lash Paradise Mascara
Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 107

Let's Get Started!
First I start with a clean, moisturized face, and I apply my primer with my fingers. I use a wet beauty blender to apply my foundation and concealer (under the eyes, around the nose, and on any spots that need extra coverage.) Then I go in with some blush on the apples of my cheeks, and a little highlight (directly above the blush, down my nose, and then a smaller brush to get in the inner corners of my eyes and my cupid's bow.) I also darken my brows since my hair is colored. I fill them in the slightest bit with the pencil side, then set with the gel. Now we're ready for the star of the show, the eyes and lips:

For the eyes I use the Infallable eyeshadow all over my lid. I apply the second darkest shade on the ELF palette in my crease, and smoked it out to the corner (kind of like making a V motion around the outer corner of your eye.) Lastly, I blended the bageezus out of it and used some of the lightest shade in the palette under my brow and in the inner corners of my eyes, just to brighten the look.

Then for the lipstick, I take a brush or my finger and apply a thin swipe. This way it looks more like a tint--I'm not a big lipstick person, so I prefer a less intense look. But this would also be stunning with a darker application. And done!

The lipstick shade is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I'm trying to expand my makeup horizons--yay for trying new things! The eyes, however, are right up my alley--the smokey gold and brown shades really bring out blue eyes. I love this look for the colder months.

Fall Date Ideas

Baking Day: Make a yummy Fall treat to enjoy together. Fall is the perfect time for warm baked goods, especially something with pumpkin or cinnamon. You could also go try making apple sauce--more time consuming, but just as fun :)

Cider Mill: This one is a personal favorite because, growing up, the best part about fall (other than Halloween) was the cider mill. Get some fresh cinnamon sugar donuts and some hot cider and enjoy them outside. We also buy a jug or two of cider to take home with us.

Bonfire: I love the idea of a Fall bonfire, even though it's something my family usually does in the Summertime. Roast hot dogs, marshmallows, cuddle with some blankets. Super cheap and easy date, and still tons of fun.

Movie Night: This is another affordable and cozy idea. Get the fireplace going, pop some popcorn, grab some tea or coffee, and pick a Halloween movie (Hocus Pocus is the king, just saying.) You could totally do a scary movie if you want, but this girl is not about that, haha.

Football Game: This was actually one of mine and Michael's first dates ;) We got together with a couple other friends (gotta have those third wheels, amirite) and watched a Friend's team play. We got hot drinks and laughed the whole time. Michael tried explaining the game to me but honestly, it was too cold for my brain to work...so make sure to bundle up and bring blankets!

Apple Orchard: Picking apples is always a fun fall activity. You could even double this date up and bake an apple treat (apple pie maybe?) Some orchards even have fun activities like a petting zoo or a corn maze.

Stargazing: This one can be done late summer to early fall. Lay a blanket out on the grass and look up at the stars. Bring some snacks and you can make it a late night picnic.

Carving Pumpkins: Michael and I did this last year and it was a blast. You can go to the store and grab a pumpkin, or you could go to a pumpkin patch and pick your own.

fall break

I got to go home for Fall break last weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Honestly it was the weirdest/best trip I could've ever imagined. Being home felt like a dream...for eight weeks my life has been tests and dinner at the student union and late night music parties. It was strange to all of a sudden be thrust back into familiar territory. Plus I missed my memory foam mattress back at Ave *lol*

I flew home late Wednesday night and spent three days in a chilly Michigan paradise. I had lots of cuddles on the couch, car dancing/singing, and yummy food (Velveeta mac and cheese, homemade enchiladas and my favorite Chinese takeout!) 

 Rainy Thursday was morning mass with Michael at my home parish, breakfast at iHop (I had the most HEAVENLY stack of pancakes) Target shopping (or rather Target wandering around gawking over stuff with Michael laughing at me and then losing my cool over the Halloween decor/Christmas lights,) and Charlie St. Cloud while snuggling in the big comfy chair. He fell asleep so of course like the god girlfriend I am, I took copious photos and videos. Those will remain private, but rest assured they are ADORABLE.

Friday was finishing up Maggie's photo session which turned into an impromptu couples photoshoot...then hot cocoa and more movies. It was great to spend some time outside in the chilly Autumn air. I also carved a super cute pumpkin! Michael was too scared of the squishy insides. He's funny like that. 

Isn't he cute?

He's the best :)

 Saturday was the cider mill (PRAISE.)  The donuts were just as warm and delicious as I remember...you know how much your girl loves donuts. Michael said he could get used to this tradition ;) Then after it got dark we went to Greenfield Village's Hallowe'en Nights. Michael did a great job of protecting me from the nonexistent threats. For realsies, there were five year olds braver than me...what can I say? Haha. 

I left for school at 5am on Sunday morning-now that was rough. I was really sad to leave, but I couldn't have spent my break a better way. It really was perfect. And Thanksgiving is only 4 weeks away! How is that?! 

It was a wonderful break :)

xoxo Kate

thanksgiving 2015

happy thanksgiving everyone!

though the weather was grey, we still had a lot of fun. mainly cause food.

we picked up conner early this morning...like 1 am early. exhausting, but totally worth it. hehe.

  

after dinner my friend gina came to spend the night. we're getting up early in the morning to hit the sales. it's my first black friday shopping trip, and i'm not gonna lie, i'm irrationally excited. but also terrified that i'll get trampled. either way it should be fun!

i got this dress from the old navy outlet mall, 30% off! it's super comfy, swingy, and loose--perfect for stuffing myself full of delicious food :)

{ dress: old navy / shoes: target / necklace: target}

hope you all had a lovely day!
xoxo, kate

overalls + rose gold

i bit the bullet and bought myself a pair of overalls...

and i love them.

see? they're the best. it's like wearing denim footie pajamas, except this is fashion.

i've been obsessed with gold lately, and more specifically rose gold...good golly. i'm literally a sucker for anything rose gold. it's feminine, modern, and chic. and amazing.

{overalls: mossimo / sweater: mossimo / earrings: target}

xoxo,
kate

the perfect fall weekend

what a crazy + wonderful weekend...


friday i had a halloween movie night with a bunch of girls from school last year. nothing like cider and scary movies on a breezy fall afternoon :) then i left to meet some friends at a friend's football game. we've been planning and looking forward to this for months, and it was every bit worth the hype, but man was it *cold.*

^maggie doesn't like having her picture taken ;)

on saturday, a group of my friends (i'm gonna go ahead and call us the dream team) got together for a trunk or treat--we dressed up as scooby doo characters, decorated the car like the mystery machine, and passed out candy. it was such a blast, despite freezing my toes off. afterwards we went to mcdonald's for a late night snack, and we had multiple people ask us questions. not gonna lie, it was a blast :)

the face of an exhausted but happy girl. 

halloween is a week away...what?! where did fall go?!

xoxo, 

kate

my pumpkin obsession continues...

i don't know why, but pumpkins are magical. maybe it has something to do with cinderella? 

yesterday at lowe's i was supposed to be buying practical things, like bird feed and straw, but of course the magical pumpkins called my name and and i came running, chanting "pumpkins! pumpkins! puuuuuuuumpkins!"

Am I the only one?

i'm rubbish when it comes to making decisions, but i felt an emotional connection to a certain pumpkin, and let me tell you guys love at first sight is real. The beauty isn't pictured because he was already in my cart. 

^getting ready to carve me a masterpiece

i present to you, brad the winking pumpkin.

isn't he beautiful?

the halloween game is strong in this house. i'm so excited i can't even.

xoxo, 

kate

things I love about autumn

/ crisp air / tall leather boots / pumpkin spice / smoky bonfires / ripped jeans / hearty stews & pot roasts / fuzzy blankets / chunky knit scarves / warm knit hats / candles / spending time with family / sweater tights / new school supplies / country walks / baked goods / chill, jazzy music / clear, cool starry nights / crunchy leaves / warm apple cider / snuggles / dark, rich colors / carving pumpkins / harvest decor / big hoodies / everything halloween /