The Dreamiest Christmas Dress

Earrings Target (similar) // Necklace Target // Shoes Target // Dress: Hannah Everly on Etsy

This is the story of a girl who loves buying new dresses. If I could, I would buy a new dress for every occasion, not because I'm wasteful, but because I simply love dresses. It's like each one has it's own personality, and I love how I get to feel like different people when I wear different dresses.

That being said, I Love. This. Dress. It  S C R E A M S  Christmas. The green color, the velvet, the skirt and the wrap top and the low V back...I have heart eyes. It's twirly and chic and the most comfortable thing ever. Hannah Everly, the seamstress that made it, is a miracle worker. So glad I snatched this gem while I could. Check our her Etsy shop here :)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Home Decor Ideas

General Decor
Candle - Bath and Body Works
Christmas Sheets - Target
Prints - Pintrest
Rose Gold Frames - Home Goods (I've had them for ages)
Letterboard - JoAnns
Mini Christmas Tree - I've had this thing, and all the ornaments, since I was a kid. But Target has some great options for small trees!

Fa La La Bunting
Red Felt Sheets
Scissors
Twine

I made this the same way I've made the Good Vibes pillow and the Halloween bunting. First I created a template on Google drive (I found a font I liked and then made it size 400 so it would be big enough) Then I printed and cut it out, and used it as a guide to cut the felt. I hot glued each letter to the string and hung it up. Super easy!

Wreath
18' Wreath
Decorations of choice

I also made the wreath on my wall, but again, it's very easy, and only cost $8. I bought the 18" wreath at Michael's, as well as the berry/pinecone garland. I literally just wrapped the garland around the wreath and adjusted it until I was happy with the look.

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?

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. 

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!

Easter Egg Nest Treats

Easter Egg Nest Treats

{Ingredients}
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (you could probably substitute any nut butter)
2 packages Shredded Wheat
1 package Robin Eggs Candy (jelly beans, m&ms, any kind of candy would work)

{Instructions}
heat chocolate and peanut butter in microwave until melted. You could also do it on the stove, but microwave is faster!

Crush up the wheat while it's still in the package, and add to chocolate. Stir or mix it up with your hands. This is the part where i eat half the bowl before it even makes it to the baking tray...

Take a nice sized handful onto the baking sheet. Smooth the edges into a disk shape, and then make a little well in the center...basically, form it into a nest shape. Lol.  Add three candies to the center and pop in the fridge until set.

Enjoy the peanut buttery/chocolatey goodness! I remember having these growing up, and They're still my favorite to this day :)

outfit post: valentine's day

this valentine's was a special one--my very first one*not* single! i had a wonderful dinner with my lovey, followed by a cozy movie night back at his house with family. then, when i got home, i found some yummy chocolate and sweet notes waiting for me in my room. it was lots of fun and super special :) i know valentine's day is a rather taboo holiday, in which you're usually either a lovestruck sap or a lonely, bitter singleton...but i don't see why it necessarily has to be that way. valentine's day is a celebration of all love, not just romantic. i have really beautiful childhood memories of getting candy and cards from my parents; memories that i still treasure today. plus it's four days before my birthday, so growing up there was always bunches of cute party decor in the stores. i may be a little bit partial.

i had lots of different ideas for a valentine's day look, from the classic little black dress to winter whites, but in the end, i loved how the edginess of the leopard print & black leather worked with the delicate nature of the pink top & sparkly jewelry. you can't tell from the pictures, but the hem & sleeves of the shirt are scalloped--super cute and chic ;)

if there's one thing i love about winter (besides christmas and cozy nights by the fire) it's that i'm finally on an equal playing field in terms of skin tone. everyone gets super pale from november-march, whereas i stay the same year round. while everyone is mourning their lack of a tan, i'm totally in my element. gotta love those irish genes!

i also want to add that i just learned how to curl my hair with a flat iron and it is quite literally a life changer. i am obsessed with the loose curly/wavy look! i'm seeing a wavy hair tutorial in the future... 

so, how did you celebrate valentine's day?

 {jacket: eropostale / top: mode / skirt: homemade / shoes: katie & kelly / purse: target / necklace: target / bracelet: target / earrings: lauren conrad}

xoxo, kate

christmas day

is christmas really over? how did this happen?! i still haven't watched elf all the way through yet!

this year the holidays are really flying by. we didn't get a white christmas, so i found it really hard to get into the christmas spirit. then one day i woke up and it was christmas eve--not sure how that happened! regardless, i had a wonderful day full of food and giggles. 

christmas eve breakfast: french toast. yum. 

we had a crazy few days getting ready for christmas day; lots of last minute baking and wrapping!

the kids decorated the gingerbread house without me...but it is pretty cute...

baking. except all the cookies were in the oven before i could snap a picture.

prezzies wrapped and ready for my family to open :)

the altar at christmas eve mass. gosh darn, i love being catholic.

christmas dinner was at my aunt's & uncle's house this year, so we had a bit of a drive, but it was definitely worth it.

parcheesi is a tradition on my mom's side of the family, so my uncle pulled out the board. i played a game with conner, my mom, and my uncle--the sibling rivalry was strong ;) we also had it's a wonderful life on in the background--it was definitely one of the moments this year that i felt peaceful and joyous. the kind of memory i treasure forever. 

see the blue pieces? that's me. i'm not very good at parcheesi. i actually got pretty close to winning towards the end, until conner caught on and everybody ganged up on me.  conner won and i ended up in last place. haha

 the adult table at christmas dinner...that blur in the back is the chef/my aunt.

notice how my plate (to the right) is about 90% cheesy potatoes...yeah.

merry christmas & God bless!

xoxo, kate

haul out the holly

i can't believe we're already half way to christmas--this is crazy! i'm totally not ready. i've got 0% of my shopping done. no christmassy foods have been made. the tree isn't decorated, aside from the lights that i slaved away on. haha. oh, and i have no idea what i'm wearing to the vigil mass.

oh, and did i mention we have *zero* snow?! it's so hard to get in the christmas spirit without snow. how do people from california do it?

even though december if flying back waaaaay too fast, and i'm kind of freaking out, and i really need it to slow down a bit, i'm still excited. this christmas, we've hit a milestone.

we got a life christmas tree! for the first time since my parents got married (which is what, like 25 years? crazy.) we were able to convince dad that a live tree will *not* explode if left unattended with the lights on.

now if only we could slap some ornaments on there. haha.

i can't wait for the holiday prep to pick up a bit!

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