Drugstore Dream Foundation!

I have never been a brand snob. I have always shopped and bought from both ends of the spectrum. From Nordstrom's to Target and everywhere in between. This has always been the case with ONE exception! Up until recently I barely ever bought drugstore makeup. I might buy a eyeliner here and there when I was in a pinch but I would never fall in love and make a drugstore brand my go to. I always thought there is no way it is as good as the high end stuff. Let me tell you what..I could not have been more wrong! If I poured out my makeup bag on a table you would find far more drugstore brands than high end. In the next couple days I am going to do a "My Favorite Products" post but today I want to focus on my favorite foundation...

L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder is by far the best foundation I have ever used! I bought it in a pinch when I was out of town about a month ago and left my other foundation on the counter in my bathroom. I kid you not when I tell you that the moment it went on I was in love!

Pro's:

• Goes on smoothly and evenly. This is important because I sometimes find that heavier foundations are not as smooth and leave my face looking uneven.
• Dries quickly and gives a matte finish. I am naturally oily and so having a matte finish is important for me so I don't look like i rubbed french fries all over my face LOL
• I have read some reviews that says this foundation does not last but I do not find that to be the case. I can put this one and seal with translucent powder and I find mine stays all day.
• It does also have a good color variety so it is pretty easy to match your skin tone.
• It's $10! I mean seriously, who wouldn't use an amazing foundation that only costs $10! This is definitely one of my favorite pro's LOL!

There is only really one con that I found and that is that it is really runny. This is because it is lightweight and dries quickly. I pour the foundation on my hand first and then use that as my palette. You have to make sure not to tilt your hand or it will run everywhere. I have had some moments where it went all over because I wasn't paying attention. However, for all the pro's I will sacrifice!

I am such a big believer in this foundation. This is me this morning in the car. I am not a big selfie person but wanted to show you what it looks like on.  I am a big believer!

**Side note, did you know the word selfie has been added to the dictionary?**

So try it out and let me know what you think. I am loving it and hope that you will too! Check back tomorrow when I show you my favorite Thanksgiving recipes! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

Winter Spice and Everything Nice!

I love writing my blog. It is my small contribution to the world on what I think is beautiful in the world. It may not be for everyone and that is okay. That being said, I have not written in a few months. As much as I would LOVE this to be my full-time job and what I do everyday to bring smiles to millions of people, sadly that does not pay the bills. Work and life took over for a while and I had to put the Katie Diaries on hold. With that being said...things have quieted down now and I am finally ready to get back to one of the things I love doing, writing The Katie Diaries.

It is now unofficially winter. Does it surprise anyone to know that winter does not officially begin until December 21, 2013? I feel like winter should start in late November. Maybe I am the only one? I mean any day I have to go and start my car to warm up BEFORE getting into it is winter to me. I am a big fan of winter clothes. Steven is constantly making me fun of me because I am big into layering. I layer all year around (even in the dead of Atlanta summer) and he is constantly making fun of me telling me that layers should be reserved for winter only. That being said...winter is such a fun wardrobe time. It is a time to experiment a little. Mix and match pieces and use different materials and patterns to add drama and excitement to your oufit. Winter does NOT have to mean ALL BLACK EVERYTHING (although if done right this can be a super cute winter outfit!) Check out some of my Polyvore creations below for some great winter inspiration! 

This is one of my favorite outfits! This season I am obsessed with patterned leggings. Target has a whole bunch, mostly for $12! Check them out here. For winter I love outfits that take zero to no effort to put on but look like you mastered the skill of fashionably chic. I envision this outfit styled with a ballerina bun (tutorial to come soon) and minimal makeup. The leggings give the casual outfit a touch of uniqueness without going overboard. Paired with simple black boots and jewelry from Stella and Dot and you are ready to spend a casual weekend out with friends!

This next look takes my love of layering into account and I can not be MORE thrilled with the outcome. If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I am a big fan of staple pieces. I don't think any outfit should be overkill and I tend to lean to the side of subtle over wild. The faux fur vest is a MUST HAVE this season. I love the color scheme of the vest and paired with jeans, sweater and simple studs, you are ready to head out looking fashionable and warm! Plus the poppy color of the bag adds the right pop of color to the monochromatic look. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Let me confess something right now. I envy people who can pull of the hipster look and look effortlessly cool. My sister Kristie is one of them.  I on the other hand look like I am trying to pull off the hipster trend and failing miserably. Sadly I am not that cool and definitely do not look like Demi Lovato or Kylie Jenner when I try it LOL! With that being said (I use that term a lot apparently LOL) is about as hipster as I think I can pull off. I love hats in winter. When I had long hair they were my go-to. Since cutting my hair short I am trying to find a way to make them work. These slouchy beanies are perfect because they are easy and chic. Paired with a faux leather leggings cardigan and tank this outfit is the perfect brunch with friends outfit. The booties are great because they add the extra touch of fancy. I will continue to attmept this hipster look and one day when I pull it off, I will be sure to caption it :)

Sticking with the faux leather legging theme this is my GNO outfit! I must be slow (or tragically uncool) because I recently learned the term GNO (Girl's Night Out) but who doesn't love a good acronym so here I am using it. Once the cooler air hits I tend to change my goto GNO outfit up. I trade in my maxi dresses for a chicer and warmer outfit. This outfit has all the makings of an awesome night out outfit. I love the low v neckline of this shirt and the waist clenching belt. It has just the right amount of sexiness and classiness. The faux leather leggings are a great alternative to the typical dark skinny jean. Being me and the fact that I am an actual klutz when I am drinking, i would pair with these cute Reva flats from Tory Burch but heels or booties (picture above) could totally work as well!

What do you girls think? Are we all ready to jump into winter? Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie

Welcome To The Jungle

Welcome to the jungle...we are ready for fall! One of the hottest trends for fall this year are animal prints. Jungle prints are a great addition to your fall wardrobe. Now I know what you all are thinking...animal prints. I am not trying to look like this...

But trust me when I tell you, animal prints can totally be a fun and trendy addition to your wardrobe without looking like Snooki (old Snooki, I love new Snooki!) I have created some easy ways to introduce this trend into your wardrobe. Keep reading below for all the great new looks!

Adding a leopard scarf, like this one from H&M is a great way to introduce animal prints into your wardrobe. Scarfs are a grew way to add a new trend into any outfit without it being overkill. I like this outfit because it is so comfy and casual. The great thing about comfy and casual is that you can still be trendy and pulled together. You do not have to sacrifice style for comfort. To keep the outfit from looking too dull I added a pop of color with these great red flats. 

Sometimes people think that animal print is only available in leopard. That couldn't be further from the truth. This Stella & Dot animal print bag is another perfect way to try out this trend. I like the darker colors of this animal print bag, allowing it to be used for work. Pairing the bag with leggings, a long tank, and a cobalt blue blazer (another big trend) allows this animal print to transition perfectly from play to work. Adding the silver jewelry allows us t pick up the silver undertones in the bag and pull the outfit together. I own this outfit and am SO excited to wear it once the weather gets cooler!

You can't always be subtle. Sometimes you have to stand out and say, "HELLO WORLD!" This is that outfit! Nothing says, "I am here," quite like red and leopard. I paired this red pencil shirt with a leopard print blouse and gold accessories. I wanted to do subtle jewelry and let the outfit speak for yourself. I like that you can use this bold print without it being cheesy or tacky. This outfit is stylish and trendy and something I would definitely wear and want in my closet.

I can't wait to hear from all of you on hear what you all are thinking of this fun trend? Will you be rocking the subtle animal prints or the more in your face outfits? I will definitely be rocking both! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie

White is the NEW Black

I hope everyone had a fantastic Labor Day. ours was filled with relaxation and plenty of college football! As ya'll know I have kicked off my training for the half marathon in November. I am in day 2 of training and REALLY hurting but I always forget how much I enjoy running when I am not doing it. It really is a high like no other. Make sure to keep checking back to see my progress.

I love this outfit so much! The nice thing about black is that it can be worn all year long...no questions asked.You could wear this with a blazer in the winter or simply as is in the summer. Why can't the same be said for white? The old adage goes...no white after Labor Day. I never really understood the saying. Why can't you wear white after Labor Day? Sure it gets chillier and linen and tank tops may not be the way to go but can't white be the new black and be worn all year long?

I believe it absolutely can. I think that the great thing about fashion is that there are no rules. It is really all up to you about to make your own rules. It is about expressing your individuality and deciding what works for you. With that being said...I do offer some guidelines to work within to keep you trendy and on point...

Pair your white skirt with a darker top to keep it looking fresh into fall. The navy top is the perfect transition color for fall because it brings a "darker" feel to this summery skirt. By adding a darker top it also allows you to play around with color in your accessories a little bit more for a more fun feel. Cobalt is a hot color this fall so I would suggest this navy chiffon top and navy shoes paired with these amazing Stella & Dot earrings, bracelet and clutch. Also as a side note, the bottoms of the earrings come off to make studs...its a 2 for 1! Who doesn't love that LOL! This is definitely a great look for fall!

I love white pants. To transition into fall change out those amazing linen pants for a thicker cream pant. These pants are gorgeous (although WAY out of my budget LOL) and they are also great for fall because they are a heavier material yet still allow us to play around with versatility in other areas of the outfit. Cream pants allow a blank canvas elsewhere so I always try and put a statement piece with them. Either by way of jewelry or in this case a statement blouse. Another big trend for fall are metallics so I paired this cream pant with a metallic blouse and nude ballet flats. By keeping everything else simple, the eye is drawn to the statement piece. What a great outfit for fall!

Trade your white t-shirts and tanks in for a comfy white/cream sweater. Nothing screams fall to me than corduroy pants, a comfy sweater, and boots. I am so in love with this crimson color for fall. It makes me want to sit by the fire drinking apple cider...or something like that LOL! Pairing this outfit with this Stella & Dot scarf adds a touch a extra color to the outfit. Sometimes simplicity is best and in this case this outfit is simple yet FABULOUS! Don't you see yourself wearing this on weekends, like me?

What do you ladies think? Will you be wearing your whites into fall and making white the new black? Let me know your favorites for fall and how you are styling the hottest fall trends! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

P.S. Katie Dvorak was our wonderful winner of the Stella & Dot Pouf! She chose the fantastic elephant pouf. Look for it in the mail shortly Katie. We will be doing some fabulous giveaways over the next few months. if you haven't already make sure to like The Katie Diaries on Facebook to stay up to date on everything!!

XOXO

Fall Beauty Trends

Hello Lovelies! I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend. We are hanging out at the house and catching up on some much needed relaxation. Nothing says relaxation on a rainy day better than Starbucks and some great TV!

Now that Labor Day is upon us I finally feel like Fall is here. Fall is my favorite season! I love the chilly days and football filled nights. I love boots and sweaters. I love apple cider and pumpkin pie! Since fall is just around the corner, I wanted to focus on some of the biggest beauty trends for fall.

One of the biggest trends for fall is the bare face. When I say bare face I don't mean not wearing makeup all I mean is wearing makeup when it looks like you aren't. Here are some great tips for achieving this look!

• Apply a sheer foundation all over your face making sure to blend down onto your neck. Two of my favorites are NARS Sheer Glow Foundation and Fit Me by Maybelline
• Subtly contour your cheekbones. Draw attention to your cheeks by applying a color a couple shades darker than your skin tone under your cheekbones to really make then pop. I love L'Oreal True Match Powder for all my contouring needs!
• Mascara! You need to wear mascara when doing a natural look. It is a sure fire way to bring attention to your eyes while still looking natural. Couple that with a shimmery eyeshadow like this one from NYX and your eyes will be all set.
• Last but certainly not least you will want to use a pale pink matte lipstick to really pull the whole look together. one of my favorites is ModelCo lipstick in Kitty.

Using these techniques you are guaranteed to have people wondering...how is she so pretty not wearing any makeup!

Another big trend for fall is bold brows. I am a big fan of bold brows. These two girls rule the big brow phenomenon. It is such a great way to pull your look together. One of the musts when rocking big brows is that you have to fill them in. If you don't they are just going to look unkept. I prefer to fill my brows in with shadow, but a pencil works too. It is really about personal preference. I like shadow because I think it looks a little bit more natural. To begin filling in start at the end of your brow (the part closest to the temples) and work your way in. I do this so because the first place your brush/pencil hits will be the darkest, so working inwards allows a more natural look.

When I had long hair I wore my hair in some sort of braided look at least twice a week. I must be ahead of the curve because all over the runways for fall were braids. These three are some of my favorites styles I have seen lately. TheyBraids don't have to be tight and polished some of the best braids are messy and unstructured. These three looks can go from day to night and are easy to do.

What does everyone think of the big beauty trends for fall? Will you be trying them out? Can't wait to hear about your thoughts. Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

Stella & Dot Giveaway!

What is better than a long weekend? A long weekend where you WIN something! In honor of Labor Day I am giving away one of these awesome poofs from Stella & Dot! These poufs are amazing! I actually own three of these and I use them from everything makeup storage to holding all my iPhone chargers! Good luck lovelies! I will be randomly choosing a winner on Tuesday! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Outfit Planning Made Easy

It's HUMP DAY! That means we are half way through the week. I am lucky to have had Monday off but that just means the week is going by OH so much slower! I know I have mentioned this before but Polyvore makes everything so simple! I honestly can't believe I lived without it for so long. I wish my closet was filled with as many outfits as I can put together on Polyvore. If it was I can promise you I would be the most stylish person here in the ATL. In the meantime I can dream...and so check out some of my creations. Hope you love them as much as I do!

I love this outfit. Cobalt blue is the IT color this season and these cobalt blue accessories pull this whole outfit together perfectly! I could see myself wearing this outfit all over the place from dropping my daughter off at school to dinner out with my husband. The best part of this outfit is that fact that most of us already own each of the clothing pieces already! 

Since style is all about being true to yourself, I am always one to choose comfort. This outfit screams fall to me. I envision throwing this outfit on for a coffee date with an old friend. Oversized sweaters are one of my favorite things. The shoes are to die for! These will definitely be my next splurge. Also, the layered necklaces add a touch of elegance to the outfit. This is definitely going into my head for a rainy coffee date with a friend!

It's almost fall but that doesn't mean it is time to put away those maxi skirts and tank tops just yet. I envisioned this as my summer festival attire. I love the green skirt. It is almost a cross between olive and hunter green and I imagine it being very woodsy and hippieish. I love the idea of a lose fitting tank tucked into a long maxi skirt. It just reaffirms the casual hippie feel. The shoes are Michael Kors and are to die for! I would wear them with anything and everything! To compliment the laid back feel of the outfit, I picked gold jewelry. Whether you are going to Bonaroo or a beer festival this is the perfect summer outfit!

I always design the little black dress look with different jewelry. I do this because everyone has a LBD and I keep wanting to show that no matter what the dress looks like you can change the look by adding a few different accessories. I love this necklace. It is a total statement piece. This necklace almost has the feel of an Egyptian princess. For that reason I stayed with the gold tones from the necklace for the earrings and bracelet.

Which outfit do you like the best? I have to say I am partial to the second look but could totally see myself in all of them. Let me know what you are thinking. Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

August Birchbox Review

I am a little behind with my monthly Birchbox review. I have been traveling for work and with school starting back for E I have been a little behind in just about everything LOL. I promise once things settle down I will be back on track but in the meantime...August's review is ready to go!

I must admit, when I opened this month's box I was a little disappointed. Usually there are many things in there for me to choose from and this month I only had 5. However, I have to constantly remind myself that it is quality OVER quality and with that motto in my head I set out to test and evaluate everything.

My favorite by a landslide was definitely the ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick in Kitty. I have been on the hunt for the perfect color lipstick for a while and I have never found one I loved. I have liked a lot and I have tried to convince myself I loved every color I tried on from MAC to Cover Girl but in the end I wore it for a few days and though MEH. This color is AMAZING! It is the perfect pink. Not too bright and not too dull! The lipstick is super hydrating and one coat will last for hours! Although, I have only tried Kitty, I can't wait to use "Get Naked" and "From Dusk 'Til Dawn." This party is definitely worth attending!

I am not afraid to admit that I breakout on occasion. I sometimes find that the moisturizer I am using can contribute to that by being too oily. I liked Juicy Beauty's Oil-Free Moisturizer. It went on silky smooth and didn't leave the oily residue that other moisturizers tend to. My only compliant is that it is a little thick so you just have to remember that a little goes a long way. If you tend to be oily or breakout prone, you definitely want to try this out!

I have to admit, I didn't use the Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes quite as they were intended. Elizabeth was all dirty after running around like a crazy person in the heat and these were in my purse so I used them to clean her up. They worked great. The towelettes are alcohol free so she could wipe her face and hands off without worrying about her eyes burning. I also really liked the smell of peppermint and aloe. It had very refreshing smell with a cooling feeling. Now that I am training for the half marathon in November, I might have to order some more of these as my training intensifies!

My beauty extra this month was Miss Jessie's Original Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo. I have received some other of the Miss Jessie hair products in my boxes in the past so I was excited to try this shampoo. I was happy with it. It wasn't my favorite item in the box but it was still good. I am not sure if it helped fight any frizz but it was able to detangle my hair easier. It was also a plus that I didn't have to use conditioned with this either. Thanks Miss Jessie...you are slowly convincing me that I need to upgrade shampoo's to a more expensive nonTarget brand LOL!

Lastly this month in my box was Violet Oasis's 100% Organic Argan Oil. I have to say I was a little disappointed with this Argan Oil. I am a big fan of Morrocan Oil and this one seemed to be a runner up. Now I must say that the smell was wonderful but it didn't wow me. I haven't used it on my face and neck yet as I tend to breakout but I am hoping it will be a great nightly moisturizer. I will definitely keep you updated on that!

If you haven't checked out Birchbox yet, definitely take a look! The waiting list is well worth the wait. I am a big fan. I can't wait until my September box gets here. Always remember to stay calm and remember...Birchbox ships on the 10th. Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie

Stylin' with Stella

Fashion is more than what you wear. It is about putting items together cohesively to tell a story. I know that may sound corny but it is true. Every morning I get dressed I think of the story I want to tell. Some days I want to be a fierce fashionista taking on the world and if I am being honest sometimes the story is just to make it through the day. Regina Brett said it best when she said...

If you have been reading my blog for the last few month you know that I am a stylist for Stella and Dot. I love it. Not only do I get to indulge in my love for fashion and get discounts on FABULOUS jewelry but my favorite part of the job is the styling aspect. I always dreamed I would end up in the fashion world. I had big dreams of opening up my own boutique in Virginia Highlands and styling for the masses. That's why Stella & Dot was so appealing to me. I loved the idea of being able to follow my dream without the high end costs of my own boutique. With that being said, this leads me to today's post...Stylin' with Stella.

One thing you should know about me: I love blazers and statement necklaces more than anything in the world. I created this look using the Stella and Dot Kahlo Bib Necklace as my focal point. I love this necklace and it is also one of my best sellers. I wanted to start with this piece because I wanted to show how you can take a statement piece and dress it down. Sometimes I think that women feel they can't rock a statement necklace with a simple outfit but you totally can. By pairing it with a neutral tank and black blazer you are letting the piece shine on its own. I can't say enough about this necklace. It is definitely a favorite of mine!

I felt I needed to include this look. This is what I look like a lot of times on Saturday mornings running errands or leaving the gym. However, i felt it was an important look to include in this post. Here's why. You can't always look amazing. Sometimes you are in a hurry. Sometimes you are running errands. And sometimes you just don't feel like putting the effort in. I get it. I have been there but the great thing about this Stella and Dot Palm Springs Scarf is that you throw it on and go. It does the styling for you. It takes your sporty look to stylishly sporty. Plus these scarves are amazing to travel with. They are big enough to wrap around you but light enough where ou wont sweat to death. Definitely a plus!

LBD's are a staple in almost every woman's closet. Everyone has that little black dress you can throw on for work, dinner, or a formal party. Well this limited edition Virginia Bib Necklace is sure to take your LBD soaring to new heights.  This necklace is not only awesome but is staple along celebrities with Demi Lovato rocking it recently! Talk about queen of all the statement necklaces! I love the copper and black contrast in the necklace with the sequins added for extra shimmer. Because the necklace is so dramatic i would wear very simple studs like these Soiree Studs . Keep the outfit simple and let the necklace speak for itself...trust me when I tell you, you will be the focal point at any event with this on!

This outfit is my go to on weekends. Boyfriend jeans, a loose fitted tank and leopard print flats scream lunching and shopping in the city to me. To dress up this outfit I included one of my favorite cuff bracelets, the Stella & Dot Chantilly Lace Cuff and Signature Hoops in gold. Both pieces are the perfect accent to the weekend getup. I like to switch things up ever now and again. I love necklaces I wear them all the time but sometimes it's nice to leave them at home and instead throw an arm party with a statement cuff or a bunch of bangles. My favorite piece in this look though is the Madison Tech Bag. I cannot say enough about this bag. I just ordered it and i swear I sit by the mailbox everyday waiting for this to arrive. Not only does this bag go with EVERYTHING but it opens up into an even bigger bag by opening up the sides. So really its like two bags in one!

What do ya'll think? Will you be Stylin' with Stella soon? Can't wait to hear about what outfit you like best! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie

Find of the Day: Flourish Boutique

The best thing about the internet is the ability to shop in boutiques nationwide without having to step into the actual store. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop. In addition to being a stylist for Stella & Dot, I find nothing more cathartic than an afternoon of retail therapy.  But, the ability to find boutiques online that I would never know of otherwise is definitely a wonderful way to kill a rainy afternoon or pass some time at work :)!

One of my favorite boutiques is Flourish. In 2008, Vanessa Cooreman Smith opened this fantastic boutique in Granger, Indiana. This little gem quickly flourished into a haven for fashionistas not only in Granger, but nationwide.  Now I must admit, I have never physically stepped inside Flourish but the instagram pictures are enough to make me wish I have. The bright pink walls and black accents make it the perfect backdrop for a fashionistas playground. But enough about the store itself. Let's get to what I know you all are looking for...the FASHION!

This boutique does not disappoint. From tribal mini's to leopard sweaters this boutique has something for everyone!

I am obsessed with this dress! This Rachael & Chloe dress is pure perfection. As ya'll know I am a big fan of leaving something to the imagination and this dress does that to a tee. The shorter hemline creates  a perfect baseline for this stylish ensemble but it's the sheer sleeves that really make this dress FABULOUS! The sheer sleeve allows a subtle hint of sexiness to this dress without being overt. I cannot say enough about this dress. Seriously a must have for fall! 

Tribal print is so in right now and this shirt is the perfect way to introduce it into your wardrobe. The bright colors give it a fun and flirty feel while the cinched middle adds a structure to the shirt and gives it a pulled together feel. This shirt is perfect for the office or a fun lunch date with friends. For the office pair it with a skinny black pant and a fuchsia pair of flats. For a fun lunch date I would wear this with a pair of skinny jeans and a cute pair of wedges! This shirt is definitely one of my favorites and one I will be adding to my wardrobe!

Summer may almost be over but that doesn't mean you have to put away your maxi's just yet! I love color block dresses, especially maxi color blocks. This one is definitely one of my favorites that I have seen. The lime and charcoal combo is definitely unexpected yet works together perfectly. I love the deep V neckline but I am obsessed with the tie waist. This added detail pulls the whole look together and gives it a feminine and stylish feel. I can't say enough about this dress.

Whether you are looking for a fun and flirty maxi or a comfy oversized sweater, you will find everything you need (or want) at Flourish Boutique.

Flourish Boutique
Twitter
Facebook

Whether you live in Granger or Atlanta or anyhere in between, Flourish is for you! Check out the boutique and let me know what ya'll think? What is your favorite look from the boutique! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie

New Year's Resolutions Renewed

I don't make many New Year's Resolutions...mainly because I never follow through. I am like every other person on the planet, I am great for about 3 weeks, then reality sets in and life comes into play and my determination seems to cease. This past January, I set 2 goals:

• Start a Blog
• Run a Half Marathon

I have managed to check the first item off my list (which for me is a HUGE accomplishment) but with the second half of the year passing quickly I really want to work on my second goal. Before, the wedding I was running all the time, eating healthy and in the best shape of my life then I got injured and sidelined myself until after the wedding. I promised that once the wedding was over, I would jump right back in but once you are out of the habit, it is insanely hard to get back in. 

That being said, I am determined to run the Thanksgiving Half Marathon in Atlanta this year. I am just over three months out and I know I can do it. Plus I figure, if i write it here and all of my lovely readers see it, than I have to follow through. Anyone want to train along with me? I know you do!! In case anyone is interested here is my training schedule....Half Marathon Training Schedule. This one seems pretty straight forward and easy to follow.

Now that I have committed to running this half, I have to look good doing it. Check out these inspiration boards I made from Polyvore to keep me looking good while training this fall!

This one is super fun. I don't know if I would have the courage to wear the pants but f you do TOTALLY rock it. I love all the purple tones in this outfit and it is so fun. This outfit would make anyone want to wake up and run for sure!

This outfit is really all about the shoes! These shoes are absolutely AMAZING! I don't know when running shoes went from blah to THIS but I for one don't want them to ever go back! I am loving this whole outfit but mostly the shoes!

What do ya'll think? Are you ready to train for a half with me? Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

theBalm.com

Today was back to school for Elizabeth. I cannot believe summer is over. Luckily, we are taking a quick long weekend in a few weeks up to Louisville. Today, I wanted to focus on one of my favorite lines, theBalm! I know I am constantly talking about drugstore buys but on occasion I splurge, and when I do it is almost always on theBalm products! 

If you have never heard of theBalm they are an amazing beauty company based out of San Fran. Started in 2004 by Marissa Shipman, this company has quickly grown to become a beauty phenomenon and a favorite of women globally!

I created this collage at Polyvore to show you all my favorites from this awesome company! As a side note, am I totally late to the party on Polyvore? I am seriously obsessed! So let's breakdown all my favorites!

The New'Tude Eyeshadow Palette is one of my new favorites!  The colors are super pigmented and they can be worn individually or layered. The colors have a bronzy undertone and are so pretty on. Plus, the eye palette is only $36 at Nordstroms. These colors are perfect for summer and a great segway into the fall. 

This brush is a must have and my favorite makeup brush EVER! theBalm Eye Believe Brush is a perfect double-sided eyebrow/eyeliner brush. This brush provides flawless application. The angled side allows for precision and accuracy and the soft side is ideal for eyeliner and softening any look. 

When you are looking for an everyday lip gloss look no further than theBalm's Balm Shelter in Uptown Girl. This color is the perfect combination of just bitten lips and a tiny hint of shimmer. The best part is this gloss is enriched with jojoba and that will soothe and moisturize your lips all day! Definitely a plus! 

When it comes to perfectly rosy cheeks you need theBalm's Boy Blush. This blush comes in two shades downBOY and cabanaBOY. I am partial to cabanaBOY but both are beautiful. cabanaBOY is a rose colored shade with warm undertones that provides the perfect natural glow. I am obsessed with the blush. it is second only to my MUST HAVE, bahama mama! 

I have talked about Bahama Mama before but again, this is my number one MUST HAVE! This bronzer is so amazing and truly my favorite. It can be used as an everyday bronzer or for what I have fallen in love with it as a contour color. If you are going to use bronzer than PLEASE invest on this...I promise it will be worth your while.

What do you all think? Isn't theBalm the best? I sure think so. Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

Girl Crush...Jillian Harris!

I know it has been a few weeks since I last posted and I apologize. Elizabeth goes back to school tomorrow and between the summer coming to an end, launching my Stella & Dot business and working full-time I am sad to say I just ran out of time! But have no fear...I AM BACK! I have so many thoughts on upcoming blogs that I am excited to bring to you so stay tuned...I promise you won't be disappointed.

My husband and I rarely watch the same shows on TV. This is mostly because I could watch an entire season of ANY Real Housewife's franchise or dive in at any moment to the Client List or MTV Challenge season (who doesn't love that show still?)! My husband on the other hand prefers the finer television in life...Sports and Family Guy. However there is one show that we can always watch together and that is LOVE IT OR LIST IT TOO. This leads to today's post about one of the hosts, Jillian Harris and how you can get her style for less!

I have a total girl crush on Jillian Harris! For those of you who don't know who she is she was season 5's Bachelorette. Not only is she Canadian (like me!) she is so pretty and relatable but she is an interior designer that can take and house and turn it into your dream home. If I were to ever be on Love It Or List It Too, there is no doubt in my mind that I would LOVE it! On top of being my total new Girl Crush she also has a killer style. It is super own to earth, relatable, but totally in-style. Today, I am going to take some of my favorite Jillian looks and show you how they can be styled for less. Let's go!

One of Jillian's staples in her wardrobe on Love It or List It are jean shirts. She wears them a lot with colored jeans and a pair of super cute flats (I am partial to leopard print!). Seeing as she is always around construction on the show she needs to be comfortable and able to jump in at any time but at the same time be stylish! I created this look on Polyvore and I am loving it! 

Another one of Jillian's must haves seems to be oversized sweaters. Living in Vancouver this is a given. It gets cold, and while cold weather usually means bundling up and trying to stay warm that is not a reason to give up your style. I love oversized sweaters and cardigans in the fall and winter time. I like being able to wear one bulkier piece on top and a more slimming piece on bottom. I think the opposites balance themselves out and allow a relaxed yet pulled together feel. I created this outfit on Polyvore! I love the intricate design on the owl and the super cute pink flats! This whole outfit costs just over $100 and would you believe the shoes are the most expensive purchase?

Finally, it seems like Jillian is always wearing scarves and I for one could not be happier. These four scarves are all from Stella & Dot's fall collection and I am obsessed with all of them. Scarves are the perfect accessory and no one does it better than Jillian Harris! They can be worn so many ways and come in so many different colors and patters that an outfit should never be boring again! Check out these scarves on my Stella & Dot site. I promise you wont be disappointed! Also I will be doing a scarf trying tutorial soon so be on the lookout.

What do ya'll think? Is Jillian Harris your new girl crush? Is her style totally on point for the stylish girl next door? I sure think so. Tune in to Love It or List It Too every Monday on HGTV. Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie