Moments Captured in December

Wow, it's the last day of 2013 can you believe it?

This year for me has been one of the best years in my 21 years of life.  I've had to do the most growing up and have learned lessons I have never thought I would need to learn.  From these lessons, I learned just how strong I am and what all I am capable of.  God is SO good, y'all!

I'm so excited to see what this new year brings, I know great things for sure! But first, a look back at the moments I captured in December.  You can read about these moments here. 

Freshly fallen snow: It was such a pretty snow and all we in Nebraska saw this December, unfortunately.

Driving around to look at lights: Okay so my brother and I weren't driving around, but downtown Omaha always has millions of lights on all the trees.  It's so beautiful!!

A favorite Christmas tradition: Each year my mom gives my brother and I an ornament of something we're interested in that year.  While this one wasn't this year's ornament, its always been my favorite. 

A favorite Christmas decoration in the home: I bought this picture this year and fell in love with it instantly. It sums up what I think winter perfection looks like!

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate: I enjoyed many cups of hot chocolate this December! 

Christmas season treats: I made these white chocolate snicker-doodle pudding cookies and they were SO good.  Recipe soon!

Iceskating: So no picture for this, but I actually did go, they just wouldn't let us take a picture on the ice. Boo. 

Making homemade Christmas cards: I think I'm going to do this every year now! I sent these to all my friends this year along with a homemade ornament.

Watch Christmas movies: I did this a lot this season, probably a little too much.  The Grinch was on a lot this year, this is one of my favorite scenes from the movie!!!

Christmas morning/ A fire crackling in the fireplace: Sometimes I think my dog should be a dog model. She's the cutest. This is right after we opened presents :)

So I didn't capture all the moments I was wanting to but I got a good amount of memories! I'm so excited for 2014, and I hope y'all have the best time ringing in the new year! Be safe and don't forget to wear something sparkly tonight :) 

{Katie}

Better Late Than Never {Christmas Recap}

I hope everyone's Christmases were wonderful and lots of time was spent with precious family and friends! 

Ours here in Nebraska was great.  We didn't have a white Christmas, but with 50 degree weather in December, you really can't complain much.  On Christmas Eve my family went to our candlelight church service and then we saw Frozen (my second time seeing it...and probably not the last).  If y'all haven't seen it yet you need to go! I even heard my brother chuckle a few times, so you know it has to be good.  

Christmas day was a relaxing day for my family, as much of the out-of-state ones couldn't visit this year so it was not a big family gathering but still special.  My new baby this year is a telephoto lens for my DSLR- it's so beautiful! We then finished the day with a 1,000 piece puzzle and ate like Kings.  (Steak and crab legs, people. YUM.) 

The baby brother and I

Now that the Christmas season is over, life has slowed down a bit.  But I'm sad that there's no more Christmas music on the radio or Christmas movies on TV.  Sad day. Only 362(ish) days (give or take) until they're on TV or the radio again!!

What are y'all's plans for New Years???

{Katie}

      

DIY Glitter Ornament

I've got another DIY ornament for y'all that's perfect for all the glitter lovers, which let's be honest, that's just about everyone!

I made this ornament for my friends this year adding their initials to the ornament.

You will need:
Clear glass ornament bulbs, any color glitter, letter stickers, ribbon

Fill each ornament with the glitter (about 1/4 full), add the stickers, and tie a ribbon to the top. Done!

Very simple and looks super sparkly on the tree!

Merry Christmas, friends! Give extra hugs to your family this Christmas and treasure this time with them!

{Katie}

DIY Christmas Ornament

Oh my goodness gracious it has been awhile! It seems I have abandoned this little blog of mine.  With the busyness of school and getting ready for Christmas, I've had very little time.  But, if you're a last minute shopper like me this year (oops!), and still need a gift for someone, I have the perfect DIY ornament!

When Morgan from New Found Love emailed me and asked to do a homemade ornament exchange I immediately said yes! Thank you so much for thinking of me, Morgan! Hop on over to her blog and check out her sweet ornament she made for me.  It has a bow and sparkles, so of course it's perfect!

I found the tutorial for the ornament I made for her on Jessica Jane: Handmade and it was so easy to follow along.  Here's my tutorial of the ornament:

You will need: Fimo or Polymer Clay, wire, wire cutters, small beads, paint, glitter, stamps, paintbrush.

Step 1: Knead clay into a ball.  (You REAAALLLLY have to work with it here.  Getting the clay into a ball is probably the hardest part of the whole ornament.) The ball should be around 1 1/2" in diameter.

Step 2: Form the ball into an egg shape.  I did this by making my fingers into a ring and slightly pinch from the middle of the ball on up to make the egg shape.

Step 3: With the "fat" part of the egg, form the end into a tail.

Step 4: Start to make the top part of the egg into the birds head.  I did this by pressing down slightly on the top so there was a clear distinction between the head and the body.

Step 5: Pinch part of the head of the bird into a beak.

Step 6: Try to make sure there aren't any unnecessary bumps or finger prints.
Now, the good thing about clay is if you don't like what you've molded you can just re-do it.  I really had to work with the clay for awhile molding it to get it exactly how I wanted it!

Step 7: Choose a word and stamp it on the bird.  I also stamped some snowflakes.

Step 8: Cut a wire (not one that's too thin) about 4 inches long.  Take a toothpick and stick it through the bird from top to bottom.  This is so the wire is easily able to go through the bird.

Step 9: Make a loop with the wire at the bottom (I added beads to mine) and use your fingers to wrap the remaining wire around the loop (you can also use wire tools here).

Step 10: Bake your ornament as directed on the clay packaging.  (Mine baked for about 20 minutes).

Step 11: Paint and decorate your bird! Add ribbon in order to hang your bird!

AND YOU'RE DONE! 

I hope you all have the merriest of Christmases! Can you believe that it's Christmas on Wednesday?? Time flies. 

Hugs!

{Katie}

Cheers To A New Year! {A Link-Up}

Hello love bugs!

Today I'm linking up again with Lauren from Peach State of Mind to recap my favorite moments from April, May, and June!

April

 I went to Kappa Delta's spring formal with some of my best friends and we also had our spring philanthropy event.  Kappa Delta donates money to Prevent Child Abuse America and part of that money we donate goes to a local organization where mothers and children who have been can receive care and the things they need. 

May

Sorry for the massive upload of pictures, but this trip to Belize just had too many to choose from! This trip was AMAZING, so say the least.  My dad, brother, and I went to the rainforest in Belize for the first half of our trip and then headed over to San Pedro Island and stayed along the ocean at a resort (my personal fav spot!) The people in Belize are some of the nicest people and welcomed us with open arms! We ate a lot of great food, went zip-lining in the middle of the rainforest, went hiking in caves, saw mayan ruins, and relaxed with drinks by the pool! Gahh take me back!!

June

 In May my mom retired from 33 years of teaching high school family consumer science (go, Mom!) I threw her a retirement party with all of her closest friends.  It was my first time hosting a big party like that and let me tell you what..that is some hard work, people!! But it was well worth it :) Also in June I had the opportunity to take engagement pictures for my friend! Sweet, sweet couple.  

Can't wait to hop on over to other blogs to see your highlights for these months! 

{Katie}

Moments to Capture in December

From here

Even though it's December 7th, I'm still not too late to write (and complete) December goals! I am a picture freeeeak, and the month of December is so beautiful with snow, twinkly lights, and Christmas trees.  So instead of completing my December goals, I'm going to capture December moments! And, because I will most likely be posting most of these pictures on Instagram, feel free to follow along! :) (@kaytee200)

Moments to capture in December:

1. Freshly fallen snow

2. Driving around to look at lights

3. A favorite Christmas tradition

4. Favorite Christmas decoration in home

5. Christmas at Kappa Delta

6. Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate

7. A crackling fire in the fireplace

8. Christmas season treats

9. Iceskating

10. Christmas shopping for others

11. Making homemade Christmas cards

12. Watching Christmas movies

13. Christmas morning

14. Puppy dog with her Christmas present
15. Giving baked goods to neighbors

16. Celebrating the end of the semester!!!

Yay for December and all the pretty-ness it holds!! Can't wait to capture (hopefully all) of these moments!

Do you all have any other ideas for me?? I'd love to hear!

{Katie} 

Cheers To A New Year! {A Link Up}

I love looking back, reminiscing on memories, reminding myself of how truly blessed I am! That's why, when Lauren from Peach State of Mind came up with her Cheer's To A New Year link-up, I knew I had to participate.

January

January always seems to be a bit laid back and uneventful.  It's probably because Christmas time is so exciting and then nothing.  But in January I was able to visit my brother at school and watch one of his swim meets! Annnnnd...back to the school grind.  Studying away, as always. 

February 

I celebrated my 21st birthday! It was pretty low-key, which is what I wanted.  Being surrounded by my friends and good food is the best way to celebrate..and a drink in my hand, of course! It's pretty safe to say I celebrated for the whole month of February...and into March...

March

Looking back, the month of March in pictures was just a lot of quality time with my momma! She took me to KC to celebrate my 21st with lots of shopping, casinos, and getting fun drinks! Definitely the perfect momma-daughter trip.  I also went home for Easter and got even MORE time in with the fam.  Theeee best! 

It's so fun to look back on the year! It's crazy that even though all these pictures weren't even taken a year ago...I feel like I look SO different now!  

Have a great day, lovelies!
{Katie}

A Few of My Favorite Things- Gifts Under $100 {A Link Up}

I can't believe how fast Christmas is coming! Holy smokes.  Normally I have most of my Christmas shopping done by this point in time, but school is keeping me too busy! This link up with Elise and Jen has been so fun and a GREAT way for me to get ideas for myself and others!

One- The Apple TV would be great for my brother! It's perfect for listening to music, watching movies, and accessing Netflix! (And at $99, you can't beat that!)

Two- I loveeee blankets! And these are so festive- perfect for Christmas time!

Three- Candles make a good gift and especially these Woodwick candles.  The wick is a small piece of wood so it sounds like a crackling fire....mmmm perfection :)

Four- I love this wooden sign.  Because chocolate just does understand! Any of these wooden signs would be okay with me!

Five- Anything in a mason jar and monogrammed is a win in my book!

Six- This would be great for the cook in your life.  I have her other cookbook and love it...this one would be nice to add to my collection (*hint hint mom*) or anyone's collection for that matter!

I've loved to see what everyone has thought of through this link-up and I've gotten a lot of ideas- So thanks Elise and Jen for hosting!! :) Happy Tuesday, friends!

{Katie}

{Weekend In Review} So Much to be Thankful For!

I'm back!
I just feel overwhelmed with thankfulness after this week spent at home.  Thanksgiving break is such a tease...I literally felt like I was on Christmas break..not Thanksgiving.  Hmm maybe it was all the Christmas music I've been listening to that made me feel that way :)

I was able to do lots of cooking this weekend and decorated for Christmas while watching the Alabama Auburn game.  No words for that game, by the way.  This ornament has always been my favorite one.  Someone painted our house and gave it to us as a gift when I was little.  I treasure this ornament so much and it always is in front and center on the tree!

With black friday starting earlier and earlier every year (makes me so sad), I was happy that I got to do just a litttttle shopping Thursday night so I could go to the Nebraska football game early Friday.  I went out at 9pm on Thursday and I was so surprised at how not busy the places were.  I was able to stock up on some movies for $1 and my favorite Vampire Diaries seasons... :)

This last stretch of the semester will be a busy one for me (lottttts of papers and reports), so I hope I'm able to keep up on this little blog!! Hope your Thanksgivings were the best ones yet! :)

{Katie}

A Few of My Favorite Things {A Link Up} Stocking Stuffers!

Linking up for round two of A Few of My Favorite Things with the lovely Elise at Cheers Y'all! If you missed the post about my favorite things from last week, you can catch it here!

My family doesn't go all out for stocking stuffers.  Normally it's things that are less than $10.  It's just a little something extra in addition to opening our presents! Here's a few things I would put in my friends, brother, or momma's stocking this year!

Chocolate // Giftcard // EOS Lip Balm // Wine Charms // Mini Bottles // Sharpie // Essie Scarlet O'hara

Chocolate is a yes all around.  I mean, come ON who wouldn't love to get some chocolate????

Starbucks gift cards are always a good way to go.  My friends would be thrilled if they found these in their stockings! Red cups all around!!

This EOS Lip Balm is seriously the best stuff everrrrr! Awesome for the dry winter months!

My momma is a WINE-Y, y'all! These are the cutest little wine charms and they would be so perfect for her to get in her stocking!!

Because my little brother's 21st is coming sooner than I can even imagine, these little bottles of alcohol would be a great stocking stuffer for him, once he's actually 21 of course.

Majorly nerding out here- but you know all the teachers out there would loveeeee these sharpie pens! (Or maybe that's just me!) I mean, they come in every color!

I thought this Essie polish was the perfect little gift for friends.  It's small enough to fit in a stocking and the color is so Christmas-y!

I'm finally on Thanksgiving break from school!!! ...so it quite possibly might be the best day ever!! :)

Enjoy this Tuesday, friends!

{Katie}

{Weekend In Review} From Formals to Birthdays

Hello lovelies!

I'm feeling extra great today simply because I only have a two day week this week and then I can go HOME.  Eeeeek! As much as I love being at school with all my friends, home is a nice place, too :) Before I get a head of myself here and start on the topic of cuddling up by the fire watching Christmas movies and decorating for Christmas, I thought I'd tell you a bit about my weekend!

Friday was the day of winter formal and the only word I can think to describe it is fun! It was just fun.  That word seems like it holds so little meaning, yet there's no other word that fits, you know? I'm not one for dances, because, let's be real here, I can't dance.

I went with a group of friends, some of us had dates, some of us didn't, and it was all of my favorite people in one place at one time.  A smaller group of us went to dinner before to my favorite restaurant in my little college town called Toast.  This place is seriously has theee best food! But the food's not even the best part about the dinner. Let me explain...

When we were getting ready to pay, our waitress came over and said that she can take back our order tickets because someone anonymously has decided to pay for everyone's meal.  That's 10 people, y'all!! We were all completely in shock and so so grateful that someone would do that.  We found out who payed for our meal as we were leaving, just a young father with his two little kids.      

It got me thinking...there needs to be more people like that in the world.  Not necessarily ones who will pour out lots of money on people, but ones who have the desire to give like that.  This man with his two young children had the heart to pull his waiter aside and tell him he wants to pay for our entire tables bill and then not be thanked or acknowledged that it was him.  WOW. I strive to give more to others without the need to be thanked or acknowledged.  This was truly a moment I won't forget.

The rest of the night was just perfect and I shared lots of laughs with some of the greatest people!

Saturday my friend and I headed to the new outlets that opened a week ago.  (I may have already been there 3 times now....oops. I have a problem).  We spent the day shopping and got some great bargains (helllllloooo new Kate Spade bag!), were able to catch some of the Husker football game, and ended our adventure by enjoying a chicken enchilada at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.  Yummmmmmmmy!

And then...tis the season of 21st birthdays! It was time to celebrate my friends 21st even though we had kind of been celebrating all weekend..but that's what 21st birthdays are for...right? It's weird having friends turning 21.  I feel like I'm the only one that can grow older...no one else can!

Wheeew! Sorry, long post! What a weekend, I'm going to need this Thanksgiving break the catch up on all this sleep I've missed.  But, it was worth it, times out with good friends are priceless :)

 {Katie}

Room Make-Over {On a Budget}

When I first started this little blog I said that I had just redone my room back at home and was going to post pictures soon.  Well, I guess it wasn't as soon as I had wanted.  It's been a work in progress, but it's been so fun to finally have a more mature-looking room because, let me fill ya in... before, my walls were lime-green and all decor was mismatched and didn't have a central theme. It realllllly needed help.  

Even though I'm in college and don't live at home currently, I will be moving back in May when I student teach in the fall.  That has been the justification I've given myself about updating my room, plus, I'll be able to put some of this decor in my future home someday!   

I didn't have a lot of money to spend when updating my room so I got a lot of things at garage sales or Good Will! If you're looking to save $$ when updating decor, don't forget to look at those kind of places- sometimes you can find amazing stuff!

 I wanted my room to have a girly, but simplistic, calming feel to it and I think I've definitely accomplished that! 

I found this quilt at Home Goods and thought it was literally perfection. The green wall hanging- $1 at a garage sale...score! (And the pillows...a lady I babysit for had these at her house.  I'd been eyeing them every time I went over there, so she gave them to me when she was getting rid of them!)  

This mason jar picture is my favorite thing I've ever bought.  Like ever.  It was exactly what I was picturing when I was deciding the "theme" to my room! I might have squealed when I saw it at Hobby Lobby.  I'm in love, plus it was 50% off!! 

This canvas is from Hob Lob as well, and is one of my favorite bible verses!

I found this at Good Will- I was just setting this on my bookshelf as a decoration but this little space on my wall looked lonely and thought this was the perfect spot!

Flowers are from a garage sale, as well as the mason jars.  

 I love love love the view from my windows. I feel so blessed to live and grow up in the most beautiful place in the world!! This is just fall perfection.

There you have it! I'm so happy with how my room turned out- now I can't wait until I have a home of my own to decorate :)

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things {A Link Up}

I am more than excited to kick off this link up with one of my favorites Elise over at Cheers Y'all! If you haven't checked out her blog- check it- she's so great! When she posted last week that she was going to host a link-up, I immediately started to think of ideas.  So, I'm excited to share with you some of my things on my wish list... **hint hint, I know you're reading this mom** :)

1-If any of you know me at all, you know that I have a slight obsession with mason jars.  So, you can believe I freaked when I saw this iphone case!

2- Patagonia vest is perfect for cold winters here in Nebraska.  I love this neutral color, too!

3- One Line A Day, a five year memory book.  I have had my eye on this for awhile now.  I have always loved to journal and thought it would be so cool to write something little everyday and look back at all the great memories :) Loveeeeeeeeee!

4- This fossil watch.  I love its simplicity and classic look.  

5- Brett Eldrege. I want him.  Just kidding...kind of. His album is awesome! I've been listening it to it over and over on Spotify. Yes, I am one to still buy the actual CD, I'm weird, I know.

6- Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Lotion.  I have this already, but I'm almost out.  This, friends, is the smell of Christmas.

7- Have y'all heard of the Vinyasa scarf from Lululemon? I have the black and white chevron one from last season and love it, so I thought this grey knit one was perfect! Vinyasa scarves are made to be worn many different ways because they have a zipper going all the way through.  There's even a Youtube video to show all the many different ways to wear it.  These scarves are the best!

Have a lovely Tuesday, friends!

{Katie}