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}

My Weekend In Review

Happy Monday! But not so happy for the Huskers who lost this weekend...I'm still upset about it, so we won't talk about it....This weekend is just what I needed, though. Relaxation!  It seems like the first weekend since school started that I haven't had something I've needed to do!

As I mentioned in my Five on Friday post, Nebraska got an outlet mall and I was just crazy enough to venture out in the crowds and I came out with a pair of the Matchstick Skinny jeans from J Crew Factory. Eeek love them!!

Factory Straight and Narrow Jeans

Saturday my family had some people over for dinner and we cooked all greek food! It was so good! We had gyros, stuffed grape leaves, greek potatoes, and a greek salad....and not to mention the best part...homemade baklava! Because I don't have access to a kitchen at school, when I come home, I go crazy in the kitchen cooking and baking!

Sunday consisted of catching up on my Netflix shows.  I finally am caught up on Once Upon a Time.  If you haven't watched it...start.  It's SO good! Is it sad that I feel accomplished when I finish a TV series? (I need a life.) Netflix is dangerous/the best thing in the world.  I've gotten hooked on Vampire Diaries, Hart of Dixie, and Once Upon a Time.  What other good shows are out there that I'm missing?? I need to start a new series now!!

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend as well! This is the last full week until I'm home again for Thanksgiving break, soooo here we go!! 

{Katie}

Five On Friday!

It's that time again! Linking up with the ladies who host Five on Friday!

One-
Yes. Is there really any more I need to say for this one? This pretty much sums it up.  The Christmas music, the pretty twinkly lights, the Starbucks red cups, the snow, the decorations, the EVERYTHING. My name is Katie and I have a problem.

via Pinterest

-Two- 

Today is possibly the greatest day.  Today marks the day that Nebraska opens their first actually GOOD outlet mall!!! We're moving up in the world, y'all! Now the question is...do I face the crazy crowds on opening day????? (The answer is probably yes.)

-Three-

STARBUCKS RED CUP. I've finally made it to Starbucks and got my first Peppermint Mocha of the season.  Mmm mmm mmm mm mmmmmm! I've never been one to buy coffee everyday, but these holiday drinks are different.  There's a slight possibility that I will want/be getting one of these every day now.  Oops!

-Four-

This week I've been listening to Lady Antebellum's Golden Deluxe album on Spotify.  I can't get enough! I know it's been out for awhile, but this week it's been on repeat. Like majorly. Here's their newest song Compass that I might be obsessed with.... :)   

  

                              

-Five-

This week has been a rough one, as far as school work is concerned.  Lots of papers and extra assignments needed to get done and very little motivation to do it; practically none I'd say.  It's been so hard to stay positive this week.  So, thank the good Lord for weekends!! 

This weekend will be pretty relaxing for me, which is just what I need! Time for the 3 "N's" of the weekend: Netflix, Naps, and Nebraska football! Go Big Red!

{Katie}

Super Easy S'More Bars {Recipe}

Time for another recipe! Today it's s'more bars I found via Pinterest (of course...) I was looking for a recipe that had graham crackers since I had SO many leftover from my bonfire I had a few weeks ago. These are from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch

I modified these a bit so I could use what I had (and added some peanut butter because I am a chocolate-peanut butter freak!) MMMMM these don't disappoint. I'm finding that more of my friends have been visiting my room ever since I made these...I'm slowly starting to think it's not because they want to visit me, but want to eat these s'more bars!

S'more Bars

2 sleeves Graham Crackers Crushed Into Medium/Small Crumbs
2/3 cup Light Brown Sugar, Packed
3 cups Mini Marshmallows
2 cups Chocolate Chips (Semi Sweet or Dark Chocolate)
2 sticks Butter, Melted (1 cup) (I would only use 1 1/2 sticks of butter...2 was too much)
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
1 pinch Sea Salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9"x13" pan with butter. For easiest removal line buttered pan with parchment paper and butter parchment paper.

                      

          

In a large bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips.

         

In a small bowl combine melted butter, vanilla and sea salt.

                                    

Drizzle butter mixture over graham cracker/marshmallows while stirring. Mix until well combined.

                         

(I melted about 3-4 T of peanut butter and drizzled it over the top before I put it in the oven...if you're a chocolate-peanut butter lover, you gotta try!)

Pour S'mores mixture into greased pan and bake for 16-18 minutes until marshmallows are puffy and just barely brown.

Allow S'mores Cookie Bars to cool to room temperature before cutting and serving.

               

These are definitely a keep in my recipe book! Gooey, chocolatey, and just plain delicious! Happy Tuesday, friends! 

{Katie}

A Grateful Heart

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend.  The Huskers got a win this weekend, so all is right in the world, just kidding. :)

I've seen this quote before, but ever since I've tried to be more intentional about what I'm thankful for this quote really stuck out to me.  I'm trying to have my first thoughts of the day not be, "It's freezing outside, do I really have to walk to class?" Or, "So much to do today, I don't think I can get everything done that I need to." Instead, I want to be grateful, saying to myself, "I am so lucky that I get to study at a University something I'm passionate about." Or, "I'm glad I have things that keep me busy!" 

Today my heart is filled with thankfulness of all the wonderful friends I have! The Lord has blessed me with positive and encouraging people in my life that I can be myself around and laugh with ALL the time! Thankful this morning and will carry that thankfulness throughout the day :) 

Enjoy this beautiful day!

{Katie}

Five on Friday {Target Edition}

Friday is here! This week I found it so difficult to stay motivated with school work and found myself taking a nap on the daily. Only five more weeks until Christmas break- I can do this!!

{And my encouragement goes out to all my fellow college people who are on the same struggle bus I am on right now!!}

Linking up for Five on Friday!

I went to Target this week (bad idea!) and literally fell in love with everything I saw.  Thank goodness for my ability to refrain from buying anything from what I actually needed that day. 

-One-

A classic rain coat that I was obsessed with when I first laid eyes on it.

found here

-Two-
These glasses are so festive!

found here

-Three-

Love love this pillow! It would go perfectly in my room. Anything "burlap-like" is a win in my book. 

found here

-Four-

This scarf looks so cozy! Pretty sure I would wear it everyday!

found here

-Five-

THIS watch. A simple, but classic boyfriend watch- I love the band and gold color!

found here

Have you guys been bit by the Target bug? I just try to completely stay away..because I'm not so sure if I'll have that much will power to resist buying next time!!

{Katie}

A Look into My Make-Up Bag...

Now, I am in no way a fashion/make-up/style blogger, but I would love to share some of my favorites with y'all!

I've never been one to spend massive amounts of money on make-up but my momma always told me to get a good moisturizer, foundation and concealer.  So, what momma says, goes!

I have super dry skin, especially in the winter, so a powder foundation is a no-go for me.  I used to use bare minerals, which I loved in the summertime when my face wasn't too dry, but it did not help this girl out in the cold months.

I start my routine with laura mercier hydrating foundation primer.  This gives me the extra bit of moisture I need.

Right now I'm using Clinique superbalanced makeup foundation.  I love this! It's not overly expensive, doesn't lay on too heavy but gives awesome coverage.

Probably my favorite product of all time is Erase Paste by benefit.  I'm telling you, this does exactly what it says- covers everything I want covered perfectly. And, I don't use a lot, so it lasts forever and I don't feel like I've literally put a pound of make up on under my eyes.  Loveeee this stuff!

I recently got this bronzer and I am in love and never switching to anything else- it's shimmery and matte at the same time? Is that even possible? This is Sephora aruba shimmer bronzer.

I don't always use blush because I have naturally pink cheeks, but when I do I use bare minerals rose radiance. (Did anyone else just think of that meme? No? Just me?...Ok.) SIDETRACK. It's not too pink and goes on very light.  I'm all about natural looking make-up!

So scratch that- this is actually my favorite and is called Girl Meets Pearl by benefit.  I got this as a sample and am definitely going back to get more when it runs out.  I put this lightly on my cheekbones and on the sides of my forehead over my eyes to give a real dewey, finished look.

The new mascara I just got is Maybelline Rocket Volum.  I'm not sure what I think about it yet. I can never seem to find a mascara I like unless I spend a million dollars.  Any suggestions??

What are some of your favorites??

I'd love to hear and try them out!

{Katie}

Calling All Teachers!

I am not in an elementary classroom this semester, but I am in an early childhood classroom.  I'm with 3-5 year olds and let me tell you they are SO DARN CUTE. The things they tell me and what comes out of their mouth, sometimes I'm just like whaaat? It's too great.

I taught them an aesthetic (art) lesson today on fall trees.  This is a wonderful activity to do with children as young as 3-5, but can be manipulated for older children!

Here's how I did this activity:

The kids draw the tree trunks on a sheet of paint paper.  Take watercolor paint (brown preferably...but today my kids were into making rainbow colored trees!) and an eye dropper and put a few drops of paint horizontally coming from the tree trunk.  The children will take a straw and blow the paint dots to create the branches! Then, when the paint is wet, the kids can crinkle different colored tissue paper and stick them on as leaves.  They turn out SO cute! The picture is an example of mine that I did to show the kids.

Each of these turn out so different from one another- perfect fall time activity!

Getting closer to the weekend, friends! Yay!

{Katie}

{Almost} Famous Buffalo Chicken Pizza

I thought it was about time for another recipe, so today I'm sharing my {Almost} famous buffalo chicken pizza recipe! It's mouth-watering good, people, let me tell you.  If you like spicy, chicken, and pizza this is the recipe for you.  

My mom and I one evening awhile ago were craving something spicy, and had left over shredded chicken to use up, so thank goodness for Pinterest to help us out with our craving! We compiled these recipes together and this is what we came up with:

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Crust: <- via food.com

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1/2-1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal, for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Mix a little sugar into the warm water.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top.
3. Wait for 10 minutes or until it gets all foamy.
4. Pour into a large bowl.
5. Add flour, salt, olive oil.
6. Combine.
7. Knead for 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (add a bit more flour if you need to).
8. Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
9. Lightly grease two 12-inch pizza pans.
10. Sprinkle with a little bit of cornmeal.
12. Place on a pizza pan and pat it with your fingers until it stretches over the whole pan.
13. Try to make it thicker around the edge (creating a crust).
15. Then spread with buffalo sauce, shredded chicken (about 2 cooked chicken breasts), and mozzarella cheese.
16. Bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot.

Buffalo Sauce: <- via about.com food

8 tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce (Frank's is the brand used in Buffalo)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt to taste

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan, and over low heat bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then turn off.

Now, I know what you're thinking.. "I'm just going to buy a pizza crust instead of make it." NO! Don't do it! This is the best pizza crust I've ever tasted in my life.  It's better than restaurant pizza crust.  It has that crisp and crunch, but its soft at the same time.  Also, this pizza is awesome dipped in ranch because, let's be honest, what isn't? Friends of mine that I've made have willingly tried it, have loved it! It's a hit, promise! :) Enjoy!

Take a looksie at my Pinterest board for recipes I've made (that I've found via Pinterest) if you're looking for some new recipes to try! (Button on side bar)

#30thankfuldays is happening on the daily on instagram. (button on side bar as well) Follow along if you'd like :) 

Happy Tuesday, friends!

{Katie}

{Weekend in Review} A Hail Mary and the Huskers

There are no words.  I can't believe how the football game ended for the Huskers on Saturday.  A Hail Mary! It was probably the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life.  I was literally about ready to stab myself in the eye about 30 times if I had to watch one more second of that game.  It was bad, y'all. 

And so painful to watch. Until....the ultimate hail mary pass with 0 seconds left to win the game! Check this out- it gives me chills!!

What a game!  Anyways, rewinding a bit to Friday.  I went home for my dad's surprise birthday party- I got to see my extended family and neighbors I haven't been able to see in a long time.  So let me give you the recap..the "surprise" element of the party came at probably the worst/perfect time.  We had 50-70 people crammed into my living room.  They were trying to be quiet (should have waited to give the wine until after the "surprise!", we turned the lights off and were waiting until my dad arrived.  So after waiting what seemed to be forever my dad finally pulled into the drive.  When he walked in the door and we were all about ready to yell surprise, the PHONE RANG. Oh my goodness, is that not the worst but seriously the most perfect timing ever??! My dad of course answers it and doesn't hear the millions of people in our living room laughing because they all can't believe this just happened.  Finally, after a few minutes he finally realized how many people were in his house and was then "surprised".  While the surprise element didn't go the way we anticipated, the moment was priceless!

Brother, me, Dad

"Little" brother and I

What a fun weekend! Wishing the weekend didn't have to end so soon!

(Hoping to get a post of some of my favorite make-up products this week!)

{Katie}