#10 Teal & Bronze

Another boring one, my bad.  I actually wasn't planning on doing a 30 for 30 outfit this AM, becasue I was sooo tired.  Yet, somehow I surprised myself by even bothering to get dressed.  The party Saturday night went great and hopefully I'll have a post up on that soon!

At the moment, I'm handing out candy to the kids.  Theo isn't a fan because he's been banished to his kennel.  :(  Only 22 more minutes little guy!  While we are on the topic [sort of], the kids last year were so ridiculously horrible (like throwing tantrums on my front porch when I refused them another handful of candy!) that I almost didn't pass out candy this year.  I had a last minute change of heart and I'm glad I did.  There have been some major cuties in the crowd.  Although, message to the "big kid" (big as in age] - a zip up hoodie, jeans and sneakers is not a costume.  If you're going to trick or treat past an acceptable age you should at least make a small effort!  Oh wait, maybe he was supposed to be Donnie Darko?  :P

Happy Halloween everyone!!

#9 Easy Peasy

For real, this outfit is a total cop-out. You know, I know it, my dog knows it. That’s okay though, because I was just too comfortable to care. For real, these pants are like wearing old pj’s to work. Plus, I spruced it up with some fun feather earrings! :)

Okay, this top is not in my original items, but I haven’t worn the baby blue sweater yet, so I’m swapping it out. Not that I think this top will be any easier to style, but I wanted to have other colors besides the green/blues I originally chose. To be 100% honest, I have no clue how else I’m going to wear this top. Maybe I could try throwing the gray blazer over it? We shall see I suppose. *Note: The top in the photo is not my actual top, mine has a hood and a small pocket on the front.I I went to take a picture of mine, but it was in the laundry! Ha!

I really would like to get out and take some more photos, but I’m just swamped this week. This will have to suffice for now. Want to know one reason why I’m crazy busy? I’m throwing a Halloween dinner party tonight!! Yes, yes, I am so very excited! It’s a casual-wear-your-costume sort of dinner, then we will be going to the local bars for some costume contests! I have some very fun spooky inspired food planned and you can bet I’ll be taking lots of pictures for a very special Halloween post!

Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites: Ink

You either like tattoos or you don’t. I like. Maybe love. My most recent tattoo [and 4th!] is definitely my favorite.

It’s Irish Gaelic for “Nothing without effort”

I definitely want some more ink, but my wallet will not allow it at the moment. So instead I shall just lust over these awesome pieces!

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest

      this is gorgeous!

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest

       really digging the white ink.

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest

      cute camera tats!

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest

      Adorable! I’m considering getting something similar on my forearm.

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest     

I want this.

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest

     This is a fantastic tattoo. Great placement, great concept, great artwork.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kassie on Pinterest

     I like the brown, reminds me of henna.

Source: None via Kassie on Pinterest

     Such pretty colors...

Source: Uploaded by user via Kassie on Pinterest

     LOVE. I want to start a sleeve!

#8 Prepster

*Note: I had this all ready yesterday and just forgot to post! Sorry! 
 

There is something about wearing a button up under a sweater that makes me feel so preppy. I wouldn’t necessarily call my style “preppy”, but then again I’m not really sure what my style is. Maybe that’s something I’ll figure out on this challenge? I definitely don’t mind a preppy look...once in awhile, just not daily. Although, with the items I’ve chosen, I feel like I have been and will be doing this type of button down/sweater combo again. Oh well!

I tried something different with my hair today...a fish tail braid down the back! I love fish tail braids! Wearing it straight down the back like this is fine [and it was my first real attempt at one, so I’ll give myself a break], but it feels a bit...conservative. Haha, I don’t know if that’s the right word, but that’s what comes to mind. I think I would just like something a bit messier and/or off to the side, like these!

 Source: bellamumma.com via Erica on Pinterest

Source: runningonhappiness.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

#7 Got The Blues

[Top/Merona via Target, Blazer/iz byer via Kohl’s, Skirt/iz byer via Kohl’s , Tights/Selena Gomez via Kmart(lol!), Boots/Merona via Target]

I didn’t get good pictures of this outfit either! I went to the gym right after work and then I looked gross, so meh. I just don’t have the time to make a big fuss about getting pictures, although I wish I did. Maybe I’ll plan out my outfits for the week and just go take pictures all at once...is that cheating? Ha! Anyway, I wasn’t sure about the blueish-teal tights, but I went for it anyway. Go Bright Or Go Home! :P No one really said anything either way about this outfit, which generally means they think I’m crazy. That’s okay, it’s fun and colorful like me! I guess maybe I’m a little crazy too, so that works out.

I’m already getting outfit block and it’s only my 7th one! Yikes! Maybe I should have put more planning into my pieces? I thought I did, but now I’m not so sure. Oh well, I’ll keep trucking on!

Also, keep your eye’s peeled for a couple fun Halloween posts later this week! Best. Holiday. Ever.

What are your costume ideas?

#6 - Black & Brown

I remember a particular shopping excursion I had a few years back, and when I say a few years back, I mean l was a teenager [so like 10 yeras...yikes!]. I saw this black sweater that came with an attached brown belt. I thought it was cute and picked it up to try on - fully aware of the cardinal rule every young girl is taught: Don’t wear black AND brown together! I didn’t get two steps away from the rack when both shopping buddies all but tore said sweater out of my hands and put it back on the rack. This was a traumatizing experience. Still, over the years I have almost wore brown and black together, but then I am haunted by this memory and quickly change my outfit.

Not today my friends, not today. This brave woman, along with many others have restored my faith in the brown/black combo. I will wear it with pride, despite all stares of disgust and confusion.

This is all I have for this, no real photo, sorry. I know you are disappointed, but I swear I’m not coping out! I DID wear the outfit....last Friday. I even met up with family for lunch and they didn’t stare at me in disgust or confusion. In fact I received multiple compliments. So maybe this whole traumatizing event was just in my head? Or maybe it’s just that grandmothers always think their granddaughters look fantastic? :)

Friday Favorites: Weddings!

Okay, Friday Favorites, a day late! Why? Because I’m out of town at my good friend’s wedding! Actually, I’m in the wedding and I guarantee you that I’m having a totally blast! I wrote this in advance and “scheduled” it to post. I’m just so nifty like that..ha.

Now, don’t misread this post, I am NOT getting married. However, since I’m at a wedding right now I thought it would be fun to post some wedding type things. My friend is having a fall, rustic wedding and some of these are from her pinterest folder! So enjoy. :)

Source: None via Lindsay on Pinterest

*This is such a cute/neat idea!*

Source: None via Lindsay on Pinterest

*ohmygosh, this is so creative...and much more cost effective!*

Source: None via Lindsay on Pinterest

*wow, gorgeous center pieces!*

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Something Ivory on Pinterest

*bridesmaid dress, ooo, I call the one on the left!*

Source: None via monica on Pinterest

*soo pretty!*

Source: creo-photography.com via Kaitlynn on Pinterest

*love these colors!*

Source: chickadvisor.com via Butter on Pinterest

*cutesy*

Source: stylemepretty.com via Bethany on Pinterest

*love this!*

Source: stylemepretty.com via Paola on Pinterest

*love this fun casual vibe*

Source: ruffledblog.com via Nicole on Pinterest

*...and this vintage vibe!*

<3 CONGRATULATIONS ANDY & LINDSAY! <3

#5 Breezy Boots

I did it. I went and took photos out in the world today! I love them! It was so much fun and I think they turned out pretty great! Of course, it was also incredibly windy outside. At one point, my tripod even started to tip over, but somehow I magically caught it. Oh well, that crazy wind blown look is in now, right?

 I really like this outfit. I don’t usually wear pink, but that’s one reason this sweater is in my 30 items. I love these boots. LOVE. I got them at Target for $30. I told you I would break the no shopping rule. I broke it and it feels so good! These shoes will be taking the place of my grey heels. I haven’t worn the grey ones yet, plus I have no clue why I even put them in my 30 items. Probably because we were having this crazy heat wave when I was selecting my items and now it’s crazy cold. I’m also switching out a couple other items [sorry], but I haven’t worn any of the switcheroos, so that’s allowed right? I’ll address the new items as the appear in outfits.

Back to the boots, best 30 bucks I’ve spent. Ever. These things are so flipping comfortable they should be illegal. I want to sleep in these boots. That’s how comfortable they are. I have planned several outfits around these boots. In fact, I will be basically living in them this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, it’s my friend’s wedding - yippee!! So, I won’t be around for a couple days. Plus, I don’t think either of my festivity outfits will be fitting into my 30 for 30, but that’s okay!

Have a great weekend!
Kassie

#4 Office-ally Teal

Lots of teal going on today. Looking over my 30 items there is a lot of blue/green/teal! Rule for my birthday shopping trip: NO TEAL. For real, I need new colors. I’d really like to try some rust colors and maybe even something in mustard?

I was a little braver today - I took pictures outside of my house, my back patio. I do want to go to this prairie place, however I didn’t think this was the right outfit for that. I couldn’t think of any other places without people, nor do I have the time! My friend’s wedding is on Saturday [and it’s back home, about 4.5 hours away], so I’m crazy busy until then! I volunteered to make some things for her “photo booth”, so I need to do that. Plus, I made her a gift and that needs finishing. I also have a DIY project I’d like to do tonight and I need to bake cookies for my co-workers birthday! Phew! Fingerscrossed that I get it all done!

Oh and yes, my dog is ridiculously adorable...and fluffy!  :)

#3 Purple Haze

I love this purple top. I think the color is what does it for me, purple haze. That’s what I call it anyway. This technically is dress length, I just folded it under. Sadly, it’s not long enough for work! Maybe I can restyle it with some leggings for a weekend outing.

I’ve haven’t been brave enough to leave my house for photos yet. I was going to just try going out in my backyard, but it’s shared with my duplex neighbors and I didn’t want them staring at me! I actually haven’t even told anyone I know about this blog and challenge yet. Is that weird?

I emailed Megan over at Feathers and Freckles for some tips about taking photos. Visit her blog if you haven’t! She’s super sweet and a fellow ginger! :) Anyway, I know she takes her own photos [like I do] and they always look great! I think I will be attempting to take her advice and just find a location without any people. I have one in mind, so I’ll just need to find some others.

Maybe while I’m at it I’ll tell my boyfriend about my dirty little secret. [this blog...but you got that right?]

peace, kassie

#2 Teal & Stripes

I love teal! However, I don’t love this outfit. It’s feels a bit frumpy - or maybe it’s just the pictures in my dark basement? Or maybe it’s because I wore it for 9 hours before taking these photos?

Either way, this is outfit #2!

Should I be putting info about what it is that I’m wearing? Maybe, probably. I don’t know most days, nothing special. I generally can’t even remember where I got what! I suppose I could try though...next time.

peace, kassie

#1 Avocado Polka Dots

I am absolutely in love with this skirt. The best part? It cost $3. I didn’t get a photo of my outfit today, but I’ve worn it before!

This is my first outfit of 30! Yikes! I doubt I’ll get photos everyday, but I’ll do my best. Full disclosure: I wore this outfit last week, I'm just behind on posting a couple days. That’s okay right? Right! I’m accustomed to answering myself, apparently even while typing.

Happy Monday!!

30 for 30!?

Okay, it’s official. I have decided to do Kendi’s 30 for 30 Challenge. It’s quite possible that I won’t follow through with it, very possible in fact, but I’m going to try. I’ve thought about doing it for awhile now and I’ve decided I have enough good reasons to go for it.

Basically, I know I have enough cute clothes that I shouldn’t be wearing the same outfit every other day. I’m getting lazy. I think this challenge will definitely help me learn to work with what I have, which is super important since I’m on a strict budget. I think it will also help me choose a few nice pieces I’d like to add to my closet [especially since Christmas AND my birthday are around the corner!] as well as help me purge my closet a bit. Finally, I think this challenge will help me be braver. Too many times I have planned out an outfit in my head...or literally, and then not worn it out of fear. Fear of what others would think of me, fear of the unwanted attention, fear that I in fact do not look cute, but rather quite ridiculous. I’m tired of that!

I know the “rules” for 30 fo 30 are pretty lax, so here are the guidelines I’ll be going by.

• The shopping ban - I rarely shop anyway, so I’m not too worried about this. However, I will say that if I find the perfect brown boots that I’m looking for I will be purchasing them guilt free. Also, if it gets chilly, I may not have enough tights to get me through, so I reserve the right to buy a couple pairs if needed! 

• Weekends off - for the most part. If I have somewhere to go, of course I’ll try to include it in the 30 for 30. Otherwise, the weekends are freebies, so obviously this will take me longer than a month to finish. 

• Friend’s Wedding - another freebie! I am going to try to include the rehearsal dinner in the 30 for 30, but the wedding is a no go! I’m pretty sure I can’t/don’t want to restyle that bridesmaid dress for a month. :P 

• Jeans - When you see jeans listed below...it means whatever pair I feel like wearing that day! I have like 3 pairs I rotate, so I’m going to let them count as 1. This is one place my wardrobe needs a little help! 

• I will not be counting cami’s I wear under stuff, tights, leggings, scarves or jewelery. Maybe I should count camis if they are showing, but meh. The others are all accessories, so they are freebies.

I’ve actually already been doing this for a couple of days....so here are my 30 choices!

Yikes! I’m a bit nervous about this...

peace, kassie

Recipe: Hamburger Noodle Casserole

Hamburger Noodle Casserole - Taste of Home Comfort Foods Diet Cookbook

You Need...
2.5 cups uncooked egg noodles
3/4-1 pound lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pkg (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese

2 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
 *Note: the original recipe called for 1/8 cup of sour cream, but I didn't have any!


1. Cook your noodles!
2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt and pepper; heat through.
3. Drain your noodles & stir into beef mixture. 
4. Beat the cream cheese & ricotta cheese until blended. Stir in half of the onions.
5.Spoon half of the noodle mixture into a 9x9in baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese mixture and remaining noodle mixture.
6. Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining onions.

Pumpkin Carving!

Ohmygosh, I LOVE fall! Oddly [and I think unfortunately] we have been having really hot weather. Sweaty hot. Not cool! Well, right before this little heat wave hit my boyfriend and I carved pumpkins. Obviously, they did not withstand the heat and have sadly sunken in on themselves. :( We have already decided that we will be carving more in the next weekend or so, but I thought I’d share the first round with you.

 At first he was scared of it, then he tried to eat it.

pumpkin innards!

 We had way too much fun getting the goo out!

 Do you guys use patterns or just wing it? I used this cool pattern that came in a kit, then I used one of the kit tools to just trace it, which left little puncture marks. Super easy!

Finished!! Brian free handed his tiger hawk!

Even though these pumpkins are no longer we had a blast making them. I have a really neat idea for my next pumpkin using a photo...hopefully. IF if works out I’ll definitely do a How To post on it.

peace, kassie