Alabama Shakes

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I literally just discovered this band on Wednesday.  It came up on my recommended albums on Amazon.com.  Wow, thanks Amazon!

I love their album Boys & Girls.  Put simply, it's amazing.  I haven't a clue what kind of music I would classify this as, but I do know that this is one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard.  I feel kind of like she, Brittany, has a bit of a Janis Joplin raspy, rocker vibe.  Man, she can sure belt it and the way she sings...it's just so soulful and so full of emotion.

Seeing this band live has been added to my bucket list.

And.  I'm going to go ahead and say you're welcome.  Because if you haven't already heard Alabama Shakes you'll be wanting to thank me in a few minutes, haha!  :P

Okay okay, just go enjoy.

xo, kass

SL: Something Blue

[dress & belt/jc penny :: necklace/gift :: shoes/blowfish :: ring/f21 :: bracelets/gordmans (i think)]

NOTE: Please excuse my shitty phone pics, I forgot my actual camera!

Even though it's pretty much feeling like fall around here, we have had a couple randomly warm [hot] days.  On one of these warmer days we were headed to the wedding of one of Brian's friends - when we got lost.  Yep.  We have since discovered that we need to work on our "going with the flow if we get lost" skills.  Frustration trumped us that afternoon and sadly we missed the majority of the wedding, but it was non-religious and thus only about 10 minutes long, so we really weren't that late.  Another friend of Brian's was officiating, so we got to see the last bit where he announced the couple.  It was still cool!  

The reception was really pretty and fun...and I'm pretty sure I was at a "hipster" wedding, lol!  No judgement here though, it was held in this huge round barn and they were getting polaroids of all the guests as we came in. Ha, it was super cute.  Oh and the bride had this adorable 50s vibing dress on - like I said super cute.  Since I didn't really know the couple I don't have any photos of them, so my dress photos will just have to suffice! Oh and are we loving my new shoes or what?  I know I am!  Although, like two seconds after this I tripped on some old barbed wire fence in the ground and gouged my shoes...and my foot.  Ah, what I go through for silly photos! :P

Oh, and I thought I'd just share my pretty cat eye makeup.  Seriously, it takes me so long to do that shit, but I love it!  Also, my face is not actually orange [see first picture!] - I think there was just something reflecting on me.

Cost breakdown anyone?

Dress/Belt     $25

Shoes            $30

Necklace        $0

Ring                $2

Bracelets         $0

TOTAL        $57

First outfit on the blog over $50!  And not by much!

Okay, I feel I've already begun to ramble or am about to start.  Have a great day!

xo, kass

Recipe: Taco Pasta

Hola!  So last night I made this taco pasta from Plain Chicken - just with a few changes.  Basically, I was trying to make it healthier/less calories, and well whatever I figured I'd share what I did.  The mister gave it two thumbs up [which is rare from him on pasta/hamburger helper like dishes]!

A maybe healthier Taco Pasta, but maybe not ha!

1 lb ground turkey
8 oz pasta shells
1 green onion, chopped (or more depending on your tastes!)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 cup of salsa (use a bean one for more protein!)
1 packet low sodium taco seasoning (really, you could probably get buy on half a packet!)
3 oz of fat free cream cheese (or neufchatel cheese, both have less cals than regular!)
1/2 cup of light sour cream
Shredded cheese for topping (even better would be to skip this, but I still used it!)

1. Get your water boiling and cook pasta.  When you drain it, save 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
2. While pasta is going brown your turkey.
3. Once the turkey is nearly done add your onion. Cook meat through, add the garlic and saute.
4. Next, mix in the salsa and the taco seasoning.  Simmer for about 5 min.
5. Now mix in your cream cheese, sour cream, pasta and pasta water.  Keep stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended.

Top with a bit of shredded cheese and some salsa if desired. Serve and enjoy! :)

Me, Myself & I Link Up!!

I'm totally a couple days late, but we've been having net issues, so meh!

{one}

When you're feeling down, what do you do to pick yourself up?

turn to music. :)

{two}

If you had to live in a different time period which would you prefer?

Ooo, good one. Lately I feel drawn to things with a sixties vibe. I like the general aesthetic and I've really been enjoying cat eye liner and a good hair poof.  I also feel it's worth mentioning that I really love some of the fashion to come out of the 20s and the 40s!

{three}

What is the most creative Halloween costume you've ever worn?

Man, I'm not sure I'm too creative when it comes to halloween. Last year we went as Erin and Andy from The Office, lol. I think only two people knew who we were. :P

See, even have my wounds from the bird attacks. :P

{four}

Five weird things about you we wouldn't know without being told?

1 - I hate the feel of plain cotton sheets on my feet. I usually just buy fleece ones. 

2 - When I was a child I was sitting on the bottom of a grocery cart (they used to make the bottom rack and top part much farther apart). Anyway, I was playing with the wheel and my finger got stuck and it ripped my finger nail off. Yea, it was nasty. 

  3 - I can not carry a tune. You would never know this without being told, b/c a)this is a blog and b)even if I met you I would not sing in front of you, ha! 

  4 - Stealing from Meghan Sara here, but that I'm 27. This is the most extreme anyone has been off, but last spring my doctor [one of two that I've been going to over the last 3 years] made some comment about me graduating school. Assuming he meant college, I just nicely corrected him. Then he was like oh wow, I though you were 17 or 18. What?? In his defense, I was sick, wearing no makeup BUT he also was looking at my file. Who knows.

 5 - Umm, one more. OH! I love dipping my chicken nuggets in my frosty. This is only satisfying at Wendy's. Other places don't make their shakes thick enough. :P

{five}

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

Don't get sucked into other people's issues and drama. Just figure out what and who makes you happy - and do that and be around them. Don't compare your life to others, that'll just make you stress.  People are gonna be mean from time to time, but in the end highschool isn't a big deal, so don't get to upset and just BE YOURSELF! If you do get bummed, just go eat ice cream and hug your dog. Oh, and rock that french horn girl!!

xoxo, kassie

Dress Code Mahyem!

[source]

Ohmygosh, okay I’m probably beating a dead horse here, because I often mention my work/coworkers and their reaction to my clothing choices. This post is going to hover around that idea, but not drop on it. Lately at work there has been some drama about clothing and dress codes. I know I shouldn’t write about work, but none of this is any sort of secret and I’m not going to be naming names or hatin’ on anyone - just offering a few personal thoughts. Ha.

So, back story. A person has been dressing pretty casual (which is pretty typical at my work) and one day she wore shorts to work. Let it be known that she has wore shorts to work often over the past couple years, at least. Generally, she wears a tshirt with them or a nicer, but casual, top. Would I wear this ensemble to work? No, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable in it. In my mind it’s not keeping with a professional image. However, it’s really a matter of personal opinion. Especially when handbook isn’t super precise and there is room for interpretation. I guess people had complained about her wardrobe in the past to her supervisor, who did nothing about it. This is where I feel bad for this woman.  Had her supervisor been honest and upfront with her none of this would be happening. Anyway, the powers that be aka. the Board of Supervisors happened to witness one of these outfits and apparently they were not happy, to say the least. I believe a formal complaint of sorts was filed. Her supervisor was supposed to deal with it, again he did not. So, his direct subordinate and my supervisor spoke with her. This week I’d say her apparel is more appropriate, but then another employee [that works in the same office as the first employee) wore a short skirt. Not super short, but mid thigh. She looked nice, but in light of the other employee some department heads decided to have a meeting and decide what should be done.

 [source]

I never heard anything after that. There was talk of maybe just a memo or maybe changing the employee handbook, but nothing yet.  Either way, I’m a bit concerned- for selfish reasons. Which is awful I guess, but I enjoy my fashion freedom at work.  I dress modestly and appropriately, but I don’t want to be stifled by having to wear specific attire! I have a feeling they are going to comment on the length of things and the easiest and most logical thing to say is, at or below the knee. Not cool. I have plenty of items I bought specifically for work and they do not fall at the knee. I’d say they are within 2-4 inches of my knee and I think they are long enough and appropriate. If I think something is iffy I don’t wear it or I wear dark tights with it. As far as I know, no complaints have been lodged against me or my attire.

Here’s my question to you, well questions. I’m dealing with an office situation here, but I’m curious in general.  

Do you have a dress code at work or school? If so, how strict is it? Also, what length do you deem appropriate for work skirts and dresses?

For the record, I don’t really think any length of shorts are appropriate for work. Unless maybe you are rocking the dress shorts + tights combo - which doesn’t really fly in the rural midwest. :P

xo, kassie

Style Log: Breezy Basics

[white shirt/thrifted from my grandma’s closet, ha! :: pink tank/thrifted, maurices :: skirt/thrifted :: flats/american eagle by payless :: shades/kmart :: watch/gift :: belt/with dress]

As I’ve probably said more than once now...I have a long commute. 50 miles, one way. Yea, that’s love for ya. :P Anyway, on this commute I pass several places that I think oh hey, that would be a good spot for photos. This was one of those places. Now...if I could just remember my camera more often I could try some other spots!

Lemme tell you, this is one cheap outfit. I’m going to add it up for you, because...well because I can.

White Shirt, Watch, Belt $0

Pink Shirt $3

Skirt $3

Flats $12

Shades $9

TOTAL $27

See, it’s totally possible to be cute and thrifty! I’m actually willing to bet that most days my outfits were created for under $50 - although I do have a few pricier items. Hmm, maybe I’ll start doing a cost break down to see. Could be a fun experiment!

While I love these summer, breezy outfits I’m beyond ready for fall. The weather keeps getting cooler, than spiking up for a few days. I just live for those cooler days when we can keep the windows open. Especially at night when we’re asleep. I sleep so much better when it’s chilly in the room! Plus, I’m so ready for fall foods...thick, creamy soups and shepherd’s pie, yum!

Sigh, soon enough it will be winter, so I suppose I should stop wishing away my summer days!

xo, kass

Shabby Apple!

 

 I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m part of the Shabby Apple Affiliate Program. See that Shabby Apple icon over to the left? Yea, if you click that and purchase something it benefits me, which is awesome!

Want something that will benefit you? Of course you do!

Right now you can get 10% off sitewide, until Friday, September 14th! Just use the code: favorite10 when you check out!

And just in case you need a little shopping inspiration, here are a few of my favorite items! :)  Click through the images to the site!
[all images from shabby apples online shop!]

Is that enough pretty dresses for ya? 
Don't forget...click through to the site using the icon to the left or at the top of this page AND use the code favorite10 for 10% off sitewide!

xo, kass

Let's talk about love...

 Let’s talk about love. And marriage.

We were at our friend’s place the other night, our married friends. Some partying had been happening and I’m not sure how we got on the topic, but the wife made some comment about how getting married didn’t matter and it was just a waste of money (or something along those lines). Her reasoning was because nothing changes, so you might as well just stay a non-married couple. Her husband agreed, and chimed in and made a joke about the only thing that changed was he pays more of the bills (they keep separate accounts). However, they have only been married a year, so the husband also said well, maybe the tax cuts will make a difference, the wife agreed. [SIDE NOTE: I think the fact they both agree marriage hasn’t changed anything just proves they have a good one. :) personal opinion of course.]

I immediately tried to put the kibosh on this discussion as my boyfriend was sitting there and I hope one day he will be my husband. I’ve been assured by him in the past that he would like to get married at some point (who knows when that will be, lol), but even so part of me is concerned. But why?

Does marriage really matter in the long run? Would it make a difference either way?

I don’t know, but I do know I still want to get married. Blame society, blame the little girl in me, I don’t know, but I know I want it. I was contemplating this topic on my drive to work yesterday morning (an hour commute allows for plenty - too much? - thinking time!) and I came to the following conclusion.

A wedding is not meaningless. A marriage is definitely not meaningless. You may not feel them necessary for your life, but they are not meaningless.

I don’t need a big wedding, which is not a new thought. In fact, I’d love to just get married in someone’s back yard somewhere and have a big cook out, I think that sounds fantastic. So, the argument that it costs a lot of money doesn’t bother me. I mean sure it still won’t be super cheap, but I’m thrifty. Also, I want the party! Who wouldn’t? I agree that a relationship shouldn’t or doesn’t need to really change after a marriage. I don’t have expectations either way, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want the symbolic act of a ceremony. I think traditions are nice...and that’s kind of how I look at a wedding. It’s not religious for me at all or about tax breaks (although that’s a possible bonus, ha).

 It’s just about sharing the love.

Ultimately, love is a simple idea. I think. The act of loving can be more difficult I suppose, but it’s a simple idea. It’s joyous...and infectious (in a good way). I love Brian more than I could possibly explain. He makes me a better version of myself, I care about him and enjoy being with him. End of story. To me, getting married is a symbol of your commitment and love for one another. The actual wedding is a vehicle in which to share that love with others that you love! It’s the one day that your family and friends get to partake and share in the love you share with your partner. It may sound corny, but I think it’s a beautiful idea. And ultimately, it’s something that I would like to do.

What do you think? 
xoxo, kassie 

Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Today I'm going to share a recipe with you, but it's not just any recipe - it's a family recipe!  I have been compiling recipes to make a Family Cookbook and I decided to make a couple of them and get some yummy photos for the book.  As far as I know this isn't some *secret* recipe (it appears pretty standard, but is fantastic), so I figure I'd share it with you.

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

You Need:

For the filling...

3 cups of rhubarb (I used frozen, but def use fresh if you have it!)

16 oz. frozen strawberries, thawed

2 Tbsp. of lemon juice

1 cup of sugar

1/3 cup of corn starch

For the cake...

3 cups of flour

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp. of baking powder

1 tsp. of baking soda

1 cup of butter

1 cup of buttermilk

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

For crumb mix

3/4 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of flour

1/4 cup of butter

You Do:

1.  Preheat oven to 350F & grease a 9x13 pan.

2.  Cook the fruit in a pot, covered for 5 min.  Then add lemon juice.

3.  In a separate bowl mix sugar and cornstarch together.  Add to fruit mixture.

4.  Cook 3-5 minutes more until sauce is thick, let it cool.

5.  Start the cake batter, mix all the dry ingredients together then cut in the butter.

6.  Beat the milk, eggs and vanilla together.  Add to the dry mixture, stir to moisten.

7.  Spread 1/2 of batter into the pan and then spread cooled filling over batter.  Spoon the remaining batter in small mounds over the filling.

8.  Combine crumb mixture until fine and sprinkle on top.

9.  Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

....and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee (or something else if you don't like coffee, ha)!

 

Holiday Weekend...in photos! :)

Oh. my. gosh.

Where did all my free time go? Out the window apparently. Anyway, I had a crazy, busy, fun Labor Day weekend, did you? We headed up to Chicago for the Iowa/NIU game and it was AWESOME. I’m obviously a Hawkeyes fan. :) Okay, so photos!


This hotel was way too fancy for us....tv in the bathroom mirror, lol.


We rented bikes and mine was named Kyle.


Brian’s was named Eliza!







view from hotel room!


just a walk to dinner


Brian tried the oysters, I did not...I think they look like giant boogers. :P


This on the other hand was amazing!


I’m not sure when a bucket of booze is a good idea, but definitely not the night before a busy day!


Brian’s niece is a freshman and made the Hawkeye Marching Band!






train ride home


Meet Mimi. I fed her. Yea, no big deal. HA, yea right! Lemme tell you, THAT was awesome! :)


my little bro’s bday dinner, ha! he turned 18!!


Hope you all had a great holiday weekend as well!

xo, kassie