Top 5 FRIDAY!

This week we are going a bit more general, because sometimes I just want to share random things with you in top 5 list form.

Top 5 Favorite Pins this Week!

oh pinterest, how i love thee...

1. Here’s what’s up folks! Yea...we started “going paleo” a couple weeks ago. We’re great about it at home, not so much when we go out. :P (i know this is a long graphic and makes my blog post just that much longer, but it's worth it!)

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2. Me want.

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3. Love the words. Love the girl. (...Lana Del Rey)

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4. Yea, I need this one too. I <3 giraffes!

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5. Oh dear. Like I needed another tattoo idea. This is fantastic!

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xo, kass 

Have a great freakin weekend!

:)

Top 5 Fridays: 90s!!

Alright, today’s Top 5 Friday....

Top 5 90s Artists!!

I know, I know. It’s the day after Thanksgiving so I should do something with that, but I feel like all that has already been covered this week! So...

I’m going to try to span the whole decade with this, but I will probably fail as I’m thinking mid-late 90s. Keep in mind this is the Top 5 bands/musicians/singers, not songs. ‘Cuz my list would look much different if it were songs. For example, I think The Way by Fastball (and that whole album) was amazing, but they were kind of a one hit wonder, so yea. Maybe I should do that one week, top 5 one hit wonders! lol I won’t lie...I can’t remember if I listened to all of these in the 90s, could have been early 2000s, ha. And I know there are some embarrassing ones I DID listen too, but won’t be making this list (think Xtina and Ms. Spears).

Onward!

1. Alanis Morissette


2. No Doubt


3. Goo Goo Dolls


4. Sheryl Crow


5. Red Hot Chili Peppers



A few I didn’t include but want to mention. Matchbox Twenty, because I feel that the hull of their work came in the next decade. Madonna, just because I personally put her in my “80s” category. Some others yet... Bush, Sublime, The Cranberries and Oasis. All of which I love ...now, but didn’t listen to them as much in the 90s. :P

So...who are your Top 5 90s Artists? Leave me a comment OR Link up with your blog below! :)

Top 5 Friday: On the Road Tunes :)

A thought occurred to me...would anyone be interested in doing a link up with this? Might be fun to get some more people involved. So yea, let me know. :)

This week...

Top 5 Fall Commuting Songs {ie. the songs I listen to most often while I drive to work, lol}

1. Off to the Races - Lana Del Ray

2. Lucky Strike - Maroon 5

3. Love Love Love - Of Monsters & Men

4. Stars - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

5. This Is What Makes Us Girls - Lana Del Ray

What are some of your current favs??

xo, kass

 P.s. If you want to link up for next friday, I’m thinking for a topic....Top 5 90s Artists! :)

Top 5 Friday: Scary Movies!

Alright, just a new little twist on my Friday Favorties. I know I sent them away, but I loved doing those posts, so I’m just bringing her back with a twist. It’s friday favs High Fidelity style, ha! Okay, if you’ve never read the book or seen the movie then you probably don’t get it. But basically they were always making top five lists, so yea.

I generally suck at this sort of thing, because I’m crazy indecisive! So, it will be a challenge, hopefully a fun one AND maybe it will help me work on myself a bit and become more decisive. I’d like that. :)

For this first week, let’s go with something a little easier to just sort of ease into it...and since Halloween was last week...

TOP FIVE SCARY MOVIES

1. Children of the Corn

This movie is just straight up jacked. It was also one of the first scary movies I watched...at my friends farm house...surrounded on 3 sides by corn fields. Yea.

2. Identity

Does this count as a scary movie? I think so, I love psychological thrillers. If you haven’t seen it go rent it, NOW!

3. Thir13en Ghosts

I actually own this one, but haven’t watched it in a couple years. Regardless, I always liked the plot and thought it was plenty suspenseful!

4. The Shining

What can I say, it’s the freakin’ Shining!

5. Carrie

Again, I feel no explanation is necessary. Other than this was another one of the first few scary movies I saw...and it just sort of stuck with me, ha.

This one was actually a little harder than I thought, mainly because I don’t watch a lot of scary movies AND because I have a horrible memory. I really haven’t seen many of the “classics” like Halloween or Nightmare on Elm Street or Silence of the Lambs (but I want to see that last one!). There are a few others I was thinking of, but didn’t make the top 5 list, like Scream (horrible, but first scary movie I ever watched), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist and The Others (I really like that one, but it’s not so much scary as it is just an interesting story). Oh and The Hostel, that shit was just straight up nasty and terrifying and awesome in a super gross way. ha. For a non scary, yet Halloween-y movie, how about Hocus Pocus - I still love it! :)

What would be on your top five scary movie list?

xo, kass

Friday Favorites: Wedding Hair!

I’m out of town this weekend...AGAIN. Seriously, summer is always insanely busy, amiright? I’m actually already out of town - last night was Brian’s niece's grad party and the rest of the weekend will be filled with wedding stuff as his sister is getting married! Oh! And his mom will be meeting my family on sunday, so yea jam packed!

I generally quite enjoy weddings, even when I don’t know a lot of people. It seems like at weddings everyone just wants to have a good time, so I end up making friends for the night. I have the dress and shoes, now I shall just decide on hair! I’ll probably just end up being lazy and wear it down, but here are some super cute summer wedding styles for you to lust over with me! :)

                                                                                Source: kouturekiss.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                           Source: camillestyles.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                           Source: barefootblonde.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                         Source: ohsoprettythediaries.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                      Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                           Source: everythingfab.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                   Source: ritzybee.typepad.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                                 Source: refinery29.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                            Source: whippycake.com via Kassie on Pinterest

                                                                Source: myyellowsandbox.blogspot.com via Kassie on Pinterest

Can ya tell I like braids?? So pretty! 

Have a great weekend!

xo,kass

Friday Favorites: Camping!

Oh it's that time of year again folks, yes it is.  Time for what you ask? Time for Camp Trip 2012!!

You see, I live far from home.  Not as far as some of you, I assume, but its about a 4.5 hour drive back, so I don't do it often.  Luckily, I have awesome friends and we all do our best to keep in touch.  And one of those things we do is a yearly camping trip!

Don't be too impressed, we aren't very rustic.  We found this awesome state park that has "camper cabins" that are air conditioned, have a microwave, table and chairs, a futon and bunk beds.  Sure, we spend most of our time outside [read: eating and drinking], but it's nice to have somewhere cool to sleep. 

I've been a camper all my life...tent and big ol' winne's :P  I practically grew up on the Mississippi River...well okay, I did because I lived a mile from it most of my life.  HOWEVER, when I was a young child we camped nearly every weekend in the summer.  So basically, I got this camping thing down.

Here are some of my favorites [and necessities] for a successful camp trip! Of course these are just in addition to those other things that are obvious: pillow/blankets, personal items, clothing [ha], and extra shoes, socks and undies!

*please forgive me for being a lazy bum and just using pinterest for images.*

Sunblock, Bug spray and big sun hat!

S'mores fixins'!

Definitely need firewood, since we cook all our meals over the fire [kabobs this year!].  Check out the park rules first though, often you can't bring wood over state lines!

Apples to Apples...and any other fun games you like!

Beach necessities!  This includes: Swim suit, big ass beach towel, crappy sandals, beach cover up and something to read!  And maybe a big beach umbrella! :P

And of course, several coolers of beer. :)

Enjoy your weekend!!

Friday Favorites: Crafty Rooms

**I swear this was scheduled to post yesterday...oops!**

Brian is going out of town for a wedding this weekend, so I’ll have the house to myself for a bit. Which is, you know, bittersweet. He’s a teacher, so no work in the summer, which means he has time to himself all day all week long. I love him lots and like being around him, but I’m used to having A LOT of Kassie time. So, basically what I’m saying is I’m going to take Saturday to get some stuff done I’ve been putting off...like finishing unpacking! Yes you read that right, we’re into month two of cohabitation and I still have a huge pile of boxes in the basement. I desperately want to get my sewing/craft area set up - hopefully I’ll actually do it! Mine won’t look anything like this, because it just going to be set up in a damp, dark basement, but a girl can dream...

Happy Friday Y'all!!

xo, kass

Friday Favorites: Summer Reading

I’ve decided to make myself a summer reading list. We’re only a week into summer, so this seems an appropriate title. My Disclaimer: I do not intend to finish all of these books this summer, but I just wanted a guideline to narrow my choices down. I’ll be excited if I get more than 3 read before fall. Lol I just finished reading up The Girl Who Played with Fire and have started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. After that, I'm hoping to read Divergent, but currently there is a waiting list at both of my libraries! I’m totally game for some input on books...whether they are on this list or not!!

Summer Reading List (organized by author)

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bardbury
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
• City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
• City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare
• Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides
  -I own this and have been wanting to read this for awhile, but I’ve held off because I do a lot of reading in the breakroom at work and when people ask what I’m reading - well some may think it’s inappropriate. Idk, maybe I’m just being silly - they do constantly blabber on about religion after all. :P 
• If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman
• Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
  -okay, so I’ve heard lots of conflicting things about this book, I bought it for a buck at a used book store. What are your thoughts? 
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
• Never Let Me Go by Kazui Ishiguro
  -I’ve seen the movie, hopefully it doesn’t ruin the book - which I still really want to read. 
• The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
  -Yes, I read this in highschool, but I feel a nagging to read it again (because it was so horrifying). 
• The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson
  
• Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth
  -I thought this series sounded interesting and a friend has assured me I'll enjoy it!
• Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
• The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli
• Uglies (Uglies #1) by Scott Westerfield

So, any thoughts??  Oh and by the by, if you're a big reader you should join me on Goodreads!

xo, kass

Friday Favorites: To the Lake!

Happy Friday my lovely readers! I am happy to announce I will be MIA until Wednesday. Okay, not really MIA...as I have a couple posts planned for you and I will no doubt be posting incessantly on Instagram [kassie_nichole]! Anyway, tonight I’m heading up to the lake for our yearly family vacation, so for this Friday Favs I thought I’d share my summer lake must haves!

Banana Boat SPF 30  ::  Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel  ::  Bettie Page Gardenia On Piece from Modcloth  ::  Old Navy Ruffle Jersey Dress  ::  Old Navy Tie Waist Tube Maxi Dress  ::  Lucille Polka Dot Sun Hat from Ruche  ::  Castro Green Floral Sunglasses by Aj Morgan from Ruche  ::  Garnier Conditioning Creme

1.  No. 1 on my list is definitely sunblock and aloe. Why the aloe? Because it doesn’t matter how much or often I put on sunblock I will end up a tad pink and thus need the aloe. Plus, it’s good for cuts and other burns, so who knows! Ginger Tip: Put the aloe in the fridge, feels sooo nice on irritated skin!

2.  Swim Suit! It’s quite possible I won’t go swimming (last year I got a staph infection and I’m sure it was from the lake!!), but you never know. Besides, when you’re out in the boat for a few hours it can get hot and and a swim top and some shorts will do the trick! [oh and don’t forget a beach towel!]

3.  I always pack a couple sundresses that can double as suit cover ups. Light, cotton dresses are perfect for lounging around at the cabin or for dinner and cocktails in town. Plus, they don’t take up much room in your suitcase! Ginger Tip: For even more space in your suitcase, ROLL your clothing!

4.  Being on vacation at the lakes is all about simplicity for me...and protecting my skin! A big floppy hat is the perfect accessory to a sundress AND it products my face against the sun! I also always make sure to have a couple pairs of sunglasses. A cute head scarf is another good route and will help wrangle those frizzy flyaways [gah humidity!]

5.  Speaking of flyaways, the wind and sun can be rough on your hair and cause lots of tangles, so I always like to bring some sort of leave in or spray on conditioner to keep my hair looking healthy!  The Garnier Conditioning Creme is my favorite!

Old Navy Classic Flip Flops  ::  Mossimo Winifred Braided Sandal from Target  ::  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo & The Girl Who Played with Fire  ::  Phase 10 & Apples to Apples  ::  Classic Denim Jacket from forever21  ::  Canon Digital Rebel xsi  ::  Weekend by the Water Bag from Modcloth  ::  Just Popping in Tote from Modcloth

6.  I would like to state that I am a horrible packer...as in I’m indecisive and end up over packing, especially when it comes to shoes! However, I always pack a good pair of running/hiking shoes and at least two pairs of sandals. Regular old flip flops (usually a pair on their last summer) that can get dirty and gross at the beach (those old navy ones are perfect for this!) and a cute, but comfy pair for shopping days in town.

7.  Reading material is a must! I generally bring a couple magazines that have been vying for my attention and a couple books! This year I’m taking up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and (b/c I’m almost done with that one) The Girl Who Played with Fire.

8.  I love playing card and board games, so I always try to get some games going when there is a big group. Family favorites are Phase 10 and Apples to Apples!

9.  Since we go to a lake in flat NW Iowa near the Minnesota border a light jacket or hoodie is a must! It's crazy windy and can get a bit chilly.

10.  My camera! Oh geez, oh man...can’t go anywhere without the camera!

11.  Yes there a no. 11. Last but not least, a tote! If you’re going to wander down to the beach or whatever a tote is a necessity to carry your sunscreen, book, oo bug spray...you know whatever, but you should have a bag of sorts. :P

Have a great and sunny weekend!

xo, kassie

Friday Favorites: Grace Potter

So, if it hasn’t already been made very apparent, I’m a huge fan of the band Grace Potter & the Nocturnals! I featured them on a Music Monday once and I saw them in concert recently. Honestly, it was the best show I’ve ever been too. I mean, I guess I’m a bit biased since I already love their music, but it was more than that. You actually felt the music, Grace just feels so genuine when she sings. Her voice is just goose-bump amazing and you get the feeling that she is singing from her soul. Probably because she is. She writes or co writes their music...GPN are what I call real musicians. :)

I can’t find a lot online about her...well that’s not true. I’ve found some interesting interviews, but not a collective bio or anything. From what I’ve read in the interviews I’m totally convinced she should right an autobio... (hint hint to Grace!). She’s quite funny and seems to have some pretty entertaining stories to share. One interesting little fact, apparently she is legally blind and when she performs live she doesn’t wear glasses or contacts!  What's even more impressive about that is that she dances around stage and goes between singing, ripping on the guitar and rocking out on the piano.   Basically, she's pretty freakin' amazing.

Even though I [obviously] don’t know Grace or much about her, I find her incredibly inspiring. I enjoy the fact that we’re about the same age, it makes me feel like I can relate in some instances. Only some, because I am obviously not a rock goddess. But also, she comes across so down to earth and very appreciative of everyone who has helped her get where she is today. You can tell she’s worked hard in her life and actually deserves her notoriety. Oh! And have you seen what this chic wears? She has fantastic style and always looks so gorgeous!!

xo, kassie

Friday Favorites: Ink Inspiration

I know I've done a Friday Favs on tattoos before, but I love 'em!  Besides, this post isn't just tattoos I like, these are all tattoos I'm pulling inspiration from.  I'm hoping to get a new one by the end of the summer (but who knows really :P)!

Oh and on a very important side note...today is my beautiful mother's birthday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!  :D

Source: tumblr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*I've been toying with the idea of starting a sleeve for the last couple years, I just don't know where to start!  I like this abstract design. :)*

Source: rowanherpty.tumblr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*Not only do I Love the above quote, I love the design.  It's simple and delicate and also very lovely*

Source: fuckyeahtattoos.tumblr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*"Oh what a mess, but everything amends" - apparently this quote is from a song [that I don't know] and I love it.*

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*Simplicity.  Love the location and the words*

Source: weheartit.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*LOVE this.  I believe I will be getting a similar tattoo at some point, but not this location*

Source: vi.sualize.us via Kassie on Pinterest

*MAPS!  I will definitely have a map tattoo at some point...and I do like this location, but I'm not sure for work*

Source: fuckyeahtattoos.tumblr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*Another, gah love the idea of the map! But I think I would like some shading in it...*

Source: farm8.staticflickr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*More map love!  And I really like this location.  Hmm....*

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*Love this!  I really want a giraffe tattoo and this is an interesting idea.*

Source: Uploaded by user via Kassie on Pinterest

*great quote, great font*

Source: fuckyeahwhiteinktattoos.tumblr.com via Kassie on Pinterest

*I've been wanting a white wrist tattoo for a while.  But I like the idea of having someone I love write the word and using their handwriting for it. Most recently I'm thinking about having my mom write "strength" for me. :)*

HAPPY FRIDAY!!