Bright and Shiny

That’s how I feel about every new and that’s how i always hope to feel. I like to think that when a new year begins all of the struggles and difficulties from the year before will be swept away. That’s not how it happens. There is so much hope and positivity will the feeling of a new beginning on January 1st, but it is impossible to forget the things that brought you to that point. Thank goodness that means that not just the negative remains and that the good can shine through. The bad is there to teach you life’s lessons and remind you to be grateful for the good. The good is there to keep hope alive…something that I find absolutely necessary. On that note, here’s to hoping my resolutions for 2012 will come to fruition.

I resolve to be strong: work out a reasonable amount of times each week.
I resolve to be healthy: drink more water, eat more fruits and veggies, eat less fat and sugar.
I resolve to be smart: read 12 books this year (1 per month ideally).
I resolve to be happy: be grateful for what I have and dwell less on what I don’t have.
I resolve to be motivated: do what I want to do and follow through, but be flexible with change.

I have chosen things that I truly want to work and things that I can envision accomplishing. I want to set myself up to succeed and I truly hope that I will!

Lots of Love,
Kara

Love

I won this beautiful dress in a giveaway sponsored by LOVE. I didn’t know exactly which dress I would be getting so I was extremely excited to get my 1st choice! It’s a beautiful dress and it fits perfectly. It might be easy to say that I’m in love with my new dress. I’m going to wear it out with some black tights and heels..perfect.

Lots of Love,
Kara

Falling in Love

While I’m still enjoying the changing of the seasons, I thought I’d showcase what is making me feel all giddy and warm inside this Fall season.

Green tea on the porch in the cool autumn mornings.Beautiful leaves and branches just starting to turn lovely colors.Tomato and basil soup with chunks of fresh tomato.Apple pie with crumb topping. I ate about half of the apples I cut!     That owl is going to get the kitty. This was actually a happy coincidence.

Lots of Love,
Kara

It’s Pumpkin Time!

  Owl earrings!: Forever 21, Dress: Target, Wedges: Old Navy ($20!)

I went and picked out carving pumpkins today! It was so fun sorting through them all an imaging which one would be best for which face. I love it! I have to wait until tomorrow to be able to carve them, but until then my I’m just gazing longingly at that adorable round thing that makes my heart melt with Fall memories. To me, pumpkin carving symbolizes the beginning of Fall and gets me excited for this season.

What gets you in the Fall mood?

Lots of Love,
Kara

The Boot Quandary

I am usually a practical woman. That is, until I saw a pair of gorgeous Coach boots that I fell head over heels for. I just have never been able to spend a lot of money on a single item. I could save and afford them, but I am afraid that I will feel buyer’s remorse and regret my purchase. I’ve looked for similar styles that are less expensive, but nothing quite compares. So I ask…Is it worth it to invest in an expensive boot?

   Left to right: Coach $298, Steve Madden $89.95, Bamboo $35.50

The Ideal

The feminine bow detail…The swingy skirt…Dress: Lauren Conrad (Kohls), Necklaces and Flats: American Eagle Outfitters

This dress is my ideal. It’s pretty, feminine, and makes me feel like going to a tea. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the clothing that I buy and the clothing that I actually wear. I am trying to be more conscious of my purchases so that I can truly happy with my closet…something that has been lacking for me. I’m usually such and impulse buyer and that has not been working for me. Here’s to a future of pretty dresses, pastels, and polka dots!

I always wonder…how do you decide what to buy?

Lots of Love,
Kara

Polished

I am not the kind of girl who usually wears ponytails. When I do it makes me feel special. I know that’s probably weird because it’s about the most casual hairdo, but I really felt polished with my hair up like this. To me, this look screams “sophisticated” more than my straight hair or pulled back buns ever do. I’m curious though…would it be considered too casual?

Cardigan and Wedges: Target, Dress: Martin + Osa

Now, can we just pretend I wasn’t gone for a while? If I mention it I know I will go on and on and make it a pity party when I’d much rather say what I am grateful for:

• 3 amazing years with my boyfriend
• wonderful girlfriends who will chat nonsense with me for hours
• Fall TV: starting with my fav Sons of Anarchy (hello town reference I know!)
• my hair has finally grow noticeably longer
• a long weekend in Tahoe
• horseback riding!
• a full book queue at the library
• reading a good book (The Help)
• some work…however minimal
• my and my family’s health

Lots of Love,
Kara