Inspiration

Linking up with the Style Me Bloggers to share who and what inspires me!  I find inspiration in many things...teachers, friends, music, the sunshine, the pages of a great book, old journals, good people!  But for me the short answer is this...

My family!

Now I know this week on the blog has been kind of "family heavy".  But it's just the way it worked out.  And if you've been reading the blog for any amount of time you know that these are "my people" and I don't have many others!  LOL

When you're a little girl, you want to be your big sisters.  Each of my sisters has taken a different path in life (actually Tara and Meghan's is pretty similar these days!) but through it all they have each shown courage, strength, beauty, and determination.  And have become wonderful mothers and wives to boot!  Being the "little sister" that is certainly something to look up to! These days I don't want to be them, but they very much inspire me to be a better person and live my best life.   And they often tell me I'm doing it right...

My mom and dad have been married for 44 years.  And I know those 44 years have not been the easiest.  But they never gave up...on each other, on their marriage or our family.  These days that's rare, unfortunately.  My mom sometimes gets mad when I say I don't want to get married.  She's tells me she and my Dad are a good example.  And she is absolutely right.  I am inspired by their love for one another and their willingness to let the other be themselves.  They are two VERY different people.  My mom is a social butterfly. My dad, not so much.  But they enjoy each other's company.  Good thing too, because now they're both retired and spend all their time together!! 

My family inspires me to be a better person...but also let's me be me, which I appreciate because in all honesty, it's not always easy!  But then again what life is!!

I'm sad that today is the last ever link-up with the Style Me Bloggers!  But I am happy to say we are on to BIGGER and BETTER things as a group!!  Because coming Fall 2015 our collective, The Blended Blog, makes it's debut!  Please stayed tuned for that!  And speaking of inspiration...This group of blog friends that we have formed over the last year and half  has really inspired me as well.  Because of them I've been inspired to blog more, be more thoughtful about my posts, and grow my blog.  I have enjoyed getting to know them and can't wait to see what this new chapter of ours becomes!

Cheers to The Blended Blog!! 

But for now go check out what they are all inspired by!!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and Their Mama | The Blondissima 

R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

  Daily Style Finds | Quilty Joy Joy

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Foxy's Domestic Side
Puppies & Pretties | Making the Most of Everyday
Mishaps & Mayhem of Solitary Life | A Lovely Little Wardrobe

An InLinkz Link-up


Happy Friday!!
It's one of the LAST of SUMMER....I have a stomach ache  :(

Fave Summer Eats and Treats!

 The Style Me Bloggers are back again!!  This time talking about favorite Summer Eats...and treats!!

This one is fairly easy for me.  If we're talking about this summer...all that's been on my menu are my Hello Fresh Meals and Tortellini.  And I'm not kidding!  My cousin and her husband stayed with me this week and I was constantly offering them tortellini!  She thought it was hilarious.  I've been eating it all sorts of ways since my sister showed me a recipe on Memorial Day.  And luckily for me it's been on sale.  Seriously people, it cooks in 8 minutes.  It's an easy summer meal you can cook up in minutes and dress up any way you want....and have for multiple meals during the week.

I've also made a few Hello Fresh meals this summer!  I loved the Carolina Sliders and Shrimp Tacos best!!   And this past week I got the tortellini...ha!!  Tortellini au gratin with Kale...so easy and so yummy!  They are tayloring the meals for summer, obviously, which is great!

And when I'm not cooking for myself, I'm eating out with friends! And I always  try to go for a healthier alternative! I've had lots of tuna this summer and on an occasion or two I'll do a burger because, to me, burgers are summer!  And burgers at family BBQ's are a thing of the past!

As far as the treats go, you should know that Ralph is my man!!! I just love Ralph's and since there's only a seasonal stand in my town, I try to get it as much as I can!!!  But I don't over indulge!  Peanut butter Cookie Dough Creme Ice is my absolute fave.

Other than that, I'd have to say my love affair with Reese's Peanut Cup Oreos, is still going strong.  They've been on sale and are another thing that's only a limited time thing, so I 've stocked up!!!

I've also been treating myself to some refreshing spiked lemonades this summer!!  Check out one I am currently enjoying here!!  Can't wait to check out what the girls are enjoying this summer!  What are your fave summer eats?  Let me know in the comments and link up with us below!!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | Nick and Nik 

R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |  Quilty Joy Joy

 Daily Style Finds |  Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After 

An InLinkz Link-up

Have a fabulous weekend!  Hope it includes some of your favorite summer eats and treats!!

Linking up today too with:

Erika, Andrea, and Narci for Friday Favorites 

My Summer Style: Go-To

The Style Me Bloggers are linking up again today!  This time we're sharing our summer go-to style.  I been thinking about this... and if you've been reading lately, you know I've been wearing my maxi and denim vest, like A LOT this summer!  Today though I'm going to focus on a more casual look.  When I'm not in a maxi, chances are I'm in my JCrew Factory chino shorts.  I began my love affair with these last summer and they have remained at the top of my list this year.  They really are just classic, comfortable, and easy!  My favorites!!  I have them in a number of colors and have found they go with tons of things!!  You've seen them a number of times on the blog!  Here are some looks featuring my favorite shorts!

 

Boo...the pics look better and more aligned in my draft than they do on the blog...Sorry about that!!

The orange pair in the last photo I got this summer, thinking they were red actually!! But I really like the bright orange. I always get these shorts on sale...paying no more than $20 bucks for them!  And am always keeping an eye out for different colors.  Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for the red, red color to come out!  HA!! They wrinkle a bit, but seriously, what doesn't.  I just really like these shorts.  I like that I can pair them with virtually anything, from a simple graphic or plain t-shirt, to a more formal top or tank.  I wear the bright coral ones with my chambray most often!  I really like the look of it!  I'd definitely recommend these!  Get them here.  Mine are the 3 inch, but they have 4 and 5 inch too.  I also have 2 pairs of printed stretch chino, but these solid colors are my go-to's and get the most wear. 

A close up of the colors!!

What's your summer go-to style??  Share it with me in the comments below, and better yet, link up with us!!  And go check out the other girls go-to looks below!!  It's always fun seeing everyone's favorites!!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 

R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |  Quilty Joy Joy

 Puppies and Pretties | She Thought She Could 

 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After 

 Nick and Nik  | Daily Style Finds 

An InLinkz Link-up

Have a great Friday....YAY!!  Today I'm beachin' it for the first time this summer... Woo Hoo!!

I'll be back tomorrow with a Saturday Six!  (I totally just made that up...) So many fun things happened this week, I want to share them...come on back!!  :)

Challenge Recap!

Today is the last Summer Challenge Link Up for the Style Me Bloggers.  The Challenge ended on Sunday, and if you've read any of my previous challenge posts from this summer , then you know what a terrible participant I was this round.  I thought I'd do better once school was out, but truth is...some days I don't even get dressed!!! When I have nothing planned,  I spend the day in my bathing suit when it's nice or leggings and a tank when it's not.  And sadly, lots of days, I've had nothing planned!!  #SolitaryLifeProbs

There was one day last week that I wore a challenge outfit. So here ya go....

This was the Thursday look!  White dress with colorful necklace and metallic sandals. The more I look at it, the more I like this dress!!

And I realized last week, that I didn't show this outfit!  The day called for a maxi dress, but since I was overwearing mine, I opted to do my own thing!  I really liked this look...especially with my favorite item of the whole challenge- the denim vest!! (sorry if I've said that a thousand times!!)

I really did like all the outfits and plan to wear them.  I want to try the white-on-white look that this past Saturday called for one of these days (being 4th of July though I went with a more patriotic look!!) I really didn't wear my boyfriend shorts as much as I wanted to and my lace shorts are just begging to be worn.  So somewhere down the road, you'll see the remainder of the Summer challenge looks!!

Go check out the other girls blogs!!  

They remained more faithful throughout and always look pretty!!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama | 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds | 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side | 

Quilty Joy Joy |  Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |

A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

And don't forget to join us again Friday for our Link-up of our favorite Summer Go-to's!!

Also linking up with:

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Alison at Sydney Fashion Hunter

Pampers and Pearls
Happiness at Mid Life

Challenge...What Challenge??

As you probably guessed, this week was a total challenge FAIL!  I know I've said this before, but this time I really mean it.  I didn't wear one single challenge outfit this week!!  There was a lot of white pieces, and I just wasn't wearing white this week.  And a lot of times, the weather didn't warrant wearing these outfits. All this weekend it poured rain and didn't get out of the low sixties!  Brrrrr...
I think in August, I'm just gonna start the challenge outfits all over again!!

I had all intentions of getting dressed up in challenge looks and taking photos for today's post, but that didn't happen.  Yesterday was the first day that it was sunny and warm and I could lay out.  So needless to say, I was in my bathing suit ALL DAY!!

I did however wear one challenge outfit this week...but it's one of the same ones I wore last week.  I went to happy hour at an outdoor bar and wore this again!  I thought it was appropriate!  And I'm really excited that this maxi is getting it's comeback after years in the back of my closet.

So with that, for all things challenge this week, I leave you in the very capable hands of my fashionista friends!  Because I know they all rocked it this week!!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side 

Quilty Joy Joy | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |A Little Bit of Cheer

Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

Two of those friends are hosting another round of Create28 for July.  Carrie, the creator of Create 28 and Casey, along with Whitney are hosting! You might remember that I participated a bit in the first round in February!  See my recap looks here and more about Create28 here!  I am hoping to do better this time!  I seriously can't even take that today is July 1st!  That's just crazy!!  

But the look for today is a Summer go-to!!  And since I've worn the look above three times already (it's all about who you see, right???) I'm gonna go ahead and name it the Summer 2015 go-to!  I love it....it's so easy to throw on!  And I am loving my denim vest!!  The courage to get and wear the denim vest was worth the price of the challenge!!  HA!!

Check back in with me throughout the month of July to see my take on the Create28 looks...and join in on the fun too!!  Tomorrow's prompt is a graphic tee  look!!  So many tees...so little time!!

And congratulations to Ashley B.  The Winner of the $200 Gap Brands Gift Card!!  Happy Shopping!!

Have an awesome Wednesday!!

Katie

Linking up today too with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Alison at Sydney Fashion Hunter

Pampers and Pearls
Happiness at Mid Life

My Summer Reading List

WOOOOO HOOOOOOO  SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!  Yesterday was my official LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

I am so looking forward to SUMMER!!  I don't have much planned in way of a vacation but do have a few fun things in the works.  Last year's summer concerts totaled 7, This year I'm just going to two.  Tim McGraw who I saw earlier this month, and the main event, Kenny Chesney, (MY FAVE!!) in August!! I also have family coming for a visit and may or may not do a Road Trip or Staycation with my bestie, like I mentioned here!

With the rest of my time, I really hope to read.  Last summer I hardly read at all!!  I was sad about it too, because I remember in years past when I could read two books in a week!  So I WILL READ this summer!

Ever since my blogging buddies and I linked up a few months ago to share our favorite books, I have about two dozen books on my "must read" list, but I've set a goal to read 6 books this summer .  I believe this is pretty realistic. And if I can read more, great!!   Today we're linking up again, this time to share our Summer Reading Lists with you today!!

On the top of my list are books that I already have and have been sitting on my shelf just waiting to be read.  But there are also a few I purchased with Gift Cards!

I bought Big Little Lies by Laine Moriarty when it was on super sale at Amazon,  I had hoped to bring it to Florida with me.  Instead I brought Girl on the Train.  It was lighter!! ;)  So this is the first one I'm going to start.  I really loved the Husband's Secret and have heard great things about this one as well.

A while back I signed up for Blogging for Books, a website that sends bloggers complimentary books to read and review on their blogs.  Read my first review here.  I got my second book, before the end of last year. It's Neil Patrick Harris' book.  It's written like a Choose a Your Own Adventure, so that's what drew me to it!  But it's on my kindle so I have yet to read it.  I want to get through it because I know it'll be funny (I've always liked him!) and I want to start getting more books to review regularly.  So be on the lookout for my review of it at some point this summer!

When we linked up and shared, one of the books I reviewed as my favorite was The Pact by Jodi Picoult, the only one by her I've ever read.  It was one of Sarah's faves too, and many of the comments told me I had to read more from her.  So I just got Nineteen Minutes!  I realize it's a super heavy subject...not my typical summer beachy, chick-lit read...but I thought I'd give it a try!
Another one on Sarah's list that others had read too, was The Wednesday Letters.  Sounds like a great read...and a tearjerker!!  It's on my list!

Wild is another one on my list.  A number of people over the last few months have been telling me I have to read it.   It's not my typical read, but I'm excited about it. I hear it's a slow start but gets really good.  And that the author's writing is wonderful.  If I can get through the slow start that was The Girl on the Train, I can get through anything!  HA!!

Two books I am adding to my list I just received this week.  I guess It's now a tradition that our end of the year gift at work is a book.  We got one last year (which I never read...guess I should add it to this list!) and again this week.  This year's book, I'll read!  It's called Leaping and it's a collection of essays.  So I can read one or a few and walk away from it!  I can also be reading another book while I read this one.

And the last book on my list, a work friend gave me to put in the school library.  She received it free as a Scholastic Red Apple Teacher.  It's an advanced reader's copy of a YA novel called The Blackthorn Key.  It's not available until September. It looks like a really interesting mystery!

I'm really excited to check out what the other ladies are reading this summer, because I got a few gift cards as end of the year gifts, and want to use their lists to help me pick out a few more good reads!  Head on over to all the blogs and add to your summer reading list as well!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 
R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |  Quilty Joy Joy

Making The Most of Everyday | Puppies and Pretties | She Thought She Could 

 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time &Happily Ever After 

Sprinkled Just Right | Nick and Nik | The Blondissima | Daily Style Finds | A Little Bit Of Cheer

An InLinkz Link-up


Have a great weekend!!
Katie

What I Wore Wednesday: Challenge Week Two

Well the Summer Challenge is in full swing now! We're well into week two.  Having only highlighted the first two looks in my last post, I should have at least seven more to show you today!! I don't!!  I've skipped a few!   And since I haven't been wearing every outfit, I've mixed it up a bit. Next week when I am home and summer vacation has started, I hope to be more on target.  What I managed to put together, you'll find below!!

When we last met, it was day three!  Wednesday called for a white dress, wedges and the denim vest. You may remember me saying last week that my denim vest had yet to arrive.  It wasn't here for day three either, so I didn't wear it.  But when I returned home from work at 6 o'clock that night.  There were two packages at my door.  One was the denim vest, the other was a lace dress that I  had forgotten about buying (it took a while to get here!!) So this isn't the best pic...end of the day and all, but here's the look!!  I received many compliments on this so decided, I'll keep it!!

This isn't the true challenge outfit...just me really trying it on!  At some point, I'll dress it up and post it again.


Thursday was kimono day!!  I actually ended up wearing this on Monday minus the boyfriend shorts it called for because I was working.  But it was a dress down, so I wore jeans!  I really liked this!

Didn't realize I cut half myself off in this pic...ugh!

#SelfieFail

Friday was a super easy outfit.  Bright shorts, lace top and wedges.  Accessorized with a colorful necklace.  This necklace was all I had.  I haven't bought a bright one or one if those tassel necklaces that are in these  days!

Saturday I actually wore Sunday's look.  I thought I was wearing the right day's look but apparently I was a day ahead! I really liked this though...love me a good maxi!!  And the fact that I'm still rockin' this one from 2008 makes me happy!!  I was with my family...yay for having a photographer!

Saturday actually called for a chambray shirt and white shorts!! You'll see that on me soon!!

Sunday, I'm not gonna lie...I stayed in my pj's!  I'd been sick for a week at that point, I just rested up, not talking and trying to get better!

Monday's look I skipped out on in favor of the kimono one I highlighted above! But it was Palazzo Pants!!! YAY!!  With a flowy tank!!  I wanna say this was a repeat of a 2014 outfit.  Because I consulted the archives and this is what I wore last challenge!   {Actually last year it was paired with a white t...I guess I'm just ahead of the trends!! hahahahahahaha}

 original post

Tuesday's look was another easy one.  This was my after school outfit!!  Graphic Tee and boyfriend shorts.. I had a hard time getting the graphic so you don't get to see the Cons I wore!  And I suppose these are not boyfriend shorts...but they're shorts! So it's a win in my book!

Every challenge seems to go faster and faster!  Come back next week for the week 3 looks!  Now go check out how the rest of the Style Me Bloggers did this week!  Link up your fashion post with us, too!!   

AND DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY IS STILL GOING ON!!!  ENTER BELOW!!Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama | 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds | 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side | 

Quilty Joy Joy |  Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |

A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

 Puppies & Pretties // Daily Style Finds

Shoes to Shiraz // A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Making the Most of Every Day

Two Teens and Their Mama // Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

A Little Bit of Cheer // Nick + Nik // Foxy's Domestic Side // The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life // Quilty JoyJoy

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy // Get Your Pretty On

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great Wednesday...Have Fun and Look Fabulous!
Katie


Linking up today too with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Alison at Sydney Fashion Hunter

Pampers and Pearls
Happiness at Mid Life

It's Reveal Day!!

YAY!!  This post is a long time coming and has been in the works for a while!  Today's the day the Style Me girls and I reveal our blogger exchange gifts.  We are just a such a fun group, aren't we?!? Just like we did around Christmas time, we had another secret gift exchange via elfster this Spring. And a big thanks goes out to Deena for coordinating this for us again too!!

During our last link up we wrote about our homes....so our gifts reflected "home"!

I was super excited when I received my gift in the mail!!  I had kinda forgotten all about expecting it, so it was a delightful surprise when it it saw this on my doorstep.

OK....actually seeing this Pampers box on my doorstep was freaking hilarious!!  They day I got this, a friend dropped me off and we saw this for the first time together.  I was like "What the hell"... and she was like, "Is there something you need to tell us?!?  

Hahahahahaha

Yes, people this Solitary Life I live is just a facade!!  I've got a baby on the way!!!  LOL...NAH!!!  

When I saw who this was from it totally made perfect sense.  My gift giver was Sarah from Foxy's Domestic Side. She a mama of 2 littles...Mini Fox and Baby Fox!!  I just love Sarah and her blog!  And now she even vlogs!!  So awesome!! And knowing it was from her made me smile because I had sent my gift to her at Christmas time.  Funny how that worked out!!

I got in the door and ripped the package right open, I just couldn't wait!!  This is what I found inside!

There was nothing on top so I opened the tissue paper...to reveal this!  

How cute is this pillow!?!?  I put it right on the chair.  Isn't it just perfect there?

Below the pillow, was this...

So I did what I was told and unwrapped the next gift.    Inside I found this...

It's a photo album.  Love, love, love it!!

And a great gift from Sarah, who lives by the beach!!  Girl, I am coming to visit soon!!  

After I opened the gifts, I opened Sarah's sweet card.  She said she, like me loves to be home, either with her with her sweet family or enjoying some time alone.  So she thought this pillow would fit me well. She is so right.  I love it. I have received compliments on it from everyone who's come over since I got it!

The photo album I adore.  And it is similar to many others I have. And by that I mean with the two pics per page that you can easily slide in, so I will look perfect on my shelf with my albums. For now though I have it out and on display amongst my summer decor!

Sarah mentioned that I could fill the album with photos of all the fun I have this summer, and I'm going to do just that.  I can't wait  for summer to officially begin!!  5 more school days...woo hoo!! 

Thank you so much Sarah!  You know me so well (even though we've never met...in person!!) I love both gifts!  Sending you a big hug from the East Coast!!

I was really excited when I got my draw of who I had to buy for. Find out who I sent my gift to here!

How much fun!!  Can't wait to check out everyone's gifts.  I've done a lot of blogging this week but haven't been reading much!!  I have no plans tonight, which I LOVE because I've gone from no voice to a gross-sounding voice and old lady hacking cough this week, there were many early nights thanks to NyQuil!  Tonight I plan on vegging on the couch catching up on all the blogs!! So if you see a comment from me late on a Friday I am THAT girl, but I'm a sick girl!  No rest this weekend though, it's a packed family weekend!!  Maybe I'll blog about it!! 

Go check out all the girls blogs to see the goodies they received!! 

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 
R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |  Quilty Joy Joy

Making The Most of Everyday | Puppies and Pretties | She Thought She Could 

 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After 

Sprinkled Just Right 

An InLinkz Link-up

And if you haven't entered our giveaway yet....go for it!!!

 Puppies & Pretties // Daily Style Finds

Shoes to Shiraz // A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Making the Most of Every Day

Two Teens and Their Mama // Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

A Little Bit of Cheer // Nick + Nik // Foxy's Domestic Side // The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life // Quilty JoyJoy

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy // Get Your Pretty On

a Rafflecopter giveaway




CHEERS TO THE WEEKEND!!!
Katie

And since the Style Me Girls are some of my favorite people  and these are some of my favorite new things, I'm linking up for Friday Favorites, too!!  

 with Erika, Andrea, and Narci