Kate Has Debt :(

In the past on this blog, I have touched on some serious issues, like depression and weight loss and lifestyle changes, so I hope it's not a huge surprise that I am going to devote some time to another: debt and money management. 

I plan to be really honest with you about my current situation and my plan to improve it. I know that some of you have similar hurdles in your financial lives and I hope this helps you. What I'd love is for you to share your stories with me - whether it's something you stopped doing in order to live a debt-free lifestyle or something you just can't bring yourself to cut out. I understand, I've been there. I am there.

{this is what i feel like i'm doing sometimes

via}

I will post about the following:

-- How I got into this mess --

-- What I'm doing to get out of it --

-- The tools I'm using to get out of it --

-- What I hope to achieve --

-- How I'm going to make sure I will never be here again --

Along the way, my goal is to bring humor, reality, honesty, and support to a subject that causes so much shame, guilt, and denial.

Thanks for joining me along this journey!

The Lifespan Of A Henna Tattoo

Last weekend, my friends Sean and Prathima got married and as part of the celebration, there was a mehndi party. This was only my second time having henna done and I loved it! But, while it's a beautiful art form...it doesn't last very long. Here is the lifespan of my henna tattoo.

{the ladies and i at the mehndi party - from left: Katie, Lindsay, Dawn, Me, Shimonee}

{2 hours after}

{4 days after}

{6 days after}

{9 days later}

Conclusion: They look great for a few days, then they start to fade. The fingers and hands last longer than the arms, because there's more heat and the heat is what sets the dye.

So many conversations were opened up with people commenting on my henna for the past week and I will definitely do this again!

New Handmade Cards By Kate & Oli On Etsy!

I've got some fun, colorful, BRIGHT, handmade cards heading to the shop! Check them out and pick one up for your mom, best friend, boss, boyfriend, neighbor, or mailman today!

{play}

{life is music}

{it's only funny}

Cart-Worthy + Heart-Worthy: Fruit and Veggies!

Maybe it's because it's summer and farmer's markets are everywhere. Maybe it's because I keep trying to remember to "eat the rainbow." Or maybe it's because I love food art. Whatever the reason, these are the beauties that have ended up in my favorites this week!

{1. raspberries 2. heirloom tomatoes 3. mixed fruit 4. artichoke 5. eggplant
6. lemons 7. orange}

I Am My Car? I Am Not My Car?

It's really interesting/sad/lovely/human how we use things to label ourselves. Take cars, for example. I drive a Volvo S40 T5. It's fast, agile, sporty, but still classy and attractive. While I may not use all of those words to describe myself, I feel like my car reflects "me" and the image I want to show the world.

{my bff on our road trip through sequoia (read about it here)}

Unfortunately, my Swedish beauty is in some trouble right now. Not only was she rudely bumped the other day (read about it here), but over the weekend, she decided she needed a new engine. So, now I'm swimming in the murky waters of insurance, appraisers, borrowed cars, and oh so much money.

Luckily, I was able to borrow my sister's car for a few days. Now, she drives a Prius - a car I would probably never buy. It's just not sexy! It's not fast, it's not completely unattractive, but it's a little funny-looking. But also, I'm not a "Prius driver." I don't see myself that way. When I was driving her caer, I felt like an imposter. I felt like everyone was looking at me and thinking, "She must care about the environment. She obviously goes to Burning Man. She might not even shave her armpits." And, yes, I know this is crazy. But of course, we all judge people on first impressions and I *might* have been projecting my first impressions onto others.

Last night, I had to give my sister her car back, so I borrowed my friend's car - a bright yellow Ford Escape. Driving that bad boy aroound, I could hear the whispers, "She must like snowboarding. She's obviously active. I bet she surfs." I feel like I need to explain everytime I make eye contact with another driver - "Hello, yes, this isn't my car actually. I just have to drive it for a while. I normally drive a Volvo. But, not the mom kind! The cool kind, the fast kind, the successful 20-something kind."

And it's at about that point that I realize I've lost my grip on reality. I am not my car. I am a person. My car is lovely. And sexy, and fast, and beautiful and --. You get it. But it's not who I am.

But maybe it's who I want to be. Everybody uses their clothes, hair, jewelry, makeup, and things to portray an aimage of who they want the world to perceive them as. Even people who say they're "not into that" are consciously putting out that image. "I'm too smart to brush my hair or put on makeup." By the way, that was me for many years. But I WANTED people to notice my brain, not my hair, because I thought it meant we were shallow. What it really meant was that they probably didn't give my brain a thought because I looked like a homeless person.  

$7 For A 2 Year Subscription to Better Homes And Gardens!!

The Foundary has an awesome deal today for you magazine lovers!

Only $7 for a 2 year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens!

$7!

BHG is chock full of decorating, gardening, cooking, even craft ideas!

At this price, you can get one for your mom, your bff, your kid's teacher, even your mother-in-law!

This sale ends on 8/13, so act quick!

Sign up here!

An Unexpected Event :(

After a very nice dinner last night, my car was hit by a very nice man, and now I have a very nice dent. :(

I foresee a day of calling insurance companies...

{my sad car}

Sneak Peek: My Sister's Wedding

Here are a few scenes from my sister's wedding! The photographer's pictures aren't available yet, so these are taken from one of the guest's Instagram feeds. :)

She looked so lovely, didn't she?

All photos are by Elizabeth Woods.

What I Wore

I recently discovered J's Everyday Fashion via Pinterest and I am obsessed. Not only have I revamped my closet in the past 3 weeks, but I've repurposed so many things I already had. J takes inspiration photos - from magazines, catalogs, pinterest, anywhere - and recreates them using items she already has and incorporating her personal style. She also writes about how to budget for clothes, how to make the most of your money, and she always gives you a few places to find items like what she's wearing.

I've always been a super comfy/casual dresser, not worrying about coordinating colors or prints, and sometimes I've basically ignored the condition or even the fit of my clothes. Well, that's changing a bit. Now, I'm paying more attention to accessories, shoes, and what looks good on me. I still can't be bothered to do my hair/makeup most days, but it's a start!

Here are two of my recent outfits utilizing some tips I've picked up from J's Everyday Fashion (and some new clothes!).

{i wore this outfit to amy's house for a game night and i thought it was so cute! elle jeans from kohl's,  ikat top from kohl's, lauren conrad boyfriend blazer from kohl's, turquoise and lavender reptile print flats from Bamboo, bag by michael kors, necklace from cost plus}

This was a really nice outfit for a casual night with friends, but with a step up. I *might* have been hoping a special someone would stop by. :)

{this is what i wore last friday to work. this is WAY dressed up for my office, since it's just my dad and i - in my parents' house. but after work, we went to a screening of Celeste and Jesse Forever where Rashida Jones was there (!!!), so i had to look awesome. the dress is from Old Navy - i love the heart print, the tie, and the ruffled sweetheart neckline! the cardigan is from Ann Taylor Loft - i was sucked in by the sale price (cheaper in store) and the awesome bright yellow hue. the shoes are simple white flats from Payless (predictions brand).}

{here's more of a close-up so you can see the print on the dress. i'm sorry my camera phone isn't super clear!}

I am really loving this black + white + yellow outfit, the cardigan is such a fun pop to a basic color scheme.

I Belong With You, You Belong With Me

{i am absolutely in love with this song and this band. they are rising stars with a new tour coming up (check it out here) and a really lovely throwback sound.

take a listen, you'll love them, too!}

Happy Wedding Day To My Little Sis!

At this very moment, my little sister is getting married.

Mind. Blown.

Many, many pictures to come! :)

{that, of course, is her beautiful dress, hanging in her now empty closet in her now empty room at my parents' house}

Painting Party With Wine And Canvas!

Last week, my girlfriends and I went to a Wine and Canvas event - I know, sounds good already, right? :) We met at a local restuarant (in our case, Tony Roma's) and were given a step-by-step painting lesson! There was a special happy hour menu available for us to order from - we noshed on delicious garlic bread, bbq bites, and of course, wine!

 {the various stages of our creations!}

{here is my finished product on my kitchen table}

It was SO much fun and really re-awakened some creative juices that I thought were long gone. We've even talked about setting up our own classes in one of our homes! We used a Groupon to sign up for our deals, but you can go straight to the Wine and Canvas website - there are locations all around the country!

Love.... Fresh Words Market!

This is the free print available this month from Fresh Words Market, an awesome shop full of inspiring prints, notebooks, and fun paper goods like garlands and mobiles.

I have this awesome print featuring a line from a famous speech by Steve Jobs. I have it in my hallway, so that I see it over and over everyday. I even say it out loud sometimes. :)

Not only do they sell awesome artwork, but every month, they include a free print (like the one above) in their email newsletters. You're welcome to print it out and hang it in your hallway - totally for free!

Fresh Words Market sells great products, but also has a great cause - for every print sold, they donate 10% of proceeds to help women and children around the world. These make great gifts - I know, I've given some! :)

You can check out their pinterest here and their facebook here!