2014 Favorites

Out of all the purchases I made (or gifts I received) throughout the year, this is a list of my favorites from 2014.

Louis Vuitton Purse // This puppy is massive, but I’ve been carrying it daily for 8 months now with no plans to change any time soon. Occasionally I switch to a smaller purse, but for the most part, this is my every day bag.

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Military Jacket // I bought it before traveling to San Francisco and it has definitely become a closet staple. I wore it today and loved the casual, but put together feel of it. I got mine cheap ($40) from Old Navy back in May, but this one is similar.

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Toms Wedge Booties // Another purchase right before traveling to San Francisco and another closet staple. I have a few different pair of booties, but these are comfortable and go with everything.

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Essential Oils // A no brainer. Seriously, if you haven’t jumped on that EO wagon yet, you definitely should.

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Whitney English Planner // I wrote about why I love this planner here. It’s already on my radar for next year. Thankfully I have the mid-year edition so I don’t need a replacement until July.

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Polka Dot Rain Jacket // It rains in Florida a fair amount. I don’t know why it took me 36 years to purchase a rain parka.

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Kendra Scott Necklace // This was a gift from my SIL & BIL. I love it and wear it as often as I can.

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S’well Bottle // I looked far and wide for an awesome water bottle. I’m not 100% certain this one is the end all be all, but it’s the closest I’ve found and I’m still loving it.

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Vitamix // Um, yeah. I wrote about my love affair with the Vitamix here. I thought my Ninja was awesome at smoothies…until I got a Vitamix. It’s the bomb dot com.

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Stitch Fix // I can’t believe my first fix was almost a year ago. Since January, I’ve gotten 6 boxes of clothing from Stitch Fix. Some good and some not so good, but I definitely had fun getting them.

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I’m not sure if I wanna know how many not-so-good purchases I had throughout the year, but I’ve had some really awesome ones this year.

Edited to add…I can’t believe I forgot about these pretties I bought while in SF. Definitely staples in my jewelry collection!

What are some of your personal favorites from the year?

#MicroblogMondays // 03

Merry Christmas from Freckled LatteYes, my Christmas wishes are a little late, but I hope everyone had a great holiday! Ours was filled with love, laughter, good food and lots of family time. I’ll be back tomorrow sharing some of my favorite purchases from 2014.

Slug Day

I have been desperately seeking a super slacker day since the kids got out for Christmas break.

You know.

The kind of day where you eat junk, sleep, watch tv, do nothing you’re supposed to do.

Just be a total slacker.

Today is that day.

Not completely, but for all intents and purposes, I’m calling it my slug day.

I’ve been sick for the past few days, but today I’m feeling almost well. There is nothing that HAS to get done today.

I actually slept most of the night. Which is a stark contrast to the last two nights where I tossed and turned all night and was constantly grabbing tissues to shove up my nose.

I woke up, surfed online, Hayden woke up, we watched The Polar Express (Caitlin woke up sometime in the middle of this), I napped, we ate lunch, watched an episode of Merlin, the kids went to chill by themselves upstairs while I surfed some more and watched my dvr’d reality tv.

It’s been a good day so far.

I still got dressed and am doing a few chores around the house, but it’s still been a pretty slack day.

The hubs called around lunch time and asked why I didn’t answer his phone call a couple hours earlier.

Uh…I was napping.

Totally busted. 😛

Now I’m about to grab a Starbucks and settle in to watch one of my favorite holiday movies…

ELF!

Three days before Christmas probably isn’t the best time to take a slacker day, but I’m doing it anyway.

Besides, there’s far too much stress this time of year. I needed a little down time.

Not recovering from a sickness downtime.

Not recovering from a teen sleepover downtime.

Just downtime because I don’t want to do anything and I want to actually enjoy not doing it!

Tomorrow craziness will commence.

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The 13th Gift // Book Review

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Yay! I finished my Christmas book before Christmas!

The 13th Gift is the true story of how 12 anonymous gifts help a family through a difficult time. The author, Joanne Huist Smith, has been walking around in a fog of grief and sadness, barely parenting her 3 children, since the unexpected loss of her husband. When the first of the gifts arrives on her doorstep, she’s not too happy about it. In fact she’s pretty annoyed. However, over the course of 12 days (12 gifts), this family not only survives their first Christmas without the patriarch of the family, but they start to heal.

I loved this story! It was like reading Chicken Soup for the Soul, but better. It had heartbreak and sadness, but also some really great feel good moments. You could feel the author’s grief and struggle and then you felt when it shifted, and the fog started to lift. Overall it’s a sweet story that made you think about the real meaning of Christmas. It’s not about getting the best toy or latest electronic gadget, it’s about being kind to one another and reaching out when you see someone in need.

If you want to read an uplifting story this season, definitely check out The 13th Gift. You won’t regret it.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. All views in this post are my honest, unbiased opinions.

Stitch Fix Delivery // 06

stitchfixheaderAfter my last fix, I didn’t have super high expectations, but since I still had a little credit on my account, I went ahead and scheduled my 6th fix, hoping to get lucky right before Christmas.

Well, my friends, for the first time in my Stitch Fix history…I kept every.single.piece!!!

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I was a tad fickle during my decision process. I’m aware that there are times I’m not necessarily in the mood to try clothes on at the mall and usually when I go despite my mood, I don’t usually have much luck finding anything. But I always thought it was just coincidence that nothing looked good. Turns out that it might have been more than just coincidence. Apparently your mood is VERY important when trying on clothes. At least it is for me.

I got my fix last Friday and of course, opened it immediately! I was super excited to see all the colors and prints. They were all right up my alley…navy, mint, grey, blue, black, mustard! Colors I’m always drawn to when I’m out shopping. My stylist, Raina, definitely hit it out of the park this time!

DSCF4136-Edit-EditI was busy when the box came so I wasn’t able to try anything on right away. Later that night though, despite the fact that I was tired, had dirty hair, no make-up and wasn’t really in the mood to play dress up, I couldn’t handle waiting any longer so I dragged myself to the bedroom to quickly try on all my new clothes.

I hated everything! Good colors and prints, but I just wasn’t loving any of it. I declared the box a bust, changed into my pj’s, put the clothes back in their box and didn’t think about them again until Sunday.

On Sunday I pulled all the pieces out to take photos for the blog. With my hair and make-up now done and in a better mood, it was like trying everything on for the first time. It was the craziest thing. Suddenly everything looked 10 times better than before!

Enough with the back story though, let’s move on to what you came here to see. Since I ruined the suspense and already told you I kept all the pieces, I thought it’d be fun to put my thoughts during both times I tried them on. You can see how different my head space was on most of them.

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Bixby Dot Print 3/4 Tab Sleeve Blouse (Pixley), $48

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(actual color is closer to the photo on right)

1st try-on: Ugh! This had such potential! I love the colors and print, but it’s just lifeless. It’s got no shape and it doesn’t flatter me at all.

2nd try-on: Is this the same shirt as before? I love it! It looks super cute with these jeans & boots! There are some pieces you try on and think, “I’m not leaving without this!” This is one of those items!  

When I was unboxing my fix, this blouse was the first piece to catch my eye. It’s navy with mint and if that wasn’t enough to make me giddy…it has polka dots!! I thought the price was great too! Very competitive.

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Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan (Market and Spruce), $68

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1st try-on: Eh, it’s just okay. It’s kinda bulky in the midsection and a little fitted in the arms. I like it, but I’m not sure I’d pay $68 for it.

2nd try-on: Look how cute this looks with a white tank. I can’t wear a loose top under it, but who cares! It’s so comfy! I can wear it and look nice and put together, but I can also wear it to just lounge in! 

This zipper cardigan is pretty much perfection. It’s grey (my favorite neutral), it’s got a little edge to it by being asymmetrical, and it’s super comfortable! I’ve already worn it twice this week!

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Jax Sleeveless Lace Jacquard V-Neck Dress (Uttam), $128

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1st try-on: Okay, this is a solid maybe. It fits great so that’s a plus. It’s a little more conservative than I usually go and it’s $128, a little more than I wanted to spend. But, we have that holiday work dinner thingy and I think the hubs would think this dress was awesome. I’ll ask him what he thinks about it.

2nd try-on: Hmmm, I feel pretty in this now. Maybe black Louboutins and a sparkly necklace were all that it needed to feel a little more “me”.

I requested a holiday party dress and Raina delivered it in spades with this pretty little number. I love the colors and print! The style is a teensy bit more conservative than I usually go, but my husband loved it and once I dressed it up, so did I! Plus with my hubs’ company dinner party coming up…it will be perfect for the occasion! It was a little on the pricey side, but the material has a nice feel to it and when you factor in the convenience of saving me a trip to the mall during the holiday season, I’d say it is worth every penny.

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Shasta Striped Knit Infinity Scarf (Look by M), $34

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1st try-on: Love that it’s an infinity scarf, but not digging the colors. 

2nd try-on: Maybe I should wear more colors like this. It probably looks good with my hair. It’s warm and cute!

An infinity scarf  is always a good idea, but I’m more of a black/grey girl instead of brown tones. Since I was keeping the other 3 pieces though, it wasn’t in my best interest to send it back. I’ve already decided that it will make a great Christmas present for someone on my list!

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Hanlee Airy Knit Raglan Sweater (Under Skies), 38

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1st try-on: Love the color, but ughhhhhh, why’s it gotta be short?! And it’s not a close knit so even if it were long enough, I’d have to wear something under it anyway. Bleh.

2nd try-on: Okay, I still don’t love it, but it might grow on me. It doesn’t look as bad as I remember it.

Great color and great price, but this is the piece that I like the least from my fix. It’s not bad, but it’s a little short for my taste. However, it was basically free when you factor in the 25% discount you receive for buying all 5 pieces in your fix! Plus, now that I’m looking back at the photo, I think I might like it a little more.

What do ya’ll think? Yay or nay?

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The end!

Am I the only one whose mood affects their decision making this much? I wasn’t in a bad mood really, just not in the mood to try on clothes. Yet another perk of using Stitch Fix! You don’t have to decide yes or no in the small amount of time that you’re in the dressing room. You can’t let the pieces simmer, try them on multiple times and pair them with shoes and accessories to see how it all looks together.

I don’t work for Stitch Fix or get compensated in any way for these reviews. I like reading about other bloggers Stitch Fix experiences and I wanted to possibly be a help to others by blogging about my own.  If you enjoy my reviews and you want to try Stitch Fix out for yourself, please consider using this link to sign up.  It doesn’t cost you anything, but I get a $25 referral credit towards my next box.  🙂

If you haven’t seen my previous reviews, you can check them out here…#1, #2, #3, #4, #5

And, in case you don’t know how Stitch Fix works, here’s the lowdown…

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  1. Sign up and fill out your online profile/questionnaire (be as honest and detailed as possible)
  2. Schedule your Fix ($20)
  3. Wait (impatiently) for your personal style selections to arrive
  4. Play dress up in the privacy of your own home
  5. Decide what you want to keep/send back (if you purchase all 5 pieces, you get a 25% discount!)
  6. Check out online! (your $20 Fix fee gets applied to anything you purchase, but you forfeit the fee if you choose not to purchase anything)
  7. Mail back your unwanted items in the included prepaid shipping bag within 3 business days

Feel free to comment with a link to your latest Fix!  I love to read and see what others are getting!  If you haven’t tried it yet…what are you waiting for?!  🙂

Disclaimer: this post includes referral links. By clicking them you help me out on my next fix, but it costs you nothing in return. 

Is it Thursday, yet?

I’m skipping #MicroblogMonday today because I have to tell ya’ll about my latest obsession…

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This Thursday, is the final episode of the highly addictive podcast, Serial!

I’ve apparently been living under a rock because I only found out about this podcast a few weeks ago. In case you have been living under a rock too, here some of the basics…

  • 15 yrs ago, Hae Min Lee, 18, went missing
  • She was found in a local park a few weeks later
  • Her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was sentenced to life in prison for her death
  • Rabia Chaudry, a family friend, brought the case to journalist, Sarah Koenig
  • Over the course of 12 episodes, Sarah Koenig, re-examines key aspects of Adnan’s case as all of America hangs on every word

I’ve never listened to a book on tape and I’ve only half listened to one or two podcasts so I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or not, but I was officially hooked from episode one. It’s CSI, Law and Order, America’s Most Wanted and True Detective all rolled into one.

“But, Katie, why are you just now telling me about this amazing podcast when the series is almost over?!”

Don’t you worry your pretty little head. You have plenty of time to catch up before the finale because once you start listening, you’ll want to binge listen to all the episodes! You can listen while you’re driving in the car, getting ready for work, on your lunch break, etc. You’ll be caught up in no time!

Here are a few links if you want to get a little info on the story before diving into the podcast.

Quick overview

Images bring Serial to life

Fastest podcast to reach 5 million downloads in iTunes history!

So, have you been living under a rock too or are you listening to Serial already?

Getting in the Christmas spirit

Hubby is out for the night, a pot of chili is simmering on the stove, Christmas jams are filling the air and the littles are working on making the tree pretty.

Over the years, I’ve released my death grip on decorating the tree to perfection. I must say that I’m not sure why I held on so tight. It’s much more relaxing to sit back and let the kids decorate the tree. And, the older they get, the better they get at decorating. The first year tested my OCD tendencies, but this year they are doing a bang up job! They enjoy doing it, they’re usually sweet to each other while doing it and I can relax and enjoy the night.

Between finally getting the tree up, buying a few presents and reading my Blogging for Books holiday book, I’m slooowly getting in the spirit of the season.

Hopefully I’ll get more of my shopping done this weekend and feel a little less overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done.

How’s everyone doing on their shopping? Are you an early bird or a procrastinator like me?

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The Good and Bad

The Good // I am almost recovered from my race on Sunday. I’ve been sore from exercise enough times to know that the 24-48hr time frame is when it hits me the worst and Monday night, like clockwork, I thought I might die. But, as usual, I woke up Tuesday morning and was on the upswing. Tuesday was better than Monday and today, better than yesterday! My toenails are still hurting though and that’s a little annoying. They aren’t black or blue though so hopefully they won’t fall off. 😛

The Bad // I’ve been so focused on Thanksgiving and then my race that I had a little mini heart attack when I realized that I only have 14 shopping days left! Holy what?! 2 weeks people…2 weeks! I think I’m turning into a bit of a scrooge. I wish I could just skip to January 2nd. I like celebrating Christmas and I love to spend time with family, but it all gets to be a little overwhelming. If I had bottomless bank account and a personal assistant, that would make it so much more enjoyable!

Bear with me a sec while I daydream about how awesome it would be to have an assistant to help with the holidays…

…My house would look like a magazine shoot because I would show her a bazillion decorating ideas from Pinterest and have her go to town making it festive!

…I might actually have lights up on the outside of the house too. Not too many, but a tasteful amount.

…I’d give her my list of people to buy for, tell her what to buy, and then she would do all the running around.

…I’d have her make these cute little DIY gifts for teachers (from Pinterest of course!).

…She’d clean my house so when we had company, I could enjoy having people over instead of being stressed from getting ready for the party.

*sigh* Doesn’t that sound heavenly?!

Who am I kidding. I’m a control freak. I probably wouldn’t be able to hand over the reigns for most of that stuff. 😛

The Good //tonight we’re finally going to get our tree put up!! Better late than never!

The Bad // our naughty little elf, Manny, has still not made his arrival. Maybe tonight is the night!

The Good // I got my new BloggingForBooks book today! It’s a holiday book and it’s perfect timing since I just finished my current book.

The Bad // it’s eggnog season and I cannot control myself! Let’s not even talk about the fact that I bought some of my favorite bottled iced coffee and found out that it is delicious with eggnog added to it!

The Good // There is only one more school event for the kids before Christmas break!

The Bad // There are only 6 more days of school left before Christmas break. This is a good and bad thing really. Only 6 more days of packing lunches and getting up early to drive across town, but also only 6 more days where I don’t have to actively hide from the kids if I’m doing something Christmas related!

The Good // I’ve been crossing off to-do list items like mad!

The Bad // I still have a laundry list of to-do items left.

Care to share any Good/Bad’s from your week? Are you a holiday lover? If not, could you be if you had an assistant?

I saw this video today and it made me rethink my Scrooge-ish attitude. I’ve been pretty emotional lately so maybe it’s just me, but I leaked a few tears while watching.

#MicroblogMondays // 02

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I survived my first half marathon!!

Not gonna lie…it was ROUGH. I was doing okay until about mile 9 and then I hit my wall. The temperature was dropping, the wind was brutal and my leg muscles were tightening by the minute, but thanks to a new friend, I made it all 13.1 miles! We both wanted to cry when we crossed the finish line, but we held it together. I couldn’t have done it without my accidental running partner and I’m so thankful that fate intervened.

Before the race, I thought, “I just want to get this over with. I’m never signing up for anything longer than a 5k ever again!”

Races are addicting though. I’m proud of myself for finishing, but part of me says, “You did great, but you can do better!”

So, now I’m thinking, “Never say never!” 😉

Run Like a Diva

Tomorrow is the day! In 12hrs I’ll be at the starting line of my first half marathon.

(I think I’m gonna throw up)

I haven’t trained.

Like at all.

I’ve done 2-3 mile spurts here and there, but that’s it. And I’m not fast by any stretch of the imagination.

This isn’t me. I don’t run long distances without proper training! When I signed up at the beginning of the year I had a training plan in place, but because it was so far away, I procrastinated. <—— THAT is definitely me.

I thought about just not going. But I don’t want to be a quitter. I’ve quit a lot of things in my life and I know that I’ll be disappointed with myself if I don’t at least try.

I succeeded in sufficiently psyching myself up to run/walk it and while I wasn’t necessarily feeling confident, I felt,  “I can do this! It’s gonna hurt. I’m going to be slow. But I got this.”

Today was packet pick up day. I’ve had butterflies in my stomach for the past 72 hrs knowing that D-day is coming. When I picked up my race bib, two thoughts kept bouncing around in my head like ping pong balls.

1. While checking out the competition (I should mention that I know for a fact that you cannot tell how well someone is going to do in a race by looking at their outward appearance, however, the irrational side of me was ignoring this little detail) I thought, “I think I can keep up with some of these ladies!”

2. While checking out the merchandise and gear at the expo, I started to hyperventilate. “Holy crap. 13.1 miles. That’s not like a 5k, Katie! That’s THIRTEEN POINT FREAKING ONE miles! I can’t do this! What the hell was I thinking?! I’m gonna die tomorrow!”

I’ve been such a hypochondriac and drama queen for the past 24hrs. I’m ready to get this race over with. It’s time to suck it up buttercup! It’s time to go eat my obligatory carb meal and get ready for an early wake up call.

Wish me luck! I’m definitely gonna need it!

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