Destinations

I've never been much of a traveler, not that I don't like to travel, just that my family never goes anywhere exotic. We go on lots of super fun vacations, but they are usually pretty common like Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Georgia, etc. Don't get me wrong I love going on these types of vacations because all you get to do is relax. Those are my favorite types of vacations because you just lounge by the pool, sip a daiquiri and get some sun. Yet, there are a few more exotic destinations that if I weren't to go on one of our classic family trips that I would choose to go on. Here are my top choices. 

TURKS & CAICOS

After loving the Essie nail polish Turquoise & Caicos why wouldn't one want to go to Turks & Caicos? Honestly, just from the picture above you can see the pure beauty of the islands! It looks absolutely beautiful and I think that this would be such a perfect destination to just relax and soak up the sun!

PARIS

Honestly who doesn't want to go to Paris? I think it's just that Blair & Serena went to Paris all the time that makes me want to go there. I don't speak French, but I think it's such a beautiful language. And Paris--please, I love French style food. It's all so classy and pretty. And who doesn't love baguettes! Bread is basically my life. And I know that Paris is a pretty stereotypical place to love and want to visit, but who can resist? And I'm a common white girl so you know.

SANTORINI

After seeing Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants II, I always knew that Greece would be an amazing destination. Just look at that water? I love all the sleek white and colorful buildings with the amazing blue sea as a background. I think that it would be an amazing cultural experience as well as enjoying the weather and amazing views!

QUEENSLAND

Have I told you I'm a mermaid? Well, I am so obviously Australia is my native home {H2O: Just Add Water anyone?}. I love the whole ambiance of Australia and I think that it's such a diverse country/continent {it's both--I think...}. What I mean by this is that there are so many different parts of Australia. Sydney has more of the city life and Queensland can be coastal or outback. Plus, Australia has two of my favorite animals; koalas and kangaroos! They both start with K, ha. 

NEW YORK CITY

I know this isn't quite as exotic as the other destinations, but honestly NYC is on my bucket list. I feel like everyone's been to New York, but not me, at least not yet! I think that it is just a fun big city to go explore and also they happen to have one of my favorite stores...Brandy Melville! And obviously some of the best shopping ever. We may or may not be going to NYC for spring break, but knowing my dad he'll find some random fun tropical place to go at the last minute. 

What are your dream destinations?

XOXO, Kate

Trendy Looks

With the whole hipster fad... should I even say fad because it seems like it is here to stay? Don't you think? I've been seeing so many interesting {to be put nicely} looks, but there are still some looks that I actually like. The whole trend has totally grown on me because about a year ago I wouldn't be caught dead in high waisted shorts and now I can't wait for summer so I can buy like fifty pairs. Anyways, there are some looks {especially Brandy Melville style} that are more hipster, but I actually like and I would actually wear GASP! These are my all time favorites and is it strange to say that I may or may not be trying to make these type of things my new style. And I wouldn't say this is hipster, I'd just say it's more surfer trendy. Ha ha, but I belong on California so whatever they're wearing there, I gotta have it. 

This look is probably one of my favorites. Distressed LA shirt tied to the side with high waisted shorts--obsessed!

I actually own all of the things worn in this outfit. I have that skirt and bandeau from Brandy Melville and of course the white converse--I'm pretty sure everyone in the world owns white converse these days.

My idols Cait and Shannon Barker. Their style is amazing with graphic tees and high waisted shorts. Love it!

Obsessed with the light pink dotted dress and bandeau underneath. The polka dotted shorts and white tank are perf too!

I want a pair of shorts with those little pom poms so badly! I love these beachy whites.

XOXO, Kate

Challenge Yourself

Everyone pretty much lives off of the mantra, new year, new me. I'm trying to stick to this saying and really give myself a little makeover. Starting on Tuesday {when I go back to school} I'm getting into a fitness routine and I'm determined to stick to it. Over winter break it's been super hard being fit and eating healthy, but I'm set on changing my ways once school starts again. I'm starting myself off with a small challenge and hopefully working my way up to bigger challenges and then an entirely healthy lifestyle. Starting Tuesday and lasting for 24 days, until the end of the month, and I'm on a strictly healthy diet. I wouldn't call it "dieting" because I'm not restricting what I eat, but I'm just trying to eat healthy. The rules of my new healthy lifestyle include ::

-drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day {and always bringing a water bottle to school}

-no junk food - this means cookies, cakes, candy, soda, etc.

-working out 6 days a week {I have practice every day and this counts as a workout, so the only other day is Saturday and I can just hit up the gym for some yoga (stress relief) or do a workout class}

-doing this workout routine before every shower--such a simple way to make a big difference in your health

-adding tons more fruits & veggies into my diet to keep my energy and health up

-skipping the fast food whenever possible {obviously sometimes this is a little unrealistic, but avoiding fast food (even Panera and Noodles & Company) is so beneficial to your health and it saves you a ton of money}

I think the main reason I'm a little nervous for this new health crave I'm on is that I'm not going to have enough to eat. My house isn't filled with a ton of super unhealthy foods, but then again it's not stocked full of super healthy foods either. I'm definitely going to see if my mom will let me do a little grocery shopping and find some healthy things to have in the house so that my new "diet" has me fueled on the right food.

A few ideas of foods are included in these videos and pins.

One of my favorite healthy eating YouTubers is BreeLovesBeauty. She is such a great inspiration and she gives so many great ideas for healthy meals and snacks! Definitely check out her channel right here! I posted the two videos that I recently watched of her that have fully inspired me to start living a healthy life.

I hope that this post has inspired you to try living a healthy life with me! Wish me luck and I'll definitely keep you updated!

XOXO, Kate

Summertime Sadness

After Christmas I feel like there's a big lull in the wintertime. I don't think anyone wants the cold after the Christmas season is over, right? I'm pretty much done with the cold weather {awkward because we just had an enormous snow storm} and I want spring/summer. The main benefits of spring are of course warmer weather and my personal favorite, spring clothes! Spring has the best clothes of the season {at least to me} and I love all of the pastel and fun colors and just finally starting to wear shorts and tanks again! Also, I have a very big hatred for layers and boots so I pretty much belong in California where it's always mild temperatures. But...in the spirit of summer I've already started mapping out some of my summer plans. Is that strange? I'm just so excited for May to arrive {my favorite month} and finally be free from school for three months. I wanted to share with you a little inspiration that I've been lusting over to power me through these tough winter months. 

XOXO, Kate

Preppy Girl Tag

I stumbled upon this tag on YouTube and I was just like, "what?". I honestly didn't think anything like it existed, but I was proved wrong. So, I figured why not just answer the tag questions! I wouldn't say I'm the 'preppiest' of people because I guarantee there are a lot more people that are preppy to the max, but I would consider a lot of my style to be preppy.

So, let's just get into the questions.

What's your definition of preppy? | I don't think there is really a set definition for preppy, but I would say that it is mainly very clean, basic and bright. It's sort of hard to describe, but preppy is just wearing things like polos, oxfords, sperrys, hunters, vineyard vines, ralph lauren, lilly pulitzer, etc. It's difficult to fully create a definition for preppy, but it seems to be somewhere along those lines.

What's your all time favorite brand? | I definitely love Vineyard Vines because I always love everything they have at that store. If only I had a credit card with an infinite amount of money on it. Okay, I know this is not preppy, but I do love Brandy Melville too. These are really just stores though #awks. But if we're talking stores I heart J.Crew as well. Everything there is perfect. 

What is your favorite Lilly print? | I love You Gotta Regatta. That is my phone case and I just think that it is so nautical and perfect. And I adore Lets Cha Cha. 

Favorite preppy YouTuber? | I just recently found GlamourKate08 and I think she's fabulous. She's super preppy and I just love her style.

Jack Rogers or Sperrys? | Sperrys all the way! I basically wear Sperrys every day of my life, but I think I need a new pair or two. In Summer, Sperrys are legit all I wear--even in Winter.

Jeans or Khakis? | Jeans--I really don't like either, but I'd say jeans over khakis.

Duck Boots, Riding Boots or Hunters? | I love the look of riding boots, but I love the function of Hunters. Can I choose both?

Navy or Black? | Navy! I love navy anything and everything and I think that it is such a better neutral than just boring old black. I do love black too. #superclassy

On a scale of 1-10 how much do you love J.Crew? | 11! I love J.Crew so much because it is just a perfect store. 

Favorite Ralph Lauren clothing item? | I actually don't own anything from Ralph Lauren, but honestly I don't love their stuff that much. Awks.

Pearls or bows? | Pearls! I sort of already went through a "bow phase" when I was obsessed with bows, but now I sort of hate them. But I love pearls!

I want to see you guys do this tag! I'm going to tag just a few people and hopefully some of them will do this tag as well!

Adalia -- Sequins & Florals

Caroline -- Citrus & Style

Caroline -- VA is for Lilly Lovers

Frannie -- The Blonde Prep

Hunter -- Prep on a Budget

Majda -- Classy State of Mind

Constance -- Prep Northwest

XOXO, Kate

Happy Weekend + Links

Happy 2014, by the way!

I haven't done one of these type of posts in a while, so why not now! I spent New Years and up until today at my cousins house and I just got back. Also, I left my camera at my aunt's house on Christmas, so I have not shot any outfit posts yet. I'm thinking this weekend I will though! Even though it's freezing out! Anyways, hope y'all have an amazing weekend! I go back to school on Tuesday so I'm hoping to relax and just hang with friends for these last few days of break. 

-I've been eating pretty unhealthy and I'm looking to try some of these detox smoothies

-With my new license I'm thinking a shiny new wallet would be a great investment! I'm loving this Michael Kors one in navy

-Gap is having a huge sale {they always are} and I just picked up a few items for such great deals so make sure to hit up your local Gap or shop online

-I'm officially obsessed with this desk!

-Loving this hair tutorial for messy curls--they look so effortless and seem so bouncy

-Sneak peek at a post I'm working on about my newest favorite YouTuber Fully Raw Kristina

XOXO, Kate

Cheers to a New Year

Happy New Years! This year has literally flown by! I feel like I was just celebrating New Years last year, and I feel like this entire year has been way too quick! That doesn't mean this hasn't been a great year? I thought I'd take the time to reflect on what a great year 2013 has been and how fortunate I am to lead such an amazing life. 

Highlights of the Year

California :: Going to California in March was most definitely my favorite trip of all time. It was amazing and I enjoyed every second of it. California is easily my favorite place in the world and I was so grateful that my parents took me there as an early sixteenth birthday gift. 

Badminton :: It seems like badminton season was so long ago, but honestly it was this year. Like what? I had such an amazing time being on the freshman badminton team. Truthfully, it was nothing but fun. And I was so lucky to have my best friend for a doubles partner! The picture shows Paige and I upset, but the season was a lot better than it shows in the pic. We played second doubles at conference {although we should have played first...} and we didn't do very well, so we were pretty mad.

Kristen's Prom + Graduation :: My sister is a freshman in college now, but in the spring she was a senior in high school so there were some events that spring. Prom--which obviously I didn't go to, but I spent that night making amazing enchiladas with Paige and my cousin, but I'm sure Kristen had a great time at Prom. And her graduation which was a huge event in her life and then obviously pursuing to go to college in the fall.

Dance Camp :: My team and I went to a UDA dance camp over the summer and it was such an amazing experience. It was extremely hard. The dances were super fast, we had to learn them quickly and there was a lot of difficult technique involved, but it was so worth it. Tryouts for drill team the following fall were so easy for me {freshman tryouts were hell} and I managed to make varsity! I didn't take a lot of pictures while I was actually at dance camp, but the picture featured is of my friend Kayla and I on the bus to go!

Badminton Camp :: I was fortunate enough to go to another summer camp; badminton camp! Badminton camp was literally the best camp I've ever been to! This was my fifth time going to an away camp and was the only one that I really had fun at while I was there. Don't get me wrong, I love camp, but dance camp was nothing but work. And the camps I went to when I was younger were fun, I just didn't realize that until I got home from camp. Badminton camp I had such an amazing time and I made a ton of friends and all of the coaches treated everyone like family. Plus, I learned a lot!

Lake Elkhart :: For a family vacation my whole mom's side of the fam headed to Lake Elkhart for a trip. It was initially supposed to honor my grandparent's fiftieth wedding anniversary, but my grandpa died in April. That was another huge thing that happened in 2013, but I didn't think it really went along with the "highlights" topic. My grandpa was such an amazing man--but he died in a peaceful way though and we all miss him so much.

Nautical Events :: One of my favorite things this year was going to the Chicago Yacht Club for a Bar Mitzvah. Literally the best thing ever. Even though I was with a bunch of eighth graders {including my brother--he wasn't too happy I was invited} I had such a blast. Plus, I'm always looking for an excuse to get all dressed up.

Varsity Drill Team :: I was lucky enough to have made varsity drill team this year--even just as a sophomore. Being on varsity is so much better than JV and I absolutely love the team this year. All of the girls on drill are such amazing friends and they support me through anything. I love the entire team and it's been such a blast this entire year.

Sweet Sixteen :: Turning 16 is a big event in anyone's life. I had already celebrated in LA with my parents in March, but as a little celebration they took me and three friends to dinner at Grand Lux--so yummy. It was such a fun night and just a cute little way to celebrate.

Homecoming :: Homecoming this year was so much better than freshman year. Freshman year was just awkward and they played bad music, but I had a blast this year at homecoming. And the pictures were super fun beforehand. Us girls are always ready for a photo.

Vineyard Vines Event :: I'd be lying if I didn't say that I loved going to the Vineyard Vines Event. It was so much fun meeting Shep & Ian and even just going shopping at that store is super fun. I managed to buy a t-shirt from there that I'm already wearing to death. The whole thing was so fun and classy and I just felt really cool to be there, ha ha.

Clearly, life is pretty crazy, but worth every minute. This year has been amazing and all I can hope is to make 2014 even better! I don't even know what's to come in the new year, but I'm excited for it all!

I also wanted to thank all of you readers for supporting this blog {and my previous one}. I'm so lucky to have such loyal readers and I love all of the feedback that I receive on this blog. I love each and everyone of you for reading my blog and I thank you so much for supporting me.

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

-Oprah Winfrey

XOXO, Kate