SOCIAL MEDIA

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

{Outfit} Monogrammed Crossbody


I was soooo excited when Marley Lilly sent me this adorable monogrammed cross body bag. Is it not the cutest thing ever? I'm absolutely obsessed! If you haven't heard of Marley Lilly (if you haven't please go to their website right now!) they sell the cutest monogrammed products! You'll absolutely fall in love with every single thing on their site and want it all! This purse is so adorable and I love the fun green hue it's in. It's a great size to hold a lot of things in. I could securely fit my wallet, car keys, and a few extra little things inside. Trust me, I love my navy Rebecca Minkoff mini mac, but this is a great (inexpensive!) alternative to an adorable cross body bag. I tend to never wear cross body bags actually across my body, but I like them just on my one shoulder. I'm also sporting this adorable Marley Lilly statement necklace. I kid you not every time I wear this necklace out I get a ton of compliments and people are always asking me wear it's from! It's definitely a conversation starter! Btw, I'm running out of locations to have outfit shoots. It's pretty ugly here in Chicago because it's cold, but there's no snow! Hopefully within the rest of break I'll have some time to find some prettier places to take pictures!



 Necklace // Clutch // Coat // Sweater (old, similar) // Skirt // Flats

Xo
Friday, December 26, 2014

Blogger Bliss {Gal Meets Glam}



I haven't done a post like this in I don't even know how long! Today I'm featuring one of my absolute favorite bloggers, Julia via Gal Meets Glam. She is, truly, glam. I'm absolutely obsessed with her instagram @juliahengel! Her blog is incredibly fabulous as well (I'm seriously in love with her blog design). 

Her style is incredible and can we please just take a moment to talk about her hair? The color is absolutely gorgeous and I'm obsessed with the waves she wears almost every day! If you're just learning about her blog definitely go explore her site because you will instantly fall in love. 

Xo

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Merry

It's Christmas! I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas Day and enjoy every minute of it. Every Christmas my family sleeps in late, wakes up and opens presents, then enjoys a to die for delicious breakfast. Seriously, it might be my favorite part about Christmas Day! Later on we head over to my relative's house to spend some more time with family. Christmas Eve is definitely a ton of fun, but Christmas Day is definitely more relaxing. I'm looking forward to sitting by the tree (and fireplace) and hopefully watching a few favorite Christmas movies. Sorry, I've been slacking (again) on my blogging, but I'm getting right back into it. And believe me, I've missed it. 

Also, today marks the ending of my #countdown2blogmas collab! I so enjoyed collabing with so many lovely bloggers this Christmas! Be sure to check them all out because they are fabulous!

I wish you all a very merry Christmas from me to you!

Xo
Thursday, December 11, 2014

Surviving Finals

You got this! You can make it through finals :)

Tis the season (of finals!). Final exams are next week for me and you can bet I'm stressing out. To be completely honest, I have thought about pretty much everything except for the actual tests themselves! There's just so much going on that it's hard to even look that far ahead (it's only next week!). Is it just me or do teachers seem to pour on the work at the end of the semester? I'm not sure what their logic is there...but, I do have some tips to help you survive finals! Finals are probably my favorite/least favorite times of the year. For first semester finals means that Christmas is finally here, and second semester means summer! Yet, finals are extremely stressful and often difficult to survive. Here are my best tips, but trust me I'm no expert.

+Prioritize
Luckily some of my classes this year don't have final exams, but just final projects or papers. Because of this I know way ahead of time what is expected for these papers/projects. In the interest of time, I try to get these done before I prepare for my other exams. Then I can opt for the remainder of time to studying for my exams!

+Take productive study breaks
Cramming a bunch of information in all at once is not going to stay fresh in your mind for the test. Be sure to take breaks often enough and have them last around 15-30 minutes. Take a snack break and load up on fruits and veggies to keep you energized. Or workout for a quick study break! Whatever you do, be productive!

+Get enough sleep
I know sleep is pretty much nonexistent during the week of finals, but getting sleep is usually better for you than staying up that extra hour to cram information. You'll be better off taking that hour of sleep to perform better on your test. You can't do well on your exam if you're sleeping!

+Study with others
For some people, studying alone is their go-to. Personally, studying with other people helps me think of other things that I wouldn't have before. It can be tempting to get off topic, so be sure to pick your study group accordingly. 

+Be confident
Don't let your nerves get to you! I'm not the one to have testing anxiety, but I definitely know people that do. If you're really stressed during a test take 3 deep breaths and continue on. It can be difficult to remain sane while taking a test, but if you're confident going into it you can often do better.

Now please...tell me your tips to surviving finals? I need them too ha ha!

Xo
Monday, December 8, 2014

Staying Fit During The Holidays

I find it extremely difficult to stay healthy during the majority of the year, but it's especially difficult to stay fit during the holidays. But, I've compiled a few tips to help stay fit during the holidays! It doesn't have to mean limiting yourself, but just remember these tips during the holidays.

+Everything in moderation
Clearly, there's an abundance of sweets during the holiday season. Just because you want to maintain your health doesn't mean you need to cut out all sweets. Opt for just one cookie instead of three!

+Stay motivated
Working out doesn't have to be a drag. Grab a buddy and get on a system so that you have each other to keep you motivated to work out. Also, if you need a cute new holiday party outfit to motivate you, by all means go for it!

+Stay hydrated
Personally, I love drinking water. But, if it's not your favorite thing, get in the habit of drinking it! If you despise water, drink a light tea instead! Be sure that you're flushing your system and drinking plenty of fluids (this is going to keep your body healthy from illness too!).

+Look for inspiration
Be sure to follow my fitness board on Pinterest for easy inspiration of workouts! Also, check out a few of these youtube videos further discussing how to stay fit during the holidays!
 one // two // three

This is my second post in the #countdown2blogmas collab! Check out all of the other fabulous ladies that have been posting as well!

Marissa :: Jamie :: Carrie :: Alex :: Cathleen

Xo
Friday, December 5, 2014

Holiday Inspiration Board

It's the first weekend in December and I'm sure everyone's trying to decorate their home for the holidays! I've tried to decorate my room to the fullest because I'm especially trying to get into the holiday spirit this year. I've strung the lights, hung the snowflakes and added some candy canes to give my room that extra Christmas vibe. But, I was still looking for more. I came up with the idea of a Christmas inspiration board. I've compiled a few fun images that would look great on a bulletin board, framed and nailed on the wall, or strung from some twine across the wall. The possibilities are endless and these graphics are all super festive!






Happy weekend!
Xo
Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Pom Pom Hat + Styling

I've been seeing pom pom hats everywhere this winter season! And I've easily become obsessed! I own only one pom pom hat, but it's fair isle and just the cutest thing! These hats are so adorable, but they're also super warm and toasty (always a bonus in Chicago)! I've combined a few of my favorites (along with a few other cold weather essentials) and ways to style cold weather accessories.


Cold Weather Accessories

I'm absolutely obsessed with these pom pom hats! And the cozy winter gloves that I featured as well. The cable knit mittens are just too cute!

Check out a few ways to style pom pom hats!


And I'm even more obsessed with how these fabulous ladies styled their pom pom hats! Carly looks absolutely adorable in that santa pom pom hat! So cute!

Xo
Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Gift Guide :: For The Blogger

Here we are at the start of the Christmas season! It's time for the holiday gift guides to begin! I'm doing several this year, but feel free to explore the archives from my old blog including this post with more options for gifts for the blogger. 

As a blogger I know there are many things that I, along with other bloggers would love to receive for Christmas. Is it weird to say there's just an overall style of bloggers? I'm sure any blogger would adore receiving any of these items for Christmas!

For The Blogger

click on the image to be taken to all of the links

Can we just take a minute and discuss how adorable that pillow is? I guarantee any blogger will fall in love with it! I'm obsessed with the brunch money clutch because oh how us bloggers love to do brunch!

As expressed on the jewelry dish, odds and ends are just fun little things. The majority of these things are odds and ends. To be honest, I just love adorable little things (and I'm certain many other bloggers do)! Like this pencil pouch that has one of my favorite quotes "more issues than vogue". How fun and cute it is!

Xo
Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Reinder Cookies

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is bake cookies, but honestly who doesn't love doing that? Making reindeer cookies every year is a tradition for me, and why not include y'all in on the fun! These cookies are seriously too easy and fun to make! They turn out looking so adorable (and a perfect desert to bring to a holiday party) and they taste even better than they look! 

You'll need:

+sugar cookie dough (I use pre-made because I'm lazy, but feel free to make your own recipe)
+holiday m&m's (red and green)
+pretzel twists

1. Follow the directions on your cookies for oven temperature and bake time.

2. Before you put your cookies in the oven place two pretzels on the top of the cookie. Then use 2 green m&m's for eyes and 1 m&m for the red nose.

3. Bake according to directions on cookie packaging.



How cute are these cookies? And they're slightly addictive...

And so #countdown2blogmas officially begins! Stay tuned for more posts!

Xo
Monday, December 1, 2014

Holiday Survival Kit

Oh hey there! I've been MIA for quite some time, but I'm back and I won't be leaving! So, it's officially the holiday season! I'm actually squealing with excitement because Christmastime is always the best time of the year! I've already decorated my room complete with a mini tree and gold snowflakes hanging from the ceiling! And Christmas music is on repeat (I'm totally obsessed with the Kelly Clarkson Christmas album!). 

It's time for holiday shopping and I've got a few gift guides coming your way! Of course I went Black Friday shopping as it is one of my favorite traditions! My cousin and I ended up heading out at 9:30 and not coming home until 5 am (oops!). We scored some pretty great deals including 60% off at J.Crew Factory and 75% off at Sperry! Although I did more personal shopping than Christmas gift shopping...but I've already started thinking about the gifts I will be purchasing for my family and friends this year. Stay tuned for some great gift guides coming soon! 

With all that said, I definitely have a few essentials that are needed to survive the holiday season! I was inspired to write this post by Man Crates! If you haven't already heard of it be sure to check out their site. They will be sure to do you a huge favor in helping you pick out gifts for the men in your life. Each gift has to be opened with a crowbar to reveal the fun goodies inside! If you're anything like me you find it extremely difficult to shop for men and it's Man Crates mission to end the difficulties associated with buying gifts for men! 

Holiday Survival Kit

Who doesn't love a chunky knit sweater for the holiday season? I actually picked up an adorable red one from Costco (LOL) for only $30! I was describing different outfit ideas to my dad to convince him to buy it for me ha ha. A chunky scarf is the perfect addition to any outfit this holiday season! In previous years I never seemed to wear scarves, but this year I've purchased my fair share!

I'm always on the lookout for the perfect seasonal candle and it's officially time to transition out my fall candles to winter ones! Yankee Candle and Slatkin and Co. definitely have the best selection of scents! Also, cozying up with book and lighting a candle is the perfect way to spend a day snowed-in! These super cozy pajamas from J.Crew are adorable and I'm obsessed with the holiday colors!

My bean boots have been my obsession ever since I purchased them in September. I wear them pretty much every chance I get and they are perfect! And I can't even begin to explain how many compliments and questions I get whenever I wear them! These fun plaid socks add the perfect pop of color too!

A few miscellaneous essentials include peppermint bark from Ghiradelli and the Michael Bublé Christmas album! Let's be honest, I only go into Ghiradelli to get free samples #noshame. Their peppermint bark is honestly the best thing to snack on during the holiday season (although not the healthiest option). And can we just discuss how perfect Michael Bublé is? His voice is angelic and his Christmas album has to be my favorite for the holiday season!

PS today starts #countdown2blogmas! I'm collaborating with several other bloggers to share plenty of posts regarding the holiday season! Be sure to stay tuned for our countdown to Christmas collab!

Check out the other ladies I'm collaborating with!

Marissa // Cathleen // Jamie // Carrie // Alex

What are your essentials to survive the holidays?

Xo!
Monday, November 17, 2014

Links I'm Loving

How fun are these donuts? They're reminding me of That's So Raven...haha!

I haven't done one of these types of posts in forever. This weekend wasn't even hectic for me, yet of course I managed to get nothing done. I have some fun things coming soon on the blog though so definitely stay tuned for that! Here are some links that I've been loving recently!

+I just got a package from Marley Lilly in the mail the other day with some fun goodies! Stay tuned for an exciting post with some of their products! If you haven't checked out their website please go right now, especially if you're a lover of monograms!!!

+Started your holiday gift shopping? Pick something special for everyone on your list with the J.Crew Gift Guide! I'm obsessed with pretty much everything and almost my entire Christmas list is from J.Crew...

+Currently everything from J.Crew Factory is 40-60% off and I'm in heaven! I'm seriously loving this adorable llama sweater

+I've been totally stressing about college recently and I loved reading this article from The Undeniable Report about college admissions

+This blog post by Bess is absolutely incredible! Seriously, it's a must read about the gendered world of fashion blogging!

+Feeling a little bit nostalgic I thought it was fun revisiting my two previous blogs Seersucker & Stripes and Preppy Daily. It's actually pretty hilarious what I used to blog about two years ago, why was I so obsessed with talking about Gossip Girl characters haha? If you're bored and want to dig through the archives, feel free!

Xo
Friday, November 14, 2014

Blogger Outfits to Check Out

I'm all for supporting other blogs and I have a continual blogroll that I read daily (see that list on my FAQ page). I love to see how other bloggers style their own outfits with their personal touch. Here are a few of my favorites from this week.

 I am obsessed with how Kate from A Lonestar State of Southern styled her adorable Devon Maryn crop leggings! Seriously too cute! Who says you can't look great while working out?
 Of course Sarah Vickers via Classy Girls Wear Pearls looks absolutely perfect, per usual. I'm actually obsessed with this coat! It's perfect for fall and although it has a pop of red to it, it's still very neutral with the navy color.
 Fran from The Blonde Prep looks fabulous styling a simple flannel shirt. I'll admit I've come to love flannel shirts because they are super comfy, warm and easy to pull together. I love her styling with bean boots and a J.Crew field jacket! So adorable!
Can we please just talk about how adorable Bess from Belles in Bows is? She's seriously too cute! I love that striped vest and I love her styling with a simple long sleeve tee and jeans. And her scenery is too pretty!

What blogger outfits are you loving?

Xo
Thursday, November 13, 2014

Style Feature :: Jane

I've only done one of these "style features" before, but I think they're super fun and add a little diversity to my site. Y'all already know what my style is like, but here's a taste of someone else's style!

Meet Jane! 




Describe your style in 3 words.
Comfortable, diverse, and very meI'm sort of all over the place, and my style definitely reflects that. 

What is your most worn piece of clothing?
To be honest, I have a lot of clothes. Out of all those clothes, however, there is probably about 20% that I actually like and wear. I am a firm believer in denim so my most worn pieces are probably Levi's cut-offs or American Eagle skinny jeans. Classic.

Who are your style icons?
Aside from Serena and Blair, I do not necessarily have any famous "style icons". To be honest, I really admire the style of two of my best friends. The lovely Katelyn, of course, always looks fabulous and like she walked out of a J.Crew catalog. My friend Mary Grace and I have a bit more similar of a style, and I love her daringness and just want to steal everything she wears!

Where are your favorite places to shop?
If I could, I would not only shop at, but live in Anthropologie. I also love/lust over Free People and J.Crew. I am also a huge fan of cute little boutiques and the occasional thrift store adventure. 

When did you discover your personal style?
Oh wow, that is a loaded question. I have always loved clothes and dressing up, as I am sure Katelyn could attest to. I think my lack of one definite style is very me and that, in itself, is my "personal style". 

Do you tend to follow trends or stick to our own ideas of what's trendy?
I would not consider myself a trend-follower nor trendsetter. I am not the hugest fan of fast fashion and I like to think I would stick to my own idea of "trendy," whether or not anyone else agrees.

What is your go-to piece?
My go-to piece would have to be a funny t-shirt. As fashionable as I try to be, I will always be satisfied in a dorky and comfortable t-shirt.

What are your favorite accessories?
Who doesn't love to accessorize? In the summer, you can catch me rocking a super chic wrist tan from the stacks of bracelets my friends and I slaved over making. I also love subtle necklaces or really loud statement necklaces! My all time favorite accessory would have to be the Cape Cod screwball bracelet. So simple and special, I never take mine off!

What's your favorite mantra regarding style?
At the end of the day, it all comes back to the one and only Tim Gunn. Honestly, "make it work." As cheesy as it sounds, I think this little saying is so applicable to life. If something makes you happy, do it, own it! That could not be more true to fashion!

Are you loving Jane's style? I definitely am! And you cannot even argue with the fact that her hair is absolutely perfect! It's so long and pretty!

Xo
Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Kate Spade X Gap Kids

I was exploring the Gap website and stumbled upon the newest collection Kate Spade X Gap Kids. I was instantly obsessed with the collection and it made me wish I was a little kid again so I could wear all of these adorable clothes! I'm seriously obsessed with this gold glitter satchel and how fun it is! And I'm seriously loving that the majority of the collection is pink & navy and printed with bows! Who says these products are just for kids?




Seriously how cute is this collection?

Shop my favorites below!
Xo
Monday, November 10, 2014

{Outift} Leather Pockets

I've been super bad about posting outfits on my blog, but luckily this weekend I managed to do a quick outfit shoot. This sweater is my current obsession. I originally wanted it in the tan, but found it in the gray for such a steal (only $30!). And of course I'm wearing my bean boots because I pretty much wear them every single day. How did I live my life without them before? 





Xo
Friday, November 7, 2014

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspo

Thanksgiving has to be one of my favorite holidays. Although I'm not a fan of the food (gasp!), I absolutely love getting together with my family and having a good time. We always host Thanksgiving and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. Black Friday shopping is a tradition as well and it's so much fun to shop in the late hours of the night. 

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspo

I was thinking about what to wear on Thanksgiving and found a little outfit inspiration.Whether you dress up or dress casually for Thanksgiving these are two different outfit ideas for each style. I'm absolutely obsessed with these these socks paired with these booties (on sale!!!). And can we talk about these plaid loafers? Swoon! I'm obsessed! And there's something so classic about jeans and a cream cable knit sweater for the fall. I hope you found some inspiration for your Thanksgiving outfit!

What will you be wearing for Thanksgiving?

Xo
Thursday, November 6, 2014

Fall Peanut Butter Apple Toast

Eating breakfast is so essential, yet I always tend to skip out on it. It's usually the fact that I wake up at the latest possible time to get ready. I usually wake up around 7 to be ready for my ride at 7:35. This usually doesn't leave me time for breakfast, but now that I'm in love with this breakfast recipe I'm going to wake up a bit earlier so I can eat before I go! This recipe is honestly so simple. I guarantee you have the majority of the ingredients on hand. It's also super quick to save time in the morning! Here's what you'll need for this delicious toast!

+bread (I use 10 grain)
+peanut butter
+honeycrisp apple
+cinnamon
1. Toast your bread and spread the peanut butter on it. I personally like the chunky peanut butter because it adds that extra crunch. 

2. Chop up your apple and distribute onto your toast. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top and you're done!

I can't even stress how easy this breakfast recipe is! And it tastes so good. It's a perfect blend of fall flavors and really healthy too! It will help keep you full too! Let me know if you try it out!

What's your favorite breakfast?

Xo
Monday, November 3, 2014

@ J.Crew

I think we can all agree that J.Crew sets all the trends. They always have the best pieces of the season, although I usually wait until the next year when they all reappear at J.Crew Factory for much cheaper! But, I'm totally loving their current selection at J. Crew. I'm adoring the fun graphic sweatshirt and tee and especially obsessed with the houndstooth scarf! I've seen a few different houndstooth pieces this season at J.Crew and it's honestly so cute! And how fun is this bib necklace? It is so pretty and I love the ribbon tie!
@ J.Crew

Vest // Scarf // Sweatshirt // Tee // Jean Jacket // Necklace

What are you loving at J.Crew?

Xo
Thursday, October 30, 2014

How I Edit My Instagram Photos

To be completely honest I'm horrible at instagramming (is that a word haha)! I always struggle to take the perfect instagram photo and edit it to perfection. At times though, I'm proud of my posts. My cousin the other day was asking me how I edit my instagram photos because she said they look so nice! These are my tips to editing an instagram photos. I'd love to give you tips on preparing the actual shot but to be totally honest I'm so bad at that! Anyways, here's how I edit my instagram photos! Be sure to follow along on instagram @sprinklesofkate!

The Apps
I use two key apps to edit my instagram photos. My first favorite app is Snapseed! This is honestly the best app for editing dark photos because it lets you brighten them super easily. I also like to crop my photos in this feature. Another favorite app is the classic Vscocam. The F2 filter is a top pick of mine.

The Shot
Shooting an instagram can sometimes be stressful because it's difficult to get the perfect shot. Shoot in square mode because it prevents you from having to crop things out later. Try to make things look as pretty as possible and have natural lighting!

Here's a little before and after of some pictures. Look at what a difference brightening the photo made!

Before                                                  After




How do you edit your instagram photos? I'd love any advice!

Xo

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Blogger Bliss {Classy Girls Wear Pearls}

If you're not already obsessed with Sarah Vickers just take one look and you will be. Her style is so classic and actually to die for--can I raid her closet? Not to mention her adorable fiancee Kiel James Patrick who is just about the coolest person ever! Aside from her gorgeous collection of clothes her and Kiel's overall lifestyle makes me the most jealous. They seem to tour the east coast and travel to beautiful location after beautiful location! All of their photos have this vintage effect to them too. Sarah Vickers is so classy and her style is absolute perfection!




Xo