Guest Room Makeover

Austin and I have only ever lived in a one bedroom apartment up until now. I think we are still trying to figure out how to deal with all of this extra space (not complaining) But, the empty guest bedroom is borderline keeping me up at night (slight exaggeration)...with that said, my next project is to completely outfit our guest bedroom/home office. Currently, we have a large white desk and few desk accessories...my goal is to make our guest room a complete guest retreat! 

After much thought I have decided to keep the guest room very neutral to give a more upscale hotel feel. *The catch* Austin and I have both agreed we will not move again until we are ready to fork over some serious cash for a down payment on our first home. With THAT said, I am hoping to keep costs low with flea markets finds and bedding sales; but at the same time something classic and decent quality so that we have it for years to come. Raleigh people, any secret great shops I should check out?  Here is my inspiration:

 

I'm also in the market for some great (large) bedroom prints for our bedroom and the guest...any favorite Etsy shops out there?

xo,

K 

Weekend Recap

This past weekend went by really quickly. Just me? Austin had a good friend from college come stay with us. Saturday, all of us went to the NCState/Miami game, followed by too many a few drinks at our place before we headed to the bars. We went to a new bar that has opened here in Raleigh since we moved away last year. It was called Coglins. I was a little unsure of the crowd in there (never trust a place that sells Fishbowls) but I loved the constant 80's hits that were playing.

Mid 80's dance party at Coglins

Bailey was feeling a little sluggish with us on Sunday morning too...we didn't get out of bed until 2pm! Record in my world.

Sunday evening, despite how I felt Sunday morning, we had another couple over to watch the Super Bowl. They are great friends, like family so it was a very casual low key affair. I didn't even change out of my lululemon for it. We ate made entirely too much food, which I am still regretting this morning. To the gym I go. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Fridays: Beauty Edition

Happy Friday! Happy February! This week's favorite Friday's aren't necessarily my favorite items for the week. I have listed some of my favorite beauty products that I use constantly and love. Links to each product are listed below each photo! Have a great weekend!

Great for moisture and a pop of color

I can PROMISE this lotion is worth the steep price tag. After a few uses your skin feels amazing!

Incredible for under-eye darkness or any other problem areas!

After using this product once a week for a year, it has literally transformed my hair

My go to daily scent. If you love this, get the candle too!

Do you have any favorite items that are part of your beauty routine?

xo,

Katie

Today

This resonates with me pretty well today...happy almost weekend!

Wedding Wednesday: Engagement Party Edition

So, the next couple months are gonna be currrazzzy. Beginning in February, we have engagement parties to attend, Austin's bachelor party and my first bridal shower (so excited!) With March comes my bachelorette, more showers, and more engagement parties for other engaged couples! Before I know it, it will be April and I will be gettin' hitched and stuff. With that said, I'm taking my down time right now to get gifts squared away for things we have coming up. First up, an engagement party in a couple of weeks. I like to bring gifts to these types of things, but am looking for some new unique ideas. Any ideas floating around out there? Here are some ideas I thought were cute:

Just because its adorable

The couple that cooks together stays together

Because you need something to toast with! Austin and I received a bottle of this at our engagement party and became hooked!

For toasting to newly engaged bliss!

For displaying their engagement photos

Any other neat ideas out there?

xo,

Katie 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Some people have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. I personally love the "Hallmark holiday." I think its a great time to show the ones you love that you love them even more than you do on a daily basis! Below I have put together a mini gift guide that I sure would love to receive on the 14th! They vary in all prices, high to low! I have included the links below on where to buy everything if something catches your eye! :) 

xo,

Katie

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Weekend Recap

This past weekend was relatively low key. Friday night, Raleigh experienced an "ice storm" that left us a little stranded for the evening. We had dinner at Fox and Hound (all that was open) but they managed to have cold beer and surprisingly delicious guacamole, so all was right with me. Saturday, we went to the State/UNC game and then met up with some old friend for celebratory drinks afterwards.

As if I didn't post enough photos of my child dog

Basketball game with my future MIL in 88 short days (whoa)

My sweet friend Kathryn from DC was in town for the weekend. We missed her


Sunday, I opted for a change of scenery and headed home to the coast for a little R&R and minor wedding planning. (Less than 3 months to go! As if I needed the reminder from Knot.com) I so enjoy my time at home with my mom. We spend our evenings cooking up new recipes, drinking wine and just unwinding from all that life brings. There really is no place like home! 

Have you read "My One Word"? The pastor at our church in Wilmington wrote it and it really is a great read! With the start of a fresh year, it is great for helping pinpoint what really means most to you and how to just enjoy what you love most MORE. Taking time for the simple things tends to sometimes be a major flaw that I am working on fixing! Note: This is not a "self-help" book for any of you that are adamantly against those types of books :)

Here is a little snippet of my motivation for the week. I loved this little print so much, it made it to the iPhone wallpaper too!

Make it a great one!

xo,

Katie