Holiday Shopping Spirit

Ready or not, Christmas is coming. Well, Thanksgiving first.

Stores are decorating and preparing for the increased visitors, while families are beginning to make their lists.

I am a fan of getting my Christmas shopping done early. Not too early, like shopping in July, but I usually start the beginning of November.

I mean, why not. Who likes to wait in long lines, fight for parking and deal with lots of people? I guess I do that on Black Friday, so I don't want to deal with that while shopping for gifts in the Christmas spirit mood.

The only shopping I usually prepare to do late is, Christmas shopping with my aunt and sister. It's a tradition. My aunt decided one year, instead of getting us impersonal gifts like gift cards or something we won't like... Let's shop together! What a great idea! Lightbulb moment, people.

My sister lives in Nashville, so she doesn't make it home til a couple of days before Christmas, we pack or schedules tight and end up usually shopping two days before Christmas.

But, it's great. We usually start shopping around noon, grab a bite to eat, then shop so more. Although we know what we will be opening on Christmas Day, we are able to make memories and spend time together.

I like a good deal. Err, scratch that. I love a good deal. My momma taught me right. Shopping two days before Christmas allows for some dag-on-good-deals.

Today, I begin my Christmas shopping at J. Crew. Their holiday bags and boxes are so cute!

Keep calm and shop on, people.

Adorable. 

Create

Two back to back craft nights? What is this?  

I love it, actually.  Who doesn't like to be creative? 

Awhile back, I made a set of coasters.  It was fun. I gifted a couple of sets; they got raved reviews! 

So, I decided to gift some more! A set for my grandmother, aunt and dear friend.

Aren't they cute?

My church small group had a girls night tonight. God sure is blessing me with placing amazing Christian women in my life! 

We completed this pinterest craft. It was so easy, inexpensive and quick. Below is my final product. I love it. It's functional and cute. 

We used tin trays from the dollar store, and chalkboard paint. Well and a cute burlap bow, to make it girly! That's it. Talk about a craft, anyone can do. 

Chalkboard paint does the trick to make this functional.

Crafting is good. It's good for the soul. Craft some.

Invest

I invest. In a lot. 

Jesus
Family
Friends
Relationships
Life
School
Work
& TV shows.

Errrr. Wait what. TV shows? Yes. It all started with LOST. Remember that TV show? 

Lost was a drama series containing elements of science fiction and the supernatural that followed the life of the survivors of the airplane crash flying between Sydney and Los Angeles, on a mysterious tropical island somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean. They ended the series after 6 years and 6 seasons without asking my opinion. Offended you ask? Of course. I digress.

So after Lost was no longer, I found something else. Parenthood. My life changed dramatically when I switched TV shows. When I watched Lost, after every episode, I would say "Whatttt." Now, with Parenthood, I cry. Every. Damn. Episode. 

Parenthood is an American comedy-drama television series.  The show is modern and fresh. Real life issues and real life love. The show focuses on a 3 generational family named the Braverman’s. I feel a part of the family.  

Parenthood is a an instant classic and hooks you right in.  Parenthood is the best it’s ever been, lately. It keeps getting better. A new episode airs tomorrow, hence the reason for the post! 

Excuse me while I get the tissues ready.  

a moment.

Taking a moment to reflect on who is really in control. It is evident in my daily life, that I am not the one, in control.  We all need reminders. Reminders that ground us and bring us back to the center.

The point where we all realize who really is the one orchestrating this grand life. 

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power,
And the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
For everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
You are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power
To exalt and give strength to all.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Keep Calm & Pray on

Yesterday was election day. A luxury to say the least, that as Americans we can have a say. Yes, of course I voted.  But that is not the point. 

I have things to be thankful for today. I think back to my week spent in the beautiful country of Haiti.  They have a corrupt government which dictates day by day living.

  

As I sit here composing my thoughts, I am kind of being a baby. So with that said.

Today I will being prayer for our nation and President. 

I still love the state of Ohio.

Life in a box

I could get used to a life in a box.  Well box seats that is.  At THE Ohio State University Stadium.

I have been lucky enough to watch 4 buckeye games on the 45 yard line in the box seats with my boyfriend, David.  This time, we brought the two biggest buckeyes, (minus myself), my parents.  My mother is an OSU graduate and my father is a die-hard fan.  

So let me give you the details about the box suites. 

Parking right outside the stadium.  

Escalator ride up to the box.

Privacy of your own bathroom.

Food and drinks.

Instant replays on the tv.

Comfortable and roomy seats.

Hot chocolate, it was cold on Saturday. 

Unobstructed view of the entire game. 

Great perks. Totes.  

Cutest parents in the world. This is where I get all of my buckeye blood from. 

David & I.

Script Ohio. So close to the field. 

Go Bucks!!

He was all about the fan photo!

Hello November

I love the month of November.  For a number of reasons.

Thanksgiving. 
Black Friday. 
The two are the perfect pairing, really. 

My birthday is this month.  Birthday months are the best. My mail box and inbox are filled with birthday coupons. Like I need another excuse to shop. I digress.  

The tradition continues in the month of November. THE Ohio State University plays the state up north.  This year I will be at the game with my lovely sister who is a buckeye grad. 

Happy November!

On a side note, I started the month out with a perfect day. I ventured down to German Village today. I had lunch with a friend at a local deli called Brown Bag.  Amazing eats and an amazing atmosphere.  After lunch, I made a stop at Pistacia Vera. Why? Because when you're in German Village, it is a must.  

Pistacia Vera is the perfect dessert boutique.  Everything is handmade and delicious.  My favorite on the menu: Macarons.  Yes, to the foodies out there.  There is a difference between Macaroons and Macarons  in not only the spelling of the words but meanings.  

The Macaron is their signature. It's a light nut meringue sandwich cookies with buttercream filling.  

They're beautiful. 

Starting from the top left.
yuzu pink guava
black raspberry
pumpkin spice (fall favorite)
pistachio (signature flavor)
buckeye
bourbon caramel pecan 

You can gift these, you know.

Happy Halloween!

A photo from 1997. My sister and I.

You're welcome. Enjoy!

A little personal

I want to share something, a little personal.

God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good.  Well, sure we have all heard that saying, but let me attest.  

His hands have perfectly orchestrated my life. From the little moments I don't even notice, to the most crucial life-changing events. He knows best.  

He knows best. (said it again, to remind myself)  I need constantly reminded that He knows best.  

Honest and raw conversations continue to build my relationship with God. But, I will not lie, there are moments when I say to him, "Uh, this is not what we had talked about..."    

It is a relief and a blessing to believe in something bigger than myself:
A relief that He cares for me, that He loves me, and that He has a plan for my life.  
A blessing that I can rest in His grace and peace. 
A grace and peace I am not worthy of. 

Yeah, I grew up in the church.  When I say "grew up in the church" I don't mean that I was dragged, I willingly went. Every Sunday, and that was proven when I could finally drive myself to church.  

There are many things you can inherit, genetically, but you do not inherit your faith.  It is your own, personal, intimate relationship.

This March will mark my two year anniversary with New Albany Church, NAC for short.  

NAC has changed my life. NAC is a place for everyone. You may be saying to yourself: "Kaity, isn't every church supposed to be a place for everyone." Touche.  

But it is. NAC welcomes all.  They do this with arms open wide and by creating a dynamic worship experience for all ages using modern technology and relevant language.  Hello, a church with relevant language.  That's enough to go and check it out, but not the only reason.  

I mentioned how NAC has changed my life, I will explain.  It has encouraged, strengthened, renewed, rejuvenated, inspired, and filled my spirit and soul.  

The music is on another level.  It speaks straight to my heart and you won't regret downloading their own written tunes.  

I have made friendships to last me a lifetime.  There is something about meeting and growing with people who have the same mindset as you. It is so easy to get pulled into what "the world wants from us."  I mean, I know first hand. But time and time again, I am wowed in appreciation of His creation and relation in my life.  

He is moving some amazing people in my life.  There is nothing like seeing the lost sheep come to salvation.  It's a goose-bump moment to be apart of. 

He gives the greatest gift of all time.
A gift of salvation.

obsession

I love scarves. A scarf can be a great accessory and I believe it is a key piece. It is the perfect time of the year to wear them everyday, obnoxiously.  I already do this, so now I can have an excuse. I went through my scarves.  I have about 20.  I wear them all different kinds of ways.  It makes it fun and gives each scarf a different look. 

I had to organize. 

S hooks are great for scarf organization.  

OSU Game

While traveling.

With a chambray shirt.

What a bedroom should be

I love my room. It is beautifully me.  Every piece is perfect and unique. I couldn't imagine anything different, it feels like home. 

Take a quick tour, please. 

Barn Sale Desk.  She's perfect. 

My DIY revamp of my night stand. Look at that Anthropologie knob.

A different kind-of headboard.  Bed spread is from Pottery Barn. It's pretty!

Vintage with a mix of modern desk and accessories.

Armoire + a must have: full length mirror. 

Thursday's

Thursday's are good around here.  I don't have class on Fridays, just work.  

Speaking of class, I only have 191 days til I graduate. Now let's celebrate; it is the weekend over here!

#cheers 

Gallery wall inspiration

Pinterest has got me hooked on planning.

Planning things like:
dinners for the next 10 years.
outfit choices for days to come.
gifts to give for 1,000 Christmas' and birthday's.
do it yourself projects to occupy my free time until I am 150 years old.
& home ideas.

I have been eyeing Gallery Wall designs.  There are so many ways to display things from frames to picture frames to unique hang-able items.  Pinterest allows my mind to think, ponder and then do.  I love completing projects I pin.

I recently completed my own Gallery Wall... and I continue to add to it.

inspiration. 

Love. Love. Love.

my rendition of a gallery wall.

A barn sale.

So, since you know I love interior design: today's adventure fits perfectly. 

I attended a barn sale.  No, I didn't buy the barn, just some things in it! My friend, Shannon, has an amazing eye, amazing talent and amazing style.  

I met Shannon through a local antique mall.  I fall in love with almost all of her pieces, from the furniture to the perfect home accessories. I think 1/2 of my room is filled with her items, no joke there! You'll see why below!  

She recently moved to a beautiful house where she now has a barn and 6 acres! A beautiful barn at that.  I am more of a city girl myself, but I fell in love with it.  She has 6 baby chickens to make your heart melt some more.

Her barn is perfect. It is the perfect "shop" for all of her pieces.  I could have bought everything, but I refrained, only to be nice and save some for the rest of you! 

Barn Sale will be held this Thursday 4-8PM & Friday 9AM-12N 

6109 E Walnut Street Westerville, Ohio 43081 

I'll share a couple of pictures from my adventure!  

Look at her perfect, farmhouse. I am in love.

See that desk, bottom left corner... yeah, that beauty is now mine!

love. love. love. love. love them all.

They all have a perfect home.

Ikea Trip

I love interior design. Recently I have been head over heels for all things vintage&modern&pretty.

Ikea is the perfect mix of the above.

My boyfriend and I recently made a trip to Ikea. It was the highlight of our college fall break.  We had a perfect day to drive the short 2 hours.  Ikea was perfect.  There is a reason they call Ikea "the happy place."   

Ikea was perfection.

Ikea purchases. 

You should go to Ikea. I promise it is worth it.

Nice to meet you... again

I am Kaity: I am, at my core, a creative person.  I find joy in making things, whether it be pinning and then completing DIY Pinterest projects, doing things for by business Boutique By K (which I have neglected, lately) taking photographs... well instagramming photos, or cooking and baking.  My days would be filled with creative pursuits if I could stop for a second and breathe. 

This is why I will begin blogging... once more.  I gave up, yeah I did. I am not sure if that is taboo in the blogging world, but I promise I will try my best this time.  

I want this blog to be filled with a couple of things:

my thoughts, my interests,my activities 

... to help create a place to store & share my memories. 

I want to be honest and raw.  My life is nothing short of average, but I like to think I live a glamours life.  A life that I praise God for.  He is my foundation and my hope.

I have a lot of catching up to-do, so for starters, I live in Ohio. 

Columbus Native and I am a Buckeye, through and through. Let's be honest, Ohio is the heart of it all.

-kaity

$10 Budget

Happy Groundhog's Eve!! 

It's officially February which means we are only 13 short days away from Valentine's Day! 

I do have the best Valentine out there.

His name is David, and I love him with my whole heart! 

He is on the left :)

We have decided on a $10 budget for Valentine's day this year! (this does not include dinner, well at least I hope not! HA)

So I have a few ideas up my sleeve! 

Will post my DIY gift soon.

I am hoping the groundhog will not see his shadow tomorrow. 

Here's to wishing! 

XO. 

Kaity Marie  

Jewels

Jewels. 

I absolutely love not having class on Fridays. Best invention ever, well I sure like to think so.

I spent 1/2 my day with my dear friend, Leah. She is my craft buddy and I love her so much! 

Here she is! 

Isn't she beautiful! She's a great friend and so genuine. Her heart is pure and she loves so hard, and whats not to love about that! So thankful she is in my life. 

OUR DIY NECKLACE:

You will need-

 Nail Polish (colors to your desire)

Jewels (JoAnns)

Gold Chain and Necklace supplies (JoAnns)

Pliers (Dad's tool box)

Patience, it was not as easy as we thought it would be, but worth it!

Supplies

Then go through your nail polish options

 and pick the colors you want... this was probably the hardest part! We couldn't decide what color combinations we wanted! 

My color choices.

After you have picked your colors, you will begin painting the jewels (ONLY ONE SIDE) the side you paint will NOT face out.  It will face your chest. The color shines through on the other side and looks so much nicer, believe us! 

Begin painting...

Word to the wise, We all think top coats make our nail color last, well it does, on your nails... but only makes this project a pain in the butt if you put a top coat on. So please don't! Trust us! 

After your jewels have dried, you want to attach it to your necklace and distance them the way you want it to lay. Trial and error to find what works best! 

Look how cute!!! 

Mine.

Leah's.

We are very happy with our finished products and already want to make more!! They are easy and would make great personal gifts!!

Post with any questions!
Enjoy your jewels.
XO.
Kaity Marie 

Boutique By K

Boutique By K

This is my baby, well kind of. I do not have any children, but I do have a passion for being creative and having fun! This past year I started my own SMALL business... Boutique By K.  I design and make headbands, wedding accessories, clips, ear warmers and lots of odds and ends items! 

I have been overwhelmed with school lately, that Boutique By K has been put on the back burner, but I also love teaming up with my great friend, Allison, from Studio127 Photography. She recently did a photo shoot with a brand new baby girl, and used one of my headbands! Makes me happy... Take a peek at how cute she is!

Also, back in September, I had my first bridal client, Molly. I make her birdcage veil, reception flower, flower girl, and bridesmaids clips!! She was such a beautiful bride and a joy to work with!

Reception Flower

Vintage Brooch Birdcage Veil Headband

XO.
Kaity Marie  

To Do

To Do

this week from Pinterest.

I want to make this necklace.

I want to try this gel-nail technique 

I hope to complete both.

XO.

Kaity Marie 

Modern Family

Modern Family.

This show is my favorite and it never ceases to make me laugh.

If you need a laugh, check it out :)

Wednesdays @ 9PM

XOXO.
Kaity Marie 

You're Beautiful

You're Beautiful.

read for encouragement.

I see Your face in every sunrise

The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes

The world awakens in the light of the day

I look up to the sky and say 

You’re beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night

Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright

We are amazed in the light of the stars

It’s all proclaiming who You are

You’re beautiful, You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree

You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me

Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne

Soon we will be coming home

You’re beautiful, you're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity’s shore

Where death is just a memory and tears are no more

We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring 

Your bride will come together and we’ll sing

You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, I see Your face

I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful