The Polyvore Files: New Year's Eve

Happy almost New Year's bloggers!
I can only trust that you lovelies have some amazing plans in store for this Tuesday night. I couldn't be more ecstatic for the night since one of my best friends in the whole wide world told me that he'll be coming to visit. And I'm just saying without him, I probably would've just stayed in watching Dick Clark's special as I shove my face full of chocolate and holiday popcorn. Instead now, we've got plans to actually go out and freeze our booties off. Anyways, if  I didn't have the most perfect dress picked out (from last year, actually), I'd have to go with one of these classy looks below.

And in case you missed it last week, you can now link up here for the Polyvore Files link up as well. I'm too excited to be co-hosting here with Joni at Six Cherries on Top. There's no prompts or rules, just post what you've been working on and see what other bloggers have come up with!

New Year's by kara-stone featuring a macrame bracelet

My Mindy Project

Please tell me that you've all seen the Mindy Project? If not, here's some great examples of why it's probably the best show ever:

And I'm sure most of us have read Mindy's hilarious book:

Anyways, yall are probably wondering why I'm talking about Mindy Kaling nonstop. It's because I recently discovered she has a card game, of sorts, called "Questions I Ask When I Want To Talk About Myself."

                                                         

There are 50 cards/topics in the box. As a New Year's resolution, I'm planning on tackling one question a week on the blog. Hence the title, "My Mindy Project." I hope you'll read along with me through 2014, as I open up probably a little too much, cry a little too much, and hopefully get to know myself a little better.

What I Wore Wednesday: Christmas Edition!!

It is the MOST wonderful time of the year, can we all agree on that? Yes? Great! 

Here's my Christmas Eve outfit: 

And my Christmas outfit:

I have been rocking the mess out of the cardinal red colors, and have absolutely fallen in love.

Have the safest holiday ever, and a very very Merry Christmas!

The Polyvore Files

Do you ever have that piece of clothing that you kind of just have to have? For me, it's this silky pair of pants from Aerie. I've been wanting/needing/drooling over them since they came out, and they finally went on a pretty little sale this weekend. So since I was spending a little time lusting, I decided to add some other items I've been in love with for awhile now. First, we've got this lovely handmade jewelry from Geoflora. And then secondly, I've got this pretty little Gucci bag. I'm not one to care much for designer bags, but I wouldn't hate getting this one for Christmas.

Linking up again with The Polyvore Files. And a little piece of exciting news, starting next week, you'll be able to link up your outfits here as well. The lovely Joni and I will be co-hosting this link up from here on out, and I couldn't be more stoked!

Currently...

Watching: Scrubs on Netflix! It's one of the many shows I wasn't allowed to watch growing up (I feel a post coming soon about this), so I'm getting to see it all for the first time!

Listening to: Christmas music, of course! Especially the She & Him album. Their version of The Christmas Waltz is by far my favorite song this month.

Thinking about: My dream office. Especially now that Nate Berkus has his own line of office supplies. I think we know where all my Christmas gift cards will be going.

Source

Trying to figure out: How to have a view like this. So far winning the lottery or marrying ridiculously rich seems to be my only option. ;)

Source

Looking forward to: Christmas Eve! I just found out that I won't be working like I thought. I'm super ready for family time.

Reading: This is secretly the reason I wrote this post. I just got my new Nook charger in the mail, so I've already downloaded three books. This is what I read all day yesterday:

And I've definitely got some Jodi Picoult that I'll be starting today!

Making me happy: I just got a lovely email from Joni at Six Cherries on Top offering me to be the new co-host in The Polyvore Files link up. Anyone who's seen this blog in the past few weeks can probably just imagine how ecstatic that makes me!

The Polyvore Files: Christmas!

Hello lovelies! It's time for my absolute favorite link up of the week, The Polyvore Files! This week is all about Christmas, and honestly, who in the world can say no to that? This is the outfit I've already bought for our family Christmas (40% off on Black Friday!), so I thought I'd share a cozy scene around it.

Christmas! by kara-stone featuring a round coffee table

And the lovely Joni has added a few questions to this week's linky to get us really in the mood for Chrismtas. 10 days away!!

What is your favorite holiday movie? Just to pick one?! Yikes. I think I'm going to have to go with A Charlie Brown Christmas on this one. It's just such a classic!

What is your favorite soup to enjoy during the winter? I'm actually not a big fan of soups! But I will always love a good loaded mashed potato soup. Roly Poly in Louisiana makes the best!

I'm drooling just looking at it!

Which do prefer, coffee or hot chocolate? Coffee, coffee, coffee. Not even a question! But I will absolutely drink hot chocolate this time of the year.

True story.

What is your favorite tart or candle scent for this time of year? I just about died when I saw this candle in Anthropologie a few weeks ago.

I simply cannot say no to a yummy smelling candle, or Anthropologie for that matter!

White lights or colored lights on your Christmas tree? White, for sure! Maybe once I have kids I'll have colored, but for now, I love the classic look of Christmas. :)

Sunday Social!

Happy Sunday morning, ladies. I hope you're enjoying the last day of the weekend, I know I am! Two of my very best friends are coming to see me from North Carolina today, and I couldn't be more excited! Have a lovely week and make sure you link up too! :)
1. What are your favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials? I absolutely adore The Santa Clause, Elf, and the Home Alones. 

And if I'm ever in a super sad mood, I'll watch the Christmas Shoes. It hits me right in the feels every time.
2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what? If not what would you do? I never have before, but this year, I have felt so compelled to give to The A21 Campaign. It honestly terrifies me to know that this is going on not just in other countries, but especially in America.
3. What is your favorite toy received as a child for the holidays? Ohmigosh. A gigapet for sure. My parents wrapped it in a clothes box, so I was seriously disappointed for more clothes. Then I'm pretty sure I screamed for a full 8 minutes.

4. What was your must have item in high school for the holidays? I think my freshman or sophomore year of high school, my aunt bought me this iPod mini! I already feel old knowing kids now wouldn't know how to use it! But let's blame that on Apple and their constant need for new models every year, and make me feel a little younger.

5. What do you do on Christmas Eve? This will be my third year working on Christmas Eve. It's not the worst thing in the world. I'll still have the night off to be with my family and open our one present early!

Friday Inspiration

Source: designblogcrush.com

For a lot of us bloggers with a smaller "fan base," you can get discouraged really easily. For example, say you post a WIWW that made you feel really good about yourself, but less than ten page views, no comments, not even from your mom. It can sting a little, to say the very least, BUT at least you tried. You had the confidence to post this picture, or spill what's on your heart, or posted your favorite recipe. So who cares if nobody sees? Before you go hitting that delete button, think about that post and how passionately you might have felt writing it. Even if no one else saw the beauty in it, you did.

Maybe I'm the only one who struggles with this, or maybe only two people will see this, I just thought it was a perfect message on this lovely Friday. Keep your chin up!

The Polyvore Files: Comfy Cozy Style

So I know when I first started The Polyvore Files link up, I said I'd only do it on days I didn't feel like doing Sunday Socials. But honestly, how do you pick between the two most amazing link ups possible?

I'm doing something a little different this week though. I usually just post an outfit, but seeing how this outfit is so cozy with just a pair of leggings and a long sweater, I thought I'd add some comfy cozy home touches too. 

Comfy cozy :D by kara-stone featuring Pier 1 Imports

No lie, I went to check out Joni's bloggy after posting mine, and saw she used the exact phrase, "comfy cozy" too. It's just that time of year!

Sunday Social

People who have been around my blog for awhile just know that Sunday mornings are my favorite mornings. I grab my coffee, get on the couch to check PostSecret, and do my Sunday Social link up. And now that I've got TWO link ups that I absolutely adore, I get to do double posts! See the post above this one for The Polyvore Files.

1. What is the wallpaper on your cell phone? My precious puppy, of course!

2. What do you keep beside your bed? Well this is slightly embarrassing. During the Christmas season, I had to put half of my Christmas village on my nightstand. But my computer and phone are always in my bed with me. Sometimes it's nice not having to share a bed with anyone. :)

3. What is your least favorite chore? Dishes that are actually in the nasty water. Give me a dishwasher ANY day!

4. If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be? Does going to work count here? Or styling my bangs? It's SO obvious the days that I don't touch them.

5. What do you do to vent anger? Make a cup of hot tea, snuggle my puppy, and call my sister. I can't even tell you how many conversations I've started with her saying, "I. AM. LIVID."

6. What is your favorite holiday of the year and why? Christmas... Is this even a question? Family time, snow, fireplaces, decorations, I just can't see the bad! 

The Polyvore Files

Two posts in one day?! Might be my first time trying this, but I can't help I found two link ups that I adore on the same day! Have you heard of The Polyvore Files yet? It's a super new link up that is probably the most perfect one in existence.
This week, in honor of the beautiful ending to the Bama-Auburn game, I am focusing my outfit all around Auburn's colors. Now let me clarify, I usually don't pull for Auburn. I don't keep up with their scores, heck, I don't even know their quarterback's name. BUT as an LSU girl through and through, I despise Bama and all things Nick Saban.  Don't know this great moment I'm talking about? Watch it here!

Here's what I would have worn if I were able to witness that glorious moment in person:

Auburn by kara-stone featuring uniqlo jeans

Sunday Social!

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Just look at that beauty!

2. What is your favorite smell? Bath and Body Works' Eucalyptus Mint.. It's basically my life.

3. What is your favorite TV commercial? HUMP DAYYYY! Yeahhhh.

4. What is your favorite day of the week? Without a question, Sundays. The only day of the week I know I'm not working, all new PostSecrets, and some of the best blogger link ups!

5. What is your favorite way to waste time? Pinterest, Netflix, and Candy Crush. 

6. What is your favorite article of clothing? My beautiful cardigan I bought last week!!! Didn't hear the story? Check here, and come back Wednesday to see it in action.

Go link up with Sunday Social!

High Five for Friday: Thankfuls

In honor of my sometimes usual High Five for Friday post, I've decided today instead of giving my highlights of the week, I'll be saying 5 things I'm thankful for. Simply because:

I am so thankful for my God and His grace. Without Him, we would be complete nothing.

I'm thankful for my best friend and sister, Amanda. Even though we weren't together yesterday, she made my Slapsgiving Thanksgiving just SO much better. No one has been there for me more than this girl, and I can't even imagine what my life would be like now without her.

Thankful for my beautiful family and the time I'm getting to spend with them here in Ohio. There's so many lovely ladies in my family that I'm really getting to know better and it's just been so amazing.

I am just SO thankful for my sweet sweet puppy. I'd put him at the top of the list if I didn't think my family would get offended.

This is what my mother does to the poor dog while I'm not home.

Lastly, I'm thankful for the winter! I know I've been talking about the freezing cold weather so so much, but if it means beautiful snow, snuggling in front of a fireplace, and wearing beautiful peacoats, I'm down.

WIWW: Winter Style

Guys, I have seen more snow in these past two weeks than I've seen in my entire life! That might be a bit of an overstatement, but you get the gist. As a result of ALL this snow, I've been wearing all kinds of wintry outfits! Here's a couple of my favorites:

Since I'm blogging from my phone, I can't add links, but the scarf is from H&M (who I'm totally smitten with) and the coat is from Target! That's me on my way to work this morning. 

And here I just really wanted to show off these huge flakes we got yesterday. I'm just SO not used to it!

How are you keeping warm this winter?

My Thanksgiving Outfit!

So there's this guy cardigan:

And I have been lusting over it for weeks now. 

So just for funsies, I added it to my cart, calculated shipping costs, and laughed a little at how broke I am. Then it had a section to apply a promo code, so I did a quick something search (someone please catch that reference), to find one. I found a few, one for 25% off one item, and another for free shipping. I figured I couldn't use two together, but I really wanted this cardigan, so I gave it a shot. And lo and behold, H&M is one of those amazing and rare companies that allows you to combine coupons. Then of course, I saw estimated delivery dates were November 24th-29th, meaning it will most likely get here by Thanksgiving. And since I already had a precious outfit planned around this gorgeous sweater, I simply decided it was fate and bought it without thinking about the consequences.

And now, since it's Sunday, and the beautiful Polyvore Files link up exists, I had to share my hopeful Thanksgiving outfit.

Thanksgiving Dinner by kara-stone featuring polished stone jewelry

What I Wore Wednesday

Hello all! I am so excited to share my latest look with you. I have finally tried layering a collared shirt under a sweater, and completely fell in love! Tell me what you think:

Sweater//Shirt (Similar)//Jeans

Please ignore my goofy grin and half sticking out shirt tail. :)

Target Christmas List: Part 2!

Anyone remember this beautiful list I posted last year? I even created an entire Pinterest board around it, but ended up buying like 90% of it, so felt I could take it down. Well now that it's a year later, and Target has new gorgeous Christmas products, it's time again! Here's my absolute favorite items from the site:

1//2//3//4//5//6

Now remember last year, when I said I could just use these products all year round throughout the home? That was definitely my goal while creating my list again this year. Especially the deer bookends! I just swoon over them every time I see them. If only this would all go on sale!

Social Sunday!

1. Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life.

Bah, how about 4 I've had this year alone? I've worked at two different Great Wolf Lodges, one as a lifeguard, and now in retail. Then in March, I quit American Eagle. (Best employee discount of my life!) Then last holiday season I worked Aerie, Old Navy and Raising Cane's all at the same time!! I'm not looking forward to filling out my tax forms for the year.

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over.

You've Got Mail.

I could watch this movie until the end of time. And I always cry at the end: "I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly." It's just the sweetest, most beautiful ending to a movie. In fact, I'm going to go watch it again, and you should too.

Crazy Stupid Love

And I hate to admit it, but Mean Girls is my guilty pleasure movie.

And of course, it wouldn't be the holiday season without having Elf looping in the background all season.

3. Name 4 places you have lived.

Sarnia, Ontario.

Southport England.

Where I legitimately lived across the street from a beach and a theme park. Every kid's dream!

Charlotte, NC

and now I'm in itty bitty

Maineville, OH

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods.

• My Grandma's grilled cheese sandwiches. I have seriously talked about them on this blog at least 5 times, simply because they are the best.
• A white pesto chicken pizza. Trader Joe's makes the best whole wheat crust, and their white sauce isn't half bad!
• Hummus Crusted Chicken. I found the recipe on Pinterest one day, and it has seriously changed my life. It's so moist and just perfection in every way.
• Chicken Risotto! One of the bests!

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you.

I like to go really simple when I leave the house. Mainly because I'm the most forgetful person on the face of the planet. I try just to take my keys and wallet, which has a slot for my phone, so true perfection!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Every year there's the struggle of, "When is too soon to start celebrating and decorating for Christmas?" In our family, it simply can't come soon enough! And it feels like the rest of the world is finally with us this time. Christmas music is upon us, Salvation Army Santas are out, and layaway is being offered everywhere. And we got our first snow last night!

My favorite tradition of all time is by far our terrible fake Christmas tree. We've had it for eighteen years. We lose probably about half our needles every year, and it has SO many holes throughout the tree. You can see directly through it in the daytime! But there's just something about pulling apart each branch with the family while listening to Christmas music, sipping on hot chocolate, that just really makes it Christmas.

What about your family? Do you have your tree up yet? Starting any Christmas crafts? Leave links in the comments so we can celebrate the holiday together!

The Polyvore Files!

Hello loves! I'm back again to link up with the lovely Polyvore Files. It's probably the best link up of all time. I've slightly fallen away from Polyvore over the past few months, so I'm excited this has given me a bit more motivation! I know I posted some chilly weather clothes last time too, but it is just SO COLD here in Ohio. It's all I can do!

What I Wear in Ohio

Seriously though, Ohio is cold. Y'all know I just recently moved here right? And it's been sweater weather nonstop. Yesterday though, I went to visit my grandparents on their huge gorgeous property and was able to wear just a 3/4 length sweater. At least they were nice to me for a day! Anyways, here's a few of my favorite pictures that I shot yesterday. 

The Polyvore Files

Oh guys. I found a brand new link up to LOVE. Yes, I'm a little depressed it falls on Sunday, when I usually do my Sunday Socials. But on weeks when I'm feeling extra inspired, I will absolutely be linking up for The Polyvore Files. The rules are super simple. No group themes or prompts, just simply post anything you put together on Polyvore that week. And with such great inspiration in this chilly weather (yay fall!), it had to be done. So without further ado, here's some awesome fall outfits I put together for you this morning:

Fall Inspirations by kara-stone featuring a long sleeve jumper

Now go link up with Natalie and prepare to fall in love!!