My Favorite Shops {Blogtember}

Hi friends! I realize this post is extremely late, but since it deals with shopping...I couldn't not post it (even if it is later rather than sooner)!! I love the idea of this post.  It's like getting an ultimate inside to everyone's wish lists!  I do have a wish list board on Pinterest, but I think it's a bit outdated.  

I have actually been doing quite a bit of online shopping recently, but with the Labor Day sales you really can't go wrong.  I had some orders from Forever 21, Old Navy, Banana Republic...oh, and other order from Forever 21 is on it's way, oops ;)

Tim and I went to the new Fashion Outlets of Chicago a couple of weeks ago, and it is insane! The designer stores had lines! No, not lines to checkout, but lines to go inside the store!  The line for Prada was crazy long.  I really wanted to go inside Coach to see if I could find a new big girl wallet.  I'm so happy I did!  I was going for a more neutral color at first, but this green was just calling my name! I think it can work for all seasons :)

 

We also ventured into Forever 21, which had the longest line to checkout ever (poor Tim).  We checked out the necklaces because they're super cheap and I adore little pendant necklaces.  We saw this adorable cat necklace, and for some reason I didn't get it in the store. When I got home,  I wanted it so badly, and Tim said "you should get it!" I didn't know if I wanted it in silver or gold, and Tim said I should get both, ha!....So I did!

I have been dying for a monogrammed necklace, but am contemplating waiting until I'm engaged so I can wear it for years to come!  This Etsy shop makes the cutest, and simplest monogrammed necklaces...which is the style I like!

I've also been wanting a Fitbit Flex! I know I posted about it earlier this year, but I haven't bitten the bullet.  While I do walk a lot being in a city, I think it would be interesting to see how far I walk on a daily basis.  I also love the alarm clock feature, and that it can sync to your phone wirelessly!

I've also been wanting a Marc Jacobs bag to hold everything when I run errands!  I love crossbody purses, I feel like shoulder and tote bags get in the way haha.

I also love amazon.com and Target! Bargain shopping makes my world go round :)

I have been sooo busy with grad school, but that is another post in itself! Can't wait to update you all soon!!!

 

ISFJ {Blogtember Post}

I decided to start off Blogtember today for the personality post!  Since beginning my Masters program in School Counseling, I have been bombarded with information (and homework unfortunately)!  One of the things my professors have stressed the most about a counseling career is, you really need to be self aware in order to be successful.  Before coming to school, I never really thought about that before, but after doing some (more like a lot) of reading, I completely understand why counselors need to know themselves inside and out so they can help every person who walks through their door.  

I probably will have to take the Jung Typology Test at some point within the next few weeks, so I figured this was a good opportunity to give me an idea of where I am now!

I am an ISFJ!

I for sure know and have come to terms with the fact that I'm an introvert.  While I love being around people, I only really enjoy being around a small group.  Bars are fun sometimes, but going to one every weekend is draining for me!  I would much rather go to a concert, or stay at home playing games with some friends.

"While their work ethic is high on the ISFJ priority list, their families are the centers of their lives. ISFJs are extremely warm and demonstrative within the family circle--and often possessive of their loved ones, as well. When these include Es who want to socialize with the rest of the world, or self-contained ITs, the ISFJ must learn to adjust to these behaviors and not interpret them as rejection. Being SJs, they place a strong emphasis on conventional behavior".  This quote really hit home for me.  While I love working, I realize (for me) that I work to make my home life better. I truly do want to make a difference in the lives of children, and I believe if I can accomplish that I will feel like a better version of myself :)

P.S. Tim and I found the cutest little pizza place in our Chicago neighborhood.  I just can't get enough of this unusually warm weather...I want to be outside all the time! *I'm not ready for winter in the slightest

That's all for today! Have a fabulous rest of your Monday! :)

Summer Recap

Long time, no blog! (aka, this summer has been crazy!!!) While I haven't been too busy this summer, I do have to give myself a little credit for my first time at working full time! And it obviously won't be my last...give or take another 40+ years, ha!

Nannying definitely has its pros and cons.  I love how everyday is different and the fact that I get to go to cool places - like the zoo! A major pro is gaining experience working with children; not only gaining parenting tips for my future children, but I am learning how to work with children for my job as a school counselor! Let's just say I cannot wait to begin my graduate program!!!

Which leads me to my next point... Chicago is in TWO WEEKS!

I am so thrilled that Tim and I finally figured out where to live! We are living in the cutest (and one of the safest) neighborhood north of the downtown area! We are extremely lucky to have a townhouse to call home, with a one car garage.  That is unheard of in Chicago! We are even going to have a hammock on our back patio :) 

Luckily we already have most of the furniture we need.  Now we just need sheets and bedding. Neither of us ever had anything but a twin bed until now, ha!  We don't need to spend a lot, especially since we will probably get nicer bedding once we're married. 

In the meantime I'll be dreaming of a room like this..

Good thing I have a Bed, Bath, & Beyond 20% off coupon to use :)

Also my bathroom will be strictly under the sink storage (sucks, I know).  If anyone has ideas on how to organize this area, send them my way please!!

Something I Read Online!

I have recently been researching this cool, little device called the Fitbit Flex! It is a bracelet that you can wear all the time (even in the shower), and it keeps track of your movement, sleep patterns, and inactivity as well.  All of the information syncs wirelessly to your phone app so you can look at it, and decide to make adjustments if you need to!

Click this link to see people's reviews!

Fitbit Flex!

You can even have a calorie goal! I think the Flex can also vibrate to wake you up...how cool is that?!

Also it's only $99 so I think I will invest soon :)

What do you guys think about this and what color should I get?

somebody told me...

Today's Blog Every Day in May Challenge is to write about something someone told you, good or bad.    I decided to write both a good and bad thing someone has told me.

Let's start with the bad first, and end on a positive note :)

The Bad

Multiple people in high school told me, "You're too skinny...you would be so much cuter if you put on some pounds"

In high school, I was even thinner than I am now.  I didn't even break 100 pounds until my sophomore year in college.  Yes I have a thin frame, and yes I ran cross country.  Anyone who runs that much, will probably lose weight if they don't eat absurd amounts of food like I did.  (I even saw this first hand...one of the boys joined cross country to be healthier, but he ended up losing more than what he wanted to lose!) Bottom line, criticizing someone's weight to their face does no good for that person or yourself.  I have learned to be happy with who I am, and ignoring the "haters" is something I have always struggled with but am getting better with over time.

The Good

Someone told me, "I can tell you are a genuine person. You care so much about making people happy, and I am so happy you work hard to relate to us and make each of us feel special"

One of my campers told me that last summer! I wasn't sure if I was helping the girls in any way, until one of them said this to me.  I was beaming the rest of camp!  This is one of the events in my life that has made me want to become a school counselor.  I love working with kids, and making them feel loved and important is what I feel like I am supposed to be doing in this world.

my worst traits

I have been slacking on the blog everyday in May challenge! Even though this month is almost over, I kind of hope there will be some sort of blogging challenge every month! It has been really interesting to hear things people normally don't discuss on their blogs, and I have discovered some new blogs as well!

Today's topic is your 3 worst traits.  While discussing this may not be easy for everyone, I have come to know myself pretty well throughout my life, and I don't think it is a bad thing to admit your faults.  In fact that leads me to worst trait number one....

1. I apologize too much sometimes

People have told me that I apologize too much on a number of occasions.  I am a very empathetic person (...which leads me to another fault I have - I can be too sensitive).  I want everyone to see the best in me so I feel like I have to compensate every time I do something wrong. Even if it's little.  I realize I need to apologize once, and trust that people take my apology to heart.

2. I am shy

Once I am with my best friends, I am the complete opposite of shy.  However, throw me into a new situation with new people, I go inside my shell (and want to run away sometimes haha).  When I met my campers for the first time last year, they were all very comfortable with each other and I was the new person in the cabin.  I felt very uncomfortable for the first two days.  I slowly opened up, and it felt like home by the end of the first two weeks! 

Another thing to mention, I get terribly nervous for presentations/anytime I have to speak in front of a group of more than 5 people.  I realize this is something I have to work on this summer before I start my Masters program.  I am also nervous about meeting everyone in my program, but I am confident there will be some great girls I will meet :)

3. I am somewhat lazy

One of my favorite aspects of weeknights are the fact that I can come home from work, and relax however I want.  I enjoy my nightly television (which usually includes multiple episodes...guilty), painting my nails, and journaling or reading.  I enjoy the weekends because that means relaxing time with Tim.  (I am so glad he is just like me when it comes to relaxing! We love our Parks and Rec time haha).  I have more pajama pants than actual pants I'm pretty sure.  I don't feel as guilty for doing this now, because I know shortly I will be working and going to school full time, and Tim's job will be stressful and time - demanding.  The weekends coming up in the fall will be much more cherished :)

I hope you all learned a little more about me today! 

My Public Apology

The phrase "I'm Sorry" and this blog post idea is actually a funny one for me...I'm actually trying to stop saying "I'm Sorry" so much.  I am an empathetic person by nature, and I want everyone to see the best in me.  So whenever I think I do something wrong, I immediately say sorry.  

The people I would like to apologize to the most are my parents.  After countless hours and years of babysitting, I now have a little taste of what my parents experienced raising kids - good and bad.  I was definitely not an easy child to raise (I had my few share of temper tantrums...).  So here it is!

Mom and Dad,

I apologize for being difficult when I was younger.  I apologize for all the stress I had caused you.  Here's to many more happier years together! 

Love, 

Kara

Things I Miss

Even though I am beyond excited to be moving to Chicago in August, the move will definitely come with some anxiety as well.  The only places I have ever really called home are both in Indiana - Bloomington (my college town) and Indianapolis.  I am so thankful Tim and a few college friends will be in the city with me, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous/anxious to move my life permanently to a new place!

I decided for today's Blog Everyday in May Challenge I would be writing about the things I will be missing once I make the official move to the Windy City!

1. My Family

Everyone who knows me definitely knows I enjoy spending time with my family.  I have really gained a new sense of appreciation for them as people and all they do for me! My mom always gives me good advice, and I would never pass up the opportunity to call her! (I would be that girl who would call her mom walking to class on campus haha) 

By the way, Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world!!

My dad has given me great interview and financial advice over this past year.  He's really been there for me when I need someone to talk to about that grown up stuff! My parents don't have a computer at our house with a webcam...I'm thinking of getting them one so we will be able to skype once I move!

I will especially miss my sister! She is beginning her freshman year in college, and I am very sad I will not get to see her as much as I would like.  I've been trying to give her good advice while I'm still here, but I know it's not the same since she still hasn't graduated high school yet! Less than a month left sista sista, wooo :)

2. My high school friends

Ironically, this last picture was taken in downtown Chicago...4 years ago! Although I am so glad I will have a few college friends in the city, I have known my high school friends for about 8 years now.  Our friendship is just so easy.  We understand each other, we can talk (and laugh) about anything, and we can have fun doing anything! I know I will make new friends in the city, but I also know it will take time.  

3. My Church

I have been a member of my church in Indianapolis since I was in second grade! We have had the same priest since then as well.  That church has become a second home to me.  Some of our greatest family friends are members of that church as well.  Luckily, the Catholic mass is the same no matter where you go! 

Story of My Life

Since I am in a bit of a writing/blogging rut (I may change my blog name..), I decided to do the Blog Every Day in May challenge! I'm going to play catch up until I'm on track with the correct days.

Now for 250 words about my life!

I was born in Charleston, West Virginia (people are usually surprised to find out I was born there hah!) January 5th, 1990. I was the only child for 5 and a half years of my life until my parents adopted my little sister from China! I really wanted a younger sister, and I am so thankful my parents added another member to our family through this process! When I was 6 years old, my dad's job relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana and we have lived here (well technically the suburbs) ever since.  Some of my best friends to do this day are girls I met in grade school!

 I decided to attend Indiana University where I majored in Nutrition Science with a minor in Biology.  I had always wanted to pursue a career in the health field, but never thought about a career dealing with psychology until recently! During high school I thought science was easy, but I quickly learned I was very wrong! I am proud that I stuck through it and still earned a decent GPA.  In January of 2010 I met my boyfriend Tim (we began dating in April), and I feel so lucky to have met him when I did! (Especially since I was shy, I never expected to meet anyone!) I am beyond excited to be packing up and moving to Chicago to begin my Masters in School Counseling! Now onto finding a job to get me through school...

May Flowers & Exciting News!

While this spring has not seen many warm days yet, that doesn't mean I don't think about them!    I've been craving warmer weather...since about February! This Friday's Fancies is all about floral prints, and while I don't own many floral print items, I have been day dreaming about adding more to my wardrobe!

May Flowers by karamalo featuring zanzan

I wouldn't normally buy a dress like this, but I am beginning to like this vintage style more and more (only on rare occasions). I think this outfit would look adorable for a day relaxing in the park!

I recently bought this floral tee at Urban Outfitters on a whim, and I LOVE it. It's perfect for throwing on with shorts or jeans. (Maybe even a skirt too!)

Lastly, I received some good news regarding my plans for next year! As I looked into teaching more and more, I discovered that school counseling, as a career, fits my personality more so than teaching.  I applied for programs through two different schools, and I got into my top choice! The school is still in Chicago, and I could not be happier :)

Bloglovin' Switch!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5083965/?claim=ddfsqdcen93">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Hello all!

With the recent news of Google Reader shutting down, I have added my blog to Bloglovin' (like every other blogger)! 

Bloglovin' apparently has a good iPhone app as well, which I am excited to use from now on!

Friday Fancies

I have a confession.  I am not a girl who is big into jewelry. I know, I know... In fact I only have one statement necklace, and I don't know if it can even be considered a true statement necklace.  The only jewelry I wear everyday are stud earrings that are usually pearls or my gold bow earrings.  Bracelets and watches that actually fit my super tiny wrists are hard to find, so I usually just have a hair tie on my wrist :(  If I was brave enough to accessorize with lots of jewelry, this is what I would wear! 

In fact, I am going to a wedding next weekend, and I will be wearing this exact dress! (It was supposed to be my New Years Dress, but with a snow storm on the way, it did not arrive in time) I think adding more jewelry into my wardrobe seriously should be one of my New Years Resolutions!

Bling Bling by karamalo

Things I'm Loving...Not So Much! (Part 2)

First off, I don't want you to get the impression I am a Negative Nancy...because I'd like to think that I'm not! I greatly enjoy discovering new things I have a love for, and I also love reading about others' latest obsessions! That being said, I value the good (and bad) opinions others have regarding beauty items, books, fashion, food, etc.  

Maybe it's just me, but I've always taken negative opinions to heart. I think it is a great way to avoid wasting precious time and money!!

1. TV Shows - The Taste

I was very excited about this show (hello, I love food so I love cooking shows)! I am a sucker for cooking competition shows - Master Chef and Top Chef are my favorites.  The set up of this show is strange with the fact that the judges only taste a spoonful of food. (I feel like presentation can't be judged as much, and that is one of my favorite parts of these kinds

 of shows!!) Also, I only knew who one of the judges were. Maybe I do not watch Food Network as much as I thought?

2. Illnesses/Flu Season

I usually don't get sick, except for one or two colds a year (*knocking on wood)! However, with this flu season being as bad as it is, and throw in working with kids in the mix, equals high chances of getting sick.  For the past week, I have had major congestion every morning. super. annoying.  I can hardly breathe when I am trying to sleep and for the first three hours in the morning. This past weekend, Tim was sick with a halfway flu...if that exists haha. He had a fever and a cold, but nothing else.  I bought us both medicine Thursday night, and now he is all better, but I am still stuck with my congestion. I guess I will have to run the air humidifier tonight :(

3. Winter!!!!

I am soooooo ready for winter to be over. Dry skin - I loathe it. Congestion - can't stand it.  Having to scrape my car off nearly every morning - annoying.  Thank goodness it's February, which means we are well on our way to SPRING!

In the meantime I have been dreaming about going to places like these...

Yes, even the neighborhood pool sounds good right about now!

Things I'm Loving! (Part 1)

Because of my full time job, I've been getting into (somewhat) of a normal 9 to 5 schedule on weekdays.  (Actually my work week consists of only Monday through Thursday until the summer...which I am loving).  Because I am finally able to live out a normal work day and week (unlike the schedule of classes, exams, etc), I have developed a liking towards some new discoveries I've made so far in 2013!

Without further ado, let's get started!

1. TV Shows

Tim and I have been watching a lot of different shows on Netflix lately that are amazingly good! We are obsessed with the show, Monk.  I remembered Monk was on USA Network when I was younger, but I never got into it...I even had no clue on what the show was about! It's a lot like Psych, but I have to say, I like Monk much better! I love how each episode is something different, yet there is still a central plot that the show revolves around!

Another show: Freaky Eaters

This show is on TLC, but I have yet to see it on the actual channel! (I've only seen it on Netflix) The show is focusing on the obesity epidemic, which is something I have always been interested in. {I also love the Biggest Loser haha} The people the show focuses on only eat one food every single day...and yes, they eat the SAME thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! There are two episodes of people who only eat french fries! Over all, it is such an interesting show!

On to show #3: Total Blackout

Even though this show is on the SyFy channel, it's one of the most hilarious game shows ever! The host is Urkel (just one reason why it's so funny)! The contestants have to do different types of challenges in complete darkness.  Check out this video to see why I love this show so much! Hilarious.

2. Vitamins

I don't think I have ever mentioned this before, but my skin is not the greatest.  I have struggled with mild acne for quite some time. Nothing bad, usually just one breakout constantly (which is still super annoying!!) Does anyone else feel my pain?? I am always looking for the latest skincare and makeup products that will not be too harsh on my sensitive and breakout-prone skin! Talk about a struggle. I recently decided to take Vitamin E, and I think it is working so far! My skin seems to be more hydrated this winter, and I have noticed some dark spots fading quicker than usual!

And let's not forget about Vitamin C this flu season!! I do not want to get the flu!!

3. Amazon Purchases (including my very first knitting supplies)!

Recently I traded in some old textbooks to Amazon's Trade In program, and while they do not accept every book out there, I was able to get good deals on about half of my old books! And that half added up to about $160! I can't believe I would've just had those lying around my house, not being used! Other than some necessities (guinea pig food, Crest white strips, and a gift for Tim), I decided to buy some things for myself!

These boots will be at my doorstep soon enough! I have been looking for a pair of combat boots that aren't so...well...combat ish.  I know that seems hard to find, but I think I've found the perfect pair, with the perfect color! I wanted to find a pair that looks more vintage (Something like the girls on A Little Princess would wear...judge me, that's still my favorite movie)

I think they will look cute with jeans and a cute shirt, maybe even cute enough for going out in (I am such a wimp when it comes to going out footwear in the winter...I wear boots most of the time - if I'm feeling brave I'll wear flats)

I also want to get hooked on knitting! At camp I learned patterns for tons of embroidery thread bracelets, and I loved how I could always work on a bracelet and pay attention to something at the same time. I think it's nice to keep my hands busy sometimes.  My grandma taught me how to knit in 7th grade, but I lost all of the supplies so I have been dying to pick it back up! My first project is going to be a basic scarf.  I think they will come in handy when I move to Chicago this fall!

Part 2 (Thing I'm Not Loving) is coming soon!

Since Thanksgiving

I have been up to a ton of various things since Thanksgiving! Needless to say, my to-do list is always growing.  During the month of December, I worked very hard finishing up my semester with finals, as well as applying to graduate school for next fall...scary!!

Literally when I got home the day winter break started, I opened my mail from the previous weekend when I was in my college town. And, I got in! I couldn't believe it.  It was 3 am when I opened my acceptance letter, and I had to rub my eyes about 40 times to make sure it was for real!  I am so happy that starting next year, I will be well on my way to becoming a teacher!  Also, Tim and I will finally be in the same city permanently and we couldn't be more excited!

First things first...Tim and I got a pet: a guinea pig! We named her Rumple, and she is so adorable! Tim has been wanting one recently, and since I had two when I was little, we thought it would be the perfect pet.

We even bough a holiday leash for her! (It's too bad she doesn't like to walk in it)

I also made quinoa for the first time ever! The taste took a little getting used to, but now I love it! I found a recipe for cheesy quinoa, and I'm in love!

Because the classes I would have taken this spring semester would not transfer to my new program starting this fall, I decided to drop my classes and get a job to save money before grad school! I decided on being a full-time nanny. That way I would not get money taken out of taxes, and I would still get paid a decent amount! I found a wonderful family only five minutes away, and I adore spending time with their two kids! I am really looking forward to spending the summer with them since we will be able to go outside to parks and the pool :)

I get to see this pup four or five times a week now! Her name is Murphy and I think she's one of those dogs that's ugly-cute, haha

One of the perks of this job is my lunch is free! I am free to eat whatever in their house, and I decided to make lettuce wraps today because I have been craving lettuce in any form (salad, wrap...weird I know)

I also celebrated my 23rd birthday! It has definitely been my best birthday yet, because most of my closest friends were able to celebrate with me! I swear for the last 8 years, I have been bombarded by exams (in high school), or sorority recruitment.  This is the first birthday in a loooong time that I have been able to do what I want to do and relax!

I Am Thankful For...

I cannot believe Thanksgiving Day is finally here!! The time has flown by and I can't believe it is holiday season!  School has definitely been keeping me busy...(two and a half weeks left!) eep! I don't think there is anything more fitting than to write an "I'm thankful for..." post on Thanksgiving Day, so that is exactly what I'm going to do!

1) First off, I am thankful for this guy!

This picture was taken in Spain, can I please go back?!

Today is also very special because it is Tim's birthday! Happy 23rd Birthday to my best friend!

2) I am thankful for my family

They are always there when I need them, and I wouldn't be where I am today without their love and support :)

3) I am thankful for my education

I think now that I'm paying for my grad school, I have realized now more than ever the value that your education can have.  No one can ever take that away from you, and that's something I sometimes forget! I cannot wait for the day when I will actually be making money though!

Now onto the less serious things I'm thankful for...

4) I am thankful for yummy food!

Lately, Tim and I have discovered some new favorite foods of ours, and boy are they good! (Although this is not helping my case because I have not been working out as much...I miss the free gym at school!)

I never usually liked spicy foods, but Tim got me hooked on spicy chicken sandwiches!

I have always loved green beans, I think they might be my favorite vegetable.  Tim's sister told me to put Italian dressing on them one day. I didn't think it would be good, but I was so wrong!

You may remember bosco sticks from high school cafeteria days. Because of my allergy, I never bought lunch at school, so I had no clue why they were such a hit! We found a grocery store that carries them in the frozen section, and I am in love! 

We're so silly/goofy we decided to get bosco stick shirts, haha!

My latest obsession: 30 Rock

I am on season 6 on Netflix, which means I am closer to getting to season 7 (the last season of the show...so sad)

I realize I can go on and on about the things I am grateful for.  That's why I have more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving than ever before!

I have to get back to writing my 20 page paper so I can get sleep for Black Friday adventures!

Happy Turkey Day!