15 to-do's for 2015

Instead of coming up with a New Year's resolution (and ultimately setting myself up for failure) I've set some pretty realistic goals for things to do in 2015. Hopefully, by this time next year, I'll have them all marked off. Visit my Instagram to follow along as I accomplish them!

Learn how to play (super basic) guitar

Sign up for a relay triathlon with friends

Take a trip... anywhere

Read a few books

Get out on the river for SUP yoga or kayaking

Volunteer

Book an awesome Airbnb, I'm thinking treehouse or vintage camper

Indoor rock climbing

Go to the ballet

See a foreign film

Get a new cookbook/actually use it

Try to win the lottery

Watch all the classic movies on my must-see list

Ride a bike everywhere for at least a day

Get more crafty

One year blogiversary

I got rid of that hair, those sandals are broken, and that dress barely fits

Exactly one year ago, I started this blog.

Style&Things started out as a fashion blog, but as I put more thought into each post, I realized the description of "life, style and lifestyle blog" fits quite nicely.

I still have a lot of work to do but thank you, so much, for reading. I hope this has been as fun for you as it has for me! Here's a look back at some of my favorite posts from the past year.

12.20.2013//Adventures in OKC (who would've thought some of these places would become my stomping grounds?)

01.20.2014//Living the fab life

02.08.2014//Spotlight: Kitchen No. 324

03.31.2014//Weekend

05.18.2014//Weekend getaways are awesome (I guess I like weekends)

07.07.2014// Post-Chicago blues (and good pics)

08.22.2014//Four good ways to wear a hat

09.05.2014//Alone=lonely?

11.21.2014//Christmas fever

12.05.2014//To My Unborn Son

Good vibes Monday

At one point we've all had this on our Myspace bio or Twitter feed. Instead of just saying it, let's live it. Let's stop waiting for Fridays, for our lives to look up, for someone to fall in love with us... enjoy the unique moments that make up each day, after all, we only get one try at this.

To My Unborn Son

To My Unborn Son features students from the Yale College Black Men's Union and their incredibly moving messages to their unborn sons. Members of the group are showing their support for Michael Brown's family (and, in turn, families who have lost loved ones under racially-charged circumstances) through a letter to Brown's parents, followed by heartbreaking yet moving messages to their unborn sons.

See the rest here

Gifts that give back

Christmas gifts are tricky. These days, you need to get one for everyone and their dog, but sometimes a candle or picture frame just doesn't cut it. (Don't worry... we've all done it!)

What better way to break the mold than to purchase a gift or dedicate a donation in a loved one's name? Below, see four easy ways to make a difference this holiday season.

1//Pura Vida Bracelets: if you purchase a charity bracelet, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to that cause. Pictured: LGBT Pride Awareness Braided
2//Heifer International: view the charitable gift catalogue and decide what you want to give, either a full gift or portions of them, and donate in someone's name. There are a very wide range of prices and gifts to donate. (Please check this out!)
3//Booomers International: help support youth in rural communities by buying an environmentally friendly hand-crafted bamboo bike, bike stand or accessories. Pictured: ladies bike stand
4//West Elm: Buy this glass knot paperweight and $5 of the purchase price will go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Cyber Monday

I don't know about you, but I am not one for shopping on Black Friday. I've been once or twice, but it was never a "tradition" sort of thing.

That being said, being in the fashion industry I am a huge supporter of brick-and-mortar stores, but with all the sales online its hard to always get out and do the shopping in person, especially for gifts. That's where Cyber Monday comes in.

Below is a round-up of my favorite sales today.

30% off and free shipping at J.Crew, and 60% off and free shipping at J.Crew Factory//This tee would be so cute dressed up for a holiday party. I'm also having Clueless flashbacks with this skirt

20% off sale and free shipping at Anthropologie//This would make an awesome gift

Up to 60% off at Nordstrom//Discounted Kendra Scott earrings

30% off at Flynn Skye//Forever obsessed with this dress

35% off at Soul Makes//They make the most beautiful dream catchers, and these coasters can hang out on my coffee table any day

25% off everything but subscriptions at Short Stack with code sscybermonday2014//I've had my eye on Vol. 12: Brown Sugar

25% off site wide at Ban.do//I just want all the bobbi pins

Good vibes Monday

I've been thinking lately-I don't know why I don't get out more. Why I don't take more day trips to the woods, to the lakes; we can all say we're not surrounded by beautiful places, but in reality, we all are! They're all around us. Take some time to get out, breathe the air and appreciate what was here before us. Happy Monday!

Christmas fever

The Christmas spirit is in the air especially early this year. I, for one, am loving it. My roommate and I have already put up the decorations and we got SNOW in Oklahoma last weekend. It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but all the Christmas is here!

This has all prompted me to start thinking about what gifts to give this year and, in turn, what's on my list. See my picks for both below!

1//Home made soy candles-for your all-natural friend

2//Typography print-for your artsy friend

3//Yogini rollerball-for your boho friend

4//The Andy Cohen Diaries-for your funny friend

1//Aspen Bay-Orchid

2//Daniel Wellington "Classy St. Andrews"

3//Anthro gift card

4//New Balance running shoes

Coconut oil: skin saver?

Warning: lengthy (but full of info!)

This past week, my face turned into a nightmare. A flaky, dry-patchy, no moisture mess. (TMI, I know) Although I'm sure the stress of the week and lack of proper hydration didn't help either, my skin had never been so dry before.

The only facial cleanser I had on hand the night I noticed the problem was a super-drying formula to prevent occasional breakouts, and I was so scared to use it that I went straight to the kitchen for whatever coconut oil I had. I had heard of people using it as a facial and body moisturizer, hair mask and eye makeup remover, but only briefly; I hadn't done any research.

After wetting my face (mistake) I applied the oil all over and "rinsed it off" (mistake #2) and waited to see if it worked.

I repeated this process for three days except in a different, better way. Here's what I learned along the way:

• You only need a small, dime-size amount. Rub it in your hands and it will melt quickly, if it's not already melted. Coconut oil is solid when stored at temps below 76 degrees.
• It's a champ at taking off eye makeup in a natural, non-irritating way. I plan on using this as a makeup remover before cleansing each night.
• Rub the oil over face and eyes, then wipe off with a towel. No water needed.
• You need to buy the most pure coconut oil you can find. Organic, extra-virgin oil is best.
• To use as a body oil apply to your whole body when you're still in the shower. Towel off and your skin will be smooth and dewy. I've been applying my favorite lotion afterwards for an extra shot of moisture.
• You can also take coconut oil pills, rumored to keep hair shiny and skin clear.
• At first, it makes your skin feel very greasy. However, coconut oil is great at absorbing into skin-just give it a few minutes.
• I've read a couple of articles that say coconut oil is best when used on oily skin, because it counteracts and evens it out. I have combination skin, so it may not be best for me at all times, but it helped when I needed it.

Overall, my skin is almost back to normal, and I'd like to think my coconut oil experiment had a part in that! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

PS-this whole ordeal got me wanting to buy my all-time favorite body oil, it smells heavenly!

Good vibes Monday

Practice balance. Practice breath. Practice being present, in this very moment, and you'll become more aware of who you are and what you want. Happy Monday!

Good vibes Monday

Vibes don't lie. To quote the Mumford and Sons song, "where you invest your love, you invest your life." Actively engage in where you're sending your energy and see how that changes things for you. Happy Monday!

Links I Love

I can't tell you how much I miss blogging after this crazy week. It reminds me that this blog is a safe haven for me, a place for me to talk about the things I'm passionate about and, hopefully, inspire you too.

Happy Halloween! I try my best to avoid Halloween each year, I've never been all about it, but now that I'm living in a great neighborhood I can't wait to pass out candy. Plus, I can't avoid my friend's birthday party tomorrow which also happens to be a costume party; needless to say I'm still trying to figure out what to wear.

I'm still completely booked, so a Links I Love post (with a few narratives!) will have to do for now. If it's any consolation, similar posts are my favorite on the blogs I read regularly. The best of the web, all in one place!

Resume tips

Pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes (I'm planning on using a few substitutions to make it a bit healthier)

When I can't sleep, I always search through airbnb. Recently: New York

I got my first client as a personal stylist

Currently obsessed with everything Preserve

I've been thinking about these leggings for weeks

I follow everything Rachel Brathen AKA yoga girl, and I can't wait to order her first book

I may or may not have posted about Teeki before, but I'm still in love

Watch someone get a tattoo in slow motion (pretty gross) then learn some stuff about tattoo removal (so interesting)

I would save so much money+calories with my own latte machine

I can't wait to visit Williams-Sonoma for peppermint bark, hot chocolate and mulling spices

I love this blog, it lets you go to Paris whenever you want

Just real busy

bus·y

ˈbizē/

adjective

1. 1.

   having a great deal to do

Gosh, busy is such a cliche word. I hate saying it but admittedly it takes up about half of my vocabulary.

I've actually been saying it so much that I've found synonyms. "Wanna go to coffee?" "I can't, I'm so swamped with homework."

I've been thinking a lot about what's expected of the average college student like me. For example:

//Work full time. Or work multiple jobs. Or both.
//Go to school full time.
//Don't take out loans-no-too much debt (yeah right)
//Make good grades. Get into that honor society. Be involved on campus.
//Get a full night's sleep.
//Exercise. Every day. Don't forget that balanced diet!
//Keep your house clean. Your house that you pay astronomical rent for. And bills... ALL the bills!

I am so grateful for my independence (it's something I'm very proud of, actually) but my blog has seemed to take a backseat to the list above.

With my mind on other things, it's hard for me to be inspired and I want to create interesting posts that my readers actually want to read.

Basically, for the next couple of months I will still be blogging; just not as frequently. Don't worry, I will be back to my regular schedule before you know it!

Until then, follow me on Instagram @styleandthingsblog, Twitter @styleandthings or my personal Instagram @katieallie to keep up to date! I post something each time I post on the blog. You can also sign up to have my blog posts sent directly to your email by putting your name in that little box on the right side of the page!

Thank you, so much, for reading. And please stick around! XXO

Exciting news

I'm so thrilled to announce that I've just launched my 100% online, free personal styling service through Keaton Row!

Keaton Row is partnered with top retailers like ASOS, Shopbop and Nordstrom to bring our clients the best of online shopping.

I’ll work with your wardrobe needs, personal style preferences, and budget to help you look and feel your best. You only pay for the items you choose to buy, and the prices are exactly the same through Keaton Row as through the retailer. Plus, you get free shipping. It's a win win win!

Have an event coming up? Don't have the time to look for that perfect pair of boots? Just say the word and I will create personalized lookbooks based on your wants and needs. Even if you're not looking for anything in particular and just want to see what's out there, I would love to help.

Sign up to be styled by me today!

Good vibes Monday

Just because the world is in a shit state doesn't mean YOUR world has to be. Be who you want to be. Happy Monday!

Travel solo: Global Peace Index

A favorite blog of mine, World of Wanderlust, recently posted about the top 10 places to travel solo. In her post, she mentioned the Global Peace Index. Upon looking it up, I found the top ten most peaceful countries in the world for 2014. Here they are:

1//Iceland
2//Denmark
3//Austria
4//New Zealand
5//Switzerland
6//Finland
7//Canada
8//Japan
9//Belgium
10//Norway

I'm pleased to find this out, as I would love to travel solo to at least a few of the above countries. Always have!

Intrigued? Read 2014's Global Peace Index.

Things I like: equality

Same sex marriage is now legal in my home state of Oklahoma.

From USA Today: Federal appeals courts already had struck down bans against gay marriage in five states — Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin — and those rulings will be allowed to stand. Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming are in the same judicial circuits, so they must abide by those appeals court rulings, too. Nineteen other states and the District of Columbia already permit same-sex marriage.

Love wins.

Good vibes Monday

What makes your soul happy? Figure it out, then do more of it. Happy Monday!

PSL no-no's

In my last post I mentioned that I was giving up dessert. If you know me at all you know I have a mean sweet tooth and while I can still eat half a package of Oreo's in one sitting (the first step is admitting you have a problem) I have officially veered off onto a more sugar-less journey. It's been surprisingly easy! My body is telling me this is a welcome change.

I also decided that, recently turning 22, I should make more adult-like decisions: no, Katie, you can't have brownies for dinner.

So, naturally, I've been re-thinking the things I'm drinking. What exactly is in that PSL of mine?

left: Pumpkin Spice Latte, right: Salted Caramel Mocha

Above, you'll see my two favorite fall drinks from Starbucks in their usual form: nonfat, no whip.

Do you see the sugar content in those suckers? And the carbs... THE CARBS! Also, vegans and non-dairy people of the world: even if you get soy milk and no whipped cream, the syrup still contains dairy.

My first suggestion would be to visit your favorite local coffeehouse and ask what's in their pumpkin spice (or other) syrup. I know there's one by me that uses all natural ingredients and that, overall, makes me feel better about drinking it, even if it does have my day's worth of sugar and then some.

Second, make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte! This recipe from Eating Bird Food seems solid, or try this easier version from the always faithful Chocolate Covered Katie. My impression is that, once you have the main ingredients down (pumpkin, pumpkin spice, milk of choice, coffee or espresso) you'll be able to modify and make it your own. And, bonus, you know exactly what's going in there!

Visit my Pinterest board for more easy, at home latte recipes!

Links I love

We The Economy is putting out 20 (funny it seems) short films starting October 21st

I don't have kids, but this post is pretty funny and, from what I can gather, very true

Yoga postures and their Sanskrit names-great for yogis

Dying to make this Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

Speaking of baking, I recently gave up sweets (on the weekdays)-here's the 5 phases of giving up ALL sugar

Lena Dunham's book, Not That Kind of Girl, is out. Watch her give awesome advice (I watched every single one)

I want this not-quite-wallpaper wallpaper

Have you ever seen a huge lake dry up? Now I have

You may have seen this by now, but if not, watch it

I desperately want to gain the courage to clean out my closet

These are awesome for parties

There's a big difference between whole grain, multigrain and whole wheat-learn which ones to choose

Pretty home office inspiration

Boise, ID and new perspectives

As long as I've been asked "what do you want to do when you grow up?" I've said "I'm not sure, but I want to live in Colorado." I started telling people that even before my first visit to the state; I just knew there was something special for me in the mountains. PS, I still have the same answer.

Colorado is still where I'll probably end up... but why haven't I ever considered anywhere else?

On a recent trip to Idaho, my mind opened up to the possibilities of more. As soon as I woke up from a short nap on the plane and opened my window, I saw the most beautiful mountain range I've ever seen. I watched it go by, smiling, for 20 minutes.

There's something about the mountains that makes me feel at home. Like I can take a deep breath and actually breathe. So in tune with my heart and mind and soul.

Then I began thinking yes, of course, I would love to see and experience a world and culture and a people other than my own by traveling to other countries. That is a life experience everyone should have. But why worry so much about getting there when we have something so beautiful right here, right below our feet? Or in my case below the wings of a tiny, cramped airplane.

This is why I have a love for flying. You get a whole new perspective, a whole new view-literally-that you simply cannot get anywhere else.

Thursday, my first day there, I was groggy from my 3:00 a.m. alarm and two flights but since it was the only free time I was going to get I took a cab downtown to explore. Based on a short internet search of the downtown Boise area, I decided to visit 8th street and surrounding areas. It was the right choice. My roommate for the weekend and I went to lunch at the local hot spot Fork and did a little shopping. It was a beautiful day.

During the trip, which was for a national conclave for my honor society, we took a tour of the city. We only made two stops, one at the Boise Depot (where we got a wonderful view of the city, left) and the Idaho State Capitol featured on the right. Inside of the capitol was all-white-marble-and-bronze everything and it was beautiful. There were no metal detectors, searching through purses or even any security around that I could see, just a regular Saturday afternoon at the Capitol. It was a breath of fresh air, and that's not counting the actual fresh air you get up there.

Just down the street from the Capitol, the annual Boise Oktoberfest was going on. I'll be attending the Tulsa Oktoberfest in just a few weeks but it would have been cool to experience that.

In East Boise there's an area called Warm Springs that consists of residential properties that are all geothermally heated, meaning all of the hot water and heat in those homes comes from a completely renewable resource. How cool is that? There are four areas in the Boise area that operate this way.

Boise even has a composting program!

Going into the trip I wasn't overly excited about the location, just to get away for a few days. However, upon arriving, I knew it would be a special place and I can't wait to get back someday.

Busy week

The crazy days of September are upon me!

This past Saturday, I had my 22nd birthday party. My actual birthday is tomorrow (the 23rd) but I will be in Boise this Thursday through Sunday so I partied accordingly last weekend.

My genius roommate came up with having a K themed party, meaning all K everything, even the food! Everyone came dressed up as something that starts with K.

Costumes included: kitten (me), Kim Possible, Khaki, Katy Perry (there were two of these), Potassium (K symbol on the periodic chart), Katherine Heigl as Izzie from Grey's Anatomy, King Triton, a kite, K-Fed (from the Britney days), Keanu Reeves (The Matrix), a Krispy Kreme worker, Katniss, and two kindergartners. Am I leaving anything out? Oh, and my dog was a kiwi.

For the decorations, I handmade pom pom garlands from grey and white striped twine, pom poms, and a needle and thread. It took forever, but it was so worth it! I was able to string these throughout the house. We also got some psychedelic balloons.

My "kake" was made out of Krispy Kreme, naturally, and it was a hit. Other foods included "kettles" AKA kettle chips in three varieties and both chocolate chip "kookies" and peanut butter "kiss kookies". Most of the food was gone by the end of the night.

About halfway through the night I decided to get some whiskers and a nose. My dog licked it off by the end of the party.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to Boise Thursday-Sunday for a school trip, but I have a little bit of free time on the first day so I'm hoping to get some blog-worthy pics for Monday! I hope you all have an awesome week.

PS-puppy escape

Turtlenecks

I'm ready to come out and say it: I love turtlenecks.

I've been secretly obsessed with turtlenecks since I was little. My mom always put them on me, and she still wears them herself. I find that they're flattering on me; they elongate my neck and can always add that certain Audrey vibe.

Thankfully, my obsession can become public this season as it's all about the chunky turtleneck (or similar-necked counterpart.) See my favorites below.

1//Kate Spade 2//H&M 3//J.Crew 4//Forever 21

The Zoe Report's How to wear a turtleneck and How to style the turtleneck trend should get you started on conquering those turtleneck fears.

PS-awesome dogs

Links I love

My DIY Pinterest board is filling up with decor ideas for my birthday party next weekend.

Lie Witness News: did you feel that earthquake?

For those still skeptical: George Clooney really does love his fiancee.

Another hilarious Lie Witness News about NYFW

I never get sick of a good celebrity photobomb

My roommate asked me the other day if gaucho-style pants are coming back into style. Yes.

I'm making these healthy pumpkin cheesecake bars for the game this weekend

BRB, going to find patchwork denim

I really want to see this movie. Also, read the post... there are funny Bill Hader quotes.

I'm buying this all-natural, organic headache soother today after work

Have a wonderful weekend!

20-something last year of college problems

I am coming down with a serious case of wanderlust. Even more than usual, which means it's really, really bad.

My friend +Sierra Carter left on a six-week backpacking trip across Europe last week and I would give like everything I own to have her life right at this moment. She is so brave and once she decided she wanted to do it she did... something I am trying harder to be and do.

With this problem today every day I've done a lot of research on where I would go if I had the choice. I'm fascinated with finding the spots you wouldn't normally think to go when traveling to a certain country. Right here, right now, here is my top five:

1//Godalming, Surrey, UK
If you know me at all you know I am truly, madly, deeply in love with the movie The Holiday (there is never an inappropriate day or time or class to skip to watch The Holiday) and this is one of the two Surrey villages they shot some scenes in. Really cool, since half the movie is actually set in Surrey.

2//Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Ireland is the first answer I give when asked "if you could go anywhere, where would it be?" Still getting all the beauty of Ireland (green everything, rolling hills, ocean, mountains, history) Kenmare still has quite a few things to do along the way.

3//Prague, Czech Republic

Speaking of being brave: friend of a friend Cameron recently sold nearly all of his belongings (including his car) to move to Prague. The pictures of his every day life are stunning and I would love to see the incredible colors and architecture in real life.

4//Gudvangen, Norway

Norway. Northern Lights. This. Swoon. It may be a popular tourist destination but who cares when you get to stare at that?

5//Lausanne, Switzerland

Pictured is the Escaliers Du Marche: some of these houses date back to 1719. Can you tell I'm a sucker for really old buildings? Lausanne sits on Lake Geneva and is largely car-free: perfect for old-fashioned exploration.

PS-for more travel inspo, visit my Pinterest!

Alone=lonely?

This, ladies and gents, is a live post.

As we speak, I am sitting in a restaurant... Dare I say it? Alone. My companions are my water glass, a bowl of fettuccine and a flute of bubbles. I am enjoying myself.

Why is it, that in today's society, being alone equals being lonely? I remember in high school barely being able to go to the store without calling a friend to come with me. Along with this technological age of our phones being Velcro'd to us at all hours of the day and night... We are human beings who hate-no-who are afriad to be alone.

From a very early age I was taught to always be aware of my surroundings. Always use the "buddy system." While I totally believe in that for certain situations, when did it become wrong to do things on our own? Take a walk around town. Be in your own mind, your own spirit. Get dressed up and have a meal by yourself, damn it. We are listening to what our bosses, society, the media, say to us all day long.

Don't be afraid of what your brain will tell you when it's the only thing you hear. Some of my favorite moments have happened in those times.

Basically what I'm trying to say here is that, together, we have to stop being so afraid to be our own person... If only for a moment. It is only then, and only then, that you find who you truly are.

Healthy Desserts

Back when I was obsessed with the Tone It Up Community I asked the people on there for suggestions for healthy dessert recipes... I have a mean sweet tooth and I really just can't go without dessert at least once a day.

That's when I was introduced to Chocolate Covered Katie. While I've only tried a couple of recipes so far this girl is, as far as I'm concerned, a culinary genius. While I don't love the layout of her site, she has healthy recipes (and the nutrition facts to prove it) to every traditionally unhealthy dessert you can think of.

I'm dying to try the deep dish cookie pie and these chocolate fudge zucchini brownies. Don't forget this (pictured above) single-serving apple crumble... perfect for my frequent apple pie cravings!
Come to think of it, they're a great idea for Thanksgiving entertaining.

PS-It's Fashion Week! Although everything that happens at Fashion Week is fabulous because Fashion Week is Fashion Week is FASHION WEEK... See 13 things about it that made me LOL.

The Little Rascals obsession

2014 marks the 20 year anniversary of The Little Rascals. Can you believe it?

If you were born anywhere in the late 80's or early 90's, chances are you, too, were (and still are) obsessed with The Little Rascals.

Growing up, my best friend and I would watch it nonstop. I was Buckwheat, she was Porky, and we went around reciting infamous lines and songs from their scenes together. Sound familiar? When I saw this article, I knew I had to dedicate a post to it. It's just too good!

*Sidenote: did you know Zac Mabry (Porky) recently graduated from OU? Mind=blown.

Brian Pocrass, Producer/CEO of production company 22 Vision recently got the entire original cast together for an anniversary photoshoot recreating the character's iconic looks and scenes from the movie. I mean, the whole thing is amazing. It's really interesting to see where they all ended up.

Browse through the photos from the photoshoot here

Watch a behind-the-scenes video here

Still don't have your fix? Watch another behind-the-scenes video here (it's okay, I watched them all too)