HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Today I am dressing as....

....the tooth fairy!

I am wearing a plain black t-shirt and black leggings that I already owned. The tutu was purchased at Icing back in August for my original planned costume (Olaf from Frozen) and the wings, wig, wand, and tiara are from Target. This was a cheap, easy costume.

I hope all you beauties have a great night tonight! What are you dressing up as?

Why is Halloween an excuse to dress half naked? This year I have seen sexy pizza, sexy Big Bird, and worst of all, a sexy Ebola nurse. I feel overdressed every year in shorts and a tank top. Do guys really find it attractive for females to be scantily clad on Hollow’s Eve? I asked 5 guys for their opinions to get answers. I also asked 5 females their feelings on the situation, and if they felt pressure from society to dress inappropriately on Halloween. Here’s what I learned:

Males
1.) All in favor.
2.) I think girls can still look sexy and have a good costume without just wearing lingerie and calling it a costume. I tend to like the ones who are slightly more reserved than normal. You are supposed to dress up as something. If I wanted to go look at strippers, there are plenty of places for that.
3.) As a male I love it because it’s provocative but would I want my daughter dressing like that? Hell no. Creative costumes get more attention overall anyways, not just boobs and butt.
4.) Depends. I like it so long as it’s not overly done and can be mistaken for a street walker, but showing a bit is good stuff.
5.) I personally would never want to see my sister, cousins or eventually my daughter dressing that way, but as a guy, I can't say I dislike it right now...

Females
1.) I think it affects the self esteem of girls who are overweight and go into costume stores. They have short skirts and lingerie looking costumes shoved in their faces with hardly any other options. I've seen friends feel inadequate in those stores and it is sad. I feel like girls who wear conservative costumes regardless of their weight would be seen as prude or boring or something negative. On the other hand, girls with nice bodies love these costumes and likely see Halloween as an excuse to show off their bodies. It's interesting because I've apparently been conditioned to accept this as I hadn't thought twice about the fact that conservative costumes are hardly offered for women until your question! I can't even imagine stores selling anything else.
2.) I don’t think they’re so much forced as girls use it as an excuse because they don’t feel they can be judged. And those that do do it, 99% of it is for attention.
3.) I don't personally believe that girls are "forced" to dress slutty for Halloween, rather it has become part of the current Halloween culture. Some girls may feel like this is the one day out of the year that they are excused to dress rather scandalous and get away with it. Though it is truly ultimately up to the girl whether she chooses to dress slutty or not. Free expression is something that I truly value and I believe that we shouldn't judge others on their choices; is it affecting your life personally? 99.99% it's not, so girls shouldn't be critiqued for their choices. I do agree that there is some sort of pressure in this new generation to dress provocatively for Halloween, but I don't believe girls are being forced to dress slutty.
4.) I personally hate the holiday for that reason. I feel the need to dress in no clothes and that's not who I am so I try not to partake.
5.) I think girls think its an excuse to dress slutty and not be judged, but on the other hand costume stores only really sell slutty costumes but only because consumers buy it. I think the solution to this would be DIY costumes which is what I always do.

What are your thoughts on the situation?

It's Workout Wednesday! This week I'm reviewing Artisan Bistro--a new food company that is healthy, gluten-free, and has natural ingredients--something very rare in frozen meals! I am constantly looking for new, quick, delicious, gluten-free meals, and Artisan Bistro is a new staple in my freezer.

Below is a commercial I created for Artisan Bistro! Check it out, thumbs it up, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Next Wednesday we'll have an actual workout and not just healthy eating! xo

While most people are looking forward to Halloween parties and trick or treating, I am looking forward to spending Friday night in with my $2 Chipotle Boorito and some Halloween movies.
My top 5 Halloween movies are:

5.) Child's Play
4.) Little Shop of Horrors
3.) Carrie
2.) It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
1.) Hocus Pocus

While I do enjoy a scary movie every now and then, I prefer light hearted, fun, festive movies.

What are your favorite Halloween movies?

Happy Sunday!
Don't forget that next week the first KBWC book club begins! For the month of November, each Sunday we will be diving into "Spirit Hunger" by Gari Meacham. I encourage you all to get her phenomenal book. I am 1/3 of the way through and have really been enjoying it.

I was tagged by beauty guru Teni Panosian for the Selfie Tag! Selfie is a sitcom airing on ABC Tuesdays at 8pm.

1.) What do you think is your best physical feature?My eyes

2.) If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?Sunriver, Oregon. I've already been but can never have enough of it!

3.) What do you need to feel better when you are sick? Panera chicken noodle in a bread bowl, Netflix marathons, and some snuggles

4.) What one piece of advice would you give to the youth of America and why? Enjoy each moment. Life goes by so fast. The tough moments never last. I would give them this advice because it's the advice I wish I would have held on to.

5.) What animal do you think you were in a past life? Totally a turtle

6.) If you could travel back in time, what would you change? Nothing. I've learned a lot from each moment of pain and heartache.

7.) What do you do for fun on weekends? I usually go back to my hometown for college football games. (My boyfriend is the coach.)

8.) What is your biggest workplace pet peeve? People who keep talking to me about irrelative things while I'm trying to work.

9.) I wouldn't be caught dead without my--- cell phone...sadly.

10.) If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To have all the super powers......BOOM TOWN.

I now tag Sarah Reyes from That Reyes Family, GiGi Gorgeous, and Aspyn Ovard.

Have a blessed week!

HAPPY FRIDAY! Today I'm bringing y'all another Halloween tutorial. This is my favorite one I've done so far. I had no intention of doing this video at all, but when the wig I bought at Target for my Halloween costume turned out to be a wavy mess instead of a sleek straight bob, I had to do it. Enjoy!

Here's some music I've been loving lately...what's on your fall playlist?

It's Hump Day....my favorite day of the week! I've always loved Wednesdays, and do so even more now that I'm bringing health segments to the table each Wednesday. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite healthy snacks with you.

1.) Hummus with Veggies:
Hummus is pureed chickpeas. It is rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats. However, it is high in calorie, so be sure to measure out a serving. You'd be surprised how much hummus you can sit and eat if you're eating straight from the tub. (I would know!) I like to dip celery and carrots in it. Pita chips and pretzels are also great with it, but not as healthy.

2.) Edamame:
Edamame is boiled soybeans. They too are very high in fiber and so delicious.

3.) Protein Bar:
A Quest bar can replace a meal and is only 180 calories. It tastes like candy and is high in protein, potassium, and fiber. Some of my other favorite protein bars besides Quest are Balance and Luna.

4.) Asparagus and a hard boiled egg.
This might sound like an odd combination, but the fiber enriched asparagus and protein filled egg balance each other out well. It is a great, filling, yet low-calorie snack.

BONUS: Green tea.
A healthy alternative to water, green tea speeds up your metabolism and is only 5 calories per serving.

Let me know what you think of these snacks!

Many times when I tell people I'm a nanny, I get a certain look--and it's not a kind one. There's a certain judgment behind having gone to university for 4 years and be working a position I didn't need to spend the time and money of college for. However, without college I wouldn't be successful in this career. I balance a household. I balance the lives and learning of three children. I understand the three year old's brain due to child psychology and courses in elementary education. I can juggle a crying baby, a 3 year old playing with a permanent marker, and the doorbell ringing in a moment's notice because I had to juggle 18 units, a part time job, and an internship in one semester. I worked hard for my degree and I will continue to work hard in my career, even if I'm not applying the Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Brown v. Board of Education in my daily work.

Contrary to what many of my friends believe, I don't sit at the family's home and watch TV all day. I run a household. I shop for groceries, get kids to and from school, fold laundry, and do the dishes. I change poopy diapers, wipe away tears, make blanket forts, and see who can get higher on the swings.

It takes a special person to do all of this, and to do it all well. For those of you who work in an office, a hospital, or a classroom, that is great. I hope you love your position as much as I love mine. And that is the key focus here: I LOVE MY JOB. I wouldn't change being a nanny in a heart beat. I wish I could make it a life time career. It's not easy and some days I want to cry, but it is the perfect job for me. When a six year old says her lunch time prayer and thanks God for her "nice nanny" or the three year old tells you "Girls rule, boys drool, so call your boyfriend and tell him he drools," your heart melts... and it makes you realize you're exactly where God intended you to be.

Nannying isn't for everyone. I could never work in an office and have respect for those who do. Each person has been given different gifts from the Lord and we must use them in our own unique ways. If we all had the same skills, strengths, and passions, the world would be a boring place with a lot of accountants and no acrobats. So the next time someone tells you that they're a nanny or a stay at home mom or a pastry chef or a circus clown, don't give them that look. Learn more about their job and admire the way they use their gifts.

It's Makeup Monday! Fresh off another win, my Broncos are looking great this season & you should too! Try this look at home to support the Broncos this Thursday night against the Chargers. For those of you who aren't Broncos fans (what is wrong with you!?) replace the blue and orange with your own team colors.
Enjoy!

Hi guys! For today's Halloween makeup tutorial, I recreated the makeup of the doll Annabelle from the movies The Conjouring & Annabelle. I haven't seen Annabelle yet, but I saw The Conjouring and was so creeped out! It really got me in the Halloween mood. Enjoy this tutorial, and let me know what you would like to see next week!

Happy Thursday friends! I hope you're having a great week. Mine has been hectic, but joyful. I'm looking forward to a weekend of relaxation.

I have strong admiration for young woman who have a goal, recognize their gifts from God, and get after it. I recently came across an Etsy shop called Artist and the Alchemist, run by a woman who did just that. It's a company with beautiful, timeless handmade jewelry. I recently ordered a necklace from this shop and could not believe how quickly it shipped. I've worn it everyday since, not just because it supports a family going through a loss of their wife, daughter, mother, and friend, but because it is so delicate, feminine, and beautiful.

This shop was started by a young woman, Annie Lance, whose love for doodling on her notebooks became a dream career. Her mom noticed this passion and told her that one day they would have their own shop. "You can be the artist and I will create the jewelry so I'll be the alchemist," said her mother. Years later when she decided to open her Etsy shop, she named it in honor of her mother.

Annie never intended on becoming a jeweler, but struggled to find jewelry due to a lack of nerves in her hands that prevent her from sweating. "I turn everything green immediately," said Annie, "so one day I decided I'd make my own so I could afford it. I liked it, my friends liked it, their friends liked it. Pretty soon I had an Etsy up and running."

Because of her visual mind, Annie is able to see something and recreate it. Everything she knows about jewelry making is self taught. She has never taken any classes. "It's a gift for me to be able to share a talent I have of mine to make other people feel beautiful," she said.

And that she does! The beauty of her work gives a long lasting gift of beauty to others. The necklace I purchased makes me feel beautiful, but also reminds me to cherish life, as it is created to honor the life of Annie's late friend Kassi. Kassi battled leukemia, so this necklace was made in her honor, with proceeds going towards her family.

For those of you interested in Artist and the Alchemist, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistandAlchemist and use discount code IDAHOME for 10% off. Also now through November 1, if you buy one "love" ring, you get one free!

It's workout Wednesday! Here's a 5 minute ab workout that I do every other day! Enjoy :)







Comment below with what you would like to see next week for Workout Wednesday!

When I first heard about this brush prior to its release on Dulce Candy’s channel, I knew I needed it. As I’m sure you’ve been able to conclude upon reading, I’m a Clinique product addict. I was curious about cleansing brushes for awhile, but never made the plunge because of the cost. This brush retails at about $90, so it was the #1 thing on my birthday wish list. My parents got me it, and I am still so thankful nearly a month later!

The brush is waterproof, so it can be used at the sink or in the shower with no fear of getting water into the brush’s battery pack. The brush has a flat head that is fairly soft, not irritating my sensitive skin. The texture is similar to using a soft wash cloth. The bristles are antimicrobial, so the fibers supposedly can not allow bacteria to cling to the brush. However, don’t believe this. Wash the brush head aside from washing your face on a regular basis, just to be safe.

I was skeptical how using this brush for 30 seconds could completely cleanse my face. However, after the first use my face looking clean and my follow-up toner drew zero traces of makeup or residue on my skin.

Overall I’m impressed with the Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush and would recommend it to anyone who wants a cheaper, one brush fits all, version of the Clarisonic brush.

Today's Makeup Monday is a list of the 20 best beauty products for under $20. These are featured in no particular order.

1.) NYX Cosmetics Slim Lip Pencil ($3.50)
2.) NYC waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($3.99)
3.) Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($6)
4.) Cerave Moisturizing Lotion ($9.99)
5.) Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($4.99)
6.) NYX Cosmetics Eyebrow Cake Powder ($5.99)
7.) Batiste Dry Shampoo ($7.99)
8.) Hawaiian Tropic SPF 15 Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion ($7.99)
9.) Organix Shampoo ($5.79)
10.) Ardell Lash Starter Kit ($5)
11.) Eos Organic Lip Balm Sphere ($3)
12.) CoverGirl Clump Crusher Waterproof Mascara ($9)
13.) Real Colors Smolder-Eyes Palette ($6)
14.) Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush ($8)
15.) Sonia Kashuk Lip Definer ($5.99)
16.) Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($8.99)
17.) MAC Lipstick ($16)
18.) Sephora Collection Long Lasting Eyeliner High Protection Blush ($12)
19.) The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara by Maybelline ($5.99)
20.) Aussie Moist 3 minute Deeeeep Conditioner ($3.99)

What is your favorite beauty product for under $20?

I got a beautiful new pair of booties last week. Suede, crocheted ankle booties. I loved them. I had been looking everywhere for tan ankle boots and none fit me right. I finally found this pair though.....at Walmart.....for $24. They made the two outfits I've worn them with pull together perfectly. Until a dog chewed them to pieces.

I was pissed. I was furious about the fact that they were so new, so perfect, and so quickly ripped to shreds. After a couple hours of being upset, I realized how stupid I felt. They were simply a pair of boots. I can buy another or a similar pair. Owning these boots say nothing about me as a person, or my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Material items can not be taken to heaven. They say nothing about our morals, our attitude, or our hearts. I should not have gotten upset about a pair of boots.

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This week I challenge you to focus less on material items and more on your relationship with the Lord.

Happy Friday!
Today I had planned on filming and posting another Halloween tutorial. However, this morning I woke up and began reading a new book, "You're Already Amazing" by Holley Gerth. It is a book about embracing who you are and becoming who God created you to be. It's a heartfelt message about embracing who you are and how to forget the expectations the world feeds you and to believe God loves you and has bigger plans that you can imagine.

I could never need a better book in my life at this time!

The end of the first page had me captivated. I have been sitting on this paragraph all day long. My mind just can't wrap around the amazingness of it. I had to change today's post to share.

"You're a daughter of God, a holy princess, a woman created with strengths you've yet to fully grasp and a story that's still being written by the divine Author himself. And if you really take a hold of who you are and what you're called to do, there will be no stopping you. That's because there's no stopping him in you-and he's got bigger plans for your life than you've imagined."

Our God loves us so much and has made us strong, unique individuals with so much potential to do amazing things in this life. If we realize this and take the reigns with God alongside, leading the way, there is no stopping us. He has our life planned and he has great things in store. Just you wait and see!

For many years I have suffered from severe acne. I felt helpless, alone, and insecure. I felt like I tried every product possible and nothing worked. Once my acne FINALLY began to clear up, my face was covered in scars. Every time I looked in the mirror without makeup on, I was in tears.

It produced a very painful time in my life. Every treatment for acne scars was thousands of dollars and I felt like I had no control over my blemishes. I was mad at myself for having bad skin and mad at God for making me feel so ugly. I had no clue what to do except for cry. I never felt beautiful or okay in my skin, even with people telling me I was.

After years of dealing with sadness associated with my terrible skin, I came across a woman on YouTube named Kayli Butler. She has a lifestyle channel where she does crafts, makeup, hair, and family activities.

One day a few weeks ago she filmed a video where she talked about PMD, Personal Microderm. It is a small machine that creates cell turnover. It uncovers the healthy skin, with drastic Before & After stories to prove its worth. After hearing about Kayli's success, I decided to give it a go. I used a coupon code from her, "heykayli" that got me 25% off. The next week I was using it. I have used it for 4 weeks now and am hooked.

I have never felt so confident, beautiful, and comfortable in my skin. I wear less makeup, if any at all, and am perfectly okay with it. I am so thankful that I found the PMD. I lost my sense of helplessness and feel in control of my life, my self-esteem, and my skin.



To learn more about PMD and get yours, visit www.personalmicroderm.com and enter the code HEYKAYLI for 25% off!

Hi loves! Happy Wednesday. I am starting a new segment---Workout Wednesday. For today's segment I am teaching you how to make the delicious breakfast bowls I have been making. Enjoy! Leave a comment below of what other types of videos you would like to see for Workout Wednesday!

I have seen the Fab Fit Fun box in the blogging circuit for about a year now. I finally took the plunge and ordered Giuliana Rancic's seasonal box for Fall 2014! I'm obsessed! It's $49.99 for $200+ of fun lifestyle products.

What did I receive?

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster ($56): I have heard great things about Dermalogica and am excited to try this product when winter comes and my skin is flaking and dehydrated.

Jessie Steele Apron ($32): I've never been one to wear aprons, but this is adorable! It is light pink with white polka dots and I will have to start wearing it when I cook and bake!

Gramr Gratitude Sealing Wax ($4), Wax Press ($25), and Thank You Card Set ($15): I have seen these before, but never used it. I immediately tried out the wax and got the hang of it on the second try. I am going to send these cards out around Thanksgiving time. I would love to order a personalized wax seal from this company.

Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped ($12): These are so cute! They're really comfortable and I love the style. The grip on the bottom is unnecessary for me because I don't do yoga or barre, but I still like them. I want to get my grandma some for Christmas.

Beauty for Real true Color Lip Cream “Always There” ($22): This is the #1 product I didn't like. The color is not to my liking and the LED light on it is bizarre to me.

CHI 44 Iron Guard ($15): I always use heat protectant when I dry or straighten my hair, which I have NOT been doing much of lately. I am still using my Tri-Wheat protectant, but look forward to trying this in coming months.

The Honest Co. Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar (Juniper Sage) ($4.95): I love the idea behind Honest Co. and have wanted to try their products. However, they can get pricy so it holds me back. A lot of my friends who are young moms swear by their stuff. I am excited to try out this soap and LOVE the scent.

LaNatura Travel Size Body Butter ($18): The scent is a bit bland, but it's very moisturizing. I don't know how much I will use it--I may give it to my mom because I know it is a product she will love.

FitFusion 3-Month Digital Subscription ($29.97): I was so excited about this, but when I tried it out, I did not like it at all. The videos are out dated and not user friendly. The only one I liked was Blogilates, which I can access for free on YouTube.

Mary’s Gone Crackers (sponsored)(~$1): Yum yum yum yum & gluten free! Just what I need!

This adds up to over $230. The box is beyond worth it to me. I love that it is not just a beauty box or a food box, it blends everything in one. While the price is more than regular subscription boxes, it is only sent out 4 times a year. I will absolutely be ordering this again!

If you want your own Fab Fit Fun box, use the code Kait10 to get $10 off!

Happy Monday!

Here are some quick, easy beauty hacks to make getting ready easier!

1.) Use hair conditioner as shaving cream.
2.) Use baby powder as dry shampoo.
3.) Cut a potato in half and use it as a pumice stone.
4.) Cut your razor in olive oil between shaves to keep it from rusting.
5.) Use the gel from inside Advil liquid gels to instantly cure a pimple.
6.) Flat iron your braids to create long lasting waves.
7.) Lipstick can double as blush when you’re in a pinch.
8.) Mix shower gel with sugar to create an exfoliating scrub.
9.) Add a couple eye drops to mascara to get rid of clumps.
10.) Cut makeup sponges in half to get twice as much for your money.

What is your favorite beauty hack?

Tonight is a big night for Angels baseball. They're down 2-0 in a 5 game playoff series. They have to get a win tonight to continue their post season. Want to get in the spirit of the game? Here are some makeup looks for Angels fans!

It's October! That means HALLOWEEN! Every Friday for the rest of the month, my posts will be Halloween themed. I have character tutorials, DIY decorations, and more!

Today I have a video teaching how to do Elsa's coronation hair and makeup in Frozen.

Enjoy!



Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation
Bare Minerals Powder Foundation
Urban Decay Setting Spray
Urban Decay Smoked Palette - Rockstar, Evidence
Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Strange, Dust, Burnout, Nooner
Mica Beauty Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner
Makeup Forever Mascara
Clinique Pressed Powder Rose Blush
Revlon Eyelash Curler
NYX Lip Liner Dolly Pink
Vaseline

Apparently it's terrible to wash your hair everyday...Who knew. I just found this out a couple weeks ago when reading ways to produce hair growth. I've been washing my hair almost everyday for as long as I can remember. The past few weeks I've been trying to reduce my hair washing to 2 or 3 times a week. Because of this, I have had to find a way to prevent dirty, oily hair with product build up in it. Luckily, I've had success with Batiste Dry Shampoo!

Batiste Dry Shampoo is a scented dry shampoo that absorbs dirt, oil, and product build up in a quick, easy manner. Most dry shampoos work for me, but leave a musty scent behind. This is the first dry shampoo I've had that works well, adds volume, and eliminates hair odor.

There are three new scents available (Cherry, Lace, and Wild) at a friendly price. I had to try Wild solely for the Cate-ness of the bottle! Pick up your Batiste at a retail store near you, at the suggested retail price of $7.99.

There is something so promising about a brand new month. The budget is made, the meals are planned, and it's a fresh start to try something new. For those of you who have been following for awhile, you know that a new month means another month of the Happiness Project. For those of you who are new, which many are, I will get you up to date on the journey I've been on!

Six months ago I read a self-help memoir by Gretchen Rubin called "The Happiness Project." She took a year of her life to implement simple tasks that would make her much happier. I created my own Happiness Project and have been documenting it here. I am halfway through. So far I have focused on my energy, relationship, family, friendships, and finances. In September I focused on being more mindful. I spent more time in meditation, I exercised more, and tried to live in the moment. I tried hypnosis, (helps me sleep!) laughter yoga (so bizarre!) and became more mindful of what is going into my body-which has helped me decided to set foot on a sugar free October!

This month my quest for happiness revolves around my attitude. I have four simple goals: laugh more, have good manners, give positive feedback, and find an area of refuge. Wish me luck!

"No one is happy who doesn't think himself happy."