Where was Tinselbox this time last year when I needed it? I threw an extremely last minute New Year's Eve to kick off 2015 and was frantically scrolling through Pinterest running back and forth to the Dollar Tree trying to figure out how to make the party look epic. With Tinselbox I could have been properly enjoying the College Football Playoffs while the decorations came to me.

• Wish Papers - Write 10 wishes on each paper and set them a flame so they come true in 2016.
• Confetti Popper - This reloadable popper was handmade for Tinselbox and is so cute!
• Fringe Horns - Made by StephShivesStudio on Etsy, these noisemakers remind me of childhood.
• Candy Fortunes - Too cute to eat, but filled with predictions for your new year. These uniquely decorated fortune cookies are made by FortunatelyYours on Etsy.
• Tissue Hats - These gold paper crowns are a fun decoration to add to your countdown.
• Star Sparkler - This sparkler would be great to light moments before midnight, but would also make a beautiful cake topper.

At the end of each month I share my favorite things from that month. Now that the year has come to an end, it is time for me to share with you my ultimate favorites of all of my favorites...if that makes sense? Here's what I loved the most in 2015:

Favorite Scent: Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin 


Favorite Clothing Item: Victoria's Secret Yoga Leggings...originally $64.99 purchased for $18.99 in January...and I still wear them at least weekly. (I say at least because if I admitted how many times per week I wore them you'd be disgusted and stop reading.)

Favorite Beauty Product: Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation, Sephora, $28.00

Favorite Food: Chocolate Shakeology

Favorite Drink: Go Girl Peach Tea

Favorite Event: TCU vs Baylor game football game Thanksgiving weekend. Yup, my crazy family sat through the freezing cold, pouring rain, and double overtime to witness a VICTORY!

Favorite Book: The Sweet Life by Dulce Candy Ruiz

Favorite YouTube channel: Mel Trippy-- Mel & Phil are positive, inspirational, and make me feel like I'm a part of their daily life. Go check them out & join our #PTUCrew!


Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, My life verse, declaring that Christ has my life planned out already. It gives me a constant reminder to just enjoy the journey in the moment, and not stress about what happened in the past and what is to come in the future.

What did you love in 2015?

• If you're hosting a party:
• Line your trash can with 3-4 bags to make clean up easy.
• Use leftover wrapping paper for decorations. (Paper chain garland, anyone?)
• Use mini bottles as place settings.
• Have a "Resolutions" board for people to write their New Year's resolutions.
• Have extra pillows and blankets on hand for anyone who drinks too much and is unable to head home.

• If you're going out:
• Get there early. Places fill up quickly. If they fill up, utilize the Nearby Friends function on Facebook to see what bars are still allowing entrance.
• Eat a big dinner. If you're going out to the bars, it's likely that you will be drinking. Prevent being the joke of 2016 by making sure you aren't a slob kabob on New Year's Eve.
• Take an Uber home! While the prices ARE more expensive on NYE, you are saving your life, the lives of others, a DUI, and many other potential life altering dramas.

Last week for a couple days I was feeling pretty down. For no particular reason, I could barely get through the day without naps and tears. The beauty of it? I got through it. Here are some tips for when you're feeling blue.

Snail mail is a lost art. My eyes light up when I receive something in the mail (that doesn't say I owe someone money.) I love sending far away friends birthday cards, Christmas cards, and occasionally hand written letters. That's why Happy Paper by Linda is the PERFECT kind of subscription service for people like me.

My family has been cheering for TCU football since much longer than coaching has been a part of my life. Eventually I was more worried about if the coaches were making the right call and how the game would affect my life win or lose than I was about just having fun watching a sport I love. Over Thanksgiving weekend, (with Cal Poly's season wrapped up) my family hopped on a plane and headed east for TCU vs. Baylor.

Last year's showdown was awfully close and cost TCU the chance at a National Championship. This year they needed payback. And they got it. After a 45 minute rain delay, a wind chill of 23 degrees, soaked through clothes, and double overtime, the Horned Frogs won the game and we stormed the field. It was EPIC.

This experience reminded me what football is all about-- family and fun times. Don't forget to just be a fan. Even when winning or losing determines the next season of your life, just enjoy the ride for what it is...a game.

The holidays are fully upon us and this coming week will be full of Christmas parties and events. Here are four different outfit ideas for various Christmas events.

Loved and Blessed is a Christian subscription box service with a goal to help women share their testimony. For only $10/month, each box includes a mini poster, reminder sticker, scripture card, and small gift. 

• a mini poster
• reminder sticker
• scripture card
• colored pencils
• coloring page in a frame that says "We are God's masterpiece."

Congratulations to Octavia Fuller, winner of the Healthiest Sleep Solutions giveaway! I have sent you an email, please respond within 24 hours to claim your prize! :)

Healthiest is a new company that delivers natural remedies right to your doorstep. They are on a mission to provide everyone with natural products for every ailment. Developed by a panel of health practitioners, their remedies are doctor approved and scientifically supported.

For those interested in ordering products from Healthiest, be sure to use code HealthiestKate30 at checkout to get 30% off an order of $25 or more.

Today is National Cupcake Day! While I absolutely love cupcakes, I know that they are not a healthy option especially on a random Tuesday morning. However, that does not mean that we can not enjoy delicious cupcakes in a healthier manner!

• 5 scoops Vanilla Shakeology
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup pureed strawberries
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 c coconut milk
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 3 tbsp coconut butter (for frosting)

As the weather gets cooler and windy (except this week in LA it's been 80!) my skin starts to get the wrath of it. My lips are chapped, my skin is dry, and I am over it! Here are some tips for winter proofing your skin:

1.) Exfoliate it 2-3 times per week. This removes dead skin and keeps it healthy and glowing. It can help all skin problems such as blemishes, clogged pores, and hyperpigmentation. My favorite exfoliator is Clinique Exfoliating Scrub.

2.) Exfoliate your lips too! The lips are always forgotten when it comes to exfoliating. I am the queen of chapped lips and will admit I am not the best about including them in the pampering process. I live and breathe Carmex in the winter, and have been like this my whole life. A great lip scrub is Mint Julips lip scrub from LUSH.

3.) Find the right hydrating mask. There is a common misconception that when your skin is chapped and scaly it is dry, when in actuality it is often just dehydrated. Dry skin means your skin is lacking oil. Dehydrated skin means it is lacking water. The bet hydration mask on the market is Glam Glow Thirsty Mud.

4.) That being said, drink water! It flushes out toxins, hydrates the body and skin, and allows nutrients and glow to surround your skin.

5.) Turn down the temperature. Hot showers and bath can suck the life out of your skin. While it sounds great to take a hot shower after coming in from the snow, it can do years of damage to your skin. Turn down the temperature and keep the moisture locked in to your skin.

Chrissy Teigen is always stunning, but her latest accessory is her pregnancy glow. Teigen is proof that pregnancy can be comfortable and cute without being all yoga pants and Nikes. Try this Chrissy Teigen inspired look for less this holiday season, whether you are dressing a baby bump or not.

I have watched Dulce Candy Ruiz on YouTube on and off for the past six years. During this time I could always tell that Dulce was different, but could never put my finger on what set her apart from all the other vloggers filling up my subscription box. For this very reason, when Dulce released her first book in August, I could not wait to get my hands on it.

The Sweet Life: Find Passion, Embrace Fear, and Create Success On Your Own Terms provides readers with the right kind of personal development. While sharing her own personal stories of her road to success, Dulce also encourages readers about how to build their own brand and confidence. It is an inspiring read to anyone who is trying to grow and develop into their own skin.

Dulce's brave stories of immigrating to America from Mexico with her family as a child and being deployed to Iraq provide proof that her life is not the sunshine and rainbows it appears in the 7 minutes she is on your laptop screen swiping lipstick and applying mascara. It makes her real, raw, and relatable, even for those who have not had the same experiences.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for an extra push of encouragement to go after their dreams. Dulce helps you set goals, learn balance, and gives hope of a better tomorrow. This is an easy, but fulfilling, read.

For more on Dulce Candy Ruiz, check out her YouTube channel, DulceCandy87.

I can not believe next week it will be two years since I graduated college. Life has changed a whole lot since then and I am extremely proud of not just my degree, but the person I am becoming. This is one of my favorite posts from December 2014. While it does reflect on everything being a year ago, much of it is still very true.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I can't believe it's been a year since I graduated college. This time last year I was on a plane, headed to Texas to watch my brother graduate, then a quick return flight back to LA to finish my finals, say goodbye to my best friends, and move out of the dorms.

I used to always roll my eyes at adults who would comment on how quickly life flies by. But I am finally one of those adults. To those of you entering your last semester of college--cherish it for all it's worth. I would give nearly anything for just one more night in Trinity Hall-- dancing to 2Chainz, helping each other get ready for a night out, and laughing until my belly ached. Rarely again will you be with all your best friends in one place. Rarely again will you lack serious responsibility with bills to pay and work to do. Make every moment count.

The past year has been nothing I had imagined. When I graduated college last December, I expected everything to magically fall into place. I thought I would have such a simple time transitioning from living with my best friends in the dorms to living with my mom and dad in my childhood bedroom. News flash, in case you're just tuning in and have missed out on one wild ride, I DIDN'T.

The past year has been quite the trial for me, but I'm proud to say that I made it. I anxiously attacked the change from living with my best friends to only occasionally texting. I, after many failed attempts, found a stable, enjoyable, and sustainable job. I have moved out of my parents house, out of my hometown, and figured out life in a brand new city.

It feels like just yesterday I was walking out of ED 502 with the extremely awkward, yet rewardingly challenging, Dr. Scheu, calling my dad up in joyful tears to tell him I was done. I had taken my last final. Three and a half years of hard work and resisting frequent urges to give, but I had done it. The proudest accomplishment I have to date. My education is something no one can ever take from me.

That being said, time sure flies by. It wasn't just yesterday. It was actually 356 days ago, not that I'm counting. I am no where near where I expected to be at this moment, but I am okay with that. I have enjoyed (most) of the journey and have fully accepted that God's plans are far greater than my own.

This past year I have learned more about myself than I ever did in 21 years prior. I learned that I am a fighter. I am a strong, hard-working, faithful servant to Christ and I will not give up on him, for he has not given up on me.

The past year since I graduated has been a trial, but I have been given second chances and am on the right path to becoming the woman I was created to be. Although it has been a difficult year, it has been rewarding. Not only do I have a diploma, but I have dignity.

"Only God can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, a VICtim into a VICTory. GOD IS SO GOOD!"

This time of year, many people are getting worn down by colds and the flu. As they shell out many dollars on over the counter medications, they fail to realize the power in holistic health and natural remedies. Natural remedies are safe, lead to fewer side effects, and have been proven to work for hundreds of years.

Healthiest is a new company that delivers natural remedies right to your doorstep. They are on a mission to provide everyone with natural products for every ailment. Developed by a panel of health practitioners, their remedies are doctor approved and scientifically supported.


Healthiest also offers boxes for Women's Health (PMS), Medicine Cabinet Essentials, and Healthiest Sleep Solutions.

Healthiest has graciously offered to hook one of you up with one of their Healthiest Sleep Solutions Boxes, which includes calming tea, natural sleep aides, soothing oils, a sleep mask, and more. The giveaway is now open and will end on December 15th at 3pm PST.



How to enter:

Comment below with your email address.
For extra entry, follow me on IG @catedimmitt and Healthiest on IG @healthie.st

For those interested in ordering products from Healthiest, be sure to use code HealthiestKate30 at checkout to get 30% off an order of $25 or more.

Today is National Time Traveler Day...yup, it's a thing. These national holidays just get weirder and weirder. Which raises the question...if you could go back in time, would you? I wouldn't. I have lived things once, I have already been there, done that, and I would not change anything. Every fun moment in my life, I would not want to relive because something may go different and I do not want to taint the memory. Every awful moment I have may not have led me to where I am today if I changed the way it played out, and I love my life right now, so I don't want to do that either. I used to always want to look forward in life and see what is to come, but now I don't even want to do that. I just want to live my life and enjoy every single moment in the moment. Living in the past causes depression and living in the future causes anxiety. I am living in the present full of peace...even if it's National Time Traveler Day.

If you're like me you're the worst gift giver EVER. I never know what to give anyone in my life. Here are some great gifts for the people closest to you...I consulted mine.

Last month I shared beautiful, fun, Thanksgiving printables for place settings from Food Packaging Labels. This month they have outdone themselves with some fun Christmas labels to share with my readers. They can be used as gift tags, place cards, food labels, and so much more!

This time of year many families are gathered together and decide to take family portraits. We had even planned on getting them done over Thanksgiving weekend, but our session was rained out. Here are some tips for your family as you are preparing to take pictures for Christmas cards, or just for yourself:

1.) Wear coordinating colors, but don't look too matchy matchy. Use an accent color with accessories such as scarves, headbands, boots, etc.

2.) Be well fed. Being hungry can lead to hangry...especially for kiddos. Taking pictures with the whole family can be hectic, so be sure to have a full stomach to eliminate a potential problem.

3.) Go with the flow. Photographers know what they're doing...even newer ones. Let them pose you and be willing to try out things that they suggest. If you have an idea going into the photos, communicate that before hand.

4.) Shoot outdoors. The lighting looks better and the setting is more fun. Shooting in a studio limits the options for posing and types of photos.

5.) Have fun! Most importantly, enjoy the moments. Make it a memory that when you look at these photos later in life, you enjoy the memories connected to it more than the actual photo.

For those in Southern California in need of a great photographer, I suggest Emma Hopp Photography. I have used her for a couple occasions and am impressed by her photography skills, work ethic, and energy.

Today's blog post is one from the archive (originally posted 9.20.14) in honor of National Cookie Day.

Every year there seems to be a debate about the flu shot. Is it worth it? Does it actually make you sick? Can employers require you to get it? I am here to show you both sides and then spew my own opinion.

The pros: If you get the flu shot, it can help prevent you from getting the flu. It is often free (or very cheap) through employers, health insurance, and/or health clinics. The flu vaccine is now available in nasal spray form, for those afraid of needles. (I threw a fit getting shots until my early teens. My mom can tell you of the time in 6th grade when I screamed at my doctor at the sight of the needle.)

The cons: There is no guarantee that the flu shot works. For example, last year's strain of the flu was not protected by the shot. It takes up to 2 weeks to kick in, so if a flu virus is brewing in your body already you're out of luck. The vaccination is cultivated inside of chicken eggs and is therefore extremely dangerous to those with an egg allergy. However, many people are unaware of this. The flu shot has a small amount of mercury in it to preserve the vaccination, which can lead to brain and nerve disorders. Lastly, the side effects of the flu vaccine sound an awful lot like the flu...soreness, swelling, low grade fever, and achy muscles....

Comparing the pros and cons of the flu shot, I think I will take my chances and pass. I have never gotten the shot and have only gotten the flu a couple times in my life.

Now that December is here I can listen to all the Christmas music I want judgment free! Here is my current Christmas music playlist:

• Sing Mary Sing by Jennifer Knapp
• That's Christmas To Me by Pentatonix
• I'll Be Home For Christmas by Frank Sinatra
• White Christmas by Bing Crosby 
• Jingle Bell Rock from Glee
• I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas by Gayla Peevey
• O Holy Night by Mariah Carey
• All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth from Alvin and the Chipmunks
• Do You Hear What I Hear by Carrie Underwood
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Sam Smith
• The Christmas Shoes by Newsong
• Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant

Somehow it is already December 1st. While many are busy putting up Christmas lights, shopping for the perfect gift, and thinking about their New Year's resolutions, the true purpose of this time of year is lost. Instead of focusing on things, focus on people. Remember the reason of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Be present instead of worrying about presents.

Holy moly. It's November  December. I'm so shocked that I am a month off. Can you believe tomorrow is the final month of the year? I have to say that 2015 has been the best year of my life. Each new day has brought me hope and promises of grace and beauty from above.

Here are my favorite things this month...it's only a matter of time before I am writing my favorites for the year.

Beauty product... Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream

Guest blogger, Elizabeth Harper, fashion writer at Mary Jane Fashion

Black Friday has a reputation of being purely chaotic. Last year was the first year I have ever tackled it and ironically, there were ZERO crowds. I did not wait for parking for hours, I did not even wait in line when buying at the stores. That being said, I did not think there were any overly satisfying deals. I think it is a great day if you are making a big purchase or buying electronics, but for cosmetics, clothing, and smaller items, Black Friday makes no big difference.

If you are going to trek out shopping this weekend, here are a few tips:

1. Have a plan. Know what you are shopping for so that you do not overspend on unnecessary items or spend more time than needed at the mall.
2. Compare prices ahead of time. Many websites, such as Price Grabber and Shop Advisor, will tell you which store will have the best price for what you are looking for. This will cut out any pain of purchasing immediately at Nordstrom's, then finding the jeans $20 cheaper at Macy's.
3. Get a good night's rest. When you are sleep deprived you are likely to overeat and overspend. Being sure you got 6-8 hours of sleep (the tryptophan in the turkey should help!) could prevent you from binge eating Wetzel's Pretzels at the food court and buying the same sweater in eight different colors.
4. Read the fine print. A lot of stores will mark up the "original" price, to make the discount look greater than it really is. Be sure you know that you are really getting a discount before you purchase.
5. Do not limit yourself to Black Friday. Many stores seem to be doing "Black November" and bargains are already out. Cyber Monday is another great way to get fabulous deals without even having to leave your bed.

Tis the season to be jolly...after a few cocktails. Here are three fun, fall flavored drinks to enjoy this November.

Caramel Apple Sangria (my kinda party!)

• Ingredients
• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1 cup caramel flavored vodka
• 6 cups apple cider
• 2 medium apples, cored and chopped
• How To
• Stir wine, vodka, and cider together in a pitcher.
• Add chopped apples to pitcher.
• Serve over ice.

Apple Ginger Smash

• Ingredients
• 4 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces ginger liquor
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 ounces simple syrup
• fresh ginger
• How To
• Add ingredients into shaker. Shake.
• Pour over ice.

Cranberry Margarita:

• Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup Triple Sec
• ice 
• How To
• Stir, blend, enjoy.

This month is Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month. Ironically, this month I also had several severe allergic reactions which I have narrowed down to being gluten related. Last week I tested out a recipe, substituting gluten free products and peanut butter chips instead of chocolate, and it was one of the best desserts I have ever made, if not THE best.


Ingredients:

• 1 bag caramel chips
• 1 bag peanut butter chips
• 2 tubes gluten free cookie dough
• vanilla bean ice cream (optional)

Today is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day. Believe it or not, this actually is a national "holiday." Be sure to celebrate today by throwing out the three week old Chinese food leftovers and finding that frozen salmon you forgot you bought four months ago at Trader Joe's. Here are 5 great hacks for keeping the fridge nice and organized.

1. Cover the shelves with cling wrap. That way when something spills, you won't have to scrub the fridge...just replace the cling wrap.
2. Don't put dairy in the door! So many people keep their milk in the door of the fridge, but this is the part of the fridge where temperature fluctuates the most, so dairy spoils more quickly than at another location in the fridge.
3. Label a basket in the fridge "Eat Me First!" and keep all items that are losing their shelf life quickly in it so that food does not go to waste.
4. Store raw meat and seafood in the bottom shelf or drawer to prevent them from leaking down onto other foods.
5. Only use clear containers, that way you are always able to see what you have as far as leftovers, fruit and veggies, etc.

I had originally planned on posting about my opinion on the Starbucks red controversy today. However, it simply seems irrelevant at this point in the state of our world.

Yesterday, a massacre occurred in Paris. Over 120 lives were taken and the count is still growing. In times like these life is put into perspective. Innocent people went into a concert hall and yesterday and unfortunately never came out. They never got a final chance to tell their loved ones how important they were, they never got a chance to fulfill all their dreams, and they never got a chance to say goodbye. And while I can not wrap my head around how people could be so sick to want to murder others, I can wrap my head around the fact that life is short.

As cliche as it sounds, live every moment as if it is your last. Do not let anything go unsaid. Be true to yourself, because at the end of the day, it's your life. And most importantly, please pray for Paris.

This football season has been the easiest on me, which is surprising considering it's the season we have been the farthest away from each other. However, this year I did not revolve my life around football like I have the past few seasons. Instead, I revolved my life around myself and penciled football in on Saturdays. This year I learned the key to getting through football season is by treating it like any other season of life. Don't get me wrong, I love dressing in team colors, running errands for my coach, and tailgating with fans. While I love going to the games and cheering for my coach and his players, I no longer allow myself on the roller coaster emotional. I occupy my days with a job I love, family, friends (some of whom are wives of coaches on our team) and hobbies, such as hiking, blogging, and binge watching The OC. I have accepted the fact that our fate is completely unknown, but have grown closer to the Lord in having faith that he has our fate completely laid out. They key to football season is to sit back, enjoy the ride, and remember that this is your significant other's passion, and to also tap in to your own.

This time of year is hectic for everyone. One way to cut time when setting the table for Thanksgiving is to use these labels from Food Packaging Labels. They make for great place settings.


This company creates custom and stock food packaging labels for reasonable pricing. Their website is also full of free printables, including these Thanksgiving labels above, weekly meal planners, lunchbox stickers, and more.

Today is a holiday I can get behind...National Nacho Day. While nachos are flipping delicious, they can also be high calorie, high fat, and high sodium. Here is a nacho recipe that is 21 Day Fix approved, running at only 258 calories per serving.

• 1 corn tortilla
• 1/2 medium lime
• dash chili powder
• 1/4 c pinto beans, cooked
• 1 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium tomato chopped
• 1/4 c diced onion
• 1/4 medium green bell pepper
• 1/4 jalapeno
• 1/4 avocado
• 1 tbsp greek yogurt
• sprig of cilantro
• sea salt

As part of YESvember, we are focusing on chasing goals. A great way to keep your goals organized and your daily life organized, is by using a planner from Rebel's Agenda. This paper planner is designed for entrepreneurs and professionals.

The Executive Rebel helps you with strategic planning, organizing, and getting it done. It allows you to identify big goals, plan projects and meetings. It has monthly and weekly planners with presentation guides.

The Entrepreneur Rebel also helps with strategic planning, organizing, and getting things done. The layouts include project planners, monthly financials, monthly and weekly planners, documenting new ideas, and to do lists.





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