SUMMER WORK OUTFITS


Dressing for summer can be difficult at work. While the temperature is rising, the attire still needs to stay the same. However, dressing work appropriate does not mean shedding the style you love. Here are three breezy, work appropriate outfits to enjoy this summer.

Cotton tops allow room for breathing, as do linen pants.

Appropriate length skirts can still allow you to feel cool.
Don't be afraid of wearing longer, bermuda-length shorts. They are work appropriate and make you feel like you are headed to the beach.


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JOJO FLETCHER LOOK FOR LESS


It's Bachelorette Monday! I am a big fan of JoJo's style this season. It is classic, yet stylish. Here is a look from JoJo's Sports Nations date, created for...less.

 
Total: $142.40

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MOVING A HAPPY FOOTBALL FAMILY (OUTSIDE THE HUDDLE)


For those of you who do not know, my significant other is a college football coach. His job has given me the opportunity to meet many incredible, strong women who I look up to. While we are entering season #4 of him coaching (WOW!) we have not yet had a move together. When he went to his current position I stayed behind and visit frequently. The part that thrills me most about his position is the potential for moving...a lot. I have lived in the same town for a majority of my life (minus a couple years for college in Colorado and 1 1/2 years in a town 40 minutes away.)

My friend Kimberly, a coaches wife, super mommy, and fellow blogger, has moved 9 times in 14 years! In a recent blog post over at her blog, Beauty, Babes, and Ball, Kimberly provides tips for moving quick:

Her #1 tip? Stay positive! This is the only way to achieve anything in life. For the rest of Kimberly's tips on moving a happy football family, visit her blog.





About Kimberly:

After reading her story in her post Being Married to Football 14 Years Today I have come to realize Kimberly is an absolute bad ass and a football wife and mama that I aspire to be! Her husband is a coach at South Dakota State University and together they have four adorable, little boys! Kimberly keeps her focus on her family, but also enjoys keeping up with the fashion and beauty industry.  

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NATIONAL PINK DAY


Today is National Pink Day! Here are some of my favorite goodies in my second favorite hue!



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SUMMER BUCKET LIST


Summer is here! I can't believe it! Even though I am working full time and taking summer school classes, there are so many things I want to squeeze in on the weekends.

Summer Bucket List:

  • Go to a baseball game
  • Go to a concert
  • Go camping
  • Make s'mores
  • Go to the beach
  • Play tennis
  • Go to the fair
  • Start running again
  • Go fishing
  • Work on my Spanish
  • Take a new workout class
And if you're wondering how I faired with my Spring Bucket List:

1.) Have a BBQ.
2.) Go for a bike ride.
3.) Watch a baseball game. (If TV counts, then yes!)
4.) Have a picnic.
5.) Visit a farm.
6.) Go for a hike.
7.) Head to the Farmer’s Market.
8.) Go to the Flower Mart.
9.) Pick fresh berries.
10.)  Make fresh lemonade.

Here's to hoping I tackle summer a bit better!
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BIG BROTHER PREVIEW


I am not a big fan of summer, but one thing that keeps me going all summer long is having Big Brother on TV multiple times throughout the week! It is one of my favorite shows, and most people are either super fans or hate it. I fall into the first category.

This season there has been a lot of speculation about the return of all-stars, coaches, and siblings. While, we do not get much information until the season premieres on Wednesday night, and even then we may not know much until the season plays out throughout the summer, we can always expect the unexpected.

Based on cast bios on the 12 people we know who will be entering the house, here are my impressions:

Paul -- He reminds me of Austin from last season, so I do not imagine him going far. I think people will compare the two of them right of the bat and want to get rid of him because of how Austin played last season.

Victor -- He seems like a womanizer!

Corey -- I like him! I think he will be a good physical player and be able to coast through to the finals with social play as long as he does not get too arrogant.

Paulie -- I hope he is not going to try to hide the fact that he is related to Cody Califore from season 16 because people will see right through it. Cody was a power player so I think people will see Paulie as a threat based on their relation.

Bronte -- Ugh, she looks annoying. Her self described love for math and hair accessories is bizarre and I hope she packs her bags quickly.

Bridgette -- She has the perfect strategy for winning and is a local girl from Ventura, Ca. As long as she is the same in the house as her bio makes her seem, I will be rooting for her.

Zakiyah -- I had a hard time forming an opinion of her based on her bio, but I can tell she is a looks person. I'm not sure what to make of her, so stay tuned.

Jozea -- I think he is going to be a power player! I look forward to seeing him tackle the house and he is another one I will be rooting for as the season kicks off.

Glenn -- I like Glenn, but historically older players do not last beyond week 1 or 2.

Michelle -- I am noticing a lot of people this season resemble previous players. Michelle reminds me of Nicole from season 16. I think that she is going to stir up a lot of unnecessary drama this season with her big mouth and inability to play it cool.

Natalie -- She reminds me of Victoria from season 16. When I heard that there were two siblings on this season, I immediately thought Natalie was Victoria's sister, but she is not related at all. Natalie will be a floater.

Tiffany -- Tiffany is related to last season's winner, Vanessa. I was never a fan of Vanessa so I am curious to see how Tiffany is in comparison to her. She is one who, like Paulie, I think will get the boot quickly because of what a power player her sister was.

Be sure to stay tuned throughout the summer to see how I feel about this season of Big Brother!
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PLAN AND CREATE BOX


The Plan and Create Box is a monthly subscription box for people like me who love to spend time organizing, planning, and envisioning.

Each box includes a craft, products from spotlighted Etsy shops, and accessories to help as you plan, such as stickers, pens, card stock, and more.

This month's box got me in the mood for summer with all these goodies. My favorite products included were the cards, stickers, and washi tape. The pencils and paper clip craft are something I will pass on to a little one in my life, but the rest of the products were incredible. I really like that they included a pack of tea in the box to sip on as you are planning and creating.


Readers can subscribe to Plan and Create Box for only $15 per month, plus shipping. However, the lovely ladies at Plan and Create are providing each of you with an exclusive coupon code to get you 10% off next month's box. Order by July 3rd and enter the coupon code Cate10 at checkout.
Cate10 for 10% off next month's box! Boxes will ship on the 5th of the month.

FTC Disclosure: Products listed above were provided to me courtesy of Plan and Create Box in exchange for a review. All opinions are true and my own. I have not been financially compensated for this review.

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MY THOUGHTS ON THE BACHELORETTE


My thoughts on The Bachelorette thus far…

Chad…I am going to say only nice things about him in fear that he will read this blog, come find me and kill me.

Moving on,

Jordan…I liked him before the season started and even throughout episode one, but as the season progresses and things are said about him, I realize that he is a stereotypical quarterback slime ball.

Luke…He has moved up to my favorite. He’s a true Southern gentleman and I hope that he becomes the next Bachelor.

Alex…I like him, but I think he has gotten too hung up in the Chad drama. A mature adult would just ignore Chad’s bull and move on. I don’t imagine him lasting beyond the episode.

Chase…He’s a great guy and I think him and JoJo definitely have a connection. However, I know he is not final choice material for the show.

Daniel and Evan…How are they still on this show!?

Christian…I’m so sad that he got eliminated. I am hoping he will be making his way to Bachelor in Paradise this summer.


Who are you enjoying this season? Who do you despise? 
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HOW TO MAKE A BUDGET


Budgeting has been a vital part of my life the past year and a half. I have found that when I tell my money where to go instead of my money going wherever my impulses decide, I have more success in my finances, which reduces my stress and anxieties. 

This video from Rachel Cruze, daughter of Dave Ramsey, breaks down how to create a monthly budget. My favorite part of their budgeting system is that I do not have to put all my money into savings and spend the rest of my time at home reading books for free from the library. I am able to still buy new clothes, go out to eat with friends, and plan vacations, as long as I have the funds to do so and as long as I put it in the budget and plan for it.


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SEND ME GLUTEN FREE REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY


Send Me Gluten Free is a monthly subscription service that sends gluten free products right to your doorstep. I knew a bit about SMGF prior to receiving my box, but the arrival strongly exceeded my expectations. I anticipated a box of gluten free sample sized snacks, but was surprised about the inclusion of full sized products, not just limited to food. 

Send Me Gluten Free is a great way to sample products before committing to purchasing them. There are so many gluten free products that grocery shopping can become overwhelming. This box gives consumers an opportunity to test things out, and also includes an envelope of coupons for many of the products included, as well as other gluten free products not included. This is a great box that I highly recommend. The only thing I wish it had included was an insert of all that is included in the box.

For only $24.85/month, subscribers will receive 8-12 full and sample sized products. It is not only great to receive, but also a great gift for someone in your life who is gluten free. Send Me Gluten Free has kindly offered a 20% off discount for KBWC readers on their first month's box! Just enter the code BLOG20 at check out. 

Send Me Gluten Free also provided me with the opportunity to giveaway one of their monthly boxes to a lucky reader. For the past week we have been running a giveaway via Facebook and Instagram gearing up for this review. Congratulations to Tanya J. for winning the box. Her son has a gluten allergy and I am excited for him to test out some new goodies.

*Disclaimer #1: I am extremely embarrassed to say that I had taken several photos of my box and the products inside prior to diving into the goodies. A couple days later I had phone issues and lost everything on my Android when transferring to #TeamiPhone. I know that this post would be a million times better with a photograph to follow of my exact box, but here is a photo of a previous box I have received from SMGF.


*Disclaimer #2: All goodies have been sent to me courtesy of Send Me Gluten Free in exchange for a review. There was no monetary exchange and all opinions are true and my own. Send Me Gluten Free is a box I would happily subscribe to and purchase with my own money, so I am happy to endorse them on my blog.
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ONE SHIRT, THREE WAYS


I love chambray shirts. They are something I hope never goes out of style because they are cute, comfortable, and can be worn so many ways. Here are three different outfits for the same shirt to suit everyone of different styles for different occasions.







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PLAN WITH ME {ERIN CONDREN}



This week's spread in my Erin Condren planner is not my favorite, but I like the colors included. I felt the kit had a lot going on, but still did my best to pull it all together. I really like the smaller boxes with the faded pattern. I have previously used them to write my blog posts, but ruined then when I wrote painting on the sticker for Thursday. I am still learning my way around what I like and do not like when it comes to decorating the layouts for my Erin Condren. Once I run out of my current stickers I have (I think I am just about there) I believe I will do my top boxes with meals, middle boxes with things that need to get done that done, and bottom boxes with fun things going on that are not mandatory, such as TV shows, blog posts, and fun with friends. I recently picked up the "school" sticker for the week, seen on the far left, and really like having that to plan out my school week.

For $10 off your first Erin Condren, visit this link HERE!
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CURRENTLY READING [ME BEFORE YOU]


Currently Reading: Me Before You by JoJo Moyes



Me Before You is about Louisa Clark, a lower class woman in England seeking employment, and Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic. When Louisa becomes Will's caregiver, the two enlighten each other's lives in ways they never could have imagined.

Me Before You comes out in theaters today, but I am determined to finish reading before the movie. Although a quick read, it is taking me awhile with my schedule. I am excited to see what happens with Louisa and Will. I love the message of being able to see beyond the surface with others, going beyond first impressions, and allowing someone from another world to change your life.



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TRUST [LOVED + BLESSED REVIEW]


Each month I receive a box of love and encouragement on my front porch. This month's theme was trust, a perfect message for my current life situations. I don't have the slightest clue what is next for me in life and I spend many moments daily praying God would enlighten me on what to do next, all while trusting him and his perfect plan for me, my life, my relationships, and beyond.


This awesome box from Loved and Blessed included a tote bag, mini poster, candle, card with a verse, sticker, and an envelope full of similar goodies to share about trusting in Him with a friend or family member. 

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. 

I enjoy receiving the Loved and Blessed Box because it provides me with encouraging reminders to remain strong in my faith. It is different than any other box I have received. It is full of meaning, heart, and joy. Place your order quickly to receive your own box of encouragement next month!
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HELLO JUNE!



June is here! I am devoting this month to getting back on track with eating right, working out, and taking care of myself. I have been letting it slip and not sticking properly to my usual fitness plan. I am doing a June challenge with a group of friends where we will share recipes, meal plans, workouts, and encouragement to help support each other in our healthy decisions.

What is your focus this month?
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