HAPPY HALLOWEEN


Happy Halloween!
Wishing you a fun, safe holiday!

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OCTOBER FAVORITES


October was a great month! In September I said I hope 24 is a good year for me and it is certainly looking up. Here are somethings I have been loving in October--

Book: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

TV Show: This Is Us



Scent: Warm Vanilla Sugar by Bath & Body Works

App: Daily Celebrity Crossword

Blog Post: Halloween Muddy Buddies

Song: Love Triangle by RaeLynn



What were you loving in October?
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HALLOWEEN COSTUME


After sharing DIY Halloween costumes with you the past month, it is time to share my own costume! I am going as a bubble gum machine. It took a really long time to glue on these poms and I am fearful about them lasting throughout the night, but I am excited to go out in this costume. It was fun to decide what to be and this is a costume I will keep for years to come, as long as the poms survive!


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WHAT I'M READING LATELY


October is National Book Month, which is something that occurs every month in my world! As I have mentioned before, this year I am participating in the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge. This challenge has a checklist of certain types of books to read, which is gotten me out of my comfort zone of reading self-help books and celebrity memoirs. A lot of the items on the checklist I have no idea what to read to fulfill the criteria, so I have found myself googling for books to read.

One of these categories is "a book that takes place on an island." I was unsure of what to read, so I googled just that, and came across We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I read several of Lockhart's books while in high school and although she is a young adult author, I had no qualm in diving into this book. It is about teens in an old-money family and their summers in Cape Cod. This suspenseful novel touches heavy issues such as death, illness, and class issues, while keeping readers in touch with young love and nostalgia. The first day I started this page I read 58 chapters, which is 3/4 of the book! I highly recommend this novel.


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NO MORE STATISTICS


1 in 3 women have been the victim of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. That statistic is scary as a sister, a daughter, an aunt, and a friend. It is scary to me as someone who lives in a society where people often make comedy out of domestic dispute, especially when it comes to professional athletes. It breaks my heart to know that people I love have been witness to and victim of domestic violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I have gone back and forth about creating this post, and if I did, what to say. Overall, I felt that I am doing a disservice by not speaking on it. If anyone in your life is abusing physically, verbally, or mentally, please walk away. No relationship is worth putting up with the pain. If you are scared, know that you are not alone and that you are stronger and braver than you think. If you need help or someone to talk to, please contact 1−800−799−7233.
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TOP 5 TV TALK SHOW HOSTS


Today is national talk show host day. One of my (not so secret) dreams has been to host my own show, although the chances of this are slim to none, you never know where God may take the direction of my life. In honor of this unique national day, here are my top five favorite talk show hosts:

1.)   Cristina Ferrare – Cristina was a long time co-host of Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family. The model and cook book author has a beautiful soul, genuine heart for others, and a warm personality. I had the pleasure of meeting Ferrare a couple times while visiting the set of Home & Family, and also once at our local Whole Foods, and can say that she is truly the woman she has displayed on TV. Unfortunately, Ferrare was let go from Home & Family this year (which I have not watched since), but continues to live stream via Facebook with Maria Shriver, and also is working actively to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s.
2.)   Leah Remini – Remini was a host on CBS’ The Talk before losing her job due to on-set drama, in which I personally do not feel that she was in the wrong. Leah is a tough chick who tells it like it is and this is a trait I really admire in a talk show host. She never once hid her feelings on a topic and recently exposed her nightmare experience with Scientology in her tell all, Troublemaker.
3.)   Oprah Winfrey – Winfrey is the mother of day time talk shows. She hosted her show for many years and built an empire to her name. Winfrey pathed a path for young women all over the world to never take no as an answer. She was fired from her first television position, but bounced back as one of the leading ladies of television.
4.)   Jimmy Kimmel – Although he does not report hard hitting news, I feel Kimmel has brought a new light to night time tv. His pieces on celebrities reading mean tweets, lie witness news, and pedestrian questions are a good laugh that I feel our nation needs when the news is constantly reporting negativity.
5.) Carson Daly – From TRL to The Today Show, Daly has always been relatable, professional, and fun to watch. He has a great rapport with those he interviews, while creating a real connection with his audience. Watching his progression on television through the years has been fun and although not a talk show, I absolutely love him as a host of The Voice.

Who is your favorite talk show host?
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HALLOWEEN MUDDY BUDDIES


Last weekend I needed to bring a simple dessert to a friend's house to watch our guys football game, so I decided to make Halloween Muddy Buddies. It was very simple and a huge hit!


Ingredients:
5 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
4 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups candy corn
2 cups Reese's Pieces

How To:
1. Pour cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
2. In a microwavable bowl, add chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds.  Stir. Microwave again for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until smoothly blended.
3. Add vanilla.
4. Pour mixture over cereal until evenly coated.
5. Pour into resealable plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake.
6. Add candy corn and Reese's Pieces.
7. Spread on wax paper to cool.

Enjoy!


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DIY MARY POPPINS COSTUME


Halloween is ten days away and I am excited to see all of your costumes and hear about your plans! Halloween costumes can be very expensive for just one night, so I encourage you to take a peak inside your own closet and try to come up with a costume from what you already have. One costume that is simple and fun to create from things you already have, or by visiting a consignment shop, is Mary Poppins!



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HEALTHY BELLY BOX REVIEW


Healthy Belly Box is a monthly snack subscription box that is completely gluten free. It includes high quality snacks that are sensitive stomach conscious. Healthy Belly Box also aims for dairy free and vegan snacks, although it is not guaranteed that all snacks included meet this criteria.


This box includes at least 8 snacks for $34.99. This box makes eating on a restricted diet a lot more fun! My favorite part about Healthy Belly Box is it was started by a young entrepreneur, Austin, who is a college student and is gluten sensitive. Also with each box purchased, Healthy Belly Box donates $1 to Celiac Disease Foundation.

FTC Disclosure: This review has been written in exchange for product from Healthy Belly Box. All opinions are true and my own. No financial compensation has been exchanged for this review.
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WEDNESDAY WISDOM



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ALL GOLD EVERYTHING


Lately I'm loving all things gold, which is a first for me. 
Here are some beautiful things in this metallic tone, some practical, some pricy.


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LOOK FOR LESS - REESE WITHERSPOON


We finally got some rain this weekend on the Central Coast and I am still excited about it. I am hoping we got a boat load of rain this year, but I am assuming it will be another miserable drought year. Whenever it rains I love bundling up in beanies, cozy coats, and my rain boots. This chic rainy day outfit from my style icon can be purchased without breaking your rainy day fund!

 

Total: $312.11

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HALLOWEEN COSTUME


Halloween is almost here and I am excited to see all of your costumes and hear about your plans! Halloween costumes can be very expensive for just one night, so I encourage you to take a peak inside your own closet and try to come up with a costume from what you already have. One costume that is simple and fun to create from things you already have, or by visiting a consignment shop, is Deb from Napoleon Dynamite. #GlamorShotz


Don't lie to me. I know you still have that poppin' Abercrombie polo in the back of your closet from 7th grade. Rock that or head to Goodwill and purchase someone else's fashion mistake.

Acid wash jeans are the preference, so find someone who was cool in the 90's. Worst case, wear regular jeans.

Scrunchie. 

Fanny pack.

Sneakers.

Heinous chunky jewelry.

Tackle box.

A lot of these things can be made from your current closet, a friend's closet, the dollar store, and/or a consignment shop. This costume can be created for free if you try hard enough. Plus it is a fun throwback to a classic movie.

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JORD WATCH REVIEW


Recently I have been in the market for a new watch. While I mostly use my phone to tell time, I often use watches as more of an accessory. When Wood Watches by Jord reached out to me to do a review, it was as if they had been in my mind.

A lot of times I find watches to be bulky and weigh down my fragile wrists. However, these wood watches are light weight and perfect for everyday use. There are are many different styles for men and women, ranging from elaborate time pieces, to casual, basic watches.

Mens Wooden Watches
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I received the Frankie watch in zebrawood and navy, which is perfect because the color scheme matches nearly everything I could wear. The watches range from 100 to 300 dollars, which may seem pricy, but for everyday wear it is well worth this high quality product. The wood watch is a unique concept and has caught many peoples eyes as I have worn my watch. My boyfriend really liked the watch style and is looking to shop one of their many men's styles too. 

Jord watches is kind enough to give away a $75 e-voucher to one Kick Back With Cate reader. They are also giving  a $20 e-gift card to all readers who enter! To enter, visit HERE. The contest is currently live and will end Sunday 11/13/16.

FTC Disclosure: These products were sent to me courtesy of Wood Watches by Jord in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are true and my own. No financial compensation was given in exchange for this review. 
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NATIONAL DESSERT DAY


Today is National Dessert Day! Here is one of my favorite dessert recipes that is easy to make and delicious....Gooey Cookie Cake



Ingredients:

  • 1 bag caramel chips
  • 1 bag peanut butter chips
  • 2 tubes cookie dough
  • vanilla bean ice cream (optional)
How to: 
  1. Microwave caramel chips for 45 seconds.
  2. Press 1 tube of cookie dough evenly into bottom of pie tin.
  3. Pour melted caramel on cookie dough.
  4. Sprinkle peanut butter chips on top of caramel.
  5. Top with another layer of cookie dough.
  6. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. 
  7. Top with ice cream.
  8. Eat whole pan because it's just that good!
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DIY FOOTBALL WREATH


Football season is finally here! To add some football fun to the house, I made this wreath to hang on my door. It was so easy to make and inexpensive with the use of coupons from Michael's Arts & Crafts.




Supplies Needed:
  • foam wreath frame
  • ribbon
  • hot glue gun
  • burlap bow
  • wooden letters & football
How To:
  1. Wrap ribbon around the wreath, hot gluing along the way to assure it stays in place. Let dry and cool.
  2. Hot glue wooden lettering to wreath.
  3. Hot glue burlap bow.
This DIY is super easy, but super cute!
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SALT AND PEPA'S HERE!


With the holidays approaching that means many more formal dinners occurring. One simple touch that is often overlooked, but extremely important, is quality salt and pepper shakers. Having decorative shakers is nice, but can be inconvenient to constantly change per holiday. However, the  Miss Jordan Elegant Salt and Pepper Mill Stainless Steel Shakers Grinder Set with Adjustable Coarseness and Contemporary Glass Body is perfect and quaint to add a nice, convenient touch to any dinner table.


These grinders are stainless steel and perfect for use in the kitchen or at the table. They are stainless steel and easy to open and close for refill. They can be used for other ground spices besides salt and pepper to maintain freshness and quality. These grinders are currently on sale for $16.97.

FTC Disclosure: This product was sent to me courtesy of Miss Jordan free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are true and my own. I have not been financially compensated to share my honest opinion.
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SCARECROW HALLOWEEN COSTUME


Halloween is almost here and I am excited to see all of your costumes and hear about your plans! Halloween costumes can be very expensive for just one night, so I encourage you to take a peak inside your own closet and try to come up with a costume from what you already have. One costume that is simple to create from things you already have, or by visiting a consignment shop, is a scarecrow. 


It is likely you or a close friend or family member already own a flannel shirt. 
Overalls can often been found at a thrift shop for a couple bucks, but can be replaced with jeans to keep it even cheaper.
A straw hat can be found at your local dollar store. This is something that you do not want to purchase form a consignment shop for hygiene purposes.
Wear plain sneakers.
Use eyeliner to draw on a scarecrow face.

Be sure to tag me in your Instagram and Twitter feeds so I can see your Halloween costumes! 

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DO SOMETHING NICE!


Kindness makes the world go round. Tiny acts of kindness have the ability to make major changes in someone's life. It costs $0.00 to do something decent for someone else. I encourage you to step outside of yourself and do something kind for another person.

Some suggestions:
  1. Pay for the person behind you in line at the drive thru.
  2. Surprise a co-worker with their favorite drink from Starbucks.
  3. Pray for someone else.
  4. Carry someone's groceries to their car.
  5. Leave flowers on a stranger's porch.
  6. Call up your grandparents (or an elder family member) to check in.
  7. Donate necessities to a homeless shelter or food pantry.
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iTunes Shuffle Playlist


Now a-days with Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music, I really do not find myself using iTunes much. However, I have had my current laptop for over six years and in that time frame I have made some questionable music decisions. I have decided to create a playlist to share simply by hitting shuffle on my iTunes and sharing the first ten songs that appear. Please no judgement!

Tik Tok by Ke$ha
I Know Somebody by LoCash
Crazy in Love by Beyonce
All the Poor and Powerless by All Sons and Daughters
Bubbly by Colbie Caillat
Amarillo Sky by Jason Aldean
New Strings by Miranda Lambert
Oops I Did It Again by Britney Spears
Brass Monkey by The Beastie Boys
Different for Girls by Dierks Bentley

What’s the most embarrassing song on your iTunes playlist?
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HAPPY OCTOBER!


October is here! I am happy to see September gone and I look forward to what this month brings. I pray blessings, health, and abundance on me and you in the months to come! 

"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." 3 John 1:2


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FRUGAL FUN DAY


Today is "Frugal Fun Day." In order to celebrate here are some free to cheap events in October on the Central Coast.

All month:
Cambria: Scarecrow Festival -- This free festival gets into the fall spirit with scarecrow displays along the coast.

October 2:
Harvest Jazz Night -- For $3, enjoy the sounds of Larry Arone Jazz Trio at Robin's Restaurant Garden Patio in Cambria.

October 7-9:
Central Coast Railroad Festival -- With free admission, individuals can see wine-rail, model railroads, historical displays and old railroad cars. This event runs all weekend at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. Some featured events are at cost.

October 7:
Art After Dark -- This is a free self guided tour through various art venues in San Luis Obispo.

October 20:
Farm Supply's 11th Annual Great Pumpkin & Scarecrow Contest -- This family friendly event includes a pumpkin contest, scarecrow contest, pumpkin weigh off, and education activities for kids. Event takes place at Mission Plaza.

October 21-23:
70th Annunal Pismo Beach Clam Festival -- This festival features a parade, chowder contest, surf contest, beer and wine gardens, and food. It is located on the beach walk, and tickets can be purchased for $2 or $3 depending how many days you are wanting to attend. Featured events are at cost.

October 22:
The Showdown Corn Toss Tournament and Family Fun Day -- This tournament is taking place in Atascadero and will allow 128 teams to play CornToss competing for cash prizes. Local food and craft brews will be on location, as well as bounce houses and other activities for children.

October 28:
Arroyo Grande High School LINK Crew will be putting on a halloween festival for individuals of all ages from 5-8pm. Bring a decorated pumpkin to enter a contest, play carnival games, and enjoy free hot dogs provided by Terry Merlo Insurance.



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