What Kate Likes: Inspiration (part 2!)

For me, this time of year is always kind of dreary. It's cold, it's close enough to the holidays that school/work isn't interesting anymore, the last break was too long ago, there's tons of work to be done...basically this time of year just kind of sucks. The only bright spot is that Starbucks has their holiday menu out (I'm totally drinking a peppermint mocha right now).

If you're like me, you could probably use a little inspiration to make that final push through exams. If you're not like me, well, when has a little extra inspiration ever been a bad thing?

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Hopefully you now feel a little bit more inspired and can make that final push towards the holidays!

30 Day Spending Challenge--Update!

I first mentioned doing a challenge for myself of 30 days of only spending money on essentials--food, rent, utilities, things I absolutely NEED, etc. in this post about consumption.

I started my challenge on Nov. 1 and wanted to do a little update now that it's been 11 days. I've done relatively well, I think. My only "non-essential" purchases were a few books in the Austin airport and dinner out once last week because I was too exhausted to cook. I also purchased a few tees on StyleMint because they were running a BOGO sale (and that's a good deal)...but technically it "doesn't count" since I ordered them the 31st.

In order to clarify the hazy issue of the word "need", I mean things that are essential. Shampoo because I'm all out? Yes. New lipstick just because it's a limited edition color? Not so much. A warm cardigan because all of my others are worn through with holes? Yes, within reason. Dinner out with friends? This falls into the gray area and I'm going to give it a 'yes' because a) I really don't eat dinner out all that much, and b) if I can eat a meal while socializing with some of my favorite people, I would much rather do that than eat a meal while sitting at home alone.

I'm interested to see how the rest of the month goes...maybe I'll stretch this out for a few months next time!

Thanks!

life is full of little pleasures

In the past few days, this little blog has blown up, in the absolute best way possible. I'm not quite sure what to attribute my jump in readership to, but I am so appreciative of everyone who takes the time out of their day to come read my thoughts. I have so enjoyed connecting with a few readers already and I look forward to connecting with many more very soon!

I wholeheartedly love reading comments and interacting with y'all, so please reach out and let's get to know one another! You can always comment on a post, send me a tweet or an email, follow me on Pinterest and Instagram...really there are so many ways for us to become friends!

Thank you so much for everything y'all and I am so excited about what's to come!

xx

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What Kate Likes: Puppies!

I'll put it bluntly: I am an animal lover. I love being around animals and playing with them and petting them and just loving them. The only reason I didn't go pre-vet in college was because I didn't want to take a million science and math classes and because I would have probably passed out doing a surgery or something.

Anyway. I don't have a pet of my own, and since our family cat passed away over the summer, I've really been feeling the loss of not having a warm and furry snuggle buddy or a little fuzzy face greeting you when you walk in the door. I've already decided that once I get a job, apartment and some money in the bank after graduation I'm going to get a pet, and right now I'm definitely leaning towards getting a dog (even though I've never had one).

Ideally, I'd like one of these little precious puppies...but we'll see!

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Obviously, this post was a just a way for me to get away with posting pictures of cute little puppies...but I really do want one. I'm leaning towards a little Corgi or a Dalmatian...but we'll see!

Lazy Sunday (updates/random)

-I am completely overwhelmed with life right now, and not in a good way. This is my last week of classes before Thanksgiving and I have so much schoolwork this week (tests, projects, papers) that I won't be able to post until Friday at the earliest (big sad face for that).

-My interview this past weekend went well, and they should be getting back to us about offers sometime in the next two weeks, which is also adding to my stress level. I'm really undecided about what I'm going to do, if I'm blessed enough to receive an offer...yikes.

-Daylight savings time has seriously messed with my head. It's currently only 5:45 and it feels like 2 in the morning. Not a fan of that, I keep wanting to go to bed earlier and earlier when I have so many things I should be doing!

-I have somehow lost/misplaced my phone charger *in my apartment/room* and cannot find it anywhere...and of course my phone is at 11% battery. #awesome

-As much as I want my Thanksgiving break to be relaxing and full of reading/shopping/sleeping, it won't be and will instead be full of job applications and resume polishing and cover letter writing...not so fun.

-I really need to learn how to manage stress more. Any ideas?

Sorry this is kind of a downer post...it's just one of those days.

What Kate Wears: Job Interview

I have a job interview this weekend for a real post-grad job and I'm kind of freaking out but kind of excited. Actually, I have no idea how I feel about it, other than this week is going by TOO QUICKLY and I have a ton to do before I fly out Friday morning. Yikes.

I have to dress "business professional" two days in a row, and I'm already dreading the inevitable sore feet from wearing heels. Here's a little look at what I'm planning on wearing...

shirt//blazer//pants//earrings//heels

Shirt: Seriously one of my favorite shirts I own. It's cut slim but not tight, and long enough to tuck in and look polished. Plus the contrast collar and cuffs are so chic.

Blazer: With black pants, the blazer looks pulled-together and professional, but a little bit more relaxed than a full suit. It's also a good layer to stay warm on the plane and outside while not being bulky.

Pants: I love these pants. I have them in black and gray and wear them all the time. Comfy, stretchy, slim but not skin-tight, ankle-length (so Audrey!), affordable. What more could you need?

Heels: Corso Como heels are the comfiest. These have tons of padding and are perfect for those times when you have to walk a lot and still look nice.

sweater//pencil skirt//bracelet//pearls

For my actual interviews, I'm going to go extremely classic and conservative, just because you never know. I'll add a black blazer/jacket to the pictured outfit if I feel it's necessary, but couldn't find the one I have online.

Wish me luck, y'all!

What Kate Likes: Inspiration

One of my most followed Pinterest boards is my "Words I Love." board. The second is food, but that's another post in itself. Anyway, I started out just pinning or repinning quotes that spoke to me or I wanted to remember...and since I can't think coherently to write a real post today, I'm compiling a few quotes that I'm holding close to my heart and in my mind lately. Some are funny, some are spiritual, some are purely inspirational (and kind of cheesy...), but all of them are totally relevant right this second.

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Follow my Words I Love board on Pinterest here if you so choose and you can follow my other boards here!

xx