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Showing posts with label Target. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Target. Show all posts

Handmade Gifts



So obviously Christmas is fast approaching in only 4 days! I can't believe it myself! All of my friend's debutante stuff has kept me from really thinking about Christmas. One of my other friends, Maeve, just had an 18th birthday though too! It was a really fun night because it was just girls, and I couldn't remember the last time that I went to a party like that. I was a little overdressed because I thought it was a little dressier than it was in actuality. The gift I gave her, however, I had left up to the last minute, which is not something that I typically do. She held her party on the night of the day of our last exam (if the prepositional phrases in that sentence weren't confusing enough) so I barely had time to shop.

I was blog surfing and came across a site that had an entry on gift baskets for the holidays. I kept looking through it and then it came to me: MAKE YOUR OWN GIFT BASKET! Boy, did I run with this idea. I headed off to Target without a real idea other than what my friend really likes: cooking, baking, pastels, dark chocolate, etc. I knew that there were a few things that I would need: a basket of some sort, clear cellophane to wrap it all in, bows and ribbons to secure the top, and then the plethora of gifts to go inside.

I began browsing through Target and the first thing that I came upon was their "1$" steals section. It's a fabulous area of racks of one dollar items like festive/seasonal items, dog collars, cookie cutters, plates, plastic utensils, coloring books, no-name brand art supplies and everything like that. I found these GREAT pink sparkly plastic plates and bought 4 as a set in that $1 section. I tied them up with a square knot of pink raffia and decided that they would be my first part of the basket. I then decided that I'd have a pink theme of baking and snacks, a combo many girl's would like! Then I proceeded to the baking section because I knew that I would be successful there. I found a fabulous silicone baking mold for flower cupcakes and then a shape that when arranged next to its mirror piece would form a basket. There were about 8 flower molds, probably 2 or 3 different models of flowers, and then the 2 basket shapes (pictured). This was my second basket purchase. I continued throughout the store and ended up buying Funfetti Cake mix, pink Funfetti frosting, sparkling pink lemonade, a princess crown, a princess wand (both from the "circo" children's line at Target), some great Bliss dark chocolate that has a pink foil wrapping, sprinkles, and pink nail polishes and then a pink basket. It was a great basket.

My next OOB (order of business) was to find that cellophane wrapping. I didn't find any in Target, so I headed down to the party supply store by my house. I still had a hard time finding it there on my own until I hit THE LAST AISLE in the entire store. I found this great clear wrapping with white polka dots on it that I had to have. With all my purchases, I headed back home to put my basket together. Our kitchen table became a tornado of pink metallic "grass", white paper Easter grass, pink ribbon and clear very static cling-y cellophane wrap.

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the basket itself, but thanks to a friend who enjoys taking pictures and Facebook, I got a hold of a few pictures. The top picture at the beginning of today's entry, although not the most flattering, shows the backside of the basket and you can see the great cellophane wrap! Here is the birthday girl herself in her crown and with her wand:P.S. Deb Ball Night #1 was SERIOUSLY the most fun I've had in a really long time. We had a ton of fun, stayed up too late, and I can't wait until the presentation on Tuesday! I'll keep you updated!

P.S.S. I got deferred :( but it was about 99% to be expected, the early action is a little weird for the Nursing College. That 1% was like exactly what my mom said, "Just a little part of me thought 'What if you did get it? How cool would that be?'" So, I'm fine now, moved on, and shall be hearing in a few months! Future: Wildcat, Stag, Duke, Fighting Blue Hen, Gamecock, or Tiger writing for you right now!!!!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone! Happy big 1-8 Maeve!

xxKatie

New Hair

Hi all! I've had such a busy weekend that I've hardly had time to post. This week I have 5 papers due! I attempted 3 of them over the weekend accompanied by a GREAT football game, party and course registration! Among all this, I've had horrible hair trouble. I told you all that I was going to catch up on my highlights with a box color. When I was at the store, I figured I'd just go all out and color my whole head, I mean I'm generally all over blond anyway, why not? Boy-oh-boy was I wrong. I box colored my hair two Thursdays ago and it was disgusting. I am not even going to post pictures of that color. It was a brassy, yellow-orange with golden highlights. My roots ended up being too dark for the color that I had chosen. I saw all the rules and compared my beginning color to the colors on the boxes, thinking if worst came to worst I'd be ok. Well, I was not by any means ok. I used a L'Oreal product, which I found out when I went to get the color fixed is the worst for your hair.

That following Saturday I went to the Paul Mitchell School here in Columbia. My hairdresser was a student which I had zero problems with because the prices were good. I had a 1:15 appointment for "color correction"...yikes! Long story short, that day my hair didn't turn out like I had imagined because I still had yucky roots AND they ended up charging me twice as much as I thought I was paying. As I'm typing, I'm realizing my root color was close to the shade of the "PUBLISH POST" button...oops!! Needless to say, I called my mom in tears as I walked back to campus. I had scheduled another appointment for the following Saturday with the same girl. Now while you all gawk at why I would do that, I figured she'd know exactly what we did, with exactly the same colors, you know.

So I went back this Saturday and she did in fact remember everything. She told me that she had even consulted her fellow students--in the store they call them "future professionals"--about what to do with me. The first time we tried highlighting the bottom hair so it could catch up with the color of the top layer of hair and then treating the top layer to get the orange out...which obviously didn't work. The next time I went, we tried 2 rounds of toner that apparently my hair wasn't light enough for. Finally, we just did an all-over demi-permanent color (who knows what that is?!) so now I have hair close to my original color.

Here's the final product:


I think its a nice color for the winter. I've recently been wondering what it would be like for me to go back to my original color. As you can see, its still a little light where I originally had my real blond highlights (not overall box color). Since its demi-permanent, it will "fade" which I think means will "wash out eventually" but they had to sell me that statement in the store. Either way, I think I'll be working my way back to my original hair color for now. Maybe come spring I'll see what happens. There's also a good chance that I will go back to my very first hairdresser at home and explain this whole ordeal to her so she can fix it all and get it back to the highlights that I had. We shall see but I'll keep you posted on my hair!

xxKatie

P.S. Don't you love that scarf? Target...$12 and it is super soft and one-tone leopard print!

Today's Outfit

So I've only polyvored once, so I figured I'd try again! Today's outfit was for chilly SC weather, but obviously not too cold! I was wearing my Lilly jeans, a green sweater from Old Navy (mine is long sleeved with a pink dragonfly where the edamame is), a white long sleeve t-shirt from J. Crew underneath, some fab leopard shoes from the one and only Target and my quilted Lilly coat which I adore! For accessories I went with the dailys of my Tiffany heart chain bracelet and Silver pearls, both were gifts from family! If this ends up being a good post more polyvores might continue!


xxKatie

Headbands

With short hair, I have limited hair-do options. I used to wear my hair in a braid all the time, or pulled back in a sleek pony. These days, though, I can't exactly do that. I have very naturally frizzy hair and when it goes un-blow-dried, ends up looking not too nice. Since having short hair, I've had a love of headbands! They are cute, classy and keep your hair out of your face--a huge pet peeve for me! I also love black shiny headbands, you know, the really thick ones that look great no matter what your hair looks like. Unfortunately a product of those fat headbands is a big gap between the top of the back (in the back) and your scalp. I don't have terribly voluminous hair, so mine tends to leave a large gap in that spot. There is now a solution to this problem! Goody made these new headbands called "OuchlessFlex" and I like to call them "head-shaped".
They have a slight grade in them so they are actually the shape of a normal head. Also, they don't hurt your head. One of the sides has a funny kink in it that basically takes all the pressure off the bone that sits right under your ear that usually throbs after you take off a headband (I should probably know the name of this bone since I'm learning all the medical terminology you can think of right now!!). I snagged my headband from target for like $3.99! I wish I had seen the tortoise shell colored one because I LOVE that "print". I've already worn my headband twice and I couldn't be happier. Both times I wore it were extended periods of time which tells me that they would be good for entire school or workdays! For just under 4 dollars how could you NOT get one!!

PS. I've been home this weekend-yay because its the first time since move in-and I had such a great time seeing the fam and enjoying all my hometown favorites! 9 hours is a heck of a long distance that I may have underestimated :(

xxKatie

Packing Essentials: Warm Weather

Since I'm going to a hot weather destination, I figured I'd do a post about all the necessities of a beach vacation. I've never actually been on a cold vacay--no skiing or snowboarding for my family. We've been to beaches all over and I love all of our family vacations. I'm lucky enough to have parents who  have provided me with all the different experiences and I couldn't be more thankful!

Swimwear essentials:
Sorry for the awkward photo. I bought this bathing suit for this spring break after seeing a friend who had it. I've never worn a bandeau before, but I'm really excited to have this one from VS! Bandeaus are great because they minimize tan lines especially if you've got a great strapless dress to wear! Right now, this swimsuit is $29 all in. What a great price!

I also have this Lilly from a few years ago. It is very full coverage, so I usually wear this during my first few days in the sun. I actually was lucky enough to find this gem at a Marshall's in NY!

Sunscreen:

No-Ad sunscreen is the best you can buy. We use this sunscreen year after year and when we're saying at our beach house, we'll go to shop at places with No-Ad sunscreen specifically. It runs about $7 for a huge 36oz. bottle that will certainly last you awhile! No-Ad comes from their policy: no advertisements. Because of that, you may or may not have ever heard of it! 
This is my favorite after sun lotion. The rest of my family hates it actually though! It smells like a creamsicle and I believe they think it's too strong. I like it a lot and usually put it on before I go to bed! 

This is my second favorite after sun lotion, and the lotion is use most often. I have two bottles here at school with me and it is the best smelling, best working moisturizer out there. I found this lotion at a Walgreen's in Key West (I love any version of Walgreen's/CVS/Happy Harry's/etc.) when I got the very worst sunburn of my life. The skin on the back of my hands looked charred and my pores got so big. It actually changed the feeling of my hands to today. Yikes!! I learned my lesson for sure!!

Cover Ups:

I recently got this from VS too, and I posted it in another post. I cannot wait to wear it and I'll be sure to take a photo or two! I love how this feels and definitely recommend it!

I just got this cover up from Target the last time I went also. It is NOT this long though, it barely covers my tush! I got it more of a tunic than a dress for sure!


Clothing:
I always seem to almost forget socks/undies/undergarments/pj's! How bad!! For some reason, they're not pulled out of my dresser first, and by the time my bag is packed, THAT is when I realized I need to pack them!! SO SILLY!

Pack a dress or two (or a few...) for nights when you may want to dress up. This dress will be making the trip with moi and I can't wait to wear it for the first time! Bring a few nicer outfits in case you and your family or friends decide to go to a nicer restaurant or decide you just want to dress up one night! I plan to debut a few things that I got for Christmas on this vacation that are probably nicer than the usual. 

Pack comfy clothes that you can just throw on. I'm going to bring a few Lilly skorts and J. Crew t's so that I can be comfy if I have just gotten out of the sun and don't feel like getting all the way dressed up! A polo and a pair of 5'' chino shorts is always a great option too! All these packables are great options to have too in case the weather is a little variable! 

Shoes:

Jack Rogers!! These are a must have for tropical vacations! They look great with all types of outfits and I know I'll have mine with me. I think I'll be bringing my Platinum, Gold, and White ones with me but I haven't decided yet. I've spent the last week wearing them around campus so that I can break my feet into them...ouch! I was out with a friend Friday afternoon and got the nicest compliment on my gold Navajos!

Rainbows flip flops are also a great item to have in your bag. These extremely well made leather flip flops are guaranteed for life and can withstand just about everything. I have the thick women's in the traditional brown as seen in this picture and I love them. If you go to any high school or college campus in the spring, these will without a doubt be the shoe of choice. 

Miscellaneous:

Liquids: make sure to pack all your necessary beauty supplies while you follow all the rules for flying. I've become quite a seasoned flyer (haha-just kidding!!) since school started, but I always forget about my liquid. Two times my LP Beachy perfume was challenged by TSA officials because I forgot to pull it out of my big Vera Bradley bag. Now I always pack my perfume in the middle of my bag under my stuffed frog that I sleep with so that they are protected by soft items. Both times in the airport, my silly squished frog was pulled out in front of all the travelers!! Ahhh! A little embarrassing, BUT everyone slept with something when they were a kid (or college student...) so they can't really judge!
Always make sure you have all necessary technological items with you. This may include laptops/chargers, cell phones/chargers, iPods/chargers, speakers, clocks, cameras, other random cords, hair dryers/straighteners, or anything else with a cord! There is always that moment when you're in the plane on your way to your destination and you realize you forgot your ______ charger. All too frustrating!! 

Chances are I'll probably refer back to this post when I have to pack my own bag. That is what Wednesday will be devoted to completely!! I am getting SO excited about going if you couldn't tell! I'll be sure to take some photos if I can!!



xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Rain Gear



Today was a weird weather day! It started out pouring pouring pouring rain and around 8:30am there was such a big thunder crack it sounded like an earthquake. This huge cracking noise was what really woke me up before my first class today. The rain always makes my days a bit lazier, but I have a HUGE test in my anatomy and physiology class tomorrow. Check out some of my other recent Polyvores! I can't say enough how much I'm loving my new pink Target boots!!

I'm basically taking two separate A&P courses right now between my lab and lecture (which really DO NOT coincide) and for the past 2 weeks and now this week, I've had a test each week. I'm so tired and just need a break. Spring break really could not come at a better time! As of this morning, I had 36 hours of class, but not that is a little reduced. I have to keep in mind that I'll be done soon and next week will be great since I don't have any tests or big looming assignments (yet).

Between group projects, tests, giving tours, working, and helping out some friends, I have been swamped ever since the semester started. I can't believe that February is almost over! I feel like I was just saying that January was over!! Soon enough it'll be spring break and then we'll be back in school for about a month-and-a-half and then it's finals before I know it!! Wow, that's insane! Unfortunately I think I'm getting sick :( :( :( because I've had a sore throat for the past few days and today is seemed to get a lot worse. As I study here in the library, I'm sitting here with some tea so I think that should help. I better get back to work since this is the home stretch! Soon it will be warm weather here and I'll be in a warm weather destination!! Wooo Hoooo!

xxKatie

Bigfoot


It is rare that I'm ever happy about the size of my feet. Nine times out of ten, I'm unhappy and the fact I wear a size 10 or 11 comes as a complete inconvenience. Nine times out of ten I get an "Oh, miss I'm sorry, the shoe isn't available in that size" or "A ten is rare, usually we'll only get 2 pairs, if any at all, that large and they go fast". BUT that one time out of ten, I strike shoe gold. That one happened tonight in Target. It's been incredibly rainy here at school, and when I was packing all my stuff up to bring back to school, my black rain boots took up too much room, so I tossed them out at the last minute. As I was saying though, I got SO lucky tonight and found these boots!! I've needed rain boots for I can't tell you how long at school and I was going to buy a pair of Hunters, but the price tag just made me hesitate so much!!! I can't get myself to buy rain boots for that much, a later investment I guess. Maybe a gift down the road or something. I certainly don't live in Seattle or row crew like College Prep, so it's not imperative to have durable boots!

I was thrilled to find this pair (the last of this color combo) in the store in my size!! I'm so excited to finally have a pair of rain boots so I don't have to wear the same dingy running shoes every time it rains. I also LOVE the polka dots AND the color--just about everything I own is a shade of pink, but you guys all knew that! Now I'm kinda hoping that it rains so I can wear these babies (kind of...)!! I hope you are all having great weekends!!

xxKatie

Cozy as a Rosy

So, I'm night-blogging and today ended up just being one of those days that I wanted to crawl back into bed. I went out to dinner with my dear friend Maeve to Nordy's Cafe. I bought a Juicy Couture (which I hardly own anything of) black, velour, plain track jacket that was on sale for $61 and change. Usually I don't impulse buy much (although my parents probably disagree), but it was my size, AND on sale and I just couldn't pass it up. As trendy things go, this in my opinion, is very practical! Black, my actual size, on sale, right where I was, I couldn't pass it up! Anyway, that's all beside the point. As I drove home, all I could think about was crawling back into bed. My phone had been ringing off the hook for some plans that my friends and I are making, and for some reason everyone had been calling! I felt pretty famous...haha, that was our word of the night. My bed is so cozy these days because I added a new blanket. It is simply fabulous. It is cozy, and warm and furry and I love it! From Target, I got this blanket for Christmas.It quite possibly may be the best and worst thing I've ever done for my sleeping habits. Now it takes me an extra 5 or 10 minutes every morning to coax myself out of bed. And for a high school senior with a morning routine, this could be deadly. The "Microfleece Blanket" from Target, comes in several different colors. The one I have is a cream/eggshell/ivory color to match my Lilly Perfectly Patched bedding. I was one of the lucky ones to snag LP bedding when it still existed (R.I.P.)...although, if you search hard enough, there are some sleep warehouses that still carry it...shhhh!

This blanket is a must for all you chilly preps. I am ALWAYS cold, so adding a blanket to my bed made me so happy! I would tell you to scoop up every color of these guys; one for every bed you have! While taking other bloggers' Target shopping spree advice, be sure to add one of these blankets to your list, you won't be unhappy! Happy Weekend everyone!

PS. Anyone have advice on Habitat for Humanity trips? More details to come, but I'm working on a school project to pursue a project! Thanks, I appreciate any info!

PSS. Check out Lady Gaga's song called Pokerface. It sounds like Just Dance, but it's cooler. And check out My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson (I will always like her) and Dead and Gone by T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake. I really like all of these songs! Worth a download or youtube-age

xxKatie

Victoria's Secret

So in preparation for spring, and summer and warm weather in general, I very "logically" decided to buy a swim suit, coverup, and then some actually logical items like jeans and a cute white top. I bought this coverup that I'm in love with:

And it just arrived today! As I was thinking about writing a post about my purchases it hit me like a ton of bricks! Since the top of this coverup is cinch-y, why not take the white ribbon out of it (everything slides through cleanly since it's not sewn into the top) with a preppy grosgrain one?! A fun pink and green polkadot or pink stripe? All the possibilities!!  If you're looking for a coverup, this one is AWESOME, its SO soft since part of it is silk and the rest is stretch spandex and soft modal cotton! Snatch one of these up soon and they come in black, pink, white, and a bluish/greenish color! Very beachy!!

I think I've got a problem with thinking about the warm weather. Spring fever (or I should call it Spring [semester] fever since it is still January after all) has hit me for the first time in my life!! It's very exciting though! Also, Target has tons of Valentine's day decorations out, and they have WONDERFUL pink and green wiggly frames that I have on my desk too! They are so adorable and the perfect addition to a pink and green office!

On another note, I redid my little desk nook! I hung up a bunch of photos in 3x3 white frames that I picked up for $2.50 (for a pack of 3) at Target! I also got this poster:


for my desk! There's a huge poster sale going on in our student union so I thought this was good since I'm both a student nurse AND a Navy fan! That's now hanging up on the side of my desk wall.

I hope everyone else is enjoying this springy weather as much as I am, especially my South Carolina blogging gals!

xxKatie