2.28.2014

FIVE ON FRIDAY

I haven't looked forward to a Friday this much in a long time. Can I get an AMEN that it's finally here and that it's the last day of February?! I'm not sad to see you go, February. At all actually.

March always starts out awesome because it's Billy's birthday in the beginning of the month (it's on Monday!) and my favorite holiday out of the year happens in the middle of the month! Bring.it.on. This weekend is all about celebrating Billy's birthday, as it should be. I've given him full pick on ALL the meals that we eat this weekend (oy vey) and I've got some special plans in the works. My goal is to just make this weekend all about him and enjoy every single minute together.  

Here are some things I'm loving this week:

{ONE}

You need to know about the Etsy shop Gooseprint. Mags, the owner, draws these amazing illustrations of your family. Basically you send her some pictures, she does her magic, and then sends you a digital file of the illustration so that you can get it printed. Talk about talented!



I just can't get over how much I love our illustration...my hand on my hip...striped dress...statement necklace...Billy's hand in his pocket...and don't get me started on the handsomeness that is Rocky. She really got it right and I'm so excited to frame it and put it in our gallery wall. You can get one done of your family for less than $30! 

{TWO}

I think every girl needs this mug


{THREE}

Plaid (on promo and is my favorite shirt right now), boyfriend jeans, and these espadrille wedges (only $29.00-I sized down a half size) is my favorite kind of outfit right now...don't be surprised if you see me in this same kind of outfit for the next few months ;)


they also have navy striped ones...YES please!



{FOUR}

For spring, I'm really loving bags/purses in light colors. This crossbody is almost perfect and might be purchased soon....

 {they also have a pretty cobalt blue as well}

{FIVE}

I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you! for your input on my nightstand situation on my post yesterday! I loved hearing all of your opinions and will hopefully figure everything out soon so that I can show you all what I decided (since I'm sure you just can't wait, right?) :) 

Have a fabulous weekend friends! It's time for me to celebrate that lovely husband of mine...


Over and out!

Link up with the girls here

PS-Last chance to enter the Suave Professionals giveaway and also the Target Cartwheel one! Both have a chance to win $1,000!! #sponsored 

2.27.2014

Master Bedroom Design: Advice Wanted!


Whenever you get a new piece of furniture, it's typically not the only thing in the room that changes. You might want to get new pillows...lamps...the list goes on and on. Such is the life of a homeowner and my constant desire to switch things up (sorry, husband!)

 {our bed is from here}

Not too long ago, I shared our new tufted wingback bed (still so happy about it) we got for our master bedroom and now I'm trying to decide between two different nightstand situations, so I thought I would turn to all of you to help me decide! 

Right now, our dresser and nightstand are an antique cream color (we moved our old set into one of our guest bedrooms) similar to this one from Pottery Barn. We only have one nightstand right now  and I want to get one for my side of the bed....which means this: mismatched nightstands. I've seen this look all over Pinterest and decided that if I were to do this that I need to get two identical lamps for both of the nightstands to tie it all in together.

 

 lamps similar to these...


My situation is this....do I go with a mirrored nightstand (like this one or even a small one like this) for my side and get ceramic colored lamps for both of them (because our room definitely needs more color), OR do I just buy two colored matching nightstands (and just get white or clear lamps for both)?!

 
 

When I see pictures of rooms with mismatched nightstands like the ones above, I really like the look (especially the first one) and think it would be OK, but I'm still torn.
 
Do you think our room can pull off the mismatched look with a mirrored one or should I just get two new nightstands in a pretty blue/teal color similar to this?


Help a sister out, would you?

And if anyone wants to just come on over and make our room look like one of the pictures above, I'm all for it. ;)

Happy "Friday is ALMOST here", everyone!

2.26.2014

A Blogger Friendship Timeline


Once upon a time, girl started a blog (ahem-this one)

Girl randomly creeped on a blonde, southern Texan girls blog (almosttt complete opposite of herself)

Creeping turned into email exchanges and the quick realization the girls were so alike it was pretty much scary...


then the necessary swapping of digits happened which turned into weekly, followed by daily, texts and phone calls...


to, FINALLY, a random idea one day about meeting up turned into our first awkward meeting at Fort Myers airport (except it wasn't awkward at all) and our first picture ever taken together...

 after some convincing they made it happen...

 

which, of course, turned into more yearly trips with our husbands across the US of A together..."you met HOW?! What in the world is a blog?"

 
 
 (#skinnyarmposeaddicts)

Girls form a one-of-a-kind friendship...
 

A failed plan happened once (but a love letter made up for some of that) but then a big, giant surprise was thrown in there...


Now, girls don't go a day without speaking (really-I think I can count on less than two hands the days we haven't), can't imagine their life without the other...


and one of those special days Southern Texas friend tells girl she is going to be a mommy!


Girls heart swells in happiness that she gets to be an AUNT to someone whom she never knew before said blog and then...

Girl books plane ticket to her favorite state of Texas (that she never even knew was her favorite state) to visit her now preggo friend for her gender reveal party!
 
 

All THIS just to say (if anyone is still following)....

There is nothing better than celebrating and supporting your best friends. Especially one that you never imagined would be in your life if it wasn't for the friggen internet. Who.would've honestly thought? It's a crazy world.

Steph, we are so happy for you and know with 72% certainty you will be the most amazing mom in the whole world (Ok..fine...100% certainty.) I'm so excited for this next journey in your life, and I'm absolutely thrilled you have given me full permission to keep your ace in check when you become irrational, overly emotional about unnecessary matters, and preggo brain finally kicks in has already kicked in (see also: our text convo yesterday). You're welcome.




2.24.2014

Best Of: Spring Makeup

Spring Makeup



This weekend I took an unintentional two day break from instagram. It was late Sunday night before I even realized that I hadn't taken very many pictures from my weekend, and to be honest, the break was nice. It's always good to step away for a bit, enjoy what life is really about (you know, without worrying about having to document things), then come back feeling refreshed. At least I think so. We had date night at one of our favorite restaurants, spent a lot of time outside Saturday going to our favorite park/trail to walk Rocky, and I got to spend time with my girlfriends. The only problem is that Monday came far too soon...story of our lives, right?

One thing I didn't take a break from was anything and everything SPRING related. Lately, I've been into branching out of my normal makeup routine and trying things that I've been wanting to for so long, but just hadn't done so yet. I've used bareMinerals foundation and bronzer for years (this kit in medium beige), and I think it's safe to say their blush is staying in my rotation. I love how natural looking it is and it lasts much longer than most blushes do! My best friend gifted me Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss (in Trail Blazer) for Christmas and I can say that it's worth every single penny. It's also nice to try different eyeshadow palette's for spring (rose gold compact? sign me up!) and add this gorgeous NARS illuminator to light up your skin. I'm all about light shades of pink, rose gold, and coral this spring!

Have you tried any of these? What is your favorite?

For a chance to win a $1,000 gift card that could buy you all of these products + MUCH MORE, enter this Suave giveaway! #sponsored

Make it a good Monday, everyone! :)

2.21.2014

Five On Friday


{one}

They say if the shirt fits, buy it in 3 colors. Or something like that. Well, I found these tops at Express and fell in love with the fit and comfort of them so I came home with 3 of them (one striped, one bright salmon, and one white). These shirts are so flattering, scoop one (or a few) up for spring! Right now, they have buy one get one for $10, AND $15 off $30. You're welcome...

 Blazer from TJ Maxx (similar) / Jeans (only $20 right now) / Boots

 {two}

Bringing fruit infused water in mason jars to work is a great way to get your daily water intake and it's much more tasty! I let the fruits sit for a morning before starting to drink it... yum yum! 


{three}

I shared this deal on my instagram, but retailmenot.com has a $10 off in-store coupon right now for GNC where you can get a box of Quest bars for only $16. Seriously a steal! If you've been wanting to give these bars a try, now is your chance to get a really good deal on them.

 
 {love my chucks for spring and you can find them here!}


{four}

Electronic leather recliners should be in EVERY movie theatre...

 
{when I saw the Lone Survivor with my Dad}

{five}

The other day, I mentioned how sweatshirt dresses are one of my favorite casual but cute pieces for spring. This J.Crew one is no exception! So comfortable and I can't wait to wear it without all these layers once it warms up...

J. Crew Sweatshirt Dress; no longer available (but loving this similar one, and this striped one from Gap) / Booties / Leather Jacket (similar) / Bauble Bar Necklace (similar) / my new Alex and Ani 'Initial' Bangle

This weekend I'm excited to have dinner with a few of my girlfriends tomorrow night, and it's also my friend's baby shower on Sunday! It's going to be 50 tomorrow so I'm envisioning a patio at a Mexican restaurant in my future (this is not a stretch in the slightest...)

you can link up with the girls here.

Happy happy weekend everyone!

2.20.2014

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad


Looking for a healthy recipe that will give you multiple lunches or dinners in one simple batch? Look no further, this one is for you.

All this warm(er-ish?) weather is getting me to do crazy things, like try new recipes. This is crazy because I haven't been cooking much this winter, besides chili, then I cuddle up under a blanket as fast as possible. But this recipe is perfect for spring and will fill you up! It's vegetarian, but the quinoa gives you the protein that you need. The last time I shared a quinoa recipe with you, I told you that I wouldn't share a quinoa recipe unless it was really great/flavorful and I'm keeping my promise!

So maybe you're trying to incorporate more meatless meals in your diet or maybe you're trying to find a quinoa recipe that is actually tasty and not bland...if so, then read on. :)

{buying quinoa in bulk is the way to go-this bag has lasted me months!}

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad:
original recipe inspiration found here

Quinoa-
    +1 c. rinsed quinoa
    +2 c. chicken vegetable stock*you can use chicken if you'd prefer
    +1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
    +4 cloves garlic, chopped
    +1/2 tsp sea salt
      Roasted Vegetables-
        +2 bell peppers, cubed
        +1 zucchini, cubed
        +1 squash, cubed
        +1 red onion, cubed
        +1 fennel bulb, cubed
        +4 garlic cloves, whole
        +1 tbsp Herbs de Provence
        +2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
        +1/2 tsp smoked salt
          Dressing-
            +1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
            +2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

            Instructions:

            Preheat the oven to 450 degrees, or fire up the grill.

            In a bowl, combine all the cubed veggies and toss with the Herbs de Provence, oil and salt. Place in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping half way through.

            In a small saucepan, heat the oil over low heat and add the garlic, saute for 1 minute, then add the rinsed quinoa and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes. Turn off heat, let sit for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.

            In a serving bowl, combine cooked quinoa with roasted veggies. Add dressing and toss!


            You can enjoy this dish warm or cold!

            Pin now and make later! :) I've found I will actually experiment with new recipes if they are easily stored on my Pinterest boards, making it easy peasy to pull up and accomplish. Happy Thursday...we're almost to the weekend! 

            Looking for another quinoa recipe to try? Check out my Pizza Quinoa Casserole

              2.19.2014

              Currently: Things You Need To Know

              Wondering:

              How did I, Katie Vino Krysh, miss celebrating National Wine Day?! I'm not really sure. I had heard earlier in the day it was, and then completely dropped the ball and forgot. Or maybe it was because I got preoccupied planning some really exciting things for the next few months. More on that in a minute!

              But either way, it's a good thing that I consider most Wednesday's (and Friday's...and..yeah) to be a wine kinda day anyways, so I think I'll make up for it tonight.

               (back from our Napa trip...sigh...)

              Enjoying: 

              Our new bed from One Kings Lane! I've known for a while that I wanted a tufted headboard, but went back and forth between different styles and places to buy it from what seemed like every other week. I spotted this one (it's called the Alexander Tufted Wingback Bed) on One Kings Lane and almost immediately bought it. It looks even better in person and I love the nail head detail on the sides...


              Once we decide on the other furniture for this room, I will do a full post with more pictures of everything. We are probably moving in some of our other furniture that we had in one of our guest bedrooms to go with this new bed, and moving our old items out, so once that happens I will share the complete look! But if you are contemplating purchasing a tufted bed, GO FOR IT! It's a nice change from the traditional wood bed and honestly makes me feel like I'm in some fancy hotel or something. :) (the color is linen and the headboard is 55" high if anyone is wondering..)

              Watching: 

              This past weekend we saw Lone Survivor, and I'm actually going again tonight to see it for a second time with my Dad. This movie is a must see in my opinion. Yes, it's pretty graphic and intense so beware of that, but it really gives you a whole new respect (and look inside what really goes on) for our troops and what they do for our country. After I first saw it, I came home and read all about Marcus (the one who survived) and I'm interested in reading his book too.

              Loving:

              I'm glad you asked! 1. I've got some new beauty products to rave about today...


              I've mentioned the Suave products here (don't forget to enter the giveaway), but all these others are my recent favorites as well that you need to know about. The scrub I picked up from the VS semi-annual sale so if you find it next time the sale rolls around, buy it! It is awesome and smells so good. I've been using this Acne Stress Control face wash by Neutrogena and am so impressed, considering the price (and it's on sale right now). No breakouts and doesn't dry my face out...I will be purchasing this again when I'm out for sure. Maybelline's Volum' Express The Rocket...BEST mascara I've tried from a drugstore in a long time. And last but not least, have you guys heard or tried Garnier's Anti-Puff Eye Roller?!


              It contains mint extract and caffeine which gives it a cooling effect on your skin, and you simply roll it on under your eyes to reduce puffines. Highly recommend! Awesome, awesome product. 

              2. My new black Ray-Bans from SmartBuyGlasses that I've been lusting after for so long! Ray Bans are the only sunglasses that I absolutely love and wear all the time, which is why my collection is getting a bit out of control. To my defense...each pair has definitely got it's use over the years!


              Cooking:

              Complete slacker in this area lately, but today I plan to whip up some of my favorite copycat Chipotle guacamole (you're crazy if you haven't made it yet!) to have with our taco's tonight. The good news is that now that the weather will (hopefully) be warming up, I will be more inspired to try some new recipes and get back in the kitchen. It's hard to transition back into a routine and meal planning after a vacation, but I'm trying. I plan to share some yummy, healthy recipes in the next few weeks!



              Looking forward to:

              Billy's 30th birthday is coming up and SOON! (March 3rd) I've been busy planning some secretive ideas and things for him that I am so excited about. Unfortunately, some of it you won't know about until the end of April because it isn't happening until then and I'm {hopefully} keeping it a secret! There also might be a trip to my favorite state of Texas in the works to visit my bff. Picture a big happy dance right here, right now!

              ....did I mention that it's 40 degrees here and will be 55 tomorrow? Talk about heatwave! (sad, isn't it?) Our snow is melting and it honestly feels so, so good. I might even crack my windows in my car tomorrow, judge away!

              Happy hump day!

              2.17.2014

              How-To Edit Your Instagram Pictures


              What did we do before Instagram? Honestly! It's the one app that I am consistently checking and the one I seem to get the least annoyed with.

              I've always been one of those girls that takes a crazy amount of pictures, even long before the Instagram or Facebook days. Guilty as charged. I love photography, even though I'm not an expert by any means, and I love seeing what pictures other people are taking. Pretty pictures are just fun to look at, especially when you can see pictures from all around the world in a simple click (one of my favorite hash tags to search on insta? #travel) One thing that I am knowledgeable about is staying up to date with the best photography apps. I'm always looking in the iPhone app store at the best up-and-coming photography apps to see what is out there, how I can make my pictures better, and what app everyone is raving about.

              When I first started using Instagram, it seemed like I was always picking a filter with a border (borders? oh, fun!) and I chose a lot of the darker filters that Instagram provided. Now I find that I'm doing the complete opposite...I gravitate towards the lighter filters (Nashville is a favorite) and I never use a border. I like to try and keep the picture as natural as possible, but while still adding something extra to it in one way or another. I don't use a border anymore because I found when I went back to print one of my older pictures or use it for something, I hated having it on there and it got in the way.

              So, without further adieu, here are some of my favorite ways to edit your Instagram pictures with your iPhone! Please share in the comments below what apps you like to use, I love to hear what you all are loving as well!

              >>Once you have the image you want, take advantage of the "enhance" feature on your iPhone. 9 times out of 10 I will use this feature because it makes the photo look more sharp or crisp, but there are times it can pull some off coloring so if it does I won't use it in that circumstance.



              >>Open the app Afterlight. Afterlight is my favorite editing app. With an iPhone, it's hard to get the right amount of light for a picture and you might find yourself with a handful of dark pictures. With this app you can add brightness, light leaks, adjust the exposure, add a unique filter, or crop. Not only that, it hardly ever crashes and it's fast.

              original image of our kitchen before afterlight
              image after editing in afterlight (adjusted the brightness)
               Our kitchen has a lot of natural light already, but my iPhone picture still came out a little darker than I wanted. Just adjusting the brightness is an easy editing tool that can make your picture better!


              >>If you have a horizontal or vertical picture that looks better in it's original size, Whitagram is the app for you. It allows you to keep your original photos size and gives your pictures a pretty white background. You can see an example of this on my instagram page, as showing it on this post you won't be able to tell.



              >>Are you looking for more filter options than what Instagram has to provide? Camera + is where it's at. This is the app that I have had on my phone for the longest period of time and I'm so glad I found it. It does so much that I couldn't begin to explain it all to you, but my favorite features? It has a timer for those situations where you don't have anyone to take your picture, it has a "flash" and "backlit" option for those extremely off or dark photos, and the filters are awesome.

              Some of my favorite filters (featured in above photo): Hipster, Auto (it just makes the colors pop more), Vibrant (I use this when I'm traveling-it's great for beach/sky shots!), Sunkiss'd, Black and White, Lofi...to name a few.

              this photo's colors were already amazing on it's own but after adding only a little bit of the vibrant effect with Camera +(you can adjust how much you want), it made the colors..you guessed it..more vibrant..
               picture of Rocky after using the auto effect (it makes his tie and coloring stand out more)




              >>Want to know how everyone adds fun text or cool graphics? Download A Beautiful Mess or Rhonna Designs. A Beautiful Mess has a ton of phrases, arrows, symbols, and text fonts you can add to a picture but beware that this app takes a lot of storage space!

              text/graphics after using ABM


              >>Do you want to showcase more than one photo at a time? PicFrame gives you the ability to create a photo collage (you can fit up to eight photos for one Instagram pic) and you can also add text.


              These are the apps that I'm using on a regular basis and have passed my photo editing "test". Some of my other favorite editing apps out there that are worth checking out:

              +Perfect365 (for face touch-ups!)
              +Aviary
              +Snapseed
              +Vintique

              Phew! After all that and multiple copies of the same picture taking up space on my camera roll, I just MIGHT be ready to finally upload to Instagram. :)

              What are your favorite editing apps? Leave it in the comments below and don't forget to follow me, @katiewkrysh, if you aren't already!

              Happy Monday friends!