Archive for June 2011

Fashion On A Budget - by Love Like Laughter

By | Published Thursday, June 30, 2011

hello readers of WAHFOD!

my name is anna and i am a budget-fashion blogger over at love like laughter. when kate asked me to be a guest blogger for her while she is enjoying the sun, travel, and her brand new hubby in san fran, i was more than honored - kate was the sole inspiration to start my blog! we went to college together but have definitely grown closer because of our shared blogging experiences. i was also lucky enough to spend kate's wedding day with her and you can take it from me, it was the perfect day for the perfect couple. 


congrats again, kate and zach!

my blog started with "not really sure where the heck this is going" and it eventually turned into a "i'm a cheap skate." i soon realized that not everyone is as conscious (or obsessed) about bargain shopping as i am. so, i started "totaling" my outfits and found that most of my outfits are under $30. i thrift once in a while, but most of it is straight-up clearance. 




what is the method to my madness? some things i can explain, like:
-- i'm full-blood, 100% dutch - it's how we do it.
-- i'm a teacher - i can barely pay my rent, let alone pay full price.
-- some get runners' highs, some get adrenaline highs, some get regular high - i get bargain highs.
-- i have never (that's right, never) bought a piece of apparel (clothes, shoes, accessories, etc) that was full price.



my outfit for today took me way too long to pick out. i really had to do something that would live up to kate's blog's reputation, and her extremely high standards (just look at zach!) but also showcase a few of my favorite buys. this is what i came up with.

outfit
shirt: gap (clearance, $2.99)
skirt: old navy (clearance plus a groupon, $6.49)
shoes: old navy (clearance plus the same groupon, $6.99)
necklace: self made (materials from michael's, $2.50 for bib, $2 for chain = $4.50)
earrings: purchased in costa rica ($2)
outfit total: $22.97
sunglasses: kohl's (clearance $6)

i can't put words to my crazy-obsessive-compulsive-clearance-shopping madness, but i am going to leave you with a few tips:
**when i walk into a store, i shoot right to the back - the clearance. no messing around with that full priced stuff. come on.
**i hunt - i enjoy looking for those diamonds in the rough. that shirt that is only $5 and is so me. that skirt that looks awful on the rack so no one tries it on, but is now 50% off and is truly one of a kind.
**90% of the things i REALLY want i know will go on sale at my favorite stores. it has taken a few years, but i have studied what will go on sale, and when it will go on sale (yep, i'm that crazy.) wait a few weeks - you'll see.
**it doesn't have to be thrifted. i honestly haven't found a thrift/consignment shop yet that is cheaper than what i can find on clearance racks. just style it right and you're made in the shade.
**my favorites: kohls 60, 70, and 80% off. gap 30% off already reduced prices. tjmaxx clearance. NY&C clearance. and my all time favorite: outlets & factory stores. 



be careful when shopping like this. my boyfriend, ryan, and i have decided that i may have a sickness - i am a compulsive saver. i have struggled with buying things only because they are awesome deals, and not because i like it. on the other side of it, i can love something but i won't buy it because it's "too expensive" - a.k.a. full price. my advice (do as i say, not as i do) is to buy what you love, but if you want to save a little money you can follow the tips above.


thanks, kate, for letting me drop in. you're a true inspiration to me, and i hope you're loving cali!

find me at love like laughter!!

spread your love like laughter.
--anna

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Guest post by Selective Potential

By Tieka, Selective Potential | Published Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Hi everyone! Tieka here from Selective Potential. I'm so excited to be guest posting for Kate while she's off on her honeymoon! I've seen a few photos on Facebook of their wedding... and she looked stunning. I met Kate at the Michigan Blogger Meetup I hosted last winter. She was so sweet and I'm so glad to have met her. Since Kate lives in Grand Rapids, I thought I'd round up all of my favorite outfit posts I've taken in the city. I live just outside the city, but I have a huge place in my heart for Grand Rapids. I hope you enjoy a little tour around our town! Congrats to Kate and Zach on their new marriage! I can't wait to hear all about their big day.

(polka-dot wall outside of Bohemia Too)

(Calder Plaza, Lorrie's Button)

(Outside of old Skelletones, Robinette's Apple Haus)

(Vertigo Record Shop)

(Meyer May House, Giant Tire Swing)

(Outside of GRAM, Blue pedestrian bridge)

♥

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Spicy Eggplant Hummus - by Green Food, Green Thumb, High Heels

By | Published Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Hey there everyone! My name is Lindsay and I am honored today to be part of this guest blogging series here at With a Heart Full of Daisies. I've been following Kate's blog since I first started blogging late last year. I love Kate's free spirited and down to earth blogging style, the fashion, the recipes and how she motivates me with fitness and running!! I blog over at Green Food, Green Thumb, High Heels, another healthy living blog where I primarily focus on wholesome and natural cooking.



I follow a primarily plant-based vegan diet. I also shy away from processed foods, packaged foods and foods with sugar and preservatives. When I tell people I eat this way, they usually do a double take and gasp, What on earth do you eat? How do you get your nutrients? To me, it's ironic that in today's society whole and natural foods are so far from the norm. I eat every fruit vegetable, whole grain, seed, legume and nut butter under the sun. And yes I still indulge in chocolate!! :) The more I vary my diet, the maximum amount of vitamins and nutrients I am able to incorporate.

One essential nutrient for our bodies, especially for women whom can be more prone to osteoporosis and bone loss, is calcium and vitamin D. And drinking a huge glass of milk is not the only way to get these nutrients. The most natural and efficient source of Vitamin D is the sunlight. Just 15 minutes in the sun will allow your body to absorb adequate amounts of Vitamin D. So step outside, wiggle your toes in the grass and enjoy a little mother nature once and awhile.

There are many different foods with high calcium content. The USDA recommends that women ages 19-50 consume 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Since vitamins and nutrients are more easily absorbed in their natural food form, I use my diet to get this recommended dosage. Leafy greens, beans and soy products, almonds, sesame seeds and many more sources contain high levels of calcium. Foods like tofu and orange juice are often fortified with additional calcium content.

One of my favorite foods is hummus. Two of the ingredients, garbanzo beans and tahini (sesame seed paste), contain calcium. Hummus is also high in dietary fiber, protein and iron. It makes a great spread on sandwiches, a dip for veggies and crackers or even homemade falafel! It's also super easy to make. One of my favorite things about hummus is that it's so versatile and you can incorporate whichever flavor you desire. If plain hummus strikes your fancy, you only need a handful of ingredients to get started. If you have a more exploratory palate, experiment by adding veggies and herbs, or even sweeten it up with pumpkin puree or nut butter. The possibilities are endless. Here is one of my favorite humus recipes.

Spicy Eggplant Hummus
2 c. garbanzo beans, cooked and drained (you can use canned if you like)
1 lg. eggplant
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. tahini
juice from 1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp red chili sesame oil
1 tsp. ground cumin
olive oil

1. First step is to peel your chic peas. This may sound strange but it's essential for a smooth and creamy hummus. So plop your behind in front of a good episode of CSI or Law and Order (my favs!) and peel away. This bowl took about 15 or 20 minutes.




2. Wash, peel and chop your eggplant into 2" cubes. Place into a casserole pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in 350 degree oven until softened, about 25 minutes.



3. Incorporate chic peas, eggplant and remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Use a hand-help emersion blender to blend together until smooth (Or you can combine everything in a food processor).




4. Taste the hummus and add additional spices if you prefer. Fresh basil is a wonderful addition if you have some on hand. I like my hummus really spicy so sometimes I will throw in a squeeze of Sriracha hot sauce too.



Serve with your favorite side items and enjoy!!

Thank you again Kate for allowing me to guest post here with you today, and for all of you, please don't hesitate to swing over and say hello at Green Food, Green Thumb, High Heels. Happy wedding week dear Kate!!!! <3

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thrifting tips by tick tock vintage.

By | Published Monday, June 27, 2011

the sign out front of one of my favorite thrift store stops!

hi, with a heart full of daisies readers! i'm veronika from tick tock vintage and i'm going to be guest posting for kate today. first off, i want to say congratulations to the newly married couple and that i hope that they're having the best time on their honeymoon - such an exciting step in their lives, and i can't wait to see wedding pictures. kate asked me to share some of my thrifting tips with you; as a long time vintage lover and seller, i've spent a good amount of time over the past 10 years in thrift stores. i've narrowed it down to two tips that i think can be extremely helpful in your thrift store ventures.

#1 - don't be afraid to look outside of your size section.
thrift stores are generally separated into three categories: general women's clothing (anything from small to large), plus size, and girls. it's beneficial to look in all three sections for several reasons; first, clothing gets put into the wrong sections all the time. you might find a plus sized blouse in the medium section because a customer or employee put it back in the wrong place. secondly, you can many times find loose, floaty blouses (like this silk one) in the plus size section; i generally like them on the looser side but keep in mind that you can always take them in. thirdly, if you're on the smaller side, the girls section is a great place to look. i've seen many great size 0-2 women's dresses in the children's section that were mistaken for kids clothing just because they are small. lastly, remember that almost anything you purchase can be altered. if there's something that you really love but it's not the right size, take a close look to see if it can be shortened, taken in, let out, or jazzed up (with sequins, beads, etc.).

#2 - don't forget about lingerie and accessories!
for me, it's very easy to skip past the accessories, lingerie, and shoes sections in thrift stores because i'm so focused on the clothing. i have to train myself to slow down and peruse through these sections - and you should, too! thrift stores have tons of silk scarves for super cheap (i'm talkin' less than $1) and they're a great way to accessorize any outfit; wrap it around your hair like a headband, use it as a scarf, tie it around a bag. the underwear-as-outerwear trend has been popular for awhile now, and you can find some really great vintage slips and silky tanks at thrift stores. see that chemise above? if it had fit me, i would have purchased it; i think it would have looked great tucked into a pair of high-waisted shorts with a little cardigan buttoned over it. be sure to check out purses and wallets, too! you'll find some extremely well-made leather goods that would cost you a fortune to buy new in a store today.

i hope you've enjoyed my thrifting tips, and that they find you some new goodies the next time that you're thrifting!

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Inspiration - by Mackenzie

By | Published Sunday, June 26, 2011

Hello! I’m Mackenzie and Lainey is one of my dearest friends
(yes, I’m one of those who calls Kate, Lainey).

Since pictures speak louder than words, let me explain our friendship:

Via Ghetto college camera.

I love Lainey and thank God for her friendship everyday. I cherish our memories
and look forward to all of our future adventures together.  

Today on Lainey’s blog, I thought I would share a few photos, lists (we love lists!!), foods, and ideas that have inspired me in the past. I hope you love them too!

List: 33 Ways To Stay Creative



Photo: Lago de Atitlàn, Guatemala

Via Stumble Upon

The Spanish language was my first true love and I fell in love with traveling the world soon afterwards. The Lago de Atitlàn in Guatemala is beautiful and so are the communities of people that surround it.  Traveling makes my heart sing and challenges me to be better. I believe in order to fully appreciate our own lives and cultures; we need to discover the lives and cultures of others.


Idea: A Shabby Chic Trunk

I’m making this! I love DIY projects and Lainey always has great ideas.

Via this blog!!

To see the details, here’s Lainey’s post- With A Heart Full of Daisies


Food: Yum! Oreo stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love cookies. One of the first things people learn about me is I love love love chocolate chip cookies. I was so happy when I saw this photo and then found the recipe here. I use Newman-O’s instead of regular Oreos,  along with whole wheat flour, Earth Balance Butter, and raw organic cane sugar.


Photo: New Home in Austin, Texas

I’ve recently moved to Austin, Texas and I love my new home. Friends! Come visit this incredible city. One of my favorite things about Austin are the unique homes found in the Travis Heights neighborhood. Here’s the home that welcomed me to Austin!

Via my first Austin roomie and incredible photographer friend, Paige Newton.
Check out her beautiful work at Paige Newton Photography.


Idea: Meet Matt Chandler

A friend told me about Matt Chandler about one year ago. Matt serves as lead pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas. Since, I can’t attend his church in person, I listen to his sermons via podcasts. You can also listen to Matt’s sermons here. I encourage you to check them out – Matt’s teaching of the Gospel has changed, grown, and challenged my relationship with God in miraculous ways.

Photo: Zach and Kate King


This photo is beautiful and so are Zach and Lainey. I’m so excited two of my favorites got married and are beginning their happily ever after. I’m encouraged by their love and commitment to one another and of course, by there incredibly active lifestyle. This running photo was perfect! Congrats again guys, I’m jumping
up and down for you, cheering you on!

Have a great day everyone, it was so nice to share with y’all. I’d love to meet you too! 
Find me on Twitter: kenz_k and Facebook: Mackenzie Snyder.

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Wedding Cookies - by Sorority Chef

By | Published Friday, June 24, 2011

Hi! My name is Kristine, from Sorority Chef, and I am Kate's mother.
From the moment the wedding planning first started, Kate made it clear that she didn't want cake. We kicked around a few different options before we settled on cookies & ice cream.  Bumblebee Carts is supplying us with a cute ice cream cart complete with Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey, Vanilla, and Mango Sorbet ice cream.  Here's a sneak peek of the cookies and candy I've made and will be at Kate's wedding.

These Brownie Roll-Out Cookies from smittenkitchen.com are so versatile.  Try them as a base for ice cream sandwich cookies.  I added aqua M & M's to the center for an added pop of color.


Little Butter Spritz cookies are so small that you can just pop these babies into your mouth one after another.  We used an electric spritz cookie press to shoot out about 200 cookies in just a few minutes. 


Lemon-Ginger Sandwich Cookies are a family favorite.  Adapted from the recipe of Elinor Klivans, these cookies are time consuming to make but so worth it.  The shortbread dough has ground almonds, ginger and cinnamon added along with  lemon zest.  A lemony buttercream filling sandwiches the two cookies together.


Homemade peanut butter cups were added to our cookie list because we thought it would make a great addition especially paired with the Chunky Monkey ice cream.  I poured mine into molds, added a generous dollop of peanut butter mixture and more chocolate.


  We'll be serving them from a three tier glass display with the yummy ice cream. Kate is also making bite-sized vegan peanut butter cups.  I can't wait to see all the desserts disappear!
You can see more food recipes and photos over at my blog, Sorority Chef.

Just one more day! Woohoo!
Kristine

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The Calm Before The Storm

By | Published Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The silence and calmness that has resided over me is just what I need at this moment. This old adage seems remarkably true...there is this lull, a waiting period, before the great "storm" hits. I'm taking one day at a time; waiting on the nerves, butterflies, and overwhelming excitement for the wedding day to eventually kick in. 

This weekend was causal and laid back...and I'm doing my best to make sure the rest of this week ends up being just as peaceful....no bridezilla here!  Without getting too much into it, we've had a stressful time with the house we recently put an offer on and last week I was pretty stressed and emotionally drained. If you follow me on Twitter you might have seen my frustrated tweet about it. Thus, the focus became to much on the house and the annoying situation we were in, and not what it should have been on. This week, things are definitely looking up and focus is back on the priority at hand; getting married to my best friend. 







Tank: Thrifted, Necklace: Bloomington Art Fair, Belt: Thrifted
Jeans: A&F (gift from my brother!) Shoes: Steve Madden, Urban Exchange

All the details are pretty much wrapped up...minus the writing of both of our vows. I knew Zach would wait till the last minute to write his, but I didn't expect such a writer's block from myself. I'm realizing the right words are incredibly hard to find; writing a promise to your love is intimidating!    

This will probably be my last post this week...stay tune for lots of wonderful guest posts. 
I'm so excited for you to meet some lovely ladies or see some you might already know! 

Yay! Four more days! 

-KateLainey

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Daddy's Girl

By | Published Sunday, June 19, 2011


Happy Father's Day, Dadda!
To the man who taught me what hard work is, self-discipline, and how to continually grow in my faith.
Daily, you remind me that I'm beautiful and that I can do anything I set my mind too.
I wish I could be there to celebrate today, but I'm looking forward to seeing you at the end of this week for a much needed daddy/daughter date. I wouldn't want any other man to walk me down the aisle this Saturday.

I love you!

Forever your little girl,
Lainey

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A Dream Life

By | Published Wednesday, June 15, 2011

To be honest, I always thought wedding guest books were kinda lame.  I pictured myself having this big, ugly book full of people's signatures and immediately it reminded me of an autographed high school yearbook.  Where do you put this book? Do you ever bring it down from the bookshelf, dust it off, and actually read all the people's signatures? I doubt it. No hard feelings to those who treasure the traditional guest book, but that isn't Zach and I. After searching for alternative ways for a guest book, I really became frustrated with the selections available.  I did what I usually do in these situations...make it into a DIY. 

Thus began my search for the perfect vintage book.  Eventually I found this darling antique book with a fitting title; "Dream Life."  With a copyright date of 1900, I felt bad for what I wanted to do to it; have the pages taken out and rebound with blank ones.  For a few weeks I debated if I wanted to rebind the book myself.  After researching how much work, supplies, and knowledge it would take to do so, I opted to find a local book binder.  I was lucky enough to get in touch with Wendy Withrow who gladly took on this project. 

Check out the end result! Windy's work is beautiful and I was extremely pleased how the book turned out.  Her talent for book binding is so evident; the quality of the paper and binding is superb.  If anyone is interested in having a wedding guest book or custom journal made, please check out Wendy's website, Windy Weather Bindery.  Thanks again Wendy! 



 I asked Wendy to randomly place some of the original pages inside, along with all of the pictures. 
My hope is to leave a little note next to the book at the reception asking everyone to write a short comment or favorite memory of Zach and I.  On some of the pages I will probably have a question or a fill in the blank. 
  Remember when Zach....  Haha I can only imagine some of the responses. :) 


Isn't it adorable!?
I'm excited to take it home with me after the wedding and read all the notes from our loved ones.  These comments will be forever treasured and will help us relive a beautiful night spent with our favorite people.
Isn't that what a dream life is anyway? A life surrounded by those who love and support you unconditionally...

10 more days till I'm a Mrs. 
surreal.


-KateLainey



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Catching Up

By | Published Monday, June 13, 2011

Whew! I don't even know where to begin...life seems to have been crazy lately. Wedding plans are really coming together and last night Zach finally started building the arbor for the wedding ceremony. It looks beautiful even without the stain on yet. This past weekend was basically spent running errands the whole day and working on the seating chart. On our way home from Lowe's I asked Zach if we could stop by this cute little shed and silo that I drive past all the time.  He couldn't say no to a walk...walks are our favorite. :)









Top: JCrew Outlet, Skirt: Rock, Paper, Scissor Consignment
Earrings: made myself, Shoes: Thrifted, Purse: Gift from Anna

When we were at Rock, Paper, Scissor Consignment Boutique for my bachelorette party, I found this skirt from SeeByChloe, and instantly loved the buttons, color, and how comfy it was.  I had to pair it with my new clutch that Anna gave me at my bachelorette party; I adore the tiny floral print on it. I don't know why I haven't bought a clutch before...so easy to tote around. What is your favorite?
 Clutch, shoulder bag, hobo bag or just a plain ol' wallet?

Sorry folks, today's post is short and sweet...I've got a list to tackle! 

-KateLainey






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