High Five for Friday

 shirt: gap  skirt: target  tights: kohls  boots: gojane scarf: giveaway from The Tiny Heart

1.  I think I'm getting better at this pattern mixing thing,

and I am loving my new boots!

2.  Friday I will be celebrating my birthday!

I'm looking forward to dinner at my parents on Friday night and going out to dinner with Chris on Saturday. And hopefully a few sweet presents too!

3 In my effort to feed my love for teen drama, I'm continuing to watch One Tree Hill, but also the new episodes of Gossip Girl and 90210.  Let's just say that my brain is getting a little confused with who is who and what relationship is what.  

But don't worry.  That hasn't stopped me from watching them all.  

4. When I ordered the boots that I'm wearing in this outfit, I also bought a pair of booties and although they fit and are cute, the heel is a little too high for me. 

Therefore instead of returning them, I figured I'd see if anyone wanted them first. 

website pictures here

$15 (plus shipping)

Size 9

Let me know if you're interested!  

5. I didn't eat sweets or desserts for 6 days in a row this week.  That is an extreme accomplishment for me.

I was doing great until my mom brought over these fancy caramel apples.  

At least this is part fruit, right?

And I will definitely be eating some birthday dessert this weekend!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Birthday Wishlist and New Friends

boots: kohls (now on sale for $45 online)   jeans: kohls (similar)  tank top: target ($3)  sweater: ? 

Unfortunately this picture has nothing to do with the rest of this post, but it's an outfit I wore this weekend.

Any creative transition between these two would be appreciated. 

My birthday is less than two weeks away. 

Thanks to a million blogs, etsy and pinterest I have no problem coming up with a wishlist.

Here's some things I'd love to get for my birthday!

mustard cardigan / horse sweater / cowboy boots
monogram necklace / elephant scarf / teardrop necklace

Chris did you read this post?

I should probably more be asking "Mom, did you read this post?"

Something that is probably way more exciting to you than what I would like to get for my birthday is a chance to meet some pretty neat ladies.  I feel honored to have them on my blog this month and they are definitely some girls that you should get to know!


First up is Montana from Sara Montana Says

blog // twitter // facebook 

I have loved getting to know Montana through her blog!  Blogs like Montana's are my favorite to read because they combine all things of real life.  Like really exciting moments, hard and painful moments, and then everything in between.  Montana blogs about fashion, recipes, life, as well as her adorable etsy shop.


Next up is Kait from GridIron Lipstick

blog // twitter // instagram

This picture alone is a good sign that Kait is really fun.  I'd place money on the fact that she is more fun than me.  Case in point - this picture is her making a snow angel in Super Bowl confetti.   While she claims to be far from a fashion blogger, she wears some pretty cute outfits and posts about her sweet love story too.  

I'm so excited to have Julee and Kim from DIY Louisville again.


blog // twitter // facebook

I can't imagine you missed their introduction last time but in case you did, you need to three things about these sweet, talented ladies.
1. They know how to dress and post adorable outfits.
2. They share some really delicious recipes, like these Autumn Muffins.
3. They are extremely talented in the craft making department, like these adorable fabric acorns.


Finally, meet Bethany from Northwest Betty.

blog // facebook // bloglovin'

Bethany is one of the girls from who I feel so blessed to have meet through blogging.  We have emailed back and forth countless times, as we have both found ourselves struggling with infertility and how to handle it.  I am so thankful for her open heart through such a painful time, as well as her wise words and outlook on life.  I'm also thankful for the beautiful pictures she posts and every chance to get to look at one of the cutest dogs ever!

You should definitely go check out these ladies.
and feel free to buy be one of those presents for my birthday too.

Interested in being one of my sponsors in November?  Check here for more details and email me!
katiejvale@yahoo.com

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Birthday Girl

dress & scarf: old navy  shoes: target

Wearing leopard flats and a polka dot scarf is about as far as I've come with the whole pattern mixing trend.  I have a long way to go but you have to start somewhere, right?  

May is a full month of important dates and celebrating for us!
Friday was my niece's first birthday.   

Lena Jane -

You are the sweetest, cutest, happiest, most precious little girl I know.  I feel honored that we share a middle name, and get beyond excited when people tell me you look like me.  I can't wait to be the aunt that you can call to tell your secrets to and hopefully that I can give you advice.  I look forward to shopping trips, sleepovers and celebrating you and all the things you will accomplish.  You are more loved than any little girl I know and I am proud to be your aunt. 

Happy first birthday! I wish you didn't live so far away so I could celebrate you in person. 

I love you!  

Love,

Birthday Boys

dress: thrifted  belt: target  cardigan: old navy  flats: kohls

This dress is the first item of clothing I can say I've actually "thrifted." 

I was probably a little too proud of myself.  

May 5th and 7th are the birthdays of my two favorite boys. 

Chris - I couldn't ask for a happier, more positive, encouraging and loving husband, who listens to me and makes me feel loved constantly.  I am one lucky woman to be married to you.  

Tavis -  I am so lucky to be an aunt to the cutest, most loving, funny and sweet boy.  I knew I would love you but had no idea that I could love you this much!   I wish more than anything that you lived closer so I could see you all the time.  I can't wait to give you the biggest hug on Wednesday!   

 Happy birthday to my two favorite boys!

I love you both SO much!

High Five for Friday

 shirt: TJMaxx  skirt: target  shoes: kohls

1.  I bought these shoes last weekend and have worn them at least three times this week.  I love them. 

2.  I made this recipe this week.  BLT Pasta Salad. 

warmer weather = more salad recipes for dinner

3. Last week my mom and I made favors for Jacob and Lauren's wedding.

By the 400th pretzel we got pretty good at it. 

We put two together in a bag with a ribbon.  Wish I would've taken a picture of the finished product!

4. Isn't this idea the cutest?

This weekend, I am going to try to make one of these signs for my nephew Travis to carry down the aisle for my brother's wedding.  

5.  We've got some big dates coming up in the next few weeks.  

Chris' 30th birthday is Saturday.

My brother's wedding is next weekend.

Our 7 year anniversary is right after that.

Lots to look forward to! 

Have a great weekend!

High Five for Friday
5 Days 5 Ways   Serenity Now