Bridesbabes

Kali, , 3 Comments

Planning my bridesmaids ‘proposal’ has been one of the most exciting things I have ever done! It was one of the only things wedding related I could plan while still in school (I wanted to focus on school until after graduation).

Everyone’s gift came in a photo box adorned with their first initial and a silver sage ribbon. They each got this adorable card, a coffee and raspberry macaroon from Edgar’s Bakery (a Tuscaloosa bakery), and a unique gift. I wanted their gifts to be practical, personal, and something they could keep forever. I put a lot of thought into each gift, and it paid off – they each said yes!

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Amanda was the first I got to ask! I was just lucky enough that I was able to stop and see her while driving through on my way to Fayetteville to train for my new job. Amanda has been my best friend (more like a sister) since sixth grade. We were inseparable throughout high school and still are the best of friends while hundreds of miles apart. I couldn’t imagine my day without her!

Amanda’s gift was a ‘scribble’ of her handsome dog Chief that I got made by Sav who I met at Riffraff this summer. She takes any photo, scribbles over it on her iPad, and calls her little creations ‘Scribbles by Sav.’ (Go check out her work here!)

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Jordan also got a ‘Scribbles by Sav‘ of her sweet golden retriever, Alex. I asked Jordan to be a bridesmaid while on a dinner date at Taco Mama (one of the best places I could think to do this other than Gallette’s). Jordan and I met in Zeta, and have become the best of friends. She is on of the most kind, supportive, and encouraging friends I have ever had and I know she will make a wonderful bridesmaid.

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Danielle and I met in class at UA, and worked on a group project together. We immediately clicked and became great friends. We share a love for fashion, tea, and weddings. She is such a sweet girl and took a wedding planning class with me the past semester. We talked so much about my future wedding (at this time it was still imaginary) and I knew she would make a fabulous bridesmaid and forever friend.

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Oh, Shelby! Shelby and I both rushed Zeta and met on the retreat. We found out that we lived on the same floor in Tut, and that made it easy for us to walk together to the house daily. So, we quickly became friends. The next year we lived together and have lived together since then. Now we are engaged AT THE SAME TIME. So I got her this adorable ring dish from Riffraff Fayetteville to put her beautiful heirloom engagement ring in.

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My Matron of Honor is my beautiful sister, Mindy. Mindy earns this honor easily. She is the best sister a girl could ever ask for. Mindy supports me in everything that I do (she even funds Doodle + Denim), she gives the best advice, and she loves me unconditionally. My sister and I love to spend way too much on scratch off lottery tickets any time we are together. So, I found this fake lottery ticket and this custom stamped penny keychain that is stamped with the words “sis since” on a 1996 penny. The ticket is rigged to win, and the prize box says, “Will you be my Maton of Honor?” How perfect was that?!

I am beyond lucky to have these girls as friends and as a part of my bridal party! I can’t wait for the wedding planning process to begin!

Photo boxes + ‘D’ mug| Hobby Lobby

Card printable | Something Turquoise

Macaroons | Edgar’s Bakery

Dog ‘scribbles’ | Scribbles by Sav

‘OMG’ ring dish | Riffraff Fayetteville

‘Will you be my Matron of Honor?’ lottery ticket | Etsy, My Scratch Offs

‘Sis Since’ penny keychain | Etsy, Rustic Midwest Charm

My Favorite: Instagram Accounts

Kali, , 1 Comment

So, you may notice that my blog posts seem a little scarce. Well, I had some technical difficulties. All of my photos got deleted from my blog’s media file, and I didn’t have them saved anywhere else (mistake #1). So, instead of leaving my posts photo-less, I decided to delete them and replace them with newer posts.

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Book Bento Box not only suggests great books, but presents them in the most beautiful Instagram grid.

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The Bucket List Family is a family of (now) 5. They sold everything they owned and began traveling the world. They will instill a sense of wanderlust, and will make you fall in love with their incredible family bond.

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A shameless plug for my new workplace – Riffraff Fayetteville. They post all the new arrivals and in-store exclusives. Their grid is very appealing and it will make you want to shop! You can place orders through Instagram and either pickup in store or have shipped for free.

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Walt Disney World has the most colorful and one of the happiest Instagram grids I have ever seen. You can’t not want to visit after glancing through their photos. I am a big fan of Disney (read about my Drinking Around the World experience here), and love seeing a Disney pic while scrolling through my feed.

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Emily Shuman is the woman behind Cupcakes and Cashmere (my favorite blog). She shares outfits, food, and a lot about her adorable daughter, Sloan. She will also get really real with her followers – which I admire.

What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

xoxo,

Kali

Roll Tide

Kali2 Comments

People said, “Don’t blink. College will be over before you know it.” They were right. These past four years at the University of Alabama have flown by. I remember move in day freshman year like it was yesterday.

My mom made me take pictures with my “Bama Bound” sign while standing behind the truck that was packed with all of my things before we started the drive to Tuscaloosa. After driving for nearly 5 hours, we pulled into the Tutwiler parking lot shortly after my roommate did. (I had met my roommate, Kaitlyn, while visiting campus for the first time. We immediately clicked, stayed in touch, and decided to be roommates.) When we got to the front of the line that weaved through the entire parking lot, they had large cardboard boxes on wheels ready to fill with all of our belongings. We climbed 11 flights of stairs to get to our room and wait on our things to make it up the elevator. We opened the door to a 10.5″ x 15″ room, and stared at the cinderblock walls and blue plastic mattresses. This room, 1141, was home.

 

I wore glasses that day (something I rarely ever do) and had on no make-up to prepare of all of the crying ahead.
I wore glasses that day (something I rarely ever do) and had on no make-up to prepare of all of the crying ahead.
Tutwiler will always hold a special place in my heart.
Tutwiler will always hold a special place in my heart.
Our empty 10.5' x 15' room.
Our empty 10.5′ x 15′ room.
Excited to be starting our journey as college students!
Excited to be starting our journey as college students!
See, I told you our room was a disaster!
See, I told you our room was a disaster!
Finally settled and ready to take on freshman year.
Finally settled and ready to take on freshman year.

We realized quickly that moving in at the same time was not the best idea. We both had boxes, totes, and bags in piles that we were trying to navigate through to unpack. It took us nearly two days to get everything unpacked and placed where it would spend the next ten months. Meanwhile, as we would walk down the hallway we would see these blonde girls in room 1139 sitting on their Lilly Pulitzer adorned beds all settled in. We were in awe. (We know now that they remembered us because Kaitlyn’s dad was in the hallway building a sort of riser for her headboard because it was too short to fit right over the bed.)

We quickly became friends with the blonde girls in 1139. They are actually still in my phone as “Rachel 1139” and “Alyssa 1139” (their name followed by their room number so I could remember who they were). We will occasionally still refer to them as “The Blondes.”

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People also said, “Your four years in college will be the best years of your life.” My four years at the University of Alabama have made me a more independent, confident, and stronger woman. I have made wonderful memories and life-long friends.

Today I graduate summa cum laude, and I get to walk across the stage in Coleman Coliseum knowing that my parents are watching and are proud. Over the next three days I get to move into a charming townhouse in Fayetteville, Arkansas with my fiancé, Ben. Next weekend we get to celebrate our engagement with our closest loved ones, and a few days later I start my job as the floor manager at Riffraff.

 

I can’t imagine my best years being behind me once I switch my tassel to the opposite side. My life is just beginning, and I can’t wait for all the years to come. I don’t think that college was the best four years of my entire life. I think the best is yet to come.

xoxo,

Kali

Photography | MKC Photography (website | Instagram)

Dress | Lulus

February 26, 2018

Kali, , 3 Comments

When I woke up on Monday, February 26th I had no idea what was in store.

Ben and I started dating when I was only 14 and Ben was 17. We were high school sweethearts! After dating for four years, I decided to go to the University of Alabama, and together we decided to take on the challenge of a 300+ mile-long distance relationship. It wasn’t always easy, but with graduation less than 2 months away I think it is safe to say we’ve made it.

On Sunday, I got a text from a friend, Julia, that said she got an internship for this summer and asked if Ben and I wanted to go get drinks to celebrate Monday at 4:45. I knew that I got off work at 4:00, and I wasn’t sure if Ben would even be interested in going. So, I didn’t respond for about 5 hours. (During these 5 hours, my friends and Ben were freaking out that I would ruin their plan). Anyway, I eventually agreed to the celebration.

When I got off work Monday, I came home and rushed to freshen up and change for drinks. I had on one of my favorite sweaters, but I decided to change last minute because I remembered the last time Julia and I took a picture together I was wearing the exact sweater. (Obviously, this is only a problem we would have in the 21st century with Instagram and all).

Anyway, Ben offered to drive and I thought it was just because he could tell I was flustered. He even asked for directions (even though he obviously knew where to go). At this point, I started asking my friend Jordan if she was there yet and where the best place to park was. I still had no idea what was about to happen.

Once we were near the bar, I told Ben where to pull in. He faked missing the turn very well. He said he would just make a loop and turn around. However, he parked in a spot the next block over, and this is when I started to get curious. He told me to get out and we would just walk there, but instead of walking towards the bar, we began walking towards Capitol Park (which I never even knew existed).

As we were walking he began talking to me about how long we have been together, the ups and downs, and how much he loves me. I began freaking out internally because I just knew this was about the be the moment I have been dreaming of for 7 years! As we walked onto the ruins of the old Alabama Capitol building, Ben got on one knee and said, “Kali Schmalzried, will you  marry me?”

Of course I said YES! He slid the most perfect ring on my finger, and I suddenly became the happiest woman in the world and a fiancé!

After wallowing in the excitement of being an engaged couple, I realized that we weren’t actually getting drinks and I became concerned that we were also not going to get the pizza I had been looking forward to all weekend. If you know Ben and I at all, you know we love pizza and we had planned on getting pizza for dinner Monday night. So, when Jordan asked what our plans were after leaving Captiol Park, I looked at Ben and really hoped that he said we could still get pizza. We did.

I posted this photo on my Instagram story. No one knew I was referring to the fact that I was engaged, not the pizza.

It was really the best day ever, and I can not wait to take on this adventure with my fiancé!

I want to give the biggest thank you to my friend Jordan who helped Ben plan the proposal, captured it all on camera, and gave me such a sweet engagement gift. You rock.

Get Glowing

Kali, 6 Comments

I don’t have perfect skin by any means. I get a monthly breakout on my chin that begins deep under the skin and slowly moves toward the surface. By the time I finally get the evidence to disappear, the next round of monthly pimples arrives. My cheeks are often red and lead to a very uneven skin tone, and I typically have a hint of dark circles under my eyes.

Therefore, I have tried to develop a skincare routine to get healthy, smooth, even, glowing skin. The biggest obstacle I have run into is, of course, price. My current skincare routine is always evolving as I try new things, and it can be described as a skincare routine for a 20-something year old on a budget who has normal – not oily or dry – skin with occasional breakouts.

EVERY MORNING:

I wash my face with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, and I follow up with Mario Badescu aloe, cucumber, and green tea facial spray. I apply Aveeno CC Cream which is a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. Typically, I don’t use any makeup other than mascara, brow tint, and lipstick on a daily basis.

EVERY NIGHT:

I shower at night, and I usually start my shower steamy to open up my pores. However, I try not to keep it too hot to prevent drying out my skin. While in the shower I use the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser once again. After washing my face, I turn on the cold water to shock my skin and close my pores back up. When I get out of the shower I spray the same Mario Badescu facial spray that I use in the morning. Once that dries, I apply a moisturizer to my face and neck. The Estee Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack is my favorite I have ever tried, but I my sample container has ran out and I can’t seem to find it anywhere else. My also like Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream. I end my nighttime routine with a night time lip balm.

EVERY 2-3 DAYS:

Two to three times a week I exfoliate my face while in the shower. I am currently using a light exfoliator from Burt’s Bees.

I like to do a face mask at least once a week, preferably twice a week. I try to do a deep pore cleansing, peel-off mask and a hydrating mask. Typically, I like purchasing individual, one-time-use masks just to keep a wide variety to choose from depending on what I feel like my skin needs. I really love the Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask.

IF I HAVE A BREAKOUT:

The most important thing I do is try not to touch the breakout area. Popping a pimple only breaks the skin, creates a scab, and leaves a scar. I usually rub ice on the area multiple times throughout the day to reduce the swelling and redness. Lately, I have been applying a small amount of honey, covering it with a band-aid, and sleeping with it. This is not an overnight remedy, but it slowly diminishes the breakout after a few nights. I know that there are drying serums and other products that help to diminish a break out, but honey is easier on the budget.

IN ADDITION:

I try to drink the recommended amount of water each day to “plump” my skin to lessen the appearance of any fine lines and pores. I never exercise with makeup on. When you exercise and get hot, your pores open to release heat and sweat. If you have makeup on, it mixes with oil and perspiration, clogs your pores, hinders your skins ability to breath, and can lead to breakouts, black heads, and skin irritations. Be sure to keep makeup wipes to your gym bag and wipe it off before starting your workout. I usually keep makeup wipes in my bag to wipe off the sweat and dirt immediately after my workout, too. Another way I keep clean-ish skin is by sleeping on a silk pillowcase. The benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase include retaining moisture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing the appearance pimples and blackheads.

My skincare routine is not really where I want it to be. I would like to add an eye cream / serum to the product mix. So, if you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments below.

*This post includes links to some of my products in my current skincare routine. These links are associated with where I personally purchase my products.

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Hello Again

Kali5 Comments

I am about to get really real with you. Obviously, I haven’t posted in a very long time. I apologize (mainly to my sister because the is the only faithful reader that I have).  I was not motivated to write because I wasn’t getting a lot of views, I didn’t think my content or photos were as good as the other blogs I followed and I was honestly very disappointed in myself. It took me a while, but I finally realized that I was setting my expectations too high for a myself. I am not a writer, I have no knowledge of coding and I am not very savvy with a computer, I don’t own a nice camera and I don’t have any photo editing applications, and quite frankly, I don’t have the most interesting life to write about. Anyway, I am the type of person that wants to pick up a new skill or hobby and be the greatest at it immediately. This new blogging hobby wasn’t what I expected it to be quickly enough, and I decided that this must not be for me.

However, I missed it. I missed writing down my post ideas in my little pink book. I missed the clicking of the keyboard as I typed and re-typed the content of the posts. I missed getting the notifications that my sister (again, shoutout to my biggest fan) had read and commented on my post. And now, I have decided to give it another shot. This time around I am to setting my expectations a little lower, writing about what I think is interesting, and just enjoying it.

I plan on writing occasionally when inspiration strikes. Before I scheduled posts and set deadlines, and I think that stressed me out more than anything. Instead, I want to be transparent. I want to write about what is really going on in my life. When I have a breakout, I want to share with you how I treated it and got it to go away before an event. When I try out a Pinterest recipe and it ultimately fails (like most of them do), I want to share the experience. When I realize that I am turning 22 soon and I want to age like Jennifer Aniston, I want to share with you my attempts at establishing a skincare routine.

I am excited to try this out again, and I look forward to all the adventures that this year will bring.

 

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Being a #GIRLGANG Intern

Kali, , 2 Comments

Many of you know that I began searching for the perfect summer internship back in August of last year. I kept an open mind when it came to company and location. So, between then and early 2017 I was applying for nearly every internship I found. (And, I kept them all organized with my internship tracking worksheet which you can find here.)

After months of rewriting cover letters, tweaking my resume, filling out applications, and ultimately being rejected multiple times, my spirits were crushed. I had decided I was going to end up spending the summer back at home and was coming to terms with that.

However, in March I stumbled upon this Instagram post:

The crazy thing is, I didn’t even follow @riffraffHQ at the time. I somehow ended up on the page through the @shopriffraff account. #proinstastalker

I immediately started working on my application. It asked me questions like who my favorite 90’s singer was (Britney Spears) and who my ultimate boy crush was (Justin Timberlake) and that immediately made me realize just how awesome these girls seemed to be. I finished up my application and I got it in right before the deadline. I was ecstatic when I got the email asking to set up a time for an interview.

After the interview I was on the phone with my mom telling her all about it when I got the email saying that I was being offered the #GIRLGANG internship! I responded as fast as I could – not caring at all how anxious I seemed – and accepted.

After only 2 weeks as a part of the incredible #GIRLGANG that is the brains and power behind Riffraff, I am certain that accepting this position has been one of the best decisions of my life.

Being a #GIRLGANG intern I have been working in the most inspirational and fun environment full of friendly, hard-working women. It has been an incredible experience thus far, I can truly see myself thriving at Riffraff, and am excited to see what this summer and the future has in store.

Until next time. . .

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Drinking Around the World

Kali, , 3 Comments

I recently celebrated my 21st birthday by drinking around the world in Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase! I had spent months planning and researching the best drinks in each country only to completely forget my notes in the hotel room. So, when entering each country we would explore to discover all of our options and choose which drink sounded the best. What made this experience even better was that it was currently the International Flower and Garden Festival which is an annual celebration of spring that fills the park with more than 70 Disney-themed topiaries, vibrant gardens, flowers everywhere you look, and 17 outdoor kitchens (which meant more drinks to choose from)!

We started off in Norway (we bypassed Mexico because we planned on ending our day there with dinner). While waiting in line to meet Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, we sipped on an ice coffee flavored with Kamora Coffee Liqueur and Baileys Irish Cream. It was tasty (probably one of Shelby’s favorites) but definitely didn’t make it to the top of my list.

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Viking Coffee from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Norway — 7/10

We made our way to China and this is when I actually bought my first drink with my ID – YAY! We visited an outdoor kitchen – Lotus House – for our drinks here. I ordered the Kung Fu Punch (Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango, and Orange Juice) and we also got the M.S.G. (a cooler of Mango Wine, Strawberry, and Ginger Ale). I ended up trading for the M.S.G. – it was so good and very refreshing.

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M.S.G. from Lotus House, China — 9/10
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Kung Fu Punch from Lotus House, China — 6/10

Next stop was Germany and I knew we had to try the “famous” pink grapefruit beer. We were also very tempted to order the jumbo pretzel because it looked incredible, but we knew lunch was right around the corner in the next country. Anyway, this beer was perfect to cool us off since the Florida sun was getting really warm.

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Schofferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen from Sommerfest, Germany — 8/10

Even after drinking our beers, we were so ready for lunch and made our way to Via Napoli for our reservation. We ordered a large pepperoni pizza and I don’t think Shelby and I could have been any happier (see photo below). I also ordered a Bellini (Prosecco Sparkling Wine with Peach Puree). It was really sweet, but definitely delicious. However, the pizza won my heart!

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Bellini from Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy — 8/10

Home sweet home – America was next on our trip around the World Showcase. There wasn’t much to offer that caught my eye, so I stuck with what I could remember from the research and got a hard root beer from Fife and Drum. It would have been much better if it would have been iced, but because it got warm pretty quick, I wasn’t such a big fan.

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Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer from Fife and Drum, America — 5/10

Surprisingly, I think my favorite drink was from Japan! I originally thought I would have to find an appealing sake while stopping in this country, but the drink I got was so good that we each got one. And TBH I can’t really remember what this delicious drink was made of, but just get one!

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Rising Sun from the Garden House Sake Bar, Japan — 10/10

After Japan, our next stop was Morocco. Here we stood in like to meet Jasmine while still sipping on our yummy Japanese drinks. Afterwards, we found a little counter in Tangierine Cafe and ordered a strawberry daiquiri. I didn’t think I could go wrong with that, but it definitely wasn’t the kind of daiquiri I am used to. It wasn’t sweet by any means and it was unanimously decided to be the worst drink we tried all day. It also came in this white cup that didn’t allow for very good pictures.

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Strawberry Daiquiri from Tangierine Cafe, Japan — 4/10

After that drink, we had to recover and what better place to do so than France? I was really wanting to try the Ice Cream Martini from L’Artisan des Glaces, but I just knew I couldn’t fit that into my bloated stomach at this point. Instead, we all sipped on a Grand Marnier, Rum, Grey Goose Orange, and Orange Juice Slush that can only be described as an alcoholic orange creamsicle slush. This drink was popular among our group (and it seemed it was popular among other guests too). It also came in this super cute, photogenic martini glass.

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Now, I have to be honest. At this point we were all extremely bloated, tired of the hot sun, and were not wanting the only thing that the UK had to offer – a.k.a. beer. So, instead, we skipped the alcohol and opted for a very refreshing (and free) iced water. After exploring around the UK (basically me looking for pins to add to my collection) we were wanting to catch another ride before our dinner reservation, so we also skipped Canada.

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Free iced water from any quick service restaurant — 10/10

We ended our day in Mexico at La Hacienda de San Angel looking out over the water that is the center of the World Showcase. The salsa was hot, the food was delicious, and the margarita was incredible!

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Strawberry Margarita from La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico — 10/10

So, I really didn’t get to complete my goal of “drinking around the world” but I had the best time trying to do so! After my experience, I do have some tips: SHARE DRINKS and eat smaller snacks throughout (and not as much pizza as you can) and maybe you will be able to compete the trip around the world!

xoxo,

Kali

My Thoughts On: What I am Reading

Kali, 2 Comments

As you may know (from reading my post about my 2017 goals) I plan on reading at least one book each month this year. I used to read non-stop; I would walk with my nose in a book down the hallways in high school. But ever since I started college, I have had less and less time for reading.

So far this year I have read Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick, and Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly. And I am currently (finally) reading The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer.

Talking as Fast as I Can is a must read if you like Gilmore Girls! Seriously, it was such a fabulous insight into Lauren Grahams’ life. It makes you realize that the similarities between Lorelai Gilmore (the character) and Lauren Graham (the real life person) are uncanny. If you ever watched Parenthood – if you haven’t, you should – this is also a good read for you. She talks a lot about her experience on the set of Parenthood and her relationship with her co-star (it’s super sweet).

If you are looking for a thriller fiction that you just can’t put down read The Girl on the Train. It is written from 3 different women’s perspectives in journal-like format. I have never really read thrillers, but this one was the perfect book to start with. I haven’t been able to get my hands on the movie yet, but I can’t wait to now.

If you have ever watched Pitch Perfect, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, or The Twilight Saga (yes, she was in Twilight) then you have probably laughed out loud at Ms. Kendrick and have at one point in time wished you could be as cool as her – and sing just like her. If this has ever happened to you, read Scrappy Little Nobody. I couldn’t put it down because it was so funny and interesting to read. To be honest, I feel like Anna and I are now BFFs because the book is written in such a down-to-earth way. If you need a good laugh, pick up this book!

Lost in a Book is a book I just happened to stumble upon in Barnes and Noble; I spotted “Disney Beauty and the Beast” on the cover and immediately rushed to the register so I could call it mine and start reading. This book is considered a children’s book, but that made it really easy to read within 2 days. If you love Beauty and the Beast as much as I do – which is a lot – this is definitely a fun read. It is extremely similar to the original storyline with all of the same characters. However, it takes a whimsical turn and Belle finds an enchanted book in the Beast’s library. She is pulled into its pages and into a glamorous world that offers her a lovely life (obviously better than being captive in the Beast’s castle). She has to uncover the truth about Nevermore (the book) before she “gets lost in it forever.” So, yes, it’s pretty magical but what Disney story isn’t.

What have you been reading? I would love to have some suggestions! I’ll let you know what I think of Amy Schumer’s The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo soon.

xoxo,

Kali

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Thing’s Your Bridal Stylists Wishes You Knew

Kali, , Leave a comment

It’s now what we call Bridal Christmas at David’s Bridal. After my Facebook news feed was full of pictures of sparkling diamonds, kissing couples, and engagement announcements over winter break, I was ready to work with all these brides-to-be to help them find their dream dress. If you are one of those brides-to-be, read this and know that these are the things your stylist wishes you knew.

Make getting your gown a priority

You need to give yourself time to shop. Most women come in without a clue that the dresses take time to come in (sometimes up to a year depending on the designer and the materials used). Make sure you have dress shopping on the top of your to-do list so you are sure to get it done in time to get the dress in and have alterations done on it.

Come prepared to see yourself looking like a bride

No dress is going to give you that wow factor if you came in after packing up all your holiday decor with a messy bun and no makeup. Do you hair and put on some makeup (but keep it natural and neutral). Doing this will really help you look good in the gown and be able to picture yourself on your wedding day.

More isn’t really merrier

I am a terrible decision maker and always call my mom and Ben before making nearly every decision. So, I totally understand the need for a second or third opinion, but when it comes to your entourage more isn’t merrier. Once you get more than a few people there are too many conflicting opinions and the bride’s seems gets overshadowed.

Don’t put pressure on the experience 

And when I say that, you don’t need to expect tears in “the one.” It is okay not to cry. Honestly, it rarely happens (and when it does it is usually on the TV shows).

Realize your budget

Sit down with your fiancé before you begin wedding planning to set a budget. The average gown costs about $1,000 without accessories and alterations. Expect to pay at least $100 more for accessories and alterations (aka plan that in your budget too). With that being said. . .

Don’t try on a dress outside your budget

Please don’t break your own heart by doing this. When you try on a dress outside of your budget, it will be the perfect gown. A more expensive dress is made with better material, it is made more comfortable with a perfect fit, and it is embellished with more beautiful appliqué and beading. You will love it more and you won’t find anything that you love more.

Bring your heirlooms and accessories

If you want to wear your mom’s veil or your grandma’s pearl necklace – bring it. If not, how will you know that the dress will look good with these important pieces. However,  please don’t search for a dress solely based on it matching because you can always incorporate the pieces in another way if they don’t fit with your dream gown.

Bring the funds to purchase the dress 

With that being said, why waste time leaving the shop and having to come back to order later. This allows time to second guess yourself (a big no-no) and pushes back your dresses delivery date. This also is one of a stylists’ worst nightmares!

Branch out

Just about every girl dreams of her wedding gown from day one – GUILTY – and she thinks she knows the exact dress that she wants to walk down the isle in. The problem is: most of the time these dresses don’t exist. Be willing to branch out from what you think you want. If the dresses you’ve tried on so far aren’t working for you, trust your stylist and have an open mind when she / he brings you a gown you would have scoffed at on the rack. You’re 100% certain you want a mermaid but you haven’t found one that accentuates your hips right – well, maybe you need a ballgown instead. But . . .

Don’t try on every dress 

Every dress is fabulous and beautiful and when you start trying on each and every one of them, you will get lost in the jumble of white tulle and you will lose track of what you actually like.

Don’t worry about size

Gowns fit differently from your everyday clothes (even differently from other dresses and formal gowns). Don’t stress about the number on the inside of the dress – NO ONE ELSE SEES THAT AS YOU’RE WALKING DOWN THE ISLE! They will notice a dress that is too small so don’t fret about the size of your dress.

Take photos in each gown to compare later

When you try on multiple gowns in an hour or so, the details can be lost. Take pictures of the front and back of each gown you like to compare side to side. (This also helps when you don’t want to re-try on each gown you like to compare again).

Remember you can customize

Have you found the perfect mermaid gown but it is lacking in the bling department? Add a sash. Do you feel beautiful in your dream ball gown but you feel uncomfortable without straps? Add a jacket, straps, or a topper. There’s always ways to customize the little details to make your dress unique to you.

Don’t hold back your true feelings about the dress

You are the one that is wearing the gown so don’t hold back your opinions to not hurt your family’s, friend’s, and the stylist’s opinions. THIS IS YOUR GOWN.

Trust your instincts

You love the very first gown you try on but think that you shouldn’t go with the first one? I mean, don’t you need to visit a few other boutiques and dwell over it for a week or so? NO! No, you sure don’t! Trust your instincts!

Don’t buy a dress smaller than your current size

I know you will loose weight by the wedding, but go ahead and order the size you fit into now! You can always take in but you can’t always let it out.

The undergarments are just as important – buy them

At David’s Bridal we put undergarments on our brides (a bra and a slip). The dress looks so nice and doesn’t scratch your legs because of these pieces. Therefore, you should buy them! Without the support of the undergarments the dress won’t lay the same or fit the same. Another tip about undergarments: definitely bring the with you to alterations.

With all of that being said, go shopping for your most important dress of your life and enjoy your experience. Let me know any other tips you have for brides when looking for “the one” (the dress, not the man)!

xoxo,

Kali