Shopping Spotlight: Northgate Vintage

Hey Cats!

As you know, there's no place I'd rather be than College Station. While it is one of the best college towns in the south, (this is in Southern Living, not just my biased/correct opinion) it isn't exactly the "Retail Capital of Texas". There are some great little boutiques around town, but my personal favorite is Northgate Vintage. Right across from campus in College Station's "bar district", Northgate, this precious shop is tucked away between a pizza parlor and a Starbucks. In fact, if you were just strolling the sidewalks, you might walk right past it without even noticing. But don't do that! Go up the (slightly terrifying) spiral staircase to a wonderful, uniquely-decorated, space and you will find yourself in absolute vintage heaven. It's a small store, but it is filled with beautiful pieces that your closet is begging to be filled with. Begging. In the fall, they have perfect maroon pieces for gameday in the SEC (an increasingly formal event), in the winter they have a great selection of vintage sweaters, and now they have wonderful bright-colored, lighter pieces for spring! They also have a men's section, but I don't shop for men,  so if you do, you should go check it out and get back to me. My favorite thing about Northgate Vintage, however, is their jewelry. Jewelry has become a recent obsession of mine. It can add variety and interest to your wardrobe, and dresses up otherwise basic outfits. The jewelry at Northgate Vintage is always in step with the current trends, but still unique. There is something for everyone, from classic stud earrings to over-the-top statement necklaces. And it's super affordable, most of the earrings are $6-$7, and the necklaces are $11-$15. So that means you can buy a lot and not feel bad about overspending! I have purchased a few baubles from Northgate Vintage this year, and they have made countless appearances in my wardrobe ever since!

The beginnings of an extensive collection.

These gold earrings were my first purchase from Northgate Vintage, marking the commencement of my obsession. I bought them in the fall when gold and chevron was all the rage. They are a little bold, which is not what I would originally gravitate towards, but I have loved them! I've paired them with a sheer maroon and white top for gameday, a blazer and boots for dinner, and a simple tank and skirt for going out!

Next we have these adorable little clothes hanger earrings. I saw these and knew that I had to have them! I also bought my sister a matching pair for Christmas, and she loves them too! The fact that they're clothes hangers conveys my passion for fashion, and I love the touch of whimsy from the mismatched pearls and rhinestones. I wear these with anything and everything! I'll throw them on with a t-shirt and leggings for class, or if I'm wearing a shirt or dress with a busy pattern. They have also become my go-to earrings for silver jewelry days.

 



These grey chandelier earrings are also something I wouldn't normally buy, but they have proved to be new favorites as well! Grey is a new favorite neutral of mine, so I love how these go with lots of different outfits. As of right now I've only worn them once, with a cotton dress with a small light pink and cornflower blue floral print, a blue jean jacket, and boots. I tried them on, not expecting them to match, but they did! I also plan to wear them with a cute cream, lace peplum top I just purchased!



 

Now for one of my absolute favorites. These teal teardrop oversized studs complete my life. Well, they nearly complete my wardrobe. I'm loving teal for spring and summer, and I'm thinking it will transition into fall as well! The teardrop shape makes them different from your average studs. I wear these with many different things, such as a blazer and boots, a solid black longsleeve tee and mustard jeans, and even dresses! They're beautiful and interesting, yet still simple enough to wear with busy outfits.



 

 

Don't you just love it when you find something that's been at the top of your wishlist forever? That's what happened when I found this light pink statement necklace. Statement necklaces have been growing exponentially in popularity, and it was seriously stressing me out that I hadn't jumped on the trendy train yet. I like this because it's not too extreme but it's still an attention-getter. I also really like the color, it's more versatile than I expected! I typically wear this with solid tees and a cardigan, both of which I hoard, so I have plenty of options. I'm also looking forward to trying this with my new peplum top I mentioned earlier!  

 

 

I absolutely adore all of my baubles from Northgate Vintage, and I look forward to returning soon for another shopping spree! In addition to their merchandise, I admire this business because they give back to the College Station and global community. They have hosted numerous profit shares for organizations and sororities benefiting their philanthropies, and they carry products whose profits benefit people around the world, such as TOMS, bracelets and headbands made by women in third-world countries, and makeup that fights human trafficking. So, the next time you're down in Aggieland, stop by Northgate Vintage for a unique College Station shopping experience! Or check them out online or on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/northgatevintage

http://www.northgatevintage.com/

 

Until Next Time!

February is For Hearts

Hey Cats!

So a few weeks ago, my dad was telling me about an organization he saw on the news called Amazing Little Hearts (http://www.amazinglittlehearts.com/). It is a support group for parents and families of children born with Congenital Heart Defects, and I think it is an awesome, much-needed resource. As you may know, February is Heart Awareness Month, and this week, February 7-14, is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. This is something that is very important to me, because I was born with a CHD, pulmonary atresia. With pulmonary atresia, the pulmonary valve does not exist, and the blood cannot flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, causing the blood to be unable to become oxygenated. To be honest, I don't really know all the technicalities behind my heart defect because I was only a baby when I had my surgeries. To correct the problem, I had a series of three surgeries known as the Fontan Procedure, the first when I was born, the second when I was one year old, and the last when I was two. My family and I spent plenty of time at Children's Medical Center of Dallas and the Ronald McDonald House, and I am so thankful for both of those places. As for my recovery, I cannot explain it other than through God's grace and love. According to my cardiologist, whom I visit every year, many children born with pulmonary atresia and other similar CHD's are very limited in their physical activity. Growing up, I never really experienced any trouble that I can remember, and I took dance for many years, played one unsuccesful season of tee-ball, and took gymnastics classes. However, when I entered middle school, my parents didn't allow me to play sports like volleyball or basketball (which didn't really break my heart, see tee-ball reference) but I did try out for cheerleading and made the team. Throughout middle school and high school I was a cheerleader and was able to tumble, run around, and do stunts and jumps with the best of them. Yes, I had to stop when I was tired, which was a lot more often than the other girls, but that was okay. My cardiologist told me that she has never seen anyone with my defect be able to be as physically active as I am, which just completely blows my mind. While my CHD definitely limits me in some areas and is really scary sometimes, I am so grateful that I have it. I have learned to be very open about it, and it has taught me so much about myself, the fascinating organ that is so vital to life, being different, overcoming obstacles, and, most importantly, God's grace and love. Congential Heart Defects are not necessarily preventable, because they are birth defects, but thankfully they are repairable. This week, I will be praying for all the babies with CHD's and their families, and I would encourage you to do the same! Until next time!

13 Things to Look Forward to in 2013

Hey Cats!

First of all, Happy New Year! I hope you had a great time celebrating with your friends and family! I didn't do a lot, I just got dressed up and went to  dinner with a friend, and then we ended up back at my house watching the Kardashians in our yoga pants and eating queso. And it was really fine with me. As for New Year's Resolutions, I don't really do those. I like the concept of having "goals" better than "resolutions" because I feel like it's more motivating. My goal for 2013 is to make a 4.0 at least one semester, or maybe both. So we'll see how that works out. Anyways, as of right now 2013 has the potential to be a fantastic year. Lots of exciting things are on my calendar, and I can't wait! Here are some of the things I'm already looking forward to:

1. Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl- This happens in three short days! I have been missing Aggie football, and I'm glad we have one more game before the fall. BTHO ou.

2. Spring semester starts in less than two weeks- Which means I get to go back to my friends in College Station in a little over a week! I've loved being home, but I'm ready to be back in my regular routine and use my planner and drink coffee every morning.

3. The Bachelor premieres January 7th- And I am dying. Sean was my absolute fave on the Bachelorette, because he loves Jesus and is a Texas boy, and I mean, have you SEEN him? omg. I think that if Emily had picked him she wouldn't be single right now, but whatever. I cannot wait to watch it instead of doing my homework every week.

4. Pretty Little Liars comes back January 8th- And we all know how I feel about that. Obsessed.

5. Emerald Green as Color of the Year. This is just so great. I love jewel tones, and I love green. I will be on a year-long mission for all things this hue, just so you're aware.

6. Kate Middleton is having the Royal Baby this year. I just love the Royal Family, especially Wills & Kate. Well, mostly just Kate. I mean, she is perfect and she earned the ultimate MRS degree, which is to be admired. I cannot wait for the next heir to the throne to come into the world, because I'm sure it will also be perfect.

7. The Great Gatsby premieres May 10th. I am literally beside myself about this one. It's one of my favorite books of all time, and I am obsessed. The story of fabulous city life in the 20's- perfect.  Also, Leonardo DiCaprio is absolutely perfect for the role of Jay Gatsby, especially since he's put on a little weight since his Titanic days (but still, I'll never let go, Jack!) Sometimes when I get bored I watch the trailer and freak out about this upcoming cinematic masterpiece. Going. To. Die.

8. I will be halfway done with college in May. Eeeeee! I don't know how I feel about that, I kind of want to stay forever.

9. My cousin is getting married in July! She is the cousin I have been closest to my entire life, and was my first best friend. I am so excited for her! Also, it's the first wedding I'm actually in, so I'm excited to be a bridesmaid!

10. I'm turning 21 in August! The last exciting birthday. After that, you're just old.

11. Catching Fire premieres November 22. Katniss Everdeen is my hero and makes me want to learn to do outdoorsy things. I read the entire Hunger Games series this summer, and I loved it, and I've been dying for the next movie. Dying.

12. Britney is finally giving us new music. Okay, so this isn't exactly confirmed (it's not even rumored), but I can dream, right? I mean, 2012 was a great year for the Princess of Pop. I absolutely loved watching her be sassy on X-Factor, and I think we're all more than ready for more Britney.

13. Another great year of life. While I'm excited about all of these things, I might be even more excited for the unexpected things that will come throughout the year. That's what makes life interesting and wonderful, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me in 2013!

Meow until next time!

An Open Letter to Taylor Swift.

Dear Taylor,

TSwift. TSwizzle. Whatever.
We need to talk.
First of all, congrats on your new album, Red. I really do like it, I'm currently listening to "Come Back, Be Here," and it's great. One of my other favorites was "I Knew You Were Trouble," because I really identified with the concept of the song. SO I THOUGHT. But then I saw this.

 



 





I just....wow.What was that? When I pictured knowing someone was trouble, I was thinking more along the lines of the boy who tried to get with all of your friends at the same time and you knew about it but decided to ignore it and ended up with a mess on your hands your first semester of college, but you obviously pictured ACTUAL DANGER. Like really, I'm concerned. I heard on your E! True Hollywood Story that when you write songs you picture the music videos as well, so obviously we're drawing from real life experiences here. Are you on drugs? Did you really date someone who left you alone in a field? Is that why you date children now? Who are you? I mean, I understand that it's hard to find a man, but don't put yourself in a compromising situation (like a barfight or a sketch motel) just so you don't have to be alone. Also, you are a role model to small children, who do not need to think that this is okay. I know this is blunt, but really, if this is how you live your life, I'm worried and you need help. Oh, and speaking of blunt, the frizzy, multi-colored blunt bob you have going on? You look like an orphan, please stop. Other than that, best of luck in your latest relationship, hopefully you can get some great songs out of it.
Sincerely,
Kristen

#finals2012

Hey Cats!

So, it's finals week.

Gross.

Actually, I have a love-hate relationship with finals. Hate for the obvious reasons of "I've been in the library since dawn and I have NO RECALL OF THIS INFORMATION WHATSOEVER", and love because it means classes are almost over and I can go home and eat real food and blog and craft for days. And they mean I will soon find out my GPA for the semester, which makes me really excited. As long as it's good. Which brings me to my next point.

I have BIG NEWS EVERYONE. I think I have decided what I'm going to do with my life. Finally.

I have decided to go to law school! Well not like, now, obviously, since I'm only in my second year of college, but I have decided to head in that direction. I've been thinking about being a lawyer for a long time, but I finally decided to commit and make it my actual, concrete goal. AND I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT IT. Last week I went to pre-professional advising and had a nice, encouraging chat with Karen. It was so great, she was such a gem. Hopefully this is actually what I want to do and I haven't just been watching Legally Blonde too much.

So there's that.

Also, I've been thinking about what I plan to do with my time over Christmas break. First, I will sleep. For as long as I want. And it will be blissful. You see, I somehow got 8 a.m. classes four days a week this semester, and I seem to have something to do early every Saturday, so I can't remember the last time I slept in. Next, I will frantically run around and buy everyone Christmas gifts. I have an idea of what I'm getting my Princess SisterCat, but I can't say because she will read this. I have NO IDEA what I'm getting my parents. Maybe I'll just limit my whiny phone calls to once a week, they will LOVE THAT. After I have all my shopping done, I will catch up with my high school friends. They're so great, and I love them. Most of us are scattered all over the place, so we only see each other during Thanksgiving/Christmas/Summer breaks. We're already planning a potluck dinner, since we're all so excited that we're basically gourmet chefs now that we don't live in the dorms.We'll also probably FREAK OUT about the fact that WILLIAM AND KATE ARE HAVING A BABY OMG. Out senior year was the Royal Wedding, and we stayed up all night and had a party and woke up at 4 to watch it live and wore dresses to school. So we'll obviously be having a baby shower for them.  Also, I'll be hanging out with my Princess SisterCat. We're besties, and we're going to have a great time being together for an entire month. Especially when we have our Christmas Eve sleepover! I can't wait. I'll also eat way too much, but luckily big bulky sweaters are in. Just kidding. Kind of. And then I'll do whatever I want, but that's not any different from any other day of my life.

As I mentioned earlier, it's finals week. So I leave you with this. I hope you can control yourselves better than this girl. (sometimes I feel like doing this to the annoying freshman couple that makes out on the couch in the libs, but I don't. Thank God.)

Until next time!

Vintage Ventures

Hey Cats!

First of all, happy Caturday Saturday. I am spending today doing whatever I want, but that's really no different than usual. This morning tow of my roommates and I made breakfast (Well, they made breakfast. I set the table, but that's important, too.) for our other roommate. She had a super bad day yesterday, so we just wanted to make her feel special. We made French toast, and it was simply divine.


The raspberries make me feel better about how much I actually ate. Isn't it beautiful?

After breakfast, I was in one of those awkward moods where I know I want to do something with my day, but I don't know what, but I really don't want to do anything, but I don't want to sit around all day, but I can't decide what to do with myself so I end up on Pinterest looking for a craft. It was a stressful time, as usual. I ended up going to a thrift store with the intention of finding a picture frame or plate or some other object to craft with. So really, I had no plan, I was just bored.

 Now, this is where I have to explain myself. I have never been a fan of buying clothes at thrift stores. This is going to make me sound like a total princess (accurate) but it freaks me out a little to buy other people's old clothes. Also, they smell wierd and you can't try it on before you buy it, which makes it difficult to commit to a purchase. But my roommate has found some absolute gems at this one thrift store in Bryan, so I decided to put aside my preconcieved ideas and see what I could find.

Aside from the fact that I got lost in Bryan, which is never a good thing, it was an overall positive experience. I went looking for big sweaters because my roommate has found quite a few there, and they are my latest fall obsession. AND I FOUND IT.

It looks like a horrible poo green in this picture, but I promise it's cuter in real life.

So I came across this olive cable-knit JCrew number and HAD to have it. I plan to wear it with black leggings, the riding boots I'm getting for Christmas, my cream infinity scarf, and occasionally a topknot. It doesn't fit exactly how I had hoped, but it was $3, so I'm not complaining that much.

Well, and then there's this. On the hanger it looks like something out of an 80's movie, and you're probably laughing at me for buying this. So here's what happened. I found myself in the blazer section, and was drawn to the bright cobalt hue of this one. I picked it up, saw the double-breasted, tapered waist style I have been searching for in every store I've walked into for the past three years and was instantly captured. I threw my Longchamp down on the floor (ew, who am I becoming?) and put the blazer on over my cardigan (poor choice.). "IT FITS." I thought to myself. "The moment I have been waiting for forever is finally here! I've found the coveted, classic, prized addition to my wardrobe, AT A THRIFT STORE OMG." It fit around the waist (thanks to cardigan bulk), had the most perfect 3/4 length sleeves (more cardigan bulk), and hit at just the right length so it looked a little oversized, but not too big (this is actually still true). Without consulting a mirror, I placed the "perfect" blazer back on the hanger and in my disillusioned state, bought the thing. Then I got home. I tried it on with a solid tee, and realized my mistake. Too big around the waist, awkwardly long sleeves, stains (vom), and heinus shoulder pads. But, I have decided to be optimistic and resourceful. I feel that if I cinch it with a belt, roll up the sleeves, and cut out the shoulder pads, I can make it work. I plan to wear it with a solid white tee, black jeans/cords or magenta jeans, leopard loafers, and gold studs. If it doesn't work out, I'll be a little upset, but for $4 it's definitely worth a shot.

My favorite part about this picture? My Barbie pink nail polish. It's my new fave.

I also got this belt. I don't really like it as much as I thought I did, but I've been wanting/needing a skinny belt for a while now, so I'm sure it will come in handy soon. For $2, I can wear it once and get my money's worth.

Honestly, my feelings haven't really changed about thrift store shopping. Still a little gross, still frustrated that I can't try it on, and still smells bad. But less than $10 for all three? It's worth a try!
Now if you'll excuse me, I have an Aggie game and two brand new magazines to get back to. Until next time!

Kristen Learns to Cook- Part 1

Hey Cats!

Since you last heard from me, I have moved into a new house, gone back home once, witnessed the Aggies lose their first SEC game (can't even talk about it), and attended 3 &1/2 weeks of school. During this time, I have been perfecting my cooking & other domestic skills like cleaning and entertaining. But mostly cooking. That was one reason I was so excited to move out of the dorm and into anywhere with a kitchen. I absolutely love being able to make whatever I want for dinner, and not being forced to eat either a Lean Cuisine or junk food from the places on campus. Throughout the past month, I've also discovered that I love to cook dinner. It's fun to come up with new ideas & try out new things. So, I have decided to blog about my adventures as I learn to become a gourmet chef. Although I started this process a few weeks ago, I still have a long way to go (I burn something at least once a week) and I'd love to share my kitchen endeavors with you! I typically cook small portions, usually just myself, and I use what I have in my pantry (which isn't a lot), unless I'm dying for something different. So, without further ado, here's what I'm having for dinner tonight!

Salsa Chicken
I half made this recipe up and half got it off the internet. It's been about a week and a half since I've been to the grocery store, so I have very little to work with. I also bought a jar of salsa for the 1/4 bag of tortilla chips I had left over, and the chips are gone but the salsa is still here. I also didn't have taco seasoning, so I had to get creative. I'm eating it as I type this, so I know it's delicious!
Here's what you'll need:
1 or 2 small boneless, skinless chicken tenders, thawed. (I bought a huge bag of individually frozen tenders. They're smaller than chicken breasts, and they will last you literally forever. This is a staple in my fridge.)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Chili Powder
At least 1/2 jar of salsa (I used Joe T's because that's my fave.)
Shredded cheese

Here's what you do:
1. Preheat your oven to 350
2. Lay the chicken in a small baking dish, and sprinkle seasonings on both sides.
3. Spoon salsa (however much you want) on top of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25 minutes. Be sure to cut into it & make sure it's cooked, I've heard food-borne illnesses are quite unpleasant.
5. Sprinkle a little cheese on top & pop it back into the oven for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
6. DINNER.

I paired mine with a little rice & corn for a balanced meal. I keep bags of frozen vegetables like corn & green peas on hand & throw a little into a bowl with a splash of water into the microwave for about 3-5 minutes. That's probably not the best way, but it's better than not eating vegetables, and I don't have to clean an extra pot.

 



So there it is! It was super delicious if I do say so myself. Hopefully I'll go to the grocery store soon & come up with some new ideas! Until next time!