In case you’re wondering where I’ve run off to…my birthday is today! I’ve been celebrating with friends new and old and kind of taking a little blogging break. I’ll be back to regular posting next week!

Happiest of days to you!

• mix and match fashion pairs her pink blazer with a fun chevron patterned top – I absolutely love this look for a late summer day! (find mix and match fashion on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl lays out her fall wish list… I am in love with this green blazer she is crushing on! Perfect for summer to fall! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• chic or treat DIYs her own glitter flats… whoa! I am obsessed with these… and the best part, she only spent $20! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• lex and learn has the perfect formula for sleeping in AND getting a healthy breakfast – I like the way she thinks!
• so much to smile about is taking summer out in style – check out her Labor Day weekend style inspiration! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
• the style dossier offers up a simple tutorial on a voluminous ponytail, including her ‘secret weapon’ to get the exact volume you need! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• fabulously average pulls off what could possibly be the most perfect ‘casual Friday’ look ever.  Check out her look and be inspired! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• high heels and bubblegum sports white pants, sequins and a denim jacket for the win.  This outfit has me swooning!  (find high heels and bubblegum on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy is in love the new Oscar de la Renta ad campaign – and rounds up other work from the same artist. I’m in love too… these are so glamorous and girly! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style found the perfect platform loafer for fall… see how she styles it up three ways! I know I am loving these shoes! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• as luck would have it also rounds up her favorites for fall. I always love a peek into what others are loving… and this sweet summer to fall skirt is no exception! Cute!
• undeniable style takes an ill-fitted dress and sews it into a super cute top… check out her skills and how she styles it up! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• if I must say so pairs denim shorts and lace for a perfect summer look… how sweet is this outfit!?! (find if I must say so on twitter!)
• good life for less asks would you wear boots with shorts for a late summer look!?!? Check out her inspiration and answer the question for yourself! (find good life for less on twitter!)

Thanks for being such a cool brother, Nick. It makes me happy when I get to see you, and have a chance to just be. You know…when I’m not trying to be anything. It’s the best feeling. Love you!

Pics taken memorial day weekend courtesy of my fab cousin. Life has been crazy {just wait for little lessons this week}. I know I’m not supposed to apologize for the lack of blogging, but I do feel badly. It’s such a core part of what I do…and I just haven’t had the time. I feel like a little part of me has gone missing!

I blog because…

I find it fulfilling//I love constantly pushing myself to expand my skill set//my original love was writing//it allows me to connect with like-minded people//it’s a largely positive environment//it allows me to escape…and it’s liberating//I learn new things all. the. time.

Things that worry me about blogging…

the appearance of constant self-focus//how it influences {reinforces?} my shopping habits!

Want to share the reasons why you blog? Link up here!

Image via.

Happy Friday folks… I hope you had a great week and an even better weekend planned!  Take some time to dive into these great links, there is so much great inspiration here!

• mama loves papa is looking cowgirl-chic for sure, what with posing with cows and sporting some adorable cowboy boots.  I just love this look! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• shen dove is rocking one of my favorite looks for spring… a maxi dress with tons of layers. Perfect for when you want to dress for spring, but still be warm! (find shen dove on twitter!)
• the capital barbie features shimmery metallics to add to your wardrobe for spring. This little skirt is just TOO cute! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish rounds up her favorite pieces from the recently launched (or re-launched) Target GO Collection.  There are SO many good pieces to choose from!
• daily crushes brings the sunshine to you with this gorgeous dress… and a gorgeous room. Both are sure to put a smile on your face!
• turn up the rad finds an amazing rug style that I have never seen before called the Boucherouite.  They are so lovely and unique! (find turn up the rad on twitter!)
• good tots features one simple maternity top in three great maternity outfits. If you have pregnant friends, or are expecting yourself – check out these great looks!
• a spot of whimsy is internet-stalking (in the friendliest way possible, of course!) the first family of fashion – The Hilfigers.   How can you not love these classic preppy looks? (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• thought and musing goes all out with a vintage leopard print jacket.  This is such a fabulous piece and she carries it off so well – very fun!
• rosy + tart has my mouth watering with this simple tomato soup recipe. I can never turn tomato soup down! Yum! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• undeniable style is rocking these long wide leg jeans so well. I am smitten with this outfit… I just love a pop of red this season! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• rose a la mode snagged this ultra hip straw fedora hat for spring and summer – it will look so fab on her, I just know! How would you style it? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• walking around {where the sidewalk begins} has me drooling over these sherbet-esque dining room chairs. Mmmmm, who doesn’t love an ice cold bowl of sherbet? (find walking around on twitter)
• good life for less released her spring + summer 2011 looks:book – get your copy now for all of your spring shopping needs.  It’s like having a personal shopper for the season! (find good life for less on twitter!)

Where is the month of March going? Another Friday is already upon us… take some time to be inspired by the great blogs I have rounded up today!  Happy weekend!

• one hundred inspirations pulls together this Rachel Bilson look for less (less than $100 even!) – this is a perfectly simple look for spring and summer!
• thought and musing takes a gloomy day and brightens it up with a bold blue top – I love how this color adds instant punch to any outfit!
• a spot of whimsy features ‘it’ girl Amanda Seyfriend… it such a beautiful spotlight on such a uniquely gorgeous gal! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• rosy + tart gives a quick tutorial (it’s so easy, it’s hardly a recipe) on how to roast tomatoes and it has my mouth watering for farmer’s market season! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• second street east shows off some great home goods she found at The Foundary – I am loving this unique little side table! Decor blogs always have such a great inside track! (find second street east on twitter!)
• the capital barbie scopes out sweet pleats for spring and summer – and shares her ideas on how to make pleats work for you! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• daily crush is loving the look of several stacked bracelets and I am too, what a fun and creative trend. She features inspiration and tips on how to get the look for yourself! (find daily crush on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish is inspired by Inslee Hayne’s girly and chic illustrations. So cute!
• undeniable style bought a very pretty small desk and gains inspiration on how to style it… if you are tight on space but still need a small work area, this is perfect! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is crushing on mini-bags… they are perfect with a sundress or shorts for spring and summer. I am loving them too! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• mama loves papa takes a vintage thrift store find and refashions it into something more current.  I ‘sneaked’ the before picture above… click through for the after! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• keep collected is rocking the most perfect spring look in my opinion. The hair, the necklace, the jeans… I love the simple appeal.
• shen dove style is spring-ready with a great cropped trench.  I just love trenches in any form lately and this look is amazing! (find shen dove style on twitter!)
• walking around {where the sidewalk begins} has this pretty summer tunic on her wish list… I think it’s on mine now as well. I love this for the beach or pool! (find walking around on twitter!)
• rose a la mode sneak peeks some of her fashionable duds from the Texas Style Conference last weekend. I can’t wait to hear more! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• turn up the rad takes $4 Anthropologie cloth napkins (four dollars!) and turns them into throw pillows. Ta-da! I love these kinds of DIY’s! (find turn up the rad on twitter!)

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is finally upon us, I know I am ready!  Take some time to check out these awesome links…

• shen dove style styles one dress two completely different ways. I just love it when bloggers flex their creativity like this. Check out both outfits! (find shen dove style on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy is suffering from the end-of-winter blues (I second that!) until she finds Chanel’s 2011 Spring nail polish line. So gorgeous – this will instantly brighten your mood. (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style rounds up gorgeous rose gold pieces, a popular trend these days for sure. My favorite is this “smooch” necklace! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• rosy + tart has a ruche gift card giveaway on her site… it ends today so hop on over! I am loving this pink scarf from ruche – perfect for spring! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• second street east is scheming up a greek key dresser diy – I absolutely can not wait to see her finished product because the inspiration is swoon worthy! (find second street east on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish features this sweet bicycle print that definitely has words to live by.  I just love the idea here!
• undeniable style is giving away an absolutely gorgeous dress from Shabby Apple – you must pop by and enter this giveaway! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• daily crush is headed off to Ireland – ahem, just in time for Saint Patricks Day, ay?  I will be stalking her blog for a trip recap!  Go give her a little ‘bon voyage’! (find daily crush on twitter!)
• keep collected is rocking the look I am totally coveting for spring – a maxi dress with lots of layers!  Check out her look for inspiration!
• the capital barbie rounds up gorgeous wallets.  I am loving this simple Kate Spade number in robin’s egg blue. Perfect for spring! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• rose a la mode is giving away a gorgeous Kate Spade bag that is just screaming warm weather. Stop by her blog for a chance to win! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• thought and musing is totally killing this sequin-by-day look. I absolutely love it when tops can pull double duty like this.
• jewelscapes brilliantly pairs bright blue with turquoise accessories. I just love these two colors together, it reminds me of the beach!
• good tots tracked down the most precious wood and fabric handmade toys on etsy. If you have a friend that is expecting a baby you just have to give some of these as a gift, what a great keepsake!
• good life for less is smitten with red for spring… and especially these bright shorts!  They were a fan favorite and for good reason! (find good life for less on twitter!)

I am so excited for not only the weekend, but that the month of March is finally here! Let spring begin! Take some time to check out these amazing links today… there is so much inspiration, all in one place!!

• thought and musing is claiming to ‘break the rules’ with this belted scarf – but it looks absolutely perfect to me!
• yams designs is celebrating spring all week long (hallelujah!) and what better way to celebrate spring than with a sweet rainbow round-up. (find yams designs on twitter!)
• holly in heels rounds up comfortable pumps… yes, they do exist and yes, they are still lust worthy. Check out her picks! (find holly in heels on twitter!)
• jewelscapes is always creatively dressed and adorned with jewelry. I love this simple outfit featuring an orange top.  So simple and chic!
• the capital barbie is celebrating her birthday this weekend (Happy Birthday!) and will be shining in this gorgeous sequin number! Yay for birthdays! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy honors Martha Stewart as her current female “legend” – I’m a huge Martha fan and love these old modeling photos of her – gorgeous! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style suggests sprucing up your home for spring with a few new throw pillows. I couldn’t agree more and I just love her picks! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• rose a la mode is searching for the best pair of platforms for spring, I love her choices and could definitely incorporate a few of these pairs into my own closet! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• undeniable style looks brilliantly beautiful in this pink gingham top – it’s now my new must have for spring. I just love it! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish puts together the ever popular ‘room to outfit’ post (I never tire of these)… featuring one of the best blogger’s living rooms out there.
• daily crush is getting excited for Target’s partnership with the always stylish Calypso St. Barth, it’s sure to be a show stopper! (find daily crush on twitter!)
• rosy + tart rounds up purple pin-spirations.  I so wish I had a girly bachelorette pad to buy this purple stemware for! So pretty! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• shen dove style beatifully pulls off this faux fur look that makes me a little (only a little!) sad that winter is almost over. (find shen dove style on twitter!)
• second street east is already planning to decorate her patio for spring.  I love the trellis-style outdoor throw pillows she found! (find second street east on twitter!)
• good tots is loving Stella McCartney’s children’s line – but not so much the prices. Check out her more affordable options that still capture the fresh and funky look, including these adorable yellow wellies for kids! (find good tots on twitter!)

With so many new readers popping up {yay!} I thought it would be fun & appropriate to do a refresher about me post.

Hi. I’m Kate!

1. I’ve never lived anywhere but California.
2. I hate leafy foods {i.e. arugula, mint, basil if it’s not chopped up, etc.}
3. I am pretty petite {5’3″} and love heels, even though I have NO coordination. I trip and/or fall a lot.
4. I work in merchandising for the home/furniture division of an e-commerce company; it’s a job that keeps me veryvery busy.
5. I believe that I have become a much more positive person in the last year. But, I still consider myself a realist, not an optimist.
6. My biggest dreams are to own a home and to open up a store.
7. I have a great big complicated amazing family.
8. I believe in surrounding yourself with people and things that inspire you.
9. I like to make things pretty.
10. I am great at making lists and planning.
11. Overachiever.
12. I watch too much TV — especially crime dramas.
13. I have Crohn’s disease.
14. I get my craftiness from my mom.
15. I think it’s important to be liked; I can be a people pleaser.
16. I am pretty generally inarticulate. I’m really self-conscious about saying “like” too much. I’ve managed to remove it {mostly} from my speech, but it seems to have been replaced with, “um.” Not a great choice either.
17. I don’t believe in fairytales.
18. I drink jack and coke.
19. I’m high-strung at work but mellow everywhere else.
20. I love passionate people.
21. I’m an old 28.

Welcome to another installment of the IT list… a round up of the best of the web this week.  There is so much inspiration here and a little bit of something for everyone!  Take some time to check out these awesome links…

• a delightful design spruces up her living room on a dime.  Check out this simple and inspiring before and after! (find a delightful design on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy has a few good quotes for us this week, and who doesn’t love a good quote? I love the reminder to ‘live color fully’ especially as we look towards spring! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• undeniable style is sporting this of-so-adorable ban.do hair clip… just in time for Valentine’s Day.  I want one! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• rosy + tart gives us major shoe eye-candy with a gorgeous pair of Miu Miu glittery pumps.  How fun would these be to wear on a hot Valentine’s date this weekend? (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• rose a la mode is having a perfect day… probably because she is wearing the perfect shirt. I absolutely love red and white stripes for spring! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style shows off her fun finds from the Alameda Flea Market (so jealous!) – she picked up some super fun vintage jewels. (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• elle sees puts together a sweet and flirty outfit perfect for Valentine’s Day… I love the gentle touches of pink.  Oh la la! (find elle sees on twitter!)
• mama loves papa brings back the basics with this outfit and has great advice for other ladies (especially moms) on why you should too. (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• good clean fun whips up a grapefruit margarita recipe for us… yes, please! This looks SO delicious, I can’t wait to try it! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations recreates a blake lively look for less that you will love.  It’s a fun combo of serious and sparkle!
• second street east rounds up fun velvet throw pillows in every color imaginable. I just love the texture of velvet and this zig zag pattern is too fun! (find second street east on twitter!)
• yams designs has a plethora of citrus inspired spaces and places this week (you can always count on them for fun color inspiration!) I love this ‘grapefruit’ colored room – speaking of grapefruits! (find yams designs on twitter!)
• thought and musing is looking summer chic in stripes and shorts… she’s in Australia, so it’s summer for this pretty gal now! Wanna trade?
• good tots features sweet TOMS shoes for little ones… so sweet and such a great Valentine’s gift for the tots in your life!
• good life for less is swooning for the new Scout bag from Kate Spade… it’s available in a plethora of bright spring colors and is impossible not to love! (find good life for less on twitter!)