January 2016

A Short Break, Recipe + Inspiration

Posted on January 29, 2016 by KSSBelle

T.G.I.F!
Are you as happy to see Friday as I am? I am so excited to simply relax with my family!!

I know that I’ve taken an unexpected, short break from the blogging world; however, when your house is under renovation (aka…the two rooms that you LIVE in with your toddler and puppy, our kitchen and den) it can take a toll on thinking you can get anything “extra” done. The good news is that we’re back to normal as of today! Hip, hip hooray! And, please know that I can’t wait to show you guys our updates very soon, too! I honestly feel like I’m living in a dream!

I’m thinking of making this recipe this weekend that Christina posted. Does it not look amazing? Her recipes don’t disappoint.

Lastly, I always like to leave a little “inspiration” for you at the end of each post!

Enjoy your weekend, friends!
~KSSBelle

Happy Weekend!

Posted on January 15, 2016January 14, 2016 by KSSBelle

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I’m so glad to see Friday! What are your plans for this weekend?

I think (fingers crossed) we’ll back to normal around our house for the weekend. Well, that is until next Tuesday when our granite gets delivered, and then our backsplash will go in after that…I’m literally giddy with excitement! It’s so worth the disruption in our routine/life. I’m pretty sure my husband’s just as giddy he’s not the one doing all of the painting.
I’ll also be crossing off one of my “to-do’s on my list. Thank you notes. I was raised to write thank you notes for every birthday and Christmas. So, I’ll be tackling our Christmas thank you notes this weekend. I always feel so relieved once I’ve taken the time to thank those who put thought and time into a gift for me. It doesn’t take long at all, and I know it’s appreciated. Then, I feel I can enjoy the gift that much more. Do you still write thank you notes, too?

Have a happy weekend, friends!
~KSSBelle

Life Lately + Real Outfits

Posted on January 13, 2016 by KSSBelle

Happy Wednesday, Everyone! We have a lot of fun things going on right now, so I thought I would share a little sneak peak into our world and what’s going on lately.

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First, the most exciting update to tell you about is that we’re in the middle of a major kitchen renovation (insert happy face & clapping hands here). When we moved into our house a few years ago, the kitchen situation looked a little less than ideal to us. However, we knew the potential was tremendous, and the rest of the house was so worth the wait. I call it the “Jerry Seinfeld” kitchen because the color choices were literally that of his apartment in NYC on the show. I am so excited to be moving forward with a bright white and light gray kitchen with new countertops and backsplash. Eeek…words can’t describe how happy I am about these updates taking place. I’ll admit, it’s a little chaotic with a toddler, puppy, and two cats, but I know it will be so worth it. I’ll take pictures once it’s all finished for y’all to see.

Kitchen Inspiration via

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Secondly, I’m happy to announce that there will be more “outfit posts” on the blog going forward. I’m so excited that my husband (thank you, Sweetheart) wants to help me with taking pictures of real outfits styled by the one and only. It’s fun to link to images of outfit pieces, but my true passion is showing you how to put it all together, even with a few older pieces that are currently in your closet. Let’s face it, money doesn’t grow on trees (oh how wonderful it would be if it did, right?), and so we can’t buy a new wardrobe every season. But, I’ll show you how to collect the right pieces (investment pieces) over the years that will make what you already have in your closet feel “new” again. Don’t worry, I’ll still have posts that link to outfit pieces here and there, but I’ve always wanted my blog to be more “real life” outfits that will inspire you.

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I hope your 2016 is off to a wonderful start!
~KSSBelle

Cream of the Crop

Posted on January 7, 2016 by KSSBelle

I’m not one to try many trends since I tend to be more classic in style, but since I’m wearing more denim than ever these days, I figured why not, right? And, I know for a fact that I can mix my daily uniform of a pretty blouse and flats with them, too. Completely justified. I will say, I’m pretty intrigued with the latest denim trend: the crop flare.

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I’m 5’10, so this will either work or not work for me. Plus, I’m not willing to invest a lot until I know it’s a trend worth sticking around in my life. I’ve got these in my shopping cart right now. Have you tried this trend? Are you as intrigued as me? I mean they preached to us for years, “no high waters…” Ha, how time can change a lot. Now I’m really rethinking throwing out all of those jeans that shrunk on me in high school and college. Word to the wise – never throw anything out.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!
~KSSBelle

Always Look Your Best

Posted on January 6, 2016January 6, 2016 by KSSBelle

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I was raised to always look and feel your best, no matter what. That’s just me. Anybody else with me on this?

Quick story – So, the other night, my husband and I were in Lowe’s with our little one, waiting in line to be helped, and a lady (also in line) commented, I assume you both just came from work? I smiled, and said, “actually, I am at home with our little one now.” She immediately jabbed back and said “well, you look so nice, something must have taken the backseat, like the housework, something had to… I mean there’s no way you could look this nice everyday. There’s always a trade off, right, something will suffer.” At first, I laughed and said, “yeah, sure, most days, I don’t dress this nicely.” However, as we walked away I thought to myself, actually you do, why did you say that? I will admit, I don’t wear a full face of make up anymore, but I do always make an effort to put on “real clothes” and not just live in the SAHM stereotype, yoga pants/greasy hair…she’s clearly given up on life look. I may not wash my hair every day or wear my dry clean only clothes, but I do use dry shampoo, and I have learned the art of mixing my old work wardrobe into a “Momiform.” My house is also pretty darn clean, too. And, I don’t have a cleaning service, either.

It is actually is possible to put yourself together either before your husband goes to work (I get up before anyone in the house has stirred), or while your little one is napping. Of course, I’m human, and sometimes can be caught in my pajamas until noon, but rest assured when my little one goes down for a nap, I put myself together. It takes less than 10 minutes on days that I don’t wash my hair. And, it’s also possible to be a great wife, Mom and still be true to yourself, too. You’ll be better at everything in your life, if you take care of yourself, too. You have to make time.

I love to dress up, style outfits, blog, and I won’t stop. I do wish the days were a little bit longer, so that I could accomplish everything I wanted to, but I’m soaking up every bit of being a wife and a mother. I guess I just happen to be dressed up, and I don’t feel a darn bit guilty about it.

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I would also like to thank my amazing husband for all of his love and support everyday.
Happy Wednesday, Friends!
~KSSBelle