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Back to School – My Supply Favorites

August 10, 2017

hey all!

school is on its way! i mean, after all it is august 10th, which means my school starts in a little over two weeks. ah i am not ready for summer to be over. like i wish it could last forever, but there is something about starting school thats just awesome and getting into my groove again finally!

i mean you guys know my obsession (that i have mentioned way too many times) with school supplies! so today, i wanted to share my favorite supplies and accessories for the school year – which means anything you can carry or hold (and not wear on your body) for the back to school time!

here we go!

  1. kate spade metallic sticky note set :  i love this super cute set of sticky notes – and i am so gonna mark up all of my books and notes with these adorable ampersand, money sign and question mark little stickies! these are just so absolutely useful – and will so make me wanna study more!
  2. s’well water bottle in ‘milky way’ stainless steel : s’well bottles – as i have talked about many times – keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours. as a cold water fiend – i literally will sit and wait for the water to get cold in the fridge to keep it cool – this bottle is so necessary and super cute, i love the ‘milky way’ texture on the bottle.
  3. white hydroflask water bottle : hydroflask – like s’well bottles keep your water super cold. i love my hydroflask because it definitely holds a lot more than the s’well and although it has a super simple design – and no fancy patterns you can add super cute stickers and other stuff like that!
  4. kate spade 17-month agenda : kate spade’s designs are so adorable – and gold is definitely my preferred color – it will already match my computer and pencil bag! although i am not a particular fan of the pre built agendas – kate spade’s design are almost too cute to pass up!
  5. hershel supply anchor laptop sleeve in cloud pink & ash : in addition to gold, pink is so my aesthetic right now! this is such a cute – almost millennial pink and gray laptop case is so perfect and protects the computer so well! its so cute!
  6. MT sparkly gold washi tape : washi tape is SOO my thing guys! i picked this gold washi tape out the other day at paper source on a card run and just had to pick it up for my collection and i have already used it so much! MT has absolutely amazing quality washi tape – it tears and cuts easily but is pretty thick!
  7. MT solar system washi tape : i have had this washi tape for awhile and think its an absolute MUST! click the link to check it out – the small size on my photo does not do it justice but its so absolutely adorable and its great to add to anyone’s washi tape collection if you are looking for tape!
  8. mildliner highlighters : if you are a note taking fan like i am – these will be your go to pens. they are super light pens so they don’t leak through your paper and they also don’t leave too much color which is perfect for note-taking and bullet journal usage.
  9. leuchtturm1917 pink dotted notebook : you guys all know that i LOVE bullet journaling and my absolute favorite notebook for bullet journaling has been the leuchtturm in the dotted pattern inside. its not too many lines but easily allows you to line out and create your images for your journal!
  10. kate spade ‘out to lunch’ lunch tote : this simple polka dotted kate spade canvas lunch tote is so cute! its insulated interior allows you to keep your lunch at an edible temperature while allowing for you to also totally stay in style with the adorable exterior!
  11. packed party ‘good as gold’ pouch : as i have already mentioned, gold is in my aesthetic so this adorable gold confetti pouch totally fits my aesthetic! it would make an absolutely adorable pencil pouch!

i hope you enjoy my favorites! remember you can always check out my ‘back to school wishlist’ via pinterest which you can follow below!

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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Back to School – Agendas and Planners

August 8, 2017

hey all!

i am a planner fiend. i love planners. just L – O – V – E them! they just make my world go round man. i love being able to see my week all laid out. i like being able to write in beautiful pens and draw, put stickers and washi tape out on my agenda.

personally, i am on the bullet journal system (if you do not know what that means check it out here) and i use a leuchtturm notebook but i am still in LOVE with the look of planners. so in honor of my back to school series i decided to put together my favorite non-bullet journal agendas.

just as a note to all my readers – ‘favorites’ does not mean i own any of the above (unless noted) all that i will write about is stuff i hear from friends and other users of the product as well as the visual aspects of the product which i will mention in the comment below!

  1. ban.do ‘i did my best’ agenda:  with the spiral edge, ban.do nailed this agenda design with the cover ‘i did my best’ lettering. i love the millennial pink agenda color and think that its so absolutely perfect!
  2. ban.do ‘rose parade’ agenda: with the spiral edge, (again) this print is amazing. i love the roses, i love the fact that its called “rose parade” because, i am from pasadena – in case you didn’t know, its the home of the world famous rose parade!
  3. rifle paper company 2018 lively floral agenda: rifle paper co has such neat designs i have a REALLY cool travel journal from them! i think this is a very unique and VERY fall toned agenda!
  4. lilly pulitzer 17 month agenda ‘sparkling sands pink’:  lilly pulitzer prints look bomb on planners. i had a LP agenda in freshman year and loved it. the layouts are super nice inside and they share different prints on each page which keeps even the most boring of moments feel like summer!
  5. lilly pulitzer 17 month agenda ‘beach loot blue’: this print looks like a magestic mermaid, i seriously can’t get over it! all that i said about the planner before applies – because its practically the same inside!
  6. kate spade new york ‘dahlia’ agenda:this is a new kate spade print that i had not yet seen until i went to paper source looking at agendas. i think this planner will be fun for a long term this year especially into spring.
  7. kate spade new york ‘black and gold polka dots’ agenda:this is a SUPER classic kate spade agenda, i mean could you get any more classic than polka dots.  i totally love that the rings on the agenda are on the inside so nothing messes up!
  8. kate spade new york ‘fashionably late’ agenda :kate spade just has such cute sayings on their items. like on the agenda is super cute in the different fonts!
  9. fringe studio ‘get on my level’ agenda:this fringe studio planner totally reminds me of ban.do planners and im just loving it!
  10. rifle paper company icon 2018 agenda:i love this new rifle paper co agenda for its miminalism. the little icons are so cute and relatable for life!

remember you can always check out my school and journal pinterest board below – follow it so you get updates whenever i post more new school and journal pins!

i hope you enjoy

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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Back to School – My Backpack Favorites

August 6, 2017

hey all!

so yesterday i introduced my ‘back to school series’ that i will be sharing starting today! in my first post of my series i wanted to share with you all my favorite backpacks.

just as a note to all my readers – ‘favorites’ does not mean i own any of the above (unless noted) all that i will write about is stuff i hear from friends and other users of the product as well as the visual aspects of the product which i will mention in the comment below!

let’s get started why don’t we!

  1. Converse Original Canvas Backpack:  so i saw this bag at my local nordstrom rack a few days ago and totally fell in love. the color ‘porpoise’ is super cute – its basically a little lighter than a baby blue. the canvas bag is really well made which is a little surprising considering its a converse backpack!
  2. Fjallraven ‘Kanken’ Laptop Backpack: i own one of these in this color – called ‘pink’ it’s a little dark millennial pink backpack. its the perfect size to carry your laptop in – thus the name of the bag as ‘laptop’ – and a few other items if you don’t carry too many items in your backpack (like if you are in college and stop at your living quarters between classes) this just might be for you! it gets a little dirty so make sure you don’t drop it too many places.
  3. State Bags The Heights Adams Backpack: this blue and pink accented backpack is just too adorable to pass up! being sold on nordstrom – the reviews are amazing and it apparently looks just like it does in the picture! also (like the fjallraven) looks like it can hold a laptop and just a few books and pens from class to class. and the STATE bags backpack program gives a backpack to a child in need for every backpack sold – so it does some good!
  4. Herschel Settlement Backpack: i have heard alot about herschel backpacks over the years and have almost tried them quite a few times. its a pretty standard backpack in a pretty standard size. the look of these backpacks is pretty cute and it would definitely be worth the buy for someone looking for a quality backpack for a not too hefty price point.
  5. Kipling Tina Laptop Backpack: kipling makes some amazing products. i have never personally tried this ‘tina’ backpack but it looks amazing! in the color ‘antique rose’ its got perfect tones and and tons of pockets. the reviews mention its color being different in person – so i might be a tad skeptical of it but it also has some great reviews! click on the link to see more!
  6. Madeleine and Company Navy with Pink Slim: madeleine and company is an amazing backpack company created by a girl named madeleine (obvious fact) who is not much older than myself actually! her backpacks are extremely well made and super cute! the stripe on its adorable, she has a ton of different options but my personal favorite is this pink slim one!

i hope you guys all enjoy this post today!

AND since its the last day of the #NSALE, check out my final picks : this adorable madewell tote bag, these nike leggings and this amazing deal on tory burch high boots.

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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My Back to School Series

August 5, 2017

hey guys!

happy saturday! i know its odd that i am posting on a saturday because i usually post on tuesdays, thursdays and sundays but i have a very special surprise that i am sharing with you all today!

drumroll please…

this month of august i am sharing a ton of back to school themed posts in my ‘back to school series’

from my backpack favorites to my school supply favorites and others like apps to download for school. during this month i will be sharing products, how to posts, diys, sharing my own products and getting real about my own school experiences.

make sure to keep up with my back to school favorites and wishlist with my pinterest board that you can find below!

i hope you guys enjoy this upcoming series!

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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#NSALE – Final Words

August 3, 2017

hey all!

i am not meaning to brag in any form of the word – i actually am in reality sharing with you the stuff from the nordstrom sale that i have ended up with. i have a nordstrom not to far away from me so i am fortunate enough to be able to visit pretty often and i have to admit. i have gotten to take more than a few trips to try on stuff. in honor of the last days of the sale i am gonna share the stuff that i ended up with from the #nsale!

i am keeping it pretty brief here so… here we go!

  1. topshop floral slipdress : i mentioned in the post here.  i just can’t get over how flattering this dress is – and its so easy to wear and can be styled a few other ways which i will hopefully be sharing with you all soon!
  2. free people bralette : i mentioned in the post #NSALE Look #1 : Topshop Floral Strappy Slipdress, i wore it under the dress! i am a HUGE fan of bralettes and this one is cute and well structured!
  3. beyond yoga leggings : these beyong yoga leggings are BEYOND SOFT – and comfortable (fits true to size!) for size s about a 2-4.
  4. foreo mini luna play : i have LEGIT used this everyday since i got it. its amazing – its a tad more sensitive than the clarisonic and i would 100% reccomend trying it if you have sensitive skin or acne (and i have heard its also amazing for wrinkles!).
  5. nike lunarepic low X-plore running shoeshoe : these rose gold and white (actually its kinda creamish color) nikes are SO comfortable and SO cute! they are honestly such perfect shoes – like i saw them online and HAD to have them – FYI they are even cuter in person.

i hope you enjoy my faves!

xoxo

kwe monogram(kate wins!)

 

 

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Things I am Looking Foward to in August!

August 1, 2017

hey all!

as my typical first month post, i am gonna keep this one short- simply sharing my excitement for the august ahead of me! here we go!

  1. going back to school
  2. getting back into my groove
  3. trying out a new pair of shoes
  4. sending my sister back to school
  5. starting my golf season
  6. being a SENIOR
  7. showing y’all my senior portrait
  8. making more artwork
  9. preparing for BTS
  10. more bullet journaling!
  11. testing out more bullet journal prompts and ideas
  12. finishing up my summer homework
  13. decorating the senior locker room
  14. getting those #seniorperks
  15. being a SENIOR (once again)

thank you guys for reading – and let me know what you are looking forward to for your august!

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

 

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July Month in Review

July 30, 2017

hey guys!

its so crazy that its already july 30th. i mean there is only one more day left in july.

this month there was…

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the end of my diet. my diet, the blogilates 28 day reset ended on july 3rd, just in time for  prime ice cream season. my diet was no dairy, no gluten, no sugar and more. i have realized, since then that i am likely – in addition to being lactose intolerant i probably have a gluten problem as well – isn’t that unfortunate, NO MORE PIZZA. at least at lot less of it because of how it makes me feel. so a few days ago i picked up the diet again -this time adding in the red meat! i will let you know how it goes.

 

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and this month had the fourth of july. i celebrated with some of my old friends – my oldest friend leah and her family. we were able to see the amazing pasadena rose bowl fireworks – which were amazing and we had a barbeque and it was just so fun!

 

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then, following the fourth i took a little day trip up to visit san luis obispo – and visit cal poly SLO, a school i will be applying to this fall. i absolutely love the school and i am so excited for all of the schools i will be applying to at the end of this year!

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of course in SLO i had to check out the coffee shops – because i LOVE coffee – check out how i take my coffee here – and i found this amazing place called scout which had a really great latte!

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i made homemade pasta. i made bucatini – which my family loves to eat with an amatriciana sauce – like this one from mario batali – its basically a strawlike pasta. i used this really cool pasta extruder and it turned out really well! my family would agree they  really liked it – and i successfully completed one of my 101 in 1001 tasks!

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my family and i visited little damage – the home of the ‘goth ice cream’. and the verdict is: that soft serve is amazing! all of my family enjoyed it – and we all agreed that it was worth the CRAZY one hour wait time! i suggest the ‘dark cinns’ and ‘salted covfefe’.

 

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i also had my senior portraits taken this month! also to clear up any misunderstandings – this is not my official portrait – they are not out yet but i will definitely share them with you all – my blog family! this is a photo my sister took later that day!

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my family and i also got a chance to visit this amazing italian place in la called rossoblu. it was fabulous and the food was insanely delicious and i hope to go back soon and try the classic bolognese.

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i also got to catch up with some of my friends this month! which i have loved seeing them so much and catching up – i could talk to them for hours on end!

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of course, this month also had the #NSALE! i shared with you my outfit post and my picks. and just a reminder – you can easily shop my picks from clicking the #NSALE link in my header!

i hope you enjoyed my post!

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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My Glasses Favorites

July 27, 2017

hey all!

how have your summer’s been so far? recently mine has been CRAZY with the #NSALE – as being both a blogger and a blog reader! right now i am in LOVE with these rose gold nikes and this adorable tee shirt.

so about two years ago I was “diagnosed” (if you can even call this diagnosed) with “convergence insufficiency” – which is basically a fancy medical world meaning that my eyes don’t work together – (check out more of an explanation in the post here!). So this means that I wear prism lenses as reading glasses so I don’t see double when I read in books or on the computer. So, I have had some pretty awesome glasses over this year – but now I’m trying something new – glasses from Warby Parker!

If you guys don’t know what Warby Parker is it’s an awesome eyeglasses and sunglasses company with adorable glasses. they have an awesome “toms” like philosophy with a “buy one, give from program”. so today, i have a post for you guys of my favorite warby parker glasses which i will be sharing soon!

here we go!

  1. baker glasses
  2. coley glasses
  3. stockton glasses
  4. percel glasses
  5. downing glasses

stay tuned to see the ones i picked – and check out my instagram for a super special surprise coming soon to my blog!

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

 

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Summer Popsicle Recipes

July 25, 2017

hey all!

i hope you are enjoying the #NSALE right now. if you haven’t yet, shop my picks via the post here; or come see the leggings that i picked or the baublebar earrings that i am in LOVE with. i also styled a look from the #NSALE with an adorable topshop dress which you can see here.

so guys, its hot here in california. like really hot, like fans running 24-7 hot, like can’t sleep under covers hot. what is the best thing to do when its hot, eat popsicles of course! so today, in honor of the current heat that i am feeling at this time in california, i decided to put together some popsicle recipes that i found on pinterest and have been wanting to try. so here we go why don’t we!

pre-word : none of these are my recipes or photos and i do not claim to own them, i am only sharing them for your viewing and enjoyment!

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iced carmel macchiato pops

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strawberry coconut milk pops

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cherry limeade pops

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creamy cookie dough pops

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watermelon kiwi pops

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fresh peach pops

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cantaloupe pops

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mango pops

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strawberry mango chia pops

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raspberry rosé pops

i hope you enjoy these recipes that i have for you! if you want to try them out let me know! thanks all!

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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Kate’s Korner : Body Positivity

July 23, 2017

hey all!

do you remember my old segment “an update with kate” well, its been quite a few months since i posted my last one. i feel like i needed to dump that segment entirely because it just doesn’t feel like me anymore. i needed a new way to share personal posts so i decided to create “kate’s korner” its basically my new segment of “an update with kate” and in rebranding i am totally feeling this new segment so lets get started.

i hear alot about body positivity these days.

there is no problem with being body positive believe me, its 100% amazing that people feel confident in their own skin, and its also amazing that there is a world that now accepts people in all different shapes and sizes.

i am in a very small and concentrated group of girls at my school – to be exact i have 91 other girls in my senior class. there is a ton of variety within people yet i have always felt like a chubby girl in my class – even though everybody tells me i am not.  i am i constant comparison to other people. yeah i have gotten the lecture many times (shoutout to my english teacher who i have talked about comparison many times) and i know that comparison is bad but its just so hard to stop. i feel like i am better than people yet also worse than them at the same time.

in middle school i was definitely the chubby girl. i was in an even more concentrated group of girls like 44 other girls and i. since middle school i have actually learned to eat ~ correctly and exercise – and enjoy it and even though i am probably the thinnest and fittest i have been since 6th grade i still am not body positive.

i listen to alot of jenna kutcher’s “goal digger podcast” and she is so cool, so confident and amazing. she talks alot about her body and personal body positivity. i am such a big fan of her and i root for her and all of her success because she’s an amazing person. its so hard to see somebody who has learned to be confident through many struggles in her life and i don’t know why i still can’t be body positive even though i see so many others being positive.

i am still working on positivity in many factors of my life. and i think that the body positivity will definitely be coming last on that list and i don’t think i will ever be body positive despite current size and fitness.

i hope you enjoy my brain dump.

xoxo

kwe monogram(aka kate wins!)

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