So Tack-y

D.I.Y. Fabric Cork Board 

As some of you may know I will move into my dorm in a of couple days. I've loved picking out things for my dorm to make it feel more like home, rather than the jail cell it really looks like. This process has gotten my creative juices flowing. My mom and I found an old cork board over the summer when looking through old storage. I thought it would be fun to dress it up with some patterned fabric to tie in with my color scheme (navy and white).  

1. What you need. 

• navy and white striped fabric (Walmart)
• fabric scissors (household item)
• white thumb tacks (Walmart)
• cork board (can be found at Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target etc.) 
• pom pom ribbon (Walmart)

2. Applying the fabric.

• cut the fabric to fit the area of the board with an additional inch border
• stretch fabric and pin into place 
• pin approximately every three inches (or as needed) 
• fold over diagonally so each corner can have a snug fit 

 3. Adding the Ribbon.

• pin one end of the ribbon on the back of the board 
• stretch across making and inch border 
• secure ribbon on the other end on the back of the board
• pin five times across the long end and four across the short end to ensure a tight seal  

4. Enjoy!

• perfect for placing over your desk
• accessorize with pictures
• write yourself reminders 

I hope this inspires y'all to get crafty. 

In Kate We Trust,

Jackie xx

Bon Appétit

Ladies get ready to bring out your inner fancy pants!

Despite the potential for how pretentious this post may seem, I decided to share because you'd be surprised by how fancy you can be. Dinner parties are the perfect way to express your creativity. There is nothing better than enjoying the company of close friends, in an intimate setting, and of course filling up on delicious food.      

When planning the perfect dinner party it’s all about pleasing the five senses. Make the setting visually appealing by planning out the table setting color scheme and setting out some simple decorations. For example, a clear cylinder vase filled with those shells you picked up on your last vacation is the perfect centerpiece. Candles are also a great way to appeal to not only the eyes but give off a relaxing smell. Pick out a scent that creates a simple aroma, you don't want to overpower the smell of the food you're serving up. Subtle music playing in the background sets the mood for the entire evening. Please the sense of touch by creating comfortable seating and perhaps a pass from the table to a more comfortable location after dinner.  

Of course the food is a big part of the night. It is important to choose a meal that excites you! For this dinner party, I wanted to try to match the Crispy Chicken Costoletta from Cheesecake Factory. I used the following recipe for Crispy Chicken Costoletta with Gouda Smashed Potatoes and it turned out exactly like it tastes in the restaurant! I paired the entree with warm sourdough bread, a nice summer salad (baby spinach, strawberries, raspberries, toasted almonds and raspberry vinaigrette) and Blackberry Acai Sorbet paired with a sugar cookie. Relax! I know what you're thinking… but trust me it’s not ask hard as it looks. It is good to have a balance of homemade and store bought food. As long as you pre prep it is easy to create wonderful meal. 

Outfit: Dress- New York & Company; Apron- Crate & Barrel

The most important component of a dinner party is having wonderful company to share the meal with. Hopefully this inspired your creative side and you are pulling out your planner to schedule your first of many dinner parties!

In Kate We Trust, 

Jackie xx 

Castles, Cougars, and Cookouts!

It's no surprise that the summer before college is one for the books, but this summer was one I will never forget! From traveling to finally getting prepared for the big changes that are about to happen, you could say I had a pretty jam packed summer. 

I finally got to travel to Europe for the first time ever! I went with some kids from my school and it was led by my French teacher. We traveled to London and then to a few cities in France our final stop being Paris! It was quite the experience going with our French teacher (she's a little bit out there) and not my family, but I think that added to the adventure. In London we saw Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham palace, and much more. Unfortunately I didn't see Kate  Middleton, but oh well, maybe next time! After we wrapped up in London it was time to go to France! We went to little cities on the water, we saw a ton of castles (including Versailles), and ate tons of crepes! I must say though that Paris was my favorite. Going up the Eiffel tower was definitely worth the view even with my fear of heights! 

Outfit: Pants- J. Crew; Shoes- Jack Rogers (In Platinum); Jacket- Michael Kors

For those who don't know I'm about to attend the College of Charleston down in South Carolina! This summer has really been focused on making sure I'm ready to go and have everything I could possibly need. Between packing up my clothes, making some dorm decorations, and going to Bed Bath & Beyond almost every other day (I'm about 80% sure I have everything). After months of preparation, attending orientation (which was so fun), and finally getting the infamous "college cut" (I got some bangs!) It's crazy to think that move-in day is just a week away! I'm so excited for what college is going to bring and all the opportunities that I will get to experience. Don't worry plenty of posts about college life and about rush week will be coming soon! 

Outfit 1: Dress- Forever 21

Outfit 2: Shirt and Shorts- Old Navy

With all the excitement surrounding the upcoming school year there's also the sadness of saying goodbye to high school friends. Recently a bunch of my friends and I went to a lake for the day and it was really great just getting to enjoy the last bit of summer we had left! From floating in the middle of a lake on an air mattress (Walmart was out of rafts) to just goofing off together one last time before we all go our separate ways I think it was the perfect ending to the perfect summer! 

Bathing Suit- Target

In Kate We Trust, 

Madeleine