Boys...Blech...

Does anyone else ever get bummed out that their husband actually lives in the same house as you?

I do. 

But only because I can't paint an entire wall in my living room pink, 

and balance that with polka-dot decor

and velvet couch pillows, 

with glitter. 

Everywhere. 

Actually, 

it is probably good that I live with a boy

because I might very well have the TACKIEST home in the country. 

Next reality show?

Maybe. 

But, 

thanks to Pinterest, 

I can live out my fantasy of having an estrogen filled domain 

with lovely images 

that almost suffices my girl nature. 

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 Aside from the entryway setup, 

there isn't much chance I can get away with the pink accents. 

My husband likes things simple, 

because his main interests consist of 

shooting shit

and getting shit done. 

I'm not kidding. 

I'll have to keep you guys posted on the constant decorating of my home. 

My first agenda is to repaint our dining room buffet white, 

and see if that makes the world of difference I'm hoping it will. 

XOXO

Cat

Longest. Post. Ever.

So I realize that I'm a bit late on revealing my resolutions for 2013. 

We have been slammed with ear infections and the stomach flu since 2012 faded away, 

so I haven't had a moment to really sit down and think about it until now. 

Even if we are still in the midst of illness in our household. 

So, 

to take my mind off of ickiness, 

here is my list of resolutions for the new year!

1. Train and Complete a Marathon

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 So if you paid attention to anything I wrote last year, 

I talked about training for an epic marathon

that would involve me running for my life from zombies. 

Sad to say, 

that goal did not come to fruition. 

Simply because of scheduling

and laziness, 

to be honest. 

While I did spend much of last year getting into good shape, 

I still feel as though I'm not quite to the fitness level that I would like to be. 

Hence, 

the reinstated goal of running a marathon. 

I will become a runner.

2013 is my year. 

2. Avoid social networks.

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 Now, I realize this goal is a bit hypocritical, 

as I am using a form of social networking by blogging. 

And by posting links to my blog on Facebook. 

So, allow me to explain. 

I feel as though social networking has taken a certain personal aspect out of relationships, 

and giving us a bit too much insight and knowledge of one another's lives. 

I don't like seeing someone at the store, 

as despite never having had a real conversation, 

knowing they used to be married to a friend of mine, 

but he cheated on her, 

and is now dating her former best friend. 

Eek. 

That type of intimate details make me rather uncomfortable, 

and would prefer to find out that type of personal information out in the proper way;

when I have established a proper relationship with someone, 

and they choose to confide those intimate details with me when they feel comfortable. 

That being said, 

I also am going to try and avoid Facebook, Twitter, etc., 

and pick up the phone to CALL MY LOVED ONES

and have real conversations. 

3. Start creating again

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 I used to be crazy about art. 

Actually, about creating something in general. 

It was my passion, 

my dream, 

and what I intended to pursue in my professional life. 

That all fell to the wayside when I got distracted by other things, 

which really weren't worth my time. 

Partying, drama, changing majors a bajillion times...

took me away from one of my life's passions, 

and confused me as to what I really loved, 

and what I was really passionate about. 

My friend Melissa inspired me, 

as she too chose to pursue her dreams, 

and begin to create again. 

She does some of the cutest/inspirational/beautiful art, 

and has become successful in the last year. 

Melissa was brave in following her passion, 

and I believe I can do the same. 

Thanks, Melissa!

4. Be Happier and Worry Less

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 What may seem like a simple goal,

is actually the toughest one for me. 

I have always battled depression and anxiety, 

from childhood, 

up until the (still young!) age of 28. 

It has only intensified after the birth of my both my girls, 

and then salt was poured in the wound when my younger daughter

was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. 

I won't delve into that heavy topic right now, 

(she is doing remarkably well, despite being a bit under the weather right now)

but it left me feeling stressed, anxious, and lost

a good majority of the time. 

I feel as though I am in fear of my life, 

rather than enjoying it. 

And I hate that feeling. 

I have a great life;

I am able to go to school full-time, 

my husband supports all of us, 

we have a nice home, 

happy, BEAUTIFUL children, 

and I feel as if I am failing them by feeling this tense and awful all the time. 

So my plan this year is to tackle that beast head on, 

and finally get mentally healthy. 

5. Eat Clean

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 This is another basic one that should be a given, 

but it is more challenging than you would think. 

I recently watched a few documentaries 

that totally freaked me out in terms of how the food industry prepares and packages our food. 

Since my older daughter, Savannah, was about a year old, 

I adopted a healthier lifestyle. 

Jump to 3.5 years later, 

my daughter is approaching the big girl age of 5, 

and we are still doing fairly well at maintaining our lifestyle. 

However, I feel as though we could be doing better. 

We could eat our fruits and vegetables that are actually in season, 

avoid ALL processed foods, 

and I really could eliminate my diet soda habit. 

My younger daughter is on board. 

That little will eat anything you put in front of her. 

Since Savannah is older, 

and I used to just throw anything in front of her to get her to eat, 

she will need to adjust. 

Fingers crossed I can get her to join us in this healthy overhaul. 

6. Practice Proper Time-Management

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 As I mentioned previously, 

I am a full-time student. 

I also am a full-time mom. 

2012 left me feeling as if my kids were beginning to suffer from my large workload, 

and that I was missing out on their childhood. 

I don't want to look back and feel that I missed out on their adolescence, 

and I don't want them to have the memory of my response to "play with us" as being

"Hold on, Mommy has to finish her work". 

That would kill me. 

So, another one of my goals is to practice proper time management, 

and make appropriate time for what is most important;

my beautiful babies.

7. Learn how to Curl My Hair

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This is my most vain goal, 

but for me, 

it is an important one. 

I have always loved how curls look, 

and since I have crazy long hair, 

I would like to be able to do more with it than

running my straightening iron through it, 

or throwing it up in a high bun. 

It would be nice for my husband to pass by our bathroom, 

and now hear me muttering,

"Oh, what the hell is THAT.."

after attempting to curl my hair for date night. 

It has always been a wish of mine, 

so I figured it was due a spot on my resolutions list. 

8. Get Organized.

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As my former roommates and husband can tell you, 

I haven't always been the tidiest person to live with. 

I grew up in a fairly chaotic environment....

(Lots of pets, clutter, etc....but still an overwhelmingly loving home)

So it extended to my adult life, 

unfortunately. 

My husband is a military man, 

so order and cleanliness are extremely important to him. 

Cue opposites attract, huh?

However, I feel as if I OWE HIM

after all the years he has put up with my organized clutter. 

I have gotten better in the last six years of wedded bliss, 

but I still have a lot of room to improve. 

9. Make More Time for my Man

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My husband works long, long, 

LONG

hours at work. 

And I get caught up with my studies and our girls, 

so intimacy has sort of fell to the back burner. 

To me, 

this could be the potential kiss of death to a relationship. 

To be honest, 

neither one of us is the easiest person to get along with at times. 

We both have tempers, 

we both always think we are right, 

and we are stubborn. 

However, 

he is my best friend, 

and I don't know what I would do without him. 

We have gotten complacent in our relationship as of late, 

and I don't want that to continue on to the point where we become roommates, 

rather than a united couple. 

I plan to cuddle a lot more with the hubs, 

make time for date night, 

even if it only lasts for two hours, 

because our youngest decides to go into demon mode and needs her mother ASAP. 

It's important. 

And I need to realize that more. 

10. Put Myself out There

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Due to my anxiety, 

I haven't always been the best person at making friends. 

I used to party a bit too much, 

so socializing used to come easily. 

Now that I am completely sober, 

I don't always know how to initiate relationships anymore. 

That sounds a bit pathetic, 

but I think part of the issue stems from not feeling 100% confident with myself, 

and not trusting that I am kind of awesome, 

and worthy of having friends. 

Whoah. 

Cue the violin, 

but seriously. 

I have made impulsive decisions in my past that I am incredibly ashamed of, 

burned some bridges I wished I had not, 

and allowed myself to behave in ways that I cringe at whenever those memories pop into my head. 

I don't want to feel like that anymore, 

because I am not that person. 

I feel as if those past experiences are holding me back in approaching new friendships, 

because I am afraid that person I used to be will make an unwelcome appearance, 

and I feel ashamed. 

I don't want to be ashamed anymore, 

because it isn't allowing me to live the life I want, 

and it isn't providing my girls with a positive example 

of being a strong, and capable woman. 

So, because I had to conclude my list with an even number, 

that is my final one. 

I want to be confident, 

allow myself to be amazing, 

and not hold myself back by being ashamed of past deeds. 

It isn't healthy, 

and I don't want to dwell on the past anymore. 

I hope all of you have a wonderful, 

happy, 

and healthy 2013. 

I hope to make mine eventful and amazing. 

XOXO

Cat

Quest for the Vest

If you follow me on Pinterest, 

then you know I have been repinning a certain vest like crazy. 

This one. 

Since coming across this beauty, 

I have begun to notice the wide array of use it has in one's Fall/Winter wardrobe. 

And I'm incredibly envious. 

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....with some oxblood booties...

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...with flannel layering...

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...adding some extra to a basic outfit...

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...and with boots in the winter snow...

Now, I checked JCrew's website, 

hoping and praying I hadn't missed my chance to purchase this wardrobe gem...

But alas...

it has sold out, 

and I'm guessing that my local (30 minutes away) JCrew 

will not have it in stock either. 

To this I say:

Challenge. Accepted. 

I will find this vest. 

Even if it is in 10 years at some high-end thrift store, 

I will make it mind. 

It's a classic cut, 

timeless print, 

and let's face it...

I'm never going to live in Hawaii. 

There will always be a place for this vest. 

However, 

if ever a reader should come across this 

and wish to bestow their findings, 

and be generous in that knowledge...

PLEASE let me know. 

Because I need it. 

XOXO

Cat

New Year...New Look

Hello!

Yes, I know...

I know. 

It has been forever since I was on the blog bandwagon. 

Forgive me. 

As you can see, I have begun to revamp the blog. 

I took some time off from blogging to reevaluate what I want from my life, and what I want to present to the world. 

You see, I have a lot of passions, and trying to pick one thing to focus on for a blog is a bit difficult for me. 

So, what I chose to focus on rather is what I love. 

So, without further ado, 

the introduction of the NEW (and renamed!)

The Brunette Betty.

Topic 1:

Fashion

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So I realize this was the focus of this blog previously, 

BUT

I have to explain why it is still on this list. 

I love fashion. 

Putting together the perfect outfit, 

whether for me, my girls, friends, or family, 

I get the biggest rush that fills me with an intense joy. 

I don't consider myself the most stylish person, 

but I have such a love for fashion that is hard to ignore. 

I have to give props to my fellow fashion bloggers, 

who have actually made me dress better, 

and push me out of my comfort zone. 

All these other beautiful blogs have filled me with inspiration

and given me the courage to actually begin posting my own outfits on here. 

Holy smokes.

You will have to stay tuned for that. 

Topic 2:

Interior Design

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Along with putting together outfits and making people pretty, 

I love making spaces look pretty. 

Since purchasing a home, I have been bit by the interior design bug, 

and am constantly searching through thrift stores, TJ Maxx, Z Gallerie, etc., 

to find the perfect decor additions to add to my home. 

I am constantly making changes,

and doing DIY projects to improve my house's aura, 

so that will be included on here as well. 

Topic 3:

Health/Fitness

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In the last six months, my older daughter and I started to experience severe stomach discomfort, 

which resulted in both of us needing medical consultation about the pain. 

My daughter was placed on a gluten-free diet, which has relieved much of her pain, 

giving her more energy and improved other areas of her health. 

I underwent a biopsy to check for celiac disease (something that runs in my family), 

and while I am not currently suffering from the disease, 

I was still advised to begin a gluten-free diet as well. 

I have to admit, 

I have been struggling with it more than my daughter. 

I will be successful at following this new lifestyle for a few days, 

and then I will be tempted by pasta, cookies, cakes, etc....

and give in. 

Cue stomach pain, fatigue, etc. 

Its my hope that through writing about it, 

and presenting new recipes,  

I will finally be able to successfully cut gluten out of my life. 

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While in the last year I have developed a healthier approach to life, 

I still have a few extra pounds to shed (fifteen to be exact),

and a fitness level I would like to achieve. 

I would like to be able to run (and finish!)

a marathon.

Since this has turned into a lifestyle blog, 

that training may also be included from time to time. 

Topic 4:

My family

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Since I have chosen to transform this blog from a fashion blog

into a lifestyle one, 

it wouldn't make sense to not include the most important aspects of my life in this;

my wonderful little family. 

I'm not going to sit here and tell you this are roses all the time, 

but I love my life, 

and every challenge and struggle we face bring us closer together, 

and make me appreciate them even more. 

They are my rock, 

they keep me grounded, 

and they give me strength. 

Everyday. 

(Don't you love these beautiful pictures? My wonderful friend, Courtney, took them. If you are in the Northern Alabama area, contact me to get her information. She does GREAT work!)

So, I hope that this will be a year of amazing feats, new beginnings, and a new lease on life. 

For me, for my family, and for everyone that tunes into this blog 

and helps to make it successful. 

XOXO

Cat

Bargain Beauties: Sandals

Let's face it. 

It can be quite pricey to be considered "fashionable" at times. 

However, in my opinion, 

it doesn't have to be. 

Like many these days, 

I am "poor". 

I put that in quotes because I am lucky in the sense that I don't have

to work to provide for my family. 

My husband has a good job that allows me to finish my constant college journey, 

and be a stay at home mom to our babies. 

Even though I have a comfortable place to live, 

the ability to pay our bills without concern, 

and the luxury of having a fully stocked fridge and pantry, 

when it comes to my personal wardrobe?

I have to go the cheap route. 

So, I have come up with a few thrifty ways to still look

chic, fashionable, 

and not break the bank. 

Cue the theme for this week:

BARGAIN BEAUTIES!

1. Sandals

This is one area I'm kind of nutty about. 

In my teens and early twenties, 

I would just resort to purchasing the regular flip-flops from Old Navy:

oldnavy.com

Now, I realize that these are a budget dream, 

BUT, 

my husband also pointed out that these are the same style of shoes his Marines wear to bathe in so they don't get a foot fungus from their showers. 

Plus, when its raining out, 

and you're like me and NEVER wear proper rain footwear, 

your feet get squishy, 

and you slip and squish all over the place. 

Not so attractive. 

Now, 

I realize these little spongy darlings go for a whopping price of 

$3.94,

but when you splurge just $10 more...

You can walk away with these:

oldnavy.com

In my opinion, 

these are much more chic, 

and if you think about it, 

don't you typically purchase a new pair of those $4 flip flops every season?

These nice metallic pair should last you longer, 

plus, 

the metallic option goes with

EVERYTHING. 

WIN.

AND, 

I need to add, 

sandals MUST be paired with a choice shade of nail polish. 

I prefer pink, 

with glitter. 

But to each their own. 

Happy thrifting, everyone!

Zombies!

I have a new fitness goal. 

I always told everyone who would listen (multiple times), 

that the only way I would, or could, run a 5K, 

is if something was chasing me. 

Cue the above video!

Now, I have been preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse for years, 

and how I get to refer to something that is actually happening. 

And have a reason to say, without sounding completely bat-shit cray cray, 

that I am preparing to outrun some undead. 

I'm like a kid on Christmas morning, 

that's how excited I am. 

So, along with posting the randomness of my loves (read:fashion, design, art, etc---quite a mix, huh?), 

I will also be updating everyone on my training, 

and preparation for this event!!

Which will be taking place sometime in November or December. 

We haven't signed up for the exact date yet. 

But keep in mind;

it will be interesting. 

Considering I am not a runner. 

At all. 

In fact, I really hate to run. 

I love fitness, 

but running?

Bitch, please. 

Stay tuned!

Shorts Appropriate

So part of getting older means realizing a few things you used to wear aren't exactly going to work in your life anymore. 

One of those things is

shorts. 

Or, I should clarify, 

length of shorts. 

Now, up until recently, 

I have always been the chick who likes to wear shorts shorter than I should. 

I am seriously lacking in the bootay region (as a matter a fact, my ass as never come close to being described as a bootay...),

so wearing short shorts was never really an issue. 

No inappropriate butt bulge in sight. 

High five...to me...

That was until I had my babies, 

and I started paying attention to the amount of time I spend during my day bending over to pick up my kids. 

Cue: inappropriate butt bulge. 

AND the inspiration behind this post. 

Now, to discuss the various short lengths, 

and their appropriateness. 

Level 1:

unknown Pinterest photo

 If your butt looks like this when you bend over,

or even worse, 

when you are standing, 

I don't care how old you are. 

NO. 

No No No. 

Nooooooo.

This is not ok. 

You'll have passerbys placing bets to whether you are a stripper or a hooker, 

and if you are neither...

well, my dear...

that is a situation I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Level 2:

Pinterest

This is usually the level of shortness I stick to, 

and even this is fairly short. 

I have to stop and ask myself sometimes, 

do most women in their late 20s with children wear shorts this short?

And the answer is...

I don't really care. 

Until my butt and upper legs starts looking like it got hit with a bag of nickels, 

I'm going to keep wearing shorts like this. 

Shazaam. 

Level 3:

Pinterest

This level is usually appropriate for anyone. 

And its probably the length I should consider. 

Even if you have a JLo behind, 

these should work for you. 

These allow those who like to dress more appropriate than myself

look sexy and classy. 

All at the same time. 

Win. Win. 

Level 4:

manrepeller.com

The Bermuda. 

The universally flattering short length. 

I seriously have yet to see any woman who does not look good in Bermuda shorts. 

If you are not as daring,

but are facing 100 degree weather like I have been for the last two weeks, 

these are your go-to shorts. 

I have been literally foaming at the mouth for some lace shorts...

These are kinda sorta a BIG DEAL right now, 

and I am on the hunt for some reasonably priced, 

and not too short, 

lace shorts. 

Lace shorts can be paired with a multitude of tops, shoes, etc, 

but the key to wearing lace shorts, 

at least if they are white, 

is to have them rest a little bit longer on your leg. 

That takes away the risk of diaper drama. 

I don't know about you guys, 

but

I don't ever want to be mistaken for wearing a diaper in public. 

Shorts Appropriate by ninjasandnailpolish featuring wrap jewelry

Vero Moda short shorts, $17 / ALDO high heels / Hermès clutch handbag / Alexander McQueen jewelry / Gorjana stud earrings / Oasis wrap jewelry, $46 / Friendship bracelet / Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses, $300 / Essie nail polish