Friday, January 30, 2015

weekly roundup

one: So before finding this little article, I never really thought that other people would identify themselves as an outgoing introvert, something I do all the time. (Probably just because of the exact nature of the outgoing introvert. You never know what's going on in someone's head!) But this 10 Things You Need to Know Before Dating the Outgoing Introvert is perfect and completely spot on! (2 and 6 especially!)

two: If you haven't heard yet, Emma Watson has been cast as Belle in a new live action version of Beauty and the Beast! (I thought this had happened ages ago, but I guess it's official now.) I think she's going to be fabulous in the part, and someone even put together a list of 9 reasons why she's meant to be a princess. I completely agree with them, and now officially want to be best friends with her!

three: I'm not sure why they decided to do a Fantastic Four remake, but this trailer actually looks pretty awesome. Plus, it has Miles Teller (from Footloose!) and Michael B Jordan (from Friday Night Lights!). Reason enough to see it!

four: We should end with something super cute and adorable. So how about babies reacting to going through tunnels? SO. SO. SO. CUTE.

Have a great weekend, and eat a lot on Superbowl Sunday! ;)
-Kylie

Thursday, January 29, 2015

choose joy

Like I said in my blogiversary post yesterday, one of my favorite parts of blogging has been all the people I've been able to meet. Over the weekend I got the chance to grab coffee with Alisha of the etsy store Lishy Lishy. (The funny part was that it was both of our first times meeting instagram friends in real life!) Not only does she have the cutest etsy store and prints, but she is so sweet! I had so much fun chatting with her and trading insider instagram stories!


Alisha gifted me the "Choose Joy" print in gold from her shop, and I'm so in love! It definitely goes along with my resolution of being more positive and thankful this year! I ended up putting it right above my desk- a place I knew I would see it every day, and a place I could look at when I'm knee deep in homework! Some other favorites of mine (that will definitely be included in my future print gallery wall) are pink cupcake, love heart, and the custom address print! Pick your favorites and snag them for 20% off with the code LOVE20 through February 15!




Make sure to stop by Alisha's instagram (so much pretty!) and her etsy shop (and use the code LOVE20 for 20% off)!
-Kylie

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

blogiversary!

Today is a very exciting day. It's my one year blogiversary! I honestly can't believe I've had Dress in Sparkles for a whole year now. It all started just because I was checking a lot of blogs on a daily basis (mainly College Prepster) and taking a lot of boring classes my last semester of undergrad, and I thought it would be fun to start my own. I can remember sitting in my bed and taking the plunge as I navigated my way through GoDaddy and Blogger to set things up. (Most nerve wracking thing ever when you have no clue what you're doing, by the way.) I never thought it would turn into what it is now, or that I would end up loving it so much! 


I hate to start getting cheesy about all of this, but I think one of my favorite parts about this year of blogging has been all the amazing people I've been able to meet! Other bloggers, store owners, people on instagram....there are so many sweet and wonderful people out there in this blogging world and I'm so grateful that I get to know you all! You all have made my first year of blogging a pretty darn good one. 
Also, I have to be cheesy again and give a serious thanks to my parents. They've been SO supportive when it comes to my blog, and I definitely would've had a bajillion meltdowns if it wasn't for them. And my nicely set up pictures wouldn't exist without my dad (and the occasional styling from my mom)! So thank you to both of you from the bottom of my heart!


My first year has been so fun, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next! There have of course been some road bumps (not actually understanding the blogging world for months and months, feeling overwhelmed, not having a photographer unless I'm home), but the goods definitely outweigh all of that. I can't wait to grow and expand Dress in Sparkles even more this year and continue on this fun experience!



Happy my blogiversary to all of you! ;)
-Kylie

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

heart shaped goodies

In my opinion, the best part about Valentine's day is all the candy. In a close second though is all the fun red, pink and heart shaped goodies that make their way out. Pink is my favorite color (just call me Elle Woods), so obviously I like taking advantage of all the fun things! Below are some of my favorites that I've come across this year! I have been wanting to start a cute matchbox collection for a while now and the 'muah' one is too cute to pass up! And how sweet is the wine stopper?


What are your favorite Valentine's themed products?
-Kylie

Monday, January 26, 2015

oxfords and tortoise

Days like today (aka days where it's snowing) really makes me miss being younger and having snow days. Snow days just don't exist in college and it is tragic. (Can you tell I just don't want to get up early and walk in the cold?)
Enough of my complaining, onto the outfit. This is absolutely my go to outfit when I want to look put together and cute, but don't have the time (or brain power) to put too much thought into it. Jeans plus an oxford is instant chic. Add a statement necklace for some sparkle (like this perfect one from Lalo and Rae) and I'm good to go!





shirt: Ralph Lauren // necklace: Lalo and Rae c/o // jeans: Lucky Brand // shoes: Target (similar) // belt: American Eagle (similar)

What's your go to put together outfit?
-Kylie

Friday, January 23, 2015

weekly roundup

one: Sweet Disney fan stories are my absolute favorite. And this one is sure to make your heart swell, and make a huge smile appear on your lips. (Side note: can I be a Disney princess yet???)

two: If you haven't watched a Bad Lip Reading video, then you have seriously been missing out. And you're lucky you have me here to introduce you. The 2015 NFL lip reading video just came out, and it's hilarious. Get ready for some giggles!

three: Puppies chasing a GoPro. Day. Made.

four: I LOVE this article. "Why you should move to a new city where you don't know a single soul" Moving somewhere new is completely terrifying, but also incredibly exciting. And this article sums up all the majorly good points.


Have a fun weekend!
-Kylie

Thursday, January 22, 2015

cozy in plaid

I feel like it's such a blogger cliche at this point to love blanket scarves, but I really could care less! ;) I'm warm and cozy, and while their largeness cause some vision impairment, I will be wearing them until it gets warm. (Anyone else hoping for an early spring?) And this exact outfit is pretty much my go to. I think I wore it at least four times over the past month. SO COZY. Also, small note about these pictures. I'm laughing in pretty much every single one because it was incredibly windy and snow was blowing everywhere. My dad is such a trooper when it comes to taking pictures, and I swear we moved like five times. #bloggerlife









sweater: French Connection (similar) // scarf: Marley Lilly c/o (similar) // jeans: Lucky Brand (similar) // boots: Ugg

Who else is going to live in blanket scarves til spring?
-Kylie

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

phone case loving

I don't know about you guys, but I love changing out my phone case all the time. The number I have in my drawer may actually be embarrassing. But when Put a Case On sent me an email, I just had to jump on it! I'm such a sucker for monogrammed cases. My favorite part is how many options there are! You can pick between a slim case and a bumper case (I chose a bumper case. I'll take as much protection as I can!), and then come all the different design options. So many colors and patterns to choose from! Plus, you can even upload a photo and make a photo phone case. I ended up going with the lattice circle in my two favorite colors, pink and navy, obviously. Pretty much obsessed. And for all my readers, you can use the code "Sparkles20" for 20% your purchase through Jan 31!



That extra little bumper of protection is perfect!



This would definitely be a phone case purchase you want to make! Great prices to start, plus 20% off with the code "Sparkles20". The only hard part? Actually having to go through and pick a favorite design. (It took me a while. I also LOVE this one and this one!)

Who else has a serious phone case (and monogram) obsession?
-Kylie

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

snickerdoodle cobbler

This may be my favorite dessert that I've ever made. SO GOOD. Now, when you look at the recipe, you're going to be confused. (I certainly was) First, you're going see the amount of brown sugar and think "I'm supposed to put how much topping on this cake?" (it creates that lovely snickerdoodle swirl in the cake). And then you're going to see that you pour water on top before you bake. I was SUPER skeptical about it, and so was my mom. BUT, it's a magic cake, and somehow, this delicious snickerdoodle sauce is make UNDER the cake. YES, under it. Magic dessert. Serve up a slice with vanilla ice cream (I recommend the Talenti tahitian vanilla), and be happy.


Look at all that magic sauce! And the cake actually stays cakey, and doesn't get soggy! MAGIC.


Snickerdoodle Cobbler (recipe from Cookies & Cups)
Ingredients
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 2 tsp cinnamon, divided
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • 1¾ cup hot water

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, sugar, milk, vegetable oil and vanilla until smooth. Pour into prepared baking dish.
  4. Next combine brown sugar, ½ teaspoon remaining salt and remaining 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle that all over the top of the batter.
  5. Finally slowly pour the hot water on top of the sugar mixture.
  6. Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Serve warm with ice cream and the magic sauce.

Eat up!
-Kylie

Monday, January 19, 2015

this feels a lot like love

Usually if people know one fact about me, it's that I'm a hopeless romantic. I love everything about romance, and my bookcase is filled with romantic comedies and my favorite love stories. (side note: just finished The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks and it was AMAZING. Plus, the movie is coming out soon, and the guy is gorgeous) So when I saw this post written by Hallie of Corals and Cognacs, I knew I wanted to be a part of it! 
It's based off this article from the Times, and I find it absolutely fascinating. I was obviously a little skeptical when I read the title of falling in love with anyone, but as you read through and discover the exercise, it becomes real. Just reading through the article and that specific experience my my stomach flutter. I'm such a sucker for love, guys.
Back to Hallie...I love the way she styled her post, and actually answered some of the questions. And then challenged other bloggers to do the same, and all fall in love with each other. Well, it totally worked cause I'm totally convinced she's awesome and definitely love her (although that may have happened when I saw her fashion week recaps or her blooper posts). So, I'm going to answer the questions as well, and challenge all my blogger babes to do it too!
(you should all know that I love cronuts, right off the bat)

Would you like to be famous? In what way? I think a part of me has always wanted to be famous. Maybe a little vain of me, but oh well. In my dreams it was always me as an actress, but I'd take being a famous blogger ;)

Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why? Oh my goodness, yes. I definitely have phone anxiety and hate talking on it. 

When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else? To myself, yesterday in the car. Belted the soundtrack to Wicked. To someone else, in the car on Saturday with my friend. Taylor Swift came on, so obviously. 

If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want? Definitely my mind. I've seen what losing it can entail, and I just don't ever want to go there if I can avoid it. 

For what in your life do you feel most grateful? As cheesy as it is, my family for sure. I have no clue what I would do without the support of my parents. They are always there for me, whether it be about school or my blog or just life in general, and I think that alone has shaped me into the person I am today. 

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? Teleportation. PLEASE. 

If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know? When I'll meet that right guy, the guy I'm going to want to spend forever with. (Remember how I said I'm a hopeless romantic...)

Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? I've always dreamed of traveling the world, and going to new exciting places. I haven't yet just because I don't have the funds to do it. Those college loans are a real pain.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your life? I'm not sure I've had a greatest accomplishment yet. I think my greatest accomplishments will come when I'm working as a nurse and I'm able to actually make a difference in someone's life. (And honestly, I think finding love and making a life with it is a very big life accomplishment. I know I want kids in the future, and while I don't know the feeling of actually having kids yet, I would say that it will probably be something that's going to rank very high on the list.)

What do you value most in a friendship? Honesty and just being real. I love my friends who I can just be a complete dork with. 

What is your most treasured memory? Disney is pretty big in my family, so all of our time spent at the parks are some of my most treasured.

If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why? I would be way more outgoing and put myself out there more often. I'm an extrovert when I'm with people and in those situations, but I can also be extremely introverted and too worried or scared to do things. So I would just try to live my life to the absolute fullest. (And cross things off my bucket list.)

How do you feel about your relationship with your mother? My mom is easily one of my best friends. I actually never went through that phase in my teen years where I hated my mom. Sure, we got in fights (and still do!), but our relationship has always been pretty darn amazing, and I am so lucky to have her. (This pretty much all applies to my dad too. I got very lucky in the parents department.)

Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share…”  my life with. (goodness, I did not mean to get this cheesy. but in my defense, I did warn you about being a hopeless romantic.) I have yet to fall head over heels, madly in love, and it's something I'm definitely starting to want more. 

When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself? In front of another person would be my mom, and I was just incredibly stressed out. And by myself, pretty much the same reason. There's some issue with the ceiling in my apartment and every time it's super windy, it makes loud noises (sounds weird, I know). So when it's happening all night and you're trying to sleep, it sucks.

If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet? I don't know if there are many things I regret not telling people, but I definitely believe you can never say I love you enough to the people you care about. And I don't know if I'd ever be able to find the right words to let my family know how much they mean to me.

What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about? I actually think a whole lot of things are too serious to be joked about, but a lot of people deal with things by making jokes. I don;'t think that abuse (sexual or not) should ever be joked about. And if I hear one more guy do the whole "Wanna hear a joke? .....women's rights." things one more time, I may actually punch him. I don't find my rights to be a good subject of a joke.

Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why? My school bag. That way I safely grab my money, my phone and my laptop ;)


As Hallie said in her post, the mic has been passed. Now it's your turn to answer some questions, and let that vulnerable side show. You're all obviously in complete love with me now, so we better make it reciprocal ;)

This is officially the most I've ever written in a blog post. And about myself no less. So it is now time to sign off.
-Kylie 

Friday, January 16, 2015

weekly roundup

one: A quiz to find out your Disney age. So fun! My Disney age is 12 because "You love going on adventures near and far and believe that all it takes is faith, trust, pixie dust, and a little imagination to make dreams come true." I'll take it! :)

two: Rock of Ages is closing on Broadway this weekend (cue kicking myself for not getting to see it onstage), and of course the cast had to go out with a bang...aka a fun video. The coolest thing is that so many of the actors who originated the roles in the show came back to close it!

three: The ten best places to live, based on a livability index. Apparently we all need to be moving to Australia and Canada ASAP.

four: Gone Girl's honest trailer. Too hilarious (with gems like "if you hate your husband this much, maybe just try divorcing him"). PS, if you havent seen the movie or read the book yet, dont watch!!

five: And a fun one to end it all. 11 signs it's time to break that Disney spell ;)

Have a fabulous weekend!
-Kylie

Thursday, January 15, 2015

sparkle&whim

Today is the last day to use the code "kylie15" to get 15% off at Sparkle & Whim, so I thought I would post about some of my favorite pieces! There are so many great options in the store (and more are always coming!), and they're all incredibly affordable. I'm always down for pretty and good quality jewelry for a good price. Plus, the owner Meg is the sweetest! I've gotten the chance to work with a lot of people through my blog, and I always love when I get to meet awesome people like her! (Also keep on the lookout for a possible giveaway with her in the future ;))


Make sure to use the code "kylie15" to get 15% off! Last day!
-Kylie

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

plaid and ballcaps

While I would like to pretend that I always have fabulous hair days and look my best, it is sadly not true. So I turn to my trusty baseball hat collection (all five of them) for an instantly cute way to hide gross and untamable hair! Add a comfy plaid (and a cool rooster statue) and I'm good to go!






hat: Marley Lilly c/o // shirt: Old Navy (similar) // leggings: INC // boots: Calvin Klein (similar)

What's your go to for bad hair days?
-Kylie

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

chocolate pretzel fudge

I have really been on top of it with the cooking posts this year (all three of them ;)). Hopefully I can keep it up! Today's is another magical fudge, aka the wonder of chocolate and pretzel. Fun Kylie fact, I used to dip my pretzels into chocolate pudding. So Good! This fudge turned out really yummy, and got rave reviews from my sister and her friends! (Hopefully they weren't just being nice!)





Chocolate Pretzel Fudge (slightly adapted from Eat At Home Cooks)


ingredients:


  • 12 oz. bag + 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can substitute some milk chocolate in if you want it sweeter!)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 Tbs. milk
  • 1 cup broken pretzel pieces
  • extra pretzels for top

directions:
Melt all the ingredients, except the pretzels in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Stir often.  When everything is melted and smooth, remove from heat.  Stir in pretzel pieces.  Pour into foil-lined, greased square (8x8 or 9x9) baking pan.  Press whole pretzels into top of fudge.  Refrigerate 3 hours or longer.  Remove foil and cut into squares.  Store in refrigerator.
What's your favorite kind of fudge?
-Kylie
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