Nails // School Royalty

Want to go back to school feeling like royalty? Here's a nail tutorial that will get Prince Henry to notice you and by night fall, he'll be all yours. Have fun dinning with Kate and William tonight.


Paint your nails 2-3 coats of a dark purple. Let dry. Take a dotting tool dipped in gold polish and randomly dot spots until your nail is covered. Viola!


Now enjoy mackin' on Henry and shopping with Kate. At least that's what I day dream about during class....

Back to School // Money Saving Tips

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Going back to school, especially when your in college, can mean spending lots and lots of money. You get it and then within a blink of an eye, it's gone. I go to school closer to home and I also live at home, which means I don't spend as much. But, when I spent my first year of college away from home and in the dorms, I was always finding myself low on cash. Pizza nights, campus activities, and shopping sprees can leave anyone broke. Hopefully these money saving tips will help you save a little extra cash this year.


Tip #1 - Shop with friends

I like shopping alone most of the time, but sometime I wish I had my best friend there to tell me if I should really buy something. Shopping with a friend can help make tough decisions easier. They can tell you if that shirt is ugly or those jeans make your ass look huge and stop you from making a decisions you'll regret later.


Tip #2 - Don't toss your receipts

I know receipts can be super annoying to carry around, but don't throw them away! Many stores give you 14 days to get a better deal and 90 days to return most items. So if that cute top you just bough goes on sale the next week, bring it in with the receipt and ask for the lower price. Or those animal print skinnys seem a bit too much, bring them back and return them. I keep my receipts in a little coin purse so they don't pile up in my purse.

Tip #3 - Rent your textbooks

My first year of college I bought all my books through the campus bookstore and it was a ton of money! The next semester I looked into renting my books from sites like CollegeBookRenter and Chegg and I saved over $200 instantly. Instead of buying the books and being stuck with them forever, you rent them for a semester at an already lower price and then return them when your done. No need to keep those nasty biology book that you're never going to look at again.

Tip #4 - Get a school id

I know most schools automatically give you these, but some don't. An extra $15 to get you a student id can go a long way. A lot of places on and near campus give you student discounts if you show them your id. I used this all the time when ordering pizza and got a 10% discount each time!

Cake time from Dairy Queen
Tip #5 - Check your campus event calendar

A lot of colleges host events every week that serve free food. Need I say more? Pick up a calender or look on your campus website for events that are being held.

Soccer game

Dorm Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
(this was our Christmas card picture) 
I hope these tips help you out with saving some extra cash and enjoy the school year!! 

if you really knew me...

I've seen and read several if you really knew me posts around the blog world. I loved getting to know everyone and finding out all their funny traits so I thought I would write my own. With gaining some new followers, I thought this would be the perfect time for all you newbies to get know me. I hope you enjoy reading and laughing at me, because let's face it, I'm a little weird. 


If you really knew me...

You would know that any paranormal activity crap
scares the shiz out of me. I don't do well with ghosts or satan spirits. 
If my future children start talking
to invisible things in the corner, I'm moving. 

You would know that cleaning calms my nerves 
and I clean something almost every day. 
Except for my car. 
Dirty as hell. 

You would know that I can't ever finish my food. 
I will always leave one bite left on my plate.
I don't know what it is,
but I'm disgusted with that last piece of food. 
It doesn't deserve to be eaten. 

You would know that I argue with myself.
I make some pretty valued points.

You would know that my dream is to 
open my own cupcake shop. 
I'm still working on perfecting my cupcakes,
but we'll see what happens. 

You would know that I'm that crazy cat lady.
I always will be, no shame.
Cats are awesome.

You would know that I'm a homebody.
I'd pick staying at home over going out any day.
With that, you would know that I'll probably never leave my hometown.
I'll move across the street from my mom. 

You would know that I'm not religious. 
Like at all. 
I don't believe in going to a building just to prove that you believe in something. 
All the power to you though, if you do.

You would know that I want to have my own chickens someday
and maybe a duck, 
named Gary.

You would know that I want to own a villa in Italy.
I want to be fluent in Italian
and I want to meet my Marchello there. 

You would know that I hate sweating.
Hence why I try never to work out. 
I hate being hot and probably would enjoy living in Alaska. 

Well there you go. For you new followers, I hope this helps you get to know me a little. I hope you had a few laughs while reading. If you wrote a if you really me post, leave the link in the comments, I'd love to read it! 

the fur ball


It's been one month since he has been gone. One whole month. That's one month of no nose licking, turning on the faucet every hour, spiting hair out of my mouth, cleaning the hair up, and no cuddling during movies. It's been weird to change my routine around this past month. I've realized there's so many small things that I did everyday for Patches that I have to tell myself that I don't have to do anymore.

However, I still catch myself checking to make sure my door is open just enough so that I don't have to get up later when he's meowing to be let in. I even make sure all glasses of water are out of the room at night so that he doesn't stick his paws in and knock them over. One morning I even turned the faucet on for him, thinking he'd run through the door and when he didn't I remembered, "Kelly, your cat's dead."

I think it's unconsciously comforting for me to still do the things that I did for him even though I know that he's never coming back. It's hard to lose a pet, probably just as hard as losing someone you love. Pets can be just as close or even closer than people sometimes and losing that sucks. It sucks big time. Big time suckage! Looking back on the life that I gave Patches and the countless smiles he gave me in return, makes me smile even more.

I miss you boo. I hope they have dripping faucets where you are.


random thoughts on a thursday

-School starts in about a week. I need to find a rock to hide under.
-Have gotten the itch to start working out. Ha, we'll see if that actually happens.
-Watched both seasons of Vampire Diaries on Netflix, now I'm obsessed with all things vampire related. Like this sign, friggen'. hilarious.


-I've been on the hunt for a vintage Schwinn bike, anyone know of any?
-Finished reading the Fifty Shades series. Need to find a new man to drool over.
-Made some awesome M&M cupcakes this past weekend. Cupcake business here I come!
-I want to learn to knit. In order to make this. Awesome

-Is doing my boyfriend's laundry for him too much? Mom thinks so.
-Cannot wait for fall.
-Why do I always say "You to" at the movie theaters when they tell me to enjoy the movie?
-Just forgot the thought I was going to write down.
-Blue Bunny's red velvet ice cream=amazsauce
-Need this.
-Want this.


What are your random thoughts that are occurring today? 

Sponsor Feature // A Husband and a Dog

Today, one of my wonderful sponsors is taking over for a guest post. Allana from A Husband and a Dog just started blogging a few months ago and has a super cute blog along with and an even cuter corgi and husband. We decided to conduct a little interview for you guys, so you could get to know Allana and her blog better. Go check her out and stop on by later in the week for an awesome giveaway from her! Trust me, you'll want to enter!


You recently started blogging, what made you want to start a blog in the first place? 
I started my blog to have a hobby. My husband works a lot of overtime and instead of going out shopping or shopping online (my addiction), I played it safe and did something for free! I see a lot of twenty-something bloggers but you rarely see any thirty-something ones so that was more motivation for me too. 


How are you enjoying the blogging world so far?
I enjoy blogging. It has taken some time to learn the blogging world lingo and I still have a long way to go because there is so much out there! Made some friends along the way and have joined several swaps, hops, and sponsorships. I will talk to anyone about anything so I welcome comments and emails! 
What can readers find over at A Husband and A Dog?
A Husband and A Dog is about my daily life happenings. Granted I may not have the most glamorous lifestyle or boatloads of money to spend on clothes, shoes, and makeup but I sure do know how to desire these things. You will see entries about food that I love, places to visit, clothes/shoes that I saw while online window shopping, even cleaning products! 

   You have one of the cutest corgis I've ever seen? What's the story behind the sweet face?
Lincoln, our tri-colored baby. We don't plan on having any children so a Corgi was the next best thing. He will be five years old this October. Words to describe him would be: spoiled, fickle, and lazy. He has a soft and comfy bed in just about every room (sometimes two beds per room). He is a lover of ice cubes and chicken. Does not like long walks or the beach. Lincoln sleeps (most of the time) on the bed in between us, snores, farts, and burps.

Remember to stop on by later this week for an awesome giveaway!! Have a great day everyone!

Summer Plans: Check List


At the beginning of this fabulous summer I made a list of things I wanted to get done and work on for the next three months. With only a couple weeks of summer left until I pack my books and head back to school, I thought it would be fun to go back and see what  I accomplished. Some things I can check off, others I said I would do and didn't (normal...)

1. Keep in better touch with friends   CHECK! Skyping with my wonderful friend (and blogger) Nikki is always great. After that girly shipped herself across the world to Japan, I miss her like crazy. 
 
2. Practice my photography skills   CHECK! I really got into trying to take good pictures of food. I really think my food photography has gotten a lot better in the last few months. 


3. Join the YMCA and finally get fit   FAIL! Yeahhh, who are we kidding. I have no motivation for working out. 


4. Avoid being sunburn (starting today, yesterday doesn't count. Aloe anyone!?)   CHECK! I worn sunscreen almost everyday this summer and never once got a sunburn. I feel good knowing I protected my skin. :)


5. Take spontaneous road trips to the places I love   KINDA CHECK! I didn't take many spontaneous road trips, but I did take a trip to go see my good friend Kim, which turned out to be a fabulous three days. 


6. Minimal shopping. Keep myself on a restricted budget!   CHECK! I feel pretty confident that I didn't over spend on crap that I didn't really need. 


7. Read the books I began several months ago   NO CLUE! I don't remember what books I had at the beginning of this summer. I did just finish the Fifty Shades series yesterday, woohoo Christian! 

8. Build my blog, I love blogging and I love you guys  CHECK! I'm only 7 friends away from hitting my 100 mark! Let's make it happen guys, I'm planning a giveaway!! It makes me so happy that you guys enjoy reading what I write. I love you all. 

9. Take more bike rides and discover the tiny treasures of Wisconsin  KINDA CHECK! I biked a lot when I went camping and Chris and I would always take back roads home, discovering new things. 

10. Enjoy these next 3 months like no other   DOUBLE CHECK! This summer was fabulous

Alright, so only failing 1 out of 10, I did pretty good. I'm excited for school to start in a couple of weeks, but I also don't want summer to end. I like having the whole day to myself after work and not having to deal with homework. But bring it on college,  I can deal! 

How was your summer? Did you complete your summer to do list?


Wonderful Wednesday Link Up!

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday. This link party is here to aid you in finding not only new awesome blogging friends but followers as well. Share the love, follow the rules, and meet new people!This link-party can be found here every Wednesday.
1- FOLLOW YOUR HOSTS VIA GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT
(the first links in link-up, marked host!)
2-LINK UP USING YOUR BLOGS URL
(please do not use a specific post)
3-FOLLOW OTHER BLOGGERS & COMMENT
(meet new people, make new friends)
4-GRAB THE BUTTON, ADD IT TO YOUR BLOG
(share the linky love, and button up below)
5-SHARE THE WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY NEWS
(tweet, facebook,  instagram & etc about link party)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HOSTING
(email at contact.little.petrie@gmail.com)


Recipe // Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

Guess what I did yesterday!? 

I made (and ate) some delicious cupcakes. Remember that awesome cupcake book the equally awesome boyfriend got me for my birthday a couple months ago? I finally got to use it and the cupcakes turned out so great, I had to share the recipe with you all. Just disregard the birthday wrappers. All my cupboard had was those or Easter ones and I didn't want to confuse anyone with the change of holidays. :) 



Cupcakes:
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup shortening or butter
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
5 egg whites
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups milk

Cinnamon Frosting:
6 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 Tbl vanilla 
2-4 Tbl milk

Topping:
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cupcakes:
1. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 

2. In large bowl, beat shortening for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/3 cup at a time. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating after each. Beat in vanilla. Alternately add flour mix and milk, beating after each addition until well blended. 

3. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Divide batter evenly among each cup (about 2/3 full). 

4. Bake 18-20 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans and frost! 

Frosting:
1. In large bowl, mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, and butter on low speed. Stir in vanilla then gradually star beating in milk until frosting has become smooth. 

2. Frost cupcakes. Mix together topping ingredients and sprinkle over each cupcake.



Birchbox #3- August


It's that time of the month again! No, not that time, that's a little more personal then I feel like getting with you guys. So it's the other time, Birchbox time! This month Birchbox's theme was beauty school. Perfect for students like me who are going back to school in the fall. They sent us products that will put a spring in our beauty essentials and get us ready for the coming school year! I loved this month's box, just like the last two. Definitely sticking with this. 

See what I got!

Beauty School Cheat Sheet
Going alone with the beauty school theme of this month,
Birchbox sent a little booklet with super great tips
and tricks that will help any girl with their beauty related problems. 



Beauty Fixation Cuticle Conditioner
I have never seen something like this before. They are
q-tips filled with a cuticle conditioner. Genius!! So easy to apply,
I can't wait to try them out.


Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fluer
I tried this right away and fell instantly in love.
This is now my new favorite scent. Definitely going to be using my 
Birchbox points towards a full size bottle of this! It's a blend of wild 
berries, mandarin, and waterlily and it is to die for!


WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads 
This was another newbie for me. I'm very curious to see how these
little "buffing beads" work. You blend them in with your normal 
skin cleanser and it gives you an uplifting antioxidant scrub. We'll see 
how it does. 


WEI Golden Root Mud Mask
Super excited to try this little baby out. 
I love masks. I promise to do a review on this and let
you all know how it goes!


Schick Hydro Silk Razor
This razor was a Birchbox exclusive and I'm pretty pumped for it.
I don't usually pamper myself with razor (I always go for the cheap one time uses)
so I'm excited to give my legs a nice shave with this water
activating razor!

Thinking you want awesome goodies like this?
Click here and you'll get them!


Fifty Shades


Like half the women who live on planet Earth, I got sucked into the Fifty Shades of Grey series. First off, I have never read a book that has been so raunchy, kinky, and porny (excuse the choice of words). For those who have or are reading these books, you can agree with me. For those who haven't read these books, start now. Do be warned though, you may start trying to make your boyfriend do things like Christian Grey and you'll get countless of "Yeah, I know what you're reading..." looks from everyone around you if you read in public.

Now to the point of this post, other then fantasizing over finding the real Christian Grey. Jeesh, E.L. James, what have you done to me?! I read the other day, when googling Fifty Shades related things, that they're are rumors of a Fifty Shades movie in production. My jar dropped to the floor when I read this. How are they going to make this movie without calling it porn? I'm quite excited to see if the movie actually goes through and I thought it would be fun to make my own Fifty Shades cast. I'm a little cocky when it comes the people I chose to play the characters in the book, because, if I don't say so myself, I have an awesome cast. Maybe I should just become a producer and Fifty Shades can be my first film. I can see it now....

Now to my AWESOME fantasy cast.

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Alex Pettyfer as Christian Grey

I'm most stoked about this choice. Girls, please tell me you see it!? The shaggy hair, the sculpted marble of a face, those tantalizing eyes. Is he not the perfect Christian? Am I right or am I right?

Hotness, glorious hotness. 




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Jennifer Lawrence as Anastasia

Jennifer Lawrence would be the perfect Anastasia. this is exactly who I see in my head being Ana when reading the book. Dye her hair brown and bam, we got ourselves an Ana. 









x





Kim Cattrall as Mrs. Robinson

Kim Cattrall could obviously play the infamous Mrs. Robinson. Not that I'm giving her any bad cred. but let's be serious, she's the one and only. 








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Chase Crawford as Elliot 

I think Crawford would play Elliot very well. He's does the sensitive guy trapped in a bad boy very well. Perfect man for Christian's brother. 










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Julianne Hough as Kate

The perfect pretty blonde? Does Julianne Hough not scream Kate? And who doesn't want to see Hough and Crawford hook up?! I know I do!











The is my fantasy cast for the Fifty Shade trilogy and if any of these people play these characters in the rumored movie, I'm going to feel like I had some say in it. The producers are definitely going to read this blog post of mine and be like, "Damn, this girl knows how to make a good movie!" Well, thank you producers, I know...

Who do you see playing the characters of the Fifty Shades F***** Up trilogy? :)

Recipe // Triple Berry Smoothie

Important: for those of you who might follow my blog daily I changed my domain name to kellyelizabeththeblog instead of kellyelizzabeth. I'm hoping to make it easier to find. There will be some minor maintenance going on. 


You know how yesterday I mentioned that my friends and I went blackberry picking? Well today, I'm taking those blackberries and making some wicked smoothies. Yeah, wicked. Enjoy!

Triple Berry Smoothie

Ingredients needed: 
2 scoops ice cream (great start uhh?)
1 cup blackberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries
scoop of whip cream 

First off, this recipe is not for those on a diet. Next blend together the three berries on high. Then add the ice cream and blend until smooth. Add the whip cream and give it a quick stir. All done! nom nom nom
Helpful tip: Add more of one berry to bring out the taste. Add more ice cream to make it sweeter and creamier. 








Blackberry Picking


A couple days ago, my friend Bria called me up and told me that she knew of the perfect place to pick some blackberries. I was totally for it and after work she picked me up and we headed out to Nine Mile which is a small campground/park. We grabbed our ice cream buckets and started walking down the trails. At first we were a little disappointed, because we couldn't find one darn blackberry bush! Then after a few more minutes of walking down the trail, it was like they all popped out of no where. They were everywhere!

We jumped right in, not considering the fact that blackberry bushes have thorns and we were wearing only t-shirts, lesson learned. I remember my mom telling me to wrap my belt around the handle of the bucket to make it easier to pick the berries and throw them right in. I told her that was a dumb idea, until I actually did it. Brilliant idea, mom's know everything. So we walked around for two hours with our buckets tied around our belts until they filled to the top with delicious berries!






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