Candy Apple Confections

This winter, my friends and I decided to have a little gift exchange. Now, I really like giving gifts. I like to think that I'm a good gift giver - for girls at least. I had already picked up a couple of things for her, but I knew that my gift for my friend wouldn't be complete without some sort of tasty little treat for her. Well, the night before I had to give her the gift (just a few days ago), I headed over to a place that I know sells really cute candies and things like that and found her...a Mrs. Prindable's caramel apple!
   If you've never heard of Mrs. Prindable's then you won't understand the significance of this statement. Mrs. Prindable's caramel apples, and all of her treats, are absolutely amazing. They're super tasty, super popular, and super gorgeous. Needless to say, my present was a HUGE hit, namely because of that caramel, chocolatey, apple! You can order Mrs. Prindable's apples and other things online at www.mrsprindables.com for almost any occasion. They even have an apple-a-month program where, for a standard fee, they'll ship you or a loved one an apple a month for six or twelve months. YUMMY!

So go ahead and check out all that Mrs. Prindable's has to offer, and treat yourself or your family and friends to these delectable handmade sweets.

Happy tasting,
Kate :)

Urban Expression

Urban Expression by PrettyKeen

A look that I created on polyvore that's funky-fresh for strolling about. The earthy gold tones showcased in this outfit look great on just about everybody. The bomber-jacket and straight leg jeans are wardrobe essentials that work well with the super-hip graphic tees, sparkly shoes, and quirkily cute jewelry. Check out the products that I used in it here.


Stay cool,
Kate :)

P.S. The shoes used in here are TOMS, which means that for every pair sold, a pair of shoes is given to a child in need. You can learn more about TOMS Shoes' "One for One" policy on their website.

"A Hazy Shade of Winter"

A great look for fall or winter featuring some of my favorite wardrobe pieces: skirts, motorcycle jackets, and suede boots. Actually, I really like all of the individual items in this look, like the silver jewelry and gray v-neck. Put these pieces together and you get an outfit that is casually cool and perfect for a day out. Throw on some black tights and you're ready to face the elements. :) Full product list here.

Smiles,
Kate

Cable Knit Bliss

It's about one week into December, and dressing season-appropriately is crucial. Of course, the most basic winter essential is the sweater. Personally, my favorite kind will always be the cozy cable knit. This preppy, classic staple has many different manifestations and pretty much comes in any color, meaning that it can go with just about anything. Most recently, cable knit has been popping up on scarves, gloves, purses and more. So this winter, invest in a couple of cable-knit products of your choice. You'll be glad that you did. 

The most basic of the cable-knit kind, the crewneck sweater looks amazing with jeans, and tall equestrian boots like these Ralph Lauren beauties. Throw a navy blue blazer on to complete the look and you're good to go!

Also, Cashmere doesn't just have to be worn...it's also a great touch on home decor and can make your pillows and throws extra cuddly. The throws by Ralph Lauren is super luxe, and he also has pillows and travel sets.

Happy Shopping!
--Kate
These are NOT my images. No copyright infringement intended. 

Merci Beaucoup!

Another Polyvore creation. :) Inspired by Marie Antoinette, this unique look features ruffly details and gold jewelry. The girly skirt is countered by the structure of the white jacket. Nude heels supply needed simplicity and lengthen the legs. Full product list here.

Making Disciples in a Modern World

Most times that people think about reaching others with the Gospel of Christ, they conjure up a mental picture of a preacher standing at a pulpit or a missionary serving others in a poverty-stricken nation. Many believe that in order to follow the Great Commission and “make disciples of all nations”, as Jesus exhorted us to do in Matthew 28:19, they must evangelize in a very traditional sense of the word. I believe differently. Knowing that “God is love,” according to 1 John 4:8, I believe that I can most effectively spread the Word of God through loving others. I also firmly believe that Christians today can utilize modern technology to their advantage in leading others to Jesus.

The beginning of 1 John 4:8 in the Amplified translation of the Bible states that “He who does not love has not become acquainted with God.” If a young person like me seeks to spread the message of Christ to others, they must first be acquainted with love, the very essence of our God. Without knowledge of love, I have no authority to try and communicate to others who Jesus is to me, because not knowing love means not knowing Jesus Himself. Those who do not know God are simply not connected to His type of love. They have never had the advantage of another human being demonstrating Jesus’ compassion to them. The absence of a revelation of God’s love has resulted in the absence of God. Jesus often speaks of love to his disciples. He tells them in John 13:35 that “all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus is informing His apostles of the fact that they can most effectively get their Message out to others if they simply love. I believe a person can lead most strongly through example. Ephesians 5:1 exhorts us to imitate and follow the example of God as children imitate and follow the examples of their earthly Fathers. We are called to live as an example of Jesus’ love and conduct ourselves in accordance with the Great Commandment. We must love each other in the same manner that they love themselves. Once Christians decide to do this, they will prove love “as strong as death (SOS 8:6)” and the life that is in Christ will empower people as it never has before.

Technology continues to present all people everywhere with opportunities to spread new ideas with incomparable speed and ease. Thankfully, when in the right hands, modern technology proves itself a blessing. New forms of communication can mean new ways to spread love to others. People can make a phone call, send an e-mail, or even instant-message or video-chat words of encouragement swiftly. However, those called to full-time ministry can also use their gifts in new ways with the help of modern inventions such as the internet. Videos of church services are constantly being streamed all across the globe, ministries are staying connected to their supporters through the likes of social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, and worship albums are now downloaded from Itunes—and I support it entirely. In Esther 4:14 in the Amplified Bible, Esther’s relative Mordecai says to her that perhaps she has “come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” I believe that my generation and the modern amenities that it has been equipped with have come into God’s kingdom at the just the right time. With the help of the internet and other new forms of communication, the gospel can be spread and impart peace to those who most need it.

As a young Christian, I believe that my Heavenly Father has placed me where I am and with the opportunities that I have in Him for a reason. I believe that people my age can take advantage of the gifts that we have been given in the forms of new devices and use them for the Glory of God. I believe that empowered by love, young men and women can go out into the world through many different mediums and show others Christ. 

---Kate

Photo Attribution: By Bill Snowe (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons