A conundrum of topics.

pants, sweater, hat: thrifted, booties: famous foot wear

Happy New Years Eve! This holiday is near and dear to my heart. Robert proposed to me two years ago tonight! Read about it HERE if ya wanna. Last year we celebrated by going thrift store shopping and then hit up a hot springs with some friends. This year is going to be so fun! Ha, Rob's sick so we're staying home. He's playing video games and I'm well... laying on the couch. Maybe I'll clean up our house? Naw, doubt it.

I got my hair cut and let's just say that the girl who cut my hair does not understand curly hair. It's a lot shorter than what I wanted but hey, it grows back. I was mad about it for an hour and now I'm over it. A couple more months and I'll have my long locks back again.

My mom made me get these boots above when we were in Utah last week. I had only brought one pair of boots and well, uh, they were totally broken. I mean cracks in the sole that were not fixable (I tried to fix them with hot glue and everyone laughed at me. I just couldn't part with them just yet!). I LOVED them! They went with everything and I got them for $4 at a thrift store. You can't beat $4. Ever. I didn't want to part with them. But my mother convinced me to give the heave-ho to said boots and here we are. These boots don't really go with this outfit (my dead boots would have ;) but it's cool. They're still cute. 

Also, I got a job at Michael's today. I start Thursday. I needed a job and I got one. Kind of embarrassing that I just got a college degree and now I'll be working for minimum wage, but hey, a job is a job and it will pay the bills. 

Emerald and Resolutions.

jacket, sweater, skirt, & shoes: thrifted, necklace: graduation gift from my momma!

Emerald was Pantone's color of the year for 2013. I'm just getting around to wearing it but I LOVE IT! I got that skirt and necklace above, and another sweater in emerald all within last week. I get a little obsessive, alright? It's just such a gorgeous color. I'll definitely be wearing it into the new year. And cheetah print. I'm on the hunt for some cheetah print booties. If you see anything for a decent price help a sista out!

At church yesterday, all of the speakers spoke about resolutions and how we can make goals that are attainable and worth doing. I know most of us want to lose those 10 pounds (or 25 ;) or save a little more money this year. But one speaker really changed my outlook on resolutions. He stated the questions, "Do we ever think about making goals of being more charitable or more kind to others? Do we make goals that are all about us or do we try to be more Christ-like and find ways to help others?" I know in the past I've only made resolutions that deal with me. This year, I want to make resolutions that involve finding ways to lift those around me. It's simple acts of kindness that make all the difference. A smile, a laugh, a hug, a text message. Those are all simple things that can make a huge difference. I hope we all can make resolutions for ourselves that make us better and also make resolutions that help our friends, family, and even strangers. 

I feel like I should end this with an amen. So, AMEN! 

I'm a Graduate.

sweater, pants, boots, & bag: thrifted, necklace: lia sophia

My time at Brigham Young University Idaho has come to an end. It's a bittersweet ending and I'm not quite sure how I really feel about it. I spent 3 years working hard towards that degree. I changed my major 5 times until it finally felt right. I loved being a student. 

Oh, there were definitely times when I had enough and I wanted to throw in the towel and give up. But quitting was never an option for me. I was determined to finish. I wanted my degree and I had always wanted it. So I pulled a few all nighters. I worked my butt of for good grades. I came up short sometimes. I failed a few tests. But I did it. I got my degree. It's a great feeling. What now though? No deadlines. No sleepless nights. No homework. I've been a student for so long that I don't know what to do now. I'm just kind of lost in a way. But I guess it's okay. I'll figure out this adult thing.... sooner than later I hope. 

I'm a little late but...

I hope you all had a really happy and fantastic Thanksgiving. I know I did! I feel so grateful to live in this great nation and to be an American. I'm thankful for a loving husband and family who support me in all of my dreams. I'm so happy that I've been able to go to a church school and to be able to graduate this December. I'm grateful for all of you and how loving and kind you are to me. I got the sweetest note from a friend from high school today that drove me to tears. She told me how much this little blog has helped her through hard times. It's those little moments that make it worth it. I feel so humble and blessed to be here.

xoxo

Happy Sunday!

polka dot blouse, black peter pan blouse, skirt, and shoes: thrifted

I hope you all have had a great weekend! Mine was crazy... But only two days of school this week and it's on to Thanksgiving break! Have a happy Sunday :)

ps; if anyone wants to do a button swap for December, shoot me a little email! thriftedthings@gmail.com

Lumberjack Chic.

plaid button-up and vest: thrifted, pants: forever 21, shoes: target

My mom thrifted me that furry jacket about a year ago. I loved the fur, but I wasn't so hot about the collar, sleeves, and waist. It's been in my re-fashion pile forever so I decided just to chopped um off! Easiest re-fashion ever people. Took two minutes and now I'm feeling rather lumberjacky today with a spruce of chic to it. Now I'm going to go get some Chick-fil-a and play some games with friends. Have a classy Saturday you lovely people.

And this is me pulling up my pants. They're always falling down... Super sexy posing, right?

Furry Pillow.

dress: estate sale, vest & belt, thrifted, tights: target, shoes: Jessica Simpson

This is probably one of my favorite outfits I've worn in awhile. I went to an estate sale back in June and hit the jack pot. The lady had kept clothes through every decade she was alive. If you know me, you know I love vintage dresses. I picked up over 20 pieces of clothing for just $1 per item. It was heaven people! Pure heaven! 

I'm also obsessed with this vest! That fur just kills me. And it's like having a furry pillow around your neck. And who doesn't want a furry pillow?

Edge of your seat.

sweater: target, pants, shirt, loafers, bag, & purse: thrifted

Whew. I am tired! It's my last semester and while I'm only taking 7 credits, it's kicking my trash! But I am working on a really cool project that I'm excited to share.... sometime! More like in December when it's done. I just live to leave you on the edge of your seats ;)

A few words of business.

dress: made by me, sweater: thrifted, tights: walmart, shoes: target, purse: ross

I have a few questions for you lovely readers about this here blog.

1. Big pictures (like above) or small pictures like I've been doing on the last few posts? I feel weird about my face being all up in your face. But are smaller pictures side by side too small? The predicament I'm in ;)

2. While I was on my blogging break I programmed my comments to go to my email, but only a handful will actually end up in my inbox. And most of the comments are just posting automaticallly without me publishing them. Is this because of the whole Google Reader going out? Or does blogger just hate me?

3. This one is kind of awkward.... But.... Um... Is there a way to block people from seeing your blog without making your blog private? I love, love, LOVE all of my followers! Seriously. You guys are just the best. There is just one person who comments occasionally on my blog and this person comments just rub me the wrong way... I end up deleting all of them because they make me feel weird. Please no one be offended by this! I seriously love feedback and feel so loved that people leave comments! It's great. Ah, I feel like a jerk. Please don't think I'm a jerk. I love you. Bye.

4. This yellow background is bad. Sorry bout that.

He's the Garth to my Wayne.

This is why I love him. More to come.

Being a Mother.

sweater, vest, & bag: thrifted, dress: estate sale, tights: target, shoes: charlotte russe

I graduate in December and I keep hearing the same question over and over again, "What are you going to do after you graduate?" I reply with the same answer every time: "Have babies." Then I get a look like, "Seriously?" and I smile and explain that I have my internship in January and then who knows!

I attend an LDS school with students who share my faith. It shocks me a little bit that every time I say "have babies" that I get a look like I'm a crazy person. Which, actually might be true. But what's wrong with wanting to be a mother? That's what I believe my calling in life is. I got my education, which was extremely important to me. But now that that door is closing, another chapter of my life is about to begin and nothing would make me happier than to raise children. 

We live in a generation where the world tells us, "Go get jobs! Make lots of money! That will make you happy!" And while money is essential to life, it is not everything. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that:

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. "

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a stay at home mom. I think it is the greatest job any woman can hold. I'll be turning 22 this December and while some of you are probably thinking why on earth why would I want to have children at this age, I know in my heart being a mom is what I was sent to this earth to do. Children terrify me. I'm awkward around them and I don't know what to say. But I know that if I trust God and his plan for me that I will be able to overcome my fears and be the mother I dream of being.

I love being a woman. I love being able to one day hold the title of mother, mom, mommy, mum, that lady that carries me around. Being a woman is powerful. We have the ability to create a human life! (with a little help from the men ;) I'm not pregnant. Who knows when I will be. It's all God's timing. But I am his servant and a mother is what I know he wants me to be. 

Old people.

 
dress, sweater, & shoes: thrifted, tights: forever 21, scarf: made by my mom

After 18 months of marriage, Rob and I have become an old couple. In the past two weeks we have gone to bed before 8:30 pm. One night we retired to bed at 7:30. Might as well start drinking cranberry juice and yelling at kids to get off my lawn and asking everyone to call me Grandma Kitty. Sounds like a dream if you ask me. 

This is me.

jacket, blouse, shoes, & bag: thrifted, jeans: rue 21

Hi. Remember a few months ago when I made a really dramatic exit and swore off blogging? Well. Here I am. Blogging. 

My last post was almost six months ago. I had felt like my blogging career was over and that I needed to focus on life outside of the internet world. And that I did. In the past six months, I have made a wedding dress, started my last semester of college, moved into a cute little house, grown, started a new job, celebrated 18 months of marriage, and so the list goes on. In the first few months, I didn't really miss blogging. I was ready to move on. 

About three months ago, I started attending the temple ever Friday (a LDS temple is a place of worship where we go to be closer to the Lord, if you'd like to learn more click HERE). The temple is a very sacred and important part of my faith. I can't discuss what goes on inside of temples, but I can tell you that I have a testimony that it is of God and if we attend regularly, blessing await. 

As I made an effort to go to the temple every week, I started having this feeling that I needed to start blogging again. I kind of brushed it off because I had JUST quit. I didn't want to look totally ridiculous. But each week I went back the feeling kept building. I had a feeling come upon me that said, "God gave me talents and my talents are God's. My talents may not be huge, but if I can use my talents to help someone else, I need to use them and show appreciation for them."

I have a really hard time not hiding away my talents under a bushel. I get SO embarrassed that I have this blog. I know it might seem a little silly that I consider "blogging" a talent, but this blog is called "Thrifted Things" and I do think I have a talent in finding clothing at thrift stores and making them my own. And I hope that I inspire some of you to look outside of the box and explore the world of thrifting. 

So, this is me. I don't have a fancy camera. I pose awkwardly. I don't pay over $10 for any piece of clothing. I don't have sponsors. But I do have an eye for clothing. I do sew. I do re-fashions and make ugly things pretty. 

I hope you stick around.... again. Here's to a come back to fashion blogging. 

Who I am.

button down: I made it, skirt: thrifted, shoes: thrifted/diy (diy found HERE), tie: cut off another dress

A daughter to probably the best parents ever and also my Heavenly Father. When I got married, all the sudden I got homesick. While being single I was NEVER homesick. I mean, I loved my family but I was okay being away from them for periods of time. Then all the sudden I just missed being able to go home and see my parents. They're honestly the best and I miss them so much! See you in July mom and dad! Love you so much. Or here's an idea, come see me again! 

I am a wife. Sometimes it freaks me out to say that word. I actually don't like the word. I also don't like the word husband. It's sounds so official. Also, I have a baby face and ever time I mention I have a hubs I get the "look" the "you look 12" "are you even legal?" "why?" and I just smile and say, "yes." 

I am a student. Two more semesters people! I could have graduated this semester but let's just not talk about that... But seriously! I'll be a graduate and it scares me to think that I actually have to go get a job. Or make babies. And babies just freak me out. So we'll go with the job. A JOB. Damn, I'm scared. Also, I think that's the first time I've sworn on this blog. But sometimes you just need a good cuss word to express yourself. 

I'm also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And yes, sometimes I'm imperfect and I swear. Sue me. But honestly, the gospel is who I am. I believe in this church with my whole being. When I was 14, I was laying on a bench in the wilderness wondering who I was and what I stood for. I remember praying and asking, "Heavenly Father, do you love me? Me: Katherine Beckstead. Some 14 year old girl with no clue to who she is." A feeling came upon me that consumed me and overwhelmed me with the love that God had for me. He knew me. He knew my heart. He loved me. That moment has stayed with me every since and I know for a fact that I am loved by my Heavenly Father. I also know that Christ lives and that the Atonement saves lives. It's saved mine countless times. I also know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ and if we pray and ask questions, Heavenly Father will speak to us through it. If anyone is interested in a copy of the Book of Mormon, I would be happy to send you a copy. It changes lives. It really  does. 

I am a blogger. I kind of put everything else before blogging, but I really do love being a fashion blogger! And I love my followers. I love all of your comments and support and just how dang nice you all are! Sometimes it's hard to put yourself out there and tell your feelings, but I have had nothing but support and love from everyone. There's only been one comment that was mean and I honestly really appreciate that it's only been one! Thank you all so much. 

I am silly and weird. I feel like most people don't even know this little fun fact about me. It takes a lot for me to break out of my norm and just be the silly person I am. I think Rob is really the only person who knows the extent of my silliness. I think he didn't even know how silly I was until we got married. Oh, but my family knows of my weirdness. I break out in dance. I sing extremely loud. I make inappropriate jokes. I say stupid things. I think I'm funny. You'll know we're good friends when this side of me comes out.

Who are you?

Perspective.

sweater, tee, skirt, bag: thrifted, loafers: target

Perspective is a beautiful thing. A few nights ago, Rob and I were conversing about a comment that someone had said to me that kind of struck me the wrong way. I was feeling a little offended. I knew it was silly and I knew that I was choosing to be offended, but for some reason it hurt me and I couldn't shake it off. 

While I was telling Robert about this comment, he then said: "Oh. Well to me that actually sounds like a compliment." and continued to open my eyes to how that comment could be taken in a positive way. 

Isn't it refreshing to see things from another person's point of view? Sometimes my view is blinded by my feelings and I'm not thinking clearly. I was being offended for no reason. This experience reminded me of a talk given by David A. Bednar tilted "And Nothing Shall Offend Them." One quote that struck out to me was this: 

"When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow to us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice, we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else."

Doesn't that just say it all? 

Thanks hubs for always helping me become better.

Stash Busting on Feather Flights!

Check out how I stash bust this skirt up on Feather's Flights HERE! Thanks again for having me Heather! I truly love your blog :)

An Answer.

blouse, sweater: thrifted, shoes: target, pants: rue 21

This outfit looked a lot better in person fyi........

Welp. Sir Robert (side story: when Rob and I were engaged, one of his roommates would always call us Sir Robert the Great and Lady Katherine... I thought it was cute) and I have successfully made it to one year of marriage! We weren't able to celebrate this weekend due to finals and such, but Friday we are heading to Salt Lake for a Jazz game! SO excited to get away for the weekend. 

Marriage has been such a blessing in my life. I have learned so much and I know that my Heavenly Father placed Rob into my life for all the right reasons. Before we started dating, Rob and I were just friends. I remember one Sunday I drove to the Rexburg temple. I was feeling extremely lonely and unwanted. I remember parking my car and staring at the beauty to which the temple holds. I started to pray and I remember crying and asking God to send me someone who wanted me around. I wasn't asking for a boyfriend, just someone, anyone who needed me just as much as I needed them. I pleaded with God to take the pain of loneliness away from me.

A couple days later, Rob and I started dating. It kind of happened out of no where. One day we were just friends, then all the sudden we were a couple. A lot of people had opinions about that, and I just flat out didn't care. My Heavenly Father answered my prayers and gave me what I wanted: someone to love and someone to love me right back. I know that God lives and hears our prayers. Sometimes he doesn't answer them until we are about to break  but I know that he hears us and will answer his children if we just ask. 

I think of that moment at the temple by myself, sitting in a car crying, and pleading with my Father above as one of the biggest blessings in my life. A few months after that, I was able to enter the doors of that holy place and marry my best friend. If it wasn't for a prayer and a loving Heavenly Father who knew what I needed, I just wonder where I would be.

Happy one year (yesterday), my love. I cherish you more than life.

5 words.

blouse, pants, shoes: thrifted

A couple weeks ago, I attended a women's conference titled "Time Out for Women." My heart become full with the spirit and all that the gospel has to offer me. Have you ever heard of Hilary Weeks? She is an amazing singer and such an inspiration. She sang/spoke at the conference and I'd like to share a little bit of my thoughts with you.

I've struggled with confidence in myself for... well, forever. I have an extremely hard time thinking that I am enough. That I have the abilities to reach what I want the most. That I'm beautiful no matter what I look like. Hilary talked about this. She said that us women think at least 300 negative thoughts about ourselves (or even others) each week. 300! 300 negative thoughts consume our minds each and every week. For some of us, maybe even more. 

I look at others with their seem to be perfect lives, perfect faces, perfect skills that I just want. I want to be something that I'm not. I long for a life that isn't my own sometimes. But after Hilary spoke, it changed me. I am enough. I am a daughter of the utmost high. I married my best friend. I'm getting my degree. I have a good hair day every now and then. I love the way I dress.

If we can change those 300 negative thoughts to positive, just think of the change our lives will have. Hilary then told us that every time she is feeling negative about herself, she has five words to boost herself back up to believe in herself once again. I decided to take this theory and practice it in my own life.The five words can be words that you want to be, what you are striving to be, or how you feel about yourself. The five words can be whatever you want as long as they are positive.  

My five words: I am creative, honest, beautiful, strong, and needed. 

What are your five words?

Bloglovin?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin... I guess now.

It started with a shoe from Anthropologie.

     tee, jeans, shoes(diy below): thrifted, glasses: c/o firmoo glasses

We all know that Anthropologie is the King (or Queen?) of adorableness. I drool over everything that I see. I have never bought a single item from that dang store though. Hellooooo, I never spend over $10 for clothes (serious). A girl can dream though. And I definitely take inspiration from said Anthro and find a way to replica it. I fell in love with those babies below (if you click on the picture you can go see their perfection). So I decided to make my own! All you need is paint and a brush. Oh and a pair of shoes ;) I got mine for $3, instead of the $148 Anthro is askin for.

Directions:
1. Go to a thrift store and find some shoes that are ugly but have potential!
2. Take paint and paint over that ugliness and make them pretty.
3. Let dry.
4. Wear um!
You just saved yourself $145. You're welcome.

Easy, right?!