Adopting Our Feline Friends

Before adopting Belle (top) and Beast (bottom), we had been talking about adopting two kittens. Tim had his heart set on finding sibling kitties so they could grow up together in our family. Our friends Brianna and Steven approached me probably two weeks after we had really started to pursue rescuing. It's kind of funny because they had actually taken in Belle from a couple of our friends and Beast from another. Our hearts just went out to them, we wanted to give them the forever home they deserved. 

I was pretty well acquainted with Belle before adopting, but had only met Beast a couple of times. From what we knew they had a pretty rough start in the transition of sharing a home together. But we felt confident that taking them into our family would be a success, even with our pit-bull mix, Penny.

 

Beast is a little pistol; scaling the doorways, hiding under rugs, and instigating Belle to wrestle all the time. He is also a big time mama's boy, always in my lap or following me from room to room, I call him my shadow. Belle, on the other hand, is quiet, shy and sweet. She spends her days snoozing, investigating, or sunbathing in a window sill. She has such a bond with Tim, when he isn't here she curls up and sleeps on his side of the bed, and when he is, she's doing little rolls in front of him to get his affection.

It's been two months since we added these precious babes to our little fam. Although we are still working on the relationship between the cats and Penny, I can tell there has been such great progress already. Just the other day Penny and Beast were both on the bed at the same time and nobody growled! It's definitely lesson of patience and I have to take it day by day with this frisky bunch. 

Today, these two have such a bond to one another. They cuddle, give each other baths and little nose kisses. I feel like moving to a new place with a new family really helped grow their relationship and it is so sweet to watch. We definitely have two very loving and smart cats and I wouldn't change the decision for anything!

Do you have any pets? What kind of connection do you have with them? I'd love to hear from you!

XO,

Kass

Taking Stock

 

Today I am feeling under the weather, so I decided to do a "Taking Stock" post. I have seen them around quite a bit lately and thought it would be fun. 

Making : Lately I have been working on all of the decorations for my wedding. This is by far the most fun I've had in the planning process!

Cooking : On the menu for tonight is pad Thai, I just recently made it for Tim and I and it instantly became a favorite of his.

Drinking : Genmaicha tea—to sooth my throat and hopefully bring a quick recovery for this ailment.

Reading: I'm currently not reading anything, but I am open to suggestions. Throw some at me!

Wanting: To travel. So badly.

Playing: This silly little app game, Dumb Ways to Die. (Lol)

Sewing: I currently can't sew with a machine, but I am sewing more patches onto my vest.

Wishing: I could snap my fingers and magically be organized. This is definitely a weakness I need to work on.

Enjoying: Life. Although there are parts that are messy right now and finances aren't at their best, I'm happy. This journey into the start of a little family is wonderful.

Liking: My recent dedication to this blog, using my camera more, and spending time with the people and animals I love.

Wondering: How I can go about making my dream of owning my own business come true.

Loving: Walks, tea, baking, preparing my own meals, and snuggling while watching Netflix at night.

Hoping: To feel better very quick!

Needing: To deep clean and begin packing to move later this upcoming month.

Watching:  Well, I finished season 2 of Orange is the New Black (SO GOOD!), but lately I have been watching a lot of Parks and Recreation, Grey's Anatomy, and Bob's Burgers!

Smelling: The tea I'm sipping on.

Wearing: My jammies! It's been a bummy day.

Noticing: It's time to clean out my wardrobe.

Thinking: How lucky I am. I have such a caring and supportive bunch in my life.

Feeling: Physically, I am tired and uncomfortable.

Bookmarking: Great summer recipes and decorating ideas.

I got the idea for this post here! I'd love to read more of these posts, so please link me to yours should you decide to play along!

Friday Faves! v.2

T.G.I.F. I hope everyone is having a super start to the weekend! This week has certainly been more laid back, which is really nice! Tonight I'm going out on the town for a dear friends birthday and I'm taking my camera with me. It should be nothing short of a blast and I'm so excited to take part in the celebration! This week for Friday Faves I have some links and releases I'm just so excited about. So without further ado here they are below and have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Scathingly Brilliant's Kate Gabrielle announcing her newest Etsy shop, Yourfanclub I had to share this amazing Ron Swanson Fan Club pin! She also has so many other notable wonderful pins such as Dwight Shrute Fan Club pins, as well as Fox Mulder Fan Club pins! I'm just oogling over all of them!

I don't mean to be loving on the period ad campaigns so much, but Always came out with such an uplifting new ad that explores what it means to do something "like a girl". It's super inspiring and pro-woman, I love it!

Daniel Radcliffe talks about "the friend zone" on an interview about his upcoming movie, What If and his answer was brilliant!

Cam and Joe tied the knot and returned from their honeymoon with an adorable post documenting their trip on Cam's blog! (Less than two months to go for Tim and I, EEEP!)

My blogging friend, Abigail at Mama Kelley also wrote a very note-worthy post about her "perfect" life featuring a raw look at married life with a baby and how not-so-perfect it really can be. I loved the emotion and it actually made me feel a lot better about our worst moments at home, here too.

One of my most loved bands, The Gaslight Anthem released a track of their upcoming album, Get Hurt! I just can't stop listening. This band can do no wrong!

I love these his & hers wedding vow notebooks so so much! 

I found these monogrammed succulent planters to be very inspiring! I may just have to make one myself for a DIY project.

An Adventure Around Town

This morning Tim and I decided to get out and walk around town. This isn't unusual for us, but we can sometimes get stuck in a routine of just visiting the same few places. We decided to explore a little and go to a few shops we'd never been to, as well as some favorites we rarely get a chance to browse at.

There's a lot of galleries downtown.(We are actually having our wedding reception in the same building as one of them!) I feel like I always just pass 'em by because my wallet can't even entertain the thought of buying a piece of art. I never really think to just go in and admire, but today I did.

These are the window displays at one of the galleries we wondered into today. I have been loving sun-catchers lately and absolutely adored these ones! After seeing so many unique pieces and exploring our tastes in art we kind of thought it might be a cool idea to start a collection. For each year of life married we want to add one piece or artwork, that way our bank account won't suffer and we can enjoy having treasures around the house as our marriage grows.

We went to some of the antique stores on Cortez St. too and I have to say antiquing is one of my very favorite things to do. It always brings back memories of when I was a little girl living in Phoenix with my mom. Refurnishing old furniture was our hobby together and we always went to the antique mall on the weekend. I have her to thank for inspiring my love for DIY and up-cycling today!

There's one shop in particular that I really enjoy and get a lot of inspiration from called Mid-Century Madness. The name alone strikes a chord for any mod lover! When I walk into this place I feel as though I'm magically transported to the 60's and I should be styling a funky bob haircut and go-go boots. The furniture is beautiful, there's the most unique floor lamps and figurines, but my favorite section is by far the kitchen ware area. with bright colors everywhere and the cutest containers, I just wish I could take home everything!

I didn't come home empty handed though, I got to visit my favorite resale clothing store, Snap Snap and scored this pair of darling platform heels for $6.50!





































I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in-store! I delight in days off so much, especially with my love! I hope everyone is having a great week!

XO

Summer Sandals That Won't Break The Bank!

Being a Barista I don't have a whole lot to spend on new clothes. With that being said I usually thrift or hunt for trends in my budget. After greeting the Summer Solstice this past week I decided to put together a wishlist for all my frugal girls out there! Here's 10 pairs of summer sandals all under $50.

1. Topshop 2. Wet Seal 3. American Apparel 4. Day Heel 5. Dirty Laundry 

6. Keds 7. Juju 8. Steve Madden 9. Salt Water 10. ModCloth

Summer Fruit Smoothie

Last night's outing with my girl, Sharon was so much fun! We bar hopped, listened to some live music and enjoyed a few cocktails. Our girls' night was crashed by the guys later, but we always have a good time together.

Whenever I go out and I know I will be drinking, I really try to keep the water to alcohol ratio 2:1. My body does not do well with hangovers, to say the least! This morning I woke up feeling pretty good, no morning after headache (yay!), but i still wanted to give my body some TLC. I decided to make Tim and I smoothies for breakfast. Although I do like juicing too, what I like about smoothies is the simple fact that I get all the fiber. The blender breaks it down for a slow, balanced release of nutrients to avoid blood sugar spikes also. Here's a little recipe I thought I'd share with you guys for a delicious and light summer smoothie. (P.S. it's vegan!)

1 Peach
I cup Frozen Pineapple
1/2 cup Frozen Mango
1/2 cup Sweet Cherries
1 cup Spinach
1 cup Coconut Water

Blend and enjoy!

XO

Friday Faves! v.1

Happy Friday friends! I kicked off the weekend with an unexpected day off, so I am definitely in a great mood and ready for an awesome weekend! Tonight, Tim and I have a movie date planned with The Grand Budapest Hotel (I can't believe I'm just getting to see it!), I'm baking pineapple upside-down cake to share at a lovely girls' night tomorrow night and Sunday we're finally completing our wedding invitations! Busy few days ahead, but going to be filled with so much fun.

Hope you enjoy the weekend as much as I will, here's some links I really enjoyed this week!

My best friend posted a very honest piece this week that I really admired.

Take a peek at the new Harry Potter theme park, Diagon Alley, opening at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. 

Hello Flo released a new add campaign that is sure to make you laugh out loud, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I really love what this organization does too.

A list of 23 vegan summer barbecue recipes and reasons why vegan eating is so awesome. 

I can't even walk a day in heels without a little trip and these guys dancing something fierce in this video choreographed by Yanis Marshall

I am pineapple obsessed this season and this suncatcher is just darling!

I recently got a few succulents for the house and as I browsed for some pots I came across this T-Rex planter. He comes with a succulent already potted in his back. Tim is a major dino lover, so I just might have to order one for our home just for giggles!

This darling kitty purse isn't quite up for grabs at modcloth yet, but I am definitely keeping an eye on it. (Too cute!)

Last, but certainly not least, I've been on the hunt for a fun watch and I really adore this one from ASOS, the fruity design is perfect for summer.

I'll be back later with a recipe for my pineapple upside-down cake and some photos from tomorrow's girls' night!

XO

My Morning: A Coffee date and Some Gardening

This morning I actually didn't have to work. Tim has the day off and I don't go in until noon. We decided to take advantage of this rare time together this morning with a coffee date at our favorite spot, Wild Iris Coffee House. It is a little funny we always choose to get coffee together when we both work at cafes all day, but it's been our thing since the very beginning. 

Tim always gets plain old drip coffee with lots of sugar and sugar along with a croissant for breakfast, but I usually go for a fancy latte. I like using the top end of my spoon to draw designs in the foam. as we sit and enjoy our drinks, we talk about life. Tim is a constant joker, so we're usually laughing about silly little stories he shares and ideas he has. (If you ever plan on getting married, be sure you marry someone who makes you laugh.)

After we finished our last sips, we went to take care of his parents' yard since they are on vacation in Europe. (jealous!) We have had this responsibility since the beginning of June and continue through the first week of July. I have to say that I really enjoy it and I just recently learned that gardening is actually really good for you, mentally and physically. We move into a new home in August and already decided to really commit to gardening once we get settled in. Being people who have to daily cope with anxiety, I feel like it will help us tremendously.

It's time for me to head to work, but I just wanted to share my lovely morning. If you garden and have any tips for us for when we start ours, please let me know!

XO

Hair-do Appreciation: Pigtail Buns

Let's be real for a minute, if you've ever experienced a desert summer you know heat! When the temperature starts rising all I want is an Otter Pop and a pool to jump in. It isn't even July yet and the temperature is just a few degrees away from the triple digits, and that's just speaking for Northern Arizona (Ay Chiwawa!) 

These pigtail buns are my go-to hairstyle this Summer! I can't stand having a clammy forehead and neck. I had a cooking shift today at work and I would say that the phrase 'If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.' would apply at our little shop. I kept telling everyone they are my Baby Spice buns, which led on to a whole conversation about how amazing the Spice Girls are. Hahaha.

Not only do the buns keep the hair off my neck, but are also a super easy, super cute look! So, shout out to this 'girl power' hair-do for making an easy morning of getting ready and looking good!

I'm always dying for more fun do's to play with, so if you have a favorite, please share :)

XO!

A Few Favorites

Since I'm a new blogger I thought I would share a little more about myself. Whenever I'm in a mood, These are little joys I can always count on to brighten my day...

Death Cab for Cutie is my most favorite band

No. 1 

I started collecting records about two years ago and it is a hobby I plan on keeping up. I love finding an album I've been hunting for. So many people don't even buy music at all anymore, so I think collecting records is a really awesome way of supporting your favorite musicians. After a long day, I love coming home and spinnin'.

                           

No. 2 

Ghost World is a favorite book of mine. I will admit, I saw the movie before reading the graphic novel, but wow! This is a gem I can read again and again. If you've never read this or seen the movie adapted from it, I'll give you a little summary... The story begins as two cynical best friends finally graduate from the Hell they call high school. They spend the summer finding their own identities and independence. If you have a dry sense of humor and a love sass, this is a read for you!

                             

No. 3 

Now, what kind of "favorites" post would this be without Wayne's World?!

This has been my number one movie favorite for over a decade. I could probably quote the whole thing if I tried, I've seen it so much. I may or may not have a crush on Garth, what can I say, I can't resist the punny humor and the awkward disposition. 

There are so many more favorite things I could talk about but I need sleep for a long work day tomorrow! 

39.75 hours scheduled for me this week and I can't go into overtime, they've got to be joking, right?

Feel free to share some of your favorites, I'd love to learn more about readers!

 Xoxo 

Kassandra

Aspirations in Life

I have had a whole afternoon and evening to myself today. Not wanting to spend any cash, I decided to stay home. Usually at the chance of alone time I would turn up the music loud and dance around without a care, but today I decided to enjoy some peace and quiet. I spent a lot of time following every tangent my mind took me to and there is one in particular I was inspired to blog about, my aspirations in life.

Now, I may be getting married in just over two months, but my hopes in life don't stop there, or even at being a mom. Tim and I talk about all the dreams of adventure we have and it just gives me such a burst of wanderlust. I still have yet to even leave the country. We fantasize about selling everything and moving across the world. I want to see beautiful places and experience life in other cultures, getting to learn about people in a larger aspect than what I've grown up with. 

Along with the aspiration to travel, I would love to own my own business. I have been a barista for four years and I absolutely love it. When I started I had no idea it would become such a passion of mine. I love our regulars, it's so rewarding to satisfy newbie customers and see them return. I've told close friends about my desire to one day have my own cafe and I feel supported in that dream. I've been training on some of the ins and outs of running the shop I'm at now and I'm so grateful to have the knowledge to take and apply later, that's the goal at least. Only time, dedication, and faith will tell. 

I do look forward to being a mother. Every time I see a baby I practically squeal in sheer delight at how adorable and little they are. I anticipate the sweet moments I get to share with them as they grow up and I can't wait to see where their aspirations for life lead them.

What are your hopes in life? What do you strive towards daily? I would love to hear from you and respond!

Don't let Monday get you down!

Glazed Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Scones With Blueberries

Lately I have found myself cooking and baking from scratch more than throwing together quick, prepped-for-you meals. It's not always easy, especially while working at the coffee shop so much. There's just something about it. It's thrilling, rewarding, and has helped me build more self-confidence, but it definitely didn't happen overnight, so don't lose hope if you're less than savvy in the kitchen!

Last week I made my first batch of scones ever and they turned out delicious! I had a few people asking me for a recipe after I posted a picture of my finished product, so I decided to post it here, with all the instructions to follow. Enjoy!

Glazed Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Scones with Blueberries

1/3 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lemon

• 1 1/2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbs. lemon zest

1 tsp. poppy seeds
1 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup refined coconut oil, chilled
1/4 cup blueberries

Glaze Topping (for those of you with a sweet tooth I like I have)
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 Tbs. refined coconut oil

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
Also, if your coconut oil is sitting out and pretty melted, put what you need in the fridge so it can chill for later.

Using a small bowl combine your choice of non-dairy milk (I use almond), vanilla extract, fresh squeezed lemon juice & zest, and your poppy seeds. Set aside for later.

In a separate, larger bowl sift the pastry flour and baking powder together and then mix in the granulated sugar and salt. Add the coconut oil you chilled earlier in small chunks. Cut it into the flour, but not too much, you need it to be clumpy.

Now pour your lemon-poppy milk you set aside before into the flour mix and gently knead the dough with your hands, mixing it evenly. Be sure not to over-mix, it should be a firm consistency.

packing and cutting your scones

Pack the dough into a round form, about an 1 in. or so high and 5-6 in. around. Cut it like a pie, into sixths.

Finally, arrange the scones on your prepped baking sheet and grab your blueberries. Gently press a few into the top of each treat. Once you have your desired amount of blueberries on each scone put them in the oven for 18 minutes, the bottoms should be golden.

While your scones bake, prepare your glaze. Mix confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil and a splash of water (if the consistency seems too thick).

Once the timer is up remove your morsels and move them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before putting the glaze on.

I really hope you enjoy these delicious breakfast goodies as much as we do. Let me know how they turn out!

Bon Appetit!

Destination: Hicksville

Hello, with this being my debut post to begin The Desert Poppy I want to start with a bang, I want to share the delight I have building up inside of me! I am tickled pink to be marrying my best friend and dreamboat, Tim. Our wedding date is approaching fast, but to my surprise, the planning hasn't been as difficult as I expected, but I do have to give credit where credit is due; First, to my inspiring and beautiful mother, without her generosity and kind spirit THE DAY would be nothing of what it's shaping up to be. My grandma has been such a help also, she's been searching high and low through the thrift shops and craft store for anything that may be of use for our D.I.Y. wedding. She's just the sweetest. Additionally, my Matron of Honor, Brianna, has been amazing, keeping me focused on one task at a time, seeing my vision for the day just as well as I can and being my extra pair of hands for crafting the decorations. Though, There is one person I definitely cannot forget to applaud, my fiance. He is my rock! As all wedding planning goes, there are bumps and turns in the process and the stress sets in. Instead of getting frustrated when I'm a little frantic, Tim stays cool and collected, and when I look at him everything else fades away, all the planning for one day just seems trivial, and the only thing that matters is being closer and closer everyday to marriage.

Just this week we decided on our honeymoon destination! Tim and I are going to stay at Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree, CA. Once we started checking out reviews and swooning over pictures of the themed mini campers, we knew it was a perfect spot for our newly-wedded adventure! Joshua Tree has been a place we have been wanting to hike and see for a while and being a three hour drive from home, this affordable honeymoon is going to be a blast!

I can't get over how adorable the set-up is!

Forever 21 sheer dress / White top / Loose white tank / Embellished top / Red oxford / Topshop cotton shorts / Decorating shoes / High top suede shoes / Topshop cotton duffle bag / Forever 21 pattern hat / Tortoise shell glasses / Lip care / Kiss My Face sun care / CamelBak | Water Bottles, Sport, Filtered, Stainless Steel, BPA-Free

Being so eager for this trip, I made a little packing wishlist of clothing and accessories I would love to take along. My favorite are the clogs, so summery and bright, especially with that pineapple top! I could admire cute clothes and accessories forever..

Happy weekend!