over all of it.

Hi hi! Okay, let me tell you the story behind this get-up before you start questioning my sanity. All summer I have envied bloggers, fashion-icons, and instagrammers who have pulled off the overall look. I wanted to be one of the people, truly. While on a trip, I popped into Sacs and came across these delightful things. I was too excited to even have a heart attack over the price tag (no worries, it was on sale. but the kind of anthropologie-sale that means it wasn't really on sale. you get me?). Once I tried them on and realized they fit perfectly, I was almost sold. Of course, I had to get the opinions of my fellow shoppers as well as the woman who checked me out. From everyone it was a yes. Including myself. 

Anyways, I know some people (*coughmomcough*) think I'm just trying to bring the 90s back, while others (*coughbrotherscough*) think i am trying to look like i just got off the farm. But honestly, I think they are adorable and different, and i am just over all the outward opinions (har-har). But real talk-- I think they rock, and that's all the matters. Confidence is key.

 

Two of my pals (Parks & Claire) went downtown this past weekend with the sole intent to take photos. Claire had a photography project to work on, while i just wanted to have an excuse to wear this outfit (might as well be honest with you guys). Enjoy some more photos from our outing...

[ photo of a photo. ]

[clairey]

[parks]

[ rock on. ]

[album cover? joking, joking.]

[candid.]

[claire and i]

[ selfie time feat. the three of us ]

[peace out sista/brah ]



that's all for today! i'll be back and cooler than ever soon. wait... nevermind about the second half of that sentence.

have a wonderful week, friends!

yours truly,
cate

In my bag.

I know many of you have woken up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat before wondering the question "What is in Cate's bag?". I know, i know. So have I. Thankfully, today your worries will be put to rest. Enjoy, friends. 

1. The bag //  Sole Society // I purchased my bag in the spring and have been obsessed with it ever since. I normally carry it by it's cross body strap, but sometimes i carry it by the shoulder strap (aka for your elbow bend) if i am feelin' sassy. 

2. Wallet // Anthropologie (from way back when) // i love you forever, anthro. as if you did not know already. 

3. Sunnies// Cat eye's from Target and wayfarers from Alter'd state. Both under $15; I do not believe in expensive sunglasses. Maybe because i cannot afford them, but my point still stands.

4. Sketch pad // I almost-always have my mini sketch pad with me to jot down any life altering questions or ideas i may have. Also, it's a great alternative to staring at your phone when you are waiting on your dinner guests.

5. Favorite pens // The pilot precise v5 rt // who would have thought a pen could have such a verbose name?

6. Earbuds // Because, sometimes one does not want to talk to people, and this person needs some quiet time with Young the Giant and The Lumineers. 

7. Photos // Lately i have been carrying around a stack of photos from my trip to Europe this past summer. Because who knows when someone will ask about it, and photos are the best story tellers.

8. Glasses // Kate Spade // I'll be honest, i don't really need glasses. I am only slightly near sighted, so they help with driving or at school, but besides that i rarely wear them. (unless they go with my outfit, ya feel?) 

9. Iphone // My case is from Jcrew and says "l'amour est dans l'air" (french for "love is in the air").

10. Ritz crackers // I get the case of hangry (hungry = angry) alot... 

11. Watch + hairties // Fossil // fun fact: I am the kind of person who cannot keep her watch on for a long period of time. I am constantly taking it on and off. And i use those crease-less pony tail holders-- way too expensive, but crease-less hair is priceless. 

12. Various lip products // burts bees chapstick, rosebud lip salve (salve-- i so dislike that word), and clinique's black honey almost-lipstick.  

Feel better now that you know the innermost part of my life? I'm so glad. 

Have a lovely weekend! 

Yours truly,

Cate 

Don't take yourself so seriously.

[taken while watching a 5am sunrise with the bro]

This week, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been trending on almost every social media. Throughout the week, people have been dumping cold ice water on themselves, their friends, their dog, their mom, and just about anything you could possibly think of. Then, the fad is to "nominate" a few buds to do the same and share their reaction. Despite the wonderful outcome and fame to this challenge (not to mention how much mula has been raised to find a cure for ALS), there is always a negative nellie out there. You know, those haters who call the challenge dumb or annoying or are too embarrassed to participate. Though i, personally, cannot think of anything i would rather watch more than screaming ladies and gents drenched in ice water (it is sad how many laughs and tears have come from these videos), the challenge is more than a post. Through each and every video posted, more awareness is raised. With awareness, comes people of all backgrounds and social classes to donate* to a cure that is much needed in our society. Why can't the neg nell's of the world get their crap together, get off twitter, and just read a book if they are so bothered? Guys, stop hatin', start appreciatin'. 

Off from that little tangent, posting a video of yourself online screaming soaking wet is not something everyone wants to do. Of course, you will always have your extra bold friend who would post a video of themselves meowing online if asked, but the point of the challenge is to simply laugh at yourself and not take yourself so seriously so the world can change. It may seem silly and stupid, but please think about the effect social media has on our culture. *pondering man pose* It's insane people. Something as small as your phone is making the majority of the influence on today's society. Thankfully, with something so genius & contagious as social media & the inter-webs, we have the choice to use it for good or to corrupt it. Hey, it's okay to be a little obsessed with Instagram if we are using it to please the Lord and share some laughs. (Or at least i think so.)

 If i was so-called "nominated" a year ago to do this task, it would be solid "hecks no". Why? Because i would have been too worried as to what people would think. OH BOY, let me tell you, the thought of worrying about what others think of me makes me want to laugh now. It is just not worth it. Only living to please others is a waste of time and it deprives us from the amount of joy we can obtain. And, oh the joys there are in life! 

[disclaimer: I am by no means a perfect person, but simply growing and striving to become better and more Christ-centered lady each day. And thank goodness for that, because perfection is so last year. ]

 However, with change and with confidence, comes the ability to be vulnerable to others. Be the witty guy, be joyful when everyone else isn't, laugh too much, sing too loud, extend your self-car-dances to outside the vehicle, eat too much cake, be honest, make fun of yourself when you fall down the stairs, wear a tye dye cat shirt to a fancy restaurant, go all 2nd grade on yourself & play 'you you rather' instead of poking on your phone during a road trip, share your story with a stranger, watch the worst documentary you see on Netflix, and so on. Before i start to sound like a Pinterest quote gone wrong, we must remember self-control is always a must-- but you can still have fun and be true to yourself while keepin' classy and stayin' sassy. 

(Oh dear, i am starting to rhyme. You know that means Cate is tired and this post is about to turn into a Dr. Seuss poem.)

All 'n all, we are not called to be so worried with our image to where we cannot even be our most authentic self. We were created beautifully and with purpose, you guys! That purpose being to choose kindness over coolness. Coolness places the spotlight on you, while kindness places the spotlight on others. Plus, wouldn't you rather be remembered as the guy/girl who included the weird kid (who am i kidding, we are all weird) in your Friday night plans rather than the person who others were fearful of your "scary" (*eye roll*) 17-year-old-self wrath? Yep, me too.

So, don't take yourself so seriously, friends. It's just not worth it.

Yours truly,

Cate

*** You can donate online at alsa.org AND watch my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on instagram (@cate.marg) along with the millions of others who participated in the challenge under #ALSIceBucketChallenge.

thoughts on change.

 

hello, hello, hello.

i have been trying to writing this post for a while now. it is a bit different from what I normally put out on the ole web; but different is good, don't you think?  props to you if you finish it all. i would mean kitties and sunflowers to me, truly.

 

 

as i have stated in past posts, this summer has been the best yet. with being able to drive, comes freedom (and way too many unneeded target runs). with traveling, comes being busy (and not a lot of time to be bored). with friends in town, comes spontaneous adventures (ahem, to anthropologie and antique malls. we go hard.). with surprising circumstances, comes time to grow (and a lot of time to think).

therefore, on that last statement, here's this: life happens. i have been saying this quite frequently after a surprising situation this season, but not really taken the time to process it. as i am writing this post, i am trying to steer clear from this being a too detailed this-is-for-you-jerk post (though that really would be easiest, truthfully), but also not too vague where you could think these words are just about my current issue at hand of not having enough milk for my cereal.

 

however, that actually is a real problem, but i won't get into that right now.

 

 

change used to be a really scary, daunting word for me. why? because it requires to get out of your comfort zone and be okay with not knowing the future. it also requires trust. and a whole lot of it. those were two quality traits that i, personally, did not have in my repertory. however, Jesus has changed that this year, this season, this summer especially.

 

over summer, the way i have grown and changed the most is through rejection. rejection is a word no one likes to say or admit they feel. it is like having to admit you ate 6 double chocolate chip cookies instead of a salad for dinner (nope, that has never happened to me).  the truth is, rejection from anyone, whether you have known them for a while or it's just someone on the street, hurts. it's just does. 

 

first I will talk about rejection from friends. over the years I have been softly rejected by friends, where it's just plain obvious they do not want to be around me. and that doesn't hurt for more than a day, honestly. yeah, okay you don't want to be friends with me, good for you. you are missing out on my crazy Netflix and pizza nights. it's your loss. see, easy peasy.

 

 however, recently I have experienced being rejected by a close friend without any warning or speed bumps to slow me down and say "CATE, we have a problem 911". i need those kind of signs and shouts, guys, remember that. anyways, for one night I was upset about the situation, then a couple of days I went through the infamous i want to punch someone phase, but now, months later I can see how everything is working out for good. (guys, settle down. i did not want to hurt anyone. well, not that much). I constantly had the feeling of unfairness in the situation-- the fact that the friend got to speak his/her point and belittle me while I just sat there (though just sitting there was a choice-- if I were to speak in that situation my words would be rash and regretful). later, I felt as if I deserved to give him/her a piece of what pain I was experiencing, as if it were only fair for me to get all my anger and hurt across to the friend. however, life is not fair. I have learned that so, so many times from a very young age.

 

for example, there have been a few times in my life i have chosen to grow, but 99% of my life, i have been forced to grow. the first time was when my dad passed away due to cancer when i was in 2nd grade. man, this was/is hard. and, cancer, you suck. (before you virtually give me the "awww, bless your heart" look, continue reading please). the reality of this does not get easier with time. i still sometimes yearn for the cookie cutter family that so many of my friends obtain, or get upset by the fact that i do not have a father to walk me down the aisle someday (but, my awesome bros' will do me the honor, no worries). however the peace i have with this part of my life is so abundant and my thankfulness overflows. how? well, the only word i have to answer that question is Jesus. I would not without a doubt be who i am today without his presence in my life and through this experience. truthfully, i do not fully understand how this is possible, but i have learned to be okay with that. there is beauty in not knowing a plan that is way higher than your thoughts.

 

sometimes I just need to be reminded of the past ways Christ has worked in my life to understand the new ways he is working in me now. also, it's just not worth my time to dwell on things that I cannot change, and quite honestly now I don't want to change them.

 

everything happens for a reason. change will come your way whether you choose it or not. sometimes when it is chosen for you, it just shows that you were too stubborn to accept the need for it in the first place or be the one to initiate it. I am so grateful for healing and for life to continue on it's lovely track. that is a choice you have to make-- to be vulnerable to Christ and let him mold you into who he wants you to be. all this to say, change is such a beautiful chaos, and for that I am thankful.

 

  in the meantime, i am just chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool (please, someone get my reference),

and letting Jesus deal with the rest.

 

...wait, just joking.

 i cannot be cool if my life depended on it.

 

 

Yours truly,

Cate

 

 

 

 

What the F-Stop?

 

So, I just got back from yearbook camp. I know what you are thinking... there's a camp for that? Well, yes, my friends, there is indeed. It was just for three days at a college an hour away from where I live. Basically, it was a workshop in which we had classes all day long all centered around yearbook. I was apart of the photography classes, which really helped me understand my camera better (I use a Canon Rebel T3, and my school has Nikon's for us to use). I now know how to reset my aperture, white balance, ISO, and all that jazz. We also had small assignments where we would be given an hour or so to photograph other workshops and classes going on. Also known as the awkward "hello, you do not know me, I do not know you, but I am going to stand really close to you and take your photo" game. Thankfully, I did have some good friends to capture as well.

 

 

^^^yearbook essentials^^^

^^^Alex! He was probably tired of me taking photos of him at this point. But, HEY, this shot rocks and so does he, so that's all that matters. ^^^

^^^ Environmental Portrait (nerdy yb terminology) of Parks.^^^

^^^ Alex was writing something I didn't prefer, so I told him to write something else. This is what I get, folks. ^^^

^^ A shot I used for one of my projects. I am a big fan of taking things out of their natural element to photograph at times.^

^^^ Kaitlyn, Georgie, & Isabella casually laughing in the hallway. Psh, this wasn't posed at all.^^^

^^^ Part of my school's yearbook staff in a meeting discussing life altering things like fonts and filters. It gets intense up in here, people. ^^^

 

I will end on this note: I love people who love yearbook. People who value capturing a story, finding the perfect composition, and the need for design are my people. Though I know that high school is not going to be the highlight of my life (and thank you for that), it is fun to showcase who you are and who others' are at this important time in life. Because, high school is a vital part of our lives. We have to be teenagers at some point and time, and these years are ones that grow us maybe the most in life. I don't just adore being an almost 17-year old girl (you can only hear the words "I can't even" so many times and not go crazy), so I have always been the girl who looks forward to adulthood and having a husband, job, travel and someday a few kiddos more than the Friday night football game. But, as for now I am choosing to enjoy the simplicity of being this age and all that comes with it. You can only genuinely worry over text size so many times in your life.

 

(Also, holla at me if you get the title of this post. We can be best friends.)

 

Yours truly,

Cate 

portraits. (AB + Parker)

 

 

 

(favorite.)

 

 

I have had my eye on this pretty high hedge that is on my drive home for quite some time now. However, when I see a neat place that would be perfect for photos, I have to debate whether or not it is worth the constant stares from outsiders walking down the street. But, the leaves were too green and my camera was begging me to use it. So, finally, on a cool evening this week, this beautiful greenery and these even more beautiful friends (Parker and Anna Bliss/AB) collided into something great. Not to brag, but I am very proud & excited as to how these snapshots turned out. Okay, yes I am bragging. Ugh, Cate, why. Forgive me, guys.  

 

Nonetheless, photographing these wonderful humans is too fun. Thankful for friendship like this.

 

Enjoy your week, all!

 

-Cate

living life.

(please note: these photos have absolutely nothing to do with the content of the writing. ha, gotcha.)

vest: ae // top: f21 // jeans: ae // shoes: gap // necklace: brandy melville // sunglasses: h&m 

honestly, this post is so unneeded. because this outfit is really just a combination of this outfit and this outfit. so go read those 2 posts and admire how boring (and convertible?) my closet is. 

anyways, this post is really just here to say hello, i am still alive, & this summer has been the best yet. really though, this summer so far has been crazy busy but i would not trade it for anything. the experiences i have been apart of just in the months of june and early july alone been incredible and truly cannot be explained through a silly little blog. maybe someday i will try. but as for now, i am trying my hardest to stay away from the computer and simply enjoy life. because, well, as cool as people make their life out to be via social media and the internet, actually having a cool life you enjoy is far better. 

enjoy life, friends!

xo. cate 

America & all that jazz.

Today was the 4th of July, which for Americans is a pretty special holiday. Shout out to independence, freedom and food, you guys. I mean, what is better than wearing red, white and blue AND having an excuse to have a bowl or five of ice cream? Maybe the fact that red highlights my pink skin undertone and the possibility of obesity in the future. But besides that, i am all for this holiday.

In my neighborhood we have an annual little parade on the morning of the 4th. Apparently, since forever, this shendid has begun at my house no matter who lives here. So ever since I moved 2 years ago, it has been super fun to have everyone and their mom (and their yappy puppy) flood our yard. 

Later in the afternoon, my best pals did the ever-so-cliche thing of swimming. Then we dressed up for no reason whatsoever and took photos (and cut watermelon into stars. it was the most adorable fruit you ever did see). Why? Because we are girls and we can do that. 

All in all, this independence day was wonderful and spent with my favorite people. Enjoy way too many photos from the day...

// candid? 

// parker and i

// sarah and i 

// eleanor (the puppy) and i 

// claire and i 

// gosh dangit, my puppy is too cute.  

// still cute? yep, i know. 

// group shot from the evening. (from left to right: me, claire, parker, kayla, lexa, and alyse)

// Alyse and i being super patriotic 

// our super adorable fruit kabobs

// lexa and i 

// alyse, lexa, and me 

What a delightful day. What a delightful week. It really has been the absolute best ever. To catch up, I got back from my trip abroad to France and Spain last week. Once i get more than a minute of free time on my hands, i will be sharing a million and one photos from my trip. Here's a little forshadowing: It rocked. And i am super happy/satisfied with my photos. It's a win win situation.

Have a wonderful day, friends! I heart you all. 

Cate 

switching gears.

whoa. long time, no blog. really. today officially marks one month since i have sat down to write a post. however, let me tell you, this last month of school has kicked my butt. many, many hours a day were spent studying & eating ice cream. do what you got to, friends. 

however, school is finally over and my first week of summer is coming to a close. being able to relax without feeling guilty is crazy awesome. plus, i have started my new job (yay!) on top of everything. 

this past week, my friends (claire//alex//elliot) and i explored downtown a bit. grab some coffee (or tea, in my case) and enjoy. 

[ top: aerie // jeans: loft // sandals: gap // bag: solesociety.com ]

[ claire & me ]

[ claire. // you cannot tell, but behind her is this awesome piece of art of the world made of wood planks. i am thinking of a way to recreate this on a miniature scale soon.... ]

[ alex & claire. // we tried these way-too-expensive drinks, too. i had the lavender lemonade one, and it was well worth it. ]

[ elliot & i. // ah, the famous coca-cola mural in my city. am i cool yet? ]

thought i would share these pictures considering they are the first ones i have taken in a while. thankfully, times such as these will be more frequent this summer. so will writing, reading, netflix-watching, cookie-eating, traveling, and sleeping. here's to you, summer! i am excited for you. 

drink (diet) coke kids, 

cate