Dishing Out My Hair Secrets

Happy Tuesday, guys! I’m so excited to finally share this blog post with you all because it has been the most requested post I’ve ever had. I’ve been putting this post off for awhile because I honestly don’t do anything too speacial to my hair or use any unheard of products.

I’ve always had thick, healthy hair ever since I was young. One of the reasons I believe my hair is still as healthy as it is, is I didn’t start coloring it until my junior year of high school and only color my hair two times a year with maybe one root touch up. I try to keep my hair away from chemicals and dyes as much as I can.

Shampoo/Conditioner

My go-to shampoo and conditioner brand is Dove. I’ve used Dove products for YEARS and have loved how it makes my hair look and feel. I’ve used almost every type of Dove Shampoo and have always had great results. I’m currently using this shampoo and conditioner from them and have really loved how much body and shine it gives my hair. Now I do have a “secret weapon” when I feel like my hair is looking bleh... and it’s this shampoo from Head & Shoulders. I don’t have a dry scalp but I have found that when my hair is starting to look dry and dull, this shampoo really helps to add moisture and give my hair new life.

Styling Products

I don’t use many products for my hair besides heat protectant spray and this hairspray. I also use this styling spray when I feel like spending a little extra money. What I’ve found that really works well for me and my hair, is using products that have some type of volumizing properties to it. Every hairspray I use is a volumizing spray and every dry shampoo I use is as well. For dry shampoo, I really love this one. The last product I’ll use occasionally is Powder Play. It gives SO much volume!

Styling Tools

 I've explained how I curled my hair and what tool I used under each photo! BOTH of my curling irons are also on sale! Just in time for Christmas :)



Here I used this 1 inch curling iron and used it how you would any curling iron, by wrapping your hair in the clamp.




In both of these pictures I used the same 1 inch curling iron but used it as a wand. I sectioned off my layers of hair and then wrapped my hair around the iron. I don't use the clamp at all with this technique.



For my birthday dinner hair I used this 1.25 inch curing iron. I love doing big, full curls sometimes because they can look so effortless!

I hope this post answered your all's hair questions or at least helped in some way!

-Kasey

Holiday Party Looks

It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's also the most expensive af time of the year with all the holiday parties and festivities going on. With so many events that fill the month of December, it's nice to have a new outfit or two to celebrate the Christmas season and New Year. 

I personally have not attended a really dressy holiday event or New Years Eve party, BUT this year that's changing! I'll be spending NYE in Chicago with some of my girls and we are going alllll out. With that being said, I know there's probably a lot of y'all who don't do anything super dressy for New Years or Christmas, so I've linked looks ranging from casual to all out. Whether you're looking to splurge or ballin on a budget, I got you covered! ;)

Splurge

Save

Casual

Q & A

What's up y'all! I recently asked you all on my Instagram Story to send me all your questions, so tonight I'm answering them for you! I had a lot of repeat questions about my hair and makeup so I'm thinking I should do a full post on both? Let me know your thoughts :)

1. How do you curl your hair? 
I curl my hair a couple different ways but my most common way of curling it is by using a 1 inch iron and wrap my hair around it like you would with a curling wand. I have found that using a regular curling iron works just as well as a wand. I use this curling iron and LOVE it! I also use this hairspray and it keeps my curls locked in place.

2. What is your everyday skincare routine?
My skincare routine is pretty basic, which is exactly how I want it. I have super sensitive skin so I can't really experiment with products. I wash my face with Cetaphil morning and night and use this lotion morning and night as well. I have tried a few different face oils and have found that jojoba oil and rose hip oil do well on my face!

3. Best affordable online shops? 
Here's a list of my favorite online stores that won't break the bank:
ASOS
Forever 21
boohoo
Missguided
Princess Polly
H&M

4. Long/healthy hair tips? 
When it comes to my hair I don't do anything special, I guess I'm kind of lucky that way. I typically wash my hair with Dove shampoo or Head and Shoulders (if you're hair is looking dull I really recommend H&S!). I also use Dove volume dry shampoo and it adds SOOO much volume!

5. What do you use to edit photos? 
I use Lightroom! I have my own presets that I created and use those on pretty much all of my pictures. I'm thinking of selling them but haven't quite decided yet... thoughts?

6. What kind of workouts do you do? 
My workouts mainly consist of weightlifting. I used to run all the time and do tons of cardio but I have found that building muscle is what I love doing the most. You really can't beat the feeling of being strong and sexy! I also don't focus on the number on the scale. I'm the heaviest I've ever been and that's because I'm the strongest I've ever been.

7. Are you on a diet plan? 
I do not follow a diet regime or plan. I don't count calories and I don't restrict myself of certain food groups. I listen to my body and eat what feels right and what I believe is healthy for my diet. I DO eat healthy and pay attention to the foods I put in my body but I don't measure out portions, see if they item works in the caloric intake for the day. I just try to make the best decisions in every meal I eat. This works for me and has always worked for me. Sometimes people need a plan to follow for accountability and I totally get that. When it comes to your diet, do what works best for YOU and YOUR body! 

8. What is your full-time job?
So I plan on doing an entire blog post on this, but I work in sports broadcasting for Tennessee Athletics! That's why a lot of my Instagram stories involve me at some kind of sporting event. My life revolves around UT Athletics and I wouldn't have it any other way.

9. Favorite trend?
I've always been a sneaker kind of girl and I love how sneakers for women are starting to become more popular. I love pairing a high-top Nike shoe with a trendy outfit.

10. Would you ever blog full-time?
Blogging isn't something I've ever wanted to do full-time. I just really enjoy sharing my style and everyday life with people but I believe there is more to life than blogging and social media! I really respect girls that do do this full-time, because I'm sure it isn't easy! I just love being able to write a post when I want to and when I'm really into something.

Fall Outfits with 2020 Ave

Dress // Similar Jacket // Shoes // Hat




Bodysuit // Jeans // Blazer

It's finally starting to feel like fall in Tennessee. I feel like it takes forever for fall to really settle in here but once it does, it's like BAM! The leaves start falling all at once and the temps drop pretty dramatically. Besides the beauty of fall, I think what I love most is fall outfits. I collaborated with 2020AVE again to bring you guys a couple trendy looks to try out this season.

Check  Me Out Plaid Dress 
This 90's inspired plaid dress is definitely in for the fall season. I like pairing it with a fitted t-shirt underneath or throwing on a black denim jacket. This is also a dress you can dress up or down, so it has a lot of versatility!

Floral Lace Bodysuit 
I'm really in to the lingerie styled bodysuits. It's definitely a more risqué type look but when worn the correct way, it can actually be a very classy yet sexy look! I love this bodysuit with a blazer but it would also look good by itself with jeans or even a slouchy sweater. It's also at a great price point!

After working with 2020AVE the first time, I got a lot of questions about the brand and quality of clothes. So far I have been super impressed with everything I've received from them and the quality is great! Who doesn't love trendy clothes the won't break the bank?

-Kasey

This post was sponsored by 2020Ave.  

Fall with Forever 21

Forever 21 is one of my favorite places to shop in the fall. They have great, affordable options that are trendy and perfect for the fall season! Shop below :) 

Fall Bucket List

I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of October, y'all. It's officially sweater wearing, pumpkin spice drinking and watching football all weekend long season and I. Couldn't. Be. Happier. This is my favorite time of year and I'm excited to share some of my favorite looks in the coming weeks. BTW! The bodysuit I'm wearing in these pictures is literally soooo perfect for fall and is only $12!

This is my first blog post in about three months and the reason for that is that I've just been busy with work and life, so I put spending time on my blog on the back burner. As you can tell from my Instagram, I'm still "blogging" and sharing my style, but I haven't felt very inspired to write about anything. I'm not going to write a blog post just because I haven't written one in awhile. Blogging is a hobby for me, not a career, so I kind of just do it when I feel like it. But no worries y'all, I have some new plans in the works for For the Love of Fun so I'm not going anywhere.

To kick off the month of October, I'm sharing my fall bucket list today!

1. Watch as many Halloween movies as possible
ABC Family (I still refuse to call it "Freeform") is having 31 nights of Halloween this year so you best bet I'll be watching every night.

2. Go to a corn maze/orchard
I've never successfully made it through a corn maze so maybe this year is the year to do it?

3. Take a weekend trip
I'd love to go somewhere where the leaves are already starting to change and temps are dropping. Maybe Asheville? I'd love some recommendations!

4. Make a new fall recipe
I have been cooking more than ever lately and I'm actually not that bad at it when I try. I grew up with a dad who makes delicious meals almost every night, so I'm too used to eating good food to settle for frozen dinners and ramen.

5. Up my fitness game
I workout consistently 4 days a week and I'm wanting to bump it to 5 this month. Gotta get ready for the holiday calories! It's the perfect time of year for long runs outside! P.s. I'm working on a workout blogpost that answers all the questions you guys have asked me regarding my fitness regime.

6. Take cute fall pictures with my friends
I mean, duh.

7. Create a cozy bedroom
I'm moving to a new place this month, so I'm determined to create the coziest, minimal bedroom I've ever had. Also the perfect room for binge watching Netflix.

8. Go to Dollywood
I think anyone who knows me might be shocked by this, but Dollywood is so cute in the fall and my coworkers have never been! I'd love to show them around a hometown fave.

9. Buy new booties
I've been rocking the same booties for almost 3 years now (so you know they're good) but I think it's time to upgrade this season. Maybe a fun nude pair?

10. Try a fall inspired drink
Pumpkin spice martini anyone?

Knoxville Weekend Travel Guide

Outfit: SheIn Romper 

I am so excited to be bringing you all my Knoxville Weekend Travel Guide! Lately I've been receiving   a lot of questions about where to eat and fun things to do around Knoxville, so I've put together your ULTIMATE guide to doing a Knox weekend right.

Where To Eat

Breakfast/Brunch:

One of my favorite food spots in Knoxville is Market Square, especially on the weekends. Just about every restaurant in Market Square serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Oliver Royale and Cafe 4 both have delicious brunch and amazing drinks! Cafe 4 has mimosa pitchers so grab the girls (or just you, no judging here), and go start your weekend off on the right foot.

If you're looking for a healthier option, First Watch is a great place to go! I love their avocado toast and fresh juice. I would also recommend downloading their app so you can put your name on it waiting list ahead of time.

Coffee Break:
If you need a little pick-me-up, Knoxville has a couple great coffee shops. Remedy and K-Brew are two of my favorite places to go. The atmosphere at both places are great and the drinks are amazing! Wildlove Bakehouse is also a great place to go if you want a delicious snack to go along with your latte.

Lunch:
My top favorite lunch places in Knoxville are The Plaid Apron, Sunspot, Central Filling Station and Frussies Deli. I love all of these places because they have great lunch options! I usually want a good sandwich or cafe-type menu when picking a place to have lunch and all of these places are just that! If you want something a little lighter, the Java Juice Box is also another favorite of mine! They have amazing smoothies and acai bowls.

Dinner: 
Market Square is a great place to go for dinner. There are so many different restaurants with great atmospheres and outdoor seating. Go to Stock and Barrel for delicious burgers and milkshakes or if you're looking for a place that has a little bit of everything, head on over to Gay Street for Downtown Grill and Brewery. Most people rave about Babalu's tacos in Knoxville, but I prefer SoKno Tacos located in South Knoxville. It's a lot cheaper and better quality IMO!

What To Do 

For the beer enthusiast:

Sign up for Knoxville Brew Tour! It's a great way to try out some of  Knoxville's best breweries and beer gardens, and after the tour is done you can go back to your favorite brewery! 

For the nature lover: 

Ijams Nature Center is a great place to go if you're looking to take in Knoxville's beauty. There are hiking and biking trials, as well as a quarry to swim and kayak in. Or if you're looking for a little day trip, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is not too far away! There are amazing trails for hikers of all ages. 

For the foodie: 

During the warmer months, Market Square Farmer's Market is fun place to spend your Saturday mornings. 

Nightlife 

Knoxville has a lot of fun unique places for those looking to have a fun Saturday night. One of my favorite things to do is start my night at Balter Beerworks with a good dinner and a couple of their craft beers. Once you're done with dinner and drinks, here's a couple fun options -->

Pour 

Pour is one of the coolest places in Knoxville for grabbing a beer or wine. It's just a walk down the street from Balter Beerworks and right outside of Knoxville's Old City. Pour is a self-serve bar with a cool vibe and endless amounts of outdoor seating. Just walk in, buy and wrist band and get to pouring! 

Peter Kern Library 

If you're willing to spend a little on a craft cocktail, then the Peter Kern Library is a must-go. It's part of the Oliver Hotel and is set up like a speakeasy with a red light outside and everything. It's also pretty small inside so there might be a wait but oh is it worth it! I love their drinks, especially the Holly Golightly. Head to the alleyway behind Tupelo Honey and the Oliver Hotel and look for the red light. You won't be disappointed! 

Best in Bars 

Some of my top bars in Knoxville are Suttrees High Gravity Tavern, Barley's and Scruffy City Hall. All of these bars have a good drink selection and fun atmospheres! They are all within walking distance of one another, so definitely check them all out if you can. 

And that's that! Your ultimate Knoxville, TN weekend guide. Let me know if you're visiting or have tried out any of these places! If there's a place I left out that you think I should try, let me know. I'm always looking for hidden gems in my community. 

-Kasey

*Outfit Details*
I know this post is about Knoxville, but I wanted to talk about my romper in these pictures! It's from SheIn.com  and is a great summer romper! I have a lot of trouble finding rompers that I absolutely love, but this $19 romper makes the cut! It's perfect for a warm summer day or a night out with ya mans ;)

How I Get My Cardio In

I grew up living a pretty active lifestyle. I started playing basketball in the second grade and ran cross country and track for seven years, so being active and fit is in my blood. Being a former cross country and track athlete, I still have a love for cardio, especially running. I love going out for a run and pushing my body to work as hard as it can. Incorporating cardio into your weekly workout schedule is important and will help maximize your results, so I'm sharing four ways I like to get my cardio in. 

1. Outside Run 

There are two different places I typically run at in Knoxville. I love going on at least one long run a week (if it fits into my schedule/weight training). I usually do at least three miles depending on how my body feels. There's nothing better than the feeling after a good run and the release of endorphins. I feel happier, healthier and just overall better after I go out and get my heart rate up. 

2. HIIT Workout 

HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training. This means pushing yourself as hard as you can for short periods of time. I usually add this in after a good lift. Here's two treadmill HIIT workouts I usually do: 

:30 at 8-10

:30 off 

repeat 10 times 

1 min at 7-8.5

3 min walk 

complete for 20-24 min

3. Bodyweight Cardio 

I like to add cardio in between sets when I'm working out to help burn more calories. Jump-squats, burpees, jumping jacks and high knees are some of my favorite ways to add cardio into weightlifting. 

4. Incline Treadmill 

My gym doesn't have a stair stepper (lame, right?) so I'll use the incline treadmill to get some extra cardio and leg work in. Raise the treadmill as high as it will go and bring your speed down to about 3-3.5. I'll usually incline walk for 1 minute, :30 side shuffles on both sides and walk backwards for :30, totaling my time to 20 minutes. This is one of my favorite treadmill workouts! 

Golden Hour

Jumpsuit // Wedges 

There's just something about the top of a parking garage that I absolutely love when it comes to taking photos. We (Jordan, who takes my pictures, and I) waited until the sun was starting to go down before we started shooting this look the other day. The sky looked absolutely beautiful, giving off the perfect light. If you looked around, you could see different parts of Knoxville from the garage. Some of downtown, a little bit of Tennessee's campus, the up-and-coming North side of Knoxville, the Sunsphere... It was the perfect night to shoot this jumpsuit because it paired so well with what was happening around me, which was Golden Hour. 

This is one of my favorite times of the day. The sun starts to set, the sky changes colors, and the night begins. My jumpsuit from 2020AVE was the perfect look for this time of day because it was a transition, going from day to night. This jumpsuit I'm wearing? Perfect for going from day to night! I was surprised by how great the material was on this piece. It's thick enough to wear you can't see your underwear but still has a light and airy feel to it. I personally love pairing the wide-leg of the pant with wedges. It makes this look perfect for a spring day or summer night. I also really like the low cut and belt detailing on the jumpsuit, it just looks so flattering! Overall, this jumpsuit  is one of my favorite pieces from 2020AVE and I highly recommend checking them out. For sizing reference, it runs a little big so i ordered a small! I'm usually a medium or size 4/6.

-Kasey

Get Bikini Season Ready With These 4 Simple Steps

With bikini season right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share my top-four pieces of advice when it comes to getting "bikini ready". These are simple and easy tips that will help keep you cool and confident all summer long!

1. Find your confidence
So this is probably the "hardest" of the four tips I have for you all because I know how summer time and swimsuits can bring out the insecurities in us. Maybe you think you don't look good enough for a bikini, you're too pale, you don't look as good as that one girl on Instagram... Well, that's all a bunch of B.S. No one is perfect. I'm not perfect nor do I ever look perfect in a bikini. One thing I've learned over the years is that I am more confident when I embrace the things about me that might not be "perfect". I'll never have the best summer tan or beach body, but I will be confident in how I look because there is nothing you and I should be ashamed of when it comes to how we look! So put on that cute swimmie you've been dying to wear, and say PEACE to all the haters that say otherwise.

2. Buy a Trendy Suit
The high-leg bikini bottoms are in right now and I am loving it! I kinda feel like my mom when she was in her twenties with this style. Trendy bikinis are always fun to wear and usually pretty cute. Plus, you'll probably get some compliments on it (which will help boost that confidence girl). Pac Sun has some of my fave trendy bikinis!

3. Get Yo Tan On
I think we all dread the first day of wearing shorts in the summer. It typically looks like my legs haven't seen the light of day in 10 years when I start wearing shorts, so that's why I always keep sunless tanning products around! I like using a tanning mousse because I think it comes out looking more natural and lasts for a long time! I've linked my favorites below.

4. Bikini Body Ready
It's not too late to reach those summer bod goals or lost New Year's resolutions. One thing I've learned is to focus more on getting good nutrients in my body and then focus on working out. When you sit down to make your grocery list this week, buy foods that are good for you and filling! Focus on cutting back on the bad stuff (Sweets, dairy, alcohol) and focus on more fruits and veggies. I'm a firm believer that abs are made in the kitchen, so simple changes to your diet can go a long way. When it comes to working out, set realistic goals for yourself. Add 10 more minutes of cardio, go to the gym three times instead of two, or try a new workout class. There are a lot of ways you can get summer ready without making HUGE changes to your life!

-Kasey

Shop my favorite suits and tanning products below!

Pearl Detailed Skirt + 5 Things That Can Make My Day Better

What's up guys! I feel like I haven't posted in forever (because I haven't HA) but Knoxville has had the worst weather lately, which  is extremely uninspiring when you want to shoot spring looks! I've been relying on my transitional pieces big time since the weather has been crappy. This cropped sweatshirt & skirt look is a great transitional look for going into spring. I love the ripped hem on the skirt and the pearl detailing. It kinda "dresses up" a more grungy look. More details about the skirt below!

 I also feel like this look is very "me" and I've really been focusing on truly expressing my style and not what everyone else is wearing. I'm a girly-tomboy and this look is a good example of that! At the end of this post I'm sharing 5 simple things that can make my day better because this weather can definitely get you down. So keep on scrollin'. 

This skirt is from SHEIN and I love it. The quality is amazing, just like the other pieces I've received from them. This skirt runs big so I suggest sizing down. I'm typically a medium and got a small and it fits just fine. 

I'm obsessed with these Van's Sneakers! A must-have shoe in my book. You can literally wear them with any kind of outfit... and I do! 

Cropped Sweatshirt  // Skirt // Vans

My cropped sweatshirt obsession is in full force and this one is perfect! It's so soft and I really like the length of this one... plus it's only $12. So why would you want to pass this deal up?! 

5 Simple Things That Make My Day Better 

1. Getting up early to catch the Today Show and drink my morning coffee. 

I love getting up and catching up on the news, getting a little entertainment and enjoying my coffee without the rush of getting ready for something. It's relaxing and calming for me and feel like I'm always in a good mood when I do this. 

2. Running

Nothing beats getting in a 30 minute run outside on a beautiful day. Or even on the treadmill if outside isn't an option. Just anything to get my blood flowing!

3. Coffee Breaks 

Taking a coffee break in the middle of the day always puts me in a good mood. Just getting up from my desk or stepping away from a busy day to refuel can be so refreshing and gives my brain a minute to relax. Plus, coffee shops smell like Heaven. 

4. Long Drives w/ My Favorite Music 

I'll take the long way home just to get a chance to jam out in my car a little longer! 

5. Netflix and Bath

Netflix and chill? Nah, Netflix and bath. Get a good bubble bath going then set up your favorite Netflix show on your laptop. I could sit in the bathtub for hours doing this. I love just chilling in the tub and watching New Girl after a stressful day. 

Have a great week y'all! Halfway to the weekend! 

-Kasey