Live to Love: Summer Line

TANKS TANKS TANKS!

Last night at midnight, Taylor Thomas launched Live to Love's Summer 2012 line. Scrolling through the new items, I found myself saying "Like, like, like that too, oOoo that one is CUTE!" Yet again, Taylor does not fail in creating a line of cute designs. But, these shirts go beyond fashion. It's about spreading the love of Christ to others. I am a huge fan of these shirts because it's always a great conversation starter to share the message of Christ.

What does this new line entail? Lots and lots of tanks. As y'all know, I'm quite fond of tanks and have a closet full of them during the summer. What's great though is that these tanks are versatile and can easily be layered with a cardigan during the fall! All shirts are printed on American Apparel and are SO soft. Seriously, you won't regret purchasing one...or ten tanks.

Here are some of my favorites that I will be picking up:

Texas Tank--I've got a special place in my heart for Texas. What better to show my love for the great state than a tank?

Tribal Logo Tank--Tribal and geometric print is a hot trend for the summer right now!

Green/Turquoise/Pink Dyed Tank--Tie dye screams summer, right?

Circle Tote--This tote isn't actually part of the summer line but from a previous season. BUT, it is on sale AND is perfect for toting around books to the pool/beach.

What do you have your eyes set on in the Live to Love summer line?

www.livetoloveapparel.com

***use promo code: LTL75 for 10% off your purchase!***



Suits Premiere

Guess what tonight is! The season premiere of SUITS! I have been waiting all year for this show to return and the day has finally come. I may have to watch last season's finale again just to refresh my mind of all the crazy drama.

This show is just so wonderfully written and the actors...yeah...eye-candy.

Helloooo Harvey (aka Gabriel Macht). I was a huge fan of his after seeing Because I Said So. But, he is simply brillant in Suits!

Will Mike's secret be revealed?? "Nothing's ever black and white." TRUTH.

Don't forget: TONIGHT. 10PM. USA. BE THERE!

Pinterest Wednesday

Is it a bit shocking that in the past week, I haven't really been on Pinterest? Usually, I'm the Pinterest Queen who pins away. This past week has been a bit busy so, my apologies for the lack of pins. However, I did pin a few random little things this week. Mostly words of inspiration to get me going.

via

Anyone else have this problem?

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How awesome is this?

via

I'm very grateful to be surrounded by incredible women who set the example for me.

Following me on Pinterest yet?

I'd also like to take a moment and wish my Little cMm a HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY! Oh how they grow up so fast!!! She is one fabulous lady who brings such joy to my life and is ALWAYS there for me. I'm beyond stoked to be reunited tonight, hit the town, and celebrate her life! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE!



Tuesday Tunes: John Mayer

If I ever get around to living | It's gonna be just like I dreamed
I'm gonna take the love I'm given | And set it free

It's been quite awhile since the last installment of Tuesday Tunes. My apologies! But, we are back on track. To kick off this homecoming, this week will feature John Mayer's Born and Raised. Please tell me that y'all have picked up this album. For the past month this has been a regular on my iPhone and it is a well deserved honor.

I am beyond elated of John Mayer's comeback. I hope that his medical concerns are laid to bed soon because I would love nothing more than to see him live again. After waiting so long for a new John Mayer album, I was so excited for Born and Raised to hit the market. The album is a little different than his previous work, but you know John Mayer, he's a musical genius. Born and Raised is the perfect summer roadtrip soundtrack. It truly takes you to that sunny day, driving down the road, passing the mountains. John Mayer creates this laid back feeling with the acoustic guitar and blue-grass feel.

My favorites on the album include: Queen of California, Shadow Days, If I Ever Get Around to Living, and Love is a Verb.

Hey John Mayer, thanks for this summer gift. Get better soon so I can see you live and swoon.


Karen's New Picks of the Week: Jason Reeves' Songs are Silent Films and Jesse Ruben's Thoughts I've Never Had Before, Part 1.

Happy Listening!



Welcome Back Home

"Welcome back home to the United States Miss Kong."

It felt absolutely incredible hearing those words when I went through customs at the airport. After a long 24 hours of traveling, I finally arrived home and reunited with my family! My surprise upon returning to the United States after 5 months? My amazing parents surprised me with a BRAND NEW CAR. That story, along with pictures, will be saved for another day.

I have officially been home now for a week and 3 days. How would I describe being home? AMAZING. Slowly, I'm getting back into my routine and adjusting to the American culture again. No more shouting across restaurants!

The past week has been filled with coffee dates, lunch dates, and dinner dates. Lots of food! But, I will take the calories because it simply means I get to spend quality time with family and friends. I have even gotten back to a little bit of babysitting. Who knew babysitting meant so much to me? It felt so great to be reunited with some of the families and kids this past weekend.

On my flight from Fuzhou to Beijing, we were able to see the beach! What an incredible view.



Dinner date with one of my best friends since freshman year, Lesley, at Raku! ...we both were Instagramming. Social media addicts?



Finally got my cupcake fix at Lilly Magilly's!

Trying out Chef Geoff's for the first time with Maritza. Can you tell we were absolutely excited?

Besides shoving food in my face, there are some fun things happening in the life of Karen and am so excited to share them with y'all through the next couple of weeks! 





Back in the Game

Hey y'all!

I am back in the U. S. of A! It's been four days since landing and am loving life back home.

Lots of things are happening right now in the life of Karen. Updates coming soon!

I am officially back to blogging regularly!

Talk About Inspirational

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger | Stand a little taller

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter



It's sometimes easy for us to live in a world that centers on ourselves and our problems. Don't get me wrong, I am totally guilty of this on many, many occasions. We're naturally inclined to let our problems affect every aspect of our lives, especially our perspective. We start to think it's the end of the world, wallow in self-pity, work towards a solution, etc.

But, have you ever stopped and taken a step back? Sometimes, our problems aren't even that big of a deal. Why do we blow the issue out of proportion? I came across a video yesterday. It's Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" featuring a few children from Seattle's Children Hospital. I watched it a few times and each time, it brought both tears and a smile to my face. These children are battling a problem SO MUCH bigger than any problem than I am and yet, they remain positive. They continue to hold onto hope. We need to do that sometimes. Find HOPE.

Watch this video. Be inspired!

Sometimes, we have got to stop and realize that we're not the only one in the world with problems. There are some battling much more, much serious. But no matter what, stay positive. Find the hope, the joy in every situation.