Kara’s Birthday Wish List + 2 Giveaways!

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In true only-child fashion, I celebrate my birthday the entire month of March. In my pre-budget heyday, that meant that I could justify any and all purchases I made during March. Now that my husband has put our family on a budget, I no longer get to participate in a month-long shopping spree (insert sad face). But, if I were to do a little online birthday shopping, here are a few of the things I would choose for my Birthday Wish List!

Kara's Birthday Wish List | Des Moines Moms Blog
Image sourced from http://edu.stemjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/birthday.jpg

Birthday Wish List: Shorts and Graphic Tees

If there is anything this March birthday momma wishes for, it’s spring-like weather. So first on my list of wishful spring weather thinking are J.Crew Factory’s chino shorts in vibrant flame and this great “Love Where You’re From” tee from Gatherie Creative Co. located in Ames. Wishful thinking, as it typically is still snowing in Iowa come March, but a girl can dream — and be super prepared for summer when it actually arrives here in the Midwest!

jcrew FACTORY CHINO SHORT | Des Moines Moms Blog

love where you're from tee | Des Moines Moms Blog

Birthday Wish List: Cute Wall Art

I have some friends who are in the process of adopting their second baby and started a pallet art business called Creatively Built Homes to help offset the costs. I love these arrows that I actually did buy for myself (under the guise, of course, of supporting their adoption!).

creatively built homes wall decor | Des Moines Moms Blog

 

creatively built homes wall decor | Des Moines Moms Blog

Birthday Wish List: Water Bottle

I may have a teeny tiny water bottle obsession. My husband would tell you that I need another water bottle as much as I need another pair of shoes (which goes to show that you are NEVER too fat or too old for a new pair of shoes!). Water bottles and travel mugs are my downfall. But I love the awesome s’well water bottles that keep your water cool for hours on end! If only I could figure out a way to get one into the house without having my husband notice….

s'well water bottle | Des Moines Moms Blog

Birthday Wish List: Accessories

My most absolute favorite earrings are from the fabulous Kansas City company Nickel & Suede, and I definitely would NOT return a pair of these natural/nude leather cutouts! I love how lightweight they are! But they are fun and unique earrings that everyone can wear and enjoy. Just the other day some friends were marveling at the weight because they look like heavy silver earrings! But most of all, I love supporting other momma-owned businesses from the Midwest! #midwestmomsrock

Nickel and Suede Nude Cutout | Des Moines Moms Blog

nickel and suede gameday earrings | Des Moines Moms Blog
My favorite cardinal game day earrings for cheering ISU on to a victory!

Birthday Wish List: Culinary Items

I am in desperate need of a new waffle iron. Super exciting, I know. But our 11-year-old wedding present waffle iron only cooks waffles on one side. Very inefficient. And I would really like a mini blow torch so I can perfectly caramelize sugar for creme brulee. Only now in my thirties does my husband finally concede that I am responsible enough for a blow torch. 🙂

waffle iron | Des Moines Moms Blog

blow torch | Des Moines Moms Blog

Birthday Wish List: Something to Read

If reading were an Olympic sport, I’d have more gold medals than Michael Phelps. But I have this weird thing that I only own books that I’ve read and loved — because my house is small as it is, and I don’t need anything that I don’t need and love. This book is wonderful, ladies. I can safely say that each and every one of you can glean a pearl of wisdom from Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards.

For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards

My husband says that I’m the hardest person in the world to shop for. Not true, as you can see by my list here. But when in doubt, Starbucks is always a good wakeup present!

I’m thrilled to share a little of my birthday love by giving away a pair of the natural/nude cutout earrings from Nickel & Suede and the “love where you’re from” tee by Gatherie Creative! One person will win both items. Just comment below with your birthday month! Good luck!

The earrings were graciously provided by Nickel & Suede, and the tee was generously given by Gatherie Creative. Thank you to both!

***This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated!***

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Kara Knaack
Kara originally hails from northwest Iowa where she met her husband, Lance, through a 4-H fashion show. After a decade of living in central Iowa, Kara is still figuring out which way is north. Wearing the hat of “wife, mommy, employee, chef, ribbon tie-er and family calendar organizer,” Kara knows a bit about juggling life and work. Kara became a boy-mom in June of 2011 to Lucan and a girl-mom to Gracelyn in December of 2014. Most days you can find her mixing up metaphors and oversharing life’s moments via social media. Kara enjoys yoga, reading, gardening, cooking, sewing in straight lines and singing along to musicals. A spender by nature, but thrifty by necessity, Kara is always in hunt of a bargain. She’s an active member of Northpoint Church and a resident of Grimes. Her vision for life includes “doing the best we can with what God gives us.”

42 COMMENTS

  1. Oh my goodness, I feel like you’re reading my mind! 1) Love, love JCrew Factory’s shorts! 2) LOVE Nickel and Suede- I own two pairs and I love everything she has! 3) Jen Hatmaker’s book is on my list of TO READ! 4) And of course, you know my love for S’well bottles too- I saw something that they may be selling at Target now?! And the bottle design is a little different! Such a fun post, Kara!

    • Congatulations Anna! You are the winner of the pair of earrings from Nickel & Suede and the t-shirt from Gatherie Creative! I will email you to confirm!

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