First Annual 29th Birthday

I don't know if I've ever been so proud of a baked good. These have got to be the prettiest things I've ever baked. A pastry bag and a tip in the right size makes all the difference (if you're wondering, I used a size 6. Size 7 is good, too). They're peach and blackberry and, let me tell you, I went all out. The bottoms had a slice of peach and a bit of oatmeal crumble. Then, I made a peach-blackberry filling for the centers. I used peach flavoring for the frosting, which I wasn't crazy about, but all together, they tasted amazing. I bought the little star sprinkles a couple Christmases ago, but never used them. They were the perfect final touch.

I can't wait for my mom's birthday in a couple weeks. I'm gonna make her some mad cupcakes!

Before you go on, let me tell you something. This was one of the best birthdays I have ever had. No joke, a live band showed up at the beach to provide mood music (it sounded like we were in a beach movie). I couldn't have planned it more perfectly. Also, my friends and family are amazing and it was so wonderful hanging out with them all at the beach.

My friend, Laurel, made me cupcakes, too, but she had to bring them on a bike so didn't get to frost them till we were at the beach. They were rosemary-blackberry with the most amazing chocolate buttercream! My friends Adam & Camille brought me a cupcake from Macrina and my sister-in-law, Mallory, brought a dozen cupcakes from Trophy.You can never have too many, right?

Thanks to my sister, Beth, for this picture.

My husband, dealing with salsa and sand. He hates the beach.

My cool friends.

Any chance I get, I buy these little patterned bags. I filled them with salt water taffy, cuz we're at the beach, duh.

Maddie and Tilly manning the fire. Thank goodness Tilly is afraid of fire, so she didn't spend much time near it.

Sigh. How am I gonna top this next year?

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Beauty: Back to Basics

My skin has gotten more sensitive as I've gotten older. Even in the past year I've noticed a big change in the way my skin reacts, so I've decided it's time to simplify things. I've been avoiding any makeup or skincare products with perfumes and have started using unscented laundry detergent. I even have to be careful about the lip balm I use! Just in the knick of time, I received this free sample of Hydrating Serum from Lucky Magazine and Seventh Generation.

The new line of Seventh Generation's skin-boosting serums is so natural you could practically eat them! Seriously, there are 12 ingredients in the hydrating serum! It's hypoallergenic, won't clog my pores and contains absolutely no parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances.

I apply it after I wash my face in the evening, since it's mostly oil-based. That way it has time to soak in and I don't have to walk around all shiney faced! In the winter, I'll probably mix it in with my lotion to avoid the crazy-dry skin I get in cold weather.

Simplifying your beauty regimen doesn't have to be drastic, and if you're not having problems with rashes, like I am, it doesn't mean you have to throw away everything in your bathroom. Use up the products you have, then invest in some high-quality, earth- and skin-friendly products from Seventh Generation's new line. 

Here are some of my #AllNaturalStyleSecrets :

- Skip lip balms that contain peppermint oil. This is really irritating and can make chapped lips worse!

- Get soft skin with this gentle face scrub

- Having trouble getting smells out of your clothes? Switch to natural fabrics! Polyester and synthetics tend to stay smelly, even after several washes. Plus, they usually make you sweat, and we all know what that leads to!

- Remove heavy makeup by applying a few drops of olive or jojoba oil to your face. Let it soak in, wipe with a tissue, then wash as usual.

Frida's gettin' back to basics, too.

Thoughts in Overalls: Insults & Comebacks

Saturday must have been International Rude Day. I woke up to a rude comment on Facebook AND a rude Tweet. The Facebook comment started with a compliment, but then quickly digressed into insults, lazily excused with an "I have to be honest"clause. The commenter said that "bigger people" would look like taxis if they wore a yellow blazer like mine. I was at first insulted, then felt bad for being insulted when I realized it wasn't directed at me. I gave it some thought, then responded with "Bigger people can wear what they want." Just minutes later, I opened up Twitter to find a tweet from some tactless girl expressing her feelings about my look that was featured on Your Next Dress. I don't think she even knew that it was tweeted to me as well as the website. So much rudeness and all before 11am!

To address the first comment, which I think is more important, I must first admit some things. I, like most people in America, have an automatic negative response to being called fat. I wish I didn't. I'm working to change my perceptions of my own body and the word fat. Through middle school, high school, and till about the age of 22, I was "overweight". Then, suddenly, the weight started coming off. The only explanation I have for it is that I was exploring the world and changing my outlook. I think those changes were enough to change my activity level as well as my eating habits. 

I was very happy in high school, so I don't want you to think I was completely miserable being overweight, because I was far from it. I did, however, feel like people couldn't see the real me. And I hated not being able to wear all the clothes that were in style. 

In the ten years that have passed since I graduated high school, I've made some huge changes and feel pretty lucky in life. Most people didn't recognize me at my reunion! I did however fall into my old pattern of only talking with my group of friends all night, but that usually happens at reunions, right? My husband did the networking and I was my typical wallflower self. It works out.

This Facebook comment has got me thinking, though. I still carry around a lot of the insecurities that come with being fat in a skinny-obsessed world.  But I've had a breakthrough. One that I think shows progress in changing my body image. I realized the insult wasn't being called fat. The insult was being compared to an inanimate object. No matter what your size, color, or gender you're a human being and you deserve respect and kindness.

To address the second rude comment. The girl said "Hell no!" in response to the question "What do you think of Catie Beatty's dress?" Bitch please, I've been in 4 magazines, a book and featured on loads of websites. Your tactless remark only made me realize just how awesome I am.

Vintage silk blouse - thrifted GAP overalls - Forever21 sunglasses - Madewell flats

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In Photos: Claire's Visit

So a little background. I lived in England for 7 months in 2006. It was a dream come true, but of course I was horribly homesick. I probably would have left early if it hadn't been for our neighbors, the Jones, or as I call them, the Duncans (I couldn't remember their last name, just the dad's name). Claire was just 15 when I met her. She's now an amazing young woman who saved up her pounds and pennies to come visit me. After a fab week and a half, it was a teary goodbye at Seatac yesterday. Here are some photos from our adventures.

MONDAY

We enjoyed cupcakes at Cupcake Royale and wandered around Ballard

One of the best photos anyone has ever taken of me.

TUESDAY

Shopping and dinner!

We're both huge fans of Gordon Ramsay, so we had to have dinner at Yanni's, which was featured on the latest season of Kitchen Nightmares. Honestly, I'm not even sure why, because this restaurant has always been great.

No more rumors! It's actually happening! Claire was not impressed, since Zara is plentiful in England.

WEDNESDAY

I usually avoid touristy things, but I'm so glad Claire was so persistent on going up the Space Needle. We went at sunset, found free parking (!), and the views were spectacular. It wasn't even cold and windy, like I had expected.

THURSDAY

We had lunch at Cafe Presse with my family and my best friends. We had a pomme frites eating contest, of course. I took her to almost all of my favorite restaurants and bakeries. We missed out on Top Pot, though, because we were both sick of sweets and baked goods by the end of the week. 

After lunch, we all went to Volunteer Park, since the conservatory was free for First Thursday. Then we sat in the grass and fed the squirrels, and ourselves, pastries from Bakery Nouveau.

On my way to dinner, I jumped out of my car into traffic to rescue this racing pigeon. Everyone keeps telling me how brave and awesome it was, but lets be honest. It was idiotic. I dropped him off with a man in Tacoma who has racing pigeons. Hopefully he can nurse him back to health, because I didn't know what I was doing. Someday I'll have pet pigeons, though.

FRIDAY

My dad and stepmom, who also lived in England, took us to Kingston for dinner. It was the most beautiful gray evening.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

We went down to Shelton to stay with my mom. That means more pastries, of course.

Raspberry tart and chocolate-banana cream (I think) from San Francisco Bakery in Olympia.

MONDAY

We took Claire to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time!

TUESDAY

After a stressful day stuck in a car with no A/C, it was nice to finally make it home to Seattle. We went to Kerry Park, had dinner at Mezcaleria, and watched the sunset from Queen Anne Boulevard. It was the perfect note to end our vacation on. Unfortunately, one of us had the idea of going to Ikea on the way to the airport. Claire made it home safe and sound, though.

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Summer To-Do List

I wait all year for summer, but in my boring, adult world full of priorities and obligations, I sometimes let the 3 months of sun and bliss slip by without really enjoying it. I always say "I'm going to go to the beach way more this year!" and then the hot car and the crowds talk me out of it. This year is going to be different though, and so far it has been! I've made it to the beach 1.5 times! I've made a checklist of things I want to do and things you should do, too! Don't let the summer go to waste!

1. Go to the beach

Saltwater, freshwater, or pool water! You don't even have to wear a bathing suit, just get yourself to a body of water and enjoy nature! Dip your toes in, people watch, read a book, and take advantage of the cooling breezes any big body of water creates.

2. Enjoy the bounty

Go to a farm stand or farmer's market and take advantage of all the cheap, fresh produce available. Then, eat fresh fruit till you're sick! Not sure where your nearest farmer's market is? Visit FarmersMarket.com to find one!

3. Preserve some of that summer goodness

If you don't feel like making yourself sick or can't make it through all that fruit before it goes bad, make a batch of jam! You don't need tons of fruit to do it and containers of Ball Classic Pectin have the measurements for smaller batches right on the label.

4. Stay outside till it gets dark

Naturally, we want to go indoors when it starts getting dark, but in the summer we can bend the rules a little. After a hot day, nothing feels as liberating as sitting outside in the cool, dark, night. Share a beer with friends, go for a walk, or just sit and watch the stars get brighter. Don't make the mistake I made though, when I went for a walk without bug repellent. My legs looked like a warzone!

5. Make ice cream

I still need to buy an ice cream maker, but I am determined to get one before the summer is over! Making ice cream is work, but it sure is worth it! It's so fun to be able to choose your own flavors. I'm thinking peach and pecan, with a swirl of my apricot jam. What flavor would you go for?
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Look of the Day: A Whole Lot of Dress

 It's taken me a couple months to make up my mind on this dress. It's a whole lotta dress! The colors and pattern are so bold, and polyester is not my first choice of fabrics. I've made up my mind, though. I LOVE IT. It's the perfect summer evening dress. 

On my way downtown last week, I stepped out my door and a family walking home from the lake said "Look at that dress!" That settled things. This dress is over the top in the best way!

Without the belt, the front of the dress is a little shapeless. The back, however, is a gorgeous, Lanvin-esque cocoon shape. It drapes beautifully. I plan on wearing it as maternity wear someday. 

 Vintage maxi dress (similar) - thrifted leather belt - Oasap sunglasses - Forever21 sandals (similar) - Tiffany bracelet 

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Look of the Day: Polka Dot Party

 I want to host another tea party! A garden party would be the perfect thing. If the patio behind my apartment was a little bigger and a little more private, I would host it there. I've been working on tidying it up. I've planted more poppies, some succulents, nasturtiums, and a big, yellow daisy-type flower. As you can see, though, my weedwacker can't keep up with the warm weather. The grass is out of control!

Thanks to Oasap  for the blouse, the sunglasses, and the outfit inspiration. All of which led to the tea party inspiration, of course.

I just love the shape of these!

...And lets all wish Frida a very Happy 10th Birthday!

I can't believe she's 10! It happens to be her Golden Birthday, so I am going to try to do something special. Unfortunately, her back has been bothering her and we think she had a stroke (it's the best diagnoses for her droopy face), so it's going to be a quiet birthday. Maybe I will cook her a steak and we can watch a movie... Ok, I'll watch the movie.

Oasap Polka Dot Blouse - Oasap Chic Sunglasses  - American Apparel Skirt - Vintage Belt - MIA Audrey Flats - Thrifted Straw Hat

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