Why I Love Katy Perry // Honest to Blog

The other night I wanted to post a graphic to FaceBook featuring a line from a Wide Awake by Katy Perry, but could find virtually no nice images. What!? I took it upon myself to make a few (or a lot! these three are just my favorites!)

There's very few celebrities I can honestly say that I admire, but Katy Perry is one of them, which is weird, because I disagree with most of what she is known for - but that's not all there is to her. Several months ago I watched Part of Me, and I honestly can't believe how much I loved it. Katy Perry is one of the strongest, most amazing women I've ever heard of.

If anyone has ever had a reason to bash their ex she does. She was married to him and did - from what I've heard - absolutely everything she could to keep their marriage going, and he still divorced her. But I've never once heard her bash him, and the one song she did (I think) write about him, isn't angry at all - it's heartbreaking, and, quite honestly, a song that I could really relate to. It's a song about her and her growth. It's not "omgsh he's such a jerk, and I'm planning my revenge!" It's just "I'm falling from cloud nine, I picked up every piece, and landed on my feet." And I think that's amazing and admireable.

So yeah, she doesn't dress the best. Yeah, some of her songs are very inappropriate, but no one is perfect, and I believe in admitting when someone is a good inspiration even if it's only in one area of life. If that makes me worldly so be it. But if I can die being able to honestly say that I handled evert break up of relationships and friendships with as much strength, grace and dignity as Katy Perry did, I'll be one happy lady. ♥

xo,

Katie

My Story of Manipulative Relationships // Honest to Blog

I don't know how to start this post so I guess I'll just come out and say it: I was caught up in a manipulative/controlling relationship all through high school and even for a while after I graduated. And no, it wasn't a romantic relationship. I know some people think that you can't be in a bad "relationship" if it's not romantic. Let me be the first to inform you that this is not true

I'm the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family, so I've never had any older friends/family to look up to. So when I was a freshman in high school, and I met a girl who was several years older than me, who was talented and popular, and for some reason sought me out... well, I couldn't help but be flattered.

We spent every minute of the day talking and texting - even when I was with other friends or family - and looking back, I'm really embarrassed at how much I let her manipulate me.  I'm embarrassed that all she had to do was say a few words and I would do whatever she wanted. I'm embarrassed that I cut myself off from the rest of my family and friends because "no one else 'got' me." But I just have to keep telling myself that, hey! I was fifteen, full of hormones and emotions and a new Christian to boot.

But then things started to get worse. She blamed me for everything: I left her out, didn't love her enough, was too worldly, too focused on growing up, worried too much, talked too much, didn't help her enough, was a terrible friend, dressed badly, shouldn't like tattoos or colored hair, shouldn't be happy when she was sad, shouldn't be sad when she was happy, should talk to her all day long, answer her messages right away, not spend more time with my other friends than I did with her, be there whenever she needed any little thing and ask for nothing in return. She yelled at me, ignored my problems and demanded my attention.

Then I started to see things differently...

I tried reasoning with her. I tried begging her. I tried explaining to her. I yelled just to make my voice heard. But it made less than no difference. I got apologies but in the end it didn't last more than a couple days. We'd fight and I'd think this would be the end, she'd apologize and we'd try again.

In the end, I had to end it. But the pain didn't stop.

It was - and is - really hard, but the more I'm away from her the more my eyes have been open. Now I want to forgive her and get healthy again. I want to move on, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss her. I miss talking to her, and feeling like I had someone I could depend on no matter what.

Because even though I know it's unhealthy for me to be around her, I still love her so much. She has so much potential and so much good inside her if she could just take responsibility for her actions. 

So that's my story. And for those of you wondering, no, I am not writing this out of anger/revenge/bitterness/passive aggressiveness. I'm writing this out of the hope that maybe, just maybe, not hiding the hurt is the first step to healing. And in the hopes that if anyone reading this is going through a similar experience, they'll realize that they're not alone and no, they're not crazy or bad friends like I thought I was. I'm not an expert, but if anyone out there is going through something similar and just wants someone to listen/give an outside opinion/let them know that they're not alone, don't hesitate to drop me a line. My email is katie(at)beautifully-pure(dot)com. I know how exhausting/frusterating/heartbreaking a situation like this can be, and I'd love to everything I can to help.

God bless and I hope you all are having a great day.
♥

xo,

Katie Burry

Lately {Foodstagrams + Country Music}

1. Froyo!

2. A basket of clothes to list on my Instagram closet shop

3. We finally got a decent amount of snow!

4. Libby got a German pancake and it was bigger than her head! (And believe it or not, that's the small one!)

5. Woke up with a craving for doughnuts to find out that my wonderful mother had already got some for breakfast!

6. Perfect red pout Saturday morning.

7. Granted I left earlier than usual, but there was still a sliver of light when I left work on Saturday! Here comes spring!

8. Starbucks in the car with my mom and Maddie.

9. Ulta haul!

1. Jackson // Johny Cash and June Carter

2. West Coast Friendship // Owl City

3. That Don't Impress Me Much // Shina Twain

4. Dear Vienna // Owl City

5. Wide Awake // Katy Perry

1. I got this song because it was on the Help soundtrack, but then I watched Walk the Line and now I'm really loving it. I can't wait to get the Walk the Line soundtrack version, though. Reese Witherspoon has an amazing voice.
2. I love all of Adam Young's work, but his earlier stuff will always have a special place in my heart, and even though I'm not a California girl, I love this song.
3. In case you can't tell, I'm in a country music mood lately (I blame going to Missouri). This is one of the first country songs I ever liked! (And for those of you that are interested this was the video that I first saw it on!)
4. This is by far my favorite songs on the Maybe I'm Dreaming album by Owl City! ♥
5. This wasn't one of my favorite Katy Perry songs at first, but the more I listen to it the more I love it. The vocals are gorgeous, and the lyrics are hauntingly true. Totally describes a lot of my feelings lately.

1. Once Upon a Time

2. Downton Abbey

3. Sweet Home Alabama

1. Even though I still really love this show I'm starting to think that I like season one a little more than season two. That might just be because I'm really sad over the whole Belle/Rumpelstiltskin story line... probably. I just hope his son isn't who I think he is!
2. This show is still good as ever, and I really love how all of the characters are progressing, but I heard a spoiler for the Christmas special and it's killing me!
3. I caught the tail end of this movie while I was baby sitting Friday night. I love it so much! Reese Witherspoon is totes adorable. I absolutely love her in everything I've seen her in - especially Penelope! The only downside to watching Sweet Home Alabama is that it made me miss being in Missouri.

xo,

Katie Burry

Lately {Holidays + New Things}

1. Playing draw something with Maddie. My drawing skills are out of this world, y'all!

2. Designed a template for Molly's new blog, the Dahl House.

3. My NYE outfit

4. New Years Day feast.

5. I think I could live on bread and cheese.

6. I stumbled onto the mother load of sales at Maurice's last week!

7. Dreaming of summer + loving my new candle.

8. These are the coolest socks I have ever seen in my life! Thanks to my mum for buying them for me!

9. And finally, my new Dahl Clothes dress! It was a Christmas gift from Molly and I'm so excited to style it up!

1. Brave // Josh Groban

2. Part of Me // Katy Perry

3. I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift dubstep version.

4. Did I Make the Most of Loving You // Mary Jess

1. A new favorite from Josh Groban. The style of the song reminds me a lot of You Are Loved, and the lyrics/message is so moving!
2. What can I say? Sometimes Katy Perry speaks to me...
3. I'm not ususually a Taylor Swift fan, but I can't seem to get enough of the dubstep remixes of I Knew You Were Trouble! It's so unlike me!
4. For those of you that don't know, this is the theme song for Downton Abbey. The premier of season three was last night. SO. EXCITED.

1. Downton Abbey Season Three

2. Duck Dynasty

1. Like I said, the premier of season three was last night and I am more than ready to get back into that drama-filled goodness of a turn-of-the-century-soap-opera!
2. I don't really remember how my family started watching this show this week, but we did, and I have to say that it's actually really good! I just love country people!

Little Red Riding Hood // Daily Outfit

Sometimes I get so, so caught up in everything that's past. I think it's just in my nature. I can't stop thinking of everything that was. I've done it for as long as I can remember, and it always hits worst in December. It's the month of my birthday and the last month of the year - both are times I think people naturally get reflective, but for me it borders on depression. This year I can't stop thinking of some of my old friends. I trusted them, and even though I know that it's time to let go I just can't seem to...

The good news, though, is that all this friend drama has made me see the need to patch up some hurt feelings with some of my favorite family members. Family may be crazy and imperfect but they'll love you and I've been blessed to have some really amazing family that accept me - Lita Spikes and gear-head-wannabe in all! I'm really hoping to visit them again this spring - it's been far too long. ♥

For those of you wondering, this is what I wore to my dad's family's Christmas party earlier this month. When I got this dress I vowed to wear it more than just for my graduation party, and I've certainly done that! (I'm not even going to lie: Katy Perry is a constant source of courage! If she can wear candy themed outfits I can rock that hot-rod-red tulle dress!)

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: Spotted Moth
cardigan: Lace Affair
belt: Windsor

tights: Target

Jeffrey Campbell Litas: Lori's Shoes

necklace: Kane County Flea Market

blazer: H&M

lipstick: Kat Von D Painted Love in Underage Red
Title: Once Upon a Time

Like a Girl // Daily Outfit

This outfit is actually several weeks old. Eep! Luckily I'm finally getting caught up on my outfit posts. Woohoo!

I think I must have caught the "crazy-shoe bug" from reading Kaelah's blog because this is seriously one of my favorite pairs - right up there with my faux teal JC Litas and my real Lita spikes! I mean, what doesn't a pair of pink and camel platform heels go with!? I really loved how they added a little pizazz to this simple, girl-next-door look (also, "pizazz" is one of my new faovrite words).

In other news I'm hoping to start some new changes next year and I set up a reader survey so I could hear your thoughts on what you'd like to see more/less of! I'd really appreciate it if you'd take the time to fill it out. (I promise it won't take long! Only 5 required questions.) It will also give you an extra entry in a giveaway coming up next month - I'm just sayin'! *winks*

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: Forever 21
cardigan: Old Navy
belt: Windsor

tights: Target

Dolce Vita Heels: Lori's Shoes

ring: borrowed from Maddie

lipstick: MAC in Lickable
Title: Hot N Cold by Katy Perry

Lately {Food + An Abundance of Owl City and Katy Perry}

1. Red velvet + a chocolate long John + coffee for breakfast on election day. ♥

2. The problems with wearing bright red lipstick and drinking Starbucks.

3. Birthday cake ice cream and chocolate ice cream with magic shell - two of my favorites!

4. Maddie found an easter egg gumball still hiding in our house!

5. I put up a shelf in my room all by myself! I'm so proud! (Even if it is a bit crooked)

6. I wore chevron Forever 21 flats to work on Saturday - just in case y'all were wonderin'

7. Drinking Italian cream soda pop Friday night.

8. The necessities of a good manicure (tried the ol' Pam method of drying nails, but the jury is still out on the result)

9. Finally jumped on the Afterglow bandwagon + the last rose of summer.

1. Part of Me // Katy Perry

2. When Can I See You Again // Owl City

3. Hot N Cold // Katy Perry

4. Dreams and Disasters // Owl City

1. I've really kind of fallen in love with Katy Perry's music. So many of her songs are just so uplifting and encouraging - and this is definitely one of them. ♥
2. I just can't stop listening to this song yet. The music is so wonderful, and the lyrics are so upbeat and happy and encouraging ("life's too short to take it slow" I agree!)
3. Guilty pleasure. I accidentally bought a non-edited version one (what does "radio edit" mean if not "no swear words"!?) so I skip the B word.
4. Another really, really encouraging song during a less-than-peachy time. *winks*

 

1. The Amazing Spider Man

2. Once Upon a Time season 2

1. This movie was fantastic! Not that I didn't know that it would be, but I just felt like that needed to be said. Andrew Garfield is - IMHO - the best Peter Parker ever, and despite how much I love Bryce Dallas Howard, Emma Stone is my favorite Gwen Stacie. (I love Emma Stone!) She's just too cute!

2. This weeks episode was really good, and I loved learning more about Red, but I felt like it just wasn't as "OMG WHAT WILL HAPPEN???" as usually. Am I crazy, or do any of you agree with me?

Part of Me // Daily Outfit

 I just wanna throw my phone away

Find out who is really there for me

You ripped me off, your love was cheap

Was always tearing at the seams

I fell deep and you let me drown

But that was then and this is now...  

Now look at me, I'm sparkling

A firework, a dancing flame

You won't ever put me out again

I'm glowing, oh woah oh

 ...

In fact you can keep everything

Yeah, yeah

Except for me

This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no

Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no

~ Part of me by Katy Perry

Sometimes in relationships - be they the romantic kind of just friendships - you can get to the point when you realize that the other person in the relationship doesn't really have your best interests at heart anymore. That they just keep taking and taking without really offering to give back, and that you've lost yourself because it was so much easier to suck it up and do what they wanted rather than hear about it from them later. Well, I've been there very recently... 

Looking back on the past year I can't believe how much I stifled myself just to make one of my friendships work. I didn't post on blog about things I wanted to because I knew it would cause problems - even things that weren't even about anyone else, but just how I was feeling. (How pathetic is that?) And I can't believe that I didn't notice it at the time! I mean, when someone all but forgets your golden/eighteenth birthday for months, and you don't say anything because you know it will just get your friend ticked off at you, it ought to be a pretty bit indicator that this friendship isn't working, right?? But I put up with it for months and months as the friendship dragged on, and now that it's over, I just feel so weird...

I know it's for the best, and no one can convince me otherwise but it's still so hard. It's hard to see someone I love so much and not really recognizing them... But hard as it is I know it's the right thing, I know I'm stronger for doing the right thing, and - honestly - I've never felt more like myself than I do right now. No more worrying what people are going to think when they see what I wore that day, or when they read that I'm stressed out about a friend. I am me because you know what? I'm a single girl, and I don't have to answer to my friends for behavior that doesn't concern them. I mean, I'm totally fine with friends talking to me if they think I'm behaving badly, but I cannot handle them acting like it's their duty to save me. I'm almost nineteen years old and I'm old enough to make decisions for myself, and I really, really just want to be myself. ♥
 

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: thriftstore
cardigan: ModCloth
belt: Francesca's Collections

shoes: Libby Edelman via Lori's Shoes

bracelet: gift from my parents

ring: Target

jeans: Forever 21

lipstick: MAC in Lickable
Title: Part of Me by Katy Perry

Lately {Wreck it Ralph + Betsy Johnson Dresses}

1. I finally got When Can I See You Again on my iPod! So happy!

2. Got my very first Little Black Blag box with two Betsy Johnson bracelets in it! I love 'em!

3. My Urban Outfitters haul! Total spent: only thirty bucks! Score!

 

1. When Can I See You Again // Owl City

2. Part of Me // Katy Perry

3. Hot N Cold // Katy Perry

4. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together // Taylor Swift

1. Ok, I know that every time a new Owl City song comes out I'm like "it's a new Owl City song so of course I like it" but I really just want to talk about why I love Owl City so much. All of Adam Young's songs are just so happy, upbeat and encouraging. It echoes exactly how I try to look at life, and I love that.

2. Confession time: I had never heard this song before watching the movie, Part of Me. I know, where have I been? Under a rock!? But I'm making up for it by listening to it nearly non-stop now. It's such an encouraging song, and really puts into words a lot of what I've been feeling lately.

3. I bought this song on iTunes, since it said it was a "radio edit" but after buying it I realized that the "b" word is still in it. Boo! How is that a radio edit!? So now I just mute it when that part comes up since a) I already bought it and b) it's a fun, catchy song to listen to on the way to work.

4. This song is back on my playlist owing to the fact that it's also a very good vent for how I'm feeling lately.

 

1. Part of Me

2. Sherlock season 2

3. Wreck it Ralph

1. My mom and Maddie and I took the opourtunity of my dad being out of town to finally watch the Katy Perry movie. I. Loved. It! I've liked Katy Perry's style for a while now, but after seeing what an incredibly strong lady she is, I'm even more of a fan!
2. I finally got around to finishing season two of Sherlock! Yay! It was a really good episode despite feeling a bit rushed (but then, I thought all of the episodes in season two felt rushed), and I really liked getting a chance to see John and Sherlock's friendship again. I have to admit, though, that the ending didn't really hit me until the next day. So sad!
3. Loved it! I figured it would be pretty fantastic considering a) the preview looked great and b) there was an Owl City song in it, and it was really good! The little girl was super-duper cute, and the plot-line was really good - and don't even get me started on the soundtrack!

Firework // Daily Outfit

"Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst"

~ Firework by Katy Perry

In an effort to make my blog more music related I have taken to naming all of my outfit posts after songs/with song lyrics. No, I'm just kidding. That's totally not why I do that, but it is a nice perk. I just really, really love music. I always have. And when I draw a blank as to what in the world I should call this post, song lyrics/titles work well. It's become a bit of a creative crutch, but a completely acceptable one at that.

On another subject I just really need to talk about these shoes for a minute. Real swede featuring two of my favorite colors (hot pink? yes please!) by designer Dolce Vita. Retail: one-hundred-and-thirty-dollars. I paid: forty. Can you say "good deal"!? Originally I was a bit on the fence about whether or not I should get them (I have no idea why!) But after weighing the pros and cons of the purchase - and by "weighing the pros and cons" I mean "talking it out with my mom" - I realized that I would be stupid not to get them! But then, let's be honest: both my heart and they themselves knew they'd becoming home with me the minute the salesperson told me that I could pull them off because I had a "Katy Perry style."

That's a compliment I've been getting a lot lately, actually, and I'm super flattered every time someone tells me that my style reminds them of hers. Despite the fact that I dress much more conservative than she does, I think Katy Perry is such a bombshell. Especially her hair/makeup. It always looks flawless and is generally just to die for. I mean, have you seen this?? Oh, and have I mentioned she was one of the inspirations behind me getting bangs last winter?

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: ModCloth
blazer: my mom's
belt: Francesca’s Collections
tights: Target

shoes: Dolce Vita via Lori's Shoes

necklace: Kane County Flea Market

bangles: H&M

lipstick: MAC in Lickable
title: Firework by Katy Perry