Friday, April 30, 2010

film friday

My best friend Leigh and I watched this movie this past week, Jennifer's Body. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, since I despise Megan Fox movies, but I actually enjoyed it. I think because it was a spoof of scary movies. And that got me thinking about other movies like it.....



I love all of these movies and I think majorly because they poke fun of actual scary movies (which I hate watching, but still do). I love humor in movies, especially morbid humor.



What kind of humorous "scary" movies do you like??
Do you prefer this kind of movie or actual scary movies??
Do share!!



Well, I'm off to a bachelorette party. :) Have a wonderful weekend loves!!
-k

Thursday, April 29, 2010

inspiration thursday (and trip updates!!!)

Ok, so I apologize, because this is going to be a long (and image heavy) post, but I just don't know how else to share all that I've encountered this past week. Even still, I know I am not including everything.
This past week was incredibly inspiring and I truly feel that I was able to rest, find my creativity again, as well as recharge my batteries. Before leaving for this trip I just felt so drained and I needed time away to regain some composure and motivation. In coming home after a week, I feel that I found more than I ever thought I would!!! So bear with me, I know it's a long post, but I feel there is SO much I need to share with yall in blogland! :)

The week started with it being administrative's day and one of the attorneys brought us all flowers. I loved mine and it totally matched!!

Thursday night after work I drove 4 hours down to St. Pete, FL where my bestie and I met up to attend a Christian conference on social justice. Now while I know not everyone is Christian, please don't tune the rest of this post out because of that or think that it might not be something interesting for you.... The whole concept of social justice is something that I think a lot of us think about and feel strongly about. The conference was called A sustainable faith and there were over 100 people there for the entire weekend, hearing lectures, praising God, talking and getting to know each other, learning about struggles going on all around (state, nation, and world), and just loving each other. It was incredible. I met so many wonderful people, bought so many awesome books, heard so many awesome talks, and for once in a long time felt at home and comfortable to talk openly. The conversations happening were just incredible. Especially when you have speakers like Shane Claiborne (in picture below).

Shane Claiborne is such an awesome guy and if you've never heard of him before, check him out here. Not only does he believe in taking a stand and helping and loving everyone around him, he lives that way. He's such an incredible guy and you can just feel the love he has for others and God.
The conference also had a few workers from Immokalee, FL., a place where tomatoes are picked. The workers discussed how horrible the conditions are for them, which is incredibly heart breaking. They have to fill numerous amounts of buckets (that when each are full to the maxium weigh over 30 pounds) just to make 50 dollars (annually 7500). They don't even reach the poverty line. They have asked big companies to pay more for tomatoes and while many fought over it, big companies like Burger King, McDonalds, Whole Foods, and Taco Bell (remember when we boycotted them??) have agreed to pay more. While that is amazing, there are still places like Publix (FL's main grocery store) refuse. All the workers ask is 1 more cent per pound, which means we the customers would only pay 1 cent more per pound we buy' yet, these workers' salaries would DOUBLE! Can you imagine? And Publix refuses to get involved. Sadly, it's even more tragic than that. Most of these companies don't agree to help, when they are even told the horror stories of how some of these workers are treated as slaves. Slaves, in Florida in the 2000s!!! They are locked in trailers and their shoes are taken away from them so they can't run away. There have even been accounts of sever beatings to the point of death.
These workers though, are so full of faith and love and have such faith that they will be taken care of, but they still fight for justice and they asked us, which means even you to join them. They gave us a letter to take to Publix when we do our shopping to give the manager to pass along telling these stories and bringing attention to what needs to be done. It's great that we can help by sending letters. I've already sent one, and I have a few more Publixs around here to go! But you can join (if you have Publixs around you!!)

There were a million other stories and outreach ministries that touched my heart, but I will save them for another post as to not overwhelm anyone. However, I feel that this helped jumpstart my journey in getting my passion back. I feel so passionate about helping. I'm sick of reading and learning and not doing. I want to do! What about you??

LEARN MORE about the conference at:
www.asustainablefaith.com



Later on in the week (between catching up with old friends and my old hometown) Leigh and I went to hear Donald Miller talk. It was awesome. We helped clean prior, set up the green room (which included making his coffee...which is a nerve wracking task for gals that don't make much coffee, but are trying to make coffee for a guy from Portland....) Then we got to work his merchandise table, meet him, get autographs and I walked away with his newest book. I can't wait to read it!!! He's such a great author, and if you haven't already, check him out! (his picture is below). His talk was inspirational and reminded me of how truly important it is to dream, even if our dreams seem insane, unthinkable, impossible...we still have to dream them.



Before I went (yea, sorry for the bit of back and forth) I got to baby-sit my sisters kids. I love them so much and they always put a little smile on my face (except for bedtime.... the littlest HATES going to bed, which I understand, but even signing her to sleep with "All My Loving" by The Beatles didn't help (my mom use to sing that to me when I was little)).

We still had a blast though, making cupcakes, playing games, taking pictures, dancing, and cuddling. :)


The end of my week was spent in South Florida, my old neck of the woods. It was sooo great being back.

This is my bestie, Leigh's dog. He's so adorable. He thinks he's a person and loves to sleep on you, even though he weighs over 100 pounds.

It also rained horrible Monday, so Leigh and I found ourselves just lounging around and watching silly tv like in the good ole days. :)





I can explain this picture....it's from the movie Runaway Bride and to make herself look silly and cheer up her friend she does a pose like this. Leigh and I do it too, to cheer each other up. :)

*This is Leigh's bike. I wanted to steal it soooooo badly. Isn't it a beauty?


And I love her place. Her mom just redecorated because of a flood, but it's sooooo amazing now. It's so simple and inspirational and gorgeous. Well here are some pictures, you tell me what you think. :)




(my favorite part- her closet is a HUGE bookshelf. so great!)

I also got to visit this lovely craft store. My dad took me here when I was little and it's amazing. It's huge and as soon as I walked in I felt like I was in heaven. Plus it was good to remember my dad there too.


While I hated saying goodbye to Leigh and my other friends and family down south, I was kinda ready to come home and start DOING. I have so many goals and dreams to accomplish. And....my birthday is next week. :) :) Of course, I dearly miss those faces and that cafe con leche. YUMMY.



If you actually read this whole thing, I feel like you should get a cookie. Thanks for caring! If you didn't it's totally cool. I'll try to shorten my posts. But I just had so much to share (and that wasn't even the half of it).

Hope you've had a great week! And TGIF!!!!
-kel

may & june pen pals (updated list-pls check!)

May & June pen pal list!!!!
*please let me know if I have missed anyone!! And if you still want to join us, there's still time, just send me an email (kellz0505@gmail.com) by tomorrow night!)*

Here are the names I have so far:

Name: Sarah
Blog: Contently Consistently Chaotic - http://www.enyabharas.blogspot.com


Name: Krystle
Blogs: http://krystle-clear.blogspot.com (my personal blog) and http://helloladies09.blogspot.com (a group blog)

Name: Tiffany
Blog: http://tifftastic.wordpress.com

Name: Courtney
Blog: http://youwillwontyou.blogspot.com/

Name: Katie
Blog: kjjventura.blogspot.com

Name:Catherine
Blog: www.nowoodenspoons.blogspot.com

Name: Lindsay
Blog: http://www.bearypixie.blogspot.com/

Name: Jamie
Blog: www.inspiredmess.com

Name: Rikki
Blog: http://seitanicveganheathen.blogspot.com/

Name:Krystal
Blog: krysta1.blogspot.com

Name: Tillie
Blog: shewaitsforwhispers.com

Name: Amanda
Blog: http://timefortealove.blogspot.com


Name: Tiffany R.
Blogs: www.iamrenasdaughter.blogspot.com; www.tiffanyrushforth.com; www.photographsbytiffany.blogspot.com

(and of course me!)

Can't wait to start soon!! Please, please, please let me know if I have left you out or if you want to be added. I've been trying to put together this list, but since I didn't do it all at once I may have missed some emails.

love,
kellie

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

wednesday wishes

Hi blogland!!! I'm back from vacation and I've missed you!

And I'm just in time for my Wednesday wishes post!! :)

I must admit, this has been one of the best weeks full of inspiration and catching up (with others and myself). I feel fully charged and ready to take on what lies ahead. I've only been home for 2 hours and I've already put everything away from my trip, rearranged some of my bookshelves in the living room, cleaned my bathroom and rearranged a piece of furniture that was just total chaos inside. My roomie thinks I'm strange, but when I come back from a trip, I tend to feel awesome and just ready to do something. I've been in the car for 5 hours- I want to get started in making home even more comfy. Eh, maybe I am crazy. haha!

While I have taken soooo much away from this past week (and there is SO much to share with yall, which I will!!!!) there are a few things I'm pining for right now.


1. more time!

there is just never enough. i want time to take all that ive learned this week and start putting it to use. i want to do and accomplish SO many things, yet there is just not enough time for it all to happen now.

2. a beautiful birthday.
my birthday is ONE WEEK from today! i know it's probably nothing to go all crazy over, it's only 23, but i still am looking forward to all the ways i hope to celebrate. and im really looking forward to seeing what this year brings for me!!!...oh yes and of course all the things i've put on my blog in prior wednesday wishes posts would totally make my "birthday wish list" right now. i swear im not greedy- i just like options, so then i wont know what im actually getting. :)

What are you wishing for today? This week? etc.

Don't forget to check out Liz's, Katie's, and Courtney's posts. And feel free to join us every Wednesday! Just post a link to your post so we can all share in the fun together!!

much love,
kellie

Monday, April 26, 2010

giveaway winners!!

yuuup, you heard me right, winners. :)
i'm soo excited that so many of you fond my blog and actually read my blog. there were 95 entries for this last giveaway and as my bestie Leigh and I were picking the winner she made me realize that picking only one person out of 95 was crazy. soooo i decided to surprise a 2nd person with some presents (similar to what the first prize winner gets)!!

soooo here we go:

1st place winner (who gets all that is seen in the giveaway picture, is kittycat
2nd place winner (who gets some surprises from me similiar to what the 1st place winner gets) is kristie from writers block

congrats ladies!!! email me at kellz0505@gmail.com with your addresses and when I get back into town i'll send your presents out!! :)

_______________________
Also-- about the penpal info..... if you still want to join, please sign up!! deadline will be this Thursday, April 29

love yall, hope youre having a great monday- im still on vacation with the bestie, but my usual posts will start up again later this week. miss you blogland friends!!!!

looooooove,
kel

Sunday, April 25, 2010

GIVE_AWAY

Just leaving this post up here as a reminder to enter my giveaway in celebreation of 100+ followers!!!!


So go to this post and enter to win!!!
Deadline: April 26!!
Good luck :)

-kel

Thursday, April 22, 2010

you inspire me (Interview with Lehua)

I'm really excited to introduce a new aspect of my inspiration Thursday feature with yall this week!!! :)
I decided that just sharing things that inspire me didn't really do this post feature justice and after seeing how some of my blogger pals have incorporated interviewing other bloggers, I came up with a great way to perfect and add to this post!!! I want to interview those of you that inspire me and motivate me to create!

_______________
The very first person I am happy and excited to introduce (although I'm sure many of you already know her and her wonderful work!) and blog about, is Lehua. :)

Your name:
Lehua [pronounced "lay-who-uh"] or Lei

Where can we find you?
blog: Heart on my Sleeve
twitter: ilovecrayons
flickr: Heartonmysleeve


Tell us a little bit about you!!
born & raised in hawaii
went to high school in japan
graduated with my bachelor's degree in political science in LA
currently living in a small town right outside of san francisco

i suffer from middle child syndrome.
my mom is a graphic artist and my grandma is a painter
i have the cutest puppy in the world
and i'm marrying the man of my dreams in july!


Favorite craft or hobby?
scrapbooking or journaling.
if it involves paper, i'm there!


What's next for you?
getting married soon! lots of babies. lots of time at home to make pretty projects!


5 things that make you happy!
cheeseburgers, my iphone, ice cream cones, paper and coke zero
[can you tell i like food?]


Where do you find inspiration?
i like to find inspiration from a mutltitude of places.
my friends, window shopping, being outdoors, blogs, etc...


How do you get and stay motivated??
it's very hard to stay motivated and getting things done.
i work full time as an accountant and at night i always have family stuff or wedding plan, so it's been a little rough. but if you love what you do, you will find time to do it all.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
in five years hopefully i will have a cute little baby or maybe 2. ;)
i want to be a stay at home mom, raising my kids and creating in the free time.
i want to live in a brick house with a huge backyard and eat cheeseburgers all day.

Random tidbit about you:
i hate feet. i also hate alligators. but not spiders or bugs. :)
*Thank you sooo much Lehua for participating!!!*
I hope you'll go take the time to check out her blog/flickr/etc. if you haven't already. She's an awesome gal and incredibly creative and talented. I'm happy to have her as a blog buddy and pen pal! :)
If you want to participate, please e-mail me (at kellz0505@gmail.com) and let me know!! All of you are inspirational to me and I would feature all of you if you'd let me!! :)
love,
kel
ps- i'm FINALLY going on vacation tomorrow so no posts for a little bit, BUT I will be picking a give-away winner Monday! So hurry and enter if you haven't!! :)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

pen pal info

EDITED (1-16-13): Currently closed.
 
Wanna be pen pals?????
How about getting a handful??
Just read below for all the information and contact me then I'll add your name to a list of 10-15 gals (all of which will become your new pen pals!!!)

This is an ongoing project and is still happening, so please, if you are interested, send me an email!!! And if you don't live in the USA its okay!! We have tons of pen pals from all over the world (so as long as you're cool with it, so are we!!)

**What I need from you in your email to sign up:
full name,
mailing address,
link to your blog( if you have one)
and please let me know if you want to be in the international group (inside and outside of the U.S.) or the national (JUST U.S.) group. Thanks so much!


If you want to participate:
Guidelines:
*I say guidelines because I don't want to make any rules, rules are too demanding and sometimes stupid. I want this to be fun! But there are some things I should explain and stress...

-There is constantly a group being made, so no matter when you stumble upon this, just email me and I can put you in a group!

-There's no limit to how many can join. My motto is the more the merrier!! :)

-If you do join, I ask that you at least try to write to every member. It's tough, but that's why I say try.

-If you sign up and LOVED it and want more pen pals, just email me again and I'll add you to another list. :)


you can e-mail me (if interested or if you have any questions at kellz0505@gmail.com).

-kellie

PS. look at this post for reviews from current pen pals
PPS. don't forget to add a pen pal button (on the right hand side bar!)

wednesday wishes

Morning loves! Hope your "hump" day is going well, I've gotta say I am sooooo glad that the week is almost half way over. We're almost over the hump!! :)

With my birthday around the corner, May 5th (or cinco de mayo to some!) I've been thinking a lot about wishes. Not so much because I'm thinking about presents, but more because of tradition for my birthday. Every year I make a list of goals and also add to my birthday scrapbook (where I commemorate my birthday with a picture (so I can remember what I looked like at that age), the events, and where I feel I am in life). I feel like it's a good way to remind myself each year how far I've come in just a year.

So with that said, I've got a lot on my mind lately.....

I'm also happy to say that more of my former wishes are coming true!! I'm leaving for a vacation TOMORROW!!!! I'm so excited. I've got so many plans and people on my list I HAVE to see, because it's been too long. I'm also spending the time with my bestie, Leigh. I'm so happy my heart could expload!!!!


Soooo....my wishes for this week:
1. safe travels. i'm going to be doing a LOT of driving this week

2. tons of time with friends catching up (I'm already making plans to put this wish into action!!)

3. cafe con leche at my favorite Cuban place in Ft. Lauderdale. it's the best coffee in the entire world!!!

4. for another awesome 2 months pf pen pals!! (If you are interested in participating for May & June, let me know (e-mail me @ kellz0505@gmail.com) last time was a blast and I had soo much fun writing to so many lovely ladies. we had about 14 pen pals in total and so far for this go around, we have at least 5 previous pen pals signing up again! So hurry up and join us!!!!!!



What are your wishes this week????
Answer in the comment section of this post, your own post and link me to it, or (even better!!) join us in our Wednesday Wishes feature every week and link us to it via the comment section so we can follow along!!!!

Don't forget to check out Courtney's, Liz's, Tiffany's, and Katie's!!!! :)

have a fabulous wednesday!
kel

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

hello from girls night!!!


hihihi

just wanted to stop by and say hello and share some photos from tonight's girl night!!! :)
we've been doing a lot of decorating wine glasses,

taking pictures,

drawing, eating (and making tacos) and cupcakes...like these:

plus there's been wine drinking, girl talking, awesome music playing, and all around it's been a wonderful night in with the ladies!!!!! :)

<3 kelllll

fact tuesday

Hello loves!


I'm sure most of you have seen the fill in the blank survey over at Smile and Wave, and perhaps most of you have already done it, but I decided that today would be a perfect time for me to fill out mine! :)
Oh and I'm also answering formspring questions (keep on asking and I'll keep on answering every Tuesday). Don't be shy, you don't have to leave a name (so I won't know who asked) and I'm willing to answer pretty much everything I'm asked!!! :) So keep on asking!!!


Fill in the blank:
When do you feel the happiest?
When I'm surrounded by loved ones. It's the one time I feel I can be completely myself without any guard having to be up and I can let loose and have fun.


How do you take care of yourself?
I'm pretty bad about this one and the boy would definitely agree. I'm trying to do better, but I still have a long way to go. I have cut down on sodas, but it still doesnt' help that I have a major sweet tooth!


Are you internally (by yourself) or externally (by others) motivated?
I'm a little of both, but truthfully I'm more externally motivated. Browsing blogs, flickr and other sites as well as listening to some good music really helps me to get in a creative mood.


What do you do for fun?
Read, watch movies (I'm a huge netflix junkie), hang out with friends and family, craft, go on photoshoots, shop..... (the list could go on). I guess it helps that I'm easily amused!



What intimidates you?
Large groups of people I don't know, having too much attention focused on me, and meeting people for the very first time.


What is something that you're proud of?
Making it this far in life. :) Being almost ready to graduate college, making the dean's list, being a youth director, and being able to take care of myself financially. Of course, still being in school I do depend on my mom a lot, but the fact that I have taken care of myself as much as I have in the past and present makes me feel really proud and happy.


Finish this sentence: I never_________. have broken a bone or been stung by a bee or wasp.



Favorite vacation spot:
Anywhere different, especially if there's a beach. I loe traveling and I've been fortunate enough to have had some wonderful opportunities to travel different places. I honestly don't think I could pick just one place though, I've loved so many: Berlin, NYC, DC, Krakow, Bahamas, Charleston, any FL beach, Dresden, etc.....


Today is a (rate 1-10):
Since today hasn't really even started, I'll say an 8 and that's only because I have to work and I was also late this morning :(


Finish this sentence: If you knew me really well you'd know ________. Why I'm the black sheep of my family.



(YOUR TURN!!) And please post a link to your answers so that I can read them!! :)



_______________________
Formspring questions:
Where do you see yourself in five years?
hm.... In 5 years I hope to be happy. Not that I'm not now, but I want to be happy then as well. Ideally, I'd like to be a teacher and in a good, solid relationship. I'm not sure if I'll stay in FL or not though......

What is a typical day for you?
Ok, I'm probably going to be too detailed though.... Honestly, my life right now is very structured, which I kind of like. I'm the type of person that likes order; however, I do sometimes try for something different, I can get tired of the same ole thing ALL the time....

Monday-Friday I'm typically at work between 8-6 (sometimes not as long...)
Mondays- I tutor right after work until about 9. By the time I get home, it's late and I have only a bit of time to catch up on craft things, read or see the boy.
Tuesdays are my girl nights. After work my girl friends come over and we make dinner and hang out. It's one of the best nights of the week!!
Wednesdays after work I typically go straight to my sisters for dinner and hang out time. When I get home it's kinda late and I really only have time to catch up on a few things (or I try to see the boy).
Every-other Thursday I have a church dinner that I go to straight after work. When I don't have that, I try to make plans with friends, my roomie, or the boy. :)
Friday nights and Saturdays are my free time/down time and I treasure them!!
Sunday I teach bible study in the morning before church, hang out with my parents in the afternoon, and then go back to church for youth group that night.
Whew....

Don't forget to ask some questions for next week!!!! Don't be shy :)

(girl night time!! bye loves!)
-kel

how to help your relationship

First off, I am NO expert (obviously); however, when signing onto the internet this afternoon I ran across this article on msn and I HAD to share it. It's aimed towards married couples, but I honestly feel like it's advice is helpful for any relation, no matter what stage it's at.

So enjoy and feel free to comment, add to, or disagree with anything. I'd love to hear your opinions on it as well!!!


15 Love Rules for Married [or dating] Women
1. A Little Privacy Goes a Long Way
"Separate bathrooms!" —Inspires, on glamour.com

2. Keep Quarrels to Yourselves
"My nonna always told my mom, who then passed the advice to me: 'Don't talk to me about the fights you have with your husband. Because then you guys solve it in the bedroom, and the next day I'm still mad.'" —Amanda Chamberlain, 22, Hoboken, N.J.
* I gotta say I soo believe in this. I've come to find out that this is so true in my own life.

3. FPP
"Feed, pet and play. Oh, wait … that's the relationship I have with my cat! It still applies." —Lindsey Fulton, 25, Houston

4. Be Friends
"All love that has not friendship for its base is like a mansion built upon the sand." —poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox
*I also have found this to be true. I think it's awesome when a couple also considers their significant other their best friend. I think it makes the relationship sooo much stronger!

5. Don't Be Joined at the Hip
"Let there be spaces in your togetherness." —poet Kahlil Gibran
*My boyfriend and I work very hard on this one. He likes a LOT of space and I don't. It's a take and give thing and although we've had our issues, this is one thing we've worked hardest on and I think we've found a good middle ground! :)

6. Cheaters Never Prosper
"When you have a family, and you cheat on your spouse, you cheat on everyone, even your friends." —jennnynyc15, on glamour.com

7. De-Stress … Together
"Sex alleviates tension." —Woody Allen
*The fact that this is from Woody Allen freaks me out!

8. Keep at It
"An older woman told me something that stayed with me. I asked her how she stayed married so long. Her reply, 'We never both fell out of love at the same time.' I love that, because no matter how much we want to deny it, there are times we want to throw our boyfriends or husbands overboard — and vice versa. But as long as someone is trying, then you can make it!" —Christie Pourtemour, 22, Manhattan Beach, Calif.

9. Own Up
"Whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut up." —poet Ogden Nash

10. Make Time for Romance
*(I'd prefer NOT to add in the quote used here.....)

11. To Have and To Hold
"Hold on to each other above everything else." —from the Lifehouse song "Whatever It Takes"

12. Differences of Opinion are O.K.
"You need not think alike to love alike." —Jillian Maxwell, 28, Brooklyn

13. Avoid Personal Attacks
"A friend once told me that when you argue with your husband (and you will), never make personal attacks. Stick with the subject; there are some things that can never be taken back." —EMagdon, on glamour.com
So true in any relationship. My friends and I (along with my youth group and I) have been talking about this lately. Using "I" messages really helps defuse a fight or stop one from happening. If you don't have tact in a fight, it's going to be dirty.

14. No Cheating
"When you decide to commit, you've got to commit. Can't cheat. Wanna cheat! Can't cheat. Dying to cheat! Can't cheat. Can't wait to cheat! Can't cheat. Some guys gotta go to rehab not to cheat. But you can't cheat …. Know why? Because you're going to get caught. I don't care who you are, [even if] you're 007, you're going to get caught. And you don't want to get caught." —Chris Rock

15. Know Your Priorities
*I would also prefer not to use this quote either. But I totally agree with this. You need to know where that person stands in your life and what in the relationship is important and what things you can let go of!


15 Love Rules for Married [dating] Men
1. Lend a Hand
Nothing gets a woman hotter than getting down on your hands and knees, getting sweaty and … scrubbing the grout in the bathroom. Man up when it comes to household duties; it pays off.
*YESYESYES!!! My mom always told me that asking a guy to help, even for the simplest things makes them feel wanted. When they are willing to help and sometimes offer on their own makes soo much of a difference and makes me fall even more in love with the guy.

2. R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Be respectful to your in-laws. They may not deserve it, but your wife does. Do it for her.
*You don't have to like them, but you do have to love them. One of my biggest problems with a guy is when they don't try to get to know my family and/or friends. They are a BIG part of my life and if you can't get to know them and try to get along with them, you'll see the door before they do!

3. Hand-Holding
Hold her hand. Often. And if you ever lose your hands, hold elbows.
*Another thing I TOTALLY agree with. Honestly, I love little gestures like this, it reminds me that I matter to him and that he's thinking about me and loves me. This is especially nice in a big group and you guys haven't really been talking to each other. It's just a cute little "i love you" reminder. :)

4. Work at Your Marriage
"Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day." —Ann Landers
*YES!!!! It makes me angry when people just give up on relationships because they don't feel like working on it. There are days when you don't want to work on it, but the thing is, that's just life. If you don't work hard for something, it'll never be worth it! Relationships aren't always easy and they take time and work, but it can be so worth it!

5. Confide Carefully
Sometimes when times are tough, you've got to talk to someone, anyone other than your wife, just to get perspective. But keep in mind that your friends are there to support you, not provide perspective, and don't say anything you can't take back once these troubles are behind you.

6. Don't Write Off Counseling
Everyone should be in marriage counseling because marriage is hard. If your car is having problems, you take it to a mechanic. Don't give up on a relationship you value without exploring every possible avenue for healing first.

7. Make Time for Sex
Never underestimate the importance of sex to marriage.

8. Surprise Her
Do something nice for your wife, with no provocation, no less than once a week. If you have to put it on your calendar, if you have to tattoo it on your forehead, make it happen. Your life will be longer and happier for it.
*This is something else I fully agree with. There's a Christian book, The Five Languages of Love that explains how people view love differently. Some think that doing kind gestures for each other says love, others think that buying things for your signifcant other is love. I think one of THE most important thing in any relationship is to find out what love looks like to your significant other and then show that to them as often as you can. We all need little reminders. And we all need to be shown these reminders in our own way, it says a lot if you can do that!

9. Apologize
Be the first one to say "I'm sorry" or "I was wrong," even when you're not sorry and you weren't wrong.
*I don't totally agree with this. I think both parties should be willing to admit when they are wrong; however, if you weren't wrong I don't think you should be forced to apologize! I tend to apologize to people just because I hate fighting, so anything to end it sooner works, but I feel like that doesn't solve the problem ultimately. Although a lot of times even if I feel like I was in the right, I will apologize if I felt I acted chilish or said hutful things. By the way, Love does NOT mean never having to say you're sorry!

10. Give Her a Hug
Hug her. They dig that.
*A hug makes so many things better!

11. Don't Try to Change Her
Every new husband thinks he can change his wife. Every experienced husband wishes he could have back all the time and energy he spent trying to do so.
*I feel this should be true for both parties. More often I hear of girls trying to change their man. They date the bad boy and hope that they can change them into the guy that cares and is really a romantic at heart (he just hides it underneath all those rough layers). Okay, I'm guilty of doing this too, but I gotta say, IT DOESN"T WORK!! You gotta love the person for who they are, because no one should ever try to make someone change! It's gotta be something they want to do on their own!

12. Be Open To Changes
People change as years go by, and so do marriages. Be flexible.

13. Fight Fair
When you fight — and you will — fight fairly. The causes of a quarrel will fade from memory, but cruel words are remembered for years, smartie.
* "I" messages, remember?!?

14. Remind Yourself Why You Love Her
Marriage is a choice you make every day, not just at the altar. Once in a while, it's important to remind yourself why you chose this woman, and why you still choose her.

15. Treat Her Right
Put her above all others. That includes your parents, your children, and yourself.
*YES!!!!! :)

Well there you have it. Thanks MSN.com for your awesome points! Now blogger friends, what do you think??? Don't be shy!!! :)

--kellz

so very awesome!

Today (well Monday) I was featured on my friend and pen pal, Lindsay's blog!! You can check it out here. I feel so honored and happy!!! And if you're not already a follower of hers, check out her wonderful blog!! :)

Night night blogland. See you soon!!!
-kel

PS tomorrow I'm answering some of m formspring questions....hurry and ask yours!! :) Don't be shy.

Monday, April 19, 2010

5 loves on monday

Hi loves! Happy Monday (that's a little cruel isn't it??)

As usual I have a slight case of the mondays, but these 5 great things are just the eye candy I need to make me motivated, inspired and ready to dream. *sigh*

1. cassette tapes. i love the look of them. i really, really wanna make a stamp that resembles one....one day. It's on my to-do list.



2. Paul Rudd. what else is there to say???




3. modcloth dresses. sooo dreamy and i want a new one soooooooo badly.









4. long wavy hair. ( i miss mine a lot!!)






5. camera obscura. love love love this band!!!



There you have it. My monday list of loves!! :)

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway! It ends this coming Monday!! :)

lovelove,
kel