Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Last month, I made 7 goals.

February goals:

go to the gym more often (not done)
save money (done)
read 2 books (done...i actually read closer to 5)
find a roommate for march (if our current situation holds, then this is also done)
line up job(s) for the summer (currently one is in the works and the other is a go)
catch up with friends and pen pals (friends-yes, pen pals-no...i need to still work on this)
create/make cd swap lists/cds (done and done!!)

5 out of 7 isn't too terrible.


This month I am making 6 goals:

In March I will.......
continue to catch up with friends and pen pals
work on being on time
read at least 2 books
continue saving money
take lots of awesome prego pictures for my good friend Jen
lose some weight


What are your March goals?

xoxo
kellie

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

the series i wish wasn't over


Steven and I started reading this series a couple months ago (around Christmas??) and have been trading the books back and forth to read.

Last night I finally finshed the third (and final one) with Steven peering over my shoulder.


Do you ever finish a book (or especially a series) and find yourself a little sad? Something that consumed a lot of your time, characters that you fell in love with and got to know (like they were real) is now over.

No more.


This series was amazing though. And while all three books were great, nothing could compare to the first. That was by far my favorite.

-k

Monday, February 27, 2012

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 39

If you didn't already know my love for music (which is what sparked last week's list), you are no longer in the dark about it.

I think music is one of the most powerful things out there.

Music and smell.

Both of these are pretty good ways of retrieving old memories (whether you wanted to or not). The whiff of a certain cologne takes you back to what an old boyfriend use to wear. The smell of bacon being cooked can transport you back to Christmas mornings. It's a strong feeling. As is music, which is the bigger picture here....
After all, isn't that why commercials use songs? The catchy tunes help you to remember the product being sold. But when the song brings you back to a distant memory, it's even better.

A while back while we were driving a good ole 10 hours to go skiing, we played tons of music. 10 hours worth I guess. And some of the songs brought up past events. So with nothing else to do but listen and think, I thought of another list......


List 39: Songs and the memories they bring back.

The Beatles- All My Loving.
My mom didn't sing my lullabies when I was little. Instead she'd sing me songs from The Beach Boys and The Beatles. This one was my favorite. I catch myself singing this to my niece whenever she can't sleep. It's just a peaceful song that brings back the love from being little.

The Beatles-Hey Jude.
Yup, another Beatles song. This one reminds me of my best friend Leigh. Crazy enough, I hadn't heard this song until she sang it to me. And when she got to the "better, better, better, BETTER" part, I got a little freaked out by her sudden loudness. Turns out, that's how the song goes. And now we emphasize it in remembrance. And it still brings a smile to my face.

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell-Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
I use to spend Sunday afternoons (after church) with my dad. During one of our father-daughter day dates as he was driving me back home, this song came on. Of course, we all know the words, so he and I belted it out, loudly and badly. But I remember smiling the whole time. It was a good ending to our weekly time together. Looking back on it now, it's a good reminder of the fun we use to have together.

Fleetwood Mac-Tusk.
Another reminder of my dad's silliness..... We once were in the parking lot, listening to Fleetwood Mac, when this song came on. I thought it was weird. It was one of his favorites. Since I was in that awkward teenage phase and easily embarrassed, he decided it would be fun to roll down the windows, lock them, blare the song and sing at the top of his lungs. While I was mortified, eventually I couldn't hide back my laughter. I ended up crying from laughing so hard. Another great memory of my hysterical, don't take things so seriously, dad.

Plain White T's-Rhythm of Love.
During the first year of my relationship with Steven, this song got big. We even used it in our year one video. Every time it plays all I can think of is our first year together and all the fun and adventures we shared. In a cheesy way, it kind of brings me back to when we were first starting to fall in love with each other.

Cher-This is a Song For the Lonely.
Our first year at college, my best friend Leigh and I use to watch a lot of tv. It was one of the things that kept us sane. And on one terrible day, Leigh turned on the tv and a commercial was playing with this song as it's background music. For some reason it made us laugh (well later it made us laugh, at the time it just seemed to make us feel more miserable and pathetic). But now whenever I hear that song I think of my bestie and how we've gone through some shitty times, but also some wonderful ones. And we've endured them all.

Amazing Grace.
This was one of the songs played at my dad's memorial service after his death. It's still somewhat hard to hear it, even 10 years later. It's such a beautiful song, full of God's promises and love, but it still has that sour taste. Overall, I still love it, and sometimes play it for memory sake. But in the back of my mind, there's always my dad.



Next week's list:
I've said before, I try really hard to keep this space a positive place. I'm not the most positive person, so sometimes it's hard to keep that tone, especially when in real life I'm more pessimistic. But since I really want to be a happy-go-lucky, optimistic person, I try to start here.
With that being said, I've come up with a a bit of a different list for next week. And it starts now.

List 40: Throughout the week, make a list of good things that happen. Whether they are small, or large, take note. Write them down. Then, after the week is over, go over them, save them, put them somewhere safe to remind you later. I feel like so many good things happen, but sometimes we just seem to let the negative overpower them. So let's break that!!

See you next week!!

xoxo
kellie

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

in a crappy mood-in need of some pick me ups


Today I'm in one of those foul moods that calls for starbucks, cupcakes, and/or wine.

Hell, why not all 3?

To say that it's a bad day would be wrong. Nothing has really been wrong with today. And luckily, it's already Tuesday!

(No sarcasm.)

(Promise.)


But I just feel sucky.

Therefore I felt the need to vent via blog. Because let's face it, we've all been there and sometimes misery loves company. Not that I want anyone else to be miserable, but if you are, at least you know you're not alone. This gal in Florida is right there with you.


So why the mood for today?
For once I can actually pinpoint it and don't go to my fallback (pms, stress, etc). Not that I'm going to share any of that on a public forum; however, it's just nice to know (personally) that i know exactly what's wrong. Hopefully that means I can also fix it. Although, since the mood has to do with other people and how I've managed to piss them off (without meaning to or trying to) I'm not sure how I'll fare.

Hence the starbucks.

And cupcake(s).

And wine.

But in any case.... at least I am better off than this poor child:


And yes- I use pinterest to cheer me up as well. See what makes me laugh here.

Here's to hoping yall reading this are having a great day!!! And that maybe I made you smile...well that the lobster child did anyway!


xoxo

kel

Monday, February 20, 2012

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 38


Music I can't stop listening to......

Passion Pit
Phoenix
Jukebox the Ghost
Young the Giant
Nicki Minaj
music off the soundtrack for Weeds
Mumford and Sons
A Fine Frenzy
LMFAO
Minus the Bear
Muse
The Postal Service
The Beatles
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros



Just to name a few.
My taste in music is definitely far and wide.

Which bands are your current favorites?

xoxo
kellie

the search for jobs and roommates


I found these "poster like sayings" on pinterest and today I was definitely reminded (again) of their truth.

I've been struggling the past couple weeks (almost months) about trying to find a summer job (yet again). The jobs I currently am working for aren't necessarily going to be an option for me (due to money and schedules) and I've been stressing.

But today, a co-worker passed on a possible job opportunity for me. Not only that, but she's already recommended me and sang my praises.
It's one of those "God things". And I can't help feeling blessed.

Now I just need to remember this in regards to my search for a roommate. We have a month to find someone and while we had options, they fell through. I know that I need to just leave it up to God, and trust me I am trying.
After all, with Him things always work out. Maybe not the way you anticipated, but always for the best.



xoxoxo

kellie

Sunday, February 19, 2012

an amazing weekend




This weekend some of my girlfriends and I went to Savannah for the day. I seriously love that city. Part of it is my geekness and loving history, some of it is that it holds tons of fun memories, and another large part is that there is always so much to do.
The girls and I started our day with mimosas and beignets, then we swung by the daquiri bar (for me), shopped all over the city, walked the squares, sampled candies, tried some cupcakes (ok-me again),had an amazing lunch with a view (I ordered a fried green tomato blt, YUM), and then we headed home. It was a great "vacation" day.

Then that night I went to a co-worker/friend's birthday dinner at The Melting Pot. (Okay can I just say that the food there is amazing?!)

After getting home at almost midnight I fell into a food coma. And woke up one happy camper ready to go to brunch with my parents and Steven.

All in all, such a great weekend.

How did you spend yours??

-kellz

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

all things valentine









This Valentines day was pretty great. It consisted of lots of kids on sugar rushes, tons of sweets, a sweet valentine from my mom, pad thai, and some valentine surprises from Steven.
And the kick off to this wonderful day, was my valentines day package from jen (my valentines day craft swap partner). (see the first photo). It came early and seriously made my weekend!!!
I'm one happy girl.

Hope yall are having a great valentines day as well!!

xoxo
kel

Monday, February 13, 2012

5 loves on monday (valentines day edition)

Valentines use to be one of my least favorite holidays; however, I honestly love the hallmark holiday now. I think its mainly because I get to spend it with kids and there is something about seeing how happy they get with gifts that makes it awesome.

I've been trying to find some cute valentines day ideas for crafts and food for my students tomorrow and I stumbled upon soooo many cute things. Things I want to make. Things I want to eat. If only there was enough time.....

1. this yarn love



2. these valentine day cookies



3. these valentines day blocks


4. this pretty heart-backed dress




5. this valentines craft idea


Happy early Valentines day!!!
xoxoxo
kel

Sunday, February 12, 2012

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 37

currently:

listening: to the history channel
eating: just finished eating some blueberries and snow caps (weirdest combo i know)
drinking: water
wearing: my new "monster german weiner"shirt from european street, target sweater and pj pants (cause my jeans are drying)

feeling: rested. content.
weather: cold!!!!!
wanting: a puppy. like really bad!!
needing: to get dinner ready soon.
thinking: about baby shower planning
enjoying: time with my favorite guy. and soon with one of my good friends


It's a short list, but a fun one this week (aren't they all though)? That is if you are addicted/obsessed with lists like I am.

You're turn!

PS- check out my pinterest list board!

xoxo
kellie

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

sugar mountain 2012

Last week a bunch (like 15) of us went skiing. Granted I haven't been skiing in a couple of years (and even then I sucked) but it was actually a lot of fun.
Even if there wasn't a whole lotta snow (mostly ice and slush). But we still all had fun.


And the guys played a new game they found (creeps). I'm talking all the way there, all the way back, and a majority of the time we weren't skiing.




Our place had an amazing view and we were right on the mountain. When we weren't skiing, we were watching people wipe out on the slope right outside.

We also had a townie bar night. And I swear I saw a vampire. No joke. He was wearing all black, was pale as could be, and was drinking red wine. *see note below

And on the way home we got some homemade apple butter and boiled peanuts.

I seriously can't wait for next year.

*sidenote: The Twilight saga may have taken over my life. The fact that I thought I saw a vampire at the townie bar is seriously disturbing. Luckily (for Steven) I have finished the series.

xoxo
kellie

cd swap (LAST chance) + diy cd cases

In case you missed the whole cd swap post, you can see it here.

Since I decided to extend the sign up date (to this Friday, Feb 11th) I figured I might as well share some awesome diy projects I found via pinterest to help you decorate a little bit. I have to admit, some of these ideas I've been drooling over for awhile, just hoping to get a chance to try them out.

So if you have (or even if you haven't) emailed me yet about joining, here are some awesome diy cd cases and books for you to try.


above diy steps found here.



above diy instructions found here.



above instructions found here (one of my new favorite blogs, by the way!!)



above instructions found at abeautifulmess (written by promise, an amazing blogger!!)



above tutorial found here



above book steps found here



above cd book instructions found here



above cd cover found here (but no link with instructions, sorry)





Don't forget to email me at kellz0505@gmail.com to sign up!!!


xoxo

kel