new blog feature for february

If I'm completely honest, I'd have to admit that I use to hate Valentine's Day. I always referred to it as the "hallmark holiday", which I suppose in some ways I still agree with. However, due to my awesome friend Erica I started to feel a little different. (Don't worry this isn't a love story).

One year my new (then) friend Erica asked me to come to her Valentine's Day party. At the time I was dating a boy, but we didn't celebrate the holiday, so I told her yes. Her enthusiasm for the holiday really caught (the drinks and food didn't hurt either). I started rethinking the whole hating Valentine's Day thing.

Then I started working in a school. And several years later I can say that I love this holiday. I love it because I get to show my kids even more love than usual. I try to take any holiday possible to shower them with candy and love, but Valentine's Day is just such a happy loving time when you're that age. You don't worry about having a guy or girl to celebrate with, you don't have the pressure to buy anyone anything. You just trade cards and get candy from everyone around you (which now includes me).

Why the over share on my now "love" of Valentine's Day?? Well, because this year I'm going to share my love on my blog as well. From February 1st until Valentine's Day I plan on sharing tons of Valentine's Day inspired posts, including "love" posts from my friends. I'm really excited and I hope that you are too. And if you feel inspired to join, I'd love it if you'd send your story my way so I can post it too. Just email me at kellz0505@gmail.com!!!!!

-kel

feeling renewed

Yes, another blog post about feelings. Mine to be exact. And while it may not be of interest to anyone but myself, I have this need to write it all down, because today was so wonderful, and I want to remember it. Let me rephrase, it wasn't exactly today but a certain situation of today. First I should backtrack.....

For the past few months I have began feeling extremely and intensely overwhelmed with work. I began questioning myself, what I was capable of, and if I was good enough. The worst of it all is that this is something I've wanted for so long and to then feel like I was failing, hurt. Painfully. I just kept asking myself, what if I am just not cut out for this? Granted, there was also a little voice in the back of my mind reminding me that there is a reason I've wanted this for so long and it's doubtful it's only been my wish for my life.

So.... it began yesterday. I started looking for some pins on pinterest to help with my lessons, because if I don't have those tricks up my sleeve yet, I can at least borrow them! Then, all of a sudden I started finding tons of amazing ideas that I could actually use and I got excited. I literally became giddy about using these techniques in class.

Then today, for the first time in too long, I tagged along with a friend and visited her church. And it was a "God thing". The sermon almost brought me to tears as it filled me with a sense of renewed excitement. I suppose you could also compare it to a light bulb going off moment. The pastor talked about fulfilling the God potential in us all, how He created us with a purpose in mind, and how He sees the potential of us. It was as if God was trying to remind me that the small voice in my mind, telling me that I had a purpose, and that teaching would fulfill that, needed to be listened to. And there are so many points from that sermon that stuck with me....

"God created you to love you and do great things through you"

"Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother's womb He chose and called me out of sheer generosity!" Galatians 1:15

"'For I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope'". -Jeremiah 29:11

"My abilities are beyond what I can see, so I trust God for what He can see."
"Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power He can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine" - Ephesians 3:20

I must surrender myself and my life to God daily.

".....Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and bower belong to Him forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:11

I choose to believe that God wants to do the miraculous in me, and it will be the most exciting aspect of my life. I simply just need to chose His will and remember that through Him all things are possible.
I may be stressed and worried with work, but it will be His energy and strength that get me through, because it is His will and His purpose for my life. And haven't we always been told that a life following Christ isn't the easiest, but it is the best? I am just so grateful that He reminded me of this today. That He loves me enough to call me out and then renew me. And while I know He will probably have to do this many more times, I feel a weight lifted off me and a sense of joy that I had pushed away. And I can't wait to go to work tomorrow and love on those students of mine.

Praise be to God.
Amen!!!!!

-kel
ps sorry if there are any typos....chloe decided to cuddle with me and the computer....

small peeks into my classroom

Some glimpses of my classroom from this past week. We started on polygons. I'm actually really enjoying looking up fun ideas and journaling prompts for this module. Hopefully the kidos think so too.

links!!!

Another roundup of some awesome links I've come across!
Hope you enjoy.


Interesting facts...on billboards.

Stuff no one told me. Some are hilarious and some are just morbid (which is probably why I like them).

One of my favorite bloggers went to Salvation Mountain. Her pictures make me want to travel there even more!!!

Maybe the most amazing igloo EVER!! For real.

An amazing twist to a classic dish. Can't wait to try this!

46 awesome diy ideas for string lights!! i feel so inspired!

Rainbow cheesecake?!?! I might have to make this (or attempt to that is).

Interesting video (and somewhat disturbing). Sandy Hook a hoax??

I kind of want one of these dreamy bedrooms!

Amazing repurposed items. Some of these I don't know how they ever thought of!

These might be some of the coolest gift ideas of all time!

Homemade samoas?? Cannot wait to try.

Amazing photos. 

My birthday falls on national hoagie day. What does yours fall on?

A cute online clothing shop I just stumbled upon (and am in love with!!)

Did you see Barbie and Ken's wedding photo shoot? No? Look no further.

chloe takes on the dog park

Ok, I might be overdoing this whole showing pictures and writing blog posts about my new pup, but seriously, can you blame me? She's so darn cute and I've wanted a dog for so long. Finally having one just makes me smile!

 So today my amazing friend Jen and I took our pups to the dog park. It was Chloe's first time so I was a little anxious on how she would do, but she was amazing. She made friends, never growled or barked and she seemed to really enjoy running around without a leash. Can't wait to take her back!!

xo
kel

link love

So many links and websites I've found recently and can't help but love (and share).
Enjoy!!!!!!
-kel


Mix Tape Monday is back!!!

Elise's stamp shop and minibook shop are both currently open and have some amazing goodies for sale!!!

A Valentine's Day DIY online workshop for only $10?? Yes please!!

A soft cover book that's specifically for instagram photos! Can't wait to make my own!

A gorgeous photo shoot with on of my favorite bloggers. Makes me want to go on a photo shoot asap!

Online daily deal boutique shop that might just make my shopoholic side come out a little more!

I really need to try this simple workout.

Top 5 bokeh apps for your phone. I need one!

Speaking of apps..... flickr now has one too!!!

46 ideas for making DIY jewelry. I gotta say, I want to try just about them all (especially because they seem so easy!!)

A new blog (to me) that I'm totally in love with.

Type in a topic in the search engine and the results are all images you can color in. Kind of like creating your own coloring book from the internet! Amazing!

This might be one of the coolest works of art I've ever seen!

confession #2

For the longest time it seems that my mom and I have dreamed of owning our own shop. I think it would be amazing. We worked together for 6 years at the law office and I loved it. I just cant imagine having my own business, where I (and my mom) got to call the shots, hire, design, and pour our hearts into something that was all our own. Often I start daydreaming (and then pinning) what I wish our shop would look like or include. It would seriously be a dream come true. There are just so many things holding us back and I sometimes wonder if they will always be in the way. Maybe this is just a dream and will never occur (I mean, how would we even get the money to start such a place!?!?) But for now, it's nice just dreaming about. A great what-if. 

So what would my dream place include???

See for yourself!!!

 

Such cute little sparkly accents!!! I think it's perfect. 

 Love this idea of displaying items!!

 

I love this display of shoes. I'm pretty sure it'd be perfect for a shop.

 

I love, love, love this idea to display items. Plus it's super easy and cheap!

 

 

I really love the layout of this space. And the wood floors. 

I love this sparkly decor. Found at this site.

Just some snipets, because trust me I have a TON more ideas.
-kel

lately/currently

Lately

I've been feeling absolutely like crap. Good thing I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow!!!

I've been dreaming about the summer and what I'll do over it. Vacations, crafts, babysitting...woohoo.

I've been trying to get work stuff in order and up to date. I feel like I'm constantly working, but I know I'll be glad in the long run. Plus, it's probably largely due to it being my first year.

 Currently

I'm watching The Bachelor with Chloe. She doesn't seem as interested in it as she does eating the blanket and sofa though....silly puppies.

I'm eating my last cupcake (mini) from Sweets By Holly. Jen and I went on a fro yo.cupcake date there yesterday. Yay for leftovers!!!

I'm still wearing my work clothes. I've just been that exhausted. 

I'm finishing  up data paperwork from work. Good thing I like to organize.

 

Well, back to reality tv... you know, because there is such a thing.

-kel

confession #1

 So I decided that this year besides trying to blog more, I was going to also start creating some more features. In the past I've been horrible at keeping up with them, so this feature will be sporadic. However, I think it will be fun. And if you feel like joining in, I'd love it if you left a reply in the comment section with a link to yours!!!!

So confession #1 of 2013............

I can't stand the Beastie Boys.

 

Most people I tell this too look at me in shock and horror,especially guys....this seems to be their band. And trust me, I tried to like them. I borrowed cds from old boyfriends and tried so hard to listen to them and like them, but I just can't do it. 

I still have their songs on my ipod too. (Shows how much I update the thing). I try to still listen to a song or to in hopes that I'll like at least one....but nope. I don't. Not even one.

Sorry Beastie Boys, but I'm just not one of the millions that adore yall.

-kel

365 project take 2

 So another year, another go at trying this whole 365 project. Last year I got half way through the year (which actually kinda surprised me....I didn't think I'd even be able to make it that far). This year I'm shooting for the entire year. While I know it's a lofty project, I'm trying to make it as simple as possible on myself. My idea/goal: to try and capture me or something I'm doing that day. It should be easy enough since I'm heavily depending on my iphone too. Granted I would love to take more actual camera shots, but I know I won't be able to every day. So instead, I'm trying to when I can and other days simply using my phone to capture my "everyday moments". I think it'll be fun to look back on. I know I enjoy looking back on last years.
So here is the first 9 days worth.

Most of them are posted on my instagram as well (kelzify).
xo
kel

books books books

Update on 2012 goal #1.....read at least 15 books.
 (I read 40).

I figured I'd make a list of all the books I read and maybe even get some suggestions from yall for this year's books!??!!

 Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

The Plantation: A Twisted Tale From A Demented Mind by Frank T. Stoppa

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Love Wins by Rob Bell

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattilo

Fit To Be Tied by Bill and Lynne Hybels

Behaving Like Adults by Anna Maxted

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Step on A Crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Cross by James Patterson

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Swimsuit by James Patterson

The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory

Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory

Is Everyone Hanging out without me? by Mindy Raling

The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory

The Queen's Rival by Diane Haeger

Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell

My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock

Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man by Steve Harvey

The Queen's Mistake by Diane Haeger

Your First Year Teaching and Beyond by Ellen Kronovitz

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

LA Candy by Lauren Conrad

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad

50 Shades of Grey by EL James

50 Shades Darker by EL James

50 Shades Freed by EL James

Single in the City by Michele Gorman

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Cracked by Tara Logan

Spying in High Hells by Gemma Halliday

Bridesmaid Lotto by Rachel Astor

Gamble on Engagement by Rachel Astor

The Wedding Wager by Rachel Astor

Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis

just another saturday night

Just hanging out...watching the Packer game while the pup and I try to feel better (we both have colds I think). Even though she kinda sucks at the whole potty training thing, I still love this little pup. She's already added so much joy into our home.

 Happy Saturday.

Oh....and GO PACK GO!!!!

-kel

2013 goals

I made a list of 4(well, er.....actually 7 goals). I'm just hoping that I actually keep them this year. Last year I somehow managed to only keep one. I've done a lot better on my birthday goals surprisingly though. I think its because I always have so many to make for my birthday so I try to make them more fun, but the resolutions for each new year I make more broad and create fewer.

So my goals:
1. try the 365 project again.
    Last year I tried and only made it half way through. Although that is better than I thought I would 
    go.
2. document each day.
    I want to write down highlights each day in a journal. I think it'd be really awesome to see what I  
    was doing that exact day a year before (you know when I look back in 2014).
3. save money.
    I've had this as a goal several times, but there are a few differences this time. First of all the last
    time I made this goal was when I started actually saving. Now that I have a bit of savings, I want to
    keep saving, with a number goal in mind. With so many things I want for the somewhat near
    future, I need some money to do it, and how else will I get it unless I save?
4. Read at least 25 books.
    Last year my goal was 15 and I read over 30, so really 25 (especially with a free summer) shouldn't
     be too hard.
The extra goals: get fit for Erica's wedding. Complete all my birthday goals.

Can't wait.
-kel

post-christmas links

Christmas may be over, but that doesn't mean my heart has stopped falling in love with all things Christmas......
So a few of my favorites....

These Christmas fonts (ps they are freeeeee!)

One of the most beautiful white trees I've ever seen. Maybe next year.....

Something I would definitely like to try with kidos next year!!!

Some amazing advent calendar ideas: one, two even though its halloween themed, three

Ugly sweater themed cake??? Uh yes please!!!

Can't wait to one day start this tradition with my own kidos.

One of the prettiest Christmas outfits ever!!!

Sweet shirt... I think I might need it!

Some Christmas tunes (that I probably won't wait until December to listen to again).

Oh and there's this Christmas playlist too.


So many cute Christmas things. Too bad it's over 300 days away until the next one!
-kel

lookback at 2012

It's almost hard to believe that 2012 is over. So much happened this past year.
I went skiiing.
I had several friends get engaged.
My best friend had a baby.
Outdid myself on my goal to read at least 15 books (I read 34).
Failed in some other goals (like get into shape and help the less fortunate...which I feel terrible even admitting).
Had 3 jobs.
Finally became a teacher.
Had multiple roommates (3 actually).
Created a cd swap on the blog.
Celebrated Valentines day with my awesome boyfriend (who surprised me with some treats!)
Took lots of maternity photographs
And lots of baby photographs.
And some family photographs.
Co-hosted a friend's baby shower.
Co-hosted a friend's engagement party.
Cut my hair (again).
Dyed my hair several times (and finally decided to go back to blonde).
Made new friends.
Tried to do the 365 project (and failed only after a few months).
Tried to make a mini book documenting my entire year (and got half way through).
Went bowling with furries (on accident).
Celebrated Easter with Steven and his family.
Celebrated my 25th birthday.
 Made 25 goals for my 25th year (that I'm really excited about completing!!)
Took my first trip to Chicago and Wisconsin (to visit Steven's family).
Went home to Pensacola for Thanksgiving.
Experienced my first NASCAR.
Celebrated year 2 with Steven!
Got strep throat.
Fell in love with Vampire Diaries.
Had some amazing girls nights with amazing girl friends.
Went to the hospital with Steven several times.
Visited my bestie in DC.
Got a kitchen aid mixer!!!!! (Thanks mom!!)
And got a puppy!!!!

All in all I think it's been a pretty crazy year.
Bring it on 2013, can't wait to see what you have in store for me!

keagan meets chloe

Last night baby Keagan met puppy Chloe. I think it might be safe to say it was love at first sight for both.

And I mean, really, is there anything cuter???

-kel

our newest addition

 

 For the past several months Steven and I have been puppy searching. I feel like I've looked everywhere and without luck. They were either already spoken for, too expensive, or not the kind of dog we wanted. I was starting to get pretty defeated. Then on a whim my parents and I stopped at a puppy store by their house. That's where I met this little one. I honestly didn't think we'd end up getting her, it just seemed too easy. But we did. And we love her! She's so much fun and so sweet. Suffice to say we rang in the new year with a larger family!

So everyone, meet Chloe!!!

Happy New Year!!
-Kel