Thursday, March 31, 2011

Things I'm loving right now...


Here is a small post about things I'm loving right now!


Feather extensions! I know, I'm a bit late on the band wagon, but I'm in LOVE. I love birds, which means I love all things feathers, which means these are my new obsession. They come in all kinds of colors, and can be washed, dried, curled, flat ironed, etc. So amazing, right?

This picture was posted on the official twitter page for the Harry Potter films. OK, I about died. If you guys know me pretty well, you know I'm in love with HP. Slightly on the obsessed side. And the fact that "It All Ends" soon makes me so sad. But I cannot wait. This movie will be epic!

Spring dresses! Especially this one found on modcloth. I have spring fever right now, and despite the constant rain, it is finally warming up outside! I'm excited to wear dresses, sandals, some big sunglasses, and soak up some rays! In Seattle, this probably won't happen until about the end of June. A girl can dream, right?




What are you loving right now?



xoxoKelsey.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Hair inspiration.

Beauty Board:Bold Braids

I'm going to be growing out my hair for a wedding I am in this October. It's going to be a challenge, as I am impatient and impulsive with my hair on most occasions. I found the link above, from whowhatwear.com, and decided that I need to look at pretty pictures to keep me from chopping off my locks! I'm kind of obsessing over braided hairstyles right now. There is something so undone and romantic about braids. Maybe I will be able to sport a braid someday.

Here's to fast growing hair, and the patience to let it happen!
xoxoKelsey.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Family Fun.

On our vacation, we had a crazy weekend with Ian's family for his cousin's wedding. It was weekend filled with a ton of laughter, wine tasting, dancing, about a billion cousins, and the feeling of being completely blessed. Here is a taste of our weekend...



My nieces are the cutest, don't you think??

Wine Tasting with a few cousins!
                                        



An entire week with family is exactly what we needed. I hope you get to enjoy your family as much as I do mine! Stay tuned for a post about our Disneyland trip, and the continuation of Project 31.

xoxoKelsey.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Vacation hangover.

It's always so true when people say that you need a vacation after a vacation. I am worn out! I can't even believe how busy the past week has been. So busy that I have had no time to make any good blog posts! But never fear, I have plenty of good pictures to share from the past week! Until then....here is a few amazing pictures from a bike ride along Newport that we took on Monday. That's my dad below,  along with my sister and one of my brothers. 




Isn't Newport gorgeous?? I wish I could have stayed there for days! I have missed the smell of beach and the sunshine SO much. It was awesome. The next few days will be catch up in the blogging world for me. Let's all cross our fingers that I can do so easily. Love you guys!


Talk to you all later,
xoxoKelsey

Saturday, March 19, 2011

California, here we come...

I am currently in San Luis Obispo, California. We are staying in a big house, with about 30 cousins, babies, aunts, uncles, etc. It's pretty fun, and intense. I have a pretty small extended family, so it's always crazy to be around so many people!! Tomorrow, one of Ian's cousins is getting married. Then on Monday we are off to Orange County and then Disneyland!

Here is a small taste of our trip so far...





We spent some time with my family, went on a road trip to San Luis Obispo, ate some In-and-Out, and spent all day today wine tasting.

I have a ton of pictures on my actual camera, but those will have to wait until I get the right cable to put them on my computer.  Have a fabulous evening!

xoxo Kelsey.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Brother

My brother, Cameron, has had a pretty tough week. He broke his leg pretty badly, and long story short, had to have surgery and has a long road ahead of him. Poor guy. I decided that today I would dedicate a post to him. So that maybe when he reads it, he'll get a bit of encouragement!

Cam-
You are one of the toughest guys I know. You always get through every situation life throws at you, and you conquer it. Unfortunately, this is not a fun one. Just know I love you, and am praying for you always. The Lord will be watching over you. So will your big sister (through facebook and phone calls, haha).
Love you, buddy.

If you guys get a chance and are willing, say a prayer for my brother. I'd really appreciate it :).

Kelsey.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Project 31: Day 11 Soup Du Jour



 Day 11: Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out.


OK, so if any of you know me very well, I don't cook. I love to bake, though, and do it fairly often. But, I figured I would share one of the few things I actually make. It's a recipe I stole from my mom, and it's something I always loved growing up. 


Disclaimer: I unfortunately do not have an idea of exact measurements for the ingredients, because I kind of just wing it :).


Turkey Cabbage Soup


1 pound of ground turkey
1 (or 2) 48 oz containers of tomato juice
1 head of cabbage, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 or so carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 (or 2) beef bouillon cubes
salt and pepper
chili powder


So this is SUPER easy to make, but tastes like you worked on it for hours! 


1. Cook the turkey in skillet until fully cooked. You can add seasoning if you want, but it's not needed.


2. Mix the tomato juice, cabbage,celery, carrots, onion, and turkey into a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. You can also add the seasoning now, but I just add the bouillon cubes first and wait on the rest.


3. After the soup is at a boil, turn it down to a medium heat and let it cook for about 20-30 min. Or, until the vegetables are soft and cooked thoroughly.  Turn down the heat to low, and start added your seasonings. I'd taste the soup first before adding any salt, because the bouillon cube is full of it! I add about a 2 teaspoons of chili powder. It gives it a good amount of spice, and a bit of a kick! And a small amount of pepper.

And that is basically the entire recipe. Simple, right? Here are a few more tips for making it:



 Sometimes I will also add some hot sauce, my favorite is Tapatio. But beware, hot sauce AND chili powder can be intense. 


Also, start with half a head of cabbage, and see if it is enough. There is nothing worse than a soup that tastes like cabbage and nothing else. Unless you are just a really big fan of cabbage.


There you have it. The most simple soup in the world, but it tastes amazing, and is pretty healthy. It is great topped with a small amount of cheese, and some bread. I unfortunately don't have any picture of the soup, so you will have to use your imagination for that one!


Ok, until next time! 
Kelsey.




Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman

She Breathes Deeply

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Project 31: Day 10/Lot's of rain.

Today, there was a downpour. Now sure, it rains here all the time without fail. But it was intense. I was outside for just a few minutes bringing groceries inside, and my hair was completely soaked. I had red hair color dripping down my face, and my makeup was all over the place. It was quite funny, and I even managed to snap a picture so you could get a good laugh as well. 


 I made it small....so I can save myself from you laughing at me too much. Just a little chuckle, that's all I will allow :). 


Anyways...here is my Day 10 post for Project 31!






Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)


Currently, I feel like I have learned a LOT about myself through dealing with stuff going on in all aspects of my life. I've realized that I allow myself to be a push over sometimes, and I can't deal with people being mad at me or upset. The Lord has really helped me see that standing up for myself is a great thing. Whether it being in my marriage, or my relationships with other people. I have a tendency to keep things to myself until they REALLY bother me, and then I act like a crazy woman until I feel better. 


I've also been learning how to let God be in control. I know this is something every believer struggles with, and let me tell you, it is NOT easy. I have struggled with anxiety my entire life, so the whole idea of having no control freaks me out! But it is so liberating to feel free of a problem, and to feel like someone is taking care of it for you.


Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9 


Talk to you soon!
xoxoKelsey


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman
She Breathes Deeply

Monday, March 7, 2011

Current favorites.

Today I decided that I really wanted to write a post about some of my favorite things that I am enjoying at the moment. They are not in any specific category, just random things I like.

                                                          Amazon Kindle
The first favorite is my Kindle! I got one for my birthday, and I completely attached to it. I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical about getting one at first. I was afraid it would replace my love for real books.  I don't think that it will ever replace the feel of a real book, but I've grown to love it. I love having a library of books with me at anytime.

                                                      Water for Elephants

Speaking of reading, I absolutely adored this book. It is an amazing piece of fiction about a young man that joins a circus train in the 1930's. It has gotten a lot of mixed reviews, but it deserves all the talk it has received about it. I for one would never expect myself to be interested in a book about a Circus, but I was totally invested in it! I love books that weave in historical events, such as the prohibition of alcohol, and the Great Depression. You should check it out if you love to read fiction! P.S. The movie comes out next month, so get reading soon!

                                                          The Civil Wars
I am obsessed with The Civil Wars debut album. It's entitled "Barton Hollow," and is amazing. It's all I've been listening to lately. Every single song on the album is good, which is saying a lot since most albums have a few throw away songs. Check them out!



Those are a few of my favorite things right now. I hope to do more posts in the future with the same idea.

xoxoKelsey.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Project 31 continues (finally).

Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?




Hip hip hooray for getting back to Project 31!  Hopefully I actually finish the rest of the project without crazy long breaks in between. Here is Day 9....




The past few weeks I've really grown to appreciate certain values in myself. It's a good thing for women, and just everyone in general, to take pride in their own virtues. 


I'd say the two virtues I value in myself would be my optimism, and my patience. I am one of those people that loves to be positive about most things. Especially when it is in regard to other people. This is something that I would not say I've always done, but have learned over the years. I always try to look for the best in situations, and in people as well. And it is of course easier said than done. Patience is also something I have learned over the years. As a kid, I was really stubborn and impatient. And while I am still stubborn about things, I've acquired patience. I think it may have been a result of working with people all day at my job. I've learned to listen to others patiently, and get to do that daily at work and as a youth group leader. 


Done with Day 9. See you tomorrow for Day 10!


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman

She Breathes Deeply

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Hey, remember me?

Ok, so it inexcusable how long it has been since I have updated my blog. Honestly, I should have not been such a slacker. But the past few weeks have been really crazy. The statement "When it rains, it pours" sums it up quite nicely. I really have missed blogging! It's a good outlet for me, and I cannot go that long anymore with updating.

Here is a recap of the past few weeks:
-I'm now 23. I don't know about you, but for some reason 23 sounds WAY older than 22 to me. OK, it really feels the same...but I feel much more mature when someone asks my age.


- I got some awesome glitter shoes. Who doesn't want shoes covered in glitter?


-I made about a million x10 headbands. Which will be added to Etsy really soon!


-I got a haircut! New hair is the best.



I'm not planning on ever abandoning my blog like that again. Unless it hurts my feelings, then I might.

Tomorrow I will get back to Project 31. Which is slowly turning into Project 331 with how slow I am!

See you soon!
Kelsey.