The last five days.

 This past week I got to spend five days in California with my family. It was a bit of an early birthday present, and it was definitely a much needed vacation. I didn't have a computer on me, so I have a TON of pictures to put up in one post. Here we go!

First I spent a day with my parents and siblings:

 My brother Jake and I.

My little sister, Maddie. I like to call her my twin.

 The gorgeous view from my parents backyard.

 The real reason I went to California: In-N-Out.

And then I met the sweetest puppy of all time, Napoleon!

The next day my mom and I went to Disneyland! It was warm and sunny, and literally the best day of the trip.

 Isn't my mama gorgeous?

 An entire store just of Little Mermaid things. I should probably just move here...

All of my dreams came true in one moment. I got to go on The Little Mermaid ride!

The next day I had breakfast with my mom, grandma, aunt, and my cousins. My aunt, cousin, and I all share a birthday this month, so we decided to get together and have a Calamity Jane themed party. (What? You've never seen that movie!? Here's a little number from it.)

Ever since I was a kid, the girls on my mom's side of the family have loved the movie. I've seen at least 30 times. 

So, what better movie to have as a theme for a birthday party?

 The best birthday breakfast of all time. Lemon-blueberry pancakes!

 I took about twenty pictures with my little cousin, Grace. She's too cute!

 My cousin and I discovered that we have a secret cake decorating talent. Watch out, Cake Boss!

 You can't have a western themed birthday without some good ol' Sarsaparilla! It's Calamity Jane's favorite, of course.

 The birthday ladies with my grandma.

There is nothing better than a week filled with sunshine, family, laughter, and Disneyland. As much as I love living in Seattle, every time I go home to California I fall back in love with it. I'm pretty lucky to have such a wonderful place to visit so often. 

If I could just bring some of the sunshine up to Washington with me, I'd be set!

Hope you had a wonderful week/weekend. I'm hoping to go back to regular posts here shortly, though I say that far too often :).

Happy Monday!

xoxoKelsey.

Snowed In.

Whew! The weather has been quite eventful the past few days. I think there's a good 6 inches or so of snow outside, along with a layer of ice and then a bit more snow on top! So as you can guess we spent most of the week inside away from the cold. I feel like I've become the master of being snowed in, so here's a little step-by-step guide on we survived the Seattle snowstorm. Warning: These steps really have nothing to do with surviving a storm of any sorts :).

1. We went outside and enjoyed a walk in the snow. Complete with sliding and slipping while trying to walk.

 

2. We stayed outside for a few minutes to make some snowballs. Ian made his levitate. Just kidding. It's obviously just my mad photography skills :).

3.I wore lots of these long socks. Our apartment building is old and drafty, and I needed to keep warm!

 4. I made us some delicious pancakes. Because what's a snowstorm without something good to eat?

5. I made my favorite chocolate cookies. These really had nothing to do with the fact that it was snowing, but it added a nice touch.

6: I built the best snowman of all time with my hubby and brother-in-law. It took a lot of  time, snow, food coloring, and black beans to make it happen. (Anyone recognize the Rage comics character?)

7. I learned to play Settlers of Catan by candlelight due to the power outage at my in-laws. It made the game much more realistic with the candles and lack of warmth. 

8. Lastly, I sat inside and realized how lucky I was to have a warm place to stay with family and friends to keep me company. I may have also thought about how to keep myself from going stir crazy.

 Tomorrow it is suppose to start raining here, and I have NEVER been so excited for rain! You can quote that back to me the next time I complain about it.Which will probably be on Saturday. 

 It's funny how a storm can really throw everything off.  I haven't really worked all week, and I feel totally disoriented after being inside for two days straight. Cabin fever is definitely a real thing. 

Happy Thursday!

xoxoKelsey.

Twins

Dress-Forever 21/Jacket-Target/Scarf and headband-gifts!/Oxfords-Target

I wish I could take complete credit for this dress, but it actually belongs to my little sister. She has pretty good taste, if I say so myself. I gave her a few things from my closet, so she let me borrow this little number for awhile. I just love the little hearts on it! During my trip home during the holidays, I realized how much the two of us are alike. We look alike, talk alike, say the same things, and are about exactly the same height. She's nine years younger than I am, but I think we are long lost twins. I always wanted someone to share clothes with, and I just love that she is finally my size! Or maybe it's that I'm finally her size? Either way, it's a lot of fun. 

I love this dress so much that she might have a hard time ever getting it back :). Also, these oxfords were on sale for like $12.99 at Target. So if you're on the hunt for a comfy pair, I'd run to Target now before they sell out!

I am so excited for New Year's Eve! I hope I get a chance to snap a few pictures of my outfit. Let's just say it includes a LOT of sparkle.

Happy Friday!

xoxoKelsey.

Bits and pieces.

 I am finally back from my wonderful mini vacation to Orange County! Above are a few pictures of our trip. Just looking at them make me so happy!

 My hubby and I had so much fun hanging out with my family and spending four days with them. We laughed, shopped, ate, and rode bikes on the beach. I got to see a ton of my family, including the newest member Kait, who is my sweet future sister-in-law. I have to admit, I've been pretty bummed since I got home yesterday morning. I love my family more than anything, and it's always hard to say goodbye to them. I am so blessed to have family that supports me and loves me the way they do. I know not everyone gets to experience that. 

I'm really looking forward to  New Years Eve! Do you guys have any fun plans? I don't know what I'm doing yet, but I do know it will involve wearing sparkles :).

Look for more regular posting this week/next week. I know it's been a bit scarce around here.

Happy Thursday!

xoxoKelsey.

Merry Christmas!

I'm currently sitting in the airport on my way to Orange County to see my family for the holidays. This California girl is ready for some warm sunshine!

 I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones, and remember how blessed we are to be able to celebrate such a special day! Here are a few pictures of me and the hubs from a Christmas Ball we were a part for the youth group at our church. This is one of many photo booth sessions. If you are a family member of ours, you can count on receiving one of these pictures with your Christmas present :).

 You're welcome for the last set of pictures. My husband thinks he is pretty hilarious. I do too, most of the time. I'm thinking we should use that last picture as our Christmas card next year. Classy.

I'll be back on Monday!

Merry Christmas!!

xoxoKelsey.

Thankful

Happy day after Thanksgiving!

Here are a few pictures from yesterday, and a few things that I am thankful for.

1. My niece (Annie) wouldn't take a serious picture, so this will do :).

2.My brother-in-law and I love to take cheesy pictures. It's an art, really.

3. Little Miss Cali is the cutest baby around. 

4. Insanely delicious food.

5.  Hey there, cute husband!

I'm thankful for the following:

-My husband, who is always so patient with me and loves me unconditionally.

-My relationship with Jesus. His love is the only love worth living for.

- My job. I love getting to make people look beautiful all day long!

- My husband's family.

-My own family.

-My awesome brothers and sister. 

-My health.

-Friends. They always make life hilarious.

Honorable mentions:

 -Clothes. (That's on everyone's list, right?)

-Books.

-Christmas trees

-Coffee

-Sunshine

-Vampire Diaries (Obsessed)

-Crafts

-Red hair

-Breakfast at Tiffany's

-Christmas music. ALL. DAY. LONG.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Remember, calories don't count on Thanksgiving, or when you eat leftovers :).

Happy Friday!

xoxoKelsey.

Lately

1. We rode a ferry to visit some friends. Isn't the view from the dock awesome? 2. Some boxes of color at work. Those numbers are a a part of a secret hairstylist code. 3. My littlest niece, Cali, was dedicated on Sunday. She's so sweet. 4. My hubby on the ferry. He looks pretty darn cute. 5. We had AMAZING cupcakes at a volunteer dinner at our church. The frosting is almost as tall as the cupcake itself! 6. We found a local restaurant that serves Australian pies. They were delicious. 7. My new lipstick love. I have so many lipsticks, it's pathetic. Can't. Stop. Buying. Them. 8. The menu from Pies and Pints, the restaurant that serves Australian pies! 9. I made the most amazing cake batter bars from a recipe I found on pinterest. I can try and post it if you guys are interested! 10. I am reading this book currently, and am in love with it. It's a bit quirky, which is right up my alley.

I hope your week is going well. I'm a bit ill, so excuse me if I'm a bit slacking in the blog post department. I'm hoping a cold now means no cold this winter. I'll be doubling up on my vitamin intake from now on just in case!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxoKelsey.