{Instagram photo}

Happy Monday! Hope you had a fabulous weekend {too bad they go so fast!}.

Usually once an month or so, I get together with a group of friends I've been friends with since high school {even some since Kindergarten} and this month was my turn to host.  Since there are 3 of us in the group with January birthday's and we all turned 28 - I decided to have a little party on the 28th this month.  A few were unable to make it but the majority did - and like always it was a night of catch-up chats, wine sipping and lots of food! Unfortunately - it seems as we get the older the earlier the party ends due to the addition of the cutest little babies and my move to a part of the country furthest from everybody but I enjoy the time while it lasts.

Regardless, it was a fantastic evening and this cake was a hit!

{Instagram photo}

It was a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cake, recipe from here which I found via pinterest.

Did you do anything exciting this weekend? Or just relax? After this weekend next weekend will definately be resting!

xoxo

Kelli



Waiting & Wondering...

Been busy lately - filling out Graduate Studies applications, arranging the paperwork and writing letters of introductions.  Now I just wait, constantly check the mail and avoid chewing my nails (bad habit!) as I await a letter advising me if I get an interview or not. I tell you - I hate waiting.

I have been working towards this goal for the last 10 years of my life - to get a Masters in the area of Rehabilitation. As I approach my 30's with no success as of yet I ponder - what to do if this year is again a rejection or yet another wait list? I have told myself that this is the last year.  It's not that I am giving up on my goal - it's just how many times do you continue to get back up when your knocked down? Is there a reason it's not meant to be? Have I focused so much on one plan that I have not taken into account other opportunities or dreams? So many questions and I can't seem to find the answers. So I wait to see what fate hands me - an acceptance or a open door to a new adventure that I have maybe overlooked.

But while I wait. I am dreaming of here.

{personal photo - edited via Instagram}

Just a year ago, I spent an amazing week there with my {now} husband and his family. 

It was really one of the most relaxing vacations ever.

It was not warm.

It was not overly sunny.

Nor did we party like rockstars.

But in the dead of winter - this quiet little fishing village on the coast of Denmark was so serene.

On the fogging mornings, staring at the ocean and sipping Cappuccino I felt at peace and had not a single worry in world - and right now I want to go back.

{my in-laws are lucky as they are there now!}

Have you found a little piece of heavan you dream of when life gets overwhelming?

xoxo

Kelli

Brrr..it's cold

Today. It is -40. Yes, -40 degrees celcius.

I have been battling a flu all week along with battling this bitter cold so I had to dress prepared today.

Tonight - it's slipper, a blanket, potato-leek soup and the couch to snuggle in for Grey's Anatomy all cuddled in beside my hubby and the dog - and dreaming of warmer weather.

How is it in your area today?

xoxo

Kelli

golden globe fashion

So everyone is talking about all the dresses of the Golden Globes last night so I though I would share my favorites with you today.

First off - not only did these actresses dress timelessly classic last night - they are also so sweet and I want to be their friends! I heart Kate Winslet!

Secondly, I was loving all the green that was on the red carpet. Green in my favorite and these are my picks from last night:

Lastly, the other trend last night was Blush and I am loving all these gowns especially Julie Bowen's pink with those cap sleeves *swoon* - perfection and bridal material!

So those are my pics! What were your faves or misses?

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Kelli



wellness wednesday

Yay! It's Wednesday and we are halfway to the weekend, which I am looking forward to because my big sis turns 30 AND has just moved into her new home so it's going to be a good party weekend. Err..and I am thinking I may fall a bit off the "healthy train" because of it! Anyways...

One of my goals this month was to eat more veggies! Lots of greens was my goal and in order to incorporate into my daily routine for lunch I have be drinking GREEN SMOOTHIES - green green goodness and I can atest - they are delicious! So today I am going to share a could recipies that I found with you.

I got these recipies here, where there are recipies for 25 of these goodness-packed smoothies! 

Here are a few of my fave's (which I've either made or are on the list!)

Green Smoothie

1 handful of fresh, corsely chopped spinach
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 ripe banana
1 cups soy milk

2 tsp flax seed

2 scoops of vanilla protein powder

Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more liquid.

**this is my own recipie and not from the website the others are from**

Beet and Carrot Smoothie

1 small red beet (equivalent to 1/2 cup), peeled and coarsely chopped
1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, coarsely chopped
1 ripe pear, such as red Bartlett or red D'Anjou, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 cups water

1. Steam beets and carrots until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.

Avocodo-Pear Smoothie

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pit removed
1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup pear juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.

Blueberry and Green Tea Smoothie

 

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

2 cups green tea, room temperature

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1. Divide blueberries between compartments of an ice cube tray. Fill with green tea and freeze.

2. Puree in blender with remaining green tea and agave.

Have you tried green smoothies? Any favourite recipies to share? I'd love to hear them!

 

more about me monday

Happy Monday!

I thought I would do a series on Mondays to help introduce myself so you readers have an understanding of the woman behind the blog! So today here are five random things about me.

 I'm a latte lover!

Well actually I enjoy coffe in general but I love the steamed milk mixed with an everso strong espresso! If I could I would start every day with a large round mug filled with this deliciousness - but unfortunately they mainly start with a coffee in a go-mug as it's more affordable and quick but Sundays are left to savor that splendid cup of frothy milk goodness!

{via}

I have a degree in Kinesiology

A degree in what? Not many people know what Kinesiolgy is; it's the study of human momement. I have always been intrigued by the body especially by the muscular system - so I studied it in depth with this four year degree. Now I am hoping to use this knowledge as I have applied for my Masters in Physiotheapy - and am waiting to hear if I get an interview!

 I love, love weddings

I love everything about weddings but mostly I love details and to see how the couple incorporates themselves into the day. Weddings are magical and the love the beams through on that special day makes it so ah-mazing. This is why I frequent wedding blogs daily and secretly want to help plan and design these amazing days. If my current career choice does not pan out it may just be Plan B!

{Our wedding - photo by Keepin It Kountry Photography}

I want to renovate an old barn and farmhouse

Old barns and homes are so beautiful to me. I want an old home with exposed wood beams, a classic brick fireplace, a large kitchen with a farmhouse sink and all the character of the past. I also want it to be on a property with a barn we could renovate to hold events or a small bakery/coffee shop. This would be amazing if I could fulfill this - dream so my eyes are always open for a "for sale" sign!

{via}

.I'm a farmgirl

 I grew up on a farm with my parents and four siblings. Feeding cattle, harvesting crops and playing in the dirt - this is where my childhood memories live! I'm still linked to the farm lifestyle as my husband works on a farm sp I still get to hop on a combine every fall with him!

out in the pasture {personal photo}

Hope you enjoy getting to know little pieces of me!

Here's to a good week!

xoxo

Kelli

life on the prairies

We may live not live in sunny California, thrive for the hustle and bustle of New York or wake up to the beauty of mountains in Vancouver.  We live on the ever-so flat plains in the middle of Canada where you can see for miles - but I get to see sunrises like this in the mornings

(personal photo)

and drive home seeing sunsets like this

(personal photo)

and it reminds me I am happy and content with my "pretty prairie life".

Happy Weekend

xoxo

Kelli

oh the joys of laundry...

One thing I really dislike is laundry!  Seriously for a home of two people it seems never ending, tedious and I just am purely horrible at it (just bought a great new pair of PJ's - first wash and they are now inches short - and I wash in cold water!!??!?). I can't imagine how I will survive when we have kids, the husbands farm clothes are enough to drive me bonkers! 

So pinterest (follow me!) brings me some inspiration to think maybe if I'm not doing laundry in our unfinished dungeon of a basement, it could be enjoyable.

What if could look like this:

{via}

{via}

I love these next ones because I love the rustic farmhouse feel

{via}

 

{via}

{via}



and lastly I love this one and you need to check out this blog where its from for many, many more farmhouse ideas - be still my heart!

So what are your thoughts on these rooms? They make me want to get right into the basement and make it happen!  Do you have any tips on making laundry better/easier? And I would love some feedback on matching socks, the pile of mismatched socks in the laundry room are driving me batty!

Happy Thursday - it's nearly Friday and I am so happy, and hoping the weather holds here in Manitoba. We are being spoiled with above zero temperatures - I'll take it compared to the usual -30's!

xoxo

Kelli

Wellness Wednesday

Well the Christmas tree is down, birthday festivities completed and holidays are over.  Now is the time to focus on the goals of 2012! 

Note that I used the word goals not resolutions - there is a difference.  A resolution is simply a statement of intention - "I will lose weight" (one I have made all too often - and yet I fail!) whereas a goal is a result or achievement toward which effort is directed and they require some planning and thought. Goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-specific) and when they are not is when they go unreached. It's more realistic to say on December 31 that "by February 1, I want to lose 5lbs" - its has a realistic, attainable number with an end date that can be measured.

So as I resolve to be healthier, more organized and appreciate what I have - I need to have some goals to get to an end result.  I have set out to focus on small changes through the upcoming months.  First I am focusing on my health and well being.

With that said my first goal is to take my vitamins! (I am horrible at this - I always, always forget!) but starting this morning I have taken measures to make this attainable.  I started with 3 types (multi, B12 and Vit D), I have placed them in a pill box for the week, on the kitchen counter where I prepare my breakfast. I have given myself the month of January to make it a continual habit and the pills already being set out make it attainable and measurable as I can visibly see if I have forgotten.

It may seem like a small little thing but it is a stepping stone to a bigger outcome.  A few of my other goals this month include: eating more vegetables, going to bed earlier and planning meals for the week.

What are your goals for 2012, if you care to share? Feel free to comment!

xoxo

Kelli

2012 and 28

Hello all!

So today is my 28th birthday and for the beginning of my 28th year I have decided to try blogging! Why? Well not exactly sure myself....I'm an avid follower of some blogs here in "blogworld"( like here and here - yes they are wedding blogs but have some good insite as well!) and they have inspired me to write about my life experiences and they have also inspired me to make some changes in my life which I will discuss and share on here.

So for my first blog post I'll introduce you to our little family:

 (my cute and amazing husband Matt, who has the cutest geman accent! and myself)

and...of course our "fur baby" Milka (she's a german shorthair pointer)!

 (photo's by the amazing Lisa)

So there are the introductions...keep following to learn more and to follow the journey. 

( Bare with me as I learn to blog and I hope the posts get more intresting and fun! )

xoxo

Kelli