Inspiration

Last week I picked up a design book while out shopping, as I was looking for inspiration on some renovations and styling I would like to do around the house.

 

I found this quote in the book I purchased and I absolutely love it!



{from Romantic Prairie Style}

 

Fitting for today - enjoy our planet. Happy Earth Day.

Little spring in my step!

I have to say I had a pretty great Easter weekend! How about you? Why was it so great you may ask. Well first I had a great time co-hosting Easter dinner with my sister. We made a great meal, which included a bourbon glazed ham, gruyere and leek scalloped potatoes being the highlight. It was delish! But the day that made my weekend was yesterday! Why? Because I did nothing. Yep! N-O-T-H-I-N-G. I took full advantage of my 4th day off in a row. No laundry. No cooking. No cleaning. And you know what, I did not feel guilty! I enjoyed it! Stayed in my PJ's, Skyped my in-laws and vegged. The best part is - today I feel like I could conquer the world. It's amazing. I'm loving it. Maybe my joyous feeling is from my watching of the everso motivation Oprah's Lifeclass. Whatever it is I'm loving it! So how about you how was your Easter weekend? Happy Monday :) xoxo Kelli

rising...

{personal photo}

The smell of rising dough and baking bread takes me back to when I was young and brings memories of my grandmother.  It's amazing what just a single smell can trigger.  As I sat and waited for the bread dough to rise a few weekends ago - my mind went a drift to my younger years as a barefoot young girl, running across the fresh cut grass to my grandmothers house. This was the everso comforting scent that met me at her door.  A bowl would be sitting on the table and rising in the sun. We would sip tea and I would hear stories of her younger years as a child and hang on ever word.

Life goes so fast. I miss these days. I miss that woman.

Luckily, just a scent can bring back such thoughts - memories flow and I know she will not be forgotten.  It reminds me to treasure the tiny moments in our lives as they are the most important.

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

Kelli

spring has sprung and MMI oh my!

We have been lucky here in Manitoba with weather this year - and spring is definately in the air.  With the extra hour of daylight I feel like I have so much more time to get things done (lol).  I have been distant from the blog for a bit because life got in the way and kept me busy. 

I had my interview for graduate studies - and let me tell you it was stressful.  The interview utilzed by the faculty is the same interview format that is used by many medical schools.  It's called an MMI (multiple mini interviews), which is very different from the traditional panel interview.  It consists of 8 mini inteviews that are scenario or discussion based.  There are 4 potential stations: communication, collaboration, acting and written.  I personal feel that I would be more successful in an panel interview because I felt that this format did not allow me to capitalize on or allow me to discuss my great deal of experience in the field of rehabilitation - but for now it is over and I will await the result which should be available within a month. 

For now I will enjoy the weather, enjoy walks outside with Milka and continue to dream of summer.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot - we booked our honeymoon and are going to be headed to Africa for a safari in Kenya and relaxation on the beach in Zanzibar come July! I'll fill you in as it gets closer but I am super excited!

xoxo

Kelli

Well it's been a bit since my last post and I'm sorry!

I told you I was going to start working on a DIY project and well it's complete!

This is the pin-inspired pallet coffee table my hubby and I build together - and are still married! Kidding, it went well once he got the vision I was going for.

We started with a pallet I got from my sister - so it was free! We actually got two but were able to complete the project with just one because we made a smaller table...so I may work on a second pallet project soon too!

We removed all the boards by prying and hammering from the otherside. (Whew - what a workout that was, sure didn't need to exercise that day!)  Once all the boards were off, we measured the planks to the length we had measured using a mitre saw {which was the gift I gave my husband for Chrismas - no alterive motive I promise!} After they were cut I used an electric hand sander and sanded all the pieces until smooth.

After all that work we put it together and go this!

I wanted it higher so instead of putting it on industrial castor on we used some of the remaining wood to make legs instead. 

And finally....

 the stained finished project in our living room!

I am really loving it! I feel it gives our room a little cozier feeling.  Now to purchase a nice rug for underneather to anchor the room.

Sorry, I never took photos of the in between steps.  If you have any questions about the construction I would be happy to answer them! It actually was not too hard of a project and I love that when people ask where we got it I can say "I made it" (well "I" being my husband and me - but he is letting me take the credit because it was my vision and all he really did was cut the board). Being able to say this is empowering!

It was funny a few days after it was completed I got an email from my sister with a picture of dining room table she asked if I could "build" her! I think that might take abit more knowledge and power tools.

Hope you like - Happy Monday!

xoxo

Kelli



I am spending my last day of this long weekend on a bit of Operation: Organization!

We have an average sized home but for the size of it I find that we lack a lot of storage.  The kitchen is smaller with limited counter space and lack of usable cabinet space.  I have been scouring pinterest {feel free to follow} for ideas to utilize space and feel a little more organized.  Feeling a bit less chaotic after a few things have been put into a more functional space, but I have a long way to go - mainly due to the generosity of community members and family at our wedding showers last year.  I have closets full of items that have not been open or have been put back in to the box after it's used because of lack of space.  I hope some of these organization finds can help to make use of some space.

I really want to place my baking supplies in the pantry with decals just like this! Seen that Dollarama has some of the canisters so am going to pick some up for the smaller size and then for flour and sugar I may order from Ikea.

{via}

Was thinking of adding some open shelving for storage of some prettier items {wine, wine glasses etc.}

{via}

I would like to add pull-out shelving to the cupboard where we store our cans because everything gets pushed to the back, but until that happens I have started keeping an inventory list on the inside of the door so I know what I have before I go shopping without having to dig through the cupboard!

{via}

Lastly, if (or when) we move/renovate/build I definitely want this nifty little idea for my mixer!

{via}

How about you - do you have any organization tips? Wishes for your kitchen?

xoxo

Kelli

My friends and I get together once in a while for Sunday brunch, it seems to be a day and time that works well for everyone when people live out of town, have babies and crazy work schedules.  I really enjoy this time with my friends.  We alternate the hosting home and we each bring a dish. It's great; most important meal of the day with some of the best people in your life! It's a great way to end a weekend as well as embark on the new week. 

This weekend I made this - delish! Was a big hit!

I am currently working on this project and hope to share my tale and results when I'm finished.

Oh...and...as I wrote in this post about waiting in for an important letter - it came and I got an interview for Masters of Physical Therapy!! So excited - now I have to prepare to be ready for it in March!  

Happy Monday!

What are your valentine's plans for tomorrow?

xoxo

Kelli

{personal photo}

Happy Friday!

It's a fogging day here - but I find it so lovely and calm. Joyous even.

Have a good weekend.

xoxo

Kelli

{personal photo}

I know I'm a day late - but Happy February!

January has past and I have to say I did well on my January goals - I'm a vitamin-taking machine and my meal planning has been going great (it's so nice to have it all planned out and make one shopping trip a week to buy groceries - and I save more money!)

So now that the month of love is here its time to set a new group of goals.  Two things I have set are:

1. I want to take more photos - well iPhone photos if they count!?

I really enjoy photography {and would love to invest in as DSLR camera but I have to justify the money} so one photo a day is my goal.  I am taking the Instagram February photo challenge so this should help with my success. 

2. Be more active.   

 I guess really work out which is actually something I enjoy doing, but for the last few months {actually since our wedding!} I have been in a real lull - maybe I'm just enjoying married life?! Whatever it is it needs to stop and my goal is to get Ms. Jillian Micheals to whip my a$$ into gear!  Plus work is slow at the moment so I can't use it as an excuse!

Have you set some goals this month?

Are you a February / Valentine's lover or do you feel it's to commercial?

I personal love that there's a day {or month for some} that we designate to show love to people we care about - and it doesn't have to be with jacked up roses prices - to me it's small things that count. Even a few gummy hearts wrapped up is sweet gesture!

xoxo

Kelli





{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

Welcome!

My name is Kelli.

Married since September 23, 2011.

On a journey to feel fulfilled in life before I am 30! Follow me as I share my thoughts, adventures and life with you.

The journey begins January 2, 2012 – my 28th birthday.

Stay Tuned!

xoxo