A Day at the Lake

We headed out to my great aunt & cousin's cottage yesterday with Greta for a visit & dog play date. My cousin also has a German Shorthair Pointer so we thought it would be fun to have them play together - although it didn't go great as Milka is in heat, hence why you won't see a photo of the two of them together.

Anyways, we had a great time. The wind was strong meaning the waves were high, so Greta didn't actually go too much into the lake - so we brought the lake to her in a tub on the beach where she splish and slashed, while Mommy got a sunburn while drinking wine.

summer water

It's summer and it's hot.  So we need to keep cool and hydrated - and as much as I would love to enjoy a nice cold Pimm's everytime I needed to "wet my whistle" it's not that hydrating and frankly the hangovers aren't as easy to recover from a they used to be!

So I found myself something that's similar and refreshing. Simply: I infused water with mint, cucumber and lemons - and man is it tasty!

Just cut up your lemons, and cucumber and add about 10-12 mint leaves to the water, let it sit for 12-24 hours and ENJOY!

What's your favorite summer drink?



Confessions and Changes

So I have come to learn that I am not very good at this blogging thing! It's easier to read others blogs because that just takes going to my Bloglovin' feed in the AM and catching up on the latest posts which involves reading and enjoying the thoughts, ideas and/or pictures.  Writing my own blog, on the other hand, takes a little more effort; thinking of what to write and share, then preparing the post and the process of trying to make my blog "pretty" which I am still an amateur at! I need to really fit it into my schedule and make it happen -- which unfortunately that is about to get harder due to my latest news!

I wrote previously about filling out applications for graduate studies and well DRUMROLL.....I got accepted to one of those programs. Meaning: my life is about to become a whole lot busier starting in August! It's going to be a busy upcoming 2 years but I am looking forward to having this blog as an outlet that hopefully is unrelated to my studies and to follow blogs that keep my head in the non-acedemic world so I can keep some sanity and sense of a different life!!

I'll leave you with a few photo's I've snapped and posted on Instagram lately (I have a slight tree obsession and a bit of a thing with "paths" while awaiting my fate for school!).

Happy Monday



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

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

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