this unique day

1. It is the same day every time it comes around: February 29th.

2. It happens in the shortest month of the calendar: February.

3. It happens every 4 years: 2004, 2008, 2012.

4. It is the 60th day in the calendar.

5. It changes the total number of days in a year to increase to 306.

6. The name of the whole year is changed to "leap year."

7. Babies born on this day are referred to as "leaplings."

8. Babies born on this day can celebrate their birthdays on February 28 or March 1.

9. Babies born on this day will never a "golden birthday" because they will have to be 116 before they turn 29 on the 29th.

10. History says that it's the only day when a woman could to propose to a man in Europe.

Hope you enjoyed the facts :)

Do something different and exciting today!

stuffed peppers

While I was sitting at work last Friday afternoon, I realized that Nick would be coming for dinner and I would have to cook something to eat. I then realized that the meal I had originally planned to eat alone (salad, carrots, yogurt, and some celery) would not be up to hungry boy's standards. So the hunt for a decent meal began. I opened up my file, in my head, of Nick's favorite meals and one jumped out at me - stuffed peppers! Oh.my.gosh!

So I made this recipe from Southern Food. Nick's one modification to the recipe would be that we add more cheese into the dish by sprinkling some in as you fill the peppers. It was a huge hit overall though :) Nick even begged me to take the leftovers so he could show off my cooking skills to all of his coworkers yesterday.

There is something about stuffed peppers that screams home to me. I think it is because my grandmother used to make them and they were always amazing! So making these made me feel like a piece of something because I was making something that my grandmother and my mom made a lot when I was younger! Plus it makes me feel more like a "home maker!" It's so funny how much can change in a little bit of time. A few months ago I never saw myself living on my own and cooking stuffed peppers on a Friday night, but here I am and I'm loving it!!

lent

Every year I give up something for lent.

I'm not Catholic but I love the meaning behind it.

Giving something up for God that has become too important

or causes you to stumble in some way - sounds good to me.

Last year I gave up coffee. That one was so hard!

I used coffee to keep me going throughout the day - instead of God.

And I used it as crutch to get together with friends - because I always needed coffee.

So I gave it up and did not drink coffee for over 40 days. And it was amazing!

I had to rely on God to get me through late night homework sessions.

And I had to come up with new ideas when I wanted to hang out with friends.

I learned so much more about myself and others without coffee in my life.

Since last year's lent I have started drinking coffee again.

But I am not dependent on it and tend to workout more with friends!

I love my life without being dependent on coffee :)

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a good cup of coffee now and then.

Plus I have a ridiculous amount of mugs that need to be used every so often!

The picture above is not my wall but I'm on my way to that status hehe.

ANYWAYS... Lent 2012.

I will be giving up:
Texting while driving/at the wheel.

Including when I'm at stop lights - hence at the wheel.

*everyone cringes.*

I know. I know. I know. 

Don't judge me. You all have done it.

But it is a horrible habit of mine.

I'm good at it but I want to break it.

*cheers. standing ovation. cheers.*

So when I feel the urge to text - I'll pray.

Whatever I have to say to anyone over a text can

1. Be said to God or 2. Wait until I'm out of my car.

I will be focusing more on prayer overall in the  next 40ish days.

I want to add more "me and God time" into everyday life 

and this no texting will help me while I'm driving here and there.

There are some other things I'm working on but this is my main one.

Many of you are friends with me in "real life,"

so I'm putting this out there so you can help me!

If you see me texting while my car is in motion - call me out on it!

I want to break this habit asap because I want to keep myself and others safe :)

What are you giving up for lent?!

Focus on something that is replacing God in your life

or something that you need to get rid of in your life if you need ideas.

Don't feel like you need to broadcast it either.

It is a personal decision between you and God.

But ask for support if you need it!

catch up

Dear Readers,

So this month this little blog of mine reached an all time high of visitors! Around a third of my visitors ever were in the past few weeks! That is crazy :) Many of you have not been following since the beginning of this blog - that's okay, I'm glad you're here now! And I know there are some others who have been faithful since the beginning - thank you for your support and for sticking with me! Anyways, I wanted to bring you some of my favorite posts that were in the earlier days and some from more recently. I forgot about a lot of these so it was fun to check them out again! I keep learning more and more each and every day from this little blog. Read them all; read a few; stay as long as you can; just get to know me better!

my voice. my vision.

Struggles/Reflections:
Post-it Note
Creativity
Why Me?!
Footprints
College Student
My Scar
Temporary Home
flawed
like a child

DIY:
School Desk Freshened Up
A Little Dorm This and a Little Dorm That
Facials
gold, glitter, and chevron

Thrift:
Thrifting
Look Beyond

My Fashion:
Fashionably Late
dash of spring

Random:
A little bit sappy
Made in America
The List
The Grammy Awards 2012
a letter to a five year old

And can I just say that I would love to be 

soaking in the sun and salt water right now!

beauty department hair

Have you heard of The Beauty Department?!

Shame shame if you haven't (especially you ladies)!

They have everything at this site.

Including some amazing hair styles!

Here are some I want to try in the next few days.

I'll let you know how they go :)

hashtags

I'm a huge fan of twitter. I converted over last semester,

and I haven't looked back since! Follow me here.

Anyways, hashtags seem to overtake my thoughts at times...

here is a page from my notebook in night class:

Have a great Friday friends :)

Stayed tune for some DIY projects,

book/movie reviews, and much more!

sicky

I was doing so well! Especially working with kids so much...

I haven't been sick except for like a day all winter.

And of course this week I go the head cold going around.

But at least it isn't the stomach flu which is also circulating.

The kids I babysit for have all been sick so it was bound to happen.

I can't play superwoman forever now can I?!

So if I don't have anymore out of the water posts this week - you know why.

But the 5 reasons why being sick for a day or two rocks includes...

1. Not feeling guilty for changing to pjs the second you get home.

2. Being able to sleep whenever you want to.

3. Watching endless hours of Netflix shows.

4. Having a reason to eat whatever you want or can eat.

5. Being a baby princess for a few days!

So for all those people out there trying to avoid the germs... 

-Wash your hands with soap and water.

-Wipe your phone and keyboard down - germ central friends!

-Get plenty of sleep (something I struggle with being a college girl).

-Drink OJ or take some vitamin C to stay healthy.

-Don't forget to wash your sheets and clothes if you do get sick,

-Oh and since it is so gorgeous out this week - get outside!

i work out

I love exercise. I love pink.

I love putting them together.

Hence the pink shoes, shorts and shirt!

Everyone should be getting some physical exercise daily.

I run, do zumba, or lift about five times a week.

I wish I could do it every single day, but my schedule

and the time the sun sets kinda throws it off.

I'm super pumped for spring though because then

I get my run on every day!

I do much better as a whole when I run daily.

I'm not as stressed and I feel better about myself.

I also sleep better when I get more exercise.

And of course I eat healthier foods to keep my going.

So I love to workout for many reasons!

The key to working out - find something you love!

It's not going to be enjoyable or fun if you don't like it.

It's just going to be painful and really hard to stick to

if you don't at least like to do it.

This is why so many people quit their programs.

Don't let that be you!

Now it doesn't have to be easy.

Actually, it shouldn't be too easy for you.

But you should like it and be able to grow with it.

Also, switch things up daily to work different muscles.

You don't want to over do it at first or

let your muscles get used to certain exercises.

For example, I love to run and I can grow with that.

I can increase my speed and distance each time,

and that makes it a great workout for me.

Hence my half marathons that I did and am doing!

But I also love lifting which is good because in order

to keep running - you need to build up muscles.

So find something you love to do and get active!

And cute workout clothes can help your mood while you workout :)

Pink running shoes are my thing!

Need some more tips - go here.

a letter to a five year old

Dear Kelsey,

I know you’re only five years old, but you have had more fun in those five years than most kids have in their whole childhood. Enjoy every second living at camp. Make sure you always get up early to wake up the campers, help Uncle Charlie cook the boys breakfast, help Dad and Mom in the office, let Pop-Pop throw you in the pool all day, let Grammy put extra suntan lotion on your face each morning, run through the woods to all of your secret forts when you need a little break because no one knows that camp like you and Jared, ride the horses on the trails with Scally Wag, work on your aim at the riffle and archery range when you can, go stomping through the creeks in your bare feet and catch bugs with Jared, sing your heart out to the camp fire songs while you roast your marshmallows with all the boys, laugh at the silly skits the staff puts on, say your prayers every night, and enjoy the smell of camp fire smoke on your clothes as you fall asleep! One day, those memories are going to be some of the best ones of your childhood.

I know you’re only five years old, but you have had more love in your life than you could ever imagine. Soak up the stories that Mom Mom tells you about Popski and make sure to sit on her lap while she tells you them. Don’t forget to play Hungry Hungry Hippos with her a lot on your visits because that is one of her favorites! She’s going to show you off a lot on those visits so let Mom do your hair Miss Independent because you want to look nice in all those pictures. One day those stories and the pictures will be all you have to hold on too. Enjoy your sleepovers at Grammy and Pop-Pop’s house but don’t always kick Pop-Pop out of the bed so you don’t have to sleep alone! Go on walks through the woods and then help Pop-Pop clean up the yard that always seems to be filled with sticks. One day, the lessons he taught you on those walks will be priceless. Watch Grammy make her pies, cakes, and cookies and make sure you help her too. One day, those recipes will be legendary you will want to know how to bake them.

Let Jared play with your toys more because all he really wants to do is play with you. One day, he’ll be much bigger than you and you’ll miss the days when you were both so little that you could fit in that box and pretend to be whatever you wanted. Wake up early some mornings and go have breakfast with just Dad because he’s always willing to answer all of your crazy and interesting questions and gives the best advice about everything. One day, you'll remember all those things he said and that will get you through some hard times. Sleep in the other mornings and then go cuddle with Mom because everyone knows that both of you can sleep the latest. Get your hair done with her on the weekends because there is nothing more special than girl talk at the hair salon. One day, the memories you have of all those mother-daughter times will be so precious. You have the best family a little girl could ask for so make sure you tell them how much you love them every single day, give them a kiss, and a great big squeeze before you go to bed.

Oh, and there is one more thing I want to tell you blondie. You are little Miss Independent but it is okay to ask for help every now and then because you can’t always do it on your own. And I know you get scared at night with shadows and the sounds of the house but don’t forget about God. He’s always got your back sweetie. And always remember what Mom and Dad always say, "love God and others." You have a huge heart for both so make sure you don’t get caught up in worrying so much about little things because they don't matter that much at the end of the day.

Now go climb trees, run outside barefoot in the rain, play with your brother, have Grammy do your nails, rake a big leaf pile with Pop-Pop, play all the board games with Mom Mom, have Dad make up funny stories before bedtime, and make sure Mom dresses you up in those pretty dresses for church.
Be five today little missy; smile, laugh, love, hug, kiss, dream.

Love you little girl,

21 year old Kelsey

PS. When you take Jared to his new school soon, watch for a little boy on the hill waiting for the bus. Or next time you go to Dana's house, ride your bikes a little bit further up the hill. Look for a bunch of boys playing in the woods or riding their big bikes up and down the long driveway. One of those boys has the biggest brown eyes, a perfect smile, and he will be wearing a Phillies tshirt, jeans and sneakers. One day, that's your best friend and his name is Nick.

PSS. Tell Mom she’s crazy when she says it’s a good idea to play with Jared when he has those weird red spots on him that make him itch. But if she still insists, thank her for not letting you itch your face and leaving scars!

[Don't laugh - chicken pox are painful.]

dash of spring

Scarf: Charming Charlie's. Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger. Pants: Old Navy. Belt: Target. Boots: Payless.

 Watch: Guess. Earrings: Forever21.

Pin It

Well friends, here they are! I did this outfit post with the help of my Mama like 2 months ago and got some great reviews on it. So with the help of one amazing friend and photographer, I am bringing you more of my fashion style. Get pumped! Taking these pictures was slightly awkward for me at first because I'm new at this whole "wanna-be fashion blogger" thing. But they look really good if I do say so myself! The weather said it was going to be warm and sunny... but it was cold and overcast all day. But since the weather has been so nice recently the flowers have been confused with what season it is, so if you look closely, you can see a little dash of spring in all these pictures. Which makes me want spring to get here soon!

I have a pretty classic and laid back look going on in these pictures. Boots are always really classic and can be paired with basically anything. I love the pink scarf with the navy and white shirt because it adds the little splash of color that I love. I am a color popping kinda girl. I will add anything - belt, jewelry, bag, shoes, scarf or whatever for that little extra splash of color! 

My advice - find what you can do well and work with it. For example, my mom has lots of important meetings and presentations on a daily basis. She knows how to pair any colorful and classy jacket with great jewelry in order to make a statement outfit while still being business professional. She knows what look she wants to achieve and what she's really good at so she makes that work for her!

What are you good at? You need to find out and make that work for you because nothing works better than a confident girl! So work it :)

kinda day

It's a "favorite mug filled with coffee" and "snuggled up for a Sunday afternoon nap after church and lunch with the boyfriend" kinda a day. Have a great day friends :)

coming soon

The photos are in and will be up this week!
I won't say exactly when so keep stopping by to see them this week.

And just so you know the weather that day said "52 and sunny..."

Stay tuned for my first real outfit photo shoot!!!

Today, Nick and I will be spending our day in the city :)

We will be celebrating our "love adventure" by wandering

around in the city and just being together... aka an adventure.

Have a great weekend friends and do something crazy!

The Grammy Awards 2012

The outfits really are the best part of this night!

So here are some of my favorites:

Carrie Underwood, Giuliana Rancic, Katy Perry, Kate Beckinsale

The biggest winner of the night:

ADELE

And some ones I think were total failures:

Fergie, Nikki Minaj, Sasha Gradiva, Snooki

Interesting photos

"Jennifer Aniston look alike" Julianne Hough

"If looks could kill and we could read minds"

Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and Lady Gaga

All pictures are from here.

the verdict

Okay so the votes are in!

I asked for you all to give me advice on hair and blogs.

Thank you all for the feedback via twitter, text, 

your comments, and even some in person convos!

The for the bangs is..... [druuum roooollllll]

SIDE BANGS!

And for color I'm going to do a little of this:

warm strawberry blonde with platinum highlights!!!

Now I just need to make the appointment :)

Thanks for the help everyone!

I knew I could count on all of you to help me out.

As for the blog - my wheels are turning!

Wait until you see what's coming next.

Stay tuned...

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!!! :) TGIF!

like a child

I'm studying to be an elementary teacher. So I know that part of the job is answering questions that students ask me. Whenever I'm babysitting or just hanging out with kids I am constantly answering questions about why things are the way they are. I love the minds of young children and the limitless amount of creative and unique questions that they come up with! I also think that children have a very special and unique relationship with God. I began to know and understand God as my Lord and Savior when I was 4 years old. Children see things that adults miss because they are too stuck on lots of other things they think are more important in life. Children are trusting, they love to be held, they are dependent, they are open, and their love is so incredibly pure, real, and unconditional. Jesus wants us to approach our life with Him in a way that young children do. And they ask the most interesting and thought provoking questions!

And I will serve God every day by serving His children...
not matter where that takes me!

Zambia, Africa (2004 and 2005)

Temuco, Chile (2006)

Labadee, Haiti (2011)

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14

my valentine

So today, Valentine's Day, will be spent 1. in class 2. throwing a birthday and valentine party for some kiddos I babysit for 3. going to work and giving people tours of my school's campus and 4.  sitting through a three hour night class. 

Everyone else will be smooching it up with their boo, and I will be taking notes on how to teach students English from other countries. Yes I know it screams romantic and exciting. Nick and I will be celebrating this coming weekend instead - but I already went to see The Vow with him so that kind of counts!

If I could go out tonight and wear anything it would be this:

If I could make any food for tonight it would be PB heart cookies:

If I could be eating anything right now it would be these chocolates:

If I was going to craft for Valentine's Day I would make these:

If I could be anywhere today I would be with him:

Nick is the only boyfriend that I've dated over this holiday.

And I'm so glad I never let any other boy ruin it for me because

he has always been amazing with this holiday (4 years in a row baby)!

Maybe it's because Nick and St Valentine share the same bday?!

Anyways, he always surprises me with something incredible!

Jewelry, cheesy bears, roses, chocolates, dinners... the works!

This year he got me a pink rose dipped in gold

from I Hate Steven Singer!  And I loveee it!

Yes, it is a real rose. Yes, it is dipped/painted in 24 karat gold.

No, it will never die because it is dipped in a protective sealant.

I have it sitting on my table looking like the rose from Beauty and the Beast!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope that you all have a great day friends,

regardless of you relationship status.

One last thing, I have to honor an amazing singer.

Two of my all time favorite songs by Whitney Houston.

 I Will Always Love You.

 I Wanna Dance With Somebody.