Sunday, May 13, 2012

dreamers

There are dreamers and there are realists in this world. You think the dreamers would find the dreamers and the realists would find the realists, but more often than not the opposite is true. See the dreamers need the realists to keep the dreamers from soaring too close to the sun. And the realists? Well without the dreamers they might not ever get off the ground.




Summer 2011


Happy mama's day xoxo

--Kelly



Monday, February 20, 2012

what I do know

Life is truly something:

First off, it is beautiful.
Big D on the Gunflint trail
It is also:


. exciting
. gives you strength
.solidifies what is important
.and let's you let go of what is not
. can knock you down
. can bring you to your knees
. delivers the unexpected
.makes you realize who you can depend on...and who you need to let go of
.makes you fight
.and when you think you've had enough, it makes you fight some more
. exhilarating 
.gives you the opportunity to determine how you approach each and every day
. let's you grow
.gives you the chance to show your abilities
.shows you that you can do anything if you put your mind to it
.plays with your emotions
. can cause butterflies
.and it can cause heartache 
. makes you laugh until it hurts
.and then laugh some more
..and if you're really lucky, it may even involve tears -- but not sad tears, those happy ones. Where you can't breathe and those moments that you wish would never end

I clearly do not have life figured out quite yet, I may even question it, but I believe you are the sole determiner of your attitude. It's made me realize that how you carry yourself is more important than your popularity, that your character defines you, and good people come from every corner of the world.  I've come to understand that staying in and cuddling up to a good movie is as fun as a night out on the town with friends and you should hold onto those people you can call when the going gets tough...even if it's for a ride at 2am after a solid night out. Being able to laugh is sometimes the best medicine -- and smiling can put a whole new perspective on your day..or someone else's. Hard work is always the best work and striving to reach your fullest potential is all anybody should ever ask from you. I've learned first-hand that spending a day doing something you love is imperative -- especially with a coffee in hand....& a best friend by your side. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it seems as though your tunnel doesn't end.  Find the good in tomorrow because if you don't, tomorrow is one hell of a long day. Never depend on anybody else to make you happy...or for money...unless it's your parents because, well, sometimes you just gotta mooch a free dinner....or a few bucks outta them. ;) I've realized you should tell other people how much they mean to you -- before that chance disappears. There is no need for regret, but understanding what you probably shouldn't attempt again. Holding grudges is not worth it -- even if you don't realize it at the time. Singing as loud as you can in the car is definitely a stress reliever - especially when it's with a really good friend. The best types of friends are those you can go a long period of time without seeing, but when you do, it's like you saw them yesterday...and you can pick up like they never left. Being proud of your achievements is sometimes one of the hardest things to do, but taking pride in yourself brings a whole new meaning to the word 'confidence'.  A pair of really cute heels -- or boots -- or, let's face it, a new pair of Nike's, can make anyone feel good..even if it's momentarily. Receiving little acts of kindness from good people is one of the best feelings...and those people who you expect to knock you down even further than you already are can often surprise you..in a good way. Taking nothing for granted is always the best way to go -- especially when it comes to memories and people. Whether it's the the good, the bad, and even the ugly. They all carry some meaning and, if were lucky enough, help us grow.

I've realized that looking at the positive can often times be difficult and it's easy to lose sight of what is important, but if you look hard enough, it's always there. And if you don't find it today, sleep on it..and look for it tomorrow.


ta ta for now,


Kelly


Ps. sometimes I just need that reminder. And I know that if nobody reads this, my mama will. :) 










Thursday, February 16, 2012

do what you love - be who you are

Life moves fast. Sometimes TOO fast, but I am so grateful for everything I have and, as cheesy as this  sounds, I can't help but stand in awe of everything good in my life. 

Since August (when I last posted) MUCH has happened:

First off -- NEW HOUSE! :)


It's perfect. Almost too perfect. And trying to find a balance between 2 jobs, working out, spending time with family and friends, and THRIFTING (wellll..duh) is always a struggle. Having this house has given me the opportunity to make it my own. It's given me the chance to get lost in what I do best and what I enjoy the most. Here are a few decorating ideas that I've been given and I've come up with.. ENJOY! 

Thrift store: $12.99

Yup, LOVE. Why spend more than what it's worth?
I LOVE DIY ideas. Especially when creative co-workers show me ideas (ahemmmm Sam) - this is one of my FAVORITE projects yet. You can't get any easier than a wreath made out of old books. It's safe to say, everyone loves this project..and some even followed in the footsteps. :)


Items needed: hot glue gun, razor, old book, stapler, and wooden wreath thingy
-- don't know what it's called :)




Super easy, super cute, super cheap, and actually super fun! 

My next fun project is even easier than the last. My mom saw an idea at another FUN store called Tren D. Home (they have stores in Rosedale and Northtown) and you, more or less, take a plate stand - hang it on the wall, add FUN picture frames, and VOILA we've got ourselves ANOTHER project!

And, YES, it looks much better with pictures :)

I found old picture frames from the thrift store, painted and distressed them,
and added some fun roomie pictures! FUN and totally easy. 

This next project is one of my FAVORITES -- burlap covered lampshades. I DEFINITELY got this idea from my co-worker (thanks again Sam) and I love it. All you need is old lamps....and burlap coffee bags. I got mine at Dunn Bros. Depending on the location, you can either pay a couple bucks each or they give them away for free. Either way, super easy and super cheap.




thrift store lampshade -- before the black, it was brass (yuck!)

Double trouble for each side of my bed! They aren't matching,
but that is OKAY. It gives it FLARE, trust me.

FINISHED
And threw in a pillow for good measure



There is DEFINITELY more where that came from, but, I am so tired. Trust me when I say, anybody came  make these fun and easy projects. All you need is the supplies --  and let your imagination run free.
I'll try to post actual pictures of the stuff in my house - but I need to get around to actually taking pictures. Whoops. 

Until next time, 
Kelly






Tuesday, August 2, 2011

be the change




For the longest time I sat here, thinking to myself, well..this is pretty self explanatory..I volunteered my time with The Salvation Army..what else do I need to say??


After thinking about it, I realized it's more than that. The short version goes like this: I clicked around on volunteermatch.org (that's what it's called, I think....?), found a volunteer opportunity with The Salvation Army meeting at a local Target where Target donated $80 to each child in the program and we (the volunteers) were matched with a child and we got to go shopping for school clothes with these kids for about 2 hours. For someone like me this is PERFECT -- I got to A) help somebody else find clothes B) spend someone else's money and C) of course, walk away knowing I helped SOMEONE - it might not be much, if anything, but YES it's something. Of course when we met the lady scared the jeepers out of me -- as most people know, I can be a fairly shy and soft spoken person (you know it's true!) and when she said "be prepared to get a child on all spectrums -- some will be excited and happy, others may be shy, and some may feel upset or resentment for having to be here" let's just say the first thing that popped into my head was "oh great, knowing my luck I'll get the child who wants nothing to do with me!" Well..I got lucky. I was paired with a little girl named Callie - she was bright, happy, excited, and very sociable. We spent almost the whole time we were allotted to find her clothes, shoes, socks, etc. She was very grateful and excited for her new school clothes and she had no problem showing her friends what she got either. She walked away having a good experience...and so did I.


 I came to the realization that little gestures can make the biggest impact and I also realized that walking away feeling blessed and fulfilled is one of the greatest feelings ever. Sometimes people can be so hesitant (and perhaps selfish) to lend a helping hand -- and we forget that it is, not only, our service to others, but many times, it is that service that leaves us the most satisfied. You forget how great that feeling is until you actually do it. That experience alone put that in perspective and WILL keep me looking for and acting upon more opportunities.

If I have one piece of advice, it is this...go to volunteermatch.org and pick something then follow through with it. And HEY, if you want to invite me along, I'd be more than happy to come.

 Ta ta for now! 

xoxo,

Kelly

Ps... after volunteering was done, I headed home to Maple Grove for a few hours. It was so beautiful out I had to capture it. It was one of those perfect summer days.....one that I will miss when there is about 2 feet of snow.. ;)




My dad mowing. Go Big D!





Wednesday, July 6, 2011

one of a kind





Breezypoint 2011: David - Jen - Dad - Me - Mom- Jason -Brandon-Auntie Linda-Kristin


My family is:

.loving
.funny
.happy
.unique
.awesome
.my rock
.one of a kind
.my life

More to come soon, I promise. Once I upload my pics it's on... :)

xoxo,

Kelly

Ps..give someone, ANYONE a compliment today, it WILL make their day.

Pss...pray for this little thing - she's the nicest pup ever - and so happy


Monday, May 30, 2011

That's beautiful, beautiful every time


10 reason's I'm thankful:

1. Summer is FINALLY here - long awaited..like always
2. I am MOVING June 1st - peace out mom and dad's basement..HELLO, new-cute-adorable-apartment with one of my BFF's - we get to be '25 again' :)
3. I am blessed with having a full time job and working with great people!
4. Life is always moving face paced - but I literally wouldn't have it any other way
5. I get to spend the 4th with my family up north - first time in 3 years - and trust me when I say, Big Peng hasn't let me forgotten that either ;)
6. My family is healthy and I love them to death -- no matter what happens
7. It seems like every weekend is planned with SOMETHING -- with great people, of course
8. Rollerblading and running -- bring it on
9. Sunglasses + windows down + country = my favorite thing EVER
10. Starting Big Brothers/Big Sisters soon - so excited and nervous at the same time

 God has been good to me - what more could I want?

Well, it's wayyyy past my bedtime and this week brings yet ANOTHER fully packed schedule - so excited though - t-minus 2 days until I will get to be decorating my adorable little place - pictures to follow, of course.

xoxo, 

Kelly

Up north - Pine City, MN @ Krista's cabin - absolutely gorgeous - truly the definition of Minnesota 





Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Days like these


Let me just start by saying that yesterday was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. It was one of those days I've been waiting for since the minute it started getting colder in the fall. My intention was to take the day off and pack, do laundry, get some stuff done at home, but when you wake up to a sunny day let's just say those thoughts go out the window. With that, Sara and I headed to Stillwater to grab lunch and make the most out of the weather -- and let's just say I think we accomplished our goal. There's nothing I love more than sunglasses, music blasting, laughing, and driving with my windows down. Here are some of the pictures I came up with :) 


















Well... seeing as I've done TWO posts in two days, I'll most likely be MIA for a little bit.. ;)

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

-Kelly