STRESS...

Y'all, I have a LOT going on... like an abnormal amount of "stuff" happening all at once. I am not one to share my entire life on the Blog so we wont go into details, but believe me when I say there is a lot going on. For example, I have a stress sore on my lip and have consumed 2 cups of coffee and it isn't quite 9:00 AM yet. #stressed

How does one handle a million things at one time? How do you manage a million people's schedules and differing personalities? How do you keep your composure and class while you are pulled a million different ways? My friends, I wish I had the answers to these, but sadly I do not. This post unfortunately does not have the "magic answer", but I can share how I have been coping.

#1. Learn to say NO! It is ok to say no. People will understand and if they don't, then you don't need that in your life. Own your no!

#2. Stand up for yourself and what is best for you. As a people pleaser and extrovert this is very hard for me. I can be a "door mat" at times and let people walk all over me. I am really working on saying NO and standing up for myself and what is best for me.

#3. People may not agree with you and that's ok. We all have different opinions. If someone disagrees, that is fine. What matters is respecting one another.

#4. Make time for yourself. You cannot be "on" 100% of the time, it is impossible. Make time for a run, bath, or quiet time away from all of the noise. Even if you are like me and CRAZY busy, make time away a priority. You cannot be your best self when you're drained and exhausted.

#5. RELAX! Life gets crazy and hectic. We are only human and cannot be expected to be any more or less. Whatever you have going on, know it will get done. Also remember you're not perfect and that is okay!

#6. Be honest. Talk to the people around you and let them know you are stressed. Chances are those people will help or understand when you get emotional.

#7. Know what and who to keep in your life and what/who to let go. We are all adult's and deserve to be treated as such. If there is someone or something that is making you feel negatively get rid of it. Life is WAY to short. Surround yourself with positive people and things that make you happy.

#8. Make lists. Write down in priority what needs to get done and slowly cross items off. Yes, once you cross one off, ten more will get added, but at least you have a visual of things getting accomplished.

#9. Ask for help! It is ok to tell others how you feel and that you need help. No one will think any lesser of you. Being honest is the best policy for all parties involved.

#10. Hold your head high! "You is kind, you is smart, you is important". Remember these grammatically incorrect words from "The Help" because they are true. You are a good person, you are smart, and you are loved and important and most of all you can do this!!!!

Selfishly, this post was for me, as a reminder to myself that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. How do you handle stress?

How Pilates changed my life!

Hi, my name is Kelsey Nelson and I AM NOT FLEXIBLE at all. The first step is admitting you have a problem after all, right? Let's flash back to October, 2015. Here I am, out of shape, inflexible, basically a hot mess. I decided to sign up for my first pilates session. It can't hurt right? Well, it did. It hurt a lot. Y'all, I cried literal tears while we were stretching. I had no idea what I was doing and I could barley do a sit up let alone a back-walkover. 

Let's race through time to present day, April 2016. I am a totally different person! I have self confidence I never had before, I have actual muscle definition, and I am strong. Even my husband makes comments about how amazing I look and how strong I have become! 

I am sleeping better and have SO much more energy. I actually want to go out and do more. I am empowered. I am pushing myself physically and mentally and it feels amazing. I am proud of myself for the first time in a long time. 

In addition to self worth and body image my back pain is gone! You hear me, gone! I was in a BAD car accident when I was 19 that almost killed me. Ever since then, my lower back has ached pretty consistently. After a few months of pilates I started noticing my back pain wasn't as intense or persistent. Now, it is gone. I might get some every once in a while, but it is nothing like before.

Pilates has literally changed my life. I have always been a fit person who is very active, but I have never had a workout actually change me from the inside out. The way I view myself is different. I actually think I look good when I look in the mirror and I am proud of what I see! Now, lets all go practice our back-walkovers and admire our super strong pilates arms! 

Have you ever tried pilates? Did you like it as much as me?

Friday Five

Currently...

#1: Watching: Train Wreck
We had a dinner and movie night with a good friend and this was our movie pick. Amy Schumer was hysterical. This movie is a mind-numbing comedy that will keep you laughing. I highly recommend it.

#2: Using: Lavender
I have been a little bouncing stress ball lately. The Nelson's always have a million and one things going on at once so I have been oiling up to help me relax and rid myself of stress and anxiety.

#3: Loving: Jeffrey working from home!!!
Once a month, Jeffrey has a work from home week which means we are in the same state! He is still the "big man on campus" so he is on call and has meetings, but he is HOME!!! My personal night time feet warmer and snuggle-bug is home and I love it. We have had such precious moments with him home and have enjoyed one another so much more then we had previously. Praise the Lord for work from from home weeks!

#4: Wanting: Cooking Lessons

My student's at Palmetto Christian Academy started a food train for me since we have moved. We have been receiving home cooked meals for the last two weeks and they are SO good! I told my room mom that I wanted everyone's recipes before the end of the year. Maybe one day I will learn to cook??

#5:  Drinking: Cafe Misto with coconut milk
I'll take this drink tall, grande, venti, hot, cold, heck ill even drink it at room temperature. The cafe misto is basically coffee with steamed milk, aka heaven in a cup! 

What are you currently loving?

Casual Chic!

I am in love with a good comfortable tee with jeans! This is pretty much my go to, "everyday" outfit of choice. I recently added a few of these items to my closet and I am obsessed with this entire outfit! Here is how to look snazzy and still feel comfortable!

1. Comfortable tee! I got mine from a local Boutique on the Island, but I love this one!

2. JEANS! I love comfortable jeans. These are my absolute favorite!

3. Fun jacket! Since it is still chilly here, I am always throwing on a jacket. I love this bomber jacket. Mine is older, but I love this one as well as this one here. 

4. Petite necklace. Statement necklaces are cool and all, but I love a small delicate necklace that adds just the right amount of detail. I recently purchased this necklace with a gift-card and I am obsessed!

5. Comfortable sandals. Now, I love heels and wedges a lot, but they are not always the most comfortable shoes to wear all day. I recently bought these sandals from Target and I love them. They are cute, comfortable, and you can't beat the price. 

I love wearing this outfit while I run errands or have a busy, casual day ahead. It is comfortable, chic, and has just the right amount of simplicity! Which item(s) do you love?

It's an Oily Life for me!

Let me begin this blog post by saying what a total skeptic I am. Let me tell you, I am not one "jump on the band wagon" because it is popular. I like to beat to the music of my own drum if you catch my drift. One of my co-workers began talking about oils and blah blah blah! I would roll my eyes and laugh. Really? You are wasting your money I thought. Then, she came to me and suggested I try some for free. Hey, free! I can handle that, sure I'll try anything for free. I was given immune boosting capsules (ImmunePro), peppermint, lavender, and lemon.

I was quickly proven very wrong. I started taking the capsules and noticed a HUGE difference. I became more alert. Not only was I feeling better but my allergies were gone. GONE!!!! I have always struggled with allergies my entire life. I would be on antibiotics and breathing treatments for weeks. I am one where I will get down right sick at least twice a year or more. With me taking these capsules and diffusing the allergy trio (peppermint, lavender, and lemon) each night I have had zero allergy symptoms. ZERO!!! I have never had a Spring in my entire 29 year life without getting sick.

Example: The pollen count was at a HIGH 11 out of 12 this past weekend and it didn't even phase me. Everyone else was sneezing and red-eyed and I was like, "BAM- pollen, you can't touch me!" This is a amazing. I turned my rolling-eyes skeptic self into a true believer in Essential Oils.

Here is another example of how amazing oils are! My parents came to visit this past weekend. My mom even noticed how healthy I looked. She asked what I was doing and how I have stayed away from getting the allergy bug. I shared information about the oils and she (like me) said, "Oh ok!" (skepticism runs in the family). Well, my dad began sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat...you name it, my dad had it. I quickly began diffusing the allergy trio and gave him the ImmunPro capsules. After three days my dad was back to his old self, zero allergies! Lets just say, my dad bought an Essential Oil kit last week!

My mom was also having trouble sleeping. I gave her Stress Away and put lavender on the bottom of her feet. She said the next day that she had one of the best nights sleep (and...it wasn't even in her own bed). She became a believer and fully supported my dad's purchase!

If you are still rolling your eyes here is another story (out of many) where oils have helped me. I have a huge gluten allergy and my stomach is very weak. I get stomach aches regularly. I use Di-Gize in my water to aid with digestion and IT WORKS. I have instant relief and it really helps my stomach.

I am a total believer in these oils! They have changed my life and I am living healthier and better because of them. I use them every single day! I diffuse them at night, cook with them, drop a few in my bath to help me relax, put them in my water, and even use some with my night cream to aid with aging.

I am such a believer, I decided to become an Essential Oil distributor. NOW... I am not here to sell you something! I hate those silly pyramid scheme companies. That's not what this is about. I am sharing my story. THAT'S IT! If you want to try them or use them contact me and I can help you get started. I began with the kit because I had NO idea what I was doing. You also get $300 worth of oils for only $160! In a short few months, I have learned SO much and want to share this amazing journey. If you have been thinking about trying Essential Oils, DO IT! Jump on the wagon, I am telling you, you will not regret it.

Here is a link you can use if you would like to sign up or learn more! Also, feel free to comment, email, text, or send a carrier pigeon with questions. I don't know it all, but I do know it has changed my life tremendously. If you have a problem, I bet Essential Oil has a cure!

Friday Five

Currently...

#1: Watching: Cooking Shows
I am obsessed with cooking shows. I cannot cook myself so I enjoy watching those who actually can cook. They are so graceful and think so fast. It's like a choreographed dance in the kitchen and the end result is delicious.

#2: Using: Lush bath bombs
Since I have been running and doing pilates like a mad woman, I have been treating myself to baths. While walking King Street last week, I decided to purchase a few bath bombs. WOW! I am so glad I did. They smell amazing, dissolve quickly, and really relax my muscles. I used the Yoga bomb last night and I was in heaven.

#3: Loving: STITCHFIX!!!!!
So.... I have a confession. I totally failed as a Blogger. I forgot to take pictures of my "fix" before I sent it back... oops! I know, I know... major fail! So sorry! I promise next month I will do better. Now that I have confessed, lets talk about my first fix. The verdict: It was pretty spot on. I asked for dressed and date-night attire. They sent me a fun black dress (which I kept) and springy paisley turquoise tunic tank (Which I also kept). They also sent gold earrings and a navy and lace top. I sent both back because I have an identical items. The last piece was a pink wrap dress that I hated. I am not a pink girl so I didn't even try it on. Overall, I think they did a great job!

#4: Wanting: SUMMER! 
I am SO beyond ready for fun in the sun this Summer. Jeffrey and I have a lot planned and I cannot wait. We are going to Savannah, Georgia, Orlando, Florida, Austin, Texas, and Houston, Texas. Please, please can it be Summer ALREADY!

#5: Planning: Life 
Remember me, the crazy, type-A, planner woman that covers her walls in lists and sticky notes? I am at it again, planning and listing away. I am so excited for things to come in the Nelson household. Jeffrey and I have had some great conversations and have actually planned... ok I planned and he listened... a few exciting things for our future. Bottom line is: we have a direction and idea for the next few months-year. I am crazy excited and pumped about all of the things we have in the works!

What are you currently loving?

Book Worm

With Jeff traveling, I have noticed my television rarely turns on. I find myself enjoying a good book by the fire or on our balcony. I love a good mystery and suspenseful book with a twist. I also love a good autobiography.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Down the Rabbit Hole: A spontaneous decision at age twenty-one transformed small-town Oregon girl Holly Sue Cullen into Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner’s #1 girlfriend. But like Alice’s journey into Wonderland, after Holly plunged down the rabbit hole, what seemed like a fairytale life inside the Playboy Mansion—including A-list celebrity parties and her own #1-rated television show for four years—quickly devolved into an oppressive routine of strict rules, manipulation, and battles with ambitious, backstabbing bunnies. Life inside the notorious Mansion wasn’t a dream at all—and quickly became her nightmare. After losing her identity, her sense of self-worth, and her hope for the future, Holly found herself sitting alone in a bathtub contemplating suicide. But instead of ending her life, Holly chose to take charge of it.

2. The Girl on the Train: Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

3. Hey Natalie Jean: he blog Hey Natalie Jean has won a cult following with writer Natalie Holbrook's honest, inspiring, and often witty posts on topics like marriage, babies, nesting, style, and DIY crafts. Natalie's first book, Hey Natalie Jean is one part manifesto and three parts ideas, projects, and advice. Beautifully illustrated and whimsically designed, the book offers 35 short essays and how-to's that serve as a guide to life: making date-night magic in the middle of the mundane, successfully exploring the city with a three-year-old, and creating a satisfying daily routine that still leaves room for little adventures and lots of magic. Natalie's optimism, creativity, keen eye, and zeal for life are palpable, and she encourages others to make their lives beautiful with ease. This heartfelt, personal collection of essays and photographs show Natalie's ability to identify and describe life's lovely incidentals in the everyday routine of errands, play dates, and naps

4. What Alice Forgot: What Alice Forgot, a novel by Liane Moriarty, starts out with the titular character in bed, obsessing over all of the rules that she has to follow because she’s pregnant. Her thoughts are routinely interrupted by other memories and she suddenly finds herself in a gym. Alice thinks this has to be a mistake because she would never go into a gym. It’s eventually made clear that she hit her head. Alice starts to ask her classmates questions that only get her stranger answers, as though she were asking something ridiculous. The paramedics arrive and start asking Alice questions, including how old she is. She says 29, but one of her friends informs them that Alice is in fact turning 40 later that year. They ask Alice what year it is and she answers 1998, when it is in fact 2008.

What books would you recommend? 

I'M BAAAAAAACK!

I know you missed reading my Blog SO much!!! If you didn't, just pretend for me okay?

The past two weeks over my break were amazing. I relaxed and played in the great city of Charleston with friends and family! I spoiled myself and enjoyed living in the Low-Country.

So what have I been up to in my absence?

1. Eating my way through Charleston. Y'all, Charleston has some of the best food. We literally have eaten out breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I currently have a huge food baby. Worth it? TOTALLY!!!

2. Playing with my sweet mama! We had a toast to my mom retiring after 35 years as a teacher and Jeffrey and I's new adventure on the Island! My mom is such a great woman whom I look up to a lot. I always have a blast talking the day away with her.

3. Shopping!!!! Jeffrey and I went to 2nd Sunday on King and shopped around King, East Bay, and Meeting Street. My steep count rocked new heights after our walking... I mean shopping spree.

4. Visiting the beach. A Charleston Staycation isn't complete without a trip to the gorgeous beaches.

5. Watching a record River Dogs no hitter! We had a blast cheering on the River Dogs even though they played a no hitter and lost miserably (10 to 0). Win or lose, the Nelson's love baseball.

6. Getting scared on ghost tours! We went on a Charleston history ghost tour and learned so much cool information about our great city. If you visit Charleston, I highly recommend doing one of these.

7. Getting lost at Fort Moultrie. We had a blast walking around this fort getting completely lost. I highly recommend visiting Moultrie. The information is so cool and the view is incredible.

8. WALKING EVERYWHERE! My fitbit is off the charts. We walked everywhere and compared our steps all week! Y'all, I hit 25,000 steps in one day! *high-five me!*

9. Sneezing! The pollen count was record high these past two weeks so we were all sneezing. We diffused lavender, peppermint, and lemon constantly. My dad is now a total oil believer!

10. Praised the Lord. I love when my parents visit. I am biased, but my mom and dad are the best parents in the world. We have so much fun together. This morning as I rode over the bridge and watched the sunrise over the water (rough commute I know), I thanked God for a great life and an amazing family to share it with.

As you can see, I have been busy! I will try not to leave you for a whole two-weeks! Thanks for being patient with me. What have you been up to in my absence?