Hoodies, and Bonfires, and Boots Oh My!

Fall to do list!

• Eat caramel apples

• Make an amazing trail mix complete with candy corn, Chex-Mix, nuts, and pretzels

• Watch Hocus-Pocus and relive your childhood.

• Take pictures of the leave changing colors and soak up the Fall air

• Visit a pumpkin patch and have a contest to find the “perfect” pumpkin

• Get lost in a corn maze

• Drink a pumpkin spice latte

• Make pumpkin pancakes, muffins, cookies… add pumpkin to everything

• Make a fire and cook smores

• Wear boots and booties all you want, even if it is in the 90’s

• Be a kid again and dress up, who cares!!!

Fall is my absolute favorite season! What are some of your favorite things to do in the Fall?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Welcome to 2003!

Have you ever needed something so bad, but had no idea you needed it until after the fact? This past weekend I got something I needed more then I would have ever realized. I was in a funk, a day-to-day 9-5 funk. It was a happy funk, but a funk nonetheless. I was in a routine where I would get up, read my devotional, teach, cook dinner…repeat. You get the idea right?!? 

Anyways I needed something to stir me from the inside out, God knew exactly what I needed, a tip home to good ‘ole Jonesboro, Georgia. Not just any trip home, but a reunion, blast from the past, shake your world trip home for a beautiful wedding. I laughed, cried, celebrated, joked about old memories, and made new ones. It’s like we went back in time and everything was exactly the same. Why is this so important you ask? 

I was able to see iconic people who made a HUGE impact on my life that I haven't seen for years. People who had a key role in who I am today.

I was able to remember the life of a man who supported myself and friends through CAST (Clayton Alliance Summer Theater). Leaning on friends and crying through a beautiful song sung by his daughter. The angels where smiling on everyone in the building. What an emotional and beautiful feeling. 

I was able to hug friends I have not seen in years. These friends know the “real” Kelsey, the silly, crazy, care-free, ridiculous Kelsey that I sometimes loose. Well, they found it!

I was able to dance the night away with my family, friends, and people who have shaped me into the person I am today. Boy did I need that! After the wedding we all went to our childhood friends home and had a 2003, rock your world again, slumber party. It was like we never grew up. After our late night of laughter and talking until 3:30 am, we went our separate ways. I do not know about them, but I went away full and happy. My funk had been lifted. 

Sometimes all you need is a good night back home with the people who love you and know you the most to snap you back into “you”. Thank you all for a lifetime of laughter, friendships, and removal of life funks! 

Isn't going home the best? What do you love or miss about home?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Love letters

Jeffrey is a project manager so he has been traveling a lot. Recently he has been to New York, Brail, Uruguay, and Vegas. While he travels I relax, craft, and do any girly thing I want. Netflix has been on life time original movies for a week now. Having a spouse that travels can be difficult but having a spouse like him makes it so easy.

When Jeffrey left for his 2nd trip of the month I came home to a scavenger hunt of sweet notes. Each day I got a new "clue" leading me to the sweetest most thoughtful, romantic notes. Please note Jeffrey is not romantic at all. It is only God's grace that gave him this sweet idea that made me swoon and giggle like a teenager in love.

My love language is words of affirmation and gift so this was perfect for me. His little notes gave me reassuring words and the scavenger hunt was such a gift from the heart. I am a total romantic at heart, can you tell?

Jeffrey leaving was not fun at all, but he made the trip so much more bearable.

How does your husband show you he cares?

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey

Top Five Beauty Products

Here is a look at my top five beauty products that I cannot live without!

1. Dry shampoo. Batiste is the best dry shampoo I have ever used and trust me, I have used a lot. This brand smells great, doesn't leave a white residue, and leaves my hair soft and natural looking.

2. Dermalogica's age smart tinted primer. I use this every.single.day! This product is sent from God. When I do not feel like wearing make-up...which is always... I use this product. It leaves my face soft, rejuvenated, and looks like I am wearing foundation. It is very light and makes my skin glow!

3. Better than Sex Mascara. I am in love with this product and the name speaks well for itself. This mascara is the best out there. It makes my unruly lashes look long, thick, and luscious.

4. Pureology shampoo and conditioner. I used this while staying at a friends house and I fell in love. This shampoo made my hair look like I should be on a hair commercial. Although it is a bit more money then I would like to spend on shampoo or conditioner, it is worth every penny. You will notice a total difference in the shine, body, and look of your hair.

5. Wet Brush. After my brush broke, I had to venture out and purchase a new one. I am so picky about my hair brushes so I did research. Yes, I actually looked up blogs and reviews on hair brushes. After a lot of reading and questions, I decided to purchase this wet brush and I am so glad I did.

What are your favorite beauty items?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Goals!

I have been thinking a lot about goals and where I see myself in the next few months. I have decided to share my goals monthly with you as an accountability for myself. Any words of wisdom, prayer, or encouragement are welcome!!!

1. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Jeffrey and I have been really great at saving the past few years, but life likes to deplete what we do save. Our goal is to save 4 months income into an emergency savings that we DO NOT TOUCH (hopefully). We have 2 months so far so we still have a lot to save. My goal is to put our typical amount plus an extra large amount at the end of the month.

2. SCHOOL DEBT. We have zero debt. except the dreaded school loan debt. Since knowledge is power we believe this is a "good debt" to be in. Although this good debt has landed us pretty good jobs, we both have Masters degrees so our loans are significant. Our goal is to put large "chunks" of money towards this to pay it off as quickly as we can while still living life and saving.

3. GETTING ACTIVE!!! I have been L-A-Z-Y this Summer. I want to get back into fitness and running. My goal is to run 3 times a week and stay as active as possible.

4. DRINK! water that is. What were you thinking? Although I do like wine as much as the next girl in her late 20's I need more water in my life. I will go all day without a single drop of water. Now, I will have consumed 2-3 cups of coffee by noon, so you can see my concern here. Basically, my goal is to drink more water. I would like to have 1 cup of coffee and then stick to at least 8oz. of water a day.

5. PRAY!!! My faith has grown tremendously over the past few months. Now that I am working at an amazing God-centered school and attending a church we love, my faith is growing stronger. We have had a hard past year full of "what if's" and "why's". Needless to say I have left all of my questions and doubts at the cross and have decided to trust in God. My goal is to grow my faith even more. I am reading "The Power of a Praying Wife" and have already seen a difference in my pryer life. This is my most exciting goal!

I am so excited to share these goals with you. Keep a look out for updates and new goals in October! What are your goals for September?

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey

Presently

The Nelson's have been back on the East Coast for two weeks now. We jumped back into reality and boy has it been fun, exciting, stressful, and crazy all at the same time. Here is what I am loving presently!

1. Succulents! Maybe its the desert-like heat in Charleston, the lack of water or the West Coast moving in, but I am in love with succulents. We even made our own garden. Maybe I will keep these alive. 

2. Reading. Jeffrey and I have been traveling a TON. We have been back and forth to Georgia, Virginia, and everywhere in between. Needless to say we have spent a million hours in the car and half a million of those are me with a kindle in my hand. Currently reading: An Ember in the Ashes and currently loving it! 

3. FALL!!!!! I saw a pumpkin at Hobby Lobby this weekend and got so excited about cold weather, leaves, boots, and sweaters! Lets not discuss the fact that it is only August. There are pumpkins out which means Fall is HERE.... almost! These boots are on my Fall "wish list"! 

4. Teaching. I moved into my new classroom and have met all of my co-workers! I am enjoying teaching again SO much! I love my students, parents, co-workers, and school! Basically I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

5. Listening to Silento's Watch Me on repeat. I first heard this song in San Francisco, so it holds a special place in my heart in addition to a groovy beat in my head. I can't help but get up and "white-girl" dance! 

I hope you're enjoying the last few days of summer. Lets all whip and nae nae into Fall with pumpkin lattes in our hands! 

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Lessons!

After our amazing vacation, I began reflecting on myself and who I am as a person. I have changed A LOT in the past year. Here are a few things I have learned:

1. I LOVE THE CITY! I am all about walking everywhere, taking the tram, and having buildings full of new places at your disposal. I love people watching and seeing the hustle and bustle. I even love being a part of the busy, always moving city life. Being in the city allows me to release energy which you all know I have. If you don't know me, well... I have SO MUCH ENERGY!!! My nickname was/is the energizer bunny, so the city is perfect for me!

2. I really like red wine. I was one of those that could barely finish a glass of red wine in five hours. Now, I have refined my pallet and I love red wine. The more bitter, the better. On our trip we were taught how to taste and drink wine properly. I feel so fancy now. Like I have been admitted into a secret wine club!

3. I cannot spell. This is not new to me at all. The realization is that I don't care. I am all about correct grammar and speaking well, but spelling isn't a huge pet-peeve... because I can't do it! I mean we have spell check, right!?!? Anyways, I have to embrace the fact that I cannot spell, it is who I am. Take it or leave it! Just know, when you read my blog you will find spelling errors. At least I am real. Can I get an AMEN!!!! Hey, have fun with my blog... see if you can find the spelling errors in each one (I bet there will be some driving you crazy) meanwhile the author embraces her faults.

4. I don't care what other people think of me (see #3). I have struggled with this for a LONG time. I used to care WAY to much about what others thought about me. Recently I have had the apiphony, who cares!!!!! I am Kelsey Marie Ross-Nelson. I am a 28 year old God-fearing woman who teaches elementary school who loves hiking, shopping, reading, and the city. I am who I am and if you don't like me then don't waste my time. Life is way, way to short. What a freeing feeling!!!

5. I am actually very easy-going. Remember that whole I have a lot of energy thing? Well, people mistake that for being high-strung (which I can be when I am stressed, we all can), but in actuality I am very easy going. I love just going with the flow. I have learned that I am in my element when someone else makes a decision.

6. I love people! I will be your best friend instantly from the second we meet. I love talking to anyone and if you give me the time of day, we will become besties! I am "real" and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I will tell you anything and trust you instantly. If you break that trust, I am o-u-t, out! I am so easy-going that you almost have to be "the-devil-himself" for me to "not like you". Basically, if you make me mad or if I would rather not talk to you, you're probably a horrible person (haha just joking...kind of). The point is, talking to people makes me happy and I love everything people have to say. I have learned that their experiences open my eyes and teach me valuable lessons!

7. I like taking pictures. I got this from my wonderful mom! I used to roll my eyes every time she held up a camera and said, "you'll thank me later". So, thanks mom, you rock! All of those pictures were so worth the eye rolls! You can tell how much I love taking pictures after reading this blog. 

8. I am a foodie! I don't eat gluten at all. I also try to stay away from all processed foods. Yes, I buy my meats grass-fed only, my fruits and vegetables are all organic, and my cheese is in a block from Whole Foods.

9. I love being outdoors. Hiking and sight seeing are my favorite things to do. I would rather be outside having adventures any day.

10. Coffee is my favorite drink. I cannot function without my morning coffee. On some days, I will drink two-three mugs. Yes, I know I have an addition. Another fun fact is, I drink my coffee black. Now that you know this you may greet me with a black bold blend anytime!

There you have it, ten new, fun-facts about me! What has changed about you in the last year?

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey