What I learned in Vegas!

My idea of Vegas was “sin-city”, so I was hesitant when Jeffrey told me he was having a business conference out in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since it was a paid trip and over my Fall break, I felt called to go. Boy was I glad I did. I found Vegas to be the complete opposite of sin-city for me. I can totally see the temptation and ability to sin, but for this steadfast wife, I found Vegas as an eye opener. Coming back from 3 days in Vegas here is what I learned…

• My husband is a sales, marketing, business rock-star, hunk of a man. If you know Jeffrey, he is very reserved and quiet. He is a Georgia tech nerd and loves numbers far too much. I have always believed in my husband, but I had my doubts about him out on business with clients. He blew me away. Jeffrey took the conference by storm (little weather humor for you since he works for a weather company). He was talking, working the crowd, networking, and moving around the events marketing in his sharp business suit. Seriously, I have never been so attracted to my husband. What a blessing to see my man taking charge and in his “element”. Jeffrey, I will never doubt you again!

•   I REALLY enjoy being pampered! From the second I arrived in Vegas, I was pampered and treated like a princess, queen! I was given delicious food (free), any drink I could ever want (free), an amazing 38^th floor room in the cosmopolitan over-looking the Bellagio fountain (free), spa time (complete with Josh Groban) (free), and a 1,000 dollar VIP table at the hottest night-club in Vegas with other conference friends(free). I was in a “what is my life right now” blur! Wow, what an experience.  I can get used to this VIP treatment!

• New friends are the best. While I was not attending the conference, I was able to partake in some of the events and mingle with Jeffrey’s business partners, competitors, and clients. Let me tell you, they are some of the nicest, most amazing people I have ever met. We had a blast talking and enjoying all that Vegas has to offer. They are some of the most genuine people. I am so blessed that Jeffrey has such wonderful people to work with.

• Traveling is my thing, but boy is it good to be home! The saying “there is no place like home” is spot on. After 3 days of zero sleep, I was ready to snuggle up in my own bed with my pillow. If I could, I would travel for a living, but there is something special about sleeping in our own bed after being away. Vegas is nothing like I imagined it would be. I am so glad I was able to visit such a wonderful place. 

What is your favorite thing about traveling? Jeffrey and I are also looking for our next destination, where would you recommend we go? 

Challenge Accepted!

I ran across this challenge on Facebook last month: Thirty-one Days of Living Well and Spending Zero. ZERO, what!?!? Beside the necessities, how do you spend zero for 31 days? As a very competitive soul I presented this to Jeffrey and said, “Let’s do it”. Here we are halfway into the challenge and our savings are tremendous! I am learning so much and we have really been changing the way we think about spending. 

There are so many impulse purchases we make. Why?

Do you really need that Starbucks, or can you simple wait and brew some at home?

Yes, that shirt is cute, but is it something you really need?

Yes we are tired and lazy, but lets go laugh and cook dinner through our tired tears with what we have in the kitchen instead of getting takeout. Some have none! 

We are only half way but I can see myself thinking about our spending naturally and enjoying what we already have. Jeffrey and I are VERY blessed. We have a gorgeous home full of food and clothes, we do not need anymore. This challenge is really teaching me to love what I have and to thank God for all of the blessings he has poured on us. I am excited to see what the second half of no spending brings and how much we will have saved!!!! Stay tuned.

What are some budget ideas you have? I would love any feedback!

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey 

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