Black Friday 101!

These items are my top five Black Friday "must haves"!

1.

I have been eyeing this for so long and I believe it is time to just break down and try it. I have read a ton of other Blogs that swear by this mask. 

2.

These gorgeous flats are on my "I want to own these someday" bucket list. They are 33% off at Nordstrom!

3.

Plaid blanket scarfs are so popular right now. Whether you are shopping for yourself or a friend, you cannot go wrong with this accessory. 

4.

I am IN LOVE with leather leggings. They are so perfect for a date night out

5.

Piko tops are the best. I throw this top on with a pair of leggings, booties, and  scarf. They are so comfortable and look so great with anything. I want one in every color. 

What items are on your shopping list?

one // two // three // four // five 

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey

Oh play me some mountain music

Last week Jeffrey and I went to the North Carolina with a group of friends. It was so refreshing to spend time in the mountains relaxing and laughing with some of my favorite Houston and Charleston people. Here is my mountain getaway "must-do" list:

Listened to Backstreet boys and musicals and sing at the top of your lungs while you drive up to the top of windy, scary mountain at 10:00 pm.

Stay up until 5:00 am snuggling and talking about everything.

Eat at Junction, just do it!

Go shopping, wine tasting, and talked for hours in a cocktail-coffee bar.

Hike and soak in God's creation.

Devour the best gourmet pumpkin chocolate in all of North Carolina.

Sometimes a small trip away with friends is refreshing and turns out to be exactly what you need. I am so thankful for people who "put-up" with me and love me anyways. I have only know these friends for a short amount of time, but our friendship seems like a lifetime.

The best part of the trip was seeing Jeffrey and his lover Freddie sit in the hot tub alone listening to "Macho, Macho Man". Why is their bromance so cute?

Here are some more highlights from our trip:

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey

Find that C-curve

I stared taking private Pilates lessons last week to help improve my fitness level and bad back. I have never taken pilates, but have heard wonderful things about it. I must say, after only four sessions, I am a believer.

I was molded into positions I never knew were possible and then had to roll up and hold while maintaining my C-curve, pressing down my tail-bone, keeping my legs straight, pressing my palms down, and breathing in and out.  Insert stressed out, WHAT?!?! emoji here...

I felt like a crazy person bending and folding. Man did it hut. I thought I was pretty fit until my first Pilates lesson. I was humbly reminded of how unfit I really am. Seriously, at one point during my first session I cried, literal tears were coming down my face. My poor instructor must think I am crazy!

The next day I felt SO SORE!!!!! OUCH, my body has never been so achy. This was proof that I had engaged muscles that had not been used in a while.

At my second session my body moved much easier through the moves and I felt more confident. I wasn't perfect but my muscles were loosened and ready for what was ahead.  By my fourth session I was given harder challenges and have continued to feel "the burn".

I am so excited to see my body change and transform over the coming weeks and get stronger. Who knows, maybe I will actually have abs?

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey

Southern State of Mind

I may not be your average southern belle , but I cannot deny my roots, I am southern born and bred. Last week I channeled my southern-being and went to the Coastal Carolina State Fair. We had a blast dancing, playing games, and listening to some country singer I have never heard of (surprise, surprise).

I sure do love my southern roots! I love going to fairs, yes ma'am's, fried things on a stick, and backwoods bluegrass music! Whoooo-weeee. That's what this confused southern girl calls a good 'ole time!

What is so appealing about the fair?

Seeing how many things you can fry and shove on a stick. Literally, they fried kool-aid. Who knew?

Seeing all the over-sized vegetables. I mean how on earth do people grow these things? I can't keep anything alive and here they are growing a 1,000 pound squash.

People who attend fairs are some of the most interesting people. Me being one of them, I love being nosy and people watching. It is like people come from far and wide to attend fairs. Next time you go to a fair, just take the time to do some people watching. It is hysterical.

The demolition derby is the best feature at the fair. Ya'll, there is something about watching cars run into one another that is just so entertaining.

If you have time this year, go visit your local fair! If you have already been, what was your favorite part?

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey

Why Halloween is great when you're a teacher

I love the holidays! I revert to Kelsey at six years old and become a giddy child bouncing off the walls from October until at least February. Being a teacher allows me to really become a kid again around the holidays and enjoy the wonder and amazement through my students. The best part, I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night, I don't have to deal with the yuck parts, I get all the fun!!! It's like being the cool aunt who teaches you how to read, comprehend, solve word problems, think critically, and everything else that teachers do. That's why they pay me the "big" bucks.

I firmly believe that being an elementary school teacher is the best job. Not only are we shaping and changing lives, but we are laughing and enjoying life with children. The Bible says we should love like a child. How blessed am I that I can be around ten amazing God loving babies that love life and holidays as much as I do.

We had a trunk-or-treat with the church my school is affiliated with and it was so much fun. We handed out candy, dressed up, and laughed so much with my students and other kids from the community. My kids loved meeting Mr. Jeff and Roxie. How special that I was able to share two people I love dearly with ten little people I love just as much.

Although my Halloween was amazing, there is something even better. What's even better then Halloween? The day after Halloween because all candy is BOGO!!!!! Now that is something worth celebrating.

-Remember to refresh yourself
Kelsey

Shoe Swoon

Friends, bloggers, shoppers, readers, and to everyone out there who appreciates fashion and shopping as much as I do. While I was in Vegas, I had the ability to see designers first hand that I have been swooning over online in Charleston. One particular designer is Manolo Blahnik.

I have been eyeing his shoes for a while, but have never actually seen them in person. Well, they are everything I had dreamed they would be. I even tried on a few pairs! They were like clouds on my feet, but were still heels. They were the most comfortable 4 inch heels I have ever worn. The quality and crisp look are to die for. These are on my major wish list, like when I win the lottery or when we do another live well and spend zero challenge. If you ever have a chance to try these on, I highly recommend them! AND.... if you're feeling generous, I am a size 7!

This was the shoe Carrie Bradshaw wore in "Sex in the City" and yes, I totally tried it on!

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Live Well, Spend Zero

For the month of October, Jeffrey and I gave up spending un-necessary money for 31 days. Through our journey we have grown a lot. I have a new thought process when spending and I find myself asking if I really need this item, chances are I don’t. In the middle of the mouth, Jeffrey and I went to Vegas which was SOOOOOO hard for us since we were not spending any money.

Since it was a business trip Jeffrey’s flight was paid for and we bought mine in September. Food, hotel, and entertainment were paid for as well, so we really didn’t need to spend anything (and we didn’t). This was the hardest part of the entire month for me. Vegas has some of the best shopping: Nordstrom, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Michael Kores, Tory Burch…and the list goes on. The temptation was real! Despite my overwhelming want to buy something from these glorious designers, I withheld and remained strong!

Here are the only things we paid for this month:
Bills
Groceries that we needed
Gas
A birthday gift for Jeffrey’s sister

There were many nights I wanted to go out to eat, but we didn’t. Boy did I crave Starbucks, but I managed without. It is amazing how we truly can manage without “things” or “wants”. So, after all of our hard work and determination I am proud to say Jeffrey and I saved …*drum roll please*… a total of $1,800!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!?!? I couldn’t believe it! 

I am so proud of Jeffrey and I! After this month and seeing the results and the change of heart we gained, I will 100% do this challenge again and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Happy saving, I am off to go shopping, get sushi, and Starbucks... with a budget of course! The key is to save, not spend it all the next month. 

What are some budgeting ideas you have?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey