Lets Take it back...

I was feeling nostalgic so I went rummaging through all of my old Blog posts. This is by far one of my favorites and was my very first Blog post. I thought I would pull it out of the archives and share this little gem again. 

Chopped- Nelson Style!

We had a Chopped Challenge night in the Nelson household last night! Complete with blood, sweat, and tears! I'm totally kidding there was actually none of that. Jeffrey took the challenge like a champ! He had no idea what was in the bags. I went grocery shopping that day and hide his secret ingredients in these stylish Whole Foods bags! 

Here are the ingredients for the Main Course challenge:

1. chips

2. cauliflower

3. Alaskan salmon

4. unsweetened coconut milk

The judges are very skeptical about how this is going to turn out...

AND... drum roll please!

Here it is, the finished product. The chef informed me that he made a cauliflower vegetable medley in a coconut milk curry sauce with a chip and curry crusted salmon. The verdict? IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!! 

On to the dessert round! 

Dessert:

1. coke

2. gluten-free raisin bread

3. nutella

4. apple-wood smoked bacon

And here you have a raisin bread french toast with a peach compote complete with a coke and nutella sauce and bacon garnish. 

The verdict? It was interesting. Lets just say we did finish it. I was so impressed with the creativity Chef Nelson had! It was so cool to see him at work. Will we do this again? ABSOLUTELY! 

Turn that Frown Upside Down

I had a really bad day last week. Alexander's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day had nothing on me. I got home, walked Roxie and decided I was going to use the Nails so Dept gift card my sweet friend so graciously gifted me.

I was grumbling with my "bad day" self about not wanting to go, but I made myself because I did not need to wallow in my self-pity. I walked into the nail salon and it was a totally average, run of the mill salon. I sit in the message chair with the hot water... blah, blah, blah. You know the drill, we have all been there.

A man walked over and said he was going to be doing my pedicure... great I thought, men are the worst, just perfect! Don't judge a book by its cover people. Boy was I wrong, this man was fabulous! He brought me red wine and made sure my class was full before it ever went empty! That's a win in my book!!! Then he proceeded to tell me all about his trip to New York and all the musicals he has seen. We literally laughed and talked about Broadway and Sex in the City for an hour. Yes, my pedicure lasted over an hour!!!

Not only was he funny, but he took his time. I was in pedicure heaven. He did such an amazing job, I was stunned. THEN... he took me to dry where I got a complimentary neck and shoulder message. Y'all, I was in heaven. It was pure bliss!

My terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day turned into my terrific, humorous, good, very best day. Devin from Nails so Dep, you are my new best friend and I will only get pedicures from you because all other pedicures are obsolete. Also if you ever run across this Blog can we please be best friends because you're seriously the coolest person EVER!

Have you ever had a bad day turn around?

Friday Five: Mom Addition

In honor of Mother's Day this past weekend I thought I would share five of my favorite things about my mom!

Laughter // My mom's laugh is amazing. It is by far the BEST laugh I have ever heard. If you have have ever had the pleasure of meeting my mom you know exactly what I am talking about. I used to perform in musicals twice a year and I could hear my sweet mama's laugh from the stage. In my 20 years as a performer it was so reassuring to hear my mom out in the audience laughing away!

Voice of Reason // My mom is my best friend and I go to her for everything! She is a tough cookie though, don't let her laugh fool you! She would always tell me, "hold your head high". She taught me to be a classy woman who will always hold her head high and move forward. I have become quite a tough cookie myself (I choose to be a chocolate "tough cookie" with nuts... sweet and a little crazy).

Coffee  Addition // I get my need for caffeine from my mama. She should buy stock in Starbucks, honestly! When mom and I are together, our first stop is always coffee. There was one day mom and I had three cups of coffee while shopping. It is a wonderful thing to drink coffee with your equally coffee obsessed mom!

Love for Others // My mom is one of the most selfless people I know. She always puts others above herself. She loves people. She has a contagious personality and people are just drawn to her. She truly lights up a room and just makes you smile. Even in high school, my friends wanted my mom to be around. She was such a "cool mom" and was loved by all of my friends. To this day, my mom is really close with most of my best friends from high school. They sometimes call her before me! I pray for this trait daily!

Can't sit still // I 100% get the "energizer bunny syndrome" from my mom. We both have SO MUCH energy! My mom will work all day, walk thirteen miles (yes, you did ready that right; thirteen miles!), cook dinner, and still have a smile on her face at the end of the day. She goes all day everyday, nonstop! When mom and I get together we are a powerhouse of energy! With our energy and three cups of coffee, watch out!

So you see, my mom is Supper-woman! She is a laughing voice of reason with a fast paced coffee addition and a love for everyone she meets. She is mine. She is who I strive to be and who I want helping me raise my kids someday! I can see it now, three coffee crazed people running around the city spreading love wherever they go!

What do you love about your mom?

Fun in the Sun

Y'all, I am pale, like Victorian, wealth pale (just without the wealth...). I am not pasty, I just don't tan. Over my years, I have learned to embrace my porcelain skin. With skin cancer in my family, I treasure my skin. I don't want to look leathery and gross when I am older... ew!

Who wants to actually look their age? I pride myself in looking at least ten years younger then I actually am. When people ask if I am 21, I laugh and say sure, i'll be 21!!! Shoot... I'll love it when I am 60!!!

Getting ready for the beach is a process. A long, lotion-filled process. I lather on the lotion so thick I almost look whiter then I did before...classy, I know! I make sure I lather myself in my birthday suit so I do not miss a single inch. That sun can be sneaky!

Once I am whiter then white, I put on my bathing suit. Then, I apply yet another coat of water babies to my face just for good measure and some SPF 30 CC cream to add a hint of color. Once that is finished, I throw on the biggest hat I can find, large sunglasses and call it a day!

My skin will thank me one day! I image it saying, "Thank you Kelsey for taking care of me! Here are a few more years onto your life and you will look 30 when your 60! Thanks skin, I love you too!!!

How do you prepare for the beach?

Complete Transformation

This year, my resolution was to become more "intentional" you can read more about that here. While being intentional, I decided to focus more on myself and my overall health. Starting in January I decided to make a lot of changes and I intended to stick to them. I joined a group at my school led by Melissa Shockley called "Complete Transformation". This group was about transforming your mind, body, and spirit so I was totally in!!!

What is Complete Transformation you ask? Great question, it is a 30 day challenge where you replace 1-2 meals a day with a Complete shake or smoothie, drink tons of water, get active 30 minutes a day, and cut out wheat, dairy, and sugar. The heart behind this program is to become more COMPLETE in the areas of: mind, body, and spirit (this is not just about weight loss; it's about becoming WHOLLY WHOLE). Here are some areas that Complete Transformation transforms: 

-MIND= Managing stress, relaxation, being at peace, words of encouragement
-BODY= Physical fitness, toning, strength, and exercise, nutrition, and weight loss/management
-SPIRIT= Faith, prayer, encouraging quotes, growing faith

Now let's talk about results because I know that's what you're wanting right??? Here is what I have noticed.

1. I am eating breakfast which is the most important meal. In the past I would always skip breakfast, which is so bad for you! Breakfast starts your day and helps your metabolism wake up and get to work. I use the Vanilla Complete shakes each morning and they help me get my day started with energy. The best part is that they are filling. I had tried shakes in the past where I was hungry an hour later, but these really "stick with you".

2. I am alert and I have a lot more energy. I am not bogged down by unhealthy foods. My body is getting what it needs and it feels so good! I am conscious of how much sleep I am getting and I make sure to get at least eight hours each night.

3.  I have learned that my body is sensitive to dairy. So we are all clear, there is a clear difference between an allergy and a sensitivity. I am allergic to gluten and cannot eat it without throwing up or swelling. I can have dairy, but it makes me bloated and uncomfortable... big difference! Without the Complete Transformation, I would have never realized my sensitivity to dairy. I have cut it out completely and really have no desire to add it back into my diet.

4. I like what I see in the mirror. I am strong! Yes, I am running and doing pilates but eating healthy aids in my working out. I am able to workout because I am learning what to eat therefore I am getting stronger. Y'all, I have actual muscle definition for the first time in my life!!!!

5. I have dropped one whole pant size. I was small before, but my pants were getting tight (we all have been there). After 3 months of doing Complete Transformation, I have lost 2 inches and am down a pant size. I am the smallest I have been in a long time and I look healthy not skinny (lets make that clear).

6. My mind is so clear. I am seeing the world around me so clear. I struggle with anxiety and for the first time in a while I am learning to stand up for myself, my beliefs, and "let things go". It is so freeing and refreshing to have a sound mind.

7. Better skin. Y'all, my skin is glowing and is so soft. I have only had 1 breakout since January (praise the Lord). I never believed people when they told me that water was good for your skin, but IT IS. Water is SO good for your skin.

8. NO MORE BLOATING. This right here is worth every penny I spent on the Complete Shakes. I have always struggled with bloating after every meal. I would walk around with a "food baby" for hours. Since January, I can proudly say I have not been bloated and gross feeling.

I could go on and on, but I will spare you. 

Complete Transformation is only suppose to be 30-days, but I extended it because I loved it so much. I am currently at 90 days of Complete Transformation and I feel amazing. This group of women are so encouraging and it helps to have a group of people so supportive (especially when that bag of M&M's is staring at you). This program has really worked for me and I am proud of myself for sticking with it. Melissa is a great coach. She posts tons of ideas and recipes on Facebook once you join (her fish with tomato and capers is a new regular in the Nelson household). There have been many "DON'T DO IT, STAY STRONG" posts and texts that really keep me on track.

If you're interested all you have to do is sign up and purchase a months worth of shakes which is around $30.00. That's it. You can also click here for more information or email Melissa directly at getzmel1@gmail.com.

Thank you to Melissa Shockley and  Juice  Plus for sponsoring this post. 

I was given a month of free shakes in exchange for an honest review. 

And honestly, I feel amazing!

5th of May-- Our Love Story

On this day ten years ago my life changed forever! A sweet southern boy asked me to be his girlfriend... yes, we were still young enough for him to "ask me out"... I was 19 and he was 21. We were young, stupid, and so in "like" with one another. To honor Jeffrey and I's ten year dating anniversary I am going to share our love story. buckle your seat belts, it's a good one (my favorite one actually!).

Ten years ago I was ending my freshman year in college. I was 19 and dating someone else at the time. I had come home from college to write a paper. While I was deep into my research, my mom suggested I take a break from working and join her at Betty's (Jeffrey's mom) 50th Birthday party. My mom and Betty have worked together for years and knew one another before Jeffrey or I were born. Although our moms were good friends, Jeffrey and I never really knew one another. After a lot of persuasion, I decided it would be nice to see everyone and relax so I jumped in the car.

I will remember this next moment for the rest of my life. This next moment is what everyone tells you about, it's that "you just know" feeling. It's what all those Nicholas Sparks books talk about. In this next moment, my world would be rocked. I walked into Betty's kitchen and there he was. I looked up, he looked up and our eyes met. BAM, there it was. I can't explain it, but I was paralyzed. I couldn't speak or move, my mind went totally blank. Finally, my mom broke the tension and we both blushed and turned away shy and awe-struck. It wasn't until years later that my mom shared with me that she knew at that very moment that Jeffrey was "the one" for me. To this day, I still remember how I felt when I first saw Jeffrey and I pray I will never forget it.

The rest of the night is one for the history books. We were inseparable. We laughed about Teddy Ruxpin, danced to cheesey music, and took a walk where we held hands and talked like we had been best friends for years. I had just met this boy, yet we could talk so easily and I could be my crazy self around him. Time seemed to have stopped. By the time we walked back to the party it was 2:00 am and our parents were not as thrilled as we were. We quickly exchanged numbers and said goodbye.


I could not get my mind off that tall, curly headed, tan boy from Georgia Tech. I am not a romantic and I really kind of hate love stories, but Jeffrey had melted my heart and I was hooked. Remember that guy I was dating? I forgot about him too. Well, I broke up with him quickly and began to talk with Jeffrey every chance I could. We would AIM for hours. We began talking every day and I would look forward to our nightly chats. We just fit together so well. He made me a better person and he claims I did the same for him.

After a few weeks, we finally went on our first date. Since I lived two hours away dating was not easy. I eventually made my way up to Atlanta where he took me to Piedmont Park for the Aquarium and a picnic. We had a blast looking at all the fish. Life with him beside me just seemed right. After we made our way through each fish tank, we grabbed our picnic lunches. As we were eating, a woman walked by and stopped right in front of us. She smiled from ear to ear and proclaimed that we were the cutest couple she had ever seen and that she wanted us to get married because we looked so great together. My eyes must have been huge at hearing this. I was beat red and so embarrassed. We were on our first date!! We weren't even "official" yet. Jeff as always, calm, cool, and collected gave me his reassuring grin. She must have seen something in us because we began seeing each other more and more.

After a month of dating, Jeffrey finally asked me to be his girlfriend. On this exact day, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo), ten years ago Jeffrey took me to the top of his M.E.T. building on Tech campus over looking Atlanta and asked me to officially be his "girlfriend". The rest is history. He is my love story, the only boy to make me romantic, and the man that still gives me butterflies ten years later. So the moral of this story is, take chances! Always go to the party, you never know who you might meet while you're there!

What is your love story?

May the 4th be with you!

I have been feeling really bogged down lately. As a teacher, May is ALWAYS the hardest, busiest month out of the year for me. So on May 4th, I am channeling the force, see what I did there!

CHANNELING THE FORCE WHEN SUMMER IS SO CLOSE YOU CAN TASTE IT!!!!

Here is what I am doing to fight the "end of the school year funk"

COFFEE // I have been throwing back cup after cup of this magical potion. Whoever invented coffee, thank you! A million times thank you!

RUNNING // When Jeffrey started traveling, I took up running to fill my time. Now, I need a good run to let off steam and built up energy. I am averaging about four miles a day.

CRYING // I totally put in two girly movies this week and had a good, long cry. It was amazing!

HAPPY HOUR // Chips, salsa, and wine solve all problems.

FRIENDS and FAMILY // Thank you to my amazing friends and family who have been understanding, poured out love, and keep this exhausted teacher afloat. 

What helps you through busy times? 

MAY THE "FOURTH" BE WITH YOU!