A 3 month goal

There have been so many times when I've heard a great quote, read an amazing line in a book, or listened to a fantastic song lyric and I wanted to bottle it up and keep it close for future. (I've always been a fan of quotes, oddly enough). So when January rolled around and I wanted to make some goals- I remembered one of the goals I put on my 30 in my 30's goal list, which was to do 30 days of something. 

I am literally that awful with staying with a project that I limited it to 30 days. And made it a goal. And then gave myself a decade to complete it. HOWEVER I ended up going three months with this goal! So take that 29 year old self! 

It turned out to be a lot of fun mixing media types trying to create awesome index card backgrounds (although I may have gotten ahead of myself and now have a ton left over). 

I also tried to really listen to the world around me for those three months-- people around me, books I was reading, songs I was listening to, tv shows I was watching- listening for wisdom or humor.  And I found A LOT. 

So even though I didn't get through a whole year of it, I was pleased getting through what I did. The best part was I didn't even feel annoyed with myself for quitting when I did. (Trust me, that's one for the win column!)

29 before 30 (recap)

When I turned 22 I decided to start this whole birthday scrapbook album (and birthday bucket list). A friend suggested the idea to me and I will be forever grateful to her! 

Then I noticed a lot of bloggers did it and I enjoyed seeing theirs and being inspired.

I went back and added some quick pictures of my 20th and 21st birthdays and decided to make this a year thing. So this year, as it comes to a close I started looking back on all the memories and changes this past decade has brought. 

Music and tv show obsessions have changed slightly, friends have come and gone, and even my crafting style has changed dramatically. It's been really fun to reminisce. 

I can't wait to start my 30's scrapbook album now!!!

Here is my 29 before 30 birthday bucket list......

1, Get married and become a Roby. (done)

2. Go on a honeymoon to Disney (done)

3. Go all out in celebrating Kim's 30th (Silly me messed up dates, but I did get to celebrate some with her!)

4. House hunt (has been put on the back burner for now)

5. Work on my summer tan (did last year, still haven't much this year...but I'm counting it as done)

6. Get in shape (so totally did NOT happen)

7. Create at least 1 new blog series (done...can you guess what it was?)

8. Alfred Hitchcock night with Austin (we didn't do a marathon night, but we still watched some)

9. Throw a 20's themed birthday celebration (tonight yall!!!)

10. Read a crap ton of books (done... I think I'm at 38 now)

11. Restart the pen pal group (done, although it was not as successful as I would've liked)

12. So something crrafty with my old family photos (not yet)

13. Get a tattoo with Austin

14. Make and send a postcard (did this as my Thank Yous for our wedding!)

15. Finish my 52 list project (I'm starting to wonder if I will EVER be done with this project)

16. Spa day (went with mom!)

17, Be a mentor and a damn good one (well, I was a mentor.......)

18. Explore my city and blog about it more (done, and can't wait to do more)

19. Cut my hair (done)

20. Get a tire pump (nope) and ride my bike more (done) (So like, half done)

21. Relearn to drive a stick shift (done)

22. Go antique shopping

23. Create photobooks of engagement and wedding pictures (did this for my parents and in-laws)

24. Go to Disney several times (probably close to 10!!!)

25. Make a family tree

26. Murder Mystery Dinner Party

27. Finish binge watching Gilmore Girls (done!) And finish lists for GG (done)

28. Get a pup for Chloe (Luna Padfoot the Wheaton!)

29. Travel

28 before 29

I think one of my favorite holiday traditions is making a fun birthday goal list. I try to make some about health, some about my work life, and the majority about having fun. The only thing that does bother me is that I've never accomplished everything on my lists. But hey- maybe this year.....

So my list for this year (drum roll please, ha!)

1. visit kimmi
2. be a great maid of honor for leigh
3. join a bible study
4. go on a picnic
5. visit a new place (almost always a new goal!)
6. do a new blog series
7. lose weight
8. update birthday scrapbook (it's of every year of my 20's!!)
9. buy a new and nice pair of boots
10. clean out my place and donate
11.start coach potato to 5k
12. go to disney
13. continue to practice/perfect my handwriting
14. wear lipstick more
15. continue to grow as a teacher
16. take more pictures
17. keep trying to save money
18. fine a new series on netflix to binge watch
19. have fun in kickball league
20. spoil my mom
21. take chloe into the beach (not just to the beach(
22. write a book (for real this time)
23. do a paint by numbers
24. start a new art journal
25. make a new friend
26. host a game night
27. try doing a vlog
28. journal more

.....previous years....
27 before 28
26 before 27
25 before 26
24 before 25 and 23 before 24

happy things

My memory has gone on vacation since school has been out (at least this is the story I am sticking with) and I keep forgetting to post my weekly "happy things" post.

Week 6: Reading.

 I have been trying to use my time over this summer wisely and catch up on my reading. I've always loved books, but over the past couple of years I've reconnected with how much I love reading. It is one of my favorite hobbies, and while it may make me sound dorky, I don't care- it makes me happy!!

Week 7: My family.

 Even though not all of my family is pictured here, I think it's pretty much the most of us I've gotten at one time. We've had our ups and downs like any family, but we still love each other. I only wish we all lived closer- I miss them so incredibly much.

Week 8: Baby time

 (above: brothers Keagan and Brantley;

below: baby Mason)

 I definitely don't want a baby of my own anytime soon, but I do absolutely love that two of my good friends had babies this summer. I only wish I had more time with these cuties!!

Week 9: Freedom.

 With Independence Day being this week, it has made me think a lot about being free. I am eternally grateful to live in a country where I am free, a time where I am free to be a woman without shame, and free to make my own decisions.

Week 10: Small get-aways.

 Friday some good friends and I went down to St. Augustine (which is one of my favorite cities of all time). We had some drinks, lots of laughs, and even went on a haunted pub tour. Sometimes it's just nice to get away from the everyday life and do something different, especially when it's with friends. Gesh, I feel cheesy right about now, but I honestly do value those kinds of moments.

xoxoxoxox, kel

gallery wall // sharing art

 When deciding on what to put on my gallery wall, I decided that I wanted mostly black and white (prints, frames, etc.). However, I also wanted some pops of color against the white walls and in the mix of all the black and white art. I also wanted the pieces to be mainly DIY or created by local artists. I'm pretty happy with what came about..... I decided to post the DIY pieces on their own, so for now, I'm just sharing the art I've bought and pictures of friends and family.

The above 3 photos are works of art from my friend Shannon, a/k/a mewoflower. She also has the prints for sale in color too.....just sayin'......

 Rosie the Riveter- because what girl doesn't love this print? I've had it for a long time, though so it's sadly not in the best condition.

  The above 2 photos are by a local artist, Sammy. He was painting at a show my friends were attending and I fell in love with his work. He uses multiple mediums and bright colors. 

 The "coffee" art I bought at Target. Simple, but very me.

The other photos are instagram photos and gifted frames from friends. The top pink picture is of me and my friend Nicole at her birthday. The black frame is of two of my awesome girlfriends, Shannon and Sarah, and the bottom pink frame is of my and Austin on our trip to Colorado this past Spring Break.

I love this photo (and frame). It's of my grandmother and was a gift one year from my mom. 

Who doesn't love photobooths, right? But these photobooth pictures are extremely special to me because of the friends in them. I love these people so much and this year has been all the better because they have come into my life! I wasn't sure how to include them in my gallery wall, so I just used some simple washi tape so that it wouldn't draw any attention away from us and our silly props and crazy faces. 

My friend Leigh bought me this art piece awhile back and I absolutely love it. The art work is by Elsie Larson and is one of my favorite pieces she's ever done. Kinda fits me to a T.

This picture frame was the first thing I hung up on my wall (oh so many years ago). The photo to the far left was given to me by an amazing blogger, Jamie. She lives by the motto "create adventures, live inspired" and I love it so much that I hung it up to try and live by it as well.

The middle picture is me and my mom on my 21st birthday.

The last picture is of my girlfriends, Sarah, Jen (and her baby Keagan), and Erica from a couple of years ago.

xoxoxoxo, kel

gallery wall // birthday goal

 One of my birthday goals was to complete my gallery wall in my bedroom. Since then, I have been  looking for some awesome pieces I could put up on my white walls. For the most part, I'm pretty happy about how it's come along. I only have one more DIY project for the shelf (which won't be art piece) and then I'm completely finished!! 

I also plan on sharing about each piece, since some of them are from local artists and others are DIY items I decided to make.

Stay tuned......

xoxoxoxoxo, kel

happy things

 

 Week 5: My boyfriend

I am so extremely thankful for this guy. He is thoughtful, supportive, caring, giving, and my best friend. I adore him and I am truly blessed knowing him.

happy things

One of my birthday goals was to write down at least one thing a week that makes me happy. And already I have failed.... 

So I decided to make up for it here and now and also make it a new blog feature. Short and sweet. And a great reminder of the great things in life.

So it's been 4 weeks since my birthday.... so here are 4 things that make me ridiculously happy:

1. my pup. 

 I love her so much. She always puts a smile on my face, especially when she cuddles with me!
(photo by Shannon- meowflowerart)

2. photo shoots. 

 Whether I am behind the camera or in front of it, I just love the creativity that comes with them.

iphone photo by sarah!

3. my friends. 

 While I am fortunate enough to have many great friends, these certain three have gotten my through some pretty hard/stressful/bleh times as of late. They've also made me remember to laugh. 

various iphone photos

4. my momma

 She is always, always there for me. And I love her more than I could ever really put into words (although I did try here).

photo by me (at my mommas wedding a few years ago)

Until next week......

kel

27 before 28

Making goals....and lists, because that's what I do....

My 27 before 28 list:

1. Grow a garden (done)
2. Read 28 books (done) 
3. Start doing photo sessions for money (done)
4. Get a new tattoo (done...2)
5. Pay off debt
6. Write down at least 1 thing a week that makes me happy
7. Take Chloe to the beach (for a festival- still need to get her on the sand)
8. Make a jewelry wall hanger (done)
9. Write a book (or start one at least)
10. Visit a new place (AUBURN!! Finally)
11. Find a church home (think so!)
12. Have a Kentucky Derby party (done) 
13. Finish the gallery wall in my bedroom (done) 
14. Learn how to teach Singapore math
15. Get over past anger (yup!!)
16. Work on my handwriting and writing in different fonts (still not perfect, but better)
17. Have photos taken of me for my "about me" page here on the blog (thanks shannon!)
18. Get a haircut (done)
19. Blog at least one DIY post (a couple) 
20. Have a tea date with my mom (a few) 
21. Make a blogging schedule and stick to it
22. Take more photos with my instax camera
23. Finish my 26 before 27 list... (eh a couple items) 
24. Make more craft gifts than store bought gifts (trying) 
25. Continue/keep up with my journaling everyday challenge
26. Make a trip to see Leigh (yup!!!)
27. Enjoy every moment (YES)



Here are some of my previous ones... (from my previous blog of course):
26 before 27
25 before 26
24 before 25