things i learned in 2015

It's insane to think that 2015 is actually over. So much happened last year, like my bestie got married and I got engaged for instance. Along the way I feel like I learned a lot of things, which I'll hopefully carry with my into 2016. Ready for the list (because how else would I write it??)?

Don't compare. Just don't. It only hurts you.

Say yes more.
But also learn when to say no and don't be afraid to do it.

It's okay to have lazy days every once in awhile and just stay in your pjs all day long.

Ask for help!!! People tend to respect you more when you know your limitations and know when to ask for help.

Pray! And constantly. After all, He is the only one that is really in control, so why not give Him all the worry, angst, sadness and pain?

Pay your bills on time (unless you absolutely cannot- and then a late fee is better than not at all).

Wear more lipstick- it will make you feel more confident.

Only wear heels if you know you'll be off your feet a majority of the time.

xoxoxoxo

kel

Merry Christmas

Our Christmas was quiet but wonderful. Austin had to work most of the time, so I spent a majority of the holiday with my parents and Chloe. I feel so incredibly blessed.

 I swear, this furry little one could fall asleep anywhere. Soooo cute!

-kel

that time we got engaged

This past weekend Austin and I celebrated knowing each other for 2 years AND he also proposed!! I'm still on cloud 9 (and constantly looking down at this gorgeous ring to remind myself this is real). 

How did I get so lucky? 

These are a few of the pictures some friends of ours took the night he proposed in St. Augustine, FL. A little blurry because it was dark and we couldn't sop smiling. 

The ring is so amazing. Not only did Austin pick it out himself, the middle diamond is from his Mom's ring.

Until later..... kel

links, links, links (all things halloween!)

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. So I figured a round up of halloween posts would be perfect!!

First up, all kinds of ways to decorate pumpkins.... glow in the dark, beach scenes, geometric, black and white, paint splatter, etc....

25 things you might not know about Hocus Pocus.

These 80's costumes are amazing!

Even though this isn't technically a halloween post, the inspiration is awesome and the pumpkins in the photo are amazing and extremely creative.

101 cheap costume ideas. 

Have you seen the photoshopped picture of Christina Ricci as Morticia Adams?  Awesome.

 Love this photo. 

And this pretty photo. 

our history

October is one of my favorite months. Ever. 

1- It feels like the real beginning of Fall 

2- It's my pup's birthday month

3- Halloween

4- Speaking of Halloween...I love it all the more now because it's when I met Austin.....

The funny thing is- Halloween isn't actually the first time our paths crossed.

The first time we met was actually several years ago when our mutual friends and the 2 of us went on a ski trip together. Our cabins were pretty far apart from each other, so we didn't see each other very much, however, we did hang out. He barely talked to me though, because I had a boyfriend at the time and according to him was "off limits". I thought he was rude since he barely acknowledged my presence.

But actually, our paths kind of crossed before even that. 

In the 70's both of our moms went to high school together- 492 miles away from where we all now currently live. Without knowing it until Austin and I were dating- it's kind of this amazing, awesome thing. Our families, both from Alabama, both Auburn fans, and both still intertwined by friends and family that know each other (without our having known). 

So Woodlawn, our Moms' high school is where our stories kind of began.

 And Woodlawn is the movie we went to see last week. 

 If you haven't seen it, go see it- it's such a touching and amazing story.


Yea, I know- a tangent. But sometimes it's amazing to see how close we've been this entire time. Some might say cosmic. Some might say fate. But any way you look at it- our relationship is amazing and Austin is the boy I've always prayed for.

nostalgically  yours,
kel

Montisano family

Typically I would never dream of posting photos that I hadn't gone over and edited and spent tons of time trying to perfect. BUT I still haven't been able to redownload my photo editing program since my computer bit the dust, and I'm frankly sick of waiting to post these photos. This family is one of my favorites both to hang out with and to photograph. So I figured for now.....I'll post them as is. Raw. Unedited.

 

 

Come back to see the edited versions later on!
xoxoxo
kel

Chloe turns 21!!!

Today my little pup turns 21 (3 in human years)!!!! 

Party on.

-kel