Our 2018 Holiday Home Tour

As I sit here with my feet up, watching Home Alone while basking in the warmth of our fireplace and the glimmer of the gold star on our mantle, I can't help but be amazed at how quickly December has gone. Christmas is all but here and I have barely written at all this month. But that could be because I've been cherishing the sound of my son's astonished squeals at the "choo choos" at Crown Center, or the stunned look in his eyes when I plug in the tree and he can't quite believe how beautiful it is. Like I shared earlier this month, Christmas is different in the eyes of the child. But I'll be honest, I feel some of that child-like joy again this time of the year. Gifts, lights, family, snow: there's just something about it. One of my favorite things to do is have people over to share in the sweet moments that always seem to show up this time of year. Since there's just no way our cozy home can fit all of you in it at once, I've sharing my annual holiday home tour. Come on in and stay awhile! 

Putting a small fake tree out on the covered porch this year was a bit of a risk. We had a huge snow right after Thanksgiving, but I shook it off and the tree seems to be hanging in there just fine once it melted!

I love having our Christmas tree right in the front room. With our vaulted ceilings, you really can see all sides of the tree from every level. The star and the lights twinkle out the front window at night, and I love leaving the blinds open so I can see it glittering in the darkness as I leave or return home after a long day. I've also learned to appreciate wrapping presents in coordinating paper that all matches, which I'm pretty sure makes me both boring and kind of old. But hey, it looks nice and I love it!

I can't believe this little munchkin is so big now!! Time truly flies.

I'm still in love with this gorgeous wreath that Aaron got me for Christmas a few years back. I love adding subtle pops of red and green to our farmhouse front room.

In the dining room, I've decided to keep it simple. I just add a few pops of cranberry red to my usual centerpiece, offset it with rustic pine cones, and place some white candles to balance the burlap texture. And I always love hanging up my homemade ornament garland! Now that E is older, we're also having a little fun with the Santa Plate and Mug. 

Cozy is the name of the game in our basement. I didn't have my magnolia wreath from Hobby Lobby last year, but now I love how it brings in the pop of green on the white accent wall behind our mantle. I also added a new little stocking for our little man, which is fun! I think styling the mantle is one of my favorite things each year. This is actually the first year I didn't purchase a SINGLE thing for our decor! I always hit the "after Christmas sales", so it was fun seeing what all I bought on December 26th last year (and it was nice not paying anything more to decorate!

I'm such a huge fan of these Buffalo Check pillows by Cuddleduds. They're super comfy and match our stockings and the rest of our basement decor so perfectly. It's definitely one of our favorite hang out spots.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour around our home this year! It's simple, not showy, but I love it just the same. I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2019! I'm excited to share more with you soon about all that we've been up to this year!

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More

Through His Eyes

No matter how fast my hands move, they still can't quite buckle up his boots as quickly as he'd like. After all, I'm taking precious seconds away from his opportunity to go outside- his favorite word and quite possibly one of his very favorite places in his entire small world. To him, a snowfall is not an inconvenience, it's an incredible mystery, one that he has yet to explore in his short time on this Earth. I scramble into my own coat, quickly grabbing the camera, feeling a bit giddy myself even though the bags under my eyes and the new gray hairs I keep finding clearly tell me that I'm not getting any younger. But there's a sort of magic when I see the world through his eyes.

To him, the cold is not enough to keep his little legs from powering through his first powdery inches of bliss. The wet snow that shakes off his freshy mitten-less hand is not enough to bring tears to his soft blue eyes. And the fact that his teeth begin to chatter ever so slightly is not enough to keep him from glancing up at me, cheeks glowing a pale pink, as he whispers, "Fun." Because it's new, and marvelous, and unbelievably fascinating to him.

Through his eyes, the world's a better place. He knows no stress, has no long to-do list beckoning him away from what he'd really like to do. Everything is new, and exciting, and full of wonder. He's not worried about what others think, not worried about deadlines, likes, or putting up a good front. He is who he is, a 21 month old who's slightly obsessed with barely reheated pizza, real or pretend tractors, and partially deflated restaurant balloons. And one whose joy completely captivates me and gives my heart permission to delight like a kid again- because somewhere in my world of freezer meals, dryer sheets, and online bill payments, I've lost some of that.

Through his eyes, everything is an adventure. Christmas is magical, the everyday is awesome, the mundane is surprising. When I pause to see the world as he does, I feel it again. Something as simple as plugging in the lights on our tree each night, or pushing the button on a musical ornament as he raises his arms to dance with me makes his eyes (and mine) light up every single time. Because it's new, and it's special, and he hasn't lost his joy. And I hope he never does, because he brings it to the rest of us.

Through his eyes, I'm mommy. His place of comfort and strength, the one he can run to without fear of rejection or judgment. The one who will give in to his sweet requests for "trick or treat" even though it's December, or who will pull him into her arms even when he's covered in snot, food, or some other lovely mess that becomes the norm to every "boy mom" out there. And I'll take every snotty snuggle I can get, because being his mama makes me strong, gives me purpose, and changes everything. He sees me as far stronger than I am, and as a result, I am pushed to be better.

As I lay him gently in his crib each night and slowly zip him into his Sleepsack, pausing to look at his sweet smile for just a few moments longer, I can barely stand how much I love him. I may be teaching him about the world, but sometimes it seems like he's teaching me so much more. Like he's reminding me what it's like to see the world as a place that's far more forgiving, far less stressful, and far more joyful- to see it through his eyes, even when all I can see are my own frustrations and failures.

That is my hope and prayer for you this winter- that you would cherish sweet moments, and pause to remember what it was like to see life through the eyes of a child. That you would see through those eyes once more, and that it would bleed into a season of joy and celebration as the worries of the world fade away. And that perhaps you would find time in these moments of wonder to reflect on how another sees you through his eyes: completely forgiven, completely loved, and completely cherished. Because, oh friends, you are.

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More

Travel the US in Style with These Hacks

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie.

If there's anything I've learned in the last six year of our adventures around the world, it's that this Earth is a HUGE place, chock full of endless incredible travel opportunities. From hail storms in Tuscan vineyards to water taxi rides in Venice, there is so much to see and do everywhere you go. But it's not necessary to go abroad to make incredible travel memories. Our own little US of A offers some truly incredible destinations that can satisfy the needs and dreams of any travel junkie, right here in the States! Whether it’s the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, Deep South, or New England, our nation has plenty of diverse landscapes to choose from. 

Every year people travel to the US and all around the US in search of fresh adventures and new experiences. Although there are always the typical and most popular American destinations, it's so important to make sure you enjoy everything that that the nation has to offer when it comes to traveling. To truly travel the US in style, keep these travel hacks in mind for your journey!

Explore Some of the Best Cities

There are some pretty amazing cities in the US, and no matter which state you visit there is bound to be a city that you fall in love with. There are a lot of things that play a role in choosing the perfect place to visit, but it’s clear that cities like Miami, New York, and San Francisco are pretty much the pinnacle when it comes to big, popular cities. Big cities offer the thrills of lights, delicious food, and fun entertainment activities, and although they are often pretty touristy, they're definitely worth seeing at least once!

Check Out the Road Less Traveled

Although big cities like NYC are fun, it's also important to get balance, and this means checking out the road less traveled sometimes too. There are a lot of places you can visit in the States that offers you a more open, less crowded experience. There are a lot of hidden gems out there, including places like Durango, Colorado; a drive from Oregon to California, and the wonderful character of New Orleans. Some of my very favorite travel memories are hours of road tripping all around the country, hopping out of the car and taking state sign photos together when we reached a state border. Make sure you check out some of these lesser-explored areas, even if they aren't the "big name" cities.

Have an Open Mind

One of the best ways to enjoy traveling our county in style is to have an open mind. Don't shy away from certain activities or cities just because you think they may not be in your typical comfort zone- you may be pleasantly surprised! While traveling, you'll definitely be exposed to a lot of diversity, as well as people and cultures from all walks of life. After all, the United States is a huge country! This is good, and you never know what unexpected adventure may await you in a place where you never expected it! Don't get too caught up in the plans or expectations and just enjoy yourself wherever you may be.

Stay in the Best Places

Of course, staying in the best place while definitely help you make the most of your travels. While it's very fun to explore places off the beaten path and take a chance on activities that are new to you, you do want to make sure that you feel safe and cozy wherever you choose to lay your head for the night. Do some research on what type of hotel is best for you. Do you want to have an extended stay at a hotel in San Diego, California, or would you rather bop from place to place and check in to multiple different hotels? Each type of trip is great, but just make sure you think about the pros and cons of each option, and definitely choose a place that you know is in a good area of the city or town.

From the rolling hills of the Midwest to the coastal oceans and everything in between, the United States has so much to offer, and you need to explore and make the most of it while you can. Traveling is an incredibly eye-opening, fun chance to make some incredible memories. I have never regretted a single trip that we went on, and the adventures we've found ourselves in are truly priceless. The US is just waiting to be explored, so get out there and make it yours!

Currently,

Kelsie

Read More

Why You Should Hire Security for Your Wedding

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie.

If you're in the middle of wedding planning, you know that there are more items to think of and prepare for than you can possibly imagine. You may even be stressed that unexpected bumps in the road are just waiting to throw you off course. Planning a successful wedding can take months, or even years, of careful planning and meticulous preparation- not to mention the cost of a wedding in the United States these days now averages more than $33,000. With all of this time and money invested in a single day, which is a joyous event for sure, you certainly want things to go well and for your guests to be happy and safe while attending your event.

Spending a few extra dollars to hire some private security for the big day is a great way to ensure that the day goes off without any unnecessary safety concerns. Gabriel Sanchez, a Security Manager for ACES Private Investigations of Dallas says, “The correct ratio of security to guest is 1:12.” We see a lot of disruptions at weddings typically at the reception when drinks are flowing,” says Sanchez. There are several reasons to hire private security for a wedding, all with the safety of your guests in mind. A few reasons include:

Keep Unwelcome Guests Out. 

As you probably know, there are many people who make a habit of crashing weddings to get free food and drinks and to do a little partying at someone else’s expense. Ask a friend or family member to check guests at the reception and, if they’re not on the list, ask them to kindly leave. If they refuse, that’s where the security guard is there to step in and take over. It may seem mean, but it will help keep things in order.

Keep Valuables Safe. 

You can hire a security guard to watch over things like the gift table or the money box, as well as to keep an eye on purses and other personal items throughout the event. Ladies often wear very nice jewelry to a formal event like a wedding, and the security guard or guards can help keep an eye on those items as well. If having a guard watch these areas isn't a possibility, try to see if your venue has a locked room where things can be stored during the reception.

Your Venue May Require It. 

Some venues simply require private security at any event where there will be a large number of people, so check with your venue well in advance to see if this applies in your case. Sometimes, the venue will give you a list of security companies that they prefer, but you usually don’t have to stick to the names on this list if you don’t want to. They may also ask you to purchase liability insurance.

Offer Parking Lot Protection.

 If your event is in a metropolitan area or, on the flip side, in a remote location, you can hire security guards whose responsibility is to escort guests to and from their vehicles. This can help with peace of mind and further ensure your guests’ safety. You have enough things to worry about on your wedding day without having to stress over the safety of your guests, and the event in general.

Set aside a few bucks for a private security presence on your special day, so you can have that peace of mind and really treasure and savor what is surely one of the biggest and most memorable days of your entire life. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but the safety is worth it. And remember, the most important thing is that you get married- so enjoy your day and try not to stress!

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More

Quick Tips For Your Bathroom Remodel

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie.

We all want a bathroom that’s convenient and accessible, but we also want it look nice and reflect our own individual style. It's easy to get caught up in the way it looks, but this important room of the home also needs to have the right fixtures and amenities, ones that are capable of providing function at a good value.

When undergoing this type of renovation, which provides one of the best returns on investment in the long run, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, if you’re going to use a contractor, make sure they're licensed and bonded. You can find a list of approved contractors by visiting the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Here are a few tips to help you along with your next bathroom remodel project:

Initial Planning. 

Before you do anything else, it’s a good idea to sit down and talk with everyone in the home who will be using the bathroom. Ask them what they would like, or dislike, in the newly renovated space.

It’s also important that everyone keeps in mind this type of project is not done overnight, but will probably take between one and three months, on average, to complete. Every member of the family needs to be aware of and plan for this- you may have to make a few changes in everyday morning and evening routines, or plan ahead.

The Floor Plan. 

To keep costs down, it’s a good idea to keep the new bathroom’s fixtures and plumbing as close to the existing ones as possible. Research has also shown that adding a second bathroom can increase your home's value when it comes time to sell- that is, unless you or your contractor discovers outdated wiring or plumbing that could cause major problems. In this case, it’s recommended that you remove the old pipes and wires and install new ones. In that case, you’re free to change the locations of anything you like, because extra work will need to be done.

Lighting Design. 

Installing sufficient and sometimes luxurious bathroom lighting is never a bad idea. An ideal amount of light is required for things like shaving, styling hair, and applying makeup, so that's definitely a part of the new bathroom you should give some thought to. Choices include overhead, ambient and perimeter lighting, and it’s usually wise to include more than one type of lighting in your remodeling efforts.

Bathroom Ventilation Solutions. 

This is a part of the bathroom that many people overlook, but they definitely shouldn’t. Proper ventilation in a bathroom is extremely important, and will ensure that your renovation project lasts for years to come.

A bathroom that’s not properly ventilated can cause a number of problems, such as the buildup of mold and/or mildew. This can damage many items in the space, like the walls and even the cabinets. Eddie Sanchez, owner of NXS Home Remodeling San Antonio says, “So many people overlook the importance of ventilation, within one year, mold has settled in and they end up spending thousands of dollars to fix something that was never done right to begin with." Sanchez also says, “Track style homes are all built the same way, if there is one ventilation error in how the builder designed the bathroom, all the homes in the whole community will have the same problem.”

Maximize The Space. 

If possible, try to use all of the space available as you renovate the bathroom. Consider things like glass doors for tubs and showers that can open up the room, as well as pedestal sinks if your bathroom space is on the smaller side.

Pick The Right Type of Flooring.

Popular choices for bathroom flooring include porcelain, ceramic and stone tiles. All look beautiful and are also water-resistant, which is perfect for a space like a bathroom. If durability is the most important thing to you, consider baseboard tiles, which are also known for adding an elegant finishing touch.

Think About The Future. 

If you’re planning on living in your home for many years, keep that in mind when renovating this space. You want something that you’ll still be as happy with five years from now as you are today. And if you’re going to sell your home in the next few years, make sure you’re picking items that will stand the test of time and allow you to recoup your investment when you do sell.

Best of luck in your next remodeling adventure!

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More

How to Be a Happier, Healthier Mom

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie.

As any mama knows, life as a mom is incredibly stressful yet incredibly rewarding. The thing we often forget is that our wellbeing matters just as much as the wellbeing of our children. Like I mentioned in my post The Oxygen Mask Mentality, if want to be the best possible mamas to our kids, then we need to look after ourselves as much as we look after them. It’s important to be the physically and mentally strong parent that our children so desperately need. Here are some tips to help you be a happier, healthier, more effective mom!

Get into a healthy sleeping routine.

It's no lie that being a mom often means that you struggle to sleep properly. This isn’t just a problem for moms with newborn babies who are up all night. No matter the age of your kids, you have to juggle a range of adult responsibilities and duties. Regardless, a busy schedule doesn’t excuse a bad sleeping routine. Your health depends on a healthy bedtime pattern- and it's not just about maintaining high energy levels. Rest helps to keep your immune system strong, which is important when your children come home with colds. Rest also helps to improve your emotional health. Every parent needs to stay mentally sharp in order to deal with the challenges of daily life.

I know it sounds impossible, but you should be getting eight hours of sleep every night in order to maintain a well-rested body and mind. Set yourself a bedtime in the same way that you set one for your kids. Getting eight hours of rest is only one aspect of a healthy sleeping pattern. You also need to think about the quality of your sleep if you want to feel rested when you wake up. And your bed plays a big part in your sleeping routine too- we just recently got our first king bed and I'm AMAZED by how much better I'm sleeping. You might want to click here to look at some new mattresses if you're struggling to sleep well. Giving your body some support while you sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy bedtime routine, and it will help you feel so much better too!

See your friends and family regularly.

Whether you’re a single mother or you have the help of a spouse, it’s always important to find time for your loved ones. If you want to take a night off every once in a while, then it’s okay to accept the help of others. Give yourself that grace and freedom! If you want to go out with your spouse, then you’ll probably find that one of your friends or a family member would love to help you by looking after the kids. Or if you want to go out with your friends and family, then you could hire a babysitter for the night. The point is that letting your hair down and relaxing with your loved ones will keep you mentally healthy and happy. Everyone needs a break every now and then!

Set aside a little time for yourself.

It’s not selfish to do this, no matter how much it may seem to go against the grain of your maternal instincts. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your psychological well-being. If you want to be a good parent, then you need to maintain a healthy mindset, and setting aside some time for yourself is a good way to achieve this. Whether it’s a long soak in the bath when you get home or ten minutes spent reading a book before bed, there’s no denying that alone time can help you to unwind and regain your sanity after a long day. You’ll be able to return to your motherly duties feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Being your best self helps you be the best mom that you can be. No mom is perfect, but you can definitely work on sleeping better, seeing your family and accepting their help, and setting aside some time for yourself. This will help you be the happiest, healthiest mama you can be- which is so great for not only you, but also your kids! You've got this!

Currently,

Kelsie

Read More

Learn to Love Your Kitchen Again

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie.

If you love whipping up a culinary storm in the kitchen, but don’t feel like you have the equipment, utensils, or environment necessary to flex your gastronomic muscles, you may need to think about remodeling your kitchen! You might fancy swanky new granite worktops, a beautiful Belfast sink, and some high quality appliances. However you see your dream kitchen, you can make it happen no matter what sort of budget you have. For real! Even if money is tight, you can rejuvenate your kitchen area so you can rustle up a whole host of new meals and dishes.

Sometimes, it’s easy to fall out of love with our kitchens, but you shouldn’t resign yourself to having a substandard cooking area that you hate. Your kitchen should be the heart of your home; the place where the kids do their homework while you prepare a family dinner, the place you can chat with friends over coffee, and the place where you can enjoy a therapeutic baking session. If you need to fall in love with your kitchen again, take a look at these inspirational remodeling ideas!

Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1119254

A Range

You don’t have to live in a seventeenth century farmhouse to relish the joys of having a range cooker. Nowadays, you can source modern day twenty first century ranges that are more reliable and can function effortlessly to cook your one pot meals. When picking your range, head to a specialist in professional kitchen appliances for the home, rather than a general kitchen showroom. Here, you'll find the most advanced appliances with great energy efficiency and that aren’t on the high street. Ranges have a knack of being dual fuel, meaning that you can enjoy cooking with electric or with gas - whatever your personal preference. A range cooker can also give you the freedom to rustle up meals for crowds, so you don’t have to worry about cooking multiple courses or running out of oven space. If you have the space for a range, it’s well worth thinking about obtaining one for your kitchen.

Work Top

The simplest way to revolutionize a kitchen style is to install a new kitchen work top. Even if you aren’t changing the units, you could swap your old wooden work top for a granite quartz top! These are resilient and robust enough to withstand scrapes and cuts from even the sharpest of knives. You won’t have to worry about oiling or refreshing the work surface, and the granite itself has its own sheen and finish.

If granite is a little out of your price range, you might want to explore the cheaper human made engineered varieties. While not quite as robust, these examples still exude quality and can create the illusion of a granite work top. Alternatively, you could focus on stainless steel as the material for your work top, especially if you want to emulate a professional kitchen look. You could tie this in to your appliances and industrial themed interior design. If you still adore the wood look and you have a country shaker style kitchen to match, opt for a hardwood that is strong and can withstand knocks and scrapes. You may need to re-oil and sand down your work surface once in a while, but take care of it, and it will last as long as granite.

Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/728448

Configuration

It’s important to consider how you will utilize your kitchen. If you adore cooking for dinner parties and love nothing more than entertaining and feeding people, you might need plenty of work surface space, maybe an island in the center of your kitchen, and you may want to knock through to make a large kitchen dining room. Perhaps baking is more your thing, or a favorite hobby of yours. If this is the case, you must ensure you have enough storage space for your silicone cake tins, your fondant icing, and your decorating tools. Always ensure that you create the most appropriate layout for your culinary needs.

Creating your dream kitchen is no easy task, especially with the variety of kitchen units, work tops, and appliances on the market these days. Head to your local kitchen showroom to get some ideas, scour online interior design blogs, and get a feel for the sorts of kitchen designs available. If your budget allows, you might even want to get a professional on board to help you design your perfect kitchen! Follow this guide, and hopefully you'll be on your way to the perfect cooking space for you and your home- and you can learn to love your kitchen once again. Good luck, friends!

Currently,

Kelsie

Read More

Seasons

Seasons are an interesting thing- each with its own beauty, each with its own struggles. In fall, we watch the beauty of the changing colors and deal with the pain of raking the leaves. In winter, we cherish the glimmer of the softly falling snow, and dread the hours of sweaty snow removal. Spring brings new life, new flowers, and occasionally those pesky showers. And summer- my personal favorite- brings plenty of sunshine and pool time, along with record temps and blistering heat.

Isn't it funny how seasons change so quickly? In Missouri, literally one day it's fall and the next it's winter, and then maybe back to fall again for a while. You never know what season you'll be in, but all you know is that if you shut your eyes for long enough, it's bound to change. And the same is true in life. Your baby turns into a toddler, who turns into a teen and then an adult. Your four years of college fly by and suddenly you're married and making mortgage payments- adulting and planning for retirement. You never knew how quickly life would go by, and you can't quite understand how the years keep going faster.


At the same time, there are seasons that seem to last forever. They drag on and on, and just when you feel as if there's never going to be an end, never a new change upon the horizon, there is. The snow melts, the heat fades, leaves are bagged, and the rain ends. Just when your heart can't take any more hurt or waiting, things change and you find new hope. And then we appreciate the change all the more, knowing that the season before had to come in order for us to be where we are now.

Sometimes we long for a previous season, a time before, a particular year, or age, or time when all seemed right with the world. When our family was all alive or when our world seemed a little bit kinder and less stressful. But I believe that the best is yet to come, that every tear, every struggle, every season of wait or wishing or confusion is necessary in order for us to fully take in the beautiful one that awaits, the change that we may not even know we so desperately needed.

And so, dear friend, I hope and pray that you take strength in the season you're in. That you find the beauty, however small it may be, in the moment that you're in. That you cherish your time with your people- knowing it will never quite be the way that it is now. And then? Then when the new season gloriously rushes in, I pray that you are overwhelmed by the joy that awaits you- that you yearned for, hoped for, and longed for. For this new season- it is just what has been planned for you since the beginning of time. And just when it seemed like it may never come, here it is. Better than you imagined.

Stay the course. Have faith. Love where you're at, but set your eyes on what's to come. Because oh friends, it will all be so worth it.

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More

September and October Recap

Hello, friends!! I'd start this post like I typically start my bi-monthly recap posts, and say that the last couple months flew by, but they honestly didn't this time around. Sure, I can't believe that it's already the first of November. But guys, the last couple of months have been crazy busy and full around here- especially October. All of the things are good things, but man, I'm starting to find my extrovert-self getting shockingly more possessive of my personal downtime. Anyways, here's what we've been up to the last couple of months, complete with sweet photos of our ever-growing boy.

SEPTEMBER

September always means the official end of summer and the disappearance of all of the put-together start of the school year vibes. This year we didn't have too much going on for our labor day weekend, but we did enjoy a few pool days and getting lots of things done around the house and in our lives in general.

 Modern Farmhouse Bedroom

We finally got around to sharing our modern farmhouse bedroom and I'll still in love with it (so I would say that's a good sign). I love the way it looks in the middle of the day with all of the natural light (which basically makes me want to photograph alll the things in here). It's so calm and peaceful in the midst of my totally-the-opposite world, so it's perfect.

Our Fifth Housiversary

This September also marks five years for us in our house. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. So many wonderful things have happened in those years, and this home will always have a special place in my heart: it's where we brought home Eli, where he took his first steps, and where we've hosted numerous friends and parties. It's a dear place full of laughter and love.

Girl's Weekend and Girlfriend Time!

I haven't gone on a girls' weekend trip in seriously like eight years- since I was in college! (Yikes, how am I getting so old so quickly?!) Anyways, I snuck off to Branson and left Aaron and Eli to fend for themselves for the first time together. Everyone survived, and I had an amazing time staying up until 4 am chatting with friends, successfully escaping an escape room (my first time), and making lots of fun memories together! We've got to get another one planned soon!

OCTOBER

Eli hit 20 months, and I can't quite believe that he's closer to 2 than 1 these days. I tried to record a few of the sweet moments and things he's up to in my post "My Baby You'll Be", if you'd like to check it out! We also survived our crazy week of parent teacher conferences, and really enjoyed the day off with gorgeous weather and a visit to the pumpkin patch! (Those darn squirrels get us every time!)

Styled Shoot Fun

We kicked off October with a bang, and had an AMAZING time modeling in a styled shoot for my amazingly talented friend Lacey of Lacey Rene Studios. A "styled shoot" is basically a mock wedding, where various incredible vendors come together to do florals, invitations, rentals, decor, hair, makeup, and provide a wedding gown- all which are photographed. It's basically like a dream team for a wedding redo, only without the stress and big ole bills to pay. I can't wait to show you more soon, but basically I felt like a princess and it was a dream and super fun date night with the man I love!

My Fifth Half Marathon

On October 20th, I ended up conquering my fifth half marathon this year (5/5) by running the KC Half Marathon with a time of 1:44. This beat my goal of 1:45, and beat my previous best by about four minutes! It takes effort and planning to make the training work, but boy does it feel good to accomplish big goals (and have a blast doing it). I never thought I'd be a big half marathoner, but I really do love the distance now! And by the way, I had never run more than 6 consecutive miles before I started my training the first time around. So you can do this, even if you're not a big distance runner!!

View this post on Instagram

One year, five half marathons, and a whole lot of miles later, it was back to the half @kcmarathon today! 🎉 I set a new PR by 4 minutes, and beat my overall time last year on the same course by over 11 minutes! Crazy fun to see what training and pushing a little can do- and I totally had the best cheering squad ever!! 💕This year has been so much fun for me! There were days I didn't want to run in the cold, the rain, or the early morning hours, but having a race goal kept me grounded. I've made running buddies, managed stress, met fitness goals, and ran way faster for way longer than I ever thought I could (especially post baby). Thankful for this competitive outlet, the hours of reflection it offers, and all the people who sacrificed along the way for me to (literally) chase my goals! 🏃🏽‍♀️😘

A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Oct 20, 2018 at 10:12am PDT

Fall Fun

This fall has been gorgeous around KC!! At our annual Fall Fest at church, Eli was amazed by the fire, and had lots of fun throwing the footballs (even though he got decked in the head accidentally by one of his aunties- ha)! We enjoy leading square dancing each year, and had the most perfect fall evening for our event. Let's just say that it's super hard to get quality family photos with Eli being 20 months old! This month, we also managed to make it out to a local pumpkin patch, where Eli rode his first carousel, and his favorite- the choo choo! He's getting so big!

 Halloween Fun

Eli was a baby cow last year for Halloween, and we already had our farmer and cow outfits ready, so we just went with it again this year (hey, we enjoy free Chick-fil-A in July too). This year I ordered him a little hooded cow onesie online from Amazon for like $7. He loved it!! He didn't mess with the hood, and loved walking around in his outfit, so I feel like that's a mom win! He really loved the suckers at Trunk or Treat, and he proudly walked all around with me and held his own candy bag for his first year trick or treating. Of course he didn't really eat much candy, but hey- Mama gets some perks for her hard work too, right!?

In Case You Missed Them

Modern Farmhouse Bedroom Reveal

How Moms Can Re-Enter the Workforce

7 Pregnancy Essentials

A Checklist for Your New Home

Our Fifth Houseiversary

Watching Your Husband Become a Dad

Five Tips for a Smoother Morning

My Baby You'll Be

On Stories

Love to you all! Thanks for popping in to share this little corner of the internet with me- it means more than you know! 

Currently,

Kelsie

Read More

Secrets to Staying Healthy While Traveling

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie. 

I can already feel my excitement building as I reach into our closet for my trusty travel backpack. Packing can be a pain, but it means the start of an adventure, and priceless memories that come along with it. But nothing can put a damper on traveling like feeling sick while you're doing it.  Do you always feel unhealthy when you’re traveling? Do you have a relatively healthy lifestyle the majority of the time, but then struggle as soon as your routine changes or you jet off to somewhere new? If you’re always left feeling exhausted, lethargic, and gross (thanks to poor food choices), then you need to do something about it - and fast. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re as healthy as possible when you travel.

Hydration

The key is water. We all know that hydration is so important for your health in general, but when it comes to travel (and flying in particular), you need to make sure that you’re drinking enough water. It’s hard to remember when you’re on the go, but keep a bottle with you at all times for this reason. Try to refill and drink it multiple times, and schedule in bathroom breaks as needed.

Nutrition

Next up, you’re going to want to try and do your best to nail your nutrition too. It’s tough when you’re moving around a lot, and sometimes you just have to grab what’s convenient. Just do your best to plan ahead and bring healthy options to snack on or eat as healthier meals throughout the day. Obviously there will be days of delicious food that isn't the best for you, but the more healthier choices you can make while you’re traveling, the better.

Sleep

And finally, if you really want to make sure that your body is nice and healthy when you’re traveling, you need to get control of your sleep- especially if you're going on a longer, overseas flight. You may find that something like the below infographic can help, as you can actually pre-plan and alter your sleep before you go so that jet lag isn't an issue for you. (And trust me, you'll be thanking yourself there!) If you strategically look to adjust your sleep, and get better sleep on the plane, it’s really going to help you to stay healthy.


Infographic Design By Mattress Advisor

Traveling is so much fun, but it can also be a lot of work, and it can often take a toll on your body. Do your best to follow these tips so that you can stay healthy and ready for adventure on your next trip!

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More

On Stories

You never know what your story will look like. I was the Sophomore singing on stage at church, and he was the 8th grader in the aisle. And then six years later...⁣
⁣
I was the one who said yes and then no to dinner when I realized it was a date. He was the one who didn’t give up. I was the one who friend-zoned a guy I was afraid to lose, and he was the one who patiently pursued. And a few months (and a lot more details, tears, prayers, and conversations) later…⁣
⁣
I was the one dancing in the rain on a first date, and he was the one holding me close. I was the one falling in love at a distance, and he was the voice I couldn’t wait to hear. And a few months later…⁣

⁣I was the one saying yes to the man of my dreams, and he was the one down on his knees asking me for forever. I was the one in the pretty white dress, and he was the one waiting for me at the end of the aisle. And now?⁣
⁣
We’re the ones building our dreams together, watching with joy and anticipation as our story continues to be written. It’s not all sunshine and roses and styled shoot love- it’s downright hard sometimes. But man, it sure is good. Better than any story I could have dreamed up for myself. And this is only the beginning. ⁣
⁣
Just like us, your story is being written: each day another sentence, another purposeful paragraph. It’s beautiful and confusing and often excruciatingly slow- every detail emerging just when you think you can’t bear to wait any longer. But then a chapter comes together. And it’s breathtaking. A hard one closes, and it’s refreshing. And a new one begins. And oh friends, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

If you'd like to read more of the details of our story, check out How the Ks Came to Be: The Story of Us and The Proposal. You can also find more about me here. 

Currently,

Kelsie

Read More

My Baby You'll Be

In the blink of an eye, you are nineteen months of spunk and charm, more of a little man and less of a baby. Though we've traded nursing and infant onesies for sippy cups and sneakers, there's something you should know- you're still my baby, and you always will be.

I love the way you love the world around you, how you take it in full steam ahead- learning more and more with every passing minute. I will forever cherish your little giggle and sweet smile, the way you say "Mama" and "Daddy" with such a desire to know where we both are at all times. I love when you climb up on the couch just to sit with me, or when you exclaim "icky" while we're cleaning up the kitchen together after dinner. I love when you drive your cars up and down the walls, eat "fishies" all day every day, and try on all of our shoes in the closet. I love when you play hide and seek behind the kitchen curtains: giggling while we "look" around the room for you, because you can't quite contain the joy you feel- and I hope that never changes.

There are times when I think of you as your sweet little seven-pound newborn self, and it's crazy that you're the same little one that I carried inside of me two years ago. I look at you now, truly in awe as you grow and learn new skills, marveling at the way the world is revealed to you a little more each day- whether you're discovering how to pick your nose or pick up your toys when you're done playing. I never knew that I'd get such joy from watching you go from a timid walker to one who runs up and down the sidewalk in complete confidence. I never knew how much I'd love decoding your special words for what you want, whether that's your tractor, milk, Grandma, outside, bubbles, or even just going for a ride in the truck. And I never knew just how much I'd love you- more than I ever even thought possible.

You're knocking on the door of being two, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm a bit nervous. I'm a little scared that my sweet, kind, funny little love is going to turn into a "terrible two" year old. Sure, you have your moments, and I know you will continue to, but honestly, you are such a joy. You make my whole day, with your big ole smile waiting for me to pick you up from daycare, or greeting me first thing in the morning while you're still all cuddly and snuggly in your sleepsack. I'd freeze you in this sweet time- 24 pounds, blonde hair, blue eyes, big smile with almost all your teeth- but that wouldn't really be fair to you. Because I know this season is only the beginning of all the wonderful things you'll grow up to do.

While I'm not emotionally ready to think about you starting school, graduating, or going out to change the world, I know you will. And I know that being along for it will be the best ride. The time will come when you won't want to snuggle on my shoulder and read the bus book over and over again while you point out the monkey. The time will come when you won't giggle at me while I chase you around the dining room table for the millionth time. And the time will come when you won't come running to me crying when you're hurt, or tired, or frustrated- when I will no longer be your safe place. (And to be honest, I'm tearing up a little bit right now, just thinking about it.) But you know what time will never come? A time where you're no longer my baby. A time where you aren't cherished and loved and worth dropping everything else for. Because you always will be.

Someday you'll probably tower over me. You'll move out and have your own job and your own adult problems. You'll marry a beautiful girl and probably have some sweet blonde babies of your own. You'll read this blog post and wonder why your mother was such an emotional goober. And that's okay- good even. Because I am so blessed to be your mama and I am so grateful for a front row seat to the greatest show ever: watching you do it all. But you will never stop being my baby. And I will never stop loving you- and neither will Daddy. When you become a big brother someday, or lose your first tooth, or go on your first date, or leave for college, you'll still be our baby. And these arms will still be here to hold you. No matter what.

For now, we'll sing another song, and we'll read another book, and we'll linger a little longer in your babyhood. But in the words of the sweet book, Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch:

"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."

It's true. I love you so much, no matter what, and I always will.

Love,
Mama

Read More

Five Tips for a Smoother Morning

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #DunkinPumpkinToGo

We all dread it: the sound of our alarm wailing at us each morning, beckoning us out of our comfy bed and into the crazy of the morning. There's something about those early hours that can feel so rushed and stressful: the people to get ready, the bags to pack, and the places to reach. And your morning can be even worse when you don't have time for coffee - especially when it's the only thing that helps you function! Mornings on the go can be hard. Check out these tips to make yours a little bit easier!

1. Pack Things Up the Night Before.

One of the biggest ways to make your morning easier is to take care of everything that you can the night before! I've found that if I can make myself think through my day (my lunch, my workout clothes, my baby's bag, and more), then I can prepare everything I possibly can. This saves me precious time (and stress) in the morning, and keeps me from struggling to find keys or other necessities that can make me late.

2. Get Up Earlier.

This isn't a very popular option, but boy does it help. I've always been a "shower at night, get up at the last possible minute" type of girl, but I've found on the days that I can make myself get up early (maybe to work out, get stuff done, or just sit and enjoy breakfast) I truly do feel more with it the rest of the day. Not to mention, I have time to unwind and wake up a bit before the crazy of the day sets in.

3. Grab Your Caffeine To-Go.

Before I got pregnant, I wasn't a huge coffee drinker. But now? I can feel myself craving it!! In an ideal world, I'd have plenty of time to sit and enjoy some coffee at home each morning, but that's just not realistic! I also don't have time to sit in a drive through for overpriced coffee. My solution? Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee! It's literally the number one selling flavor in premium and bagged coffee for the past three years, and is the perfect fall flavor, so you've got to give it a go. I'm always looking for a way to get my caffeine fix in a hurry (and without spilling anything on the way out my door), so the convenient on the go iced coffee option is perfect and delicious. And the best news is that you don't sacrifice anything in the name of flavor. It can save you time while waking you up at the same time! Pick one up today at your local Circle K.

 

4. Find Your Routine, and Stick to It!

If you're a mama, routines can change just as quickly as your kids. But they typically seem to be the same for at least a small season. This year I've got my routine down to an art: I know just how early I have to get up in order to get myself ready, get the car packed, wake up my son, get him ready, and get us both where we need to be without making myself late. I don't change things up in the morning, don't dawdle, and don't leave room for error or change. Stick with what works until it doesn't work anymore, and then find a new routine that does work! 

5. Go to Bed Earlier and Avoid Time Suckers. 

I'm so guilty of staying up too late doing mindless things. Isn't it the worst when you look down and realize you've wasted an hour that you should have been sleeping scrolling through social media instead? I'm a night owl at heart, but I'm trying to convert to being more of an early bird. My husband has helped me a lot with this because he has to get up so early that I've just been trying to go to bed by 10pm when he does. It's hard to make my mind shut off, but I do find that I wake up feeling more rested and more ready to take on the day. (And if I'm struggling, there's always that Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spiced Iced Coffee!)

Hopefully these tips will get you on the right track to an easier morning! I know they've definitely helped me convert the crazy into a bit more calm. You've got this!

Currently,
Kelsie

Read More