What We've Got to Stop Telling Young Married Couples

The moment you get engaged, people are swarming with a variety of advice. From “never go to bed angry” to “your wife is always right”, people have a lot of words to share with others who are about to tie the knot. And, like any young wife-to-be, I listened when people shared these words with me. I respected people’s life experiences and wisdom, and knew that they had much more experience being married than I did. But there was one statement that came up every now and then that made me feel a little odd. And I kept hearing it throughout our first couple of years of marriage. Even now, I still hear it occasionally. It was never directly stated, but rather implied. And it’s something we’ve got to stop telling young married couples.

We’ve got to stop telling them that marriage stinks: that it will only go downhill from here. That they’re going to fall out of love. That they are just going through a stage and that they won’t care for their spouse after a little while. That their marriage will become an inconvenience that they're annoyed by.

We’ve got to stop telling them, “Oh, you’re still newlyweds.” or “Wait until you have kids.” or “Someday you won’t feel that way about them.” And while those implications may very well be true for some people in some marriages, why should we push those thoughts onto people who are just journeying into marriage? How does that provide them with hope and the opportunity for growth, set them up for success, or make them feel supported? It doesn't. 

Yes, things change over time. Marriage can be hard. Stages of live bring new challenges and competition for our time and energy.  Life will change, and so will every husband, wife, and their marriage. But they can change together. Just because they’ve been married for ten plus years doesn’t mean they won’t like each other any more. Just because they have babies doesn’t mean they suddenly won't care about the one they fell in love with. These statements may be true for some marriages, but we don't need to interject them upon young couples who are madly in love and just starting out. What sort of hope are we giving young folks embarking on the adventure of marriage when we essentially tell them they’re doomed from the start? I’ve seen first-hand several marriages that totally go against these assumptions, so why not strive for those types of relationships and work together to support and create a healthy, thriving marriage?

So what can we tell people just starting out in marriage? We can be real. We can tell them it won’t be easy, that it will require more grace, patience, and forgiveness than they could ever imagine. That they will learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible, and that they will have moments where they are at their lowest. That there may be seasons where they’re frustrated, or where the butterflies go into hiding for a while.

 But there will also be times of joy. Of happiness, of confidence that doesn’t have to go away, of holding each others’ hand for the rest of their lives. Every couple is different, but every couple deserves the chance to succeed. They deserve the chance to be cheered on, supported, and prayed for by others. They deserve to be told, “Hey, I love that you guys are still so in love” instead of “Hey, just wait until you’re older. That will go away.”

I’ve felt at times like people have written off Aaron and I's love for each other as something that will fade, something that is not the norm, something that is in some way not valid enough to last. I’ve never felt like people were directly saying our marriage would end, but rather that I will dislike my husband someday, or that he won’t love me. And yes, we all have our moments. But it’s hard to hear people assume that.  Especially when we are working and praying to keep our marriage healthy and strong. We are navigating through changes and choices with the Lord as the center of our marriage. We're happy. And we’re grateful to have wonderful friends and family cheering us on. All married couples deserve that chance.

So let’s build each other up in marriage. Let’s surround and support our married friends and young engaged couples. Let’s be real, and share our struggles with each others in trusted friendships and relationships when needed. But let’s stop telling young married couples that marriage stinks. Let’s stop setting the timer on their love and just waiting for them to become "unhappily married ever after". Let’s celebrate and encourage them through changes and stages of life. Let’s help them succeed.

Currently,

Kelsie

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Five on Friday: Heart Attacks, Hoops, and Hope

I love being real and sharing a glimpse into my heart and life each week with y'all through "Five on Friday". Last Friday's post was all about the light-hearted happiness of sunshine and long walks, and those thoughts really are my reality most of the time. But if I didn't share some of the other side of things (the fears, the tears, and the freak-outs) then I wouldn't be truly being real. And that, my friends, is one of my biggest hopes for this space! So here are five of the biggies for this week, full of celebrations, hopeful anticipation, panic attacks, and the peace that comes from the encouragement of others. Have a wonderful weekend!

1. A Heart Attack

Sooo... this happened the other day. And I totally freaked out.

Yep. I literally looked down while washing my hand to find that one of my worst nightmares had come true: somehow the main diamond on my wedding ring had totally broken off...and was no where to be found. This was at 11:00 pm, so I of course began frantically retracing my steps, Aaron searched the drain pipe, I called 54th Street...nothing. After some tears and a quick check to make sure my Jeweler's Insurance was up to date, I ended up miraculously finding it in the crevice of my coat pocket the next morning. I'm thankful that it can be fixed, and that my ring will still have the same diamond it did on the day we said I do. Getting a new diamond would've been covered, but I found myself crying most at the thought that I'd no longer be wearing the exact ring and diamond that Aaron picked out for me. Sentimentalist that I am, I'd pick that over anything else.

2. Hope and Encouragement

If you missed it, this Monday I shared 9 Reasons I'm Afraid to Have a Baby. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you who sent me text or Facebook messages, commented, or just took the time to share your heart as a result of this post. I am completely overwhelmed by your support and encouragement, your "me too, girl" or "I had these once" affirmations, and especially your prayers. I am excited by the thought of kids, and definitely feel like even the process of writing this post and reading and responding to each and every comment really helped me move forward in this area. I am so grateful that I don't have to "overcome" all of these fears in order to have kids; instead, I will eventually reach a point where my hope in the Lord and my excitement about having a baby will overrule any fears I may still have. Thanks again!

Source: NHD.org

3. National History Day

Tomorrow I'll spend my day watching kiddos compete at the regional National History Day competition. If you've never heard of it, it's a really awesome competition where tons of kids around the nation choose, research, and present on a historical topic that relates to a theme. This year, it's "Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange". Kids can do performances, create documentaries and websites, or even write papers. All of my gifted freshman compete in the competition, as it is an excellent project based ending for their research, research writing, and speaking and listening skills. I'm excited to see kids move on to state, and hopefully nationals in D.C.!

4. Basketball Championships

Tonight is a really big night around these parts. Our super awesome girls basketball team got 2nd at state last year, and they are back and hungry for more. They play another very competitive team tonight in the district championship, which also happens to be hosted at our school. The hubs and I, along with lots of other teachers, parents, and friends, have our matching spirit shirts and are ready to hopefully cheer these girls right on in to a sectional game and beyond!

5. One Heck of a Husband

I'm just going to say it: I've been blessed with one heck of a husband, and for that I'm so grateful. Most recently, this Eagle Scout, car fixin', guitar pickin' guy has become an elder in our church, picked up some mean magician skills, and kicked off the new middle school version of YoungLife ministry. In my moment of ring "freak out mode", he held me through tears and promised me that it would all be okay. He makes me better in every way. So often our society spends time doggin' on our spouses. All I know is mine's one heck of a catch, and so I'm celebrating him today and every day.  I'm so thankful that he chose (and still chooses) me.

Here's to a wonderful weekend full of hope, happiness, and some fun!

Currently,
Kelsie

I'm linking up with A. Liz Adventures,  The Diary of a Real Housewife, Uniquely Unfolded, Grace and Love Blog,  Running for Cupcakes, and Life in Leggings.

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A Moment with Chelsie: On Puppies, Plans, and Pediatric Cancer

 My friend Chelsie is a pretty amazing woman. She is a boss of a blogger at Hey There, Chelsie, a makeup and fashion queen, and the type of person that is just inspiring. We met in a blogging group and I honestly feel like we were meant to be friends. I love her amazing content each week, and am honored to have her sharing her words on the blog today. They are especially meaningful to me because I witnessed my own little brother endure pediatric cancer at the age of 4. Thanks for sharing your words and your heart, Chels! 

Yesterday morning, Rosie (my dog) ran out of kibble. I didn't want her to wait all day for my husband to come home and go to the store with me to get her a new bag, so, feeling pretty confident in how my morning was going, I packed her up in the car and drove to our local Pet Club. I gave myself a pep talk on the way over: I was normal human being going to the store to pick up some dog food for her pet. Nothing was going to go wrong. I was going to be able to pick up the 30 pound of food, my credit card was going to go through the first time when I went to pay and we would be on our way back home within 10 minutes. I took my time crossing the intersections, I looked both ways when I took a left-hand turn into the parking lot and I took a deep breath before getting out of my car and walking into the store.

This is the life I lead, always fighting a constant anxiety about the things that could go wrong during my day, especially when it involves moving/walking/heavy lifting. I'm constantly terrified about taking one wrong step, tripping over something, picking up something a tad bit too heavy and my knee just giving away. I struggle with feeling limited and disabled. I am 25 years old, and I have a total left knee replacement. I'm 25 years old, and I'm a cancer survivor.

Pediatric cancer wasn't part of my plan my sophomore year of high school. My plan was to get Jordan Ward to ask me to the semiformal dance and then hopefully ask me to be his girlfriend right after. My plan was to get in the top 10 chairs in the flute section in the concert band I played in. My plan was to master the black eyeliner and convince my mom to let me wear skinny jeans to school. I had it all laid out and knew exactly how my sophomore year was going to go.

Here's the thing about plans: even the best laid out ones have a way of falling down mid-flight. Cancer turned my life upside down and instead of picking out party dresses, I was spending the better part of my year watching my hair fall out and my left leg get reconstructed. And even when the chemotherapy was finished, I was faced with a different life; a different "normal." I approach my days differently, I have to think long and hard about the choices I make and how it might affect my health or my leg. I struggle with being afraid of the world and wanting to punch the world in the face and tell it that I'm stronger then it knows. 

I guess it all comes down to this: my plans were forever changed the day on single cell in my left leg decided to go rouge. And although it wasn't what I had planned on, it has become clear to me that my cancer was part of the plan all along. The path I was on was totally different then the one I ended up on; the one that took me to my college, that took me to my husband and that landed me with a career I didn't know I wanted. And although this journey has been tough, I have learned to be forever grateful for it and the person it has helped me become.

Don't get me wrong, I still have some days where I have a hard time accepting the life I live now, but at the end of the day, I remind myself to look at the bigger picture. I'm alive. I have a life and it's worth living, even on the hard days. And there is still so much of my plan that I have yet to live out. It probably won't go the way I want it to, but I have learned that it's okay if it doesn't. It will turn out better in the end, if I allow it to. 

I am so grateful that Chelsie shares her story with such courage and vulnerability. What a great life lesson to remind ourselves of each day: that things won't always go the way we want, but that's okay. That there are better things in the end. And that each day is a gift. For more from Chelsie, head over to Hey There, Chelsie, or follow along with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. 

If you would like to be a Moments Guest Post Contributor, contact me here! I have openings for the late spring and summer, and would love for you to share your words and hearts!

Currently,

Kelsie 

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The Alder Collective Link Party #19

March is here, y'all! Pretty crazy that we are already in the third month of the year. We've been enjoying the unnaturally warm weather around here, and are already dreaming of our upcoming spring break. In case you missed it, yesterday I shared Nine Reasons I'm Afraid to Have a Baby. Friends, I have been overwhelmed by the response that I've received. I am so grateful for all of the encouragement, mama wisdom, and folks who have taken the time to contact me and say "Thanks for writing exactly what I was thinking", or even, "Me too girl. Me too." I am so grateful for each and every one of you who took the time to comment or share your heart, which is one of my biggest goals for this online space. Happy Tuesday! Hope it's wonderful!

Currently,
Kelsie

Welcome to The Alder Collective Link Party! We're so happy you stopped by to show off your stuff. A friendly reminder before we jump into the party: make sure you're visiting at least as many posts as you're linking up. This party is no fun if you don't see traffic and comments from it. Now check out what your hosts have been up to this week:

Clockwise from top left:

Making Space for Both of Us: Creative Space Insight & Inspiration from Cristi at The Keeper of the Memories

Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'

9 Reasons I'm Afraid to Have a Baby from Kelsie at Currently, Kelsie

Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin’

Eating Gluten Free at Universal Studios from Kayla at The Felicity Jar

Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'

How to Make an Awesome Bagel Pizza from Abby at Winstead Wandering

Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'

Each week, we'll pin every link to the Alder Collective Link Party Pinterest board, where it will be seen by thousands of people. Here are our favorite links from last week's party:

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Nine Reasons I'm Afraid to Have a Baby

It's the million dollar question: When are you having a baby? People have great intentions in asking it, but it's so awkward at the same time. Let me be clear from the start: I want to have kids. I hope I'll be able to someday. I'm excited for those I know who have kiddos, or are pregnant or trying. And if I'm honest, there are times when my heart swells with the thought of being a mommy. There are times when I snuggle a sweet newborn and totally think I could be ready to give it a go. But then there are moments when I stop and really think about what having one of our own would mean. And if I'm honest? There are things that scare the heck out of me. Though I know I'll be ready at some point, here are nine reasons I'm not ready (and am a little afraid) to have a baby right now.

1. The Loss of Our Carefree Lifestyle 

The biggest thing that scares me about having a baby right now is just the fact that it changes everything. Everything. I know the change will be good, just different. I've gotten use to our "normal", and really like my sleep. We have literally nothing (no plants, no dogs) to keep alive right now other than ourselves, so going out to eat late, sleeping in late, or going on spontaneous trips isn't unheard of. I've just really enjoyed our almost-three years of carefree young married life, and I'm scared to give it up.

2. The Shift in Our Marriage

Just when I think I'm doing okay at this wifey thing, let's go ahead and throw a baby into the mix. I know it will be oh so worth it someday, but it makes me a little nervous to think about the shift that will take place in our marriage- the stress that will be added from a little one and sleepless nights, and the things that will have to change. I worry that our treasured date nights will be hard to come by, or maybe we won't have energy for the same things we enjoy doing together now.

3. The Fear of Labor and Delivery

I don't have a fabulous history with anything health, hospital, or blood-related, so my nerves in this area are very justifiable. I know that I'll suck it up and do what I have to in order to have a happy, healthy baby when the time comes. But for now, every time I get my finger pricked I have to give myself a pep talk about not getting dizzy. If you'd like to start praying for me in this area now (pre-baby readiness) that would be great. It's also scary to think about how the baby has to come out of me at some point...though I do think that if women constantly do it more than one time than, surely I can do it too, right?

4. The Shift in My Identity and Body

I struggled a lot in college with my weight and body image. Just when I've reached a point where I'm confident in a healthy, strong body and I'm decently okay with my own appearance- let's go ahead and change everything with a pregnancy. Although I know my sweet hubby will always think I'm beautiful, I'm scared about gaining weight, shifting it around, and trying to take it back off. I'm afraid that my valued and treasured workout time will go by the wayside, and that I'll lose a little piece of myself and who I am.

5. The Shift in Our Ministry

YoungLife ministry has been such a huge, huge part of my life and our marriage. I'm scared to think about giving up that time in order to make time for a baby. It makes me sad to think about throwing in the towel on something that has arguably been our "baby" from the start. But I also don't know how we could be involved at the same level that we are right now...especially with an infant. I know that the Lord has a huge plan in this, and that He will reveal it to us when the time comes, but I still struggle with knowing that the ministry that gives eternal purpose to our teaching jobs would have to become a lesser focus.

6. The Fear of Fertility Problems

I know some couples that sneeze and get pregnant, and I know others where it takes years. I'm sometimes afraid that it will take a really long time, or that I won't ever be able to get pregnant. I'm scared of having to answer the "When are you having a baby?" question if we'd been trying for months and months with no success. If that was the case, I know it would be part of God's plan, and that He would use me in others ways that He sees fit. I do feel called to have kids though, so it scares me to think about the heartache of not being able to get pregnant, or the pain of miscarriage (with is much more common than people think).

7. The Loss of Travel Freedom

Okay, this one's totally selfish, I know. If you've been around for a while, you know that Aaron and I have huge hearts for travel and that we've been adventuring around the world and the US together since the day we said "I do." While travel doesn't have to be over forever with kids, I do recognize that it will be much harder to do an overseas 16 day adventure or see the world on crazy road trips where you stay in different hotels each night. It makes me excited to think about taking kiddos along to see the world some day, but there is a bit of travel freedom that will have to go, at least for a while.

8. The Fear That Something Will Go Wrong with the Baby 

Assuming I can get pregnant and carry a child to term, there's that fear buried deep within my mind that something could go wrong with the baby. I know that, no matter what, my child would be beautiful and loved in my eyes. That we would do whatever we had to. But I know myself, and it makes me nervous to think about all of the bajillion things that could go wrong with a little one (especially over the course of their life and infancy). But I know that's no way to live life, so I talk about this fear now in order to help myself process and find peace here, long before a baby is actually on the way.

9. The Fear of Raising a Child in This World 

As a high school teacher, I can tell you with the utmost confidence: this world is changing....and I'm not sure it's for the better. I spend my days with kids who are dealing with so much more than we dealt with when we were growing up. The world is more broken than ever, and filled with so much sadness, violence, heartache, and filth that it just hurts me to think about helping a kid navigate through life. Sometimes it's downright scary to think about bringing a kid into this world. But then I remember the call to be a light in the darkness, and to go and make disciples: and it's pretty cool to think about the way the Lord could use our kids to further his kingdom. And it will be such a joy to watch that someday.

Why I'm Sharing this in a Real and Vulnerable Way:

 It's not to talk me or anyone else out of having a kid. On the contrary, it's to help me and others who feel the same to realize that being afraid isn't something to hide; that it's okay, and something that can be talked about. Admitting our fears helps us process these things, and acknowledge what will change. It helps us appreciate and enjoy the season we are in right now. It helps us recognize the struggle and heartache of the women around us whose heart may fall every time they're asked the "baby" question: forced to answer while they hide and wrestle with miscarriages or fertility struggles. While there is definitely a time and place for protecting our hearts from oversharing with just anyone, it is my hope that my vulnerability will empower other women of all ages to support and encourage each other within meaningful friendships, to be real about what motherhood or other areas of fear look like, and to share how they've met these fears head on. To be sincere and authentic.

And while I'm admitting these fears to you, they are not deal breakers for me. Though I'm not a momma yet, and don't plan to be for a little while longer, I trust in a plan much greater than my own: and that is what gives me hope and peace in the midst of fears. I recognize that these fears may not go away, even when I'm "baby ready". I trust in God's perfect timing. I trust that the nine months of pregnancy will give me time to feel confident about having a baby someday. I know that all my fears will be worth it in the end. So very worth it.

Currently,
Kelsie

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 

Here's a fun little update for you! In June of 2016 (not quite four months after this post, I got pregnant! Eli joined us on February 23rd, 2017. If you're wondering about my heart change and journey between this post and being ready for pregnancy, check out How I Knew I Was Ready for a Baby. I also wrote a reflection on how all of these fears actually turned out and what being a mom is really like. Check it out!

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Five on Friday: Love, Laughter, and Long Walks

You know it's been a good week when the top three things that come to your mind are love, laughter, and long walks. Even though I've actually had to work all five weekdays, it's been a great week full of some of my very favorite things and people. I am thankful for each and every day in this phase of my life as a post-college, young-married, pre-baby kinda gal. I look forward to the future with excitement and hope, but I'm making the most of things right where I'm at. Here's what we've been up to this week! 

1. Game Nights and Friend Dinners

Aaron and I have gone through many seasons of friendships- some that have been very hard and some that have made us extremely grateful. Just this last week, we've been really living out our 2016 dreams to "play more, sing more, go on more walks, and spend less time on our phones". We've enjoyed hours of Gotcha, Rook, tennis in the dark, and just sharing life and meals together with some cherished friends and couples that we just "click" with. Thankful for them!

2. Bachelor Watch Parties

I never watched a single season of The Bachelor until my farmer friend Chris Soules came along....and now it has become a weekly social event for us and several of our friends. I fell in love with Becca on Chris's season (and so did he, but he picked the wrong girl). Then of course we had to watch Kaitlyn's season where I just adored Ben H. So of course, we're watching this season too. While I do not at all condone the idea of dating multiple people at once, and I totally get that we only see what the TV producers want us to, I do think that some good relationships (insert Sean and Catherine here) have come out of the show. We don't let The Bachelor dictate our lives: we usually watch it the next night on Hulu. More than anything, it's mindless background and a reason for us to get together, share laughs and cookies, and have interesting discussions about what true love looks like.

3. The Other (Tamer) Side of Vegas

Since my last true personal "five on Friday" update, we returned from an amazing long weekend in Vegas. I mentioned the other day that I legitimately felt semi-judged by others when I told them that we went to Vegas for vacation. In the case that you've got a stereotype of Vegas in your brain, or if you're just looking for a way to experience another side of "sin city", check out this post for travel tips and ideas for the perfect trip on a budget. It may just convince you to hop on a plane- which is never a bad idea!

4. Getting "Wyld"

On Sunday, we hosted our annual YoungLife banquet where we shared more about this year in YoungLife and how we have seen the Lord at work. There are lots of exciting things going on in the ministry, particularly the fact that WyldLife is starting- which is the middle school version of YoungLife. Their club is unique in the fact that it meets after school, at the school. We couldn't be more thrilled about the opportunity to step into kids' lives during their middle school years: a time when they haven't necessarily gotten involved in all of the yuck just yet. If we can help them feel known and loved as just a small glimpse of how much they are known and loved by a Savior who desires a relationship with them, then we will be doing okay. My hubby is heading up this ministry, alongside some wonderful teachers, and I couldn't be more proud as I cheer them on!

This pretty lady turned 240,000 miles this week. In celebration, she got the royal treatment with a car wash and vacuum cleaning on this gorgeous day. Hoping my mechanically inclined husband can keep our favorite Toyota going until 400,000!

A photo posted by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Feb 20, 2016 at 10:59am PST

5.  Long Walks and Beautiful Weather

Last weekend was just gorgeous with a capital G here in Missouri. I mean seriously, the warm weather must have followed us here from Las Vegas! (It was so nice I even washed my car, Bella, which I named before Twilight was a thing.) I said no to anything school-related, didn't do much for this blog, and instead spent hours and hours outside on patio lunch dates and long walks full of great conversation. I love running when I'm looking to burn lots of calories, but there is something so wonderful and about getting some steps in on a walk while also talking about life, love, and goals without being totally out of breath. I'm looking forward to a whole summer full of wonderful walk weather with my hubby, friends, and mom.

Happy weekend, y'all! I hope it's full of a whole lot of laugher and love. Thanks for stopping by!

Currently,
Kelsie

I'm linking up with A. Liz Adventures,  The Diary of a Real Housewife, Uniquely Unfolded, Grace and Love Blog,  Running for Cupcakes, and Life in Leggings.

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Adding Light to Your Home Decor: A Guest Post

Today, I'm excited to be sharing the words of my friend Anna on the blog. When Aaron and I first bought our home, we loved the cabin-like feel of things, but we also realized that the oak trim meant that we needed to find some ways to bring more light into the room. Thanks, Anna, for these home interior tips! 

Adding Light to Your Home Decor

No home interior looks its best unless it is properly lit. Light is an important factor that shouldn't be underestimated. If you are looking for more ways to add light to your rooms, we suggest you follow our tips and tricks down below. Happy reading!

Brighten up your carpets. If you have carpets, make sure they come in nice, light colors. Heavy fabrics can make your rooms appear a little overwhelming, not to mention dark. Go with cotton and linen. Steer clear of brocades and velvets.

Lighten up those walls. It goes without saying that you should paint your walls light colors if you want your living space to appear brighter. Choose white, pink, pale blue, light yellow, etc. Common knowledge tells us that light colors reflect natural light. On that note, metallic finishes, blue-grays and cool tones will be your best choice. Use reflective paints for your ceilings.

Buy bright furniture. Aside from your walls, your furniture should also be bright. Get love seats, sofas and armchairs in light tones. Feel free to use dark colors for smaller pieces, such as ottomans and stools. When it comes to pillows, cushions and wall hangings, opt for cheerful colors and designs.

Add mirrors. Mirrors are powerful tools that serve a greater purpose than just cluing us in on how we look today. In Feng Shui, mirrors are irreplaceable gadgets that serve to bring abundance and even double your happiness, health and wealth. Don't underestimate the power of mirrors. Add a few large pieces on the wall that is opposite your windows to add more light to your room. As you know, mirrors reflect light, which makes them perfect additions for any living space, big or small.

Use a single drapery. Even if you have big windows, your curtains may be blocking sunlight. Avoid using double sets because they will darken your room. Instead go with a single drapery. Use light colors or go for sheer curtains.

Choose blinds over curtains. A huge advantage of blinds is that they let you control how much light comes in during the day. Your best bet is Venetian blinds, but you get ones that best fit your budget and needs. It is important to choose the right fixtures. Inadequate window treatments can negatively affect your room.

Add skylights. Leave this as your last resort. Adding a skylight is a costly improvement. Yet it can significantly brighten up the living space. Furthermore, it will reduce electricity costs. Because you don't want to spend a fortune on skylights, make sure to install only a few. Areas you want to focus on are your bathroom, living room and kitchen, that is, the rooms you use most often. There is no need to add a skylight to your bedroom. Since you use it mostly to catch some Z's at night, there is no need to provide extra light.

Keep things clean. Some light fixtures show dirt more easily. That can only make your room unappealing and uninviting. Make it a habit to keep your things neat and clean. Also, don't let clutter overpower your interior. The fewer things you keep out on display, the more spacious your room will seem.

Use bedside lamps. If there are dark corners in your living space that need brightening up, just place a lamp. There is no need to keep the lamp on all day long. Turn it on in the evenings.

Use these little tips and hints from AfterTheBuilders SW14 to lighten up your home interior like a pro. You will be astonished by the results.

Thanks for your words, Anna! Home decor is much fun, and light makes a huge difference. These are amazing tips, and I plan to keep this in mind while doing our decorating. Check out Anna's decorating service if you're in the UK! 

Currently,
Kelsie

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The Alder Collective Link Party #18

Hey there, friends! Welcome back to another week of The Alder Collective! As I mentioned last Tuesday, I was actually sitting on a plane when this link up went live last week. We had a glorious time on our trip to Vegas. In case you missed it, here's my most post on the trip: The Other Side of Vegas: A Travel Guide. I really do think the city has a lot more to offer than people think. We've got the travel bug, and are already planning the finishing details on our Spring Break trip, which is coming up soon! In non-travel news, it's almost time to think about prettying up the backyard. Here are some photos from what we did last year, as well as some tips for bringing beauty to your own backyard! Have a great week!

Currently,
Kelsie

Welcome to The Alder Collective Link Party! We're so happy you stopped by to show off your stuff. A friendly reminder before we jump into the party: make sure you're visiting at least as many posts as you're linking up. This party is no fun if you don't see traffic and comments from it. Now check out what your hosts have been up to this week:

Clockwise from top left:

Quick & Easy Sensory Bin Idea for Every Color of the Rainbow from Cristi at The Keeper of the Memories

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My Favorite Disney Items on Etsy from Kayla at The Felicity Jar

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Baby Boy & Baby Girl Nursery Inspiration from Abby at Winstead Wandering

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5 Things I Love About Traveling from Kelsie at Currently, Kelsie

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Each week, we'll pin every link to the Alder Collective Link Party Pinterest board, where it will be seen by thousands of people. Here are our favorite links from last week's party:

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The Other Side of Vegas: A Travel Guide

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For more info, check out my disclosure policy.

If you'd like to have a GPS-Guided version of this article, check out the app on GPSmyCity.

Let's face it, Vegas can get kind of a bad rap. Mention that you're going on a trip there and people automatically assume you'll be carelessly gambling away thousands and partying drunk until dawn. While you could definitely do these things if you'd like, that's not necessarily everyone's scene. I've been to Vegas about five times now, once as a little kid, once as senior in high school, and then three times since I've been 21. If you're like me, and are looking for a slightly different Vegas experience, here are some reasons you should still visit (and things to do while you're there). Vegas can be an excellent, budget friendly travel destination!

Why You Should Visit

The Weather: 

We just returned from a late February visit to Vegas, and it was 75 and sunny every day we were there. If you're looking for a great place to soak up some sun poolside, Vegas is a great choice. You don't have to worry about rain, and though it can get really hot in the summer, it's a dry heat. So if you're from Missouri or any other super humid place, Vegas's 100 degree temps feel like nothing. Fall and early spring are also great times to visit.

The Affordability: 

We used our Southwest points to fly to Vegas, partly because it was so dang cheap to fly there from Kansas City. If you're looking for a warmer getaway, Vegas is a great option because they are always having good flight deals (even if you aren't booking with points). It is substantially cheaper than a Florida flight if you're midwesterners like us. Once you actually get to Vegas, hotels are always really cheap- mainly because they want you to stay and gamble. But that's not a requirement- so book those $30 a night rooms. If you book with a player's card (even if you really never gamble), you can get even cheaper deals!

The Freedom: 

Everything is open all of the time. Want to go eat something at midnight? No problem. Want to go play the slots for a few minutes? You can 24 hours a day. Feel like going shopping? Shops don't close until midnight. And if you're an early riser, there's always something to do then too. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

The High Roller

Things to Do

Red Rock Canyon

We didn't actually go here on this trip, but I am friends with some Vegas locals who say Red Rock Canyon is absolutely amazing and breathtaking. There are lots of hiking options (and we already discussed how the weather is perfect). You just pay a flat fee to drive your car through the loop, and it could make for a family friendly trip to get a little exercise and see some breathtaking views of the mountains and the city!

The Link and High Roller

The Link is an area of the strip that has been redone. It's very clean and well-kept, and there are no panhandlers allowed. There are several reasonably priced restaurants and shopping areas within this chunk of the strip, which is located in connection with the Flamingo and Link Casinos and Hotels. Send the gamblers off to the casinos, and then enjoy a Sprinkles Cupcake or buy some new clothes in this area. (Also, a 24 hr Cupcake ATM is a thing in Vegas...so there's that!)

The View of the Strip from the High Roller! Our Valentine's Day Date. 

You can also ride the High Roller up to get a pretty awesome view of the strip. It's less than two years old and is the the highest Ferris Wheel in the world. If you go during the day time, it's cheaper, though I'm sure the night view is amazing. They also offer a local's discount, so if you know someone who lives in Las Vegas (who want to befriend someone who is), you can get an extra 50% off your ticket price!

The High Roller Observation Wheel - Save $5 on Tickets!

The Hoover Dam

Throw the kids in the rental car and head to Hoover Dam for a little history lesson and some incredible views. Hard to believe that the construction began in 1931! There are lots of options for tours and different Hoover Dam experiences. We just pulled over and parked in one of the free parking areas long enough to walk around and see things, but you can make it a longer experience if you'd like!

Hoover Dam & Las Vegas City Deluxe Tour - Save 45% on Tickets!

Lake Mead

Located about 24 miles off of the Vegas Strip, Lake Mead is the place to go for some fun on the water. You can rent boats, waterski, jetski, or just enjoy cruising around on the largest water reservoir in the US (when it's full). This reservoir is created by the Hoover Dam.

Bellagio Fountains

No matter how many times I visit Vegas, there is always something about the Bellagio Fountains that just mesmerizes me. I'm always so impressed with the choreographed dancing fountains with lights, and there's nothing quite like standing in front of them on a cooler evening once the sun has gone down. I could seriously sit and watch them all day...and the shows are free entertainment every 15 minutes from 8pm- midnight. There are also shows during the day at less frequent intervals.

Fremont Street and Old Vegas

If you'd still like to do a little bit of gambling, I would recommend taking a rental car (which I'd recommend getting) or hopping on a bus or shuttle (which are often free with certain hotels) down to "Old Vegas". In the Fremont area, there is a lot to see, and the gambling is considerably cheaper. We went down a couple of times to find penny and nickel video poker, as well as $3 Blackjack. I don't mind gambling just a little bit for entertainment, and I could happily put in $20 and play all night on some nickel poker. Also, they serve you free drinks while you are playing, so you can take advantage of that if you'd like.

Golden Nugget - Best Rates!

I was getting gutsy and actually playing five in on my nickel poker. I won $12 and was pretty happy! 

Shows

I haven't actually gone to a Las Vegas show, because I'm happy enough just walking the strip and hanging out by the pool. But there are many people who live and die by Las Vegas shows and the gambling alternative they offer. You can go to everything from Cirque du Soleil to Magic to Comedy or just concerts in general. You may even want to plan your Vegas visit around a certain show or artist! If you're looking to book shows at a discount without breaking the bank, look into Tix4Tonight, which can save you a considerable amount! Save over $39 on single tickets to select Cirque du Soleil shows. Save Over 40% on 4 ticket packages to select shows.

The Food and Buffets

Tix4Tonight also has discounts on the big name Vegas buffets, which are my favorite because I like to sample basically every dessert they have (and there are a lot!) Vegas buffets can be pricey, but they are worth it if you like sampling lots of different types of food and enjoying seafood and high quality meats. You can also eat once and be set for the entire day if you time it right. Brunch and lunch buffets are cheaper than dinner, and weeknights are cheaper than weekends (just like most anything you do in Vegas is cheaper on weeknights). We enjoyed the Bellagio Buffet while we were there, and I've also had the Spice Market (Planet Hollywood) and Aria Buffets. So good!

Exploring the Strip

Honestly, one of my absolute favorite things to do in Vegas is just to walk up and down the Strip (which is actually Las Vegas Boulevard, but it's hard to miss). Every casino has a different theme and decor, from Paris, to New York, to Rome, to Egypt and more- you feel like you're honestly traveling the world in a matter of blocks. It's a very pedestrian friendly area, and there are lots of people pushing strollers around. Good shopping areas are the Forum Shops, the shops across from Bally's, and the Planet Hollywood Shops. Stay as close as you can to the Strip, and you'll never be farther than walking distance from plenty of places to walk and explore. Also, it's AMAZING in the morning. Empty and beautiful and peaceful- the perfect place for a morning run.

Las Vegas See the Lights Tour - Book Now & Save!

General Recommendations

1. Rent a car.

If it's at all possible, rent a car. It can be pricey to take a taxi to and from the airport. Parking is free, and having a car gives you the ability to eat and gamble off the strip, which saves you money! Plus, having a car means you can go explore Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and even the Grand Canyon if you feel up for the four hour drive!

2. Stay as close to the Strip as you can.

Though you'll love having the freedom of the rental car, it's nice to be able to walk anywhere you may want to, especially if everyone if your party is going to be doing some drinking.

3. Visit during the week if you can.

Food, hotels, and flights will all be cheaper.

4. Visiting in any season is nice, but it's especially nice during the late spring and fall. 

Check your hotel website to see when their pools are open. Ours was open year round and heated at the Holiday Inn Desert Club Resort (which we stayed in for free because of an IHG promotion!).

5. Set a gambling/entertainment budget.

If you do plan to gamble, bring only the amount of cash you want to spend. When it's gambled away, you're done. If you win a little, you can play more, or treat yourself to a new purse or nice dinner. Don't expect to win, just let it be a fun surprise if you do.

6. If you come from the east, stay on your normal time zone sleep schedule.

If you do this, you'll be an hour or two or three ahead of the rest of the Vegas crowd, which makes for peaceful, less crowded mornings with cheaper prices!

If you'd like to have a GPS-Guided version of this article, check out the app on GPSmyCity.

There's a little something for everyone in Vegas. You can make it fun with kids, with a whole family, with a couple, or with really anyone- and it can be a really affordable travel destination. Figure out what you'd most like to do, and then relax and enjoy the freedom of a fun vacation! If you've got questions, let me know! 

Currently,
Kelsie

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Five Things I Love About Traveling

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