Wisdom From Wren

The other morning the girls were getting ready for school and I went in their room to make sure they were staying on task. Wren, my 4 year old, was looking out the window. She turned around and said, "Mommy, this is going to be the best day!" Why is that I replied. "Because, I just saw 3 birds and a squirrel" she said with a big ole smile. I thought to myself, wow, how true. Everyday should be greeted this way, with appreciation, joy and the affirmation that it will be a great day! Every time I see birds and squirrels now I think of that morning and how we can create our own "Great Day"

On the way to school I snapped these great cloud photos. (of course, while I was at stoplights!!!)

Until next time, Create your own great day by appreciating all that surrounds you!

Move it Monday (well, Tuesday!) Part 4

Well, I want to share with you one of my favorite go to recipes from Jaime Eason's Recipies. When I first started "Clean" eating I thought this recipe sounded pretty gross! However, I was willing to try anything so I mixed it up, tried it and was totally, pleasantly surprised! It is low in fat and high in protein and quite yummy. Sometimes to change it up a bit, I use different seasonings to give it a whole new flavor! I even enlisted the help of my little Wrennie to help! She love to get her hands in there and mix it around!

My assistant- Wren

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

2lbs ground turkey or chicken

3 egg whites

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dry mustard

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp chipotle pepper spice (I use blackend season)

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp garlic powder ( 2 cloves minced garlic)

1 small onion finely charged

2 celery stalks finely chopped

Directions-

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Spray muffin tin with with canola or olive oil

3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl

4. Roll mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. The balls should be about the size of a racquetball

5. Bake for 40 minutes

Makes 12 muffins

Serving size- 2 muffins for woman

                     4 muffins for man

Calories- 80
Fats- 3 grams
Carbs- 4 grams
Protein- 11 grams

*** Just want to reiterate- this is not my recipe. You can find Jaime Eason and her recipes HERE!

Until next time, bake it, try it, you might just like it!!

Steampunk Style Box- Tutorial

Howdy folks!!! Today I am going to show you how to make a cute little Steampunk style box. I just love decorating all kinds of boxes- new, old, cigar boxes- you name it! Now, if steampunk isn't your bag baby- that's ok! Use this same concept with different colors and papers and it will still be fab! I like to think of all my projects as recipes and they all need different ingredients!

Here is a list of the ingredients you need for this little gem!


Folkart  metallic sequin black and metallic antique copper
Helmar 450 quick dry adhesive
A box- any kind you choose- I have a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 wood box that I scored at the dollar store
Tattered Angels glimmer mist
Ranger liquid pearls copper and black
Graphic 45  Steampunk Debutante papers
Tim Holtz/ Ranger Cogs and wheels
Tim Holtz/ Ranger Distress ink- vintage photo
Little bottle
Micro beads
ribbons/fiber/lace




First, paint the box black on the outside and copper on the inside.

I really love distressing items and making them look old! So, next I distress all the edges of my papers.

After the distress ink has dried , adhere them with your Helmar adhesive.

Fill your little bottle with micro beads and tie a fiber around the top. Also tie fiber onto the key.

Using your Helmar 450, adhere the bottle, paper and key to the inside lid of the box.
Next, glue your paper and lace into the bottom of the box.

Last step is to embellish by gluing on your cogs and wheels and making dots with your liquid pearls!
Bada Bing- you are finished!!!

Until next time,

Move it Monday- Part 3

Well, I have joined a gym, what next? I really wanted a trainer but that wasn't in the cards so I thought to myself what is the next best thing? We have access to all sorts of information online. Sweet! I wanted to find something that would work for me that had everything in one, nutrition and exercise. My eating is not that bad but definitely needed a change. I obviously did not get so out of shape by just not exercising- my eating needed to be tweaked as well. I found Jamie Eason on Bodybuilding.com.

Jaime Eason

I like her personality, her plan and would love to look like her! LOL!!! Baby steps Kelly, Baby steps.
I have cut out all  white devils- that's what I call bread, white rice, and white flour. I totally love me some bread, especially sourdough, so this was difficult. Now I only eat lean meats, vegetables and whole grains. I have about 5 meals a day to get my metabolism rolling. I try to follow her workout plan as much as possible. I can't really go to the gym everyday so I combine workouts. I figure as long as I am going and moving it is better than sitting around telling myself I don't have time!

Next time I will talk about some of my favorite recipes. My whole reasoning behind Move it Monday is to hopefully give inspiration to those of you who want to make a change and think you can't! I will be posting the good, the bad and the ugly of my get fit journey! I will even post pics of me along the way which is very scary to me and putting it all out on front street! All to inspire you!!! If I, a busy mom with a dream of a creative business, a family and all that entails ( you moms know how hard it can be!) can bang it out and get fit- you can too!!!

Until next time- keep changing, evolving and always look for ways to be a better YOU!!!

Messages From the Universe

In the past couple of weeks I have saved 2 turtles. Both were in the middle of the road so I stopped my car, put on my hazards, picked them up and put them in the grass. The second one was a pretty hairy rescue! I don't really know that much about turtles and which ones might bite. This guy looked strange to me! I picked him up near the back so that if he tried to bite me, my hands would be farther away. This was a rascally fellow! He jumped out of my hands and scurried further into the road. Cars stopped and probably wondered who the crazy lady was chasing a turtle around! It took about 3 times until I was able to carry him into the grass to safety, laughing the entire time! I went home and searched out what kind of turtle he was- a Florida Softshell.

This is not the actual turtle but the same type.

Any who- I thought to myself the other day- is the Universe sending me messages through these critters? What is the meaning of turtles? So, I did a little research. I found a pretty interesting site called- What's Your Sign. It has all kinds of interesting information on animal symbolism and totem animals.
Turtles are a powerful symbol of protection, order, creation, patience, strength, stability and endurance. I believe the Universe is sending me a message that I am not in a race. My creative endeavors must be met with patience and persistence. No matter how slow I move, I am still getting somewhere. Patience is the key!
Do you have any animals in nature that seem to be crossing your path? Maybe the Universe is sending you a message!

Until next time- keep your eyes and mind open for what the Universe maybe trying to tell you!

Move it Monday Part 2

Last Monday I told you all that I would be posting on Mondays about my journey to get fit! So now that I made this decision- what next?  Figuring that I could not afford to join a gym, I started working out at home. This did not work very long for me at all!!! Too many distractions, kids needing things, seeing dusty corners that have not been cleaned in a very long time all of the sudden needed cleaning! LOL! Any excuse. I needed more motivation. When I was out and about running errands I ended up next to my local gym. I thought- check it out, you never know. I walked in there feeling like such a nerd and so out of place- but did it anyway. I talked to the dude, found out some numbers and thought to myself- we can totally afford this! I am definitely worth $1 a day to feel better about myself!!! So- I joined!!! A big leap for me. 39 and joining a gym to workout when I have not in about 20 years. What next...  Join me next Monday to see what steps I took next.

Until next time- You are worth it!

Follow Your Heart

I have a brain that moves a zillion miles an hour. Sometimes this is good and sometimes it is crippling. When I take a shower in the morning one of two things happen- 1. I get lots of amazing, creative ideas or 2. My brain is invaded with the minutia of the upcoming day. Today, it was the latter! The stream went something like this-
1. have to get the kids ready for school
2. Willow is buying lunch for the first time, will she be ok?
3. I hope Wren doesn't cry again when I drop her off
4. Should I work out today?
5. I still feel sick
6. What will I make for dinner tonight?
7. I really want to make art
The list of invading thoughts goes on!!!!
When this train starts moving in my brain I try to slow it down and focus on the now. I went outside on the porch to get fresh air and there was the most amazing sunrise. I felt a warmth run over me and thought, Kelly, just follow your heart! I ran to get my camera and take pics. The perfect moment had passed but this is what I snapped!

Until next time- JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!

Move It Monday

I have started on a new path in my life- getting healthy and fit! I decided on Mondays I will be posting updates on my journey. Maybe it might help you all get motivated if you need to make a change in your life!
Let me give you a little back story first. When I was younger I was on a soccer team, gymnastics and Tae Kwon Do. I was always very fit and active. Around age 21 was the last time I really saw any physical activity! LOL When I turned 34 I had my first baby and I gained 90lbs!!! 15 months later I had my second baby and gained 60lbs.
So here I find myself- 39 years old, out of shape and 45lbs over weight!  Time for a serious change!
Next week I will talk about what I am doing to get fit and get healthy!

Until next time- take care of yourself!