Not in Kansas anymore...

I love my sheltered bubble I live in here in Kansas. After 5 nights in Los Angeles, I definitely was ready to get back to my little world here in Kansas. It's always nice to get away that's for sure, get away from the day to day stress of life, no cleaning/cooking, or worries for the most part. Traveling sure does make me appreciate the little things in life though. It's always nice to get back home and sleep in your own bed again and get back into your normal schedule. 

 

A few things I love of both- okay let's be honest - Kansas does NOT have the best shopping, in fact I'm ashamed to say this state was voted one of the worst dressed states, now of course I don't agree, but we could definitely use some fashion around this place. I love that on every street you turn in LA there is shopping, and every store you could imagine is right at your finger tips.

 

Oh how I miss this store! I could shop in this place ALL day.

 

 

Okay - so I love the Kardashians (I know, I'm pathetic), so of course I had to make an appearance at their store and see what it was all about.



I will say I was a bit disappointed though. Not a big selection and I couldn't even afford .987891 of anything.

 

I also love the fact that those living in LA are so much more into healthier lifestyles, it's everywhere, people are constantly walking, jogging, biking, hiking, rollerblading, etc. There is such a zest for life out there and I LOVE it. Every restaurant you go to has "healthy" options to fit every need- gluten free, low carb, dairy free, vegetarian, organic, grass fed beef, etc. lots of what you can't find here in Kansas. It's more of a norm.

 

 free range chicken curry salad with grilled pineapple and strawberry salad



protein scramble made with egg whites, turkey bacon, spinach, and cheddar cheese
 

A great hike- we went approximately a total of 4 miles, pretty darn good workout!

 

Overlooking Los Angeles

 

Nicest gym at a hotel I've ever seen (it did suck that you had to pay $20, seriously?!).
I would have liked to bring this home with me.

 

 

However, I will say I feel extremely safe in Kansas- there is less crime, I think the people are nicer, at least in my opinion I almost always feel safe. I can take the dog on a walk or go for a run by myself and be just fine. I wouldn't dare do that in LA. I'm sure you become accustomed to it though. It was scary being so far away from home with all of the Boston stuff going on.

 

I also rarely go anywhere in this city where I don't run into somebody I know, for some that may be annoying, but I love it. It's nice running into people, it gives you that small town feel.

 

The cost of living is also way way cheaper. I couldn't afford to live in LA that's for sure. Sheesh things are expensive. How do people survive?

           

Here are some other highlights of the trip



largest farmer's market I've ever been to, awesomeness.



Just out doing some shoppin'



Relaxing outside for lunch and doing some people watching



Hyatt Regency Century Plaza



The Ivy- sadly no celebrity spotting's.

 

 

Not exaggerating, best drink I've ever had, totally worth it's $20. "The Super Model" it was called.



The Ivy- reviews said if you were going to spot a celebrity this was the place to be. Delicious food as well!



Santa Monica Pier

Great weather to be at the beach

Time for more shopping

Walking down Rodeo Dr. never gets old

Another night out on the town

No words necessary

The waitress forgot to put our orders in so free drinks and dessert, why not?!

Love him.

Next up on the list will be a lake trip.

Memorial weekend is right around the corner!

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Spring Wish List

Out with the old, in with the new. Spring clothes are time to come out and I couldn't be more excited. This is my fav wardrobe of the year. Especially this year with all of the bright colors, pastels, florals, and blazers.

I never thought I could wear a maxi, and for the longest time banded myself from them because I thought I was too short to pull it off. Well I have grown a love for them and of course now can't have enough. I still may not look that great in them, but they are SO comfy and cute!

This looks so amazingly comfy and versatile. LA Made Convertible Maxi Dress/Skirt.

Sam Edelman Wedges- I MUST FIND A WAY TO GET THESE!

Tinley Road Black Racing Stripe Pant

I have this skirt in a navy/chevron print, but I love it so much I want another color.
Hive and Honey Fold Over Maxi Skirt in turquoise.

Crop boyfriend Jean- I've been looking for the perfect pair and still haven't found them.



Chelsey and Violet Maxi. Seriously this dress is SOOOO CUTE in person!

I also have a new obsession with Stella & Dot. Below are some of my favs, uber cute stuff.

Now if only this Kansas weather can stop being so stupid and get on with Spring!

Life Lately

Is it really April??? Not sure how it can be..but I will say I am more than ready for some nice weather, I'm totally not a cold weather gal.

 

I've had a lot of my mind lately, particularly the thought of what I should be doing with my life? Today's church sermon could not have been better, I felt that it was directed right at me. It was about living happy, as well as being emotionally and mentally happy. Our Pastor gave us a task this week and that is to make a list of everything we don't need in our lives. He made such a great point.

Happiness is not found by chasing new things, but by letting go of the things you don't need.We need to stop worrying about being the person we think everyone wants us to be, but be the person God made us to be.

 

Life lately has been pretty good, I've been working a bit more of a normal schedule, still not ideal but better so I'll take it. I've been really contemplating what I want to do with my life though...is it normal to do this when you are 27?? Please tell me yes. I've now been out of college for almost 5 years, sheesh. Yea- I'm proud of myself and feel that I have been pretty successful and am at a good point in my career, I work in the corporate world, wear suits every day to work (I always had dreamed of dressing up like this for a job) but is it what I really want to do?? Am I passionate about my job? No.

And I think this is the whole problem, I don't feel like there is a purpose, or I am making a difference. I want to be passionate about what I am doing, enjoy going to work every day (okay I know that is not realistic, but at least the majority of the time), have more of a flexible job/hours, and NOT wear a suit every day. Ha- boy have my thoughts changed. So what am I truly passionate about?

Fashion and Nutrition. My ultimate dream for as long as I can remember is to own a boutique. But of course that takes some funds, lots and lots of moo-lah, more than a 27 year old has. So..that is a good long-term goal. But what about now? I am intrigued by nutrition and health. I would have loved to become a dietitian, but never wanted to take those classes in college (aka science) so I pushed it aside. I absolutely love reading about food and what it does for your body and learning how different foods effect people. And I want to to help people, I want to make a difference in someones life. So that is where I am at.... I've been doing some research on different routes to take, so we will see where life takes me. I want to be the person God wants me to be, and I will pray that he will point me in the right direction and lead me to the field I need to be in.

 

So what else? Well we have been working away on the basement. I'm so proud of patty boy, he has been working his tush off and things are coming along. Pictures to come:)

 



Last weekend was Easter, God blessed us with an absolutely beautiful day. The hubs and I spent the day with family. We started out with Church, followed by brunch at my parents and then off to Beloit to visit his Grandpa.

 

 



My youngest sister, Paige and her boyfriend were also in town for Easter so we had my family over Saturday night to watch the WSU game.

 

 

 

This weekend was followed with some more amazing weather! I am loving the weather (however the allergies are not). I love when I have productive days, Saturday was one of them! We started the day with a great Title Boxing workout (I could not be more obsessed with this place), then made it to the Farmer's Market (first weekend it was opened). We picked up some fresh herbs and vegetables. We then headed to the grocery store to get our food for the week, ran to Lowes to get some grass seed and headed back home to get some yard work done. We got the flower beds all cleaned out, the house power washed, and planted my new herbs in my little herb garden. I took Buddy on a quick walk and then it was game time! 

Today will be spent getting some cooking done for the week, I hope to get in a good run to! Oh and clean out my closet, it's in dire need!

I've already made some fresh pesto, I freeze this in an ice cube tray and then can pop out a few cubes when needed for a quick dinner. Throw on some sauteed chicken and boom- dinner is served.

I'm also a girl who has a major sweet tooth, I won't deny that. I have found these to be the perfect sweet treat!

 



 

They are little protein truffles. Simply made with some protein powder, coconut flour, water, walden farms peanut butter spread, coconut oil, and water. Delish!

Happy Spring!