Fitbit finesse

Ok, I must say I am a believer. After recovering from my being so sick I am now ready to get back into action! First day running 3 miles again and I am ecstatic. I may have had to take a few walkif breaks *cough more than a few cough* but it was worth it. 

I received this little gem courtesy of my mom (who I fear may be the only reader occasionally) but it is a cherished birthday gift. You can program it to reach a certain step goal. Mine is 10,000 steps which I just achieved today after having to lay down for a few weeks! I feel as though this is a solid victory. It also calculates my sleep quality (mine is poor, welcome to grad life), your calories burned, incoming phone calls, and a few other novelties! 

My puppy also loves it as well, because it means I am enjoying tracking my walks with her. So much so that I have worn her out. It's a beautiful sight. For those of you who are struggling, challenge yourself to take it one step further at a time! I know that's my plan. After all the walking, my poor pup couldn't handle it anymore.

Yours,

Kelly XoXo

Earth Day Storm

As I sit here on this Earth Day I am reminded of how powerful Mother Nature is and how she can show her claws when she wants. It is true that we have been facing a lot of storms here in the Coastal Bend lately but this one seems to make a point today. It is Mother Nature flexing her muscle to remind us that she is in charge.

At times like this I want to curl up in a blanket with a good book and my dog. It is not to be until after May though. I am chugging along and typing my thesis.

My thesis feels like a living and breathing entity lately that I am grappling with on a daily basis. I type for hours at it only to come back and undo all the words that were there before. Oh well. Back to typing here I go!

Stay safe and stay dry!

Yours,
Kelly XoXo

Birthdays bliss

I know it has been a while and I apologize! I've spent a while in and out of the hospital but I am much better now! This has definitely been a trying couple of weeks for me. I have only about a month of grad school left and I am ecstatic/freakingout/sad/happy/afraid/confident/andsomuchmore. My dream job would be to write young adult novels, but until I become the next J. K. Rowling, I am working on my career. Why can't freelance writer/beach lover be a full time job? A girl can dream. 

I just celebrated an amazing birthday and I couldn't have asked for anything more. I was healthy and surrounded by friends and family. 

Hopefully as this week progresses I will get some more outfit posts on this blog. I've got quite a few in the works! 

I received a Fitbit for my birthday (thank you mom) and I can't wait to try it out! Hopefully I stay healthy enough to be able to rack up some calories on it.

Yours, 

Kelly XoXo 

Survivor

Very sorry to have disappeared for about a week but felt like I was in death's clutches. I had a terrible kidney infection brought on by kidney stones, and needless to say I was very sick last week. I am back now!
Wow these last few weeks have been a whirlwind of craziness lately. School and work take up most of my days while I try to maintain a life with my friends (and oftentimes my dog).
Trying to wrap up chapter 3 of my thesis for grad school just in time for spring break! That would be lovely! So I can begin working on chapter 4 during my break.... Gotta love grad school!
On another note, here is today's outfit. I am clearly dreaming of sunnier and warmer weather! The rain is relentless lately down in South Texas.

Dress by Missguided, and Clinique red lips with a satchel by H&M. DON'T FORGET: it's Clinique bonus time at Dillard's! You can get all kinds of free goodies with just one simple purchase.
Can't wait for spring!
Yours,
Kelly XoXo
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Leather and texture

Today on the blog, Leather and texture. I have a black biker leather jacket on, that is lighter than it looks and soft to the touch.  Underneath I have it pared with a collared mint green chiffon shirt from Forever 21. It's paired with a split skirt with a texture that you can actually see from H&M. It is comfortable, and it can go from day to night.

For the necklace it matches my red lipstick. I picked it up at a little arts and crafts fair, from a booth called Gemma's Gems.

You can pair with low pumps and wear it to work, or like me, a pair of edgy booties and go out for a night on the town.

Yours,

Kelly XoXo

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Spring bag

Spring bags are here! 

Just because the weather is bringing us down does not mean we can't get ready for spring! I like this large tote for carrying out schoolwork, purse items, and even lunch when needed! It's also a really pretty almost periwinkle color that will outshine other bags. Kate Spade NY, Southport Avenue Lydia. 

I want to make an amendment to this post, about three days after I got this bag, I had a container of cranberry juice inside. It managed to spill almost the entire content of it on the interior (which is white and blue). I thought that I had ruined the bag but it didn't even stain! If you want something with good quality I really do recommend this company. I was very happily pleased to find out that I did not ruin my new bag! Although, I do now make sure containers are completely sealed before they go inside.

Yours,
Kelly XoXo
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Back the puck up

Went to my first minor league hockey game this weekend, watched the Corpus Christi Ice Rays play. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed watching all of the mini games! I've only ever been to one other hockey game and that was when I was really little. It's always nice to go out with friends, forget your problems and watch a good sports game. The only thing I am a little bit dad about is that I was too full to get a jumbo salted pretzel with cheese. But, there is always next time! 😹

Yours,

Kelly XoXo 

Enter the dragon

So, I've been neglecting my blog for a bit but I am back on cue. Grad school has demanded my full attention and time. I had about 2 meltdowns and 1 breakdown this week. This is my last semester, so I have the hang of things, but that doesn't always make them easier.

Decided to have a grad meeting out with with students last night. Most were sympathetic and told me that they were having the same problems. It's nice to hear you're not alone sometimes. 

Well before I knew it, Lent is already upon us! I am attempting to give up swearing this year. The last couple of months I have been bad. So in an attempt at purification here we go! In the spirit of Lent, we went to Origami last night. Now the place is quaint, but their selling point is that they have a real Japanese sushi chef and their menu is supposed to be pretty authentic. It took almost 3 hours for me to get my food last night. 😭 Ot was delicious but after waiting for almost 3 hours I was just about ready to have my ordee changed to breakfast since I was going to be there that long. First one there, and last one to get my food. I had the Dragon roll with a philly role on the side. It was beautiful an delicious (though admittedly not 3 hours of delicious). I recommend going here on any day but Friday! Kelly 1, dragon 0. 

Yours,

Kelly 

Spoiled

I generally have a very apathetic, angst attitude towards Valentine's Day. It seems one way or another it gets you. If you're single you can go out with friends and have fun, but run the risk of throwing disgusted glances at happy couples flaunting their love. If you're in a relationship you may giggle at all the single-tons getting wasted on this day, while walking arm in arm with your loved one. 

Even if you are under the impression that Valentine's Day was invented to make you feel stupid and take you're money you find a way to let yourself feel guilted into either not being in a perfect relationship, or that you will be single forever and die alone. (Been there before, and usually find myself indulging in chocolate and wine like I'm Brisget Jones, texting friends how I hate this holiday and it's stupid anyways). 

This year I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful Valentine's Day where I was spoiled and everything seems to fall into place. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Hopefully, everyone's was just as wonderful! 

Yours,

Kelly XoXo 

Tropical paradise

Somedays I feel very fortunate to be able to a grad assistant at this gorgeous university. It is easy to forget that I am a student, and enjoy my surroundings in a tropical paradise. The feeling to want to go to class in a swim suit can be contagious at times. This university, and in fact some of the buildings, face directly on to the bay. The sparkling blue just makes you want to run into the water on a hard day. 'Tis a good life here at #TAMUCC 

Blue Valentine's Day

Don't be blue on your Valentine's Day! But if you are go blue in style. On this post I have Missguided dress, with a slightly sheer midriff. I completed the look with Forever 21 red clutch bag and chunky accessory necklace. Wear some Burberry for fun and rock your favorite heels. I choose a cute feathered pair that are lighter on my feet. 

You don't want to get lost in the crowd of a see of red and pink outfits, but with this outfit you will be sure to stand out whether you are on a date or just a night out on the town. 

But first let me take a selfie

Smirking on my lunch break. I am wearing an Anne Taylor open blouse and showing off the Tiffany & Co. key necklace I got for Xmas. It's so pretty! Gotta love the Tiffany blue 😍. Back off to doing some PR for work. 

Yours,
Kelly

Get your Valentine's Day Romance Fix on with Indebted

For all of those out there who don't want to go see Fifty Shades in theaters here is an alternative to get your sexy fix! 

Indebted 

“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

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Goodreads

Purchase here: 
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iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/debt-inheritance/id904155090?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/debt-inheritance-pepper-winters/1120021635?ean=9781501487392
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/debt-inheritance

Not So Sane

Hey any independent filmmakers with questions? Come on by!
I helped stand in for an interview today for Not So Sane Entertainment, with the Bitter Filmmakers, Brett Mauser and Bradley Bates, who give some great dos and don'ts to independent film making. Also if you just want to have a good laugh  at some of the bitter comments check out the Facebook page or subscribe on YouTube!
Some of our topics include Egos/Divas, lighting, and producing! Future episodes coming soon! :)

Cold weather inspo

I had some cold weather inspiration and tried to do my first real "pose-y" picture. I felt a bit like a talk show host. "Hi welcome to Kelly-talk, I'm your host..." Alright, I will stop now. I'm not great at these kinds of things but this blog is all about experiencing new things.

My dress is an older Francesca's with some H&M basic black tights and pointed heels. My jacket is by Missguided. My watch is a Guess that I got for Xmas and it is my favorite! I hope you like it. 

Yours,

Kelly XoXo
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THE FORGETTING by Nicole Magg

Looking for a new book to spark your interest? Why not check out The Forgetting by Nicole Maggi! 

Georgie's new heart saved her life...but now she's losing her mind.

Georgie Kendrick wakes up after a heart transplant, but the organ beating in her chest doesn't seem to be in tune with the rest of her body. Why does she have a sudden urge for strawberries when she's been allergic for years? Why can't she remember last Christmas?

Driven to find her donor, Georgie discovers her heart belonged to a girl her own age who fell out of the foster care system and into a rough life on the streets. Everyone thinks she committed suicide, but Georgie is compelled to find the truth - before she loses herself completely.

"[T]his story is a powerful call to action. Yet even with its obvious motivation, it is never preachy. Strong characters, a well-developed mystery and budding romance all come together to make this a story worth reading. Admirably and appropriately, Maggi refuses to shy away from what Georgie uncovers, including drug use and graphic scenes of sexual violence against children. Dark reality for sturdy readers." - Kirkus Reviews

"As long as teens buy into the book’s premise, they will be drawn into its suspenseful, exciting story that sheds light on an important social justice issue not often addressed in YA fiction. This book is a solid purchase for its innovative subject matter." - School Library Journal

GIVEAWAY FOR A FREE BOOK BY AUTHOR

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20420053-the-forgetting?from_search=true

Spring time!

Spring is almost here! Well at least for us in sunny south Texas at the moment. Today I will be talking about some of my favorites from winter that I believe will carry over with me to spring time. They are

1. Burt's bees Body Butter

2. Estée Lauder's Modern Muse

3. Almay's intense eye color for green eyes 

I really do like the Body Butter which I am still surprised about. I am more of an unscarred lotion kind of gal. It feels heavy but goes on smoothly. It is helping revive some of my winter skin! 

I really love this perfume! Not only is the bottle totally adorable but the smell is clean and refreshing. It's good for all of those people who suffer from allergies. Two sprays at the most and you are golden and fabulous.

So I just learned that only about 1% of the population has green eyes. Who knew? I knew I was a rarity! At least that's what my parents keep telling me.... All jokes aside, this product is great. It is already hypoallergenic and easy to use. Just follow the shape of the eye on the design itself. And voila! You're are done! I hope you like this beauty routine update! 

Yours,

Kelly
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Let's Eat

Sometimes in life we can all be so bogged down in our own thoughts, problems, or work that we forget to look around and remember that the world is big. 

I had such an experience today. I was so engrossed in my work both for my job and as a graduate student that I forgot to ask about  simple questions to others. 

True friends will forgive you. I was privileged enough to head over to Hester's for a delicious sammich. If you're in the Corpus Christi area you HAVE TO go there. It's not a tourist trap, but it is quaint. I will let you make up your own mind about it. 

This one is called the Texas Wave! You must try it. It definitely made up for my foot so fun days of late! 

New hairdo, hoodie Columbia, and natural lip from Clinique. 

Wearing my shades inside

I don't know about y'all (yes, I am southern), but when I am sick, under my eyes looks like I took a purple highlighter to it. When I am sick, wearing makeup is about the LAST thing I want to do! My eyes are watery, my nose is drippy, it's like being at a water park in the middle of January-- wet and unpleasant. 

So I decided to review my #Raybans, Wayfarer. I don't have the stereotypical aviators because my face is small and I can't pull them off (no matter how much I try to convince myself I can). If you have a small heart shaped face like I do, I recommend these plastic frames with a pop of color. Paired here with a #Clinique dark lip in A Different Grape. 

Yours,

Kelly XoXo

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In my dreams wish list

In my dreams wish list by yourkellycough featuring black velvet bags

Maticevski pleated top
$785 - avenue32.com

Black plaid skirt
romwe.com

Nly Shoes strappy heel sandals
$37 - nelly.com

Henri Bendel mini crossbody purse
henribendel.com

Black velvet bag
$37 - newlook.com

NARS Cosmetics spf foundation
barneys.com

Lipstick
$0.97 - muastore.co.uk

Chanel powder blush
neimanmarcus.com

Sick but still rockin'

Just because I am sick does not mean I should give up, throw on the sweat pants, and sink into chocolate denial (though I want to, badly). I am still rocking my #Zara #Zaraworldwide loafers with flair here. I'm all about the comfy shoe, and these ones cannot be beaten!! So comfy, with a hint of sophistication. Now it's on to #Yoshis for a #CorpusChristi roll and some much needed green tea. 

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Yours,

Kelly XoXo

First day back

Well, today was supposed to be the first day back teaching. Even though I am sick I was going to tough it out for the first day of classes. I dragged my sick butt out lf bed, slapped on some make up, gave myself a long pep talk about how it is important to be on campus for new students. Drove over there.... In the rain.... Only to discover that there was a campus wide power outage.

All classes were canceled. 

I suppose I should've felt relief. I was only too happy to go back home and go back to bed. Right now my saving point consists of medicine, saline mists, and tissues. 

So a quick review for my products in the picture below. 

Saline mist- heaven sent. I would be in lots more pain without it. Literally feels like it is breathing life into my nose as it washed away debris. 

Emergen-C : I tried this because so many people recommend it. I'm not sure it actually does anything but makes me feel better. Maybe that's all there is to it? Well if it gives me a placebo effect that is ok with me. Just as long as I start feeling better again. 

Puffs- 'nuff said. They are saving me. The ones with lotion are the best but these ones are not awful. 

Alka-seltzer - the only thing that can really make me feel better. Knocks down my cold hard. Tastes awful, but it works like a charm. 👌

Hopefully I feel better soon. 

Yours,

Kelly XoXo
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Burial Rites

Looking for something to read on a cold winter night? Check out Burial Rites by Hannah. Kent. It's a compelling novel told through the perspectives of different characters. Each character is more heart felt than the rest, but none more so than Agnes. [SPOILER ALERT STOP READING]

Her mother abandoned her at a young age in rural Iceland to fend for herself and her younger brother. She managed for a time to have a home but that quickly leads to death. It seems that poor Agnes can never be settled with death following at her heels. She loses her younger brother only to find him again later in life. Unfortunately, it is not the younger brother she remembers. Hardened by the world he is a scoundrel and petty thief. Eventually Agnes makes amends with him, if only when he steals her money and leaves her once again.
Agnes is forced to use her sexuality as her salvation on multiple attempts. She is sexually abused and raped, but she seems to take all of it in stride. The rapes are glossed over, told only with a small tinge of bitterness. It is not the raping that angers her. It is watching her whole world crumble.
Both her devotion and her anger are palpable in this novel. She is embittered by a world that never gave her a chance, then it condemned her to die.

“It’s not fair. People claim to know you through the things you've done, and not by sitting down and listening to you speak for yourself.” 

Agnes falls in love with a famous farmer, and apothecary named Natan. He promises her a better life, giving her small gifts. She leaves her steady place of employment to go to his small farm by the sea. She quickly learns that Natan loves all women. He is having multiple affairs with women, even in the same room as Agnes. She still continues to love her.

Agnes and Natan get into a violent lovers quarrel where he throws her, naked, into the snow. It is only through the other servant and Natan's mistress, Sigga, that she receives clothes enough to survive. Agnes tries to do the right thing but finds herself entangled in Sigga's plot to have Natan killed so that she can be with her true love.
To find out the rest of Agnes' story you will have to read for yourself. I recommend a nice Yankee Candle for full relaxation purposes!

Yours,

Kelly XoXo
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Swimsuit season

I

Well it is almost time for swimsuit season again, in sunny south Texas. I went hunting for something different this time and ended up finding this bathing suit from Victoria's Secret. 👙😍 I love it. It gives me perfect coverage which is important because I am a little curvier than most. 

I really like the neon orange piping along the exterior, combined with the different hues that really set it off. I have my hair up in these photos for more of a sportier look. Let me know what you think. 

Yours,

Kelly xoxo

You can't miss this comedian

I was so fortunate today to get to see Steven Michael Quezada, also known as Steven Gomez for all those Breaking Bad fans out there. I was a little bit unsure because the last comedian I went to see was a total bust, but he had me in tears the entire night. His jokes are more in the racist realm, though he is so animated that you can't help but find yourself laughing at his misfortunes.

"It's really tough to be Mexican on Breaking Bad" says Quezada.

 He never loses his sense of humor and that is one of the few things that makes him special. I was a little worried the night of this event because it seemed like everything that could go wrong did. The group had reserved a table up front and we ended up sitting to the side, albeit upfront. The bar was very rude when we tried to order just a single drink when we were waiting for the table. The place was so packed it was almost standing room only.

Not to mention the last time I saw a comedian it was not funny as much as it was a string of endless profanity, thrown in with a bunch of sex jokes.

I was beginning to lose hope.

I was pleasantly surprised and laughed until I cried, then I laughed some more. He is a must see. If you are looking for a comparison I would say he reminds me of "Fluffy," minus the fat jokes.

 [Jacket] Guess, [Shirt] Forever21, [Trousers] Gap

Yours,

Kelly XoXo
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Howdy

As promised, here is my first official blog post (hurray!). Okay, so I indulged a little at the BathandBodyWorks sale. I am generally a bit skeptical when it comes to these kinds of things because I have terrible allergies. I was pleasantly surprised that these small candles have just the right amount of aroma that still allow me to breathe while still getting the scent. I also picked up this Rose Salve on the recommendation of a friend. My first thought was that it may be too tacky but again, I was pleasantly surprised. It has just the right amount of stick while still allowing air through. If you are looking for something to send you to a tropical paradise in the middle of winter I thoroughly recommend these little ditties.

Yours,

Kelly XoXo

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