When exercise gets put on the back burner.

Man, its been easy to be lazy lately. I've kind of had this whole "you work hard Kayla, you deserve to relax tonight" mentality.... but who am I kidding? The love handles have started talking, and right now they are telling my relaxed personality to shut up, lace up, and hit the pavement...oh, and to stop eating so many moon pies.

September was an insane month, and we finally got a free weekend last weekend. So you bet we took advantage of it. But I kind of forgot how much I LOVE working out. Caleb and I were on a great gym schedule for about 5 weeks before I got sick, and then he hurt his toe...so now that we're both better? It's time to GET GOIN!!

I know that TOMORROW starts the gorgeous month of October, but since Tracy's link up is today? I'm listing my workout goal right now!

Running
I typically do some kind of mileage goal, but I think instead I'm going to stick with my old goal of hitting the pavement 4 times a week. I think this is doable. If I HAD to put a number on it, I'd say I'd like to hit somewhere between 30-40 miles total.

Time
When I run outside alone (without Caleb), I have a hard time pacing myself. I tend to do about 10 minute miles. When I'm on a treadmill? I set it for a little over an 11 minute mile. However, I really want to work on getting a little faster and get a 9:30 minute mile.

Weights
I'm really excited to get back to weights again. I was making some serious improvements and finally seeing a new muscle in my arm...and I really hope I can get back in the groove. Being able to do one more set of something makes my heart SO happy.

What are YOUR workout goals for next month??

When you're actually a productive adult couple...

Remember how excited I was for this past weekend to be filled with NOTHING?! Well somehow, Caleb and I changed our minds and decided to use this (once in a blue moon) free weekend to our advantage. Friday evening was pretty lazy, I'll be the first to admit that...but Saturday? Oh boy.

Saturday was full of early alarm clocks...quick showers... and all the adult things.

We made a trip to my credit union, and finally made my individual checking a JOINT CHECKING! That's right y'all, we SHARE a bank account (finally) and clearly that caused for an excited (and devious) faced selfie.

Then, we went to Caleb's bank to close his checking and open up an official 'emergency savings' account to put our emergency cash in...so we aren't tempted to touch our cash and hit that 'transfer' button like my bank makes it so easy too.

After those super adult-like things were finally done we thought "why not keep the streak going!?" ...so we went car shopping. I'm just kidding, it wasn't a total spur of the moment thought. We'd actually been thinking of buying a used car for a while (my poor car is so old and unsafe the mechanic actually told me to stop driving it). But we really did look for HOURS, and with not much luck and a few rude car salesmen later...were feeling a little discouraged by midday, so we decided to grab lunch, and head home to wait for the Bucks vs UC game. After a quick hour of relaxing and internet surfing, I hear Caleb yell "UM! GET IN HERE!" to see an adorable little silver car online at an amazing price with hardly any miles on it for sale at a Subaru Dealership only 25 minutes away. I truly thought it was too good to be true, but we got our shoes on and hit the road to see it for ourselves.

Would you believe if I told you the car was still there, with only 18K miles on it, at an incredible price?! We took that beauty for a test drive, and fell in love. So we talked them down and were able to drive that baby home. GUYS! We bought our first (used) car as a married couple! WOOHOO!

Once we got home, we decided to take our baby for another ride around town, to pick up snacks. Did I mention I've NEVER hard a car with air conditioning?! Yeah...NEVER!

Sunday was full of deep cleaning (like crazy), laundry, and watching football. I missed my Bengals since its their Bye week but I have to admit it was nice not having to worry about a win or loss! We had a night of worship at church and that's where we finally got a picture (together) with our new baby!

Also? We made a big payment towards our debt this month (again)...and I realize I never blogged about our August budget/payoff/etc...so I'll have to do that later this week! Hope you all had a great weekend!!

Just your usual Friday post.

Ohh Friday, here we are again. Finally. You have a funny way of taking your sweet, sweet time, and I don't appreciate it. Thankfully in just a few short hours, my weekend of NOTHING will begin. I can't wait!

Some quick highlights from my week:

Editing some gorgeous photos from last weekends wedding. Her flowers? I'm in love with.

-Spending an entire evening with our favorite little girl ever. We took her to dinner, grabbed a junior frosty, then went on the longest walk of all time...all hand in hand. Jumping, skipping, laughing. For those of you that don't know, this is sweet little Nora, Josh and Marie's adorable little gal. Not that Caleb and I are ready for kids AT ALL yet, but when we are, I hope we get one like her ;)

--I am already almost finished with edits from LAST WEEKEND! I'm on a roll. Trying to be as productive as I can with my time (and to minimize stress), I've been editing an hour each day while I'm at work so I have more free time with Caleb in the evenings.

-Seeing my Lyndsie! She came into town, made homemade guac, and we had ourselves a ladies night!

-Finding a couple dozen CD's from middle and high school and reminiscing on old times, and hilarious pictures.

-Not guilting myself over NOT being a beast at the gym this week. #thingshappen

-This shot from last weekend. I just love this wedding

Hope you all have a great weekend ahead of you!!! I know we do :)

A few things Caleb has taught me.

It blows my mind when I think about the fact that Caleb and I have been married for almost a year and four months already. Time flies like CRAZY! I was thinking about how this blog once revolved around our relationship, our engagement, OUR wedding planning...and lately its been all about me, my life, my problems, and my "stuff". So I thought I'd throw it back and talk about a few things Caleb has taught me along the way.

(This is one of my favorite photos ever. His reaction when he saw me walk down that aisle on our wedding day!)

Ranch dressing goes on everything. Even if I don't agree with this, his logic is hilarious.

Sometimes, you've just gotta let stuff go. I can't tell you how many times I've come home from work and told him some long story about something that bothered me. I used to get offended when I didn't get much of a response from him, but now I realize he just has this amazing ability to 'brush things off' as if its nothing. I so wish I could be like him in that aspect.

It doesn't matter what people think of you. It never does. I came out of the bedroom before church one Sunday and he said I looked amazing. I began to shrug. I was wearing some adorable new heels, and had convinced myself (even though I felt really cute) it was too 'fancy'. His opinion? Life is too short (for me) not to wear heels whenever I feel like it, and who cares what people think anyway?!

An after-dinner walk is always a good idea. Back when we were dating, we used to take walks all the time. Since we've been married its been hard to make time for small things like that, so we've been taking a ton of late night walks and these sunsets aren't terrible to look at either ;)

It's okay to go to bed with a dirty kitchen. He would always laugh at me for getting these 'cleaning fits' at night right before bed. Almost like I couldn't sleep until the place was near-spotless. He told me that no matter what, the kitchen will always need cleaned. So sometimes, why not wait until tomorrow morning?!

How to fish. He absolutely taught me how to fish. Fishing is how we spent all of our time the first month or two of our dating relationship. He was with me when I caught my first ever fish, and he even taught me how to hook a worm. Yuck.

Guilting yourself is dumb. Especially on weeks where I'm sick, or not feeling my best...if I don't get my usual number of workouts in, I'm grouchy. I complain about how lazy I am, etc. He reminds me that life happens, and its okay to flop on the couch for an entire evening (and binge watch our favorite shows).

Loving someone a little extra is always worth it. Caleb is the best. Plain and simple. He always does small things to make me smile...whether that's surprising me with a Vanilla Double-Decker Moon Pie when I come home from work, or just by cleaning off the table after dinner... he's constantly pursuing me. I only hope I make him as happy as he makes me.

Sorry for the semi-sappy post...but we only get one chance to do this thing called life, so why not hug a little tighter, worry a little less, and laugh a little louder? Happy Wednesday!

Confess sesh...

...one time, Caleb and I had a wing eating contest. He ate 19, I ate 27.
...sometimes I add sugar to already sweetened tea!
...I crack my knuckles like crazy.

...I could eat 9 helpings of cotton candy in one sitting.

...I apologize way too much over nothing.

...I have worn my sports bra two consecutive days in a row without washing it.

...if the pizza is free, I'm always up for a slice.
...I spend way too much time on Pinterest looking at clothes I can't afford.

...I absolutely love my job. Even when it is a 12 hour day.

...I've left my wedding ring in a bathroom twice because I would take it off when I washed my hands.

...don't give me a bag of shredded coconut unless you want me to finish it.

...I cry watching 30 for 30 (don't tell me I'm alone).

...that this is totally me at work most days.

...my car currently sounds like a go-cart and I'm too cheap to fix it.

...milk makes me want to gag.

...most nights I'd rather just order a pizza than cook a real meal.

...I usually hit snooze at least 3 times each morning

Yes, I do realize the majority of my 'confessions' are about food, but I'm not sorry about it ;)

What's one random confession you'll share today!?! Happy Tuesday, friends! *but really, is it Friday yet?!!?

Weddings and Wins!

This weekend was pretty busy. Our in laws came over and we had dinner with them, Erin and Jared Friday night. Saturday when we woke up, we relaxed for just a bit before a really long day began! We shot an incredible wedding and really had a blast. They couldn't have gotten better weather if they tried...although it was super sunny during their ceremony! The couple was just so in love, it actually brought tears to my eyes like 4 separate times that day! After a 12.5 hour day (and one heck of a dinner), we went home.

Sunday we skipped church (whoops!), and I was able to go to the Bengals game. My sweet, sweet Erin gave me an extra ticket she had and I was able to spend the day at the stadium with my man and some other family. The Bengals stomped all over those silly Titans just like I knew they would and our boys are 3-0! WOO!

We are so normal.

Caleb got a surprise call that he'd have the day off today, so I'm insanely jealous of that. There's nothing I want more than to be at home with him right now. After 3 wedding weekends in a row, we're ready for a little break. Is this weekend here yet!??! We have no plans...and I'm seriously excited about it. The Bengals even have a bye week so we have ZERO plans.  Did I mention that?! ;) This rarely happens...so I'm gonna do my best to get through this week and soak up as much time with my man as I can!

How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Also - yesterday was my mom's birthday. Can't wait until she's home so I can squeeze her!!!

Five under fifty and a few favorite things.

As you all know, I've been on a hunt for a perfect pair of boots. Regardless of boot or bootie, I just want something. I built up enough money on my Paidviewpoint account (which btw - if you like free money for answering 10 simple questions a day? Click that link), and I'm ready to spend it. So I decided to do this Friday post a little different and list five of my favorite finds, that are UNDER $50! I mean...holy bargain!! I just don't believe in paying a huge premium for a cute shoe. There are ways to keep your wardrobe adorable, and your wallet happy. So every one of these shoes are from DSW, a favorite store of mine.

#1  Restricted Penny Bootie for only $49.95. I mean... these would go with everything, and I LOVE the laces!

#2 Qupid Madge-01 for O-M-G... $34.95?!?!! Why haven't I bought these yet!?

#3 Restricted Groovy Riding Boot... wait for it. $49.95! For a pair of TALL boots, believe it!

#4 Madden Girl Domain Wedge Bootie for also $49.95. I love the dark brown color to these; opposed to the more cream colored in the first two options. (Erin, I think you have these!!)

#5 Diba New Pilot Bootie - these are also $49.95. I love that these are black with that rusted looking heel. I have nothing like these!

Aside from shoes...here are a few highlights from my week!

-This pumpkin apple candle pretty much hasn't stopped burning since I got it last week.

Seeing that text from my mom on Sunday. Bringing me to tears!

-Getting surprised with cotton candy on an impromptu date night out. That man of mine had too much banana pudding. YUM!

-Our church gifted every family a new mug with our logo on it. I'm obsessed with it and have used it daily at work this week.

Whats making YOU happy this week!?

What my happy news is!

Before this post begins, let me give you a quick backstory. For those of you who don't already know, my mom went on vacation to Hawaii in February of 2012, and then never came back. It was devastating. My brother was leaving 8th grade, about to enter high school, and I had just started my first 'big-girl' job. She's only come home twice in that 2+year span of time (for my wedding, and when my grandpa passed away). My mom and I were as close as you could get, and my brother and I were still so young, so it was really hurtful and confusing.

Last October, I wrote about how my mom had decided she was coming home for good (you can find that post here), only to be so disappointed days later, to find out that she changed her mind at the very last moment. My mom and I used to be best friends, and I've missed her every. single. darn. day.

So, to bring you up to speed! Lately my mom has been reaching out to us more than normal, and said she wanted to come home for a visit to see all of us around the holidays. Sunday morning I woke up to a text from her saying she had officially bought a plane ticket home for October 27th to come and visit. of course I was ecstatic. I couldn't wait to hang out with her for a week or so. She wanted to shop together, bake together, and just hang out like old times.

Except this time, she says she's coming back for good.
She's coming home, you guys! I couldn't contain the tears. Of course, I don't want to get my hopes up...for obvious reasons. I feel like a broken record as I'm just repeating myself from the post I talked about above that I wrote last year...but I just don't care.

I've been praying for my mom every single day. Praying for her to make her way back home. Praying for her to open her eyes and realize how much she's missed out on in my life, and my brothers life, and just in general on everything back home... and realize its not too late to come back. Praying for our relationship, to one day get back to where it once was...& finally, my prayers just might have been answered.

I get my mom back! I'm so looking forward to picking up where things left off with her. I don't know if any of you are close with your moms, but we were just the closest. She truly felt like my best friend. Of course, she's struggled with things in her life, but so have I. I think that's what made us so alike. She just gets me.

I can't wait to hang out with her again. To learn how she cooks, to go shopping with her, to watch movies with her all night, to hit up McDonald's drive thru for the largest sweet tea in town, to have make up and hair parties cause Lord knows I suck at both of those. I'm just excited to rebuild that relationship with her.

Thanks for all your happy thoughts lately! I'm really excited about this.
PS- see, I told you we weren't expecting. ;)

Falling for fall.

Fall has always been my absolute favorite season. That could have something to do with the fact that I've NEVER (yes, never) had AC in my car since I began driving. So to say summer is always a little unbearable is an understatement.

I just can't help it. Fall is perfection. I'm able to wear sandals AND a scarf at the same time, and my body isn't confused by this at all. I can take a walk at 8PM with Caleb and need a light jacket, and most importantly? I can make a cup of hot tea and not feel crazy for the high temps outside. You ladies with me?

So if I could choose (and my bank account would oblige), these would be my Fall staples.

Chunky sweaters/scarves. Just yes!

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Adorable booties.

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soft, comfortable mid-calf boots.

source not found, but AH I love these.

This adorable scarf that would pretty much go with anything.

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oh and a campfire would definitely be in order.

This is where I need your help!!
I'm in need of a new pair of fall boots. Two years ago I spent a pretty penny on two pairs of boots, and they have lasted for a good two years. They are starting to hit their breaking point though...so this is where you ladies come in! I'm looking for an adorable pair of booties (grey, brown or black) and a mid calf pair of boots (preferably brown). Any good sales I need to know about!!? Any amazing websites (I already subscribe to Shop It To Me, Groopdealz and Zulily, maybe I just need to be looking a little harder!)

What would be a few Fall staples in your closet?!!

A weekend to remember!

My weekend started off REALLY well when Erin forwarded me the Bath and Body Works email informing us their candles were ON SALE for 2/$22!!!! I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but I used to work there pretty much all throughout college. So I knew you were allowed to use the $10 off $30 coup that came in the email, essentially getting you 3 candles for the price of one. I MEAN!!!! So I went on my lunch break and scored these 3 babies. I burned "Pumpkin Apple" all weekend, and its safe to say I want to eat it. 

Also this text between Caleb and I (about the candles) made me laugh. Silly boys.

Once I got off work, I went home, then picked up one of my favorite gals ever! Miss Greta. We got chickfila, picked up snacks, girl talked and watched 3 movies. It was the ultimate ladies night in!

Saturday morning after I took her home, Caleb and I got ready for a last-minute wedding we were hired to shoot. I was obsessed with our shots. The couple was SO laid back, and made our job way too easy. It was the shortest, sweetest little day and we're happy to say it was another successful day in the books!

The reception was over pretty early so we were home by 8:30 (woo!), so we still had an entire night ahead of us. We relaxed on the couch and watched some of our favorite shows. It was awesome! Sunday Caleb was able to go to the Bengals game, so I went to church and after running a few errands came home to watch the game myself...and WOO! My Bengals are absolutely tearing it UP! I will always be a fan of the Bengals (win or lose, rain or shine), but they are making it way better to be a fan right now. So much celebrating!!

I also got some amazing, incredible, tear-filled good news on Sunday and I'm bursting at the seams with excitement. Please keep my family in your prayers, and I'll explain more another time! (and no, Caleb and I are not expecting!)

Have an amazing Monday, friends!!!

A few things that got me through my sick week.

This stuff.

This has been a hard week, and I haven't even been that busy. With a severe cold that hit me like a ton of bricks on Monday morning...I've been fighting to get rid of it. Even took a sick day from work Tuesday, thought I was in the clear by night...but nope. I think I'm finally reaching the end of it, thankfully. My MIL offered to bring me some 'home remedies' on my sick day, and I have to say, they really helped!

This man.

Because he chooses to love me everyday. Because he surprises me with awesome $7 clearance blazers for the heck of it (its seriously cute). Because he asks me to take walks as the sun goes down. Because he snuggles me even when I smell. Because he's the best.

This sunset on one of our two said walks this week.

This crazy story.

So I'm pulling out of the Meijer parking lot, waiting for a few folks to cross the crosswalk to/from the store... when I see a lady SPRINTING out of Meijer, clutching her bag. Not even 2 seconds after, a (rather large) cop is chasing her, yelling STOP!!! She runs to the end of the parking lot, reaches the grass hill, and the cop couldn't keep up so he begins to catch his breath, and call for backup. Girlfriend thinks she's getting away (I assume she was shoplifting), so she casually begins walking like nothings going on as she crosses a small road near an INTERSTATE! She thinks she's gotten away, so she hides near a bank. I mean, really!?!?!! I suddenly see like 7 cop cars about to turn into Meijer, I flash my lights at them and throw my arms in the direction of the bank. The first cop nearly made a U-Turn in the middle of the road and I'd like to think I helped save the day. Bahha, in all honesty, I don't know who this chick is, or why she was in trouble, but I'd like to think I helped make the world a better place for a hot second ;)

That little pink blob is her.

This adorable newbie.

Caleb's cousin had scheduled a family session with us for the other day and although I was sick, I couldn't resist snapping some adorable photos of this cutie. I just made sure to keep my distance with my silly cold. There's nothing I wanted more than to snuggle him up!! He's 4 weeks, but since he was 3 weeks early. he's still pretty tiny...and was such a well behaved little guy!

Hope you've had a fantastic week, guys!! I'm hanging with a friend of mine tonight, then we're shooting another wedding tomorrow. This wedding was very last minute and seems like it'll be a breeze, we can't wait! Then of course, the Bengals play Sunday and I hope we pull out another Win!!!

A little (random) sunshine!

A few months ago someone nominated me for the sunshine award and asked me a bunch of random questions and I thought I'd go ahead an answer a few now! I tried linking her blog back, but it looks like its private now (so if you're reading this Kindra, hiiii!). I also have'nt done a random 'about me' post in forever! So what better time than now?

1. What is your favorite book of all time?
Hmm... I'd have to say Les Miserables, or Where The Red Fern Grows. Both were books I was forced to read in high school English and instantly fell in love with.

2. Favorite song?
This changes weekly, literally. But an all time favorite? Something I Need, duh! 

3. What's your favorite thing(s) about where you live?

Oh man. There are so many things I love about Cincinnati. I love that we have all four seasons. I love that we are so close to so many awesome shops and events. & I REALLY love our Zoo. You wouldn't know it because its been YEARS since I've been (& Caleb and I have NEVER been together, agh!)...but my favorite time is to go during "zoo baby" time. Currently the cutest little baby gorilla there ever was is frolicking around and I'm dying that I haven't seen her yet.

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4. Favorite recipe?

Ahh...definitely this. I feel like I drop this recipe on the blog like at least monthly. It's SO amazing. First time I had ever used the 'broiler' function on my oven. Eek!

5. Do you run/workout/exercise at all? If so what's your favorite workout/exercise?

Yes! I've always considered myself a pretty active person, but it wasn't until last October when we joined our first gym, that my life really began to change. Sure, some months have been better than others...but I'm happy with my progress. I typically like to spend at least 30-40 minutes on the treadmill and then hit the weights/machines!

6. What's a day in your life look like?

Well, a weekday? Wake up, shower, drive to work. Try to survive by snacking every hour and drinking lots of tea. Stay there until 4:30. Go home, gym + dinner. Then if I'm lucky I get to hang with my hottie husband. But on a typical weekend? Filled with wedding photography + edits or time with friends. But I love it :)

random photo of my awesome husband and I.

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Oh boy, that's deep. Definitely debt free, a bunch of happy, adorable kiddos running around in our beautiful home...and if I had it my way? An in-ground pool and amazing backyard would be involved!!

8. Favorite TV show?

The Walking Dead...or Dexter. BOTH are so, so amazing!

9. If you could go anywhere, all expenses paid, where's the one place you'd go?

Definitely Australia. I'm dying to go!!

10. Favorite app?

Instagram, duh!

11. Post the best and your most favorite picture that you've ever taken. :)

AH! I really can't narrow it down to just one...but this one? So much emotion. This wedding really began to give me that confidence in photography I had always been looking for, and I'm so proud of this image. The firm hold on his daughter that he has for that last moment before giving her away, the tears coming down her face, and that so-in-love look in her eye as she sees her groom for the first time? That's what its all about. Those are the moments I live to capture!

Whats one random fact I don't know about you?!!?

4 quick things

Hi, I'm officially a disgusting mouth breather. I'm home sick from work today, my throat is swollen, and my ears even hurt. I should probably make a doctors appointment... isn't being sick the best?!?
As I'm not feeling my best, I'm going to be keeping this weekend recap (yes, on a Tuesday) short and sweet. This weekend was full of BEAUTIFUL things. Such as;

Shooting a gorgeous wedding with this hunk. It's funny, I used to get SO stressed out about shooting weddings. What if it rains?! What if I forget some of my gear?! What if I can't think of creative ways to keep the couple having fun during their time with me?!?! Ridiculous, right? If I have even the slightest bit of confidence in myself, allow myself to have fun, and not stress over small things, I can safely say we rock the house ;) this weekend's wedding was no exception. We spent a good 9 hours with an adorable couple and their best friends all day, and I'm so happy with our images. It's really fun to keep growing, especially together. Love this man!

Reds game with our besties. Even if the Reds SUCKED big time...like, we didn't even stay for the free firework show afterwards because it was so gross out, and not worth watching another hour of terrible baseball. At least we got a free mustache necklace!

Hi, yes, I'm a peg leg.

My sweet, sweet Bengals. We won! We kicked off the season with our best friends (hanging twice in one weekend?! I think yes!) and ate whatever we wanted, all while cheering on our favorite team in the league. It was amazing to see those stripes back on the field. Then, we WON!!!!!! I can't tell you how LOUD we all were when AJ Green caught the pass to get a TD for the win. My heart still swells thinking about it ;)

Then of course...what would a recap post be without a sneak peek from the wedding we shot!?

Have a great day, friends! What was the best part of YOUR weekend?!