Stepping out of my comfort zone.

Lately, I've felt comfortable in my routine. Going to work, skipping the gym, eating a mediocre dinner or ordering take-out, then getting to bed way too late, being too tired in the morning, lather, rinse, repeat.

Caleb has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone a little bit this week. He had the idea on Sunday night that we would go to the gym together the next day (we haven't done this in forever) and hit the swimming pool to swim laps as our workout. "WHAT?! I have no idea what I'm doing"..."no way"..."people will judge me"..."I'll look like a complete idiot"... yadda yadda yadda. 

We walked into the gym and I could feel my heart racing. I told him I'd need a lot of metaphorical hand holding to make this work. Isn't that silly? I have SUCH anxiety over the smallest of things sometimes. I just couldn't believe how nervous I was over practically nothing!

Well, he talked me into it, and I put on my suit, strapped on the goggles, and swam those dang laps. Sure, the entire thing was exhausting and slightly embarrassing since I had no idea what I was doing... but I did it, and that's what matters. I felt pretty awesome afterwards!

Fast forward to last night. I joined a group in Cincinnati that stems from The Rising Tide Society, called "Tuesday's Together" (its basically a group for creatives - business owners, designers, photographers, planners, calligraphers, florists, etc. - who get together to learn new things, encourage one another, and just hang out). I pull into the lot where last nights meeting was, and could literally feel my heart beating through my chest. I decided to check my heart rate on my fitbit, and I couldn't believe it. It was at 94. I was just sitting down! Trying to work up the courage to walk into this meeting full of people I didn't know, and my heart felt like it was about to beat through my chest.

I said a little prayer because anxiety is real for me, and thought to myself, what's the worst that can happen, Kayla!? It won't kill you. So I got out of my car, and walked into the meeting. Almost immediately, my anxiety and stress went away and I had fun getting to know everyone!

There were only about 13 of us total, but it was SO encouraging to be in a room full of people who have similar questions/concerns as you regarding running a business, etc.! I left feeling refreshed, encouraged, and most of all, inspired. 

So it goes to show, stepping out of your comfort zone is not only good for you, it really makes you grow. I'm proud of myself this week, and that feels so great! I'm challenging you to try something new in the next few days. Something that scares you a little!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Taco spin off.

Last night my mother-in-law came over and we spent hours upon hours planning details for Erin's shower that we're throwing next month. We finally organized all the chaotic ideas we had floating around in our brains, and came up with a serious amount of adorableness. My heart just can't wait to put all these ideas into motion!

Before we both whipped out our planners, notebooks, sharpies and magazines, I whipped up the yummiest taco themed meal and guys, it made me PUMPED for warmer weather. Now I'm basically begging Caleb to let us get an outdoor patio set so we can enjoy these warm nights (seriously, it was MID 70's last night!!!).

Pre baking:

Post baking: yes, I realize its terrible quality, but I didn't want my family judging me for taking photos of my food, so I was quick about it. They don't blog, remember? ;)

Anyway, I know that photo sucks, but I cannot wait to tell you how easy and delicious it all was!!!! You know I get easily intimated by main courses, but this was about the easiest thing I've ever made.

Easy Taco Bake

-1 tube of regular crescent rolls

-1 lb lean ground turkey

-3/4 cup favorite salsa

-Taco seasoning packet

-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step one: preheat oven to 375 and line your pie pan (8-10") with the crescent rolls.

Step two: cook your ground turkey (or beef) like usual.

Step three: drain the meat, stick it back in the skillet and add both your taco seasoning and salsa.

Step four: once its all mixed in, spoon it into the pie and cover it with cheese. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheeses melted.

Frito Salad

- 2 cans sweet corn, drained

- 1/2 red onion diced

- 1 diced green pepper

-1 cup light mayo (I used a little over 3/4 and it was fine)

-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

-1 bag of Chili Cheese Fritos

Step one: mix every ingredient except Fritos in large bowl

Step two: if you are serving it right away, add Fritos last. If not, stick it in the fridge and add Fritos right before serving.

Don't even get me started on this Frito corn "salad" thing. I could've finished the entire bowl on my own. I'm so excited that I now have a go-to summer dish for parties, etc.! I hope you all like it, too! Enjoy your hump day!

The time we drove 9 hours

...that is commitment! Some of our good friends were having a small wedding in Pennsylvania last May, and we just couldn't let ourselves miss it. It was going to be much too beautiful of a day not too. So, we started to drive and got a surprise call on the way from one of the groomsmen who said that they wanted us to stay in the Bed & Breakfast with them overnight instead of paying for a hotel.

SCORE.

I would stay with the bride and her friends, and Caleb would stay with the groom and their friends. It was a blast. Little did I know this was in Elizabethtown (yes, where the movie was filmed) and was the most GORGEOUS bed and breakfast EVER!

The Bride, Erin, is now pregnant and is seriously going to be the cutest momma in the world. Did I mention yet how FLAWLESS she was on her wedding day?! I mean, LOOK at that dress!

It was so cool traveling around town the night before the wedding...and also the day of. It was also great to have an appetizer hour before the reception started, and to spend it with friends!

Their wedding was so beautiful, and the reception was an absolute blast. The groom surprised everyone by singing a song to his new wife. Made us all cry happy tears.

Then it was dancing time! You know Caleb and the groom won the contest ;)

The drive there and back both within two days was tiring, but being a part of their amazing day was so worth it! Hoping they can all make it for our big day and celebrate with us!! :)

Happy Travel Tuesday, friends ;)

Praying for all who were affected by the tragedy yesterday. No words can describe how sad it is.  The world may not always be good, but God always is.

A different Tuesday

I am finally joining my friend, Amanda for her weekly "Ticked Off Tuesday" posts. She once called my blog "all sunshine and smiles" and I can't say I hate her for it, hehe. So when she asked me to participate, I thought sure.. it might be a fun change of pace for the day.

& no one said I had to be toooo negative. ;)

Promise. This won't be a post where I complain complain complain, because I'm very thankful... BUT. There are a few things in life that make me slightly annoyed....

SUCH AS:

-Those people who leave their shopping carts at random spots of the parking lot after shopping. Seriously? Don't be that person. If you had the energy to leave your house, put a bra on, and do the groceries... you have the energy to put it where it BELONGS!

-Fun suckers. Don't be one! If I have exciting news that I want to share with you, don't suck all the fun out of it for me by complaining about your own life and making me feel selfish for being happy! Silly people. Just be happy with where you are.

-Coin laundry. One thing I am NOT looking forward too about apartments. Hoping we get lucky enough to find one with a washer/dryer hook-up inside, or you better believe I'll be hang drying EVERYTHING. My place will look like the alley ways of an old china-town.

-Those stupid Galaxy S 3 commercials that trash talk the iPhone like its their job. Get lost. I mean, I get it. Its a cool phone, but it makes you look like crap by bashing something else just because you couldn't come up with it first.

-Generic mac and cheese. No, thank you.

-Wedding vendors who never respond to you. Uh, thanks but you are not helping your business out any by ignoring potential customers. Crazies!

That is enough complaining for me today. 'Bout did me in for the week ;)

________________________________________________________________

Last night, Caleb and I had our first appointment with an apartment complex, it was a very fun first experience, we just aren't sure they are the ones for us. Which stinks, because they are less than TWO miles from my work! But, we know God's got something out there for us... we just have to find it!! Thanks for all your excitement via twitter/IG/my blog along with me about all of this wedding planning. You all are AWESOME!! Have a great day.