One Little Word

unsure of exact source. Please let me know if you have it!
Not sure how many of you hop aboard the One Little Word (OLW) train, but this year I've chosen a word for myself. I've done other OLWs before but this year feels different somehow. I'm really surrendering (ooooooo! Surrender! That would be a good word...) myself to this word and taking its meaning to heart. The word I've chosen for my 2014 mantra this year is: simplify.

Simplify our home by purging TONS of what we own and don't use.
Simplify our lives by coming up with a routine that works for us.
Simplify my mind by letting go of some of the stress I carry.
Simplify our diets by eliminating some unhealthy eating habits.
Just Simplify.
Learn to live with less.

I think these OLWs really have the potential to change our lives for the better if we let each day be driven by that very idea. I've also made a healthy list of goals to tackle this year. There's just something about a fresh start that makes me giddy with anticipation for what's to come. 2013 was a year of "almosts" for me. Lots of things almost happened, meaning we had lots of good intentions and things in progress that were stalled. With simplify in tow, hopefully those "almosts" will turn into check marks.

I'd love to hear what your OLW is for the year and how you plan to incorporate it into your life!

"Do what you can
with what you have
where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt

<3 E

October Goals

September is wrapping up and I'm fixin' to flip my calendar a day early to get a jump on October, so I'm here to follow up on my September Goals List and share my new set of aspirations for October! So let's recap:

SEPTEMBER

1.haul out the fall decorations and put them up
2.make cupcakes for my neighbors
3.create at least one craft from my Pinterest
4.Read 1 book
5.Do something fun with Lacey
6.send Happy Mail to a friend
7.keep up with Project Life
8.unpack the last few remaining moving boxes
9.have Tori over to see our apartment
10.go to the Indian Festival with Ian
11.take more day-to-day photos
12.start on handmade Christmas gifts
13.have a real date with Ian

NOT TOO BAD! I'm SO proud of myself! I checked on my list every week to see what I could cross off and then made it happen! I only missed 2 things: do something fun with Lacey and start on handmade Christmas gifts. I'm OK with that because look at all the other things I've accomplished this month! I'll be sharing photos of some of my recent projects and such next month so watch for those. NOW. We move on to bigger and better things:

OCTOBER
1. Take a day trip to Stoneycreek Farms with Ian
2. Get the storage unit ORGANIZED!
3. Read 1 book
4. Create at least 1 craft from my Pinterest
5. Get pumped about building our savings account
6. Publish at least 15 blog posts
7. Eat dinner on the balcony
8. Finish the blog re-design
9. Organize and inventory all photo props
10. REALLY clean out my car
11. Make our own apple crisp
12. Hang art in the hallway
13. Get a card for Ian for no reason
14. Throw an awesome Halloween Party!
15. Have a scary movie night with Ian

I'm going to have so much fun crossing things off this list. You should make some goals of your own! They can be serious or just for fun. I try to do a mix of both so that I'm staying on track with my life, but still making time for myself! I also turn 25 this month so I know October is going to be a blast and so inspiring!

You can see a big list of all my Falltime Goals here!

<3
E

September Goals

It's September ladies and gents. Which means-- FALLTIME! September always marks the start of autumn to me. Not to mention Starbucks has released their fall drink choices which is as clear cut of a sign as any. ;) Just stopping in for some goal action to enrich my life this month.

*haul out the fall decorations and put them up
*make cupcakes for my neighbors
*create at least one craft from my Pinterest
*Read 1 book
*Do something fun with Lacey
*send Happy Mail to a friend
*keep up with Project Life
*unpack the last few remaining moving boxes
*have Tori over to see our apartment
*go to the Indian Festival with Ian
*take more day-to-day photos
*start on handmade Christmas gifts
*have a real date with Ian

You might be wondering how I did on my summer goals. Wellll..... with the impromtu apartment move, I didn't get as much done as I wanted. But the point of goals is to give yourself something to work toward, not to beat yourself up if you don't complete them! :) Here's the final tally:

*Re-read the Harry Potter series. (started but never finished.)
*Host a little cookout with friends & family.
*Go to a Farmer's Market.
*Develop my photography brand.
*Take Riley (my sister-in-law) to Indiana Beach.
*Finish re-decorating patio. (we moved, so this one was out of my control)
*Get an ice shaver to make sno cones.
*Paint outside.
*Go to the State Fair.
*Participate in the reading program at the library.
*Take more cute pics of my Blythes.
*Eat salt water taffy.
*Experiment with camera remote for self-portraits.
*Have Shawna & Cory over for dinner.
*Do a full spa day with facial, bubble bath, & full pedicure.
*Start on fall knitting projects.
*Make a better effort to go jogging in the mornings.
*Start a new devotional.

So that's that. On to a new magical season with plenty to look forward to and do! I love setting goals. They're my favorite!
<3
E

Summer Aspirations

I've been spending a lot of time with my little neighbor girl and I told her she should make a little list of things she wanted to accomplish this summer. I made mine back in May and I'm SLOWLY working on it. I know it's late in the season for me to be posting this, but I thought it would make a cute inspiring post for those of you who HAVEN'T made a summer goal list yet! Most of mine are fun things, but it can include anything you want, really!

*Re-read the Harry Potter series. (started)
*Host a little cookout with friends & family.
*Go to a Farmer's Market.
*Develop my photography brand.
*Take Riley (my sister-in-law) to Indiana Beach.
*Finish re-decorating patio.
*Get an ice shaver to make sno cones.
*Paint outside.
*Go to the State Fair.
*Participate in the reading program at the library. (done!)
*Take more cute pics of my Blythes.
*Eat salt water taffy.
*Experiment with camera remote for self-portraits. (done!)
*Have Shawna & Cory over for dinner.
*Do a full spa day with facial, bubble bath, & full pedicure.
*Start on fall knitting projects.
*Make a better effort to go jogging in the mornings.
*Start a new devotional.

I might add more to this list. Or I might not.
True Confessions Time: I add things to my list after I do them just so I can cross something off. GASP!
I haven't done it yet with this list, but I know I will before the summer's over. haha It's just that during the months I spent miserable and depressed at my old job, I wasted so much time not being motivated to do ANYTHING but eat and sleep. So now that I'm in a new season in my life, I feel that I don't want to waste a SINGLE minute NOT accomplishing things. :)

I would LOVE to see your goal lists for this season! Link me up!
<3
E

peek at our place

here are some pictures for the first installment of a new feature I'm doing called "The Home Front!" I took some preliminary pictures of some views in my apartment and will continue to post peeks until it's finished! I'll also have some DIYs during the process too!



Love making my home sweet home. :) Link me up to inspiring pics of your own houses or creative homes that you love!
<3
E

4 Goals

since this is circulating, I think it would be a good idea to join in. I think goals are SOOOO healthy and motivating. I make way too many goals sometimes. hahaha But it's good! It keeps me going. It keeps me in check. It keeps me positive and ready for whatever life throws at me. :) So without further ado, here are my 4 simple goals for the rest of the year:

1. Figure out how to use photoshop actions. I have been meaning to do this for so long and I think that it will make my freelance photography editing SO much easier.

2. ENJOY my wedding and avoid unneeded stress. In the end, I'll still be married to him. :)

3. Restock my etsy shop and create a new vision for the entire thing. Promote it and stop neglecting it!

4. Take more pictures of everyday life. I actually borrowed this one from Elsie, but I think it's so true. I don't do it enough and I used to take photos of everyday things all the time! I'm going to make a point to do that.

so yeah. I'm looking forward to keeping these goals and making my life THAT much better. Because that's what goals do! They make you feel accomplished and like you're always moving forward! You should do this little challenge too!
<3
E

P.s. Who else is collecting the Littlest Pet Shop toys from Happy Meals going on right now? I love LPS, so you know I am! I'm such a kid. HAHAHA

Update: 23 before 23 project

So, I know many of you might remember THIS POST back from November. Well, I'm here to update you on the progress of my 23 Before 23 Project!

1. Make a magical fort and sleep in it. that was so much magical!
2. get my driver's license FINALLY!
3. participate in a craft fair
4. make a mini of our engagement better than i imagined!
5. buy a new camera lens
6. visit the RVA store
7. do the lost disposable camera project
8. photograph something remarkable
9. finish Eat, Pray, Love
10. tailgate
11. go on a long hike
12. take over family holiday pics so special! I should share soon!
13. find my perfect wedding gown EEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeek!
14. take 50 pictures of total strangers
15. pay for someone else in line
16. throw a party
17. take photos with Ian in a photobooth
18. crochet a granny square blanket
19. expand my pyrex collection
20. buy myself beautiful flowers
21. recreate a photo from my childhood
22. design a line of temporary tattoos
23. cook/bake something edible

So there's the latest update! I'm planning to do a few of the projects soon! I just need to find time between work and obligations to get it done! I love that I'm pretty far along for it being July! <3

BY THE WAY!!!!
My best friend Tori has FINALLY started her very own blog! YAYAYAY! You all should TOTALLY head on over and give her some LOVE on her new blog! As far as I know, she'll be posting about fashion, creative endeavors, and her cute little life in general!

You can see a feature on Tori here! She's super adorable, super sweet, and if you like reading my blog, you'll love hers!

Ok well more love tomorrow! I want to do a giveaway soon.... what do you think!? Maybe I'll give the prize to whomever gives me the best ideas to blog about? Love that idea.
<3
E

Summer Aspirations

I've made a list of things I want to accomplish this summer. I might add to it, but these are a mix of silly, serious, and creative things that I've been wanting to do for awhile now. I thought I would share!

1. try something new at Starbucks
2. several photo sessions
3. etsy update
4. sample bouquet/centerpiece
5. go to the drive-in movie
6. meet up with Tori
7. vlog x3
8. go hiking
9. get a job
10. finish current Moleskine
11. decent amount of granny squares
12. Tropicanoe Cove at least once
13. apply for apartment
14. go on vacation
15. down payment on wedding bands
16. new engagement pics by Robin
17. photograph Lemon Drop Diner
18. read book x5 or more!
19. get my car and successfully drive!!!
20. Summer reading programs
21. purchase piece of designer makeup or big palette
22. really clean out bedroom at home
23. Eclipse midnight showing
24. grow out my hair
25. build supply of neutrals in wardrobe
26. achieve the perfect "cat eye" eyeliner look


Hope you enjoyed! Set some summer goals for yourself!
<3
E

Trial and Error

This is a list of things that I, K. Elaine Read, have always wanted to try. Random things from all gamuts of life, but desired nonetheless! Enjoy!

1. I've always wanted to try Bubble tea! But I don't know where to find it around here?

photo from holly.

2. I've always wanted to try glass bead-making. As a jewelry lover, it seems like something I should do!


3. I've always wanted to try being on a design team for a scrapbooking company. I think it would be very inspiring and challenging to be a DT member for like... Hambly or something.

photo from hambly blog

4. I've always wanted to try wearing a romper. But I just wasn't sure how one would look on me.

photo from wearpalettes

5. I've always wanted to try visiting Hawaii. My sister's been there and she said I would ADORE it.

photo from Elise Blaha

6. I've always wanted to try making my own fortune cookies. I would love putting cute little messages inside. :)

photo from weheartit.com

7. I've always wanted to try customizing my Blythe doll. One step at a time!

photo from weheartit.com

8. I've always wanted to try riding a vespa. European style! <3

photo from weheartit.com

9. I've always wanted to try using a Beadazzler. I would put studs on EVERYTHING!

photo from weheartit.com

So what have YOU always wanted to do!? Post this on YOUR blog!!!
<3
E

Breaky-break

***PLEASE NOTE! photo overload!***
My Spring break was pretty fantastic although FARRRR too short! I got a lot done that I wanted to. I always go into every weekend and vacation with a list of things I want to accomplish, things both necessary and fun to keep it real and productive. :)

Here was my list:

1.FAFSA. (financial aid paperwork and taxes.) check! (although no pictures from that. haha too boring.

2. HAIRCUT. Blunt bangs. VERY 20s inspired.

Also very Mila via Project Runway inspired! (more and better pictures to come!)


3. SCRAPBOOK. Got my engagement album done and another 2-page spread. Not as much as I'd hoped, but I'm doing a LOT of art journaling this week to make up for it!



4. READ FOR PLEASURE. That's a big fat no. This is the ONLY thing I didn't get done on my list. A shame too because it's one of the best ones. I'm currently reading this book and it's pretty fantastic so far:

'Lucky' by Alice Sebold

5. TAKE DRIVING TEST. Yes my friends... I did not have my driver's license before this week. Age 22 and no way to drive. But I do now! I FINALLY took my test after 6 years and passed!



6. WEDDING THINGS. I already covered this earlier on another post. :)

7. ADVENTURE TO INDY WITH IAN. yayyyy! We went to the Indianapolis Zoo (again) and to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. We brought my sister too. :)





At the art museum, I got VERY inspired and had some time to sit on a bench inside and draw my own versions of some pieces.





8. SEE BEAUTY & THE BEAST. (at my high school.) It was sooooo magical! I fell in love. I miss theater :( Best times of my high school life I think! Here's a video clip from our high school's production this year:


So that was my Spring Break. Loved it. Lots done, lots of fun, but now it's over and I'm back to reality. haha Sorry this was so long! Off to try and get this school day over with so I can SCRAP!
<3
E

Wii are getting fit. ;)

Ian and I are quickly forming a strong bond with our newest friend: Wii Fit Plus. <3 I have deemed this my main workout routine as of now mainly because it is the most realistic and convenient and because it's the most fun! For those of you that aren't as familiar with Wii Fit or the Wii in general, here are some of the things that it has to offer and I have been taking advantage of lately!

Wii Fit is pretty much the next best thing to a personal trainer. It comes with the Balance Board which is very VERY touchy and can register your slightest body movement. This makes it easy for it to correct your form, sense if you're struggling with an exercise, or give you props for doing it right! It can calculate your speed, weight, and SOOOOO much more.

You perform a daily Body Test which tests you on your balance, mental, and physical reflexes. It also weighs you and lets you set a fitness goal. On the Wii Fit you can track your outside activities, count calories, create customized fitness routines or use one of the specialized ones that the wii already has in place. These routines are specialized to target specific areas such as:
1. arms
2. tummy
3. relaxation
4. warm up
5. back & shoulders
6. figure
7. calorie burning

The game offers hundreds of levels of interactive games including balance games, aerobics, yoga, strength exercises, cardio, and more. In the strength and yoga portions, you have the option to choose different trainers for yourself that lead you in the stretches just like you were in a real fitness class. They talk to you, correct your technique, and give you tips.

If you're creating your own fitness routine, the game saves it for you and you can tailor it to your needs using the strength and yoga exercises as building blocks.

you can also use this website to create a username and get pre-made fitness routines in various lengths and difficulties. It also serves as a forum for Wii Fit users and fitness enthusiasts!

Wii Fit also counts the calories you burn each day and can put it into terms of food. If you've burned 100 calories, it can tell you what the food equivalent is!

Ian and I got the Wii Fit as a Christmas gift and also got this Accessory Bundle as well which is awesome! It comes with a Jeli SLeeve to protect your Balance Board, a cutie carrying case for storage and travel, a rechargable battery pack, yoga mat, and socks! haha we love the Jeli sleeve because its much easier to clean!

In short, I like to consider this game more of a program instead. It's a personal trainer in a box if you ask me. I've been using this program for one week and I've lost almost 3 pounds! I love that I'm seeing results and I'm feeling great about working out with Ian every day! I always look forward to it! I hope this can motivate someone and encourage you to get a Wii Fit of your own! It's COMPLETELY worth the money!