i turned 29 last month.  29.  i don't really feel much older but i know i am, you know what i mean?  like i keep finding myself thinking about how i can be more of an "adult" and make decisions that will benefit me in the long run.  i'm even instinctively going to bed earlier .... what the heck?  does your body just know that at a certain age it's time to start acting old?  its weird.  part of me likes it and part of me wishes i was still 22 and running around town like there would never be any consequences to acting that way.  ahhhh, the good ol days.  anyways, 29 is off to a good start and i'm actually, secretly, a little excited to be one year closer to 30.  because, you know, being 29 means i'm one year closer to being a responsible adult, and that just comes naturally at 30, right? (please say yes!)  ha!

to celebrate 29, i've put together a list of 29 things i want to do during my 29th year of life.  i'll try to keep the list updated and cross things off as i do them, and of course share some stories along the way!  

let's do this, 29!

1. go camping at the beach

2. pay off my credit cards

3. go to knots berry farm

4. go to a dodgers baseball game

5. join a wine club

6. get a massage

7. go to the snow

8. roast a whole chicken

9. throw a dinner party

10. send a friend a goodie package

11. go to san francisco

12. take more pictures

13. plant a garden

14. drive up the 101 

15. follow my dietary restrictions more closely

16. see family more

17. save 10% of every paycheck

18. get a promotion

19. get a gym membership & use it

20. go to vegas

21. blog more

22. go to the beach more this summer

23. buy a new computer

24. visit seattle

25. fix up the trailer

26. move in with dylan

27. brush up on my spanish

28. take more time for my girlfriends

29. be happy

explore // san diego zoo

last sunday me and 6 of my closest friends hit the zoo for a day of fun.  it's been about 6 years since i've been to the sd zoo so it's safe to say i was overly excited to spend a day there.  not to mention, they serve beer! what could be better than an ice cold beer on a hot day while you look at super cute animals?  we had such a fun time and i can't wait to go again!  

here are some of my favorite pictures from the day.  it's so crazy to me that these animals are so big and majestic.  my favorites were definitely the elephants and meerkats - opposites, no less!  and did you know, a group of meerkats is called a mob?  might have been my favorite factoid from the day!  

life lately

the past couple months have been quite the whirlwind of fun.  from birthdays and girls nights to stagecoach and celebrating promotions, the wine hasn't stopped flowing and the laughs never cease to stop.  it's been so fun enjoying life with some of my favorite people and i can't wait for all the fun times this summer has in store!  

celebrate // 4th of july!

this 4th of july was one of the best i've ever had.  great friends, great food and a lot of laughs and silly ideas.  i wish i had taken more pictures, but these few will have to do.  plus, it was actually really nice to put the phone and camera away and just enjoy the festivities. hope you all had a great 4th too!!

a cheat sheet for winning at life in your 20s

random photo from my 25th bday at the dodgers game.

ever since i turned 25, i've been looking for ways to really make the rest of my 20's worth something.  i want to figure out what i want to do and actually do it.  i keep making lists of things i want to do, things i need to do, and things i hope to one day far accomplish.  when i saw this on thought catalog today, it kinda hit home for me and i knew i had to share it with you guys.  

1. Education

• Your undergraduate degree is only as relevant as you want it to be. If it gets you the job of your dream — great! If not, show how your entire college experience makes you valuable in the “real world.”
• If you know you want an advanced degree, get it done early. It gets harder as you get older.
• If you can work for a company that will pay for your advanced degree, do it. It’s a small price to pay.
• Institutions are not the only place where you learn. If you can teach yourself a valuable skill through reading and practicing on your own time, do it.

2. Career

• Even the shittiest job has something to teach you. Learn it.
• Decide your “why” for working. If you want to make a lot of money, be willing to potentially sacrifice time, effort, and personal satisfaction. If you want to be happy in your chosen field, be willing to sacrifice money. The two, however, needn’t be mutually exclusive.
• Have a side hustle. We live in uncertain times and if you can be in charge of how much you make in one stream of income, you will be better off.
• Never ever stop networking.
• Don’t be afraid to try something you never thought you’d do.
• Know more than your resume.
• Never burn bridges no matter how awful your boss and coworkers are.
• Don’t become your career.

3. Love – Family and Friends

• Your family probably still knows you the best and are still likely the people who will have your back when shit hits the fan. Appreciate them.
• Realize that your parents really do want what is best for you. Given that they probably have vast years of life experience on you, they’re advice is worth at the very least, taking into consideration.
• Your family will disagree with some of your choices. Accept it.
• Your friend group will shrink. Live with it.
• Don’t be afraid to break-up with bad friends.
• Never become the sucky friend who is in a relationship and forgets about their friendships.
• Be intentional about the people you want in your life.
• Be the friend you would want to have.

4. Love – Romance

• Be in love and happy with who you are, first and foremost.
• You may have feelings for someone but if you know they are bad for you, take to your heels.
• Stop believing that someone is going to change for you.
• Before you move for love, make sure you’ll be happy with where you move to too.
• Enjoy the times you’re single. You might not always get to be selfish.
• Whether you’re single or in a relationship, realize that it is a choice. If you want to make a different choice, recognize the sacrifices that will inevitably need to be made.
• Your heart will likely be broken by someone. No matter who, when, why, and how, never ever let someone else make you bitter.
• Be willing to take the risk of getting rejected for the reward of falling in love.
• Try some form of online dating at least once.
• Ask someone out the old-fashioned way at least once, whether you’re a guy or girl.

5. Life & Miscellaneous

• If you want something, promise yourself that you’ll at least try no matter how unworthy or unprepared you think you are.
• Actually learn from your mistakes. If you see a pattern — stop, find the source, make a change.
• Ask for help when you need it. Even from mum and dad. There is no shame in needing help.
• Put yourself in uncomfortable situations, on purpose.
• Don’t take advantage of the people who help you by becoming complacent and irresponsible.
• Pay your bills on time.
• Be nice to your landlord, your credit card company, customer service, etc. They can be understanding if things get tough.
• Attempt to budget. Keep attempting.
• Save what you can. Even if it’s $5 a week. Do it.
• Whenever you can, travel. Even if it’s within your borders.
• Sales are good. Free is still better and nothing to be ashamed of.
• Don’t compare yourself to your peers.
• Recognize that no one expects you to have it all figured out. But don’t be a hot mess ALL the time either.
• Have fun or when you hit 30, you’ll wish you had fun.
• Work hard. Play maybe as hard, but not harder. Sleep.
• For every current big, awful, problem (see: problem that is not that big in the grand scheme of life), remember the last big, awful problem that you had, and that you came through it.
• Be grateful for at least one thing every day.
• Always believe that whatever is meant to be, will happen.

original article found here, by KOVIE BIAKOLO

life lately, according to instagram

there's been a lot of fun things going on the last couple of weeks over here but i just havent found the time to blog about them all quite yet!  so instead, how about a little recap via my beautiful (ha!) instagram pictures!? 

dodgers spring training in arizona - spring is finally here!

new rims on my car - dodgers game for my bday with my bests

just some more dodger action - happy 25th to me

counting down the days till stagecoach! - spring stripes and shades

<3

insta // fab

just some things happening these days, via instagram

follow along! @kelsey_kayy

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queso fresco cilantro butter

mint skinnies & bows for bachelorette girls night

taco tuesday at world famous

red sky sunset in sc

angels game

angels game, take 2

wedding shower special touches

momma & me

just some bits and pieces

Source: alegriadodia.tumblr.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

i don't really have much to write about today.  most of my free time has been spent sleeping to try to get rid of this cold that somehow decided to takeover my body.  but, there are some things that are on my mind, and i thought i'd share them with you all today.

looking forward to:

- my cousins wedding in august & the 2 little ones that are inside her belly that i can't wait to meet

- first friday next week in venice beach with some of my best girls. la, you aren't gunna know what hit you after we show up

- a labor day weekend surprise from my bff.  i'm on pins and needles.

- hopefully finishing my gallery wall in my bedroom.  i'm on the hunt for the perfect prints (that one above just might make the cut)
- my bff kai moving to orange county.  i'm selfishly so happy just because it means more hang out time for us.
- having the next two days off. hallelujah.  

thinking about:
- trying to get my health under control so i can get back to kicking ass and taking names.
- all the fun things that continue pop up for this summer.  my calendar is filling up and i like it.
- where my blog is headed.  i feel like my life isn't exciting enough for people to be excited to read my blog.  but, i guess that's what makes this blog real.  the ups and downs of life.  not always rainbows and unicorns.

lusting over:
- some new summer shades.  maybe a bag or two.  ok, ok, i just really want to go shopping.
- a car wash and detailing.  not having to do it myself would be fabulous
- vacations! i have a bad case of travel fever right now.

wishing for:
- my opportunity for promotion to go smoothly and successfully
- success with my new ventures to take control of my happiness
- the discipline to stick to me new saving plan & financial responsibilities

what's on your mind this wednesday?

5 reasons why im loving june so far

1.  ridiculous group messaging with blogger friends that make me smile and laugh.  so thankful for you silly girls. 

2.  getting to see best friends who are in town from nyc and la this weekend.  reunions are the best.  sister friends for life. 

3.  coming to terms with myself and seeking help.  becoming optimistic of my future and learning to love myself more and more each day.

4.  i'm a certified barista!  one more step in my new leadership program.  pretty soon i'll be running this betch.  watch out.

5.  being able to enjoy some sun after work.  i love how late it stays light.  makes getting off at 530 not so terrible when theres 3 hours of light left in the day.  ahhh summer, how i love you so.  

what 5 things are making you love june?  i'd love to know!

insta // lately

just some things that have been going on via my trusty iphone (and ig, of course!).  honestly, don't know how i got away without having a camera before the 4s came into my life.  my crackberry had nothing on this baby.  ahhh, technology, you are such a sweet, sweet thing.  ps. do you follow me on istagram?? you should - kelsey_kayy

view from champagne brunch - saturday outings with great friends

mid day nap & celeb gossip sesh - panera on the go

mexican mojito on a friday night - my little fearless monkey

so happy its summer - breakfast at 1230 is okay with me

sunday must haves - not a bad view for lunch

how to be more interesting (in 10 simple steps)

some great tips for helping you get ahead in life! original article found in forbes and written by jessica hagy

1. Go exploring.
Explore ideas, places, and opinions. The inside of the echo chamber is where all the boring people hang out. 

 

2. Share what you discover.
And be generous when you do. Not everybody went exploring with you. Let them live vicariously through your adventures.

 

3. Do something. Anything.
Dance. Talk. Build. Network. Play. Help. Create. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re doing it. Sitting around and complaining is not an acceptable form of ‘something,’ in case you were wondering.
 

4. Embrace your innate weirdness.
No one is normal. Everyone has quirks and insights unique to themselves. Don’t hide these things—they are what make you interesting.

5. Have a cause.
If you don’t give a damn about anything, no one will give a damn about you.

6. Minimize the swagger.
Egos get in the way of ideas. If your arrogance is more obvious than your expertise, you are someone other people avoid.

7. Give it a shot.
Try it out. Play around with a new idea. Do something strange. If you never leave your comfort zone, you won’t grow.

8. Hop off the bandwagon.
If everyone else is doing it, you’re already late to the party. Do your own thing, and others will hop onto the spiffy wagon you built yourself. Besides, it’s more fun to drive than it is to get pulled around.

9. Grow a pair.
Bravery is needed to have contrary opinions and to take unexpected paths. If you’re not courageous, you’re going to be hanging around the water cooler, talking about the guy who actually is.

10. Ignore the scolds.
Boring is safe, and you will be told to behave yourself. The scolds could have, would have, should have. But they didn’t. And they resent you for your adventures.

30 by 30: what you should have & what you should know

via

i was browsing the internet this morning and came across this article on the huffington post about a new book that came out today from glamour.  a combination of essays and articles from mostly famous women about what you should have and what you should know by the time you are 30, inspired by an article that originally ran in the magazine in 1997.  seeing that i will be 30 in 6 short years (yikes!) this list is something i'm going to conquer.  by the time i'm 30, i want to be able to cross everything off of it.  

By 30, you should have ...

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you.

9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

13. The belief that you deserve it.

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know ...

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.

2. How you feel about having kids.

3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

4. When to try harder and when to walk away.

5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.

6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.

8. Where to go -- be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat -- when your soul needs soothing.

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.

10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.

11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.

12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.

13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.

14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.

15. Why they say life begins at 30

source: the huffington post

life via instagram

hi guys.  so i've been a bit mia, i know.  don't worry, you're not the only ones ive been neglecting.  so to give you a little update on what's been going on, here's a little peek through some instagrams!

 sunday sunset at camp pendleton - being a man

 starbucks break - red lips

yellow umbrellas and a clear sky - so excited for feb 4th

a letter to myself

kelsey,

sure, 2012 hasn't really started with a bang for you.  a breakdown on the first day?  nice.  but, keep in mind that it's only day 2 of the new year and you still have 363 days to look forward to.  think of all the fun things you already have planned for this year - santa barbara, blogger meetup #2, stagecoach, cabo & going back to sdsu. and who knows what else is in store for you.  

don't let one little speed bump ruin the rest of your year.  you have people who love and care about you; isn't that the most important thing in this life?  just remember all that you do have and don't dwell on what you don't.  i know you can turn those sad feelings around and use them as motivation to achieve your goals.  

so what are you waiting for?  get your ass out of bed and take on the world.  make 2012 your best year yet.  

xo,

kelsey

life, according to my iphone

you guys, do you know how long i've been waiting to use that as a post title?  umm, forever.  santa came early this year and i am now the proud owner of a fabulous white i phone and i am in love.  i have become app obsessed!  especially instagram (kelsey_kayy) - so much fun!  so here are some pictures of my life lately, according to my iphone.

peppermint and oreo yogurt - rockin' my red fleece

a cutie and mimosas - uggs on sunday night

ready for girls' night - hollie & me

new betsey earrings - funny faces at the bar

me and my cousin - lunch break car wash

top 5 reasons i love southern california

I have been thinking a lot lately about how lucky I am to live where I do.  I'm not only lucky that I live in Southern California, but I'm lucky because I have lived here my whole life.  So Cal is such an incredible place to grow up and there are so many wonderful things to do and see.  I thought it was about time I shared with you 5 of my most favorite things about where I live.  

1.  The beach.  That's pretty much a given though.  I mean, isn't the beach the main reason anyone ever comes to so cal anyways?  I grew up at the beach and I still live walking distance from it.  There's nothing better than a morning run or evening stroll along the beach.  And the summers?  I would spend every day at the beach if I could.  To me, the best time to go to the beach is the beginning of September.  That's when the weather warms up and the tourists go home.  I get the beach to myself.  Pure bliss.

2.  The culture.  Here in San Clemente, we have this awesome laid back vibe that just fills the air.  This little surf town is the epitome of the So Cal culture.  The surf history in So Cal is bountiful and lives on through museums and murals and gives the ares so much personality.  And not to mention, everyone seems a little happier around these parts.  I hear that the beach will do that to a person.  

3.  The history.  The deep history of the Native Americans and Spanish is still alive and apparent.  You can see spanish style buildings, old missions, Indian ruins and more.  Father Juniper Serra made his way through hundreds of years ago but the mark he left on his way through is still holding strong. 

4.  The food.  You can't find Mexican food that is as good as this unless you are actually in Mexico.  San Diego has the best Mexican food ever.  So many great restaurants and hidden taco shops.  I can't even keep writing about it without my mouth watering.  Yum.

5.  The snow.  Yes, you read that right, the snow!  Did you know that in one day in Southern California you can surf in the morning and snowboard in the afternoon?  Pretty crazy, huh?  We have some great mountain resorts just an couple hours away from us here in coastal so cal.  I love being able to take day or weekend trips to the mountains.  And now that it's getting closer and closer to ski season, I can't wait to grab my snowboard and head up that mountain. 

What about you?  What do you love about where you live?  

If you live in So Cal and want to come meet some other awesome So Cal bloggers, please join us on November 13th in Del Mar for our blogger meet up!  Hosted by Tammy, Olivia, Stephanie and myself.  We have some great things lined up - drinks, raffle prizes and sweets!