what a wonderful world.

Today will be a short and sweet post. The last few days have made me really sit back and realize how truly lucky that I am. Within the last 24 hours I've got to help open a BRAND new BCBG store from start to finish, my best child hood friend gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL baby boy AND I got to work backstage at the Express Rock fashion show here in Columbus today and network! Over the weekend I also got to celebrate my friend Katies birthday! It was honestly one of the best nights I've had in a long time! lots of laughs!

I've been down in the dumps one could say lately, and these last 24 hours helped remind me that I am truly blessed, beyond blessed. 

Precious baby Maddux 

AMAZING glass bubble chandeliar installed at BCBG at Crocker Park (my new favorite mall.) 

p.s once it was finished there was a total of 2,200 GLASS BUBBLES! That poor man on the left had to install them by hand..one.by.one. Bless him.

birthday celebrations.

a

shambles.

I hope all of you feel just as blessed as I do.

kels

ps- give me a shout on twitter if you wish :) @kelseystoker1

Hair 101.

Hair 101? Well, I must admitt that I am a complete mess when it comes to doing my hair. I don't think I even learned how to braid properly until I was 15. embarrassing.

However, today, I for once mastered a hairstyle I love. A fish tail braid!!! I'm sorry I'm so excited about it but I just love a fish tail braid and thanks to the lovely Lauren Conrad I mastered it all by myself. Check out the super easy tutorial here.

WALA! Fishtail braid. This one is a little messy because I was jammin out to some Miranda Lambert with all my windows down in my car today...but you get the point! 

I didn't cut the top elastic holder like they do in the video because my hair is so thick and heavy it needs that extra support! I just looped an extra strand of hair around the elastic so you can't even see it! 

I also lately have mastered the "beach waves" look after approximately two years. The key: sea salt spray. Who knew? 

I found this works best but it runs 23 bucks a bottle which I think is just way to pricey so I relied on my good friend google to give me a DIY recipe for sea salt spray and of course my dear friend never lets me down! In my opinion the at home recipe works much better.

I tried this one and it worked like a charm. I have natural curly and thicker hair so I don't have to use much. If your hair tends to not hold curl as well it may require more. 

 I just take a 1' curling iron (hot tools works best) and take a strand of hair (around 1' in width) and curl it going the OPPOSITE direction, and continue doing that around the rest of my head. 

Final Result:

It may be only two hairstyles I've perfected. However, when you are hair challenged like me two goes a long way!

Kels

fall time is the best time.

If there was a world's worst blogger award..i would win that award in a heartbeat.

But, have no fear. I'm back.

Now, I just want to take a moment and discuss the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I know I'm two days late but still 10 years later it still breaks my heart. 

I remember what I was doing that day, I remember every little detail. I was sitting in my 8th grade science class with Mrs. Hall and my "boyfriend" at the time Ryan was sitting to my right. Mr. Nett, a 7th grade history teacher, came screaming down the halls "THE TOWERS HAVE BEEN HIT! THE TOWERS HAVE BEEN HIT!" I had NO   idea what he was talking about! In my hometown we have two water towers that kids use to go and "hang out" at and we always referred to them as "the towers" so I thought he was talking about those. Then, Mrs. Hall turned on the TV and I saw it. I saw the plane hit the tower and instantly grabbed Ryan's hand. I was 13 at the time, I had no idea what was going on but there in that moment I froze. Moments later I heard about it being a terrorist attack, and then about the Pentagon. My heart dropped. My mother is in direct contact with people in the Pentagon regulary for her job. My heart broke. Mrs. Hall kept us in that room and told us we could leave if we wanted but we were AMERICANS and we DESERVED to know what was going on. I can remember sitting there and just not letting my eyes leave that tv. It was heartbreaking and terrible and 10 years later it is still heartbreaking and terrible. My heart goes out to all. ALWAYS remember and NEVER forget. 

Now, onto much happier things, shall we? I'm sitting on the porch looking at the land my parent's house sits on typing this and it is a GORGEOUS fall day here in Ohio. Fall time really is the best time and I will give you a list on why!

1. BUCKEYE FOOTBALL.

some call it an obsession, I call it a way of life. Even though Saturday they did in fact almost give me a heart attack, they won! Which is all that really matters. AND I got to spend game day with this kid, so all in all..perfect Saturday.

2. Pumpkin Scent Anything & Everything

Candles, air freshners, drinks, etc. i LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell of pumpkin. Currently my room has approxiamlty 3 pumpkin scent candles and I love every minute of it.

3. BOOTS! BOOTS! BOOTS!

i have a soft spot for fall boots. Riding boots, cowboy boots, ugg boots, rain boots. I just love them. I just recently purchased this FABULOUS pair and can't wait to break them it!

4. Dark nail polish.

I stated in an earlier post that I have a SMALL obsession with nail polish. I happen to like dark nail polish much more. Not sure why, just do! These are my fall favorites! Any of these colors of the new ESSIE fall collection are a must have for me!

5. Layered Looks.

I love layering clothes in the fall! Currently today I layered a sheer tan tank, a blousey white top, with an button up (let opened) jean shirt over top! Threw on some black skinnies and paired with tan flats. Fall Perfection I tell ya! 

Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday! I'm off to enjoy some wine and food with some great company! 

Kels

p.s you can all follow me on twitter! kelseystoker1. I'm sometimes pretty funny on there, and sometimes I'm not! 

addiction.

This blogging every day or even every week is so hard! 

Lately, I've been realizing I have a severe case of the addictions. To what you ask? Well come on..I'll tell you all about it. 

It has gotten so bad I could even come up with a Top 10. sigh.

1.  Hanging with friends app.

I. cant. stop. playing. This app is like words with friends..but hangman. Which, may or may not be my favorite game ever! If you have an iphone-download now, and the best part is its FREE!

2. Shoes-which is clearly a given since I'm a girl and only 5'2. But, I bought this pair today and can not wait to wear them!

hello gorgeous.

3. my macbook. I've had it since February and I'm just now finding out all the wonderful things I can do with it. For example, today I learned about the two finger scroll that allows you to scroll an entire page in .3 seconds. Who knew!?! It's the little things...

4. Feathers in the hair. At first, I'll be honest, I thought it was the dumbest thing. But, like all trends I fell in love with them! I'm getting two put in my hair next week and I can. not. wait. What colors you ask?

Scarlet and gray..for the Buckeyes, duh. We are only a few weeks away from kickoff!!!!!

5. I will be a college graduate from THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY in 8 days!!!!!!! In my best Melissa Gorga impression i say THANKKKK YOOUUUU JESSSUUUSSSSS. I've been obsessing over what to wear, how to make my hair pretty under that terrible hat. I still have to pass my final but I'm feeling confident...all the prayers I can get puhhleeassee (in best Teresa Guidice voice) I know this isn't really an addiction. I'm just way to excited :)

6. Nail polish..this is a given. I've been addicted to changing up my nails. Not just painting them the basic one shade! Lately I've been painting my nails a bright color and pairing it with gold sparkles on top

7. Britney Spears.

I can't help it! Through all her sheninigans the past few years I'm still a big time fan! She happens to be in cbus this weekend and I got the deal of a lifetime! Being the crazy  groupon stalker I am I got a ticket that face valued at 118 for 53 bucks! My seats are wonderful and I CAN NOT WAIT to dance and sing my heart out! 

a

favorite britney spears song: toxic. duh.

8. FOOTBALLLL!!!!!!

I can't believe it took me to #8 to get to this. Don't get me wrong I'm the biggest girly girl you will ever meet but football is my thing. I love everything about it! I'm a die hard BUCKEYES and BROWNS fan. 

Ohio State football is a way of life here in Cbus. GOOO BUCKS!!

9. Reality TV. You know you are all addicted to it as well! It just sucks you in and you can't get out of it! My favorite reality shows are obviously..

1. Teen Mom- it doesn't get any better.

2. Project Runway

3. Keeping Up with the Kardashians (I want to be Khloe)

4. Swamp People (greatest show in the history of shows...)

5. Real Housewives of Jerrrseeeeeyyyy (I'd marry either Manzo brother)

Last but not least, I'm addicted to the book The Help

I just started reading it a few days ago and it is an AMAZING read. I highly recommend it! I'm reading as fast as I can so I can see the movie!  Have any of you guys read the book? 

Phew, longest post yet! What are some of your guy's addictions?

As I stated in an earlier post my best friend moved to Texas a few days ago..still sobbing..but here is a cute picture of us two at her going away party!

i'm gonna miss this little bug a boo.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

fall.fall.fall

saaaay what..I'm already talking about FALL.

Fact: I love Summer with all of my heart..

Other Fact: I'm obsessed, I repeat obsessed with fall clothes. 

I can't help it; i see boots, sweaters, jeans, blazer and my heart skips a beat.

It doesn't help that I work at BCBG Max Azria and all of our fall pieces are heavenly.

I'm still in need of reading "Blogging for dummies" so excuse me for asking such a dumb question! But, how in the world do I get a picture (thats not from google) to my page. Everytime I try to do it it gives me an error message...helllllppp.

Moving along then..

The weather here in Columbus has been amazing. I've gotten to open my sunroof and open my windows and enjoy some fresh hair. Today I finally ran outside and it felt so refreshing and relaxing. I usually hate running, I despise it actually. But, today, it was much needed and VERY theraputic.

In other news, here are some pictures of the fun activities I've been apart of these last few days!

Samantha's baby shower!

high school friends :)

My friend Jenni's son, Grady's 1st Birthday!

im such a midget.

Happy Thursday Kids!

Kels

Texas? Really?!

"You can tell me anything. I don't judge. We're the non-judging Breakfast club. I'm your best friend.
Anything you do is something I did too." --Gossip Girl

My very first follower on this "blog" is that one person to I'm dedicating this blog post to! I give you, my blog dedication to: Gabby Marie. I'm writing this post now because in less then 2 short weeks I will be a blubbering baby and a hot mess. 

she is going to kill me for this picture :)

Let me explain why I'm writing this sappy, lengthy post. Gabby Marie has decided to LEAVE Me for Texas (who moves to texas??????) 

Gabby has been my best friend since my 6th grade year. I first met Gabby when I was in 4th grade at bible school and she was sitting by herself because she didn't want to take place in the kickball game at activity hour. I, also was sitting by myself because well..we all know I do not do physical activity. I knew then it would be a beautiful friendship. 

6th grade came around and Gabby and I bonded and were instantly best friends and she has been my BEST friend since. 

I know everyone says "Oh, I have the best friend EVER" but, I really do mean it when I say God gave me the best friend a girl could ask for.  Gabby and I have had maybe three fights and they were all resolved within 12 hours because we couldn't stand not talking to one another. Whether it was something so small and simple, or even ridicilously stupid we could not go that long without speaking. 

I have had my share of "friends" my whole life. Some of those friends I know longer speak to beacuse of very small things, some friends I know longer speaker just simply because we grew up and apart. I've had those friends who have talked more crap about me behind my back and then called for a favor 10 minutes later. Gabby has NEVER been any of that. If we had a fight on something small we had words for 10 minutes and then got over it. If Gabby didn't like something I was doing or saying she talked about me to my face. At the time I would get SO mad at her for being honest with me and seeing the things I needed to see simply because she cared.
She knew exactly when to step back and let me learn a lesson even when she knew the outcome and never once said "I told you so" (cough cough dating stupid boys, not giving myself enough credit cough cough)

Gabby decided to tell me she was picking grad school in TEXAS in the middle of the candle aisle at Target. She "thought" telling me in public would be a better idea so I couldn't have a mental breakdown and throw a temper tantrum.I, however, did both.  My first thought honestly was "Well, how the hell am I suppose to function!!" I was slightly mad at her for chosing to go that far away and then realized I was being selfish. No matter how BAD of a decision I was making (and I made plenty) Gabby ALWAYS supported me, and here I was not being supportive of her. I don't like the idea of her moving to Texas because I won't be able to shop with anyone, get mani's with anyone, get Jeni's with (they dont have that in Texas miss) But, really it just boils down to not being able to show up at her apartment and cry if I need to, laugh if I need to, or just hang out. 

But, after A LOT of tears and being sad I can say I'm excited for her! We both talk about this "rut" we have been in here in Ohio and you being the strong girl you are chose to do something about it. Packing up and moving to a place where you know no one and doing it all on your own takes courage. 

I will ALWAYS ALWAYS be here for you and love love love you unconditionally. I'm ichat, facetime, plane ride away. Best of luck to you and finding your cowboy! 

I love love love you.

Christmas Photo!

We always were so good at sharing.

Oldie but a goodie!

typical.

favorite picture EVER.

Proud moment <3

I would just like everyone know that I did infact cry while writing this! If I'm a mess now imagine what I will be like come August 17th. You all have been warned.

Kels

I've always been a slacker.

I'm pretty sure since the day I was born I have been a slacker and probably always will be a slacker. It's just in my DNA.

Today was a rough rough rough day. I'd like to think it was completely acceptable to have a very STRONG cocktail before 3:00pm. But, I have to work at 5 and I really just don't think that would be acceptable.

I could use at least 4 of these. 

I'm sure all of you are just dying to know how I did with my slimdown..well I also slacked on that on day #3. I have low blood sugar to begin with so only eating a majority of veggies and chicken really threw my body out of whack! But, I made some modifications and am back at it starting tomorrow. 

Here is my weekend recap because I know you all are just DYING to know!

 Saturday night after work my co-worker and I went and saw "Crazy, Stupid, Love" Ladies, I HIGHLY recommend this movie. It is not only precious, funny, and amazing all at once. I mean, frickin RYAN GOSLING has his shirt off..how can it NOT be good? It was so good that I saw it, twice. 

You are welcome.

Yesterday I took my two adorable little cousins to the zoo and spent the day with them being a complete kid. Things have been a little "negative nancy" in my life right now so it was nice to get away from adult hood and be silly again!

Its easy to be a kid again hanging out with him all day.

Polar Bears have always been my favorite

Just love them to pieces.

We also went "Nemo" hunting.

Taking a ride on the carousel

Mission Accomplished.

Hope everyone has a wonderful wednesday 

Kels