2016 Goals and Resolutions

Happy Wednesday Sweet friends! Well it's that time. Another year as come and gone and I am trying to soak in as much from 2015 as I can. If I'm being honest 2015 was a tough year for me and the people closest to me. It was a year with a lot of change, growth, and uncertainty. But it was also a year that I know has helped shape me and mold me into the person I am. One of my favorite songs that I have been replying in my head this year is by Kari Jobe the chorus goes: "I am not alone, I am not alone. You will go before me, You will never leave me." I know after this year that it's more true then ever. So with the last few days of 2015 I want to share with you the goals and dreams I have for the coming year!



2016 Goals and Resolutions:


1. Clean and organize one room in my house each month.
- I live a pretty organized as it is (hello OCD) but I want to de-clutter and purge this year.


2. Read more
- I have a list of books that I want to read this year. I love to read but somehow never find the time to and I want to change that!


3. Save more money
- I know that this is typically on every one's list's of things to do but this year I want to start making smarter finical decisions and thinking more about the future.



4. Eat cleaner
- I have been thinking, talking, and going over doing the whole 30 for some time now and I think it's time I do it! I want to see how I feel when I rid my body of the unnecessary toxins.




5. Dive deeper into the word of God more then I ever have before.
  - Each off us has purpose and meaning and I know that God has a plan for me. It's time I start to fully live out that plan.




6. Enjoy this year.
- 2015 brought a lot of heartache and tears. I didn't really get to enjoy this year. Yes there were good times but I feel like the toughness outweighed the good. I know that change will always happen but I want more positive change this year and to enjoy this year.

 

 

So Goodbye 2015 and Hello 2016 I am excited to see what you bring. What are you goals for the new year? Anything fun planned for your New Years Eve?

 

 

Krista 

New Years Eve Outfit Planning

Hello and Happy Monday, I hope you all had a GREAT Christmas with your family. I sure did! I had the best time just being with my family and celebrating the birth of my Savior. I can't wait to continue the celebration this week as we say Goodbye to 2015 and Hello to 2016. I will be keeping it low key this new years but I wanted to share with you some outfit ideas whatever your New Years brings!

1. Going Out// Crop Top, Sequin Skirt, Earrings, Shoes

2. Dinner with Family// Dress, Bag, Earrings, Shoes

3. Staying In//Top, Jeans, Beanie, Booties




What are your New Years plans? Will you be wearing option 1, 2, or 3 I think we are going to order in and watch the TV Specials.  So I will be rocking jeans and a cute top. I love low key nights at home! Anyone else as excited as I am to welcome this new year?

Krista

Merry Christmas

Hello Sweet friends, Can you believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve and then Friday is Christmas!!! Where has this holiday season gone? I feel like I blinked and its almost over. Christmas is my most favorite time of year. I love the coziness it brings, the time with my family, making memories, but most importantly the real reason for the season the birth of my Savior. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that God loved me so much he sent his only Son to come to this earth as a precious baby, live a perfect life, and then die for me. I am so grateful that despite all the times I fail Him, He still loves me that much. If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus and want to please feel free to email me at krista.lenaem@gmail.com I would love to talk about Him with you or point you in the right direction.

 

 

 

 

As I get ready to spend time with my family, I can't help but get sentimental and think about all the things I love about this time of year. This blog means so much to me and I am so so thankful you take the time to come back and read whats on my heart each week.  I will be signing off for Christmas but don't fret! I will be back next week with my New Years goals and some cute outfit ideas! I want to leave you all with my favorite Christmas song ever and wish you and your family a very

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krista

Life Lately Vol. 2

Happy Monday lovely friends! Can you believe we only have 4 days till Christmas!!!!I am trying to soak in as much of this season as I can. Today I wanted to share a few snaps from this weekend and life lately.  I hope you all had a great weekend I know I did!! :) 

 

 

 

 

We met Santa!! 

 

 

 

And 2 of his Reindeer Comet and Cupid!

 

 

Starbucks always! 

New nail color that I am LOVING! Revlons Bewitching

Follow me on Snap Chat @Kristalenae 

My Grandma is the CUTEST! 

 

Found the BEST brunch spot in the cities! 



 

Friday was my Birthday I got this lovely snapcaht from my sister.

 And a surprise party at dinner!  I love these girls

 

Each Christmas we make a sugar cube house with my niece Here we are constructing our masterpiece.

 

 And this is our finished product. I love them so.

 

We ended the night looking at Christmas lights and a picture in Santa's sleigh

 

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!

 

Krista

26 Things about Me

Hello lovely friends! Today is my 26th Birthday and I could not be more excited! I am going to  have dinner tonight with the people I love the most. I can't wait!! I've said this before but I joined the blogging world because I wanted to build community and share life with others. So today I wanted to share with you 26 things about me you may not know in honor of my 26th birthday! Lets get to know each other better!

1. When I came home from the hospital my parents brought me home in a Christmas stocking that I still have to this day! (I think this is why I love Christmas so much!)

2. There is nothing better to me then a journal and a good pen.

3.  My relationship with Christ is the most important thing. I am saved only by his grace. And the thought that He loves me so much that He would send His son to die for me is something I am eternally grateful for. I am not perfect but I strive to live like He did everyday.

4. My favorite color is Hot Pink!

5. I firmly believe I was born on the wrong side of the Mason/Dixon line. Big hair, sweet tea, front porches, monograms... YES PLEASE! I have lived in the mid west my whole life but would love to live in the south one day.

6. My grandma is one of my very best friends. I tell her everything and she has taught how to be gracious, kind, selfless, how to make the BEST banana bread, and to never underestimate the power of prayer. Even though I am 26 we still have sleepovers and I wouldn't change it for the world.

seriously how cute is my grandma!



7. I'm sure I'm  preaching to the choir when I say Target is my happy place. Sometimes if I am having a bad day I will just go there to walk around with my Starbucks. I don't have to buy anything it just makes me happy.


8.  Greys Anatomy is my favorite TV show of all time. Especially the early season. I watch it almost every night before I go to bed I start with season 1 go through all of the season and then start back at season 1 again. Its a never ending cycle that I happen to love! ( Side note, sometimes I change it up and throw a few Friends episodes in there!)


9. I struggle with anxiety sometimes, this is something I am very self cautious about. It is something that I work on daily because I know that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of a sound mind.


10.  I cannot do anything without my day planner, I know most people use their phone calendar but I need to have it written down and color coded if possible! (Hello OCD!)


11. I paint my nails every week, sometimes twice a week.

12. I have a collection (obsession) with nail polish. Seriously It's a problem.

13. I LOVE Holidays, Christmas is my most favorite but I love them all and use any excuse to decorate, dress up, and celebrate.

14. I have never broken a bone... (Knock on wood!) but I have had stitches twice.


15. I hate change, I know that it is necessary for growth but I still don't like it.

16.  I love to collect coffee mugs.

17. My favorite food is Guacamole with tortilla chips. I could eat it everyday and never get sick of it.


18. The best gift I have ever received is my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. It was given to me by a secret Santa.  I still cry sometimes when I walk into my kitchen and see it. I wanted one for years but never thought I would own one. To this day I still don't know who it's from.

19. I love community and being with people. My heart wants to be with people and to show them Gods love.

20. The best concert I have ever been to was Justin Timberlake's Future Sex Love Show back in 2007. It was Ah-Ma-Zing and no other concert has come close.


21. I am TERRIBLE at Math. Like honestly horrible, It doesn't make sense to me at all. And this is not without trying to learn. Thank God for calculators on phones because I would be in so much trouble if I had to figure things out without one.


22. These 2 are my sisters and my very best friends. I would not be the person I am today without them. I love them with all my heart.

23. The only candles I purchase are from Bath and Body Works. They are my absolute favorite. Some of my favorites are Watermelon Lemonade, Thankful, Noel, Winter Candy Apple, and Autumn.       

24. I love fresh flowers, any chance I can get to have fresh blooms in m home, office, life I will.  

25. I consistently have a list for any and everything. There is always a journal or post it with a list that I am trying to check off and complete. 

26. I love love LOVE make up. I am frequent visitor at Ulta and Sephora. Seriously the girls there know me by name. (not sure if I should have admitted that!) One of the reason I love my Birchbox subscription is that I get to try a wide variety of beauty products without having to commit to the full product right away. If you ever have any questions about make up, I am no expert but I bet I have tried it. I would love to answer any questions you might have! 

Well there you have it folks, I hope this helps you get to know me a little better. I love this blog and getting to know each and everyone of you so much. Now I am off to have some birthday fun! Talk to you lovely people soon!!

Today we are linking up with A. Liz Adventures  for anthor Five on Friday!

Krista 

Favorite Things Party

Hello and Happy Wednesday! I hope I am finding in the midst of a great week. Can you believe Christmas is just 9 days away. December always seems to go by so fast. I have a very busy 9 days ahead of me Friday is my birthday and then this weekend we are cookie making, but I cannot wait to celebrate the birth of my Savior and be with my family.


Last night we I threw a "favorite things" party for my women's small group. I'm sure you have heard of these parties but in case you haven't it's a play off of Oprahs Favorite things. Each guest brings a gift that is something that is there favorite and then everyone leaves with something! So cute and fun right? Plus any excuse in book to throw a party I am down! We had the best time eating, laughing, and enjoying every ones company. You guys that is my heart, doing life with people so needless to say my cup was running over. We played our games, opened our gifts and talked for the longest time. It was the BEST I tell you. So here are a few snaps from the party last night.

Opening our gifts! 

 

My cute friend Sam! 

 

 

Kristyn 

 

 

Still opening gifts! 

 

 

All the gifts waiting to be opened! 

 

The spread, I made a YUMMY salad that everyone loved, I will share the recipe with you in the next few weeks.

 

Now on to the part I have been so excited about! My favorite thing that I gave last night was The prettiest red nail polish and lipstick. These 2 are my FAVORITE, and perfect for the Holidays! And one of you get a set of your own!!!

To enter the giveaway all you have to do is follow my blog on instagram @kristalenae and leave a comment below with your email address and telling me where you would wear these! I will randomly select a name on Friday- My brithday and get it sent to you!! Good Luck! :)

 

 

 

Krista 



Stocking Stuffers

Happy Monday! Today I want to share my Stockings Wish List. I think stockings are sometimes over shadowed but they are my favorite part about gift giving. I love to get little things that I know my family will love and stuff that stocking full! Below are a few of the items I would LOVE to see Santa leave in my stocking this year!!

       Make Up Bag // Essie Polish// Marc Jacobs Mod Noir// Glam Glow// Fresh Sugar Ruby//

           Kendra Scott Dylan Necklace// Fancy Pants//Candle // Oribe Texturing Spray // Slippers
                   
                        Kendra Scott Earrings //  2016 Planner  //Stress Relief Body Wash

Krista 

Five on Friday!

It's FRIDAY!!! Can I tell you how excited I am for the weekend. This week went by fairly quickly but I just am so happy I have tomorrow off! How was your week? I hope it was great. This weekend I plan on finishing come Christmas shopping and baking some cookies if I can! Next week is my birthday week. I am pretty excited so just relaxing this weekend and getting ready for the festivities that will take part next week. Today we are linking up with A. Liz Adventures  for another Five on Friday.

One// I have been wanting a new purse for quite some time now, I asked Santa for this Kate Spade  but in the last week these 3 have caught my eye!!! #whatsagirltodo  1, 2, and 3. The Barrington St. Anne Tote is one that I have been wanting so bad!!




Two// Anyone else as big of a Bachelor fan as I am! I love love love that they have been showing clips for the new season that premiers on January 4th!! I already have a plan to kick off this season with a little party at my house!! Also one of my FAVORITE bachelor couples Sean and Catherine are have a BABY!!



Three// This last Saturday my family and I went to this cute little Christmas festival. We got to take a ride with Santa in a vintage fire truck and we meet 2 of his reindeer Comet and Cupid!

 

Doesn't this picture make you want a reindeer..... No? Okay just me then!

 

Four// Next Tuesday I am hosting a Favorite things party with the small group I lead from Church. I am sure you all have heard of these party's but in case you haven't its a play off of Oprahs favorite things. Each guest brings their favorite things and everyone leaves with a gift! I cannot wait!! Also I will be doing a GIVEAWAY next week on the blog of one of my favorite things so Stay tuned..... :)




Five// I think by now you all no I am Bath and Body works junkie! #noshame. But have tried this .
It's the Stress Relief eucalyptus tea body wash. I LOVE it and cannot tell you how amazing it smells! Ask Santa to fill your stocking with it!




Well there you have it pretty friends! I hope you have the best weekend and like I said in # 4 come back next week for a fun holiday giveaway!! Tell me what are your five this week?

Krista 



Holiday Questionnaire

Happy Wednesday cute friends! How is your week going? Mine is going by so fast. I have my company's holiday party today that I am so excited for and then a slow weekend that will consist of Christmas cookie making but more on that later! Today I have a fun little Holiday Questionnaire for you. I saw it over on Jenn's blog and knew it would be a fun thing to do over here! I love reading her blog so if you have a moment stop over and show her some love.


Here we go!

A holiday tradition:  Every Christmas my sisters and I get matching pajamas, even though we are all in our twenties and my younger sister is having a baby it's one of those things that we love and will keep doing till we are old and senile!

What I would love to see Santa bring me the most? I really really really would love a cast iron dutch oven!! This one is pretty    ;)

What's my go-to stocking stuffer idea? Depends on the person, for my sisters usually nail polish, candy, a new day planner, fuzzy socks, Sephora gift card.... something like that! :)

Who is the hardest to shop for during the holidays? My grandma! She never tells us what she wants!

Favorite winter accessory:  Hats and Ear muffs. I have about a million cute little hats and ear muffs that I love to play around with!

Christmas lights - colored or white? White on a Christmas tree and Colored if your decorating the outside of your house!

Favorite holiday food:  Haagen Daz Peppermint Bark Ice cream... It's too good! Like seriously go get some at the store.. right now!

White elephant gift idea:  We do this with my family as a joke every year. I just saw on pinterest this white elephant gift. Its a small bag of batteries that says "gifts not included"

Funny picture with Santa:  I don't think I have one, I was the child that LOVED Santa and couldn't wait to get my picture with him!

Do I like candy canes? Yes! 

Hot chocolate - marshmallows or no marshmallows?  Ummm... MARSHMALLOWS please. As many as you can fit into my cup. I also love marshmallow fluff, you know the super unhealthy stuff in a jar. A scoop of that in your Hot Chocolate is the best!

Favorite holiday song:  I have 2 I can't pick just one, but I love "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song"

Favorite holiday movie:  The.. the.. the ... The GRINCH! The one with Jim Carrey to be specific.  I just love this classic Christmas movie. It makes me laugh like I was a kid again every single time!

Funny holiday story: One year when I was 6 or 7 my Grandma mixed up my one of my presents with my Uncles. So I opened a box with men's slipper and he opened a cute package of princess underwear. Needless to say he hasn't lived that down!

Have I ever been on a sleigh ride?  I haven't, but that would be so fun!

Fun holiday memory:  Oh goodness, I just love everything about the holiday season. I don't know if I could pick just one. But I think just being with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Thanks, Jenn, for putting this questionnaire together it's been so fun to answer all of these!  What are some of your answers! I would love to hear them.

 

Have a great Wednesday!

 

 

Krista  

DIY Christmas Snow Globes

Hello sweet friends and happy Monday. I am so excited to share this Holiday DIY with you. I love to decorate for any holiday at my home but Christmas is my most favorite. I am always looking for new pieces to add to my decor for the holidays that are cute and don't break the bank This DIY is seriously so easy and budget friendly. I love how they turned out! So withour further hesitation here is my DIY Christmas Snow Globes:


What you'll need:

Glass jars in various sizes.  ( I used mason jars, they are cheap and I love the way they look!)

1 Bag of buffalo snow flakes

2 artifical villges Christmas trees   

Hot glue gun
(I got all of these from Michaels the Christmas decor was 50% off plus I had a coupon for 50% 1 otem from the sunday paper! Talk about a steal)



First plug in your hot glue gun so that it is ready to use when needed.


Then make sure your jars are clean on the inside and outside.

Take the lids of the mason jar and hot glue the trees to the center.

Then take your buffalo snow flakes and add some to the mason jars

It should look like this!

Then Screw on the lids of the mason jar after the glue has dried and cooled. ( about 5 mins) and flip your jars upside down so they look like this!

Seriously how cute are these! I love them and they add so much to my Christmas decor. I seperated them as seen below. Togther or seperate I love them and I am so happy with they way they turned out! Do you love to DIY? If you try this share the pictures with me on social media! You can find me on instagram @kristalenae

Krista 

Five on Friday

Happy Friday sweet friends! I hope you all had a great week. I was lucky enough to have another short week. I had 7 days off over Thanksgiving and soaked up all that time I had at home. Did you all have a great Thanksgiving?

Today we are back with another Five on Friday and linking up with A. Liz Adventures . I am so excited to share my five with you this week.

one// I am LOVING this nail color from Revlonright now. Its  called Bewitching and its the perfect shade of burgundy.

Two// I went balck friday shopping with my sisters and mom. We had the best time. I got most of my shopping done and wrapped. I only need ot pick up a few things! Here is a picture of the Mall of America. It's one of my favorite places at Christmas time. The decor is top of the line.

My sister an I before we headed out!

Three// I worked on a fun Christmas DIY this week and I can't wait to share it with you on the blog!! Keep an eye out for it next week but in the meantime here is a little sneak peek!

Four// My sweet friend Holly got engaged the week before Thanksgiving!! I am so excited for her and her fiance! We ahd a super fun engagment/ Birthday party for her! 

#thatringtho

Love her! 





Five// This weekend is my Sisters Birthday! I love this girl so much and am so ahppy she was born 24 years ago. She is my best friend and I can't wait to celebrate with her this weekend.

Do you have anything fun planned for your weekend or anything fun you did this last week?

Krista





Taco Bake

Hello! How's your week going so far? Mine is great I jsut got back today from a 7 day little staycation at home!I love being back at work but somtimes co,ing home after a long day the last thing I wanna do is cook dinner.  I found an easy dinner recipe that's quick and delicious. A friend of mine shared this recipe with me on Pinterest and the minute she sent it to me I knew I would love it. Then a few weeks ago I saw it on Blake's Blog  and I knew that I would need to make this ASAP! I love Mexican food, I am all about a good taco or enchilada. Now I know that this is not authentic Mexican but it sure is good!



Easy Taco Bake:

1 lb of ground Turkey or Hamburger

1 packet of Taco seasoning

1 can of tomato sauce

1 container of Pillsbury cresant rolls

1 container of Sour Cream

2 Cups shredded cheese

Lettuce

Doritos

Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees

 

 Cook your turkey or hamburger in a pan.

 

 Once the turkey is cooked add the tomato sauce and taco seasoning

 

 

 

 Then spread out your cresant rools in the bottom of a greased baking dish.

 

 

 

 Layer meat and sauce mixutre over the cresant rolls

 

 

 

Then layer sour cram and cheese.

 

 

 Bake at 350 degress for 15-20 minutes

 

 

 Then crunch up doritos and layer on top.

 

 

 Top it with all your favorite taco fixin's and Enjoy!

 

It's one the easist and most delicious meals I make and a definite favorite! Let me know if you try and it and what you think!!

 

Krista