I know I told you today's post was gonna be a blogger behind the scenes, but ya know what, I have something even better. PS Happy Friday friends!

I took my first Cycle Bar class on Wednesday night. I'm still learning to walk again. My friend I take Pure Barre with invited me to go with her and I happily obliged. I love trying new workout classes. I used to take spin at my gym in Omaha and LOVED it. I bought my free class online (Denver friends, it's free for your first class, click here!), picked my bike, 3rd row, middle, I didn't want to look too eager. I put my leggings on and I was off.


I was so excited/nervous. I called Adam on my way to discuss the class and he just reassured me "you used to do this all the time, you'll be great." Famous last words right there.

Let me preface, this is not just a spin class at your local gym. This is that gym spin class on speed. Not only is this an entire building dedicated to spin, so are the instructors and everything else. Water bottles, check. Clothing, check. Shoes, check. Bumper Sticker, check

I walked in and was greeted by literally the nicest people ever. Maybe this is what spin does to people, if so, count me in. They showed me how to check in, where to change and offered me a free water bottle and gave me some shoes.

I changed, found my locker, found my friend and in we went to the cycling room.

Lets just chat about the cycling room. It is pretty damn intimidating. There are about 40 bikes set up in four staggered rows. It's semi-dark in there with huge flat screens on the wall and then a platform where presumably the instructor teaches from. The room is semi-dark with loud music playing. The front wall is a full mirror and the rest are dark. There is also, what I can only assume to be, a DJ booth. I'm serious, it looks like a DJ booth.

My friend walks me to our bikes and tells me to wait, the instructor will help me set up. Thank god I went with a friend.

Someone walks over to me offering to help. She sets up my bike (turns out I'm tall? who knew) and tries to help me clip in. Apparently I'm a do-do bird and clipping bike shoes into a stationary bike is rocket science for me. I "clip in." Just then, this bouncy, adorable blonde with a backward hat and the most toned arms I've ever seen. comes in and is our teacher. Guys, you should seriously see her, she was beautiful. She puts her Britney spears mic on, turns the lights off and we start.

The music is so loud. The room is so dark and in brutal honestly, it takes a minute to adjust. But we are going. I am spinning.

My first thought, oh yeah, I can do this. My second thought. 4 minutes in, I am drenched in sweat and panting.

Oh and turns out, my left foot isn't clipped in. Do you know how hard it is to attempt 128 RPM's when your leg, which happens to be your knee surgery leg is just kinda flallying around.  Whatever, I am not a quitter. This class is only 50 minutes, I'll fake it until I make it.

I'm looking down, attempting 128 RPMs, when I realize the lights go on and the teacher is no longer on her bike, she's standing in front of me asking about my shoe. I am totally mortified. She takes my foot, clips me in and jumps back on the bike, no big deal. Thank the lord it was dark in there and people couldn't see me blushing.

I must admit, this spin class was the fastest 50 minutes of my life. Before I knew it, she was doing the 90 second countdown, telling us how strong we were and turning the lights on. Then, she did it, my biggest fear. On the big screens, she put up our rankings. There were probably 25 people in the class and the rankings only included the top 15. I scrolled for a name that wasn't there. Whatever, it was over, just like that. I took my first spin class post knee surgery and man did I feel good.

I immediately found myself wanting to sign up for the next class. It was incredible. I now see why people get addicted to this sport.

Then, I left. I went home, felt good. Showered, felt good. Went to bed, felt strong. Woke up, felt like someone threw me down the stairs.

I cannot wait to go back. Have you taken a spin class before? Was your experience similar?

First, I am SO pumped to tell you guys that I am an AUNT again! This makes me an Aunt x5! If that's not the coolest thing ever, I'm not sure what is. Now, I have 5 little babes to love on and buy gifts for and teach how to use snapchat. I've taught two, three more to go!

Speaking of snapchat, if I haven't told you once, I've told you 1000 times, you totally should follow me, because I love posting snaps of food and my pups. What is better than that. Two days ago, I teased today's recipe and showed you the steps of how-to-make this bomb soup. (kgrace01)

If you haven't noticed, I talk about the Denver weather a LOT. I know I shouldn't, I mean I chose to live in Denver, but man alive, can't a girl get some nice (no snow) weather once in a while. Yesterday, it was a high of 30 and people are rejoicing because it's supposed to be a balmy 53 degrees this weekend.  My parents grew up in MI, lived in CO and now have settled in Scottsdale, AZ, so when I complain to them, they always tell me I could move back to AZ, or tell me "That's Colorado for ya."

I know, I know, I'm a sucker for self-pity, but this girl needs a tan immediately. Pale is not a good color on me.

That was quite a sidetrack start to this post about delicious soup! I love crock pot chicken soup. I make it a lot and call it a lot of different names; chicken and green chili, chicken tomatillo soup, chicken tortilla soup, you name it, I've probably made the exact same thing but called it something different. That's why I thought I'd stick to something easy, chicken soup. Mmmm, noodle soup (name that Friends episode!)



This recipe is a combo of all those delicious soups I've made over the years. It's what I will now refer to as the kitchen sink chicken soup, meaning I used everything and anything I had in my fridge. This made us enough soup to eat for about 10 days, so night one, we had soup, night two, I bought paleo tortillas and we had tacos and then day three I took the leftovers to lunch!

I don't know about you but this type of soup calls for tortilla chips. But, when you're eating paleo, that is not an option. Hence, the plantain chips! Before we moved, we lived by this cuban restaurant that served the most amazing plantain chips I've ever eaten. Man, oh man, they were good. So, I tried to replicate them. Theirs were better, but mine are paleo. That my friend is compromise.

Recipe time! For this recipe, when I say diced, I mean a good sized diced. This recipe involves 8 hours in a crock-pot so if they are too tiny, they lose their stuff. Think nickle/quarter sized diced, not dime sized. Oh, when you broil the plantain chips, keep a good eye on them. Mine got nice and crispy, crispy enough that the fire alarm went off. Weeps.

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno, diced (leave the seeds if you want the spice)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (big) jar of diced green chilis
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• juice of 1 lime (or 2) 
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (leave out if less spice) 

How to Make: 

1. Put everything in the crock pot. 
2. Low = 8 hours; high = 4 hours. 
3. Shred chicken. Top with goodies, Enjoy!
4. I topped ours with the avocado crema I made Monday! 

I hope you guys love this soup and that winter goes quickly for you. We are almost done with January, so hope and summer is coming!

When we first started watching the Bachelor, I was absolutely sure that I did not want to watch this season. Then I started watching and I was excited. And now, the more and more Corrinne is around. I'm starting to question this season again. I think she is hilarious. but I absolutely do not believe she is here to get married. I mean, by now, you've all seen the 2 Chains video she was in. She is clearly here to pursue her rap career....


That was a joke people. But seriously, does she, at 24 want to get married to a 36 year old? Who knows, but it seems unlikely at this point.

This threat that girls are going to leave because Nick keeps Corrinne is just nuts. No girl has ever left and no girl will leave. I have seen worse girl on other seasons and no one leaves. What would be the point of the girls leaving?



Spoiler Alert: Kristen, spelled Christen? (why does her hair look like it was wet?) and Brittany (I'm pretty sure I've never seen this girl before)

Wait, are we already going to Nicks hometown? I mean, yes we did go to Ben's house pretty early on, but it seems a bit premature. Nick's parents seem like the cutest little buns. They obviously really want this to work. "We don't want to see you on this show again." Us either, Nicks dad, us either.

When's he's talking to the girls in a group, why does he stand so far away from them? Anyone? Danielle L is so darn cute. I think it speaks volume that he picked her for his hometown date. If we remember correctly, Ben brought Lauren on his hometown date to visit his rec center. Just sayin.

Seriously, Nick runs into his ex at a coffee shop? I mean, don't you think ABC has to pre-approve everything? I once had a friend that auditioned for a show on ABC and the NDAs she said she had to sign were outrageous. And she only auditioned. Can you imagine if Nick actually did "accidental" run into his ex. She would have to sign her life away right there in the middle of "downtown" Waukesha, WI. I highly doubt it.

This is so darn awkward. This is super boring. And super long. I really like Danielle. Her date was cute with Nick, but in comparison to Vanessa's last week, it lacked a lot of the intimacy. One of the best parts about the Bachelor is when you get to dance in front of cool people. Chris Soules with Big and Rich, JoJo had someone, I cannot remember. But I like Chris Lane, and his song is bomb.com.



This group date. Yikes. I mean this has to be the worst season EVER for group dates. They are miserable, miserable. See yaaaaa. Referring to the Russian girl. I agree with Adam, I do not see her sticking around. She seems kind of dull. I think she is absolutely beautiful though. Babe, she cannot be serious. She is just on the show for ratings. Re: Corrinne. Poop, poop, poop. Yikes. And they're all wearing real clothes. Couldn't Chris Harrison or the date card better prepared them for this?

Oh my gosh, the nap conversation. Michael Jordan took naps. She is definitely going on Bachelor in Paradise. She seems to be cracking a little because she is getting funnier. And the whole nap thing, story of my life girlfriend. I was just telling Adam how I could never be the President of the US (for a thousand other reasons) but I get too tired too quickly. I would have to take way too many naps.

Can we just get this damn thing over with? It would appear that Adam is losing patience with our Monday night Bach tradition.

I think Raven is a sleeper. At first I pegged her for a small town southern girl. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I did not peg her as the type of girl Nick would date. PS is her shirt unbuttoned? Oh Bella, this must mean that Raven wins. Bella is Nicks first girl. Bella is probably the coolest girl in the 8th grade. Her bro has been on TV for like the last 10 years. Raven is a bun. She is so dang sweet. I like her.

Back to the girls at the house. Why are they sitting in the bath tub? Babe, this is verrrryyyyy trying. I'm going to have to get him a present. This girl (Raven) has gotta be like are you f***ing kidding me of all the one-on-ones you took me to an arcade with a bunch of kids. 

Adam noticed that during their skating slash make out sesh that she had roller skates on one minute and then she had on roller blades So observant. And this whole time I thought he wasn't watching.

Raven is a badass. Did you hear what she did to that cheating doctor? Now everyone in her small town knows that guy is a totally ass.

Oh my gosh, Taylor  is so damn irritating. I cannot handle her. All she does is whine. I'm pretty sure she hasn't even had a conversation with him. Has this girl learned nothing about this show? The one that just bitches the whole time is the one who always goes home. Remember when Leah tried to throw Lauren under the bus to Ben? PS I'm so jealous of whatever Corrinne is eating.

Taylor would be exhausting to date. This show is exhausting to watch. Thank goodness it is only on once a week.

See ya'll next Wednesday. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter to get all the real-time deets.

Did the title throw you off a bit? When I first told Adam and my mom this is what I was making, they both acted like I was nuts. Potatoes and Shrimp? But, let me stop you there. The spices on the shrimp are spicy, and the sweetness of the sweet po's are just the perfect balance. Add the crema and boom.
Adam and I are still, slowly but surely, making our way through paleo January. We're getting a little more creative with what we're cooking, but man, coming up with new recipes every day is tough! Meal prep Sundays haven taken on a whole new meaning. No more are the days of suggesting "grilled chicken and veggies." I blame all the bomb.com recipes I've been crafting. But sheesh.

Last night as I was starting to prep for dinner, while drinking red wine and watching the Patriots bulldoze the Steelers, when I looked at Adam and asked, pleaded, if he'd rather order pizza. We both just looked at each other for a minute, trying to see which one would break first. I gave in first, but mostly because I had already started the oven.

Wanna hear something funny about the Patriots/Steelers? The night before the game, a 20-something year old Patriots fan went to the Steelers hotel and set off the fire alarm in the early AM hours. Now, let's not get it twisted, I was rooting for the Steelers, but man, that is good. I can just imagine the Steelers reaction when they found out it was a Patriots fan. Brady probably put this kid up to it.

Anyways, back to food. You better believe come February 1, I am running to Mellow Mushroom and ordering a pizza. And wings. And then, I'm going to eat pizza again when the Falcons beat the Patriots on Superbowl Sunday. No wine though. Did I tell you I'm doing sober February? Ugh. Why do I put myself through such misery. Skinny hurts.


Okay, so I found this recipe on Lexi's Clean Kitchen, one of my paleo-go-to bloggers. Her recipes are so dang good. They have a lot of steps and ingredients, but they are so worth it. Talk about flavor.

I changed up some things in her recipe to make them a little more geared towards our taste. Let's get to it already.

Ingredients:
Shrimp: 

• 1 pound shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Avocado Crema

• 1 avocado
• 2 tablespoons almond milk
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• red pepper flakes for garnish

Sweet Po's

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• salt and pepper
• olive oil 

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Wash sweet potatoes. Rub with olive oil, salt and pepper. Poke holes in the top. 
3. Place sweet po's in the oven for 45 minutes or until soft. 
4. While sweet po's are cooking, make the crema. Combine all ingredients (minus the red pepper flakes) in a blender and blend until creamy. 
5. In a bowl, combine shrimp and all the spices. 
6. Heat a cast iron with 1 tablespoon oil and add shrimp. Cook until opaque. 
7. When sweet pos are done, carefully scoop out insides until a thin layer of flesh remains. 
8. Load up with shrimp, top with crema and devour. 

Lola got spayed yesterday, poor little bun. She is currently sitting at my feet with a cone on her head, acting so so pathetic. I mean. I get it. If I got lady parts cut out I'd probably want to sleep all day too.

The worst part about having animals is when they're in pain. It's the worst. I just keep giving her treats and pain meds (in appropriate doses) hoping she'll forgive me for this. But hey, her little bandaged leg (she got a dew claw removed too) is so darn cute. They even put a little green heart on it.


I find myself every Monday getting more and more excited for the Bachelor. I cannot tell if this excitement is because the girls are so nuts, or because I love hearing how crazy Corrinne's life is, but I freaking love it. Plus, it's fun watching Nick squirm while he tries to figure all this out. You can tell when Nick really likes a girl because he mumbles like crazy. He has this sheepish smile and you can barely understand him. But I'm glad to hear he is a fan of Danielle because I love her. I think she's smart and classy. See week one when I picked her as a front runner.


This season right now. It's all sex, all the time. Talking about Liz, Corrinne and her golden vagine trying to up Liz, people worrying about the sex. Man alive. This season sure got raunchy quick. Can't we just go back to the good old days when we pretended it didn't exist.

She cant be real, she has to be a hired actress, a stand-in for rating. No one can be that f-word nuts. <--- referring to Corrinne.

Literally Corrinne not showing up for the rose ceremony just proves her immaturity. Here'e my paragraph on Corrinne. It's clear that she's beautiful. She must be smart to run her parents company but it's clear her self-esteem is super low. No-one flaunts that much sexuality and va-va-voom without something going on being the scenes. I'm not saying you can't be a sexual person and not be a strong woman. Please don't take this that way. I'm just saying, the way she flips back and forth and is so defensive, I think it's more than just sex. I have a feeling we are going to see a breakdown here, but in bigger proportions than the whipped cream one. I think she's probably a little sad and really just needs some good girls in her life to tell her that men shouldn't be the only thing that validates her. So from here on out, I'm just gonna leave Corrinne as a person alone. But Raquel on the other hand, let's get that Nanny on TV people! 

I know it's only been three episodes, but I like Nick more and more with each passing episode. This too may pass but he's getting better.

Vanessa is too much for me. She's tooooo whiny. We are only one week in, ladies, hold your shit together.

Did you see the shark/dolphin girl say "Move Bitches" yes yes yes.


I really wish Chris Harrison was around more. Didn't he used to be around a lot more in previous seasons, I love him. The best part, is at this stage in the game, Chris Harrison doesn't even know the girls names. Me either Chris, me either.

Spoiler Alert: Girls go home early this episode: Lacy,  Hailey, and a blonde girl but I don't know her name.

Sees a preview for the Backstreet Boys, "Babe, this episode already sucks."

Can I just fan girl for a second. Backstreet Boys are literally amazing. Granted, N'Sync is better, but man alive. Backstreet Boys was second best for sure. I loved them so much. I still love boy and the First time I saw N'Sync, I cried. yep. I'd be like BYE NICK V. HI BSB. Corrinne was not old enough to know BSB when they originally came out. She must know them from their comeback tour in 2013.

Even the Backstreet Boys are making fun of Nicks 4-peat Bachelor return. Is it mean or does Danielle kind of look like Andi. This would be so horrible. Talking about Danielle kissing Nick. This is not romantic. Jasmine, I am with you! I am sick of talking about Corrinne. That girl is always sleeping!

I have to love Nicks self-deprecating nature. The fact that he calls out how awkward this process, makes him a little more real for me. Oh, and him and Danielle, swoon. Just roll out girl. Adam talking about the girls that keep whining.

This date was pretty awesome. Granted, I would be scared out of my space suit, how cool would it be! Man on man. Adam and I joke that we should pretend we don't know each other so we can go on the Bachelor and go on cool dates. I think they'd catch on after all the one-on-ones were just us.

Kiss after puke, yum. When she said that she wouldn't have made it without Nick there, Adam said but did you die? Oh man. He's on a roll tonight. Wow, Nicky-poo shedding some tears for Vanessa. This chick is terribly boring. I kind of like Vanessa. I think she brings out a great side of Nick, but I also think she's not fun enough. Nick said the thing he liked about Corrinne is how fun she is. Yes, I get you need a good combo of the two, but Vanessa is just kinda blah. Even on a fun date she was just a little too dull.

ALLYSON FELIX. That is amazing. She has a yorkie, like Henry, did you know that. We're basically best friends. There are lots of boobies on this date. Oh Astrid, Lululemon has full support bras. I linked them here for ya girlfriend. Next time you should maybe think about bringing one.

The creepy music when they show the hot tub and nick, gross. This whole date is just kind of miserable except for the Allyson Felix part. '

Remember when Sean Lowe was the Bachelor and kissed like 5 girls? And then he skipped the fantasy suite? Welp, I have officially lost track of the girls Nick has kissed. I'm pretty sure he's kissed everyone but 5. And I don't think the fantasy suite will be an option. Just sayin.

BYE DOMINIQUE. This is where I give Nick major props. He knew he wasn't feeling it and he sent her packing. That is what respectable leads do. It's unfortunately that Dominique mixed up attention with actual feelings, but I'm glad he slip ways before it got to be too much.

Alright, well that wraps up another edition of what Adam said while watching the Bachelor. I think he's catching on to me because every time he says something I'm trying and last time he tried to peek at my ipad which is a no-no with unedited blog posts anyways.. but I think he's suspecting something.


Have the best week everyone! We'll see you next week!

The snow started falling in Denver on Sunday around noon and stopped falling on Monday at noon. Needless to say, the drive into work Monday was super fun! I'm pretty sure the only thing that loves snow is Miss Lola. If you're not following me on Snapchat (Kgrace01) you are missing out on her adventures!

I heard something on the radio stating the third Monday in January is the most depressing of all days out of all months. While I don't love snow days that require me to go into work, I think it's cool/ironic that MLK Day fell on this "most depressing day." MLK's message was one of love and acceptance. I love this part in his speech --

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

That is our hope. That is our dream.

Lots of happenings over here in Denver. Let's do a little roundup.

Disclaimer: Links in the post may be affiliate links if you click them and purchase something it costs you nothing but I make a little percentage. Thanks for supporting brands that support EG.

The other day I was having a boozy lunch with my girlfriend when she asked me what I hope to be doing in five years. Seems like an ordinary question right? But it took me off guard. My first instinct was well I like what I'm doing now, I'm happily married, I'll be doing what I'm doing today!

But on my way home, I started legitimately thinking about her questions. Where/what do I hope to be doing in five years.

It is not lost on me that I am turning 30 this year. I don't do well with getting older. I tend to subscribe to the theory that you should have certain things checked off by a certain age. I know that's a shitty theory, but hey, it's true. So far in my life, this theory has worked, right? I've accomplished a lot in my 29 1/2 years of life and I'm proud of that. But where will I be in five years?

Let's do a little throwback. Five years ago, I was 24. Five years ago, I was a second year in law school. Adam and I had been dating for 2 years. I had just gotten my first A in law school. My brother and sister in law weren't even married yet. I was still living the student life with no idea what my future would hold. If you told me then that I'd be married, living in Denver with two dogs and working as an attorney I would have said you were nuts. But, here we are. I cannot wait to see what the next five years has in store.

In the next five years, I hope to have little Kavan nuggets running around, calling me mom. That they're not annoying and that when my friends come over they tell me how great my kids are and that they're cute. I hope that I still love what I do. I do now, but who knows what five years brings. Maybe I'll wanna work at Costco and I'd be happy checking people's receipts and saying good afternoon. I hope to have found the balance between bad comparison and good comparison with others because we all know I live and die by Instagram likes and comments. I hope I have reached 1,000 pure barre classes and still care about my body. Yeah sure I'll still be sneaking dark chocolate kisses every now and again, but getting older is all about balance and maturity. Dark chocolate is mature. I hope I've conquered my fears and started skiing again and that I'm one of those amazing skiers on the mountain, girls with torn ACLs look at and feel inspired. I hope to remember everyone needs a little more grace including myself. I hope my Instagram is making me money. I hope this blog is more than a hobby and maybe this blog will play into what I'm doing in five years. I hope I've convinced my parents to buy a place in Colorado. Yeah they already have grandkids and a house in Arizona, but hey, maybe if I teach my kids to call them GiGi and PopPop, they'll buy a place here too. Coti and I will still talk on the phone every morning regardless if I'm driving to work or changing my cool kids diapers. She'll tell me I still have road rage even though it was my 2017 resolution and I'll ask her if she still has 13,000 unopened emails. I hope I still like cold shrimp. This has been a touch and go relationship my whole life, who knows if this could change. I hope I've seen Forest Gump and all the Star Wars movies. I've seen some of the classics, but as Adam tells me, not enough. Looks like I need to add a few movie marathons to my next five years. I hope I still make Adam laugh, even if they are pity laughs. I hope Debbie, my car is still running. She's a good car.  I hope I have more nieces and nephews. Hey sister--in-laws, I'm talking to you. I hope I am happy. I hope I am content. I hope I have one of those homes that people feel comfortable in. Ya know the place where you walk in and just wanna grab a glass of wine and sit on the couch without asking? I want my home to be that place. I hope my wine collection only gets better so when people walk into my home they have a lot of options to pick from before they get cozy on the couch. I hope my best friends realize that Denver is a cool place to live and they move here too so we can have bachelor nights and spontaneous dinners on Tuesday nights with all the wine selections I have. I hope I'll have finally written that book I want to write. My journal is full of pages that I need to write. I hope I find the time to write that book. I hope that book becomes a centerpiece to my cozy home that my friends like hanging out at with wine, even with screaming kids running around while Lola and Henry chase them. That is where I hope to be in five years. 

Happy Monday friends. Here's to the next five minutes, the next five months and the next five years. May all your goals and dreams come true.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I said I was only going to blog every other week. I said I was going to tweet with the show Monday night. I said I was going to have this post out first thing Wednesday morning. But ya know what, life did not want me to run on any sort of schedule this week.

This crazy show sucks me in and I have to blog about it. I'm hoping it's weekly but all I know is that it's crazy up in here and deserves to be talked about. We can all thank the National Championship Monday night (go Clemson!) for my lack of tweeting Monday night. The game was too good and my husband was too excited. So, let's just say I took one for the team and watched 4 hours of football. I'll make up for it with lots of Bachelor watching. Then the week hit like a damn bat out of hell and the things I wanted to get done yesterday, probably wont get done until Saturday and that is just this week.

But ya know what? We are here, we are blogging and Nick is still the Bachelor. So I promise NEXT week I will tweet Monday and have the post to ya first thing Wednesday morning, at least I'll try.


Let's get to it shall we? We are finally in the season of group dates. I think we can all agree that dating in a group would suck. There is no way around it. Watching a girl you probably hate take the guy you are "dating" behind a wall to go make-out would probably feel like a sucker punch to the gut. But here is my disclaimer that I scream at the TV weekly - you knew what you were signing up for ladies.

Group Date 1: Is it just me or do these girls seem overly giddy about everythingggggg. Date card, whoooooo. Chris Harrison, whooooooo. Mimosas, whooooooo. Buicks, whooooooooo! Maybe it's the nerves, or maybe these girls have never seen a Buick before, the world may never know.

She (Corinne) is really making sure everyone knows she was the first to kiss him. This whole thing is so dumb. Corrinne is so dumb. 

I cannot help but agree with Adam that this is so dumb. This has to be the worst/raunchiest date - maybe not as bad as when Chris Soules made the girls ride tractors in bikinis, but too close to call.
It's pretty damn clean, they are all just kissing him because they think they should. Blech. But the one girls comment about it tasting like Danielle was hilarious. Side-note, I cannot wait until I know their names.

Let's jump to the Liz saga so we can be done with her: I swear to god if we have to hear one more time that she met Nick at Jade and Tanners wedding. OH MY LORD. I understand that the way the producers did this is so it sounds like shes actually saying it that much but really its just a voice-over, but still. Good gracious. She is starting to seem a little crazy town. and her faux-breakup with Nick seemed a lot. Nick is not buying the bullshit Liz is spewing.

Now to Corrinne: Corinne, you are gross and pretty classless. I'm over you. Oh, and brush your hair.

What is Corrinne doing?! Why does Nick keep letting her interact? Is this the third time? He's an idiot. 

One-on-one: Danielle is so darn cute, I LOVE that she got the first date. They are so darling together! She is seriously the sweetest girl ever and she's beautiful. I think they are so darn cute. I love watching them interact. They're both a little nerdy, a little quiet, but compliment each other so well. I think she is going to go pretty far in this game, I mean show, I mean relationship.

Oh my gosh, this conversation between Kristen and Liz is crazy. "I didn't know him like that" except you slept together -- so. Liz, you are starting to sound nuts and Kristen might kill you. PS I know that's not how her Kristen is spelled, but my way is easier.

Group Date 2: Borrrrrringgggggggg. This has to be the worst group date ever.  Slash this is so awkward. Does he mumble or is it me? Does Kristen look like she's 10? This group date was so horrible that I have nothing to say about it. I am bored.


Alright there you have it. Spoiler alert: Liz went home. Now, hopefully we never have to hear that voice-over that she slept with Nick ever again. But I guarantee it will come back to haunt us all. Next week should be interesting as they all finally find out about Nick's dirty drunk little secret.

They are finally here. My resolutions. Tiny goals to work on throughout the year in hopes of some major life changes. I mixed up resolutions a little bit this year and I'll explain why. I find tiny movements make big results. Big grandiose changes are great but hard to continue. Here's hoping my 2017 is full of small intentional changes, resulting in something great.

Darling Savage is one of my most favorite Instagram accounts as it is always filled with encouraging words and great pictures. Recently, they posted the best picture. A piece of paper with a line down the middle, on the left the word less, on the right, the word more. From there, she created her list of what she desires more and less of in 2017.

I love New Years Resolutions. I love lists. I love setting goals for myself even if I fail to complete those goals by February. I hold myself accountable by putting it all out there, even if out there is just my personal diary.

In 2008, I grew up. In 2013, I vowed to love bigger. In 2015, I made some crazy resolutions. In 2016,  my goal was to be more intentional and my word(s) were to trust the timing of my life.

Now, here we are in 2017 and I'm not sure I'm ready to pick a word to describe the year. I've got a few in mind, things that I want to change, things I want to do and focus on, but for some reason, I am finding it hard to pick one word to define an entire year, a full 365 days. But this is my place. This is where I put words to keyboard. This is where I hold myself accountable. I'm going to set my intentions here. What I want more and less of in 2017. It might not be as succinct as one word, but it's a start.


2017 is my year of no and yes. No to things that I don't want to do 100%. Yes to things that matter.

Jen Hatmaker is responsible for giving me my life motto, one I plan to live by this year. If it's not a hell yes, then it's a no. Time is so so valuable and it's time I start acting like it. This means quality time with people who deserve quality time. This means spending my time doing things that deserve my time. I don't have enough time as is, it's time I start using it wisely.

This year is about learning to say no and saying yes to the great things. This is what I want less and more of in my 2017.

Less:

• Screen time: This is something I'm always working on and when I do, it makes me so happy. . 
• Complaining: I have way too much to be thankful for to complain.
• Gossip: Enough said.
• Road-rage: I've been working on this for a while, I'm getting better...
• Stress: If not getting rid of it, learning to manage it better
• Comparison: This biggest thief of joy is comparison. 
• Settling: in all aspects
• Procrastinating
• Stuff

Alright everyone, my intentions have been set, that means I cant break them, right? No, that means I can push full force ahead. This is the year of happy, the year of more and the year of no. This is the year where we all find our joy.

What are you wanting more and less of in 2017? Share your lists below.

Congrats, you are officially 9 days into the new year! For the sake of brutal honesty, this is when I start losing all New Years Resolution motivation. I really just want to lay in bed and eat pizza.

Yes, we are 9 days in to the new year and yes, I still haven't shared my resolutions with you yet. I'm so not blog trendy. I'm mixing up the way I do resolutions this year and I'm just not quite ready to share them. Don't you worry, you'll be the first to know them when I do (ps check back Wednesday!).


My friend posted this quote on Instagram and I love it: "And now let us welcome the new year - full of things that have never been." Rainer Maria Rilke.That's good shit right there, thank you Angie.

For a little insight, this quote includes one of my goals, new things for a new year. What about you? What are you working on for the new year? If you're like many out there, diet and exercise is top of the list. I know it's always been on mine.

One of my favorite ways to start the new year is to do 30 days of paleo. Yes, I eat paleo 80% of the time anyways, but most of the time, I allow myself cheat days on the weekends. I love starting the year with 30 very clean days. Even if no weight is lost, it's a great way to start feeling clean and fresh.

Starting clean is hard. On New Years Eve I was eating the most amazing charcuterie I've ever made and now I'm not even allowed to look at cheese. It's hard giving up food you love, but I promise it'll be worth it.

When I started eating paleo I turned to my friend and guru Callie for advice and support. My number one piece of advice when starting something like this is to know what you're doing and have support.

Oh, and hey, side-note - - I am not a doctor. Major life/diet changes should probably be run by a doc before hand. Yes, it works for me, but before you do anything drastic, please make sure it's the best (and most healthy) option for you. 

But, having support is huge. Adam is my biggest support because he loves cooking and eating healthy with me too. It's important for me that he supports me in this because eating healthy is hard and it would be harder if while I'm eating grilled chicken, he's eating pizza. It's easier together.

So you want to get started on a paleo diet huh? Well luckily for you, here are my top three tips:

• Tip #1: Clean out your pantry and got rid of all processed stuff. Eating clean and cutting things out of your diet is hard enough, don't make it even harder by having pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream in the fridge. 
• Tip #2: Make a long grocery list and be prepared to shop. Key to this diet is having great food on hand and a little bit of meal prep. 
• Tip #3: Allow yourself to falter. If you go 100% all the time you will likely get burned out and hate it. Be easy on yourself. We all need a little grace. 

We are back. Can you believe it? I'm pretty sure the Bachelor airs more times in a year than Keeping up with the Kardashians, which is almost impossible. But, here we are. This is Nicks fourth time on some version of the Bachelor. Runner up with Andi. runner up with Kaitlyn, dumped Jen and now Chris decided it would be a good idea for him be the one. He has been coined the most hated Bachelor in History. What are your thoughts? Were you glad to see Nick back? I for one am undecided.

If you're new around here, welcome! A little about me. I love the Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise so much that I blog about it every week. I don't have time to do laundry, but you better believe I have two hours Monday night to blog along. If you don't like the Bachelor, feel free to skip my Wednesday posts. They don't last for long and they're usually pretty funny. Plus, Adam commentates (he doesn't know though, so please don't tell him if you see him).

I'm changing things up a little bit, I'm gonna be posting on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. I need a little extra time to make the post just right. And, I might only post every other week-- except when I told my friend that, she said that was a bad idea and she wanted a post every week. Thoughts? I need your insight! I'm going to try and tweet more Monday nights so make sure to find me there (kristengrace1)

Adam is convinced that this is going to be the worst season in the history of bachelor. And that is saying a lot because I think he secretly likes watching with me. Yes, he reads the WSJ the entire time, but I know he secretly has one eye on the TV. He even asked if we should play fantasy bachelor. He's hooked.


Let's get to the episode. The first episode is always a little anti-climactic for me. We meet the girls, realize they're all at least 10 years younger than the lead and discover new job titles, like aspiring dolphin trainer, that is not a thing.

Ben, Chris and Sean gossiping about Nick while drinking what is supposed to look like whiskey, but I would assume is some kind of diet pop. I think we could turn this season into a pretty intense drinking game. Every time someone says. "I hated you" or some version of hate/despise or when someone says "Fourth times a charm" DRINK. His last name is vile? If you forgot, all italics are Adam.

Does anyone make the connection that Andi was an attorney and so is the first girl Rachel? Hmm, curious (and she gets the first impression rose? I'm sensing a type).

Oh my gosh, the special needs teacher, break my heart, she is so sweet and those kids are so cute. Josephine, no. Gosh, the girls are so young this year, isn't he like 40? 

Corine is gorgeous, but I think she is going to be the shit stirrer and is probably only here to get Instagram famous. Betches on Instagram posted a photo saying "All the girls that get sent home the first night are just sad they cant sell tea on Instagram now" That is Corinna to a t!

Danielle, the baby nurse seems really normal - I'm sending her to top 4 status. Of course there is a girl that Nick already knows and slept with. Way to create drama right off the bat.

I'm calling it, this is going to be the worst season.

Expectations are pretty low over here people. Danielle is a stunner and he's impressed. Christen is a little celebrity nuts. Law school graduate is not a career - trust me. Balls, beard massages and the hotdog in the book, yikes. I'm starting to agree with Adam that this season might be a little bad.

Why is this season so sexual? I liked it before when it was all latent tension with no actual sex talk. Oh my gosh, the shark/dolphin, that cannot be real.

Oh god, this whole thing is highly unfortunate. Corinne is going to be the crazy girl.

I think it is so funny when girls act all surprised when one girls steals Nick and start talking crap. Ladies, we know you've seen this, you know what is going to happen. Man up. Yes, Jasmine, congrats, you are the first to cry! Rachel, first rose! Yeah girl!

Babe, I just don't think this is gonna be a good one.

My picks for top 4: Danielle L. Danielle M., Rachel, Astrid. Let's be real, this is the first season I don't see a super top front runner.

Alright, that was it. How ya feeling? Here's who went home. I don't know who anyone is yet, so this doesn't mean a lot, but byyyy felicas.

Happy 2017 everyone! How crazy that feels to type! It seems like as I get older the years go faster and faster! One way I try and slow that down is to reminisce on all the things from the last year. Year is Review is one of my most favorite posts. I just love looking back on everything from the previous year.

Before we get started -- a huge thanks is necessary to all you lovely blog readers who have turned friends and supporters. Thank you for loving Everyday Grace as much as I do. Thank you for supporting this space, these posts and me. It wouldn't be here without all of you. Cheers to 2017, better posts, more posts and lots of fun.


This is a big post peeps, get ready! 2014, I got engaged. 2015, I got married. 2016, I lived my married life.

This has been a year. Some have called it the worst year for celebrities in history of years. Some have called it the worst year period. And yes, there have been some crazzyyyy things to occur this year, but I still think 2016 was pretty dang good. Let's recap, shall we?

January: January started slow with sober and paleo January. While that isn't the most fun way to start a year, it is such a refreshing way to start. Adam and I celebrated 8 months of marriage, the bachelor was in full swing, the Broncos were in the playoffs, I featured some really fun bloggers and we found out we got the house of our dreams! It was a quite, but fun month! The best part, the quite before the year really started.


February: The month of babies and new houses! In February, two of my best friends had their baby showers. I ventured to Omaha to throw a shower with my girl B, for our best girl Lyndsey. It was such a fun (cold) weekend celebrating all the love a new baby brings. After Omaha, Adam and I closed on our house and finally moved in thanks to his parents huge help! It was so incredible. At the end of February, I ventured to Arizona for Whitney's baby shower! I just LOVED celebrating all these amazing babies in my life. February went so fast, but was one of my favorite months ever. The best part, watching my best friends celebrate their babies.


March: March was the month of visitors. Adams best friends, my parents, my sister and brother in law and a couple friends of ours. Now that we have a house, it is so fun that we can have people stay with us! In March, we found out that Lauren won Ben's heart on the Bachelor, I made some horrible paleo recipes and figured out how to use Snapchat. The best part, I got to go to Arizona to celebrate my best friend and her stunning wedding shower. I'm pretty sure there is nothing better than watching your best friend get married. March was full of lots of love.


April: In April, we celebrated our two-year Denver Anniversary, I surprised my best friends and spent 18 hours in Arizona meeting my best friends new little babe, we celebrated our first Easter together and made rack of lamb and I conquered paleo desserts. The best part of April - Coti's bachelorette party in San Diego. Part of this trip went into May, but the first day of the trip was the best.


May: May was a long month. It started with a bang celebrating Coti's bachelorette party. It was hands down the best celebration ever. Adam and I celebrated ONE year of marriage, crazy! Then I ventured to Omaha to celebrate another best girl of mine's baby, PLUS my brother-in-law got engaged and JoJo became the bachelorette. May ended with some serious sadness in our family with the passing of Adam's grandfather. He was a great man who lived a great life and it was an honor to celebrate him. The best part of May was celebrating our one year of marriage, being married to Adam is the greatest thing ever.


June: I turned 29, but the entire month of June is dedicated to Coti's wedding! We celebrated it in April and May, but the ultimate celebration came in Charlottesville, Virginia! It was the BEST weekend ever celebrating Coti. That was the best part of June and it deserves it's own month.


July: Omaha, Tahoe, Adele and a surprise 30th birthday party for Adam! Oh, what a month. We spent the 4th with our family in Omaha, 6 days in Tahoe with family + we found out we were getting another nephew, friends came to Denver and we saw ADELE and then.. all our best friends and family came to Denver to surprise Adam with a crawfish boil 30th birthday. This month was the best because it was so full of family and friends. My heart is so full.


August: One year post knee surgery, hurray! And the best part, getting Lola! We spent the whole month potty training a pup. We had a great visit from Lyndsey, Kyle and her little babe Caroline! It was a perfectly, slow August full of patio time and cocktails.


September: September started with the gallon challenge. A gallon of water a day. It was SO dang hard, but really glad I did it. Adam and I surprised my Dad for his 65th birthday in Arizona. We had an amazing dinner with our his friends and our family. Celebrating my dad was the BEST part of September.


October: We finished the gallon challenge in October, hallelujah. I had the best girls weekend in Denver and we did everything under the sun. My brother and sister in law came in town and we did the Great American Beer Festival. Then we ventured to Omaha to celebrate my adorable nieces 4th birthday! Last but not least, my parents were so sweet and came to Denver to bring me stuff from heir house, we topped off the weekend with a Broncos game and win! October was so fun, but the best part was all our visitors.


November: Adam and I celebrated 6 years together! Is that possible? Adam went to Notre Dame for football, I went to Omaha for a baby shower. My new nephew was born!! Trump won the election. Cubs won the World Series. And, to cap off the month, Adam and I ventured back to Omaha for Thanksgiving. This month seemed to fly by but the best part is that November is the ultimate month of gratitude.


December: I think December is my favorite month every year. It is always snowy in Denver, full of Christmas lights, fun trips, great happy hours and lots of family time. To start off the month, Adam and I hosted breakfast club and watched the Broncos win, Adams parents came into town and we went to Vail. I found out I'm cleared to ski again! We had happy hours with friends. And then to top it off, ventured to Arizona for Christmas where we got to watch my new nephew get baptized, celebrate my mom's 65th birthday and spend 5 solid days with family. New Years ended with a bang with a great group of friends to ring in the new year.


You guys made it!

I know everyone said 2016 wasn't the greatest year, but I would beg to differ. It's so easy to get caught up in all the bad stuff that happens and forget the great and amazing things. My friend told me the other day, it's easy to be good when life is good, but its when life is hard that you get to be great.

Happy New Year, Happy 2017! I have a feeling this year is going to be even better than 2016. Here's to being kinder than last year, working harder and being great.

Ps. Get ready because tomorrow The Bachelor posts are back and boy do we have a lot to talk about!