It's finally Friday, hooray! This week has been one for the record books. Long days, long nights and I was a day ahead all week. Seriously, is there anything worse than waking up on Thursday thinking it's Friday? Nope. There isn't, I checked.

My parents arrived last night and I am so excited they are here and they get to be here for a snowy weekend in Denver. My mom always says that she wouldn't mind a little cold. Welp, I think Denver and mother nature heard her loud and clear. We are in for a chilly semi-snowy weekend.

There is nothing better than having my parents in town. I just love it. Sometimes I tell Adam that I don't feel like an adult and we're living in this house playing make believe house. It gives me comfort to have adults in the house, my parents specifically.


This outfit has quickly become on of my go-tos. This shirt is literally my favorite shirt. I wear it probably a little too often. And who knew mom-jeans would be my favorite pair of jeans! I call them mom jeans because they are very high-waisted and have a little longer of a crotch than most skinny jeans.

Yesterday, while in a daze at work, I was day dreaming about all the good things, all the things that make me happy. I posted a quote on the blog a while ago and I think about it often -->

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.

Every morning when we get up, we get to make the choice to be happy or not. Yes, life sometimes sucks. It's hard. There's a lot of sadness and darkness. But there is also so much light. There is so much good in this world and I think too often it's easier to dwell on the bad. Today, I'm choosing the happy. There was a lot of good stuff in the blog world and beyond this week, let's talk about it.

• Thomas Rhett came out with a new song today, "Craving you." It's so good. You can listen to it below. 
• Juli at Paleo OMG is killing the food game with her Seared Ahi Tuna Sushi Bowls. I am dying to make this soon. 
• Ashley at Afternoon Espresso is styling her baby bump in the cutest way with this target slip dress. I know where I'm headed after work! I think the slip dress is going to be the cutest summer trend.
• Natalie and I went to college together at Pepperdine and is now absolutely killing the blog game, jewelry making game and mama game. She makes the cutest jewelry ever and I'm dying over this Chrissy necklace. It's almost my name which means I should probably buy it, right? 
• I am currently obsessed with bell sleeves and white pants. It all feels so summery to me. Caitlin at Southern Curls and Pearls has styled my dream outfit. 
• Taylor at Daily Tay just became an aunt again, so I can totally relate to her on this post: How to be the fun aunt. That is my daily objective. How do I make my nieces and nephews love me the most. It's a constant struggle. This post is hilar. 
• I am so glad sneakers are becoming popular again. Do we call them sneakers or tennis shoes? I may never get it right, but Gucci sure did with these embroidered rose sneakers. Now, how do I convince Adam that $695 is justifiable if they're Gucci and I promise to wear them all the time. 

Happy Friday friends! This week seemed to flyyyyy -- did anyone else have that feeling? This week was so exciting watching the Cubs win! I didn't really care who win seeing they both haven't won in years, but watching Bill Murray and all those boys was too cute for words. Congrats Cubs, you deserve this one big time!


I am so glad Friday is here. A relaxing weekend is just what the doctor ordered. Every Friday I always think, this weekend I'm going to get a ton of blog posts written. But ya know what? I haven't felt like it. Let's get a little raw here, shall we?

We've talked about this before. The immense pressure to put pen to paper and give you something you need, something pinnable, something fascinating. I started avoiding my blog email at all costs because it meant I had to feel the guilt that comes with this space. That is a terrible feeling.


This space is supposed to be where I go for inspiration and excitement. But lately all it makes me feel is inadequate. Every time I express these feelings, I get the same response, "but you're a good blogger, keep it up." Don't get the message twisted here, this isn't a sayonara to blogging. But it is a slow down.

I started thinning out Facebook bloggers (I was following over 500!) That's crazy. I want to read the people I love, not feel like I have to follow everyone in the world because it's what I'm supposed to do. I was missing my blogging besties blogs because I was following people I had never heard of.

I stopped taking "classes" because it's overwhelming and makes me feel bad about myself and who needs that. I stopped reading those posts that are only about growing and success because I'm here to connect with people. If my blog stays this little space because I'm not posting at the right time, then that's okay.

I got an email this morning with these stats -- 

Facebook – 2 times per day
Twitter – 3 times per day
LinkedIn – 1 time per day
Google+ – 3 times per day
Pinterest – 5x per dayInstagram – 1.5 times per day 

...And it said quote, "But it’s not just about posting more stuff on social. If you want to get 40 times more engagement on each social media post you must do this daily." 

If I learned anything in law school, it's that an answer with a must or always in the answer is always a wrong answer. 

I want this space to grow because you, all of you fabulous readers out there like it and help it grow! And while we are talking about readers, here's a quick thank you! I have the best blog friends in the world. You are more supportive than some of my real-life friends. You reach out, you send emails, you comment and it means the world. THAT is why I do this! You are why I love to write.

So you are all probably wondering why I just ranted forever about pretty much nothing. Well, ranting is how I hold myself accountable and its how to release some self guilt. Here's what I want moving forward. Real, good, quality posts that make you guys happy and make me happy. That might mean posts every day or once a week. I cannot guarantee a post every Tuesday at 9am even though that is what I'm "supposed" to do. But, I can guarantee, real life in these posts moving forward. Whew, I can already feel the blog-guilt dissipating.

And hey, if you're only looking for pinnable images and things that will grow your space, this probably isn't the blog for you. If you're looking for honestly, real life and totally delicious recipes, then this is the space and welcome!

And hey, blogging gurus, please don't take this post the wrong way. You are my role-models. One day, maybe, I'd love to do what you do. But for now, watching you, trying to catch up with you has me utterly exhausted. I'm done chasing you and from now on I'm gonna run at my own pace.

Stick around everyone. I (moving forward) promise to keep it interesting. If nothing less, I promise to come to you guilt free and with some good stuff to fill your inbox. Thanks for sticking with me. Should we look at some awesome stuff that happened this week around the web? I think we should.

I'ts been a year ladies and gents. My last Friday Confessions was just three weeks into 2016 and here we are in the middle of March! I cannot believe how fast this year is flying!

1. Today is my niece Violet's FIRST birthday! She visited us last weekend and is such a little joy. She's smiley, happy and so dang good! See pic below - we took a selfie, obvs. Happy Birthday Baby V! 
2. The NCAA Tournament started yesterday and my bracket is already broken. How is that possible. 
3. I'm going to Arizona tomorrow because it's my best friends wedding shower! AH! T-86 days until she gets married. This is huge news people. 
4. I cannot stop thinking about this Lemon Chicken Risotto. If I was going to be in town this weekend, it's what I would be making. 
5. It is literally taking every piece of self-control I have not to go to McDonald's and buy a Shamrock Shake. Did you know they have 23 teaspoons of sugar in them. TWENTY-THREE. Is that even legal? I'll just stick to my water. 
6. The last time I did this I talked about Instagram and the challenge I have gaining followers. I also promised a huge giveaway at 2000 followers. I'm not there yet. Let's get there! 
7. Next weekend is Easter and the first Easter in my life that Adam and I (and pre-dating Adam, just me) will not be spending it with family. This is my first holiday just me and Adam. While a part of me is kind of bummed we're not spending it with our families, I'm kind of pumped to create a tradition with just us two. And Henry, obvs. 
8. Allergies suck. Yesterday I blew my nose like 100 times. I tried counting, but I lost count.
9. This post by Kallie about Things Only Dog Owners Will Understand. Its hilarious and so true.
10. I'm really loving Snapchat lately. Monday, I'm sharing my favorite Snapchat accounts to follow - you do not want to miss this. PS -- Mine is Kgrace01
11. I'm really excited about the way the Bachelor ended. While I really wanted him to end up with JoJo, I am absolutely pumped that she is the new Bachelorette. PS. That giveaway is almost over, don't forget to enter! 
12. As I write this post, it is snowing outside. Snowing. Do you know how horrible that is. Last weekend it was 73! Thank Jesus, I'm going to Arizona Saturday.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have the best weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! There's a lot going on over here in our little city of Denver, Colorado. We're only 15 days in to the new year, but I can already tell this is going to be one fabulous year. Cue the Usher song, these are my (friday) confessions.

• I am not handling the news that One Direction is breaking up very well. Between N'Sync taking a temporary hiatus in 2002 and never coming back -- to Blake and Miranda divorcing in 2015, I am not ready for another break up. 
• Adam and I are one month from closing on a house! Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly! P.S. Just you wait for my how-to-buy-a-house post - it's a doozy. 
• As of today I have had no alcohol nor have I cheated on the paleo diet in 15 days and I am feeling great. Honestly, I've never slept better. Now, let's get down and dirty; Bachelor is not the same without wine. 
• NBC is doing a 2-hour special honoring the director of Friends and the WHOLE cast is going to be there. Talk about reunion. I'm freaking out. 
• Adele's album has been out over almost 2 months and it's still the only CD I listen to. I literally can't stop. 
• I'm ready for summer. Am I allowed to say that? I was so ready for winter, but not being able to ski in Colorado sucks. Time for tans, outdoor BBQs and fruity drinks.
• I just changed my Siri voice to a British woman and it's the best thing I've done in a long time.
• I've never seen Star Wars before, so Adam and I started Episode 4 and I LOVED it. My goal is to get them all watched in time to still see the new one in theaters. 
• This week has been so busy. Last night, I was in bed at 7pm. You can start calling me Grandma Kristen. I totally own my early bedtime. 
• This is a pathetic confession, but I'm really trying to grow my Instagram and it is the biggest game of hide and seek ever. Hey followers, come out, come out wherever you are. 
• I'm planning a huge giveaway for once I get to 2000 followers. So, hey, let's get there, the giveaway is great, I promise! 
• I'm obsessed with this mug my friend Ally made me. She owns an Etsy store and creates amazing stuff. Go check her out! 

Happy Friday peeps - what are your fun weekend plans?