New blog address

I've changed this blog address!  No longer is it rachelnkellar.blogspot.com

It is now rachelkellar.blogspot.com.  See how that 'n' is gone? clever!

With my twitter as @rachelkellar

and my Pinterest www.pinterest.com/rachelkellar I had to keep the branding going.

I'm trying to using blogging as another stream of income (as soon as Google Adsense let's me place ads on this blog).  So I'm educating myself on blogging protocol. 

Rule #1 brand brand brand!!

I'll share with you the steps along the way, but you might want to update your google readers so you don't lose the updates to this blog.

Don't forget to check out my other blog: www.highheelsandgrits.blogspot.com for all the country bumpkin's

Invitation

After the diamond guy we met with our invitation designer, Liz.  Liz is actually a family friend.  She dated my dad in college and now is in the Women’s Guild with my mom at our church.  They are great friends, having all gone to college together.  So we are very blessed to have her in our life and to have her want to be an active part of our wedding.


She’s such an artist, as soon as you pull up to her house you are drawn to the creativity.  I wish I had taken some pictures….she has a huge front yard with an seating arrangement featuring a hanging chandelier…IN HER FRONT YARD. 


Amazing. 


Inside her home seems small, which I don’t understand looking at the outside.  But I think instead of small I would say it’s comfortable, inviting and intimate. 


She painted her pantry door with chalkboard paint and had a cute surprise waiting for us there…

So sweet right?  I’m excited to see where she takes my ideas for a barn, a barn brand and all our crazy requests in regards to the save the dates, invitations, rsvps, programs and thank yous.


We'll need:
- Save the Date
- Invitation with RSVP card
- Church Program
- Thank you cards


I love the chalkboard, wood grain look as seen on my pinterest wedding page.


Ahh! So much to think of and so little time!!


Living Life to the Fullest and blessed with talented friends along the way!


-Rachel

UPDATE: 30 before 30

6mths after my first 30 before 30 post....let's see how I've done:

1. Pay off all loans except Sallie Mae (the big one)
2. Marry man of my dreams
3. Become a director in USANA
4. Travel to Europe
5. Vacation with best friends!
6. Run a half marathon (yikes!) but after reading this: http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/26/27-marathons/?cp=23 I'm not going to do it publicly.... That will probably help it happen!
7. Grow an herb garden
8. Complete wedding planner certification
9. Make a dress from scratch
10. Lose 35 lbs (if I can do #6 i can probably do this)
11. Begin a blogging habit
12. Have multiple streams of income
13. Get a mammogram (mom got breast cancer at 40) Had this done on March 15th and she found 2 benign 'potatoes' so I'll need a mammogram at age 30 for sure.
14. Get dogs UTD on shots
15. Get a big dog!! (bullmastiff!)
16. umm finish this list (30 things is alot! with only 4 years to do it! ay!)
17. Become a CMP
18. Make multiple pins from pinterest https://pinterest.com/rachelkellar/completed-pins/ 
19. Remember friends' birthdays and send card in mail!
20. Throw really great party for each friend (birthday, baby shower, bridal shower, whatev the reason) <-- I tried this this year, but it didn't work out as well as I would hope.  It's an ongoing goal21. Help mom on her dental practice website: http://www.drpaticiakellardds.com/ SEO, Google Analytics
22. Travel to NYC with sisters
23. Restrict eating habit - mainly vegetables, pasta, rice and fish. Honey=sweets
24. Get my fashion sense back - ay! suits suck
25. Be grateful that I have time and effort to volunteer (I'm giving, not receiving acts of service)
26. Help someone who is unemployed find a job
27. Make spiked eggnog
28. Eat crock pot meals 2 weeks each month (save time and money)
29. Get business name registered
30. Be determined

I'd say I've done 4.5 of the 30 things. 
With 4 years until age 30 I'll need to do 7.5 a year.
I'm more than halfway there!!!

How's your life goal list going?

Living Life to the Fullest and completing goals along the way!

-Rachel

Be Happy

There is WAY too much going on in my life right now.  It's ALL great, but it's ALOT.

Wrapping up Easter and one of my best friend's birthdays I wanted to share something with you all that has worked WONDERS for me and my outlook on life lately.

I hope the following is helpful to you...if it's not, take a deep breath, open your mind and your heart (mainly your heart) and read it again.  It's a note from our creator:


I have made this day for you. Be careful not to complain about anything in it ~ not your English test, not your frizzy hair, not even the weather ~ because I am the Creator of this day. Instead, decide to be happy today. Open your eyes, and choose to look for all the blessings I have hidden in this day.
Then live today ~ just today. Don’t think about mistakes you’ve made in the past. Don’t worry about what will happen tomorrow. You will  only end up wasting today. I want you to enjoy abundant Life in My Presence ~ today!

This amazing note is from a children's book: Jesus Calling which I found on Traci's blog: http://www.beneathmyheart.net/

So please enjoy today!  Live today! & Be Happy Today!




Living Life to the Fullest and deciding to be happy today.
-Rachel

If you're always

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Living Life the fullest as I enjoy my time left in Dallas

You can't be fearful

This week has been weird!  Mainly Tuesday and Wednesday, I've been in a funk.

I think it's because I had a job interview on Monday and it wasn't as great as I thought it would be.  It went well, but he needs to fill another position before he can even think about hiring for the position I interviewed for.  So that kinda shot me down and I've been down ever since.

I'm also SO ready to start wedding planning but I can't do anything until I pick a wedding date.  I can't do that until we meet with the priest which can't happen until after Easter, so we're at a stand still.

I've also started packing up my apartment. It's really sad to come home to bare walls and boxes.   But I know it's better to get started sooner rather than later.

Today I took my vitamins (haven't done that in 5 days) and saw this quote:

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So True.

I can't be scared I didn't get the job and grateful I was even considered for an interview.

I can't be fearful our wedding date will be unavailable and grateful I have an amazing man to marry!

I can't be scared to leave my apartment and thankful I have a safe home waiting for me on the other side. 

It's one or the other.  If I'm scared, I'm not thankful.  How can you be thankful for something you are scared of?  I know you can- I'm doing it right now, but I shouldn't.  That's the point.

It's all about perspective. 

Another night of solid sleep and I should be good to go!  Just in time for the weekend.

Living Life the the fullest with gratitude not fear.

Smitten by Spanx

PLEASE tell you you've read Forbes magazine before.  And you were totally bored with most of the articles unless they mentioned the mansions or the luxury vacations right?  No?  Just me?

If it's not the fancy things that catch your eye, maybe it's the social responsibility articles you like.  Millionaires make money by not screwing up environment or employees lifestyles and actually pay fair wages! (it's like finding a needle in a haystack but good guys do exist) I like those articles but everything else is SO boring.  Wow, a rich white guy gets richer?  Wow an old white guy gives his company to his son, who would have thought....I'd rather learn about the underdog.  Because, let's face it, I'm the underdog. 

So as I'm sitting at the doctor last Thursday I began to read the World's Billionaires of 2012 issue.  I officially have my first girl crush.  Sara Blakey created my FAVORITE accessory.  Not shoes, not a new purse, it doesn't even have anything to do with diamonds.  She created SPANX and became a billionaire in the process.

If you are a woman and you enjoy working and making money.  Or if you are at a point in your life and you are thinking there is SO much more you can do and you just don't know what it is.....read this article! 

Sara was doing fine.  She had a great sales job and excelled at her job!  But wearing panty hose in the Florida heat did not cut it for her.  She loved the control top, but not the sweaty legs.  She needed a product that nobody was making.  Her confidence from her sales job and her business background propelled her into the youngest woman self-made billionaire in this issue.  Please please please read this.  Go to the doctor and read it there!  Or buy a freakin' issue.  I hope she inspires you.  Like I said, I'm in love with her confidence and her drive to excellence!



Another thing I learned from this issue: Walmart execs are so freaking rich they make up something like 5 out of the top 10 USA billionaires.  Boycotting Walmart will not save the starving children.  They are 'Too Big to Fail'. 
     Warren Buffet, Christy Walton, Jim Walton, Alice Walton, S. Robson Walton


Living Life to the fullest finding inspiration in underwear!

Wedding images I love

Dear Martha Stewart Weddings,

I love that you added a 'Pin It' button your site, but for some reason my browser doesn't pick up the images in your gallery (it only picks up the smaller images on the page).  So I'm giving you credit here, but I'd love if you could fix that so my pins go right to your site.

EDIT(3/23): turns out my computer is just too slow to pick up the button for pinning, but either way when you try to use the 'Pin It' button it pins the first page of the gallery, no the picture you are looking at.  Get it together Martha.

Thanks, your biggest fan!

On the barn doors?
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Love candles - this makes them more modern!
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The Man would love this, he's always dunking stuff in his coffee
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Simple, elegant and powerful! 
Too bad peopies are $4.95 a stem wholesale!
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nice way to give the guys some character without changing the entire suit
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Instead of a ring pillow - an antique ring box!  love!
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Living Life to the Fullest by moving in a forward direction!

-Rachel

Sharing is Caring

Have you heard about Kony 2012? 

My 15 year old sister sent me a Facebook request about Kony today.  And then my friends at Dateless Until I Do wrote a blog post about it as well.  They included a 29 minute video that I started to watch, but the tears were flowing so be warned!

The author of this video begins by pointing out that due to the internet, social media and facebook we can share everything today.  And when you look at Pinterest, Twitter, Google+ you realize people are very willing to share.  It's almost addicting.  But then, when it comes to war, murder, injustice and the loss of human rights - who is willing to share their view on that?  Especially when it isn't our war and our personal human rights....

I've realized if I want my blog to be a platform of my life and what I find important than I must be true to myself and share this with you.   I'd share it with my family, the Man and my friends so I'm sharing it with you.  Watch this video

I also want to share with you an amazing book I recently read. 

It was given to me by the Man's sister.  His sister is an incredibly loving stay at home mom who volunteers her time with the Church.  I was shocked this small town mom would find a book about a person and event halfway around the world!  This book ,"Left to Tell", is about the 1994 Rwanda genocide.  Not exactly the bedtime reading that I am familiar with.  But don't worry this book will not give you nightmares.  Instead the author, Immaculee, passes along her courage, faith and passion for Living Life to the Fullest!  If you need a copy of this book feel free to borrow mine!  But purchasing this book online ensures the funds go towards the recovery of the people of Rwanda. 

In the mean time, learn about Kony 2012!  Hopefully someone has already shared this with you and you can share it with someone!

I've finally silenced my mind and listened to my heart....

wish me luck!!

Living Life to the Fullest by silencing my mind....try it!

-Rachel

Screen Time

Watching movies is something me and the Man do often.  It's an inexpensive date night option which we need since our date nights cost over $100 (due to our long distance relationship and gas at $3.50+). 

Recently I got to choose the movie - let's face it I always choose the movie, he's so awesome.  I picked:

I love movies like this....where you think it will all end happily ever after and it doesn't.  If you haven't seen it, don't worry I didn't spoil the movie. 

Side bar: If you watch New Girl (on Fox) you would have heard Schmidt say the following when Winston talks about what to do on Valentines Day:

Winston (Lamorne Morris): She just wants a relaxed night in. It actually sounds kinda sexy. Dude, we’re just trying to figure each other out. That’s all.

Schmidt: You know where that puts you in six months? Watching It’s Complicated on DVD while you cradle your newborn baby to sleep. And guess what! It’s not complicated. It’s about a bunch of rich white people who are remodeling their kitchen.

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Yes Schmidt it is about their kitchen and that is  one of my favorite things about this movie!  

Take a look:

Love Spanish roof and wall of wood. 

Also varying heights of potted plants

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Love large window, open shelving, ceiling shelf collection and draped cabinets

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Love hanging pots, corner stove, two islands (one on wheels)

(one as a breakfast bar) and love the pop of color everywhere!

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Also love the extra large open double door into the dining area

and finally the chairs at the table - gorg!

What is your favorite TV kitchen?

Ever seen the (now cancelled) TV Show 'Brothers and Sisters'?  Everything happens in the kitchen - I'll have to share that with you next time it's 'Screen Time'!

Try to be better than your best

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered,

you will never grow."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think of a millionaire, think of a person of power like a politician.  Think of someone you like.  Think of someone you don't like.  Do you have their shining faces in your mind?

Of the millionaire and politician that came to your mind, which one do you respect? Which do you look up to?  Are you jealous of either of them?  Do you know someone who does disrespect these people?  Are there people who don't look up to them?  Don't deny that there is someone in the world who is jealous of these successful people....

What about the people you selected as people you like and dislike.  Why do you feel that way about them?  Do you like them because you respect and look up to them?  Or do you dislike them because you are jealous of them or don't understand their life choices?  Would you ever consider learning more about the person you dislike in order to understand where they are coming from?

This is a small exercise about the misconceptions thrown the direct sales industry.  Those women driving around in pink Cadillacs, those Usana reps traveling the world... Do we really dislike them or do we just wish we were them?  Do we doubt ourselves so much that we write off the possibility of being them?  What about the possibility of being BETTER than them?  Are we so scared we can't even take the first step? 

It seems people are very vocal when it comes to sharing negative feedback.  Don't believe me?  Look all over the Internet!!  But do you know what's harder than speaking up?  Keeping your mouth shut and proving someone wrong through actions.
Instead of knocking the millionaire, the politician, the person you dislike....learn from them, be open to where they are coming from and come to a conclusion out of educated respect not pre-judgement.  Being open to direct sales means creating your own business and getting to work!  Putting the ACT in Action.  Actions speak louder than words - so stop making excuses, stop complaining, shut your mouth and either get to work or get researching.  But either way, TRY SOMETHING NEW.  If you're salary you'll never make more money, and if you're hourly making more money costs you extra time and energy....research direct sales and see what residual income costs and see how much you can gain from it too!

"The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better

than those who try to do nothing and succeed." 

~Lloyd Jones

Living life to the fullest and trying every day !!

http://www.livinglifetothefullest.usana.com/

The Honest Truth

I really do my best to not pre-judge but it happens.  And I am the first to admit to being a skeptic.  It happens in business and even my love life.  It's sad when you doubt someone's true intentions and when you finally do it's too late and the opportunity is gone.  So when USANA said they are the best of the best, I admit a part of me (0.001%) couldn't believe it.  I didn't want to be a part of some cult that preaches and it's members blindly follow...with a biochemistry background, I needed scientific proof these products were legit.  My prayers were answered this week and I was born a 100% believer!!!

ConsumerLabs, as in the Consumer Reports, the most legitimate product review company in America, tested USANA products and found the following:

ConsumerLab.com has announced that they’ve tested and approved the flagship USANA product, the USANA® Essentials™. This independent testing verifies the supplements that make up the Essentials meet ConsumerLab.com’s strict requirements for ingredient quality and quantity.

In other words, the Essentials was just tested by one of the most stringent third-party groups out there, and passed with flying colors!

Why aren't you getting any healthier and making money with a team that is moving mountains with the creditials to prove it!!!
(oh ya, stocks are up too)

Call or e-mail me TODAY: http://www.livinglifethefullest.usana.com/ and join the momentum!!


Living Life to the Fullest with a Consumer Reports ConsumerLab.com validation!

-Rachel Kellar




I also wanted to share this article that goes into more specifics about the how and why USANA earned this recognition

ACE OUT HUNGER with WTA and USANA

USANA HEALTH SCIENCES AND WTA LAUNCH “ACE OUT HUNGER” PROGRAM

100% of Proceeds to Benefit Children’s Hunger Fund

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. announced that it will donate $10 for every ace served at WTA events throughout the 2011 season, beginning with The Championships at Wimbledon. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) will support USANA’s contribution with a $25,000 donation. All proceeds from the “Ace Out Hunger” program will benefit Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF), a global nonprofit organization fighting hunger in impoverished regions around the world. 

Source

 

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Yep, THAT Wimbledon


“In tennis, an ace is a point‐winning serve that isn’t returned by the opposing player,” says Dan Macuga, USANA’s VP of Marketing and Public Relations. “It is considered a demonstration of strength and strategy—qualities that represent USANA. Through this charitable program, we’re able to provide food, nutrients and vital resources to children in need. This is a program that is meaningful to us in many ways.”

“When you consider that an estimated 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 a day, $10 can really go a long way,” says Dave Philips, CHF president. “We will be tuning in closely to every match, cheering whenever an ace is scored, knowing what a difference that single serve can make. We cannot thank USANA and the WTA enough for their compassion and generosity.”

“We are thrilled to contribute to the Children’s Hunger Fund through the efforts of our world‐class athletes,” said Stacey Allaster, CEO & Chairman of the WTA. “USANA is a fantastic partner of the WTA and this program will make a real difference in helping children in dire need.”

“I’ve had a chance to learn more about Children’s Hunger Fund and am impressed by how effective they are at distributing resources,” says Liezel Huber, former WTA No.1 doubles player and USANA brand ambassador. “About 99% of CHF’s total contributions go directly into their programs. This is a charity that is doing what it promises to do, and I’m proud to support them.”

In 2010, over 12,000 aces were scored in the season and as many as 596 in a single tournament.  Do the math: at $10 per ace that's $120,000 towards the Children's Hunger fund.  What an AMAZING company USANA is!!  To date, USANA has donated over $11 million in monetary and in‐kind contributions to Children’s Hunger Fund.

If you'd like to join a winning team like USANA's call Rachel Kellar today!  www.livinglifetothefullest.usana.com

Article Source

Working in Witness for Christ

Do you? Do you work in witness for Christ?

When you show up for your: job, work, career, “8-5” whatever you call it, who are you working for? Are you doing it for you? your boss? your bottom line? your clients? your customers? your family? your friends? your co-workers?


Do you ever consider working in witness for Christ? Do you treat your clients as if they were built in the image and likeness of God? Do you treat your boss that way? What about your co-workers?


Living a life of virtue doesn’t happen on Sunday mornings. It doesn’t happen on the weekends when you can do community service. It should happen every day. yes, even between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Are you a different person at work than you are at home or with your friends? If so, how stressful that must be! Having to maintain a certain persona with one group and another persona with a different group. What a waste of time and energy!!

Most people like happy people - at work, at home, out on the town…Happy people WIN! Think of your friends…who’s the one who’s always happy? Wouldn’t you rather be with him/her rather than the grouchy friend? Think of your family members - who’s more fun? Happy Aunt/Uncle or Miserable Aunt/Uncle? What about your co-workers? You’ve probably done your fair share of avoiding the office Debby Downer because no one likes a grouch! Are you a grouch? Do you think it could be effecting your work place? Your job advancement (or lack there of) could it be effecting your paycheck?? Your friendships? Your family?

Do you know how to fix this? LIVE A LIFE OF VIRTUE. Follow the Golden Rule. Work in witness for Christ. Know that you can do all things through Him and with Him. You can work together with your co-workers and be successful, but try adding Christ into the mix, pray about your next project or your next presentation. Find faith in yourself and others by living a life of Faith.

You have two choices to make every day - To be Happy or to be Sad. So…. Be Happy!!

I know, it’s so simple - too simple right? But it’s true. And you know it. So stop complicating things, chill out and put your faith and trust in God.

http://www.livinglifetothefullest.usana.com/

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3, 4-5

Motivation

This is a great article filed under: 'Motivation'

http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/06/14/paul-defeated-his-cigarette-and-food-addictions-and-lost-80-pounds/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk2%7C70723


This guy, Paul, loses 80 pounds with PX90! 
I could never do PX90 - I'm more of a yoga/jogging girl, but I'm so motivated by his success!!
I will definitely raise my treadmill speed up a little tonight as I think of Paul!

http://www.livinglifetothefullest.usana.com/

Happy Memorial Day!

What types of memories did you make today?  Did you remember who this day is for?  In case you didn't know this day is for the military men and women who have lost their lives in combat.  Could you imagine being in the military?  Is your body in the kind of shape that "when duty calls" you would be able to answer?  Not many of us can say "My body is ready for duty!"  Wouldn't it be great if we could?!?  There is no longer a military draft in the USA, so we wouldn't be called to duty - but that doesn't mean we can't call ourselves to our own private mission.  Our mission to get in shape - our mission to become healthy in mind body and spirit. 

So as we remember those who've given the ultimate sacrifice today, let's think of what we can sacrifice in our own lives.  A trip to McDonald's?  An extra cup of coffee?  Could you sacrifice 30 minutes a day to take a walk?  Try!  And if you're willing to start that journey, consider the USANA journey as well.  By joining USANA you help your friends and family get healthy.  So that days like today hanging by the pool, at the lake, in the backyard...these days are full of memories of healthy friends and family for many years to come!

Rachel
http://www.livinglifetothefullest.usana.com/


Living Life to the Fullest....while creating healthy memories this Memorial day!

USANA

I am so excited to be making a huge change in my life!  I've had a fortunate past and really took alot for granted.  Now that I'm out in the "real world" I've realized nothing is handed to you on a silver platter.  Don't get my wrong, I have a great job and I love going to work every day!  However, there is a part of my life that is empty...I've been anticipating something (or someone) to come into my life and change it for the better.  But I've never been willing to manifest that occurring!!

Well - now I am manifesting my destiny.  I am creating the second income I always dreamed of.  No, it won't hug me through the night to keep me warm, but it will help pay the electricity bill!

I look forward to sharing my journey with USANA on this blog.  If you'd like to learn more about USANA visit my website at http://www.livelifetothefullest.usana.com/ or call/e-mail me!!  I'd love to experience this journey with you!

-Living Life to the Fullest with USANA!

On the first day....

This was the beginning of a recent blog draft:
"So I am going to write. Maybe here, maybe there, maybe everywhere. For now, all I know is that my brain needs space, and this is the only way I know how to give it what it needs..."

That was 2010 me, overwhelmed and stressed; looking for an outlet in friends, family, the blogesphere....thinking writing was the only way I could vent.

And then came January 1, 2011.  The first day of the new year.  The first day of my new outlook on life.  The first day of the new decisions I will make everyday.  My decisions to not eat processed food.  My decisions to take part in stretching and cardio everyday.  Whether it be hot yoga and a dog walk or yoga in my bedroom and a 3 mile run.  My decision to calculate my finances daily.  The decision to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent reasons to vent.

1/1/11 was my day one.  It was my decision starter.  When's yours?

Living life to the fullest by living a full life