You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.
Don’t make money your goal.
Instead, pursue the things you love doing,
and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.
(Maya Angelou)

Happy February to you, my lovelies! I am so thrilled to begin a fresh month, especially since we get a bonus day on the 29th. How did your January shape up?

I completed the Whole Living Action Plan as I intended. Giving up processed foods, added sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol for four weeks seemed daunting at first, but I’m so glad I went for it. I also finished reading Style Statement. I’ll share my reactions and reveal my statement soon!

REVIEW :: January Intentions.

• Drink 10 glasses of water daily. I got to 10 glasses daily by the 3rd week. One helpful trick—I keep a full glass on my nightstand & drink it up first thing in the morning.

• Get to bed by 10pm & wake up by 5am. Progress! I’ve started to wake up around 4:55 without an alarm. I love rising just before my phone starts buzzing.

• Eat clean, work out, smile. I took the first week easy to give my body time to acclimate to the cleanse, but I worked out 5 days each week for the rest of January!

• Blog to schedule – 12 posts. Nearly got it. I ended up reading Style Statement slower than planned, so I only posted 11 times. Keeping to my content map has helped immensely and I’m determined to hit my posting goal this month.

• Sign up for 1/2 marathon. I’m registered for the RunRaleigh Half Marathon on April 15. Total miles on my training schedule? 205. Time to make a new playlist!

SET :: February Intentions.

Thanks to those of you who shared your enthusiasm for the iPhone wallpaper I created with my January goals. I loved it so much that I plan to make a new one for each month. Check out my goals for February below.

CELEBRATE :: I’m Looking Forward to…

• #febphotoaday. I joined Fat Mum Slim’s #janphotoaday late in the game and never got into a good photo-taking rhythm. I’m looking forward to giving February a serious try. Come say “hi” on Instagram, I’m @kaileenelise.

• A date a week. Taking a social sabbatical in January was great, but I’m ready to see my friends again! I have something fun on the calendar for each week: a night at the theater, Valentine’s Day with my Mister, 1/2-off sushi dinner with my girlfriends … and I’m hosting Bunco Night for a group of my 12 closest Chapel Hill friends.

• Visiting Yoga G33k. When Courtney and I met last year, I knew we would see each other again soon. I’m thrilled to go see her for a weekend of fun, yoga, and girl talk.

• Getting crazy. Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Diet is next on my list of 12 Books for 2012.

What are your goals or intentions this month? My word for February is Heart (my originality is scary) so through the month, I’ll be striving to infuse love and heart in everything I do.

Image Credits:
15/365 – Hold My Heart via Helga Weber
Weekend Love via Always Bë Cool

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
(William Feather)

It can be awkward or downright scary to break free from comfort zones, but it can also be energizing to try something new. Making sweeping changes or small alterations to our lives lifts us out of ruts. New experiences have the potential to reveal pieces of ourselves that would otherwise go unnoticed. This how I feel about my experience with Whole Living’s 2012 Action Plan.

It was disorienting and difficult at times, but what I gained in return was worth every ounce of sacrifice. Eliminating processed food and drinks, added sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol from my diet for 4 weeks was eye-opening. I discovered juicing, learned a bunch of new recipes, and started working out regularly.

Week #4 Highlights:

• Making it! I proved that I can achieve an ambitious goal I set for myself.
• Five workouts strong. That’s two weeks in a row and I’m excited to keep it up.
• Spa day celebration. On Sunday I indulged in a massage + mani pedi. Bliss!

Favorite Meals:

• Spinach with Garlic and Scrambled Eggs - the recipe calls for watercress, but the store was all out. Spinach is a healthy & delicious substitute.
• Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds - great to make ahead for several easy workday luches. Spicy, fresh and a little crunch from the almonds.
• Stir-Fry with Flavored Tofu and Vegetables – I made this after a long run on Saturday, using quinoa instead of rice. This one is full of tasty flavors.

They say it takes 21 days to establish a new habit. Over the next three weeks I hope to incorporate what I’ve learned into sustainable, healthy habits for my everyday life. Specifically, I’m planning to maintain a diet that is 90% vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in processed foods and added sugar.

Thanks to all of you who have shared your wisdom and support through these past few weeks. It definitely helped keep me motivated!

Whole Living Action Plan Recap Posts:
Week #1 / Week #2 / Week #3

Image Credit: 316/365 – Third World Baby via Helga Weber

I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that.
Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.
(Pearl S. Buck)

Happy weekend to you, my lovely friends! How was your week? I hope you were able to enjoy some sunshine, sparkle and productivity amidst your busy days. My week went by quicker than I expected and I can’t believe the last days of January are upon us!

Since I started on January 1st, today is my last official day of the Whole Living Action Plan. I’m looking forward to sharing a recap of my experience in tomorrow’s Good Eats & Gratitude Post. More than that, I’m excited to celebrate tomorrow morning with my first coffee in 4 weeks! I have all sorts of fun things planned for tomorrow — including some serious spa time.

Do you have anything exciting planned? The following ideas and creative weekend to-dos are intended to inspire. Consider this a friendly reminder to seek out little delights and exceptional joys in the days ahead. Share your plans in the comments below!

listen to a new favorite podcast
run 3.5 miles & practice yoga
make snacks for next week
get a mani, pedi & massage!
window shop for new yoga gear
flip through February magazines
explore, play and pin on Pinterest
put together next week’s meal plan
read a book & sip on a soy latte
indulge in a decadent dessert

No matter what you end up doing this weekend, remember to take a moment or two for yourself. Light your favorite candle, wear fuzzy socks, go out dancing, or buy some treats at Trader Joe’s. Sending love & sparkle your way!

Image Credit: I like jumpers. via Bethan

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Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.
(Rumi)

I recently attended a goal setting session at my local lululemon. I went with my friend and an open mind, hoping to learn something new. The event began with introductions, then a brief visualization of where we hope to find ourselves 10 years from now…

What would you dare to do if you knew you could not fail?
Describe what you see, hear, and feel in your ideal life.
Who is there? How do you spend your time?
Where do you spend your time?

My vision?

A chic and cozy apartment in a big city with my Mister and our two little ones. He’s off to work while I stay home to watch after the babies and manage my successful healthy & creative living empire. I write (articles, books, and my blog), teach yoga, eat all organic, and live my life with abundant love. I’m a leader within my community, make self-care a priority, and have plenty of time to enjoy my family.

I’m trying not to judge myself too harshly, but it kinda seems like I want it all.

After the visualization, the leaders provided instructions on creating S.M.A.R.T goals and gave us some time to brainstorm our visions, 10-year, 5-year and 1-year goals.

What are S.M.A.R.T. goals, you ask? There are variations, but this combo works for me:

Specific
Measurable
Affirmative
Realistic
Timely

Next, they opened the floor for participants to share. I immediately froze, looking intently at a spot on the wall, the back of my hand, and straight through the yoga mat under me. Anything to avoid getting called on! While I’m usually outgoing, I get shy about my goals.

My intentions and dreams have shifted a lot in the past few years. Time and experience will do that to a person. The good news is, our goals are in constant evolution — and it’s ok to change your mind.

I’ve been playing with this visioning concept since the event. Along with reading Style Statement, I find that I’m asking myself these questions:

Do I really want that? Why?
What would achieving that mean to me?
What would I do once I got there?

Dreaming big is scary — especially when we can’t see a path from where we are and where we hope to go. But that’s where the magic lies. In the shimmering possibility of dreams. There’s something delightful about not knowing.

For now, I’m focused on exploring my dreams and examining my hopes. I plan to use this worksheet to get specific about vision, 10-year, 5-year, and 1-year goals and will share more about the process when I do. Please share your thoughts on goal setting and dreaming big in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Image Credit: Ambassador Summit 2011 via lululemon athletica

Each moment of our life, we either invoke or destroy our dreams.
(Stuart Wilde)

Hello, sweet friends. I hope this finds you happy, healthy and enjoying the last full week in January. 2012 is off to a delightful start — a perfect blend of focus and downtime, with lots of new discoveries. With just a week left, I’m working diligently on my goals for January. This iPhone wallpaper is a constant reminder of my focus for the month.

My biggest challenge has been the reallocation of time. With the Whole Living Action Plan, I’m spending more time planning meals, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning dishes than ever before. It was a little tedious and foreign at first, but I’m getting the hang of things. And more importantly, I’m having a blast!

I’ve noticed an important shift this past week — a connection between healthy eating and wanting to workout. This is a new development I’m trying to cultivate. Eating clean reinforces my desire to get fit, and finishing a hard workout cements my hunger for nutritious food. I’m doing my best to recognize the tiny victory.

Week #3 Highlights:

• Keeping my cool. I craved coffee, chocolate and red wine this week, but reisted. My resolve was not this strong a few months ago.
• Working out 5 times. I also signed up for the Run Raleigh Half Marathon in April!
• Poaching an egg. I can’t believe I have lived 26 years without poaching an egg! Using Smitten Kitchen’s instructions, I hatched a delicious poached egg on my first try.
• Date night. On Saturday night, my Mister and I went to PF Chang’s for dinner. I order the steamed salmon off their gluten-free menu and it was delicious! Afterwards, we watched Ides of March and snuggled in bed. It was definitely a highlight of my week.

Favorite Meals:

• Avocado-Vanilla Smoothie – Try it with mango nectar for a tropical treat.
• Dried Fruit and Nut Bites – Salty, crunchy, and sweet.
• Chickpea-Brown Rice Veggie Burger - Wrapped in lettuce = delicious.
• Shiitakes and Brown Rice en Papillote - Perfect as simple dinner after work.
• Quinoa with Poached Egg, Spinach, and Cucumber - One of my new favorites.
• Halibut with Sweet Potato Fries and Lime – Quick, easy & yummy.

There’s just one more week left in the #WLActionPlan and I have a massage scheduled on Sunday to celebrate. Next month will present a new set of challenges when I return to my social ways, but overall I’m looking forward to incorporating these changes into my everyday routine.

Have you successfully transitioned from a strict program to a more realistic daily routine? I’d love to know about your experience and any tips or recommendations you have!

Image Credit: Blueberries via Chris Nixon / S u l a v a k a s via Pörrö

Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive,
I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others;
to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others,
I am not going to get angry or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.
(Dalai Lama)

Happy Friday to you, my lovelies. Are you looking forward to the weekend? I try to mix fun to-dos with necessary chores to keep my weekends happy & productive.

This week I’m looking forward to spending time with my Mister, blogging & reading blogs, flipping through the big stack of February magazines on our coffee table, and grocery shopping for the Bonus! Week 4 of the Whole Living 2012 Action Plan.

Do you have anything exciting planned for the weekend ahead? The following list of ideas and creative weekend to-dos are intended to inspire. Consider this a friendly reminder to seek out little delights and exceptional joys in the days ahead. I invite you to share your plans in the comments below!

embrace these 10 real-talk blog tips
make new playlists for yoga & running
set up external hard drive for MacBook
sort through Google Reader & add a few new blogs
run 2 miles on Saturday, 3 on Sunday
finish reading Style Statement
watch an inspiring manifesto
download new podcasts

I hope that you find yourself happy and enjoying some time for yourself this weekend, however you end up spending it. See you here again on Sunday for another Good Eats & Gratitude post!

Image Credit: 16-05-10 Last Of The Summer (Wine) via Bethan

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Think in the morning, act in the noon, read in the evening, and sleep at night.
(William Blake)

The first few days of school were always my favorite, and I especially loved when instructors introduced the course syllabus. There was magic in having knowledge at my fingertips, with a map and experienced guide to show me the way. Life has been busy since graduating from college several years ago, and I often miss the discovery and excitement that comes from studying, learning and uncovering information.

Last November, I decided to stop buying books and start reading more. Blogging about my 1-year challenge made it real, and so far I’ve stuck to my promise. I love the idea of learning and developing myself, but finding time is another story. To help myself get motivated and excited about reading on a regular basis, I created a list of 12 books I’m finishing this year.

Jan: Style Statement by Danielle LaPorte & Carrie McCarthy
Feb: Crazy Sexy Diet  by Kris Carr
Mar: Onward by Howard Schultz
Apr: The Power by Rhonda Byrne
May: The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
June: 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong
July: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Aug: The China Study by T. Colin Campbell & Thomas M. Campbell II
Sept: Getting Things Done by David Allen
Oct: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Nov: Creative, Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho & Meg Mateo Ilasco
Dec: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

The books I selected are loosely aligned with my 12 Intentions for 2012, which I think will help me stick with the plan. In addition to these books, I’ll also be listening to some great audiobooks and podcasts during my commute. I’ll be sharing my thoughts, feedback and reactions to each book throughout the year—and invite you to join me by reading along!

Image Credit: Reading and drinking (in bed) via M31

Belief in yourself and in the possibility of success
is the most important requirement for living an extraordinary life.
Believe in belief.
Believe in yourself and the best of the world will come to you,
and you will be prepared to receive it. Don’t sell yourself short.
You do not require permission to be extraordinary.
(Richard Quick)

Hello, lovelies! I hope you’ve had a delightful weekend. Thanks so much to those of you who left helpful and supportive comments on my last few posts. It’s great to know that I’m not the only one craving solitude in January.

Since starting the Whole Living Action Plan last week, I’ve noticed how seldom I acknowledge daily victories. Small, quiet steps go ignored while I look towards the finish line and hold off on uncorking the metaphoric bubbly. Do you struggle with the same? Tiny triumphs are critical building blocks—each one a glittering, golden brick worth celebrating.

“You can do this. You are doing this,” I remind myself over and over. Changing patterns, adjusting priorities, and establishing new habits can be disorienting. Until we are practiced and comfortable in our new way of doing things, the old way just feels best. Maybe that’s one reason why so many people drop the ball on their resolutions.

I’ve held onto my intentions and stuck with the #WLActionPlan through this week, but not without sacrifice. I’m laying low and spending a lot of time in the kitchen. And even though the alarm goes off at 5 am, I’m not relying on 3 cups of coffee and 2 shots of espresso to get me through the day. When my energy dips around 3 pm, I am no longer leaning on a bag of mini M&Ms to revive me.

Instead, I’m drinking tons of water and herbal DAVIDsTEA (which I love!) and snacking on kale chips or pomegranate seeds. A change is unfolding. I feel vibrant, happy and connected. This week I got back to working out, with 4 days of Barre3′s DVD in the mornings before work and 3.5 miles run/walk on Saturday. This morning, I went to the lululemon store in Raleigh for a goal-setting session followed by a complimentary yoga class.

Changing my priorities has meant less time with my Mister—and certainly less time for flipping through magazines, painting my nails, and general lounging around. The upside is that I’m in a much better mood and am excited (instead of feeling guilty) when I do find some time to chill.

Week #2 Highlights:

• Listening to my body. This process has brought me a new level of awareness when it comes to hunger and mood. I’m learning to cope with the ups and downs of the day without sugary snacks or surges of caffeine.
• Getting a new package from DAVIDsTEA in the mail! So far my favorites are Forever Nuts, Licorice Twist, Jessie’s Tea and Organic Peppermint Amour.
• Losing a little weight. The number on the scale has dropped some and my clothes are starting to feel a bit too big… I can see a shopping trip for new jeans in my future.
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). I bought Mindy Kaling’s audiobook to listen to on my commute (she reads it herself—so cool!). It’s funny, inspiring and down-to-earth.

Favorite Meals:

• Baked Sweet Potatoes with Citrus
• Raw Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Walnuts
• Watercress Salad with Sardines, Oranges, and Pepitas
• Grilled Salmon and Bok Choy with Orange-Avocado Salsa

I’m grateful to be in a place (emotionally, financially and otherwise) that allows me to pursue these dietary and fitness changes. Just a few months ago, this would have been too much to take on. It’s as if the stage was set and ready for me to step up. It’s an incredible feeling. Even though I think I could do this on my own, my Mister has been a huge help. He even got up with me this morning to hit up Whole Foods at 7 am so I could get all my grocery shopping done before yoga (I’m a slow shopper and he helps me stay on task).

I’m looking forward to seeing where week #3 will take me. I hope you find yourself happy, healthy and fulfilled this week. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, I recommend doing something that lights you up. Go to a local tea shop, buy an inspiring magazine, get a manicure, or do some yoga. I’ll be working to do the same!

Image Credit: 164 / 365 – I’ve got the brightest star you’ll ever find via Noukka Signe

If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track
that has been there all the while, waiting for you,
and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living.
When you can see that, you begin to meet people
who are in your field of bliss, and they open doors to you.
I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and
doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.
(Joseph Campbell)

This fall, I will be celebrating my blog’s 3-year anniversary. Three years of showing up, sharing inspiration and connecting with more creative souls than I ever imagined possible.

The keys to a happy blogger? Make a plan, set realistic expectations, write as often as you can, and believe in a little magic. Then wait to see what happens next.

My intentions for this year and KaileenElise.com are one in the same. I plan to focus my energy on living a healthy, active life. I want to blog regularly, but without the pressure and pace of posting daily. I have a content map, plus a long-term strategy and short-term goals. I’m giddy about what’s next—eager to curate links, quotes and images that will inspire you.

I’m quite fond of outlines, lists and game plans. Knowing this, I identified 12 intentions for 2012. Guideposts for this journey, touchstones threaded through each month. Overall, this year is about focus and heart…with a touch of sparkle!

Hat tip to Lifestylista Monica McCarthy for the wonderful idea of compiling a vision board of sorts for 2012 intentions. I love how mine turned out. It’s going straight to my desktop—and I plan to create mini versions for my iPhone each month.

Have you done something like this for your blog? I’ve never sat down and thought an entire year through like this, so I’d love to know more about your experience!

Image Credits: My Work Desk via DeaPeaJay
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

Never forget that once upon a time, in an
unguarded moment, you recognized yourself as a friend.
(Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love)

When I first moved to Raleigh four years ago, I knew no one. I arrived with little more than a big suitcase and new Ikea furniture. On most nights, I went home and got cozy. I journaled, read books, watched TV and took a lot of baths. I frequented a Starbucks downtown (that’s still my favorite!) and took myself to the movies. After college, a few breakups and moving from San Francisco, I needed a breather. I savored the time alone.

Soon enough I made friends, met my Mister and got busy being social. I’m a naturally chatty person who most would call outgoing. I talk with strangers in the grocery store. I interview people for a living. I explore new places and spend time with friends. That said, this extrovert craves her space—and revels in the clarity that comes from stillness.

The past few months were busy, with many days spent running from one place to another. It’s fun to make new friends, go out to dinners and have lots going on. I enjoyed all of it—sushi dinners, book club, happy hours, bunco nights and craft dates. It was a sparkly, happy time that was a bit exhausting. There were many nights when I didn’t get home (or eat dinner) until after 10 pm, only to wake up at 6 am and do it all again.

When I started the Whole Living Action Plan last week, I committed to giving up one more thing in addition to processed food and drinks, added sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol—I decided to take a social sabbatical. A month of kindly declining invites. Nothing against my friends and their fab soirees, but I need some time to hibernate.

The following playlist is to listen to while relaxing at home, cutting up magazines, drinking tea, baking kale chips and laying a fantastic foundation for the year. The links below lead to iTunes, so head over and have a listen. I hope you enjoy!

Who You Are / Jessie J
Los Angeles / Peter Bradley Adams
I Am A Wanderer / Steve Earle
Moonshiner / Redbird
A Change Is Gonna Come / Allison Moorer
Go / The Civil Wars
We Mapped the World / Joy Williams
Mexico / The Staves
What the Water Gave Me / Florence + The Machine
Daylight / Matt & Kim
Good Feeling / Flo Rida
Coming Home / Diddy – Dirty Money & Skylar Grey
New York / Snow Patrol
This Years Love / David Gray
Tonight / Lykke Li
Walking On a Dream / Empire of the Sun

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Image Credit: From this day in April via Noukka Signe