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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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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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

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
and next year’s words await another voice.
(T.S. Eliot)

The new year is a perfect time to implement new eating habits. There’s momentum from New Year’s resolutions, plus the inevitable post-holiday hangover. When parties, festivities and visits with family are in full-swing, we eat more holiday comfort food than any other time. Have enough peppermint martinis, pieces of pie and Christmas cookies—and your body will practically beg for healthier foods!

Each year I want to feel better, work out more, and lose weight. Despite these intentions, I settle into my routine of mildly nutritious habits by mid-March. Even though I’m grateful for where I am today, 2011 was a rough year in many regards. I put my health and wellness on the back-burner, knowing that I would need a major overhaul at some point.

I’ve reached that point.

Growing up, I was a serious athlete. I competed on a national level and earned a scholarship to swim in college. That experience armed me with a certain kind of knowledge, a self-awareness and understanding of what it means to care for one’s body. I got plenty of sleep, stayed hydrated, lifted weights, and avoided junk food, alcohol, coffee and soda. I pushed myself—and appreciated what my mind & body were able to achieve.

Fast-forward to today. I’m a sedentary office-dweller with a commute. I leave for work at 7 in the morning and arrive back home at 7 in the evening. My level of exercise is moderate under the best circumstances. Even with a 95% vegetarian diet, there are plenty of gaps in my attempt at healthy-living. After a long day at the office, my favorite dinner has become chips & salsa, 2 glasses of red wine and dark chocolate.

I’m not lacking the knowledge to live a healthier, more fulfilling life, I’ve just been missing the direction and focus that’s required. Something clicked when I stumbled across Whole Living Magazine’s 2012 Action Plan a few weeks ago. An entire month dedicated to clean eating, new recipes and wellness? I wanted to start immediately!

If you’re intrigued and looking for a way to jump-start your new year, I recommend reviewing the entire plan. It’s an amazing resource for recipes and motivation.

It resonates deeply and I couldn’t be more excited. There’s an established flow from one week to the next, with plenty of options along the way. The meals are colorful and tasty. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. I’m more dedicated to this than anything I’ve attempted in a long time. This is me living, breathing, and practicing wellness in 2012.

#WLActionPlan Week #1 Highlights:

• Giving up processed food and drinks, added sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Sleeping between 7-9 hours each night!
• Journaling more regularly, including my first entry of 2012.

Favorite Meals:

• Avocado with Bell Pepper and Tomatoes
• Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice
• Steamed Broccoli and Squash with Tahini Sauce
• Roasted Peppers, Cauliflower, and Almonds

This week I’ve realized how important it is to be ready.

Things happen that we’re not expecting. We sometimes drop the ball. Even with the best of intentions, we don’t care or give our best effort to everything—and that is 100% ok. That’s just called life. Maybe I had to go through the past few years of ups, downs and failed resolutions to appreciate where I am and to know that I’ve finally reached that point.

Image Credit: Simply Breakfast via Jen Causey

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.
(St. Francis de Sales)

Today is the introduction of a new project called Good Eats & Gratitude. An exercise steeped in mindfulness, a series of posts recognizing what feeds us. Musings on two elements that are vital to a happy existence — food nourishes the body, gratitude nourishes the soul.

Good Eats. Recipes to try, restaurant highlights, insights on eating well.
Gratitude. Kind people, inspired ideas, breathtaking moments.

We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year, just me and my Mister. I signed up to run an 8K Turkey Trot. The weather was gorgeous and there was a big crowd. I listened to an awesome playlist and ran faster than expected. It was a great way to start the day.

We went all out. Cooking a full meal and planning to eat leftovers for a few days. There were family traditions like deviled eggs, spicy green beans, and his grandma’s mashed potatoes. There were also a few recipes I wanted to try.

One of the most delicious components of the meal was the Rustic Herb Skillet Stuffing from What’s Gaby Cooking. Her blog post sold me—she said it was so good that she made it 3 times last year before Thanksgiving day! It was everything I could ever want in a stuffing: fresh herbs, delicious mushrooms, and perfect as leftovers.

As another side, I made Caramelized Brussels Sprouts from Eat, Live, Run. Jenna posted about these in October and I wanted to make them ever since. These are such a delicious treat, a perfect mix of healthy crunch and colorful sweetness. Even if you’re not a huge brussels sprouts fan, I recommend giving these a try. I’ve already made them again since!

I also made Oh Joy!’s Cardamom & Cream Cheese Squares for dessert because as Joy puts it, “These squares are a combination of sorts—half no-bake cheesecake and half pumpkin pie—with a touch of cardamom. They’re great for dessert or even as a mid-afternoon snack.” She was right, we enjoyed them for dessert and a few afternoon snacks.

This was our fourth Thanksgiving together.

Somehow it seems to get better each year. The night before we planned our timeline—when to start prepping things, etc. It was a game plan for ultimate oven management. We sat down for dinner 10 minutes earlier than scheduled… a Thanksgiving victory!

I have so much gratitude for my Mister. For his family and friends. For the choices he’s made and the man he is today. For the paths our lives took to get us here, and what we have accomplished together.

Image Credit: utensils via limonada // Rustic Herb Skillet Stuffing via What’s Gaby Cooking // Caramelized Brussels Sprouts via me // Cardamom & Cream Cheese Squares via Oh Joy! // I’ll Give You What I Can via Brandon Christopher Warren

My will shall shape the future.
Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man’s doing but my own.
I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me
or I can be lost in the maze.
My choice; my responsibility; win or lose,
only I hold the key to my destiny.
(Elaine Maxwell)

Happy Friday, my lovelies! How are you? I’ve had a great week—beginning with a holiday on Monday and wrapping up with my 2nd blogiversary this weekend.

I am overjoyed with the excitement around Sparkle Swap and am really looking forward to seeing new friendships unfold. Registration closes tomorrow, so make sure you sign up soon if you want in on the fun!

A special thanks to Micaela Maxham for sharing her Truth, Love & Insight this week. I just adore Micaela & her readers who are so incredibly creative, sweet & amazing.

The following creative to-do’s are intended to inspire happy weekends. Consider this a friendly tap—or slight tug—towards exploring little delights and exceptional joys this weekend. I invite you to share your creative to-do’s in the comments!

celebrate 2 years of blogging amazingness
remember special moments with a sweet diy
meet up with a girlfriend for coffee
journal, meditate, or think on this
play with new Sephora finds
write snail mail love notes to friends
cook spicy fried veggie deliciousness
switch out to fall wallet & purse
send out Sparkle Swap surveys
snuggle up & watch a movie
go bowling with friends on Saturday night
find a pair and shop for a good cause
 clean house & get ready for another amazing week

Image Credit: Francesca via Astrgony

If you can dream it, you can do it.
(Walt Disney)

Happy Wednesday, my friends. Are you feeling all the good ju ju and positivity this week? If you are in need of a little extra sparkle, check out last week’s Truth, Love & Insight feature with Kelsey Brown. Today’s interview with Lisa Thiele will also have you smiling. I initially connected with Lisa through her pretty blog With Style & Grace. Shortly after swooning over her gorgeous photography and sweet words, I began following her tweets and pins. A little more about Lisa, in her own words:

I’m a food stylist and photographer. I’m constantly testing and creating healthy [and some not so healthy] recipes. After a year of being gluten-free, I also help others adapt recipes, provide allergy-free alternatives and give tips on how to entertain, gluten-free. I grew up in a family that loves good food [& wine] and entertaining and well, it stuck.

I married a [very handsome] man who also loves food. He discovered his love at an early age; taking classes before he was 18 and then earning a degree in hospitality. The two of us together kick ass in the kitchen. Literally and figuratively.

I love to travel, run with music, drink champagne, wear fancy shoes and enjoy good food with great company.

With Style and Grace is a lifestyle and food blog, inspiring beauty in everyday lives.

1. How did your blog get started?

I was working [endless hours] in the world of advertising when I had a big health scare that landed me in the hospital. Shortly before all that, I had started a blog as a creative outlet; it was my happy place, pulling beautiful content from around the web. As I worked to rebuild my strength I decided it was time to create and share my own content. I [quickly] jumped into the kitchen and began baking and cooking, the two things that I loved to do! My mom offered me her camera, that way I could share my delicious masterpieces with the world and the next thing I knew [1 year later], I was being offered jobs as a food photographer, recipe creator/tester and referred to as the “gluten-free entertaining” expert.

2. What motivates you to continue sharing your story with the web?

My readers. Whether it’s emails, comments on my blog, response to a tweet or sharing pictures of their take on one of my recipes – I’m touched by every response I receive, motivating me to continue to follow my passion.

3. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a budding blogger?

Follow your passion. Make room for mistakes. Dream big. Truly, good things will come to you.

4. If you could go forward in time, what is one question you would like to ask yourself? How do you imagine you might answer it?

Question: Do you still wake up excited to go to work?
Answer: Everyday.

5. What are your favorite creative resources?

Farmers Markets. Blogs. Cookbooks.

6. Who inspires you online? Offline?

My husband and my family inspire, love and support me – everyday. I hope, in some capacity, I can pass that onto you.

7. How do you make every day an extraordinary adventure?

I try and start each day with an intention, and remind myself that the possibilities are endless.

Images via Lisa Thiele