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

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

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

If we look at the world with a love of life,
the world will reveal its beauty to us.
(Daisaku Ikeda)

Hello friends, happy Wednesday to you!

I hosted a Sparkle Swap in September, with the hopes of bringing cheer to fellow bloggers. 25 participants signed up to send 4 unique gifts — a bit of sparkle, a treat that soothes, something sweet, and a surprise.

After delays, international shipping issues and general pre-holiday mayhem, I am finally getting around to sharing a recap post. A handful of lovely bloggers wrote about the swap. Take a peek below at the gorgeous and thoughtful packages these ladies sent! Click on the photos to read their posts.

Elisse → Sharni

Sharni → Katie

Erin → Carrie

Kristin → Kathy

Sarah → Jamie

Jamie → Danielle

Danielle → Monique

Monique  → Ashley

Cassie → Leesh

Heather →  Micaela

Micaela → Ginna

There were some people who never received their gifts, and others who ended up sending two because the first was lost in the mail. Some people really enjoyed the experience, and I have a sinking suspicion that a few were disappointed.

The truth about gift swaps is that you never know what will happen.

In America, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. It’s become one of my favorite holidays because of the focus on gratitude and love. I hope the Sparkle Swap brought cheer, gratitude, love and sparkle to those who participated!

Image Credit: Youth via Chris JL

The future is something which everyone reaches
at the rate of sixty minutes an hour,
whatever he does, whoever he is.
(C. S. Lewis)

I greeted the day by muttering, “Spring forward, fall back.” Time to switch the clocks and prepare for colder, darker days ahead.

Today we get a bonus hour.

Sunshine is pouring in through the window, brightly colored trees paint the forest behind our home. There’s a candle burning, new music playing in the background and a mug of delicious tea nearby. My Mister’s working intently on his homework while I type away on future blog posts. Our laundry machine hums upstairs. Cozy socks keep our feet warm.

Next week is just around the corner, but today we enjoy a little extra time.

What about you?

Image Credit: Bench via mrhayata

Dream on it.
Let your mind take you to places you would like to go,
and then think about it and plan it and celebrate the possibilities.
And don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t know how to dream.
(Liza Minnelli)

Hello lovelies! I hope you have a cup of tea in your hand and a smile in your heart wherever this post finds you. Today marks two years of writing, sharing, celebrating, discovering & blogging here on KaileenElise.com. It’s been an amazing journey.

Thank you for standing by me through the tough times, for joining me on this path, for diving in along the way, for dropping by daily or every once in awhile to say hi. 

You are my muse.

Time has stood still. Flew by at record speed. We’ve skipped through puddles. Bathed in sunshine. Flipped through magazines and shared our favorite tunes. Shared how-to’s and to-do’s. Become friends, soul sisters.

These past 2 years.

Most visits:

• Fall in Love with Autumn
• Enjoy the Little Things
• 10 Websites I Adore
• My collection of Quotes
• A Creative Weekend To-Do List

Favorite projects:

• The Joy Diet Book Club
• Guest blogging for Kimberly Wilson
• #Reverb10 HQ
• Summer Tribe on Roots of She
• Creative Weekend To-Do Lists
• Holiday Love & Good Karma swaps
• Celebrating with 32 Days of Sparkle
• Truth, Love & Insight Series

Looking ahead.

I’m excited to see what the future holds. Sign ups for my Sparkle Swap end today—a delightful way to kick off my 3rd year of blogging. There are so many things that I want to try. Collaborative projects, personal challenges. Muse memos. Seasonal swaps. More to-do’s, inspiration and love!

Image Credit: 2010-CONFETTI via teapotqueen

Three keys to more abundant living:
caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others.
(William Arthur Ward)

Breathe deep.
The Mister and I are in the final stretch of some major personal challenges. Friday could not come sooner. Until then, we wait patiently. Love each other a little extra. Rest. Believe in better things that are just around the corner.

Trust the process.
The next few months will bring shifting seasons. The Mister will begin his pursuit of an MBA in finance. I will dive back into yoga, running & healthy eating. We will slip into a new rhythm together.

Make something.
I’m starting to see how the new place can become a cozy home for the next few years. It’s a great space with high ceilings, wood floors and more than enough room for two. We have a beautiful Ikea bookcase on order. I’m dreaming of it filled with new books.

Ask for help.
When I mentioned I was seeking guest bloggers, I was delighted with the response. Taylor’s tasty recipes are mouthwatering, Jenn’s balanced approach is inspiring, and Caiti’s creative insights have me eager to explore my new town. There are more guest posts on the horizon, so keep a lookout—or email me if you’re interested in guesting these next few weeks!

Find time for laughter.
Living amongst chaos is disorienting, but laughter offers momentary amnesia. The Mister and I have found relief in watching funny movies. Cedar Rapids and Horrible Bosses were both surprising saving graces.

Believe in love.
I took off last Thursday & Friday to spend time with family at a nearby lake. Waking up on the water brought peace to my heart. Being surrounded by love, snuggles and sweet kisses grounded me in a way I didn’t expect.

Celebrate joy.
This past weekend, the Mister and I found ourselves in the midst of our 3 year anniversary. It was unexpected, just like many things this summer. We tried out a restaurant that’s close to our new home. It was a sweet, easy & simple celebration.

Image Credit: Original Paper Cut Quote via mrYen