Memorial Day

To the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country... because of you we are able to celebrate our freedom.    

Photo by Christin Rose

Stars & Stripes

Earrings / Hat / Sunglasses / Watch / Tank Top / Vest /  Lipstick / Shorts / Wedges

Memorial Day Weekend has always revolved around spending time with family outdoors (if the weather permits) and barbecuing.  In addition to celebrating Memorial Day, we also celebrate 3 of my family members birthdays!  This would be my ideal outfit for a warm and sunny weekend BBQ with the fam.  Since we are still in Kauai, a family gathering isn't possible (I wish I could fly them over) so we will most likely be beach bums for the entirety of the weekend.  Which means, my outfit will look more like this:

Hat / Sunglasses / Bikini Top / Bikini Bottom / Backpack / Shorts / Top / Flip Flops / Lip Balm

What are your plans for the holiday weekend?  See more Memorial Day inspired outfits here. 

Kauai - Part 3

Morning stroll through the beautiful Hyatt property - worth checking out while in the area!

{Polihale} More than 15 miles of sandy beach and turquoise waters!  Can be dangerous for swimming, but Queen's Pond is a calmer area to cool off while soaking up some sun.

{Wailua Falls} We did a steep and muddy, but quick hike down to the fall.  Matt swam around in the pool and stood behind the fall!

{Queen's Bath} Fun place to swim with fish in a natural swimming pool!

{Fruit Stand}  I was so excited to stop at a road side fruit stand and buy some local fruit!  Needless to say, we got a little excited and went overboard.  We didn't bother to ask how much each fruit was (I was too busy taking photos).  Fifty dollars later and we had more fruit than we knew what to do with.  

{Hanalei Bay} We really like this little town and have enjoyed passing through, checking out little shops and places to eat.  We had dinner and enjoyed local bands at Tahiti Nui...it was a good time!

{Kilauea Lighthouse}{Kalalau Trail} We hiked 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach - a beautiful and somewhat challenging hike. 

Guest Post: The FailteHouse

Aloha from Kauai (again)!  I know what you are thinking...how are we still here?  Well, Matt's project has been extended which means we are lucky enough to be enjoying the island life longer than expected.  You better believe me when I say, I am not complaining!  Our friends flew in for a visit so while I am busy being Tammy the tour guide, we have a special guest post from the lovely Sheila of  The FailteHouse.

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Kelley, thank you so much for having me!  I hope you are enjoying your time with your visitors :)

I love how Kelley has the deep desire to focus on the joy's of life, no matter what life throws her way.  I try to constantly remind myself that joy is a choice, our attitude is a choice. It is up to us to choose how we want to live out our day, our week, our lives. Choose Joy!

This is where the Joy Journal comes in. My friend encouraged me to start a Joy Journal (you can read about it here).  Essentially, it is a way to sit back, reflect on what brought you joy today, and then write it down.  It can be anything big or small.  For example...

"Eating a healthy dinner brought me joy today." or "Being accepted into my dream school/job/etc., brought me joy today."  "Or climbing Mount Everest in record time brought me joy today" ;) 

Through doing this little exercise, it is a way to reflect on where your joy is coming from and in return express gratitude for those little joys. Can I hear an "Amen?" :)

Here are a few of the things that have me singing some joyful tunes these days...  

Journal Entry:
Where did I find Joy today?
1. Listening to Eric Church's new song in my car radio - LOUD.
2. Working-out at Cross Fit and leaving knowing I did my personal best...and am now in pain :)
3. Receiving the sweetest email from a blogger who made my day.  Thank you.
4. Looking at the light pink baby roses on my kitchen table. Fresh flowers just do that sometimes.
5. Waking up early and having some quiet time to reflect.

7. Planning a trip to see my 10 close friends in Europe...beyond excited. 

8. Walking with a co-worker to a cafe for lunch, and enjoy her fellowship.

Discoveries:
1. Finding a daily routine makes my days so much better.

2. When I start to feel lazy, push through it.  You will thank yourself later.
3. Keep reading and learning - shut the TV off.  You will be happy you did.

I would love to hear where you found joy today!  What made you come alive?

Happy Mother's Day

{Mom}  She is much more than just the mother of this family of four.  The one and only person in this world who I can talk to on the phone at least 5 times a day about anything and everything.  The most wise woman I know.  Patiently listens to my selfish conversations about how hard my day was.  Loves me unconditionally...no matter what I say or do.  The most hard working woman I know, who never complains.  She is positive.  Beautiful.  Patient.  She is my best friend.

{Mother-In-Law}  She welcomed me into her family with open arms.  Hands down, the most generous woman I know.  She is kind hearted.  I admire her ability to always see the best in everyone.  Her love for life and adventure is inspiring.  She has fought a tough battle over the past year and never once, did I hear her complain.  She radiates warmth and love.  Always putting others before herself.

Thank you to the beautiful mothers in my life for all that you do.  To all of the mothers out there, enjoy your day! 

Let's Get Real

Something has been weighing heavy on my heart lately.  That "something," is my intention of this blog and how it is portrayed.  I created this place back in 2010, not knowing at all what I was doing or getting myself into.  It has evolved just as my life has evolved and I enjoy having a place to share thoughts, inspiring words and beautiful photos (much like the one above).

I have never intended for this to be a "look at how great my life is" blog.  Although I do feel blessed in the life that God has given me, it is not perfect (duh)!  We all know that life can be messy and difficult, but I try my best to rise above the bad and focus on the good.  This is not something that always comes easily to me, so I have chosen Kelley Maria as a place to focus on the positive, beautiful and joyful aspects of life.  That is where I fear things could come off as me trying to portray myself  and my life as perfect.  I often wonder what someone's first impression of this place is.  Of course I want it to be all good things, but I truly want this to be a place of inspiration and joy.  Might be a bit easier said than done, but I promise to try my hardest for that to happen here.  

I am all about being real with people and I don't like to sugar coat.  I appreciate honesty and don't want to be an anonymous blogger who has a mysterious job that must be great based on the fabulous clothes she wears and the amazing vacations she takes.  If that is your jam, then more power to ya.  That is not me.  I don't have designer clothes and I don't own a private jet.  Were you under the impression that I did?  Sorry to disappoint. 

In my attempt to be more honest and real with those who stop by Kelley Maria, I started off by creating a brand spankin' new |ABOUT| me page.  Please take a moment to read it so that we can be on the same page!  Thank you to all who take time out of their day to stop by, leave a sweet comment or send an e-mail.  I am so appreciative of you all! 

Kauai - Part 2

Waimea Canyon - a must see! 

Na Pali Coast

More of the stunning sights of Kauai.  This island is truly paradise with the lush green landscape, turquoise water and colorful sunsets.  Everything here is photo worthy, which means more photos to come! 

Kauai - Part 1

Aloha from Kauai!  You are probably wondering why I am choosing to stare at a computer screen when I could be looking at the ocean?  I am wondering the same thing too.  Matt and I are fortunate enough to be on Kauai for 3 weeks because he is working here.  I (luckily!) got to tag along!  While Matt works during the day, I play!  I thought I would take a quick break from the sun (my skin probably needs it) and share some of our favorite activities.

I love waking up to this view every morning.

Helicopter Tour - best way to see the island!  

We chose the doors off experience so that we could get some photos without glass windows getting in the way.  It was so worth it!  We were both a bit nervous leading up to our tour, but ended up having a blast.  Once I got used to being in a tiny helicopter with the wind and rain hitting me, it was awesome.  Photos and my explanation don't really do it justice, you just have to see for yourself!  We will do this again in the future!

Jo Jo's Shave Ice in Waimea

Hiking along the shoreline and finding an unexpected breathtaking view.  

Watching the sunset from the beach.

Reading with this view as my backdrop

(my favorite activity while Matt is working!)

Stay tuned for Kauai Part 2!