You already know that I'm a huge proponent of being as independent as possible when it comes to you nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness - but I'm also a fan of incorporating sensible products or services when they serve the greater purpose and help you achieve your goals.
There are 3 basic products that I've decided (after my little weight gain stunt) that I couldn't live without (OK...I could live, but not as easily) in order to keep my physique in check!
Below are descriptions of things worth investing in if you need/want a little boost in your wellness goals, want to simplify your efforts and/or track your progress more effectively.
1. The Magic Bullet
If you read yesterday's blog about how to jump start weight loss after a tiny setback, you saw my rave about this handy kitchen gadget. The Magic Bullet is the ideal device to make personal smoothies and shakes in. You compile the ingredients directly into the cup you'll be drinking from! After screwing on a bladed lid and blending, you're out the door and on the go with nothing to clean up except the rinsing of a blade! It's heavy duty enough to chop ice and frozen fruit pretty well and it blends like a charm. The travel lids are clutch and the various cups sizes with measurement markers come in real handy. I highly recommend this device because many protein powders don't blend well by just shaking, and the pre-made shakes can be expensive and full of sugar. The small investment is worth what you'll save in time, protein shakes and excess smoothies from guessing how much you need in a large blender.
2. Heart Rate Monitor
I've talked about this all the time. And I will admit - as obsessed as I am with mine, I hadn't worn it down to the apartment gym since we moved in. I thought I knew how hard to work to get into the fat burning zone without it, so I had been doing cardio again for a few weeks to little or no prevail. I threw it on last week and realized I wasn't working effectively enough, and since getting back on track, I've taken off those few pesky pounds that were weighing me down, literally and emotionally. The heart rate monitor is so great because after calibrating my basic information (height, weight, sex, age) it tells me what my ideal zone is, and from there, I can reference the watch or the screen on the cardio machine to make sure I'm where I need to be. It also helps with doing effective interval training.
I have a very basic Polar watch and chest strap, which is the brand/style I recommend. Even if you don't wear the watch, your heart rate will transmit onto the machine if you're in a gym. With the monitor, you can set an intention or goal and know exactly when you accomplish it!
3. Supplements
Now I don't mean caffeine pills, fat burners or workout enhancers. I simply mean a good protein powder (a whey isolate or any popular blend like Muscle Milk powder) and a multi-vitamin. I also suggest that most people take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement like Norwegian Cod Liver oil (in pill form), and a b-complex after you drink alcohol. Other natural extracts like green tea can help with metabolism and energy, and cinnamon has been show to help control cravings and regulate blood sugar. At the very least, have a multi-vitamin and protein powder on hand to fuel up in the morning (vitamin & protein with breakfast) and refuel after a workout(protein), just to protect yourself from gaps in your diet.
Honestly - if I was stranded on a deserted fitness island, I would want my bullet, heart rate monitor and supplements! And Corey, of course :)
get it right - get it tight,
kls
Total celebratory weight gain: 3-5 pounds.
YIKES!
Now I know many of you are rolling your eyes, furrowing your brows, and saying, "Please, you still look great!" - but you must understand...I know full well that I have the potential to gain weight. Lots of weight. And regardless of the fact that "I know how to lose it" and "fitness is such a part of my life that I'd never go back there" - I still have to keep a close eye on sudden gains as 2 can turn into 4 can turn into 8 can turn into 10 before you know it!
Let me also say this - I wouldn't take back a pound of it! Corey and I have really enjoyed treating ourselves to some lavish dinners and drinks that we normally wouldn't indulge in on a regular basis, and as we approach the weekend of festivities and the week of honeymooning, it's time to get myself in check before I add another 3lbs in cake and champagne later this month!
So - here are 3 simple things I did over the last week or so that have helped me lean out and shed off a little of the excess.
1. Fiber
Lots of fiber. When we indulge a lot, particularly in heavier foods, things tend to stick around longer than free flowing healthy foods. Instead of going on a strenuous cleanse, just up your fiber intake for a week or so and allow the body to naturally clean itself out. I don't suggest anything over the typical recommended 25-35g a day, but even as healthy and whole as I eat, I don't think I get quite enough fiber on a regular basis. Check out this simple fiber intake calculator. I personally prefer the powdered form because it's tasteless, so I can add a scoop to my shakes, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. and know that I'm digesting it a bit better than I might a pill.
2. Water
Lots of water. I don't drink enough water, specifically before breakfast and before/after each meal. Downing one glass of water first thing in the morning is one of the secret ingredients to losing belly fat as it's boosts your metabolism converting the cold water to body temperature. Also, having a full glass before and after helps decrease overeating and tame sweet cravings. Keep water with you ALL the time, and commit to downing a few glasses every time you think about it. The more water you drink, the more water weight you lose. Do it!
3. Green Shakes!
Lots of greens. Do you see a pattern here? Increase good things to help decrease the bad things you intake/crave, and or to help combat the bad things! My sweet friends Lexi & Rani turned me on to the Green Monster Movement. Basically, a healthy gal started showing raw spinach into a smoothie and it made her feel fantastic. Decreased cravings, healthier hair, nails and skin, a leaner physique, more energy, etc.
This is where I endorse the Magic Bullet. It's a personal blender where you compile all of your ingredients into the glass you'll be drinking from, screw on a bladed lid, blend, and go! It's so handy because the cups come with lids so shakes travel well, and there's nothing to clean up afterward once you rinse off the blade. We use ours at least twice a day, it's a savior!
Recipe: Cram as many fresh spinach leaves as you can fit into a bullet cup or a hefty serving into a blender. Pour in a little milk, preferably almond or soy, and blend like hell. You'll end up with a pretty green puree. From there, you can add a bit of cinnamon and a banana and call it a day. Or, in my case - throw in a serving of protein powder (I love chocolate), fiber powder, super greens powder, any fresh fruit, maybe some yogurt or peanut butter, etc. The raw spinach has little to no flavor, so you can't tell that you're getting a HUGE healthy serving of greens along with lots of other healthy things. You can truly add whatever you like trusting that the spinach is pretty flavorless. Try it! I fancy it as a mid-morning or post-workout snack, not a meal replacement.
In addition to trying to cut back the booze to 3 nights a week (I know...) and limiting desserts to once a week, that's all I've done and I'm feeling lean and mean again! You truly feel so much better about yourself and your physique when you've got plenty of finer, water and greens working on your inside!
bottoms up!
kls
I am ALL about home remedies.
I'm also all about learning about the interesting benefits and uses of certain foods and spices as it helps me stay motivated to keep my diet fresh and varied.
You must also know that my interest in all of this isn't because I've recently found myself more passionately involved in a more natural, healthful lifestyle, rather, because I believe we should all be as independent as we can - in habit, in assistance, and in remedy, specifically when it comes to our health.
I can remember seeing two enormous gallon-size zip-lock bags full of daily prescription meds when my grandmother passed away - and many of her doctors has no idea she was on all those other medications. So much research is done on specific medications, but what about when a variety of meds are mixed within the body, combined with soda, carcinogens, saturated fat, nitrates, nitrites, and a host of other processed and laboratory enhanced chemicals and preservatives?
We often imagine the difference it would make if families could reallocate the staggering amounts of money they spend on doctors, insurance and medication to buying wholesome, clean food. This isn't to say that applying yogurt to your sun burn will save your life - but it is to imply that a knowledge of good eating can help not only save your money in the long run, but ultimately enhance your quality of life, if not to extend it a few more youthful years.
Below is a compilation of interesting uses/benefits of certain foods and spices. While I still support and believe in many aspects of modern medicine, I also firmly believe that many of the minor things that ail us can be remedied by changes in our daily diet and lifestyle. We all have slightly different needs, so tuning into your body and honoring that can make a world of difference in how you feel.
Topical Applications
Lemons
Wasp stings can be relieved by the application of lemon juice. Lemon juice can also help dissolve gallstones and enhance kidney function. Daily use in your water can make a long term difference.
Sage
Sage tea makes an excellent antiseptic gargle for a sore throat or a mouthwash for bleeding gums. The leaves can be chewed to relieve toothache. Sage is also taken to relieve anxiety, menopausal flushing or excessive sweating. It also aids in the digestion of rich, heavy food and makes a great dessert tea.
Bananas
Bananas help to strengthen the lining of the stomach, protecting it from acid and ulcers. You can also put the inside of a piece of banana skin against a verruca or corn and cover it with a plaster to help soothe/heal it.
Salt
Bathe blistered feet in a salt foot bath to enhancing the healing process.
Yogurt
Live yogurt is a good source of beneficial bowel flora, and should always be taken after antibiotic therapy. It discourages the proliferation of harmful bacteria and yeasts in the gut, and relieves digestive disorders including both diarrhea and constipation. It can be applied externally for thrush. It is also very soothing for sunburn.
Oatmeal
A handful of oats wrapped in a piece of muslin can be used in the bath to relieve irritated or itchy skin; this is particularly beneficial for chickenpox. Oats are a nutritive tonic for the nervous system and when eaten regularly, will help the body to cope with stress. Oat bran lowers blood cholesterol and helps prevent constipation.
Honey
Honey has antiseptic properties, and can be used as an ointment for wounds. Manuka honey from New Zealand is an excellent treatment for leg ulcers.
Mustard
Hot water poured on to crushed mustard seeds and used as a foot bath is said to ward off flu and to relieve headaches.
Cabbage
Heated cabbage leaves can be worn inside the bra to relieve mastitis. They may also be applied to bruises. Cabbage is an excellent remedy for gastric ulcers. It speeds up oestrogen metabolism in women, which may offer protection against hormone-related cancers such as breast or ovarian cancer. It also suppresses the growth of intestinal polyps. The crucifer/brassica family of vegetables, which includes Brussels sprouts and broccoli, contain a compound which can cause some types of cancer cell to self-destruct. They are particularly beneficial in lung, colon and breast cancers.
Vinegar
Vinegar should be applied to jellyfish or wasp stings. Cider vinegar, taken with a little honey, can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and stimulate the liver to produce more bile.
Olive oil
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (the healthy fat) helps lower the amount of LDL, or bad cholesterol, in the blood. When used in moderation, this is a great staple for daily cooking. Saute food in olive oil instead of frying.
Potatoes
A slice of raw potato applied to a black eye will reduce swelling. An old-fashioned treatment for chilblains is a poultice of mashed potatoes and turnips mixed with a little turpentine. The raw juice, or the water used to boil potatoes, can help to relieve painful joints when applied as a compress.
Internal Enhancements
Saffron
Saffron is said to relieve menstrual pain, depression, chronic diarrhea and neuralgic pain.
Beetroot
Fresh beetroot juice is an extremely concentrated source of vitamins and minerals. It contains anti-carcinogens and stimulates the immune system.
Tonic water
The quinine in tonic water helps to relieve cramps.
Shitake mushrooms
Research suggests that they help combat auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. They also lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Celery
Helps to relieve joint pain by removing uric acid build-up in the joints; the seeds are particularly beneficial in the treatment of gout.
Apples
Treat stomach upsets with grated apple, left to turn brown and mixed with a little honey. The pectin in apples helps to regulate the digestive system and improves nutrient absorption. An apple is also a great source of energy when used to replace an afternoon cup of coffee.
Coriander leaves
These leaves help to strengthen the tissues of the urinary tract and are used to treat urinary tract infections.
Basil
A natural tranquillizer, basil is calming to the nervous system.
Chives
Chives stimulate the appetite and help the digestion during convalescence.
Dill
Relieves griping and flatulence.
Fennel
Prevents excessive wind and relieves nausea and vomiting. It is also taken for insomnia.
Thyme
An infusion may be used as an antiseptic gargle or as an expectorant for coughs and catarrh.
Parsley
Freshens the breath.
Rosemary
Stimulates the circulation and the nervous system. A weak infusion will help relieve nervous headaches, neuralgia and colds. It also makes an excellent antiseptic gargle.
Barley
Lemon barley water is a soothing drink for cystitis. Put 40g of whole barley grains into 12mls water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, adding the juice of a lemon towards the end. Strain. This may be sipped regularly throughout the day. Although lemon juice is acidic, by the time it reaches the urine it is alkaline and will not irritate the bladder.
Arrowroot
Arrowroot is an ideal food for convalescents and helps to relieve digestive upsets.
Cure for Illness
Ginger
A small piece of ginger can be chewed to relieve toothache and mouth ulcers. It is one of the best remedies for nausea, morning sickness and travel sickness. It aids digestion and eases flatulence and griping pains. It reduces joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Make a massage oil by mixing one part freshly grated ginger to five parts olive oil in a clear glass jar. Leave at room temperature for 24 hours, strain and bottle. Ginger improves the circulation, particularly in the hands and feet, and increases the strength of the heartbeat. It is a useful remedy for chilblains and Raynaud's disease. Taken at the first signs of a cold or flu, ginger helps to clear a blocked nose and stimulates the liver to remove toxins from the bloodstream. Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey to a mug of boiling water.
Black pepper
Stimulates the digestion, eases flatulence, relieves constipation and improves the circulation.
Cardamom
Relieves indigestion, freshens the breath, and helps stop belching, heartburn and vomiting. It can be used in the treatment of colds, coughs and bronchitis.
Cayenne pepper and Chillies
Tonic to the digestive and circulatory systems and helpful in the treatment of chilblains. Useful in the treatment of sinusitis and other catarrhal conditions.
Cinnamon
Used for indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea.
Coriander seeds
The seeds stimulate the digestive system, and are also prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea and cystitis.
Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and a liver tonic. Turmeric is also used to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
I hope this laundry list of benefits inspires you to dust off the spice rack and make something fresh and therapeutic for your and your family.
happy & healthy eating,
kls
Time is money.
Right?
In 2002, a British university professor actually proved, to an extent, that time really is money. According to his equation, every (British) minute was worth about .15 cents to men, and .12 cents to women.
The formula is: V=(W((100-t)/100))/C, where V is the value of an hour, W is a person's hourly wage, t is the tax rate and C is the local cost of living. The concept is to quantify the literal and figurative costs of any given task weighted against another, taking into consideration your worth at home and in the workplace.
Historically, our wages or salaries have determined our value - however, by comparing income relative to cost of living, taxation, etc. - we can see how much an hour is worth whether it is spent at home or in the workplace.
The moral of the seemingly silly mathematical equation is to help us understand that as the value of our time rises, it is likely we will buy more of it at higher literal costs by way of spending money to save time - just in the way that we hire people to perform basic tasks or services for us, order take out instead of shop and cook, etc.
This is an equally interesting and resonating comparison for me, as my recent realization is that my time really is my money.
I always thought I was a hustler.
And don't get me wrong - when I work, I work hard. I'll outperform everyone around me called to complete the same task, but when I'm done, I'm done. To perform at my personal caliber, I need 2 parts rest to every 1 part work. Roughly. Maybe it's more like a 4-1 ratio ;)
You see - I held onto this "everyday I'm hustlin'" mentality until I took a step back, pursued becoming the greatest version of myself I could be, and then realized that I was really at peace when I was still. That I was ignited by genuine interaction. That I appreciated simplicity and stillness. That I would no longer be diluted by an over-extension of commitments and obligations.
You see, growing up under a hustle-and-bustle father, I thought "time is money" was kind of a "'nother day 'nother dollar" situation. I thought it meant each moment should yield a positive return...when now in my twenty-fifth year, I've realized the type of return I value the most.
Honestly - if given the option to make more money or have more time off, I'd more than likely opt for more free time. Granted, in the words of my dear husband in the heat of a purchasing discussion, "You've got rich blood." I do love nice things, but not at the expense of my peace, balance, rest, and relationships. Honoring my balance means working reasonably enough to provide the lifestyle I find suitable and realistic within the parameters of fulfilling my personal and emotional desires and obligations to myself and those I love first.
During my collegiate years, when I was lost within an armour of body fat, I thrived off of packed days, 7 day work weeks, long hours and an overall grueling schedule. The lack of time I made for myself was evident within and without as it served as my esteem as well as a distraction. This isn't to say that all hustlers aren't great individuals...but for this gal to achieve greatness, I require some serious downtime.
Moral of the story...emotional prosperity outweighs financial wealth any day, in my opinion. My fear for individuals is waking up later in life with a plentiful bank account and a bankrupt spirit. Do you thing, hustle and grind, but take time along to way to indulge, divulge and really relish in the moment.
"We live in a world that urges us to admire and pursue whatever is faster, whatever is newer, and whatever is bigger - the underlying idea being that we should be living a different life, not the one we're living now. He who knows he has enough is rich." -Terry Hershey & Lao Tzu
I'm baaaaaaaack.
Well, not really. Only sort of.
I must say - for the first time in my life, I don't really know what to say. I think sometimes we underestimate the magnitude of certain life changes, and it's definitely taken me a while to adjust (53 days to be exact). Though not much really changed when Corey and I got married - everything changed at the same time. Really, it's been more of a mental shift than anything, but the type of shift that has the greatest impact.
The moral of the story is - I've purposely and subconsciously withdrawn from the extroverted nature of my typical lifestyle to really relish in what's going on in this season of my life.
I am a wife.
Do you know how much power that has over me? I know some of my more feminist readers don't particularly enjoy when I divulge in all of my "women in the home"beliefs - but I really do enjoy keeping our home orderly, preparing meals together with my husband, etc. While these were all things I did enthusiastically before, things feel different now. It's tough to explain - but I view marriage to be the most precious gift in life next to having children, and I want to nourish this union with all of my soul.
Furthermore, with the nature of our very amazing yet very quick nuptials, I've wanted to make sure I paused and enjoyed the tiny details of our celebrations to fully recognize our union in a mental, physical and emotional way.
So, with all that being said, I'm dipping my toes back into the water of hustle and bustle. It's going to take some time to strike my new balance of love, life and work, but like anything, it can and will be done.
Moral of the story - in the mean time, I'm going to begin re-posting classic blogs that many of you may not have come across yet. I often get requests for blog topics that I've already written about, and I know that with the layout/organization on this site, they're not always the easiest to find. If you have read some of them before, maybe they'll resonate with you in a different want this time around.
Baby steps.
With all things considered - our honeymoon/weekend of formal family dinners and friendly celebrations is less than one month away now, not to mention showers and travels, and the fact that I now need to proceed with building a new website, etc. Not to mention all my lovely and patient clients that are ready to get back to consulting!
I know that my presence and disappearance can be as bold as they are stark, but I'm very much a 110% of nothing kind of gal. I refuse to spread myself too thin, so I've withdrawn during this special time on my life...but worry not, I'm slowly reemerging :)
So, bear with me, and keep your requests coming. As always, feel free to reach out to me at kacistansell@gmail.com.
All my thanks and appreciation for your support and patience,
kls
Little did I know, on June 11th as I was posting a blog about fighting wedding fever and trusting that my man would make the best decision for us in due time, he had driven to my home town that day to ask for my father's blessing and for his attendance at our surprise wedding that Corey was planning.
That's right, a surprise wedding.
And no, before we get started, we are not with child.
Corey and I often joke about having to make plans to not make plans. With said "combined social calendars" that I referenced in my 'I'm going to chill out about wanting a ring' blog - Corey and I would often co-RSVP one another to various events week in and week out, all to great pleasure and enjoyment, but we stay super busy nonetheless. When a relaxing weekend sounds desirable, it's almost like we have to plan to not make plans to ensure that we both keep the weekend open.
So, that's what Corey did. He made a plan to not make plans.
Or so I thought.
On a walk, June 11th, to be exact, Corey told me we were getting away for the weekend. That after much deliberation over whether or not to put ourselves through the gong show of another Independence Day weekend on the lake with our crazy yet fabulous friends, he had decided we should be low key this year. He told me we'd still be hitting the water, just alone this time, down in Galveston. I told him I was delighted and would happily get away with him on what I began to jokingly refer to as, "the love retreat."
See, what you should know is, Corey and I have both had career-mania these last few months, and we were moving into our fabulous Memorial apartment the weekend before said love retreat. We needed something peaceful and relaxing to look forward to, so amongst the chaos of our daily loves, I held tight to the love retreat as my saving grace.
How was I ever to know I'd attend the retreat as Kaci Coble and come home Kaci Stansell? A girl can only dream, right?
So - to the love retreat. Mind you...Hurricane Alex decided to grace us with his presence all week...so as Corey is planning a surprise proposal and wedding, I'm almost insisting we reschedule due to the weather. Leave it to a girl to ruin her engagement, right?
It didn't take long for Corey to convince me otherwise, and I agree, knowing we'd been looking forward to relaxing too much to let a little rain deter us- we went.
It's funny, really - because there was so many hiccups in the day that all make sense looking back. Let's start at the beginning...
We awoke Saturday morning, July 3rd, to a normal day. The AT&T technician was coming, so we spent the morning organizing the office in preparation for the Internet we'd been left without for the last week. Upon his arrival, Corey "ran to the bank" (mmm hmm) as I putzed around and packed.
Around noon or so, as we were leaving for the beach, Corey made a trip down to his truck to put his luggage and suit in the car. Mind you...he actually asked me my opinion about his suit and tie that morning - which should've been red flag number one!
Anyway, while he's downstairs, I see his wallet on the dresser. I stick it in my purse and head for the door, and as he meets me to grab my bags, I ask him if he needed it, being sarcastic, obviously. He grabs it, grabs my bags, and we head for the car.
Once we hop in, he suddenly decides there's "too much crap" in his backseat and decides to run a few stragglers from the move back to the apartment. Also known as - he needs to grab the rings because I haven't gone away long enough for him to grab them.
He comes back down, volleyball backpack in tow (nothing unusual) and we hit the road.
It is a MONSOON on the way down. I'm talking, windshield wipers on blast, driving 5 mph, 3% visibility, etc. Bad new bears. But, we press on.
Upon arrival, we load up our luggage cart and head to check in, hopeful for a day of sun. As we reach the front desk, Corey reaches for his wallet, which is no where to be found. I then get the, "Babe, do you have my wallet?"look - but no, I don't - I gave it to him when he left it in the apartment, remember?
So here we go, Operation: Find Corey's Wallet. He has valet bring the truck back around so he can search it again, and I proceed to dump out my carry on of a purse in search for the damn thing. As Corey walks in the door, I've decided we should check his volleyball backpack, and just as I'm about elbow deep in the bag...he snatches it away from me. Startled, he asks me to go check the truck one more time, and I walk outside, terribly confused. Red flag number 2! (Little did I know our WEDDING RINGS were about an inch away from my finger tips!!!)
I ask why it's a big deal that we can't check-in with his reservation and offer to just make a new reservation under my name - but he insists that we use his. Again, should be obvious at this point...it's not. I'm telling you, I have convinced myself it wasn't going to happen for months, so I almost purposely avoided seeing the clues!
Anyway, I go back to the truck, and as I walk back inside, empty handed, we're checked in. No ID, no problem. Weird, but I roll with it. Up to the room we go.
We throw on our suits (in our amazing spa floor room...again, nothing fishy yet) and we hit the pool. About 10 minutes into our R&R, the storm clouds roll in. Back inside we go. We end up on a balcony overlooking the pool and seawall, enjoying our margs, relaxing. I keep asking Corey if we can go to the spa (I've already talked to the concierge and called the spa for goodness sake) but he won't acknowledge that I'm asking. Whatever.
He keeps going into the hotel to check the soccer score, lucky him World Cup was on, when little did I know, he's calling my best friend and our complex to get his wallet picked up as she was already on her way down to be the photographer/planner/florist/unknown-maid-of-honor-extraordinaire. Brilliant.
After a few hours, we head back up to get ready for dinner. Corey puts on an absolutely stunning suit, and I my new long, black, Rachel Pally one-shoulder, Grecian-goddess dress that I'm recently obsessed with, and off we go. Is it any coincidence that I was wearing a new dress, old shoes, borrowed earrings and blue undergarments? I'd like to think not ;)
At dinner, the hotel staff is kind of fishy, but I always knew Corey wouldn't propose at dinner, so I really didn't think twice. It was funny - because when we were seated, I gave him the seat he always wants - the corner pocket with the view of the entire place, but he asked me to switch him, now to understand that he didn't want me subsequently facing the entrance of the hotel. Little did he know when we traded seats that I would then be looking out of the window to the back of the hotel...exactly where he told our parents to park!
Anyway, we order our dinner, a bottle of wine, and I'm settled in for a long, relaxing evening. A bit into the meal, Corey excuses himself for the restroom. About 5 minutes later he comes back, after being awkwardly stopped by the hostess who wanted to know if we wanted a "special song" played, coming from the opposite direction of the restrooms I was aware of. I asked where he came from because I needed to go, and he told me he forgot about the closer location and sent me that way. I now know he was sweating bullets because I excused myself at the exact time everyone was set to arrive and he had just made a mad dash to the room to pick up the rings that I had, for the second time, prevented him from grabbing. Bless his heart!
Toward the end of the meal, he told me had a surprise for me. My heart begins to race, all for me to quickly realize that he would never tell me he was about to propose if that's what the surprise was! I ask what - and he reveals that he's made arrangements for the spa to stay open late and that we're having a couples massage at 8:15pm. My response was something to the nature of, "Ohh, yay." Because while I was excited, I was disappointed, though I told myself I wouldn't be! He hurries me to finish my wine as to not keep the spa waiting.
As we're walking down the hallway to the spa, he's reading off the names of the banquet and ballrooms to our right. When then I thought he was being silly, I now know he's was letting our hiding parents know it would soon be safe to follow us to the spa garden.
We hit the spa doors and make our way down the first set of marble stairs. For some odd reason, the spa receptionists doesn't greet us - she just smiles. Corey then tells me, "Actually, I have a surprise for you...we're not going to the spa..." and he leads me a few more steps to the glass french doors overlooking the spa garden.
And right then, my entire life changed.
I look out and see the most intimate expression of our love and relationship right there in front me. The garden is tastefully adorned with white rose petals floating in the meditation pond, outlined in white candles. The water wall turned altar features two of the most breathtaking floral arrangements I've ever seen. Everything was white, crisp and glowing. The sun was setting over the sea, and my life was forever changing with every step I took.
I believe the first words out of my mouth as we walked down the spa garden stairway were, "Corey, I'm going to freak out."
And that's when the sobbing started.
When I tell you that I was bawling hysterically as though someone had died...I'm not exaggerating. I was so shocked, moved, inspired and incredibly consumed with my love for him that I honestly didn't know what to do with myself.
Corey literally had to drag me to the end of the garden because I couldn't seem to put one foot in front of the other. I'll never forget for as long as we live, seeing his face when he turned around, those sweet blue eyes full of tears.
As Corey kneels down to ask me to be his wife, I lost it. I was totally and completely lost in that moment and was crying uncontrollably. I can hardly recall the words that were spoken, I just remember feeling like I couldn't touch him enough of hug him tightly enough to get as close as I needed to be.
Upon my dramatic acceptance of this glorious token of his love and commitment, he rose to his feet to tell me he had another surprise. He told me that not only did he want to marry me, but that he wanted to do it right then. He didn't want our marriage to be about a wedding, he wanted our wedding to be about us -and there was no truer moment of happiness and joy than that of when he officially chose me to be his forever.
I quite obviously enthusiastically and tearfully agreed and said I could care less if I was wearing a paper sack, that my best friend and the man of my wildest dreams was asking for my hand, and that my hand and heart were immediately his, all material things and traditions aside.
The moment I accepted, he turned me around for our final surprise. Our parents, the 4 people that brought us into this world, came walking down the stairs. All moved by our display of commitment, we shared tears, hugs and laughter as the pastor made his way to the front.
All along, my photographer/planner/florist/unknown-maid-of-honor-extraordinaire has been photographing the entire thing. What a blessing, that Kate LeSueur.
Corey asks me again if this is OK with me - and assures me that if I want to wait for a dress and be in our church that he totally understands - and I continue to tell him that the only thing I want in this entire world is him, and that there's not a thing I would want to have or change about that moment. I didn't ask to clear my face of the mascara, I didn't reach for my lip gloss, I reached for his hands and we were married right there at sunset on Saturday, July 3, 2010 in Galveston, Texas at the Spa at the Hotel Galvez.
After our ceremony, we shared cake and champagne with our parents and our dear friend Kate. We then went back to our room to find champagne and chocolate covered strawberries awaiting our arrival. We spent the evening celebrating, walking the beach, hiding out in the lifeguard stand, and talking about everything that had come to pass and how incredibly breathtaking the entire thing was. And just like that, we were Mr. & Mrs.
I don't know the symbolism behind the flower girls and bridesmaids. I don't represent the symbolism behind the white dress and my father giving me away. I don't have a group of childhood friends that I'm dying to have by my side when I married Corey. I don't care about anything but him. We had everything we needed - one another. Our parents were there to witness it, and between my lovely husband and my closest girlfriend, we had flowers, candles, a gorgeous sunset, cake, champagne, pictures and a video - all the things I ever wanted or needed. There is no part of the stress and financial burden of planning a wedding that has ever sounded desirable to Corey and I, and he knew me well enough to know what I truly wanted. Him.
Our focus is and was us. And while we will have a fabulous reception to celebrate with family and close friends, we have what we wanted and needed and it remains sacred and private, which is all we ever would've wanted.
Corey created and captured the most incredible moments of our lives within an intimate ceremony, and I cannot imagine ever having been able to plan anything to even resemble the raw, honest, genuine emotion of that evening. To have a man that cares enough about me to plan a wedding for me...now that's a man I'll walk beside until the day I leave this earth. Luckiest. Girl. Alive.
As far as I'm concerned, Corey and I have been engaged since March of 2009. While our literal engagement lasted all of 2 minutes, I knew the day we began dating that I'd spend the rest of my life with him. I've been crazy about him since my 220lb days at the University of Houston, and never would've imagined in my wildest dreams that I would marry the same Andrew Corey Stansell I was head over heels for at Frontier Fiesta 2007. It still blows my mind, and I still love him as much as I did the first time we kissed. He's my heart, my soul, my life - and if I lost everything in this world and only had him, I'd have everything I need - and I genuinely mean that.
I'm dying to see the pictures as badly as you are - so we'll all be patient together as the professional works her magic. As soon as I get them, you'll have access to them as well. And, for those of you that will be in attendance at the reception, we will be showing the video of old waterworks over here :)
Again, thank you all for your support, love and blessings. I will quite obviously be taking time away from blogging and consulting as I focus on celebrating my marriage to my best friend. We have a short time to plan a reception before the honeymoon in late September, so as soon as registries, showers and plans are solidified - business will resume as usual.
Until then, please excuse me, I'm off to watch my husband play sand volleyball.
All my thanks and appreciation,
kaci lynn stansell
I've talked about this all the time. And I will admit - as obsessed as I am with mine, I hadn't worn it down to the apartment gym since we moved in. I thought I knew how hard to work to get into the fat burning zone without it, so I had been doing cardio again for a few weeks to little or no prevail. I threw it on last week and realized I wasn't working effectively enough, and since getting back on track, I've taken off those few pesky pounds that were weighing me down, literally and emotionally. The heart rate monitor is so great because after calibrating my basic information (height, weight, sex, age) it tells me what my ideal zone is, and from there, I can reference the watch or the screen on the cardio machine to make sure I'm where I need to be. It also helps with doing effective interval training.
