Category Archives: Personal

Expansion.

These past few months of my life have been huge when it comes to personal growth. I have met an amazing group of new people that love life and have inspired me in so many ways. It is because of them that I’ve recently felt especially motivated to continuously put my best effort into Sidewalk Ready. Not only will this keep my content interesting for you, but also keep me from becoming complacent. I know I took a step back from writing personal things on here, but I’ve been feeling more and more that I want to incorporate details about my life again. I discussed this with many people close to me, and after some affirmation from some of you lovely readers on my facebook page, I’ve realized that it’s time again. I’m ready to let you back in.

So on that note, I’m actually going to tell you where I went while wearing the outfit in this post! One of the friends I’ve recently connected with more is a special lady that you all might be familiar with, Tieka from Selective Potential. Tieka and I met a year ago, but only recently did we take the time to truly get to know each other, and I am so glad that we did. This particular evening, she and I went to dinner at one of our local favorite restaurants, The Winchester, and had a fantastic time chowing down on thai lettuce wraps and sharing our stories.

I feel so fortunate to find fresh life in Grand Rapids through these new friends, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer will bring. This season in Michigan has always been my favorite and I know that I have countless beach days, bonfires, meaningful conversations, and laughs to look forward to. So here is a sincere thank you to the many soul enriching people in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you all.

Also, thanks to YOU for being here. I don’t know many of my readers, but I appreciate you more than you know. Your support and encouragement certainly does not go unnoticed. It is my hope that I can give back to each of you as much as you have given to me. I just love this crazy, scary, mind-blowingly strange, but beautiful, blogging world.

blog-3 blog-4 blog-5 blog-2

Outfit Breakdown:
Blazer: Gap (Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Tank: c/o Left on Houston (Same. Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Necklace: Purchased in Grand Cayman (Similar.)
Jeans: 7 for all Mankind (Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Shoes: Gap (Save. Spend. Splurge.)

Photos by Tieka.

psssst. Speaking of some beautiful people, my dear friend started a baking blog incorporating two of our favorite things: cupcakes and cocktails. Introducing Cupcake Tipsy by Lindsey Bandy. You won’t want to miss it.

.

Kayley-Sign-Off

.

 

This guy right here …

… is 29 today. So let’s all wish Kai a happy birthday, shall we?

kai9
kai4
kai2
kai3
kai8
kai7
kai10

Happy birthday, my Kai. Your unconditional love and support mean more than you know. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.

My heart forever,

Kayley-Sign-Off

.

Photography by Kyle Hepp, Julie Harmsen, and Jessica Feely.

26 years young.

Today I am 26.

The past 365 days have had their ups and downs, and I know this age will continue to be one of the most memorable of my life. During my 25th year, I grew so much by accepting defeats and celebrating accomplishments – by making some big mistakes, but also reveling in the moments where I “got it right”. I’m eager to embrace this new age with a positive and enthusiastic attitude, knowing that each day will certainly bring it’s own challenges, but will hold moments of unique beauty as well. I can’t wait to grow into myself even more, and, little by little, discover what the entirety of this crazy, lovely, capricious life has in store for me.

Here are some of my favorite moments from age 25!

blog-15

Florida + The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. (!!!!!)

blog-20

blog-21

Salt Lake City, where I achieved my new personal bowling record. 184 + I beat all the boys. ;)

blog-22

Meeting my nephew, Kaleb.

blog-24

A local magazine feature.

blog-19

blog-17

Establishing new friendships.

blog-16

Days of paddle boarding with Layne on our family’s property – and making interesting snack choices.

blog-3

Visiting Colorado in July to see one of my best friends, and making new ones at the same time.

blog-18

St. Kitts vacation with Kai! This was the night of my all-time favorite dining experience.

blog-10

blog-35

Becoming self employed in July!

blog-36

blog-30

Mom and daughter annual Chicago trip + Coldplay concert with Layne. (favorite memory of 2012!)

blog-4

Five year anniversary day trip to Ludington.

blog-1

blog-13

Long weekend up north – my anniversary gift to Kai.

blog-12

Photographing a wedding in Baltimore + Spending time in Annapolis, Washington D.C.

blog-11

blog-27

Tats!

blog-26

Annual family photo – taken on Thanksgiving.

20681_4795021468932_1238760125_n

blog-29

End of the World – Legends of the Hidden Temple Party + Some awesome photobooth moments.

blog-23

blog-8

Ringing in the New Year with some of my favorite people!

blog-25

I have decided to regard this birthday as a reminder that I am alive, rather than a reminder that I am older.

So here’s to turning 26 – and celebrating life. Can’t wait to see what this year will bring!

.

Kayley-Sign-Off

.