… is 29 today. So let’s all wish Kai a happy birthday, shall we?
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,
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Photography by Kyle Hepp, Julie Harmsen, and Jessica Feely.
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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!
Florida + The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. (!!!!!)
Salt Lake City, where I achieved my new personal bowling record. 184 + I beat all the boys. 
Meeting my nephew, Kaleb.
A local magazine feature.
Establishing new friendships.
Days of paddle boarding with Layne on our family’s property – and making interesting snack choices.
Visiting Colorado in July to see one of my best friends, and making new ones at the same time.
St. Kitts vacation with Kai! This was the night of my all-time favorite dining experience.
Becoming self employed in July!
Mom and daughter annual Chicago trip + Coldplay concert with Layne. (favorite memory of 2012!)
Five year anniversary day trip to Ludington.
Long weekend up north – my anniversary gift to Kai.
Photographing a wedding in Baltimore + Spending time in Annapolis, Washington D.C.
Tats!
Annual family photo – taken on Thanksgiving.
End of the World – Legends of the Hidden Temple Party + Some awesome photobooth moments.
Ringing in the New Year with some of my favorite people!
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!
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The post I originally had planned for today just got postponed to Wednesday because guess what, guys? I have something to say. So this post is going to feel a little like a girl power anthem. I know what you’re probably thinking, “Oh my gosh, Kayley is going to talk about her feelings. Save us all!” Well, this is what I do, and all of my friends have to put up with it at some point. We are kind of friends now, right? Right. So bear with me.
Anyway, I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day. This particular friend has been a big part of my life since middle school, and second to Kai, knows me better than any other guy in the world. We love to talk about books, movies, and lyrics … really any form of art that uses language as a medium. Creative writing has always been a passion of mine, and he was my biggest cheerleader when we were younger. Lately, he’s been nagging me to get back into it, and I’ve had one lousy excuse after another. I think I finally got tired of resisting, and a couple of nights ago, I mentioned to him that I have been feeling motivated again. His response? “And she’s back!” Sometimes, words like this from a friend are all it takes to start bouncing back.
In the midst of this, I’ve been plagued by the flu. Not the clinging-to-the toilet-for-dear-life type of flu, the delirious, my-fever-is-making-it-impossible-to-think, I-just-sweat-through-my-sheets-again type. So this morning, when I woke up with a sense of clarity (and some small remnants of wooziness), I thought it was time to get out of the house. Time to bounce back.
Today is a day of healing. Mentally and physically. I’ve encountered this before, and for me, a crucial part in the rejuvenation process is sprucing myself up. After being sick for three days, I was feeling pretty run down (this is an extreme under exaggeration). I’m always a proponent for a pampering massage or pedicure, but this morning, something as simple as curling my hair, trading my glasses for contacts, and putting on makeup was like therapy. I took my time and chose my color palette carefully: girly, fresh, and lively. I intentionally selected clothing that shows the world who I want to be. Nothing too trendy: classic, simple, and pretty. It’s the perfect day for my favorite, cashmere sweater that once caused an adorable, gay guy to stop in his tracks and exclaim, “Giiirl! That is your color!” The cherry on top (or bottom) is my new pair of Ted Baker heels I was saving for a special occasion. Today is a special occasion. I’m bouncing back.
So ladies, next time your heart is telling you it’s time for a revival, help a sister out. Doll yourself up, don your favorite duds, and go somewhere. Anywhere. Even if it’s just to the local Barnes & Noble. Pop a cough drop and sing at the top of your lungs to the Taylor Swift song that just came on the radio. Then, consider it a beautiful sign of healing when they play another T.Swift track immediately afterwards (’cause that happened.) I don’t care who you are, that girl is painfully relatable.
Here’s to bouncing back. May we never forget that “life is holy and every moment is precious.” Thanks for that, Jack Kerouac .
* This rare moment of vulnerability brought to you by a fever hangover and an emotional high. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
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These beautiful bracelets from Stowe Street are a new favorite. They are reasonably priced yet feel luxe. I hand selected the large bangle and asked them to choose the accompanying small bangles. I love this combination! Check out all of the styles here – and stay tuned for a giveaway. 
Outfit Breakdown:
Coat: Banana Republic (Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Sweater: J.Crew (Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Pants: Gap (Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Shoes: Ted Baker “Kelmat” (Same. Save. Spend. Splurge.)
Bracelets: c/o Stowe Street (Same. Same. *on sale)
Lipstick: Starlet from The Leslie Studio (email for ordering information.)
Hair:
Curled away from my face with a 1.5″ curling iron. Applied Big Sexy Hair Powder Play to roots.
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