to-do list

As I try to decide between feeling relief and OMGhowisitpossible that we only have six (SIX!) weeks left of this semester, I am definitely looking forward to the summer. Which will be spent working 40+ hours a week, but STILL. I will cherish my Saturdays and Sundays more than ever, and hopefully find some time to do everything on my bucket list of sorts.


Someone else has already compiled a checklist of everything that should be done during the summer, which includes things like visiting the beach, the zoo, an aquatic center, and making potato stamps (what even are potato stamps?). This is likely geared toward kiddos, but who says you can't have fun making handprint art as a senior in college?

I would love for my apartment to be filled with handmade artsy things, but artsy things take time. So I'll just start with this wreath and picture frame see where that takes me.

I've wanted to try this DIY ever since I saw it a few months ago. It might test my patience since you have to wrap all that yarn, but it would be well worth it to not spend $52 on a belt. And the color possibilities are endless!

Last but not least, I am going to learn how to use my DSLR camera. I got it last summer but I've been shooting on auto, so it's probably time to learn what aperture and ISO mean. Wish me luck!

Rock on, summer.


This lovely list is brought to you by Pinterest, of course.
Photo credit: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

wanderlust

Although I haven't been lying on a beach in an exotic locale this spring break, I have been daydreaming of where I would like to be spending time off from school. If money were no object, I would spend this summer traveling the world and experiencing the diverse cultures that make up this planet.


First up on my trip would be Venice, Italy.

Seriously, how gorgeous is that?!


I have a weakness for the beach. I've loved it ever since I made mini sandcastles on Myrtle Beach at two years old. There's just something about the carefree attitude that everyone adopts when their toes hit the sand. It also helps that everything runs on 'island time' -- translation: who cares what time it is?


So, Tahiti would have to be next.

Even though I'm sitting here doing homework instead of basking in the sun, at least I'm not sunburned, right?


Next, I'd probably head to London. I'd be lying if I said that the Royal Wedding didn't have something to do with my recent fascination with England. But off I go...

I've heard Spain is a beautiful place, and the picture below is no exception. It was taken in Antequera, which looks like a quaint village with some incredible architecture. 

Here's to wishful thinking! Bummer.


Photo credit: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

a little encouragement

We've reached that point in the semester. Where all the exams, assignments, projects, and deadlines start piling up and it pretty much just seems like you're going to crash and burn and nothing gets done except you bake a cake to procrastinate. Yeah. Fun times. I have to remind myself that this is just one season of life, and it's best to just take a deep breath and tackle your to-do list head on (lists are my way of taking control of the situation). It's in moments like those that I wish I had a liiiittle more optimism to get me through the week, so I've started to compile inspirational, encouraging words that just might help you make it one more week until (OMG.big.sigh) Spring Break. Enjoy :)

Source: imgfave.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: lanipauli.tumblr.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: indefinitely-ash.tumblr.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: ohsuzeq.tumblr.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: kllloud.tumblr.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

Source: southern-smith.tumblr.com via Katelyn on Pinterest

I've also found it so important to take a break from the stress of school and enjoy the things that you will actually remember 20 years from now. That paper you put off until the last minute? Not so much. If all else fails, find a cute dog to play with. They are undoubtedly one of the best stress relievers you could possibly find.

Isn't she the cutest thing ever? 

#febphotoaday

Remember the February photo-a-day challenge I mentioned a while ago? Well, I was (mostly) successful at remembering to snap a photo everyday, and I really enjoyed seeing everyone's interpretation of the prompts. If you have the Instagram app, I highly recommend joining in the fun for March's challenge! Find @fatmumslim on Twitter and give it a shot.

Day 1: My view as I worked on my Wix site
Day 2: Words from J.Crew

Day 3: Little hands while babysitting

Day 5: 10 a.m. - Getting ready for the day

Day 6: Roasting sweet potatoes for dinner 

Day 7: Button on my denim jacket

Day 8: The sun setting Day 9: Armoire door instead of front door (because it's heinous) Day 10: Self portrait Day 12: Inside my closet Day 14: Heart Day 16: Trying something new for dinner Day 19 & 20: Something I hate to do (study) / Handwriting Day 21: A favorite photo. Fun memories from Vegas! Day 22: Where I work Day 23: My shoes Day 24: Inside my bathroom cabinet Day 25: My green heated blanket that I'm in love with Day 26: Spent a night babysitting that munchkin Day 27: Holds my money Day 28: Something I ate @ Blue Sushi Day 29: Something you're listening to

hello there, spring

With the weather turning warmer, I thought it would be fun to talk about some fun spring trends that are popping up everywhere. Spring is my favorite season by far, and although we didn't have much of a winter here in Fort Worth, it's always exciting to take in the sunshine that now lasts well past 5 p.m. I compiled a few of my favorite trends for the season, and I would love to hear your favorites too!

First up, we have neon. I especially love adding a pop of neon to an otherwise neutral ensemble.

Neon by katelynkellam featuring leather belts

I find myself gravitating toward flowy, loose, colorful tops this season. Probably because you don't have to think twice about pairing them with skinny jeans and a couple fun bracelets, plus they can be layered and belted to your heart's content.

Silk tops by katelynkellam featuring a long tank

Mint is showing up everywhere these days. I love this trend so much I'm wearing mint nail polish as I type. It's perfect for all skin types and is the epitome of springtime.

mint by katelynkellam featuring a ruffle dress

Colored denim is another favorite of mine. Regular jeans just seem so boring now that there are so many options in the bottoms department!
(Don't stare at this picture too long or it will become creepy.)

colorful denim by katelynkellam featuring skinny jeans

Happy spring!

eating in

This week I decided I would try something new in regards to cooking. I made a meal plan for the week and only went grocery shopping once. I decided on roasted sweet potatoes + green beans, Greek salsa + chicken, fish tacos + black beans, and a Greek salad. I like to make meals that require only a few ingredients for time's sake (because the homework is still there whether you make a gourmet meal or not).

Monday:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes :: This recipe is super easy for a school night and requires very little effort.

This recipe is made up, so the measurements are approximate. Substitute and adapt however you choose!

1 medium sweet potato (or however many you want)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Peel the sweet potato. Cut into small-medium sized pieces. Combine potato pieces and olive oil in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine until all pieces are coated with the mixture. Spread on a cookie sheet and pop in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Tuesday:

Greek salsa + chicken :: I found the recipe here. It was simple and delicious! Don't overcook your chicken or you will be disappointed ;)

Wednesday:

Fish tacos + black beans :: I used this recipe but substituted frozen tilapia for cod and cooked it in the oven instead of on the grill. I liked the idea of the pineapple salsa, so I cut up some canned pineapple and used a mango salsa. I also added cilantro and green bell pepper for more flavor.

Thursday was supposed to be Greek salad night, but we ended up at Five Guys and I wasn't the least bit sad about missing out on salad. Sometimes you've just gotta live a little.