Tag Archive | Capitola

Rituals

Good morning! This was my comment after watching this video this morning. You’re going to laugh!

“May 6, 2013… that’s how long I have been saving this video in my email inbox. Today is January 25, 2016! It’s about time right?!?! Yes! So, I watched this 1st wonderful video (while chopping an acorn squash in my kitchen, instead of sitting on my butt. Which is how I started it.) and am thinking… hmmmm… what kind of ritual would I like to have in the morning? Something different than I already have from my amazing life? Ha!! I’ll let you know when I figure that out. Thanks for all you do ladies! Can’t wait for day 2 tomorrow. 🙂 ‪#‎Healthy‬ ‪#‎TheLifeOfAMother‬ ‪#‎JustForMe‬ #TheSelfLoveRevolution”

I’ve been saving them for the right time to focus on “Me”. Haha, can you believe it! Focus on me? You would think I would have watched these a very, very long time ago.

The truth is, I try and focus on myself as much as I can. Yes, I have a super busy life, yes, I like it that way. Husband, Father, 4 Children, Myself… all in one house. Believe it, or not, we have a pretty damn good balance. This doesn’t mean that I don’t get off kilter from time-to-time, because, believe me I do. It just means that this wasn’t first on my list. Does that also mean that, I am not first on my list? No, I definitely try, I just get sidetracked.

After watching this video, I really feel like I need to stop and figure out a ritual that I would like to have that is different from what I already to. Take today for instance… My Husband kissed me goodbye. I got up, used the restroom, put my contacts on, combed any lasting lice eggs out of my youngest Son’s just-washed-hair, cleaned up, washed my face, flossed my teeth, brushed my teeth, put on my skincare products, brushed my hair, then got dressed. Kissed my 3rd Son goodbye for school, cooked 5 scrambled eggs for the 4th Son, ate a yogurt, powdered the two dogs with flea powder, put them in their kennel, then was off to take my 4th Son to school. There was my morning, thus far.

If I just look at that little part of my morning, I think that it was pretty productive.

I didn’t even mention everything that I did after I got back from that school drop off. Let the dogs out of the kennel, the 3 of us made our way upstairs to my room, chatted with the cable company, chatted with the sales guy, Alec, at the gym my boys want to join, cleaned my room, text with my 4 of my girlfriends and 2 of my Nieces, did Day 1 of a 30 day Squat Challenge, vacuumed my bedroom, watched this 1st video while chopping an acorn squash and putting it away for later, then made myself a yummy #LunchForOne, said good morning to my two oldest that have today off from school, had an intense conversation with my 2nd Son about his behavior towards others and how it makes them feel, then finally sat down to blog.

Phew! Haha! Yes, a pretty normal day for me. Now that I read back through all of that, what have I really done for me? Perfect reason for me to find a new ritual. Time to get my head together and figure that out ASAP. Maybe on the drive over to pick up my little Cousin from school? Or, maybe while I’m sitting in the carpool line picking up my youngest Son and 2 others that I drive home on the daily? Haha!

I’ll figure it out. I love to journal. I love to paint. I am a woman who goes through spurts and doesn’t really stick to the thinks I love, unless it is washing my face and tending to myself that way. At least I can say that I take care of myself with using amazing skincare products, having clean and nice clothes, a beautiful closet that I love to dress out of, books that I love to read and living in a town that I can never get enough of. 🙂

xoxo

Savvy Curls with Kathleen Shelfer

Nov5

The Savvy Curls new commercial is out. Take a look and let me know what you think.

If you would like to purchase a Savvy Curls Curling Headband, please contact me here or go to…

http://www.SavvyCurls.com, but don’t forget to use my Client Code for your discount and to link you directly to me.

Client Code: kats1 (all lower case)

I can’t wait to see your results! 🙂

Honesty From a 10-Year-Old

Oct5

A couple of months ago a little girl was murdered on our area. It was an absolute tragedy. The community has come together to create a very positive light for her memory to survive.

This morning I was telling my youngest Son that it is Madyson Middleton’s Birthday and her Mother has put a celebration together for her today. A gathering that is open to all to attend at Harvey West Park. Bounce House, Art, Face Painting, snacks. I asked him if he would like to attend?

He looked at me and said… “Mom, I don’t think I want to go, I think that I would just be sad the whole time. I understand that this is to celebrate her birthday, but why would her mother and family want to keep being reminded that she is gone? That would make me just feel worse.”

I told him that this is a way for some people to cope with their loss in a positive way. They celebrate, remember, do some of their favorite things and remember the happy times. He still didn’t agree. His face looked scrunched and deep in though. He just said, “I just don’t think that they should be having a party. I can’t go. It will make me sad.”

I sighed and hugged him tight. I have to say that I agree with my very thoughtful little man. I appreciate his honesty and his sincerity. Even though I understand why the gathering is being held, I don’t think that I would be able to hold such an event if it were me. It’s not me though, and I respect others and their feelings.

My family didn’t know the little girl who was murdered. We do know good friends of hers though. I know they are having a very tough day. I know that every day is tough. That is what death brings to us. Sadness, anger, confusion and so much more. It can be debilitating. I know, I’ve felt loss.

Tell those close to you that you love them. Right this very minute. Support those that need it the most. Right this very minute. Hug everyone that you can. Every day. There is never a wrong positive gesture. Do it now. Don’t wait. 🙂

A Sweet Sunday

Oct4

Today was a good day. It stated out with watching a couple of episodes of Orange is the New Black in bed. Relaxing and easing into the day.

About 9:30 I rolled out of bed, washed my face, brushed my teeth, moisturized, brushed my hair, then threw on some clothes. Down the stairs I went. Had an apple and gathered my things to head out with my family to the beach.

Sunday is the rest of my families day to hang out with the guys and the kids. They’ve done soccer, ultimate frisbee and now they are on to beach volleyball. It’s a joy to watch them all gather, join teams and play for fun. All of the laughter and smiles on their faces makes me so happy inside. I truly enjoy watching them on Sundays.

After a bit of watching the guys, my friend, Laura, and I walked over to Armida’s tasting room for a little wine tasting. It’s always a treat, both the wine and the wonderful company.

After some wine tasting and great conversation, I made my short trek back home. I had some wonder food to prepare.

Today I made Falafel’s, Garlic Hummus, Basil Pesto and Mint Garlic Pesto. All from scratch. Everything turned out beautiful. Super yummy too.

We had the Falafel’s and some of the hummus for dinner. I’ll use both of the pesto’s this week with my meals. Yum! 🙂

I baked a batch and also friend a batch. I wanted to be able to compare them.

Garlic Hummus

Basil Pine Nut Pesto

Mint Basil Cashew Pesto

By the way… the hummus came out kick-ass! Maybe I should rename it, Kathleen’s Kick-Ass Garlic Hummus? Ha! 🙂

Delicious Fish Tacos

Sep30

I made some kick-ass Fish Tacos tonight! Tilapia isn’t my favorite white fish, but I seasoned them so beautifully, that it didn’t really matter.

I cooked the fish in a teaspoon of clarified butter and coconut oil. Seasoned it with Seafood Seasoning, Garlic Salt, Lemon Pepper and Paprika. Both Sides.

I cut the kernels off the corn and sautéed it in a half teaspoon of clarified butter and fresh minced garlic. I then added the shredded cabbage at the end. Just to warm the cabbage. Set aside.

The salsa was made by my Father this afternoon. He makes the best salsa EVER! Hands down!

Everyone enjoyed dinner, with the exception of my youngest. He isn’t feeling great today and needed to just head to bed. He scrounged for a bit of string cheese and a nice cold vanilla Italian soda that he made with the Soda Stream. Hopefully, he’ll wake up in the morning feeling 110%. 🙂

Tonights Beauty

Sep27

I set out with my family this evening to try and catch the beautiful Eclipse and Red Moon, but the marine layer had something else in mind. We waited, but were still not able to see the moon.

While waiting I walked down to the shore and was able to capture a few beautiful photos of the sun setting. Unfortunately, something has gone haywire with the setting in my Camera, so I opted to take a few with my iPhone. I’m just happy they came out as well as they did.

I hope you enjoy.

After I got home my Niece sent me a quick text and told me that she could see the moon out a bit now. I headed out to the balcony. I’m so happy that I was able to catch the tail end of the eclipse. It is so beautiful. Again, unfortunately, I had to capture a few with me iPhone. I suppose it’s better than nothing.

Here are a couple that I was able to capture.

Good night! 🙂

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

Sep24

Sunday…

I woke up feeling great! I cleaned myself up and headed out the door. I was on a mission to see some friends that are such beautiful souls.

My friend Dele was doing the Surf City AIDS Ride. Esplanade Park, in the Capitola Village, close to where I live, was the first stop on their map.

I loved cheering on the riders and they came in. Then here came Dele and her friend, Richard. Woo hoo!!! Right on riders!

Can you believe that she was doing 65 miles that day?! Isn’t that just amazing! She has done the AIDS Ride several times as well. I am just so proud of what she does for others. Constantly! She is always an inspiration to me.

As for Kristofer, he will be doing the AIDS ride for his first time coming up. I am so proud of his will and the endeavors he pursues. Another true inspiration! For sure!

What a wonderful way to start my day. Also, to set the tone for the rest of my week. 🙂

Monday…

After dropping the kiddos at school I came home, made myself a little breakfast, then took off for a walk. Headphones on, hit play on the podcast and off I went.

I never get bored walking around my home. So many beautiful things to look at. So many different paths to take. Every single one of the breathtaking.

My walks each day have been making me feel so very good. Good for the mind. Good for my soul. Good for my mood. Good for my body. Just so many ways to list.

Here are a few pics from this wonderful town that I call home. Enjoy! 🙂

Tuesday…

What an amazing day this was. A field trip with the 5th graders! Woo hoo!

We met with a Guide, by the name of Todd. I believe that he is a Survival Trainer. Anyway, he was fantastic. On point. Patient with the kids and super informative. I would love to take my family back for a day, or even a weekend and just have him teach us. Great stuff!

We saw Banana Slugs, raccoon tracks at the creeks edge, learned how to walk like a fox and be aware of our surroundings. We were shown what we need to make fire and how to do it. We made shelters with what was available in our surroundings.

I could just imagine what else we could have learned in a smaller group. I was very impressed. It made me really think about booking some really quality time with my family. Away from the house. Away from electricity and the distractions that it brings. Back to family, talking, stories, bonding. I miss that so much. xoxo

All in all, I must say that my mornings have been amazing. It usually works out that if my morning stays calm, then the rest of my days does as well. Kind of setting the day, if you will. I love my life when it falls into place this way. This month has been a very hard one for me. A new chapter in the book of learning for sure! As for today, I couldn’t be happier. 🙂

To Walk in My Town

Apr29

I’ve been able to get out a bit over the past week and take a few walks. I wanted to share these beautiful shots with you. Simple to take great photos, even with a cell phone, when you live in such a beautiful place. :)

Train tracks and daisy’s seem to be my theme this week.

#TheLifeOfAMother

Meet Gypsy

Oct2

I have a new fun toy and I’ve named her Gypsy. She is a fun-loving free spirit. She is my new Electra Bike. She is beautiful!!! I just love her!

She really is so much prettier in person. Probably the last bike that I will ever have for pleasure. I can just picture myself on this bike when I am 90. My long hair flowing in the wind. Still not wanting to wear a helmet. Hahaha! 🙂

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