Wow.  Writing this post is an absolute dream come true for me.  As I sit here, I am intimidated, inspired, excited and expectant while typing out my vision for this blog.  3 months ago I did not believe this would be coming to life, but with the help of Ross and Jenny at Flosites, many late nights with James (my husband) and my support system along with an amazing friend and mentor, Lara Casey, here we are.  And I couldn’t be happier.

This blog is about life. And living it to it’s full potential.  I like to use the term “wellness” when I describe my inspiration for this site because I feel like it is an encompassing term for what life should embody.

well-ness – noun

1. The quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as a result of deliberate effort.

Let’s break it down.  This definition, as a whole, really hits the nail on the head when it comes to my reason for creating this community.  I want to encourage you as you journey through your wedding planning process to ready yourself for what comes after the wedding day: a marriage!  I feel more often than not, people do not go into a marriage equipped to succeed and flourish.  This is not about just making it (although every relationship hits rough spots), it is about feeling fulfilled in your relationship with each other and, as crazy as it sounds, your relationship with you.  My favorite section of this definition, by a long shot, says this: “as a result of deliberate effort.”  That’s right people, marriage takes work.  I’m with you in the rainbows and butterflies of it all and trust me, my husband rocks my world.  But what gives a marriage longevity and balance?  Deliberate effort by YOU.

We will cover topics such as: budgeting as a newlywed, keeping yourself healthy amid the stress,  weaving your story into the big day, making his man chair fit into your living room, communicating effectively, and what makes a “we”.  I intend to ask you hard questions, to challenge you to move outside your comfort zone, and to encourage you to push yourself to become a better person for your mate.

I by no means promise to be an expert but I do promise to learn alongside you from the incredible collaborators we have on board as well as to be transparent with you when it comes to my story, my daily struggles, my love and my triumphs.

XOXO,

Lauren

As a woman I am naturally hard on myself when it comes to my physique.  When I look in the mirror I often see that I’m fluffy here and saggy there.  I have invisible eyebrows and lips the size of a house boat.  My  nose has a zip code all to itself and my rump…well..let’s not even GO there.

While I must admit that James, my husband, is fantastic with words of affirmation, it has never ceased to amaze me that he really thinks I’m beautiful.  He doesn’t just throw words at me, he believes them.  It blows me away. I was feeling particularly baffled earlier this week when, after 3 days of sweats, no makeup, late nights and a crabby temper, he still had the ability to bring a bright red blush to my cheeks and make me feel like a million bucks.  It made me really think deeper about what makes me define beauty the way I do. Why do I only see my flaws?  Why is it always a comparison?  A part of me thinks it would be easier if I could see a glimpse of myself through his eyes so I could understand why he loves me so.

Then it hit me.  James’s love for me directly mimics the love Christ has for me.  It isn’t that he is always wearing rose-colored glasses or that he is experiencing the blind kind of love so many talk about.  It is because he loves me for WHO I am by being the husband God calls him to be.  Where I see a neurotic, emotional, messy, silly, girl he sees a thoughtful, caring, approachable, fun loving, wife. (wife – that word still makes my tummy flip)

In college, I read a book by John and Stasi Eldredge titled “Captivating – Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul.”  I will quote it often throughout my posts on this blog but there is one statement that I want to share with you now.

“She is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God.  Woman.  In one last flourish creation comes to a finish not with Adam, but with Eve.  She is the Master’s finishing touch.”

Take a moment to let that sink in.  Ladies, we were made just how we are on PURPOSE.  We completed creation and our beauty is meant to be radiating from the inside.  So look at yourself as an “astonishing work”.  Are you living up to that daily?  Are you loving yourself like you are worthy of that title?  If not, change it!  Right now.  This very moment.  Grab a pen and a piece of paper.  Write down 10 truths that make you a beautiful person.  No, this is not bragging, this is empowering. Love yourself.

My truths:

1. I love my Lord with abandon.  2. I gave my heart to my husband at a young age and have never regretted it.  3. I hold my family dear and cherish them all.  4. I see the potential in even the most unlovable humans.  5. I break when I see lonely people.  6. My heart sings when I hear of people living their passion. 7. I have been mended from former hurt and am now more compassionate towards those hurting because of it.  8.  I prioritize to a fault but those at the top of the list will never question my loyalty.  9.  I love hard.  10.  When I commit, I fully commit.

If you would like to share yours below in the comments, please do.  If you would like to share but prefer it to be more private, email them to me!  Lauren@lovemilkandhoney.com.

I love each of you through His eyes.  And my own.

Lauren

P.S. – James, upon reading this says, and I quote: “Babe, I LOVE houseboats.”  And that is why I love him.

Photos courtesy of: Abigail Criner Photography

I have been holding on to this wedding for a bit so our Swatchbook could start off with a bang.  This gem of an event was such a joy for the Lauren Kelly Events team to be a part of.   It was overflowing with fun details, cowboy boots (which never steer you wrong) and lots of love.  Thanks to Lindsey Shea Photography for sending such wonderful photos.

The Venue: Moon River Ranch Satin, TX

The Colors: Slate gray, pale pink, and ivory.

The Flowers: Designed by Bloomingal’s located here in Waco!  Lots of antiqued Roses, and hydrangea for the bouquets, the willow gazebo was draped in hand-strung orchids, and the tables held many natural elements such a moss and curly willow paired with soft peony blooms, and greenery.

The Details: This sweet couple held their ceremony outside in the crisp Fall air under a clear top tent overlooking a pond at Moon River Ranch.  They were married under a willow covered gazebo that was adorned with hand strung orchids and lanterns.  River rocks were used as place cards to point guests to their tables in the “Party Barn” and the bichon linens were paired with all types of rustic wooden chairs to keep the refined yet eclectic feel.  In lieu of cake, the couple offered brownie sundaes served in keepsake mugs that were printed with their monogram.  The bridesmaids all wore boots to the reception and guests were invited to kick off their heels and join in the dancing.

There is nothing better than a comfy cozy chair, a good book, some coffee, and a blanket.  It creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.  There is a reason we call it “feeling at home”.  Home is a haven…getaway..safe place to unwind…place where you belong… a niche.

You need to have a place that feels like home for you as a person and for you both as a couple.  Trying to mesh your styles and create a wonderful environment for you to grow in as a couple can be exciting and scary all at the same time.  There is a certain episode on FRIENDS where Chandler moves in with Monica. They have a huge fight over where his barcalounger will find a home and how to decorate the guest room (think vintage arcade versus pink “hotel monica”).  I’d be lying if I told you James and I didn’t have a similar dispute over an old theater chair (yep, a theater chair.  It was allowed in the house but stays in the office.)

Regardless of whether you have to mix your furniture, pick paint colors, or figure out how to organize your mountains of laundry, this is the where we will help you sort it all out.

Send me your questions!  I can’t wait to dive in!

Lauren

Photo Courtesy of Collin Hughes Photography

Hi, My name is Lauren and I hate talking about money. hmmph. Raise your hand if you relate…

Money management intimidates the majority of people in our nation; therefore it comes as no surprise money has a tendency to cause turmoil in relationships. However, If we educate ourselves, seek help from professionals and put logical systems in place from the get-go, the stress caused from finances will drop dramatically.

This is the section I personally intend to learn the most from.  I am a poor money manager and am so excited to hear what our contributors have to share to help me not feel so overwhelmed when it comes to planning our family’s budget.

We will be looking into topics such as: setting a budget & sticking to it, bill payment systems, joint vs. separate checking accounts, reliable online finance helpers, escrow {p.s. I own a house and still have NO idea what “escrow” does/is/means}, and cutting costs on everyday items.

Send in your money matters to lauren@lovemilkandhoney.com and we will get your questions answered!

photo courtesy of: Gina Zeidler Photography

I have always been fascinated by art.  I, myself, can draw nothing but a lopsided bear but seeing the ways people can create something that is deemed the title “masterpiece” with merely some oil paints, sand, clay, a camera shutter, a mouse or a stick of charcoal blows my mind. Making something from nothing.  Capturing an essence and putting it into something visual. Art.

I believe we all are individual pieces of art.  An undeniably unique masterpiece.  Full of thoughts and dreams and feelings.  Feelings that fuel us.  Feelings that allow us to truly experience our journey.  Feelings that inspire us.

This category of the blog is all about inspiration.  I will share with you what captures me on the day to day, what makes the hard days not so hard, and snippets of love letters I feel are written just for you in the form of pictures, scripture, and quotes.

Please share.  Share with me what inspires you.  I would love to post it and allow your input to inspire others that share this community with you!

Happy Love Day!

Lauren

photo courtesy of: Gina Zeidler Photography

“A girl should be two things:  Classy and Fabulous.”  – Coco Chanel

Welcome to The Accessories department.   The place to find all things fabulous.  Here we will talk all about skincare, fashion, real beauty and what makes us women so irresistible: our style!

photo courtesy of: Gina Zeidler Photography

We are always in a constant struggle with self-image, health, nutrition and fitness.  I call this section of the blog “The Works” for this reason: It takes work and lots of it to keep your body in balance.  However, the rewards that come with living in a balanced body are well worth the effort.

My goal in this column is to bring you real workouts from real women, expert advice, healthy recipes, fitness challenges, facts about your body, and lots of encouragement as you strive to make positive changes!

I believe in you!

Lauren

image courtesy: my fabulous friend and rock star photographer, Gina Zeidler

Today we are going to hear from a great friend and inspiration of mine.  This girl OWNS it when she is in the gym!  Don’t believe me?  Read on and hear her perspective!

Tells us a bit about you: My name is Sarah Chisolm Miller, I’m 23 years old and live in a tiny Texas town with my husband Ray and our dog Duke. Nearly every day I commute into Waco, where I am in graduate school at Truett Theological Seminary and where I teach aerobics classes at Baylor University’s health and wellness facility. I’m an introverted, intense, passionate, encouraging, record-collecting, loyal, outdoor-loving, vegetarian.

Why do you work out? Several reasons really. First and foremost, the religion I follow (which is at the center of my life) looks to the Bible for guidance, and I personally cannot read the Bible and walk away without believing that the Creator of my body not only invites me to take care of it, but expects me to. As a nation we are deeply struggling with epidemics such as childhood and adult obesity (nearly 67% of us are overweight or obese), early onset diabetes, and the number one killer of Americans . . . heart disease. These problems are not only exasperated by our severe lack of health and wellness education and implementation, but could be eradicated by education and implementation. Personally, if I do not take of myself now, my broken DNA will succumb to the obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dozens of other aliments that plague my nuclear and extended family. I think of my work now as an investment into my future; the better I care for myself and my family now, the less health care I’ll need later. Also, I have found exercise that I love, that brings the best out in me, that’s fun, and makes me stronger (not just physically). Not to mention that no one can put into words the feeling of easily slipping into those skinny jeans, looking at yourself in the mirror and believing you look beautiful.

What time of day do you workout? All times! I teach one class during the week at 8am and another at 7pm. I usually try not to work out later than 8pm. I’ve found it’s difficult for me to fall asleep a few hours later.

How many days a week? Five to six times a week.

What areas do you target when you work out? All over! If you’re trying to burn fat, cardio is the name of the game! So find something you love and do it! Otherwise, for strength building I’m a big lover of yoga.

What are your workout goals? I always set little, more specific goals, focusing on muscle groups or lung capacity, but overall my main goal is to feel good, feel strong, to know that I can physically do anything I set my mind to, and to feel satisfied with what I see staring back at me in the mirror.

Run us through your favorite workout sequence/what does a typical workout look like for you? (if it is different things on different days then run us through the week): At work I teach an incredible class called Turbo Kick, which is an hour-long, high-intensity, high-impact cardio kickboxing class. Not only do you have the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories during the hour, the movements are choreographed to awesome, pump-up, top music hits! After 45 minutes of non-stop cardio, the class finishes with upper and lower body toning as well as abs. The music keeps you going and the choreography keeps you on your toes! What I love most of all is the women and men who are in class with me. The same people show up every class, and working out with friends is so much more motivating and fun than going it alone.

I also teach yoga, which pushes me not just physically but mentally. Practicing yoga does amazing things for body strength, but it also invites me to spend time slowing down my mind, focusing of my breath, and releasing all my accumulated stress. This discipline of focusing on the present and on my breath follows me throughout the day, and slowly becomes apart of who am I.

What songs help keep you fired up during your workout? Usually anything moving at 145 beats a minute or more!

What helps you push through the idontwanna’s? Knowing that people are counting on me to be there! Work out with friends, friends who will encourage and push you! Friends who expect you to show up!! Normally it only takes about 5 minutes to forget you don’t want to work out, and to begin having fun!

What advice can you give to others about exercising? If it’s not fun, you more than likely won’t do it. So figure out what makes it fun for you (a friends, a specific class) and do just that!

Give us your most embarrassing gym moment!:  During a yoga class (where I was a student), I definitely farted. :/

Thank you so much for sharing, Sarah!  Let’s rock it out at the gym this week, friends!

Willing to share your workout with the Love, Milk & Honey community?  Email lauren{at}lovemilkandhoney{dot}com and we will send you the details on how to be featured!