Smooth move...

A change of scenery is never a bad thing. I happen to love change, as long as it leaves me better off than I was before. Or at least not worse off. A new chapter of my life has begun and I've got a new little space to start it in. Although I'm not an expert at moving, I do know that they're typically not the most thrilling aspects of moving forward in life. I realized that I've moved 5 times in the past 5 years; Stephenson to Schaumburg, Schaumburg to Green Bay, Green Bay to Stephenson, Stephenson to Chicago, and Jefferson Street to Illinois Street. With each move came more ease and more confidence. With each move I found myself more sure of things and more sure of what I was doing. 


Yesterday's move was by far the easiest transition between chapters in my book. Perhaps it's because it exposed the light at the end of my education tunnel, knowing that in 11 months I will finally get a hold of my bachelor's degree. In 11 months I will make another move to the place I call home and start a new, exciting life with my best friend. And in 11 short months, I will be the person I sought when deciding to move here in the first place: a better me. Signing my 11-month lease also signed me up for my last 11 months of city-living (although as each day passes the small town girl in me is itching to get out), and it signed me up for another 11 months of experiences, growth, and self-exploration. Signing that lease not only gives me a space to live in, but it gives me a new beginning, a new view, and a new sense of motivation. 


I have to give most of the credit for my smooth move to my moving crew: thanks Mom, Dad, and Cody! However, they did make me realize that even though the moves may get easier, saying goodbye never does. That's when my tough exterior falls and so do the tears. When I signed up for these 2 years in the city, I also signed myself up for what seems like hundreds of goodbyes. I am growing older and more mature as each day passes, but when it comes to goodbyes I'm still that little girl standing on the sidewalk brushing away tears as I watch them leave. From there I'm sent to a familiar place where I stand alone, looking around at the world where I now live, both physically and mentally. I'm surrounded by thoughts of my past, present, and future, with thoughts of my future taking center stage. I've been in this place before, so I know exactly how to handle it. I am not scared. All I need to do is take a deep breath and step forward, tucking memories from my past in a safe place. And I smile as I take a step, knowing that this is exactly what I need to do to make myself a better person. 

If these walls could talk...

If these walls could talk, I would pour myself a cup of coffee, grab a cozy blanket, and listen to the story they had to tell. This is where I find myself this morning. Perched on my windowsill, listening. I hear the steaming of the coffee pot and the quiet hum of the city below me. The darkness of morning fills my small space and light starts to creep in as the sun shows its face in the distance. I lay my head back in surrender, looking at the stark white walls that surround me. And I tell them to talk. I'm ready to listen. 
They were aware of my upcoming arrival, these walls that are now talking to me. Little did they know about the string of emotions that dragged behind me as we drove my life down Highway 94 nearly 13 months ago. Although my belongings fit in 2 vehicles, I was leaving behind my most important possessions as each mile passed. 




Their first introduction to me immediately exposed the excited, but naive, me that turned the handle and slowly walked into my new, temporary, home. 


I had made it. Made it to this place where I never thought I'd be. These walls explain my eagerness to explore, to learn. They admit that they laughed at me upon my arrival, as if I didn't belong. Which I didn't, and maybe still don't. 


The walls keep talking, keep telling me the story that I'm so interested in hearing. They knew I was scared, this was obvious. But they helped me. These walls and this little space became my safety net within a matter of days. My dependency upon them only grew as days turned into months.


It was inside these walls where I transformed from the person I was to the person I am today, something that can be recognized in my posts over the past year. I tell these walls to leave out the parts I'd like to forget, knowing that they remain in my mind simply as stepping stones and nothing more. These walls must have seen a dozen different versions of myself as I stepped from stone to stone, never really settling on solid ground. Never really sure where I was going, what I wanted, or what the hell I was doing here. In fact, looking back, I can barely remember how I got here. My time spent inside these walls cannot be described in words, and trust me I've tried. 

It was here that I learned that it is okay to feel uncomfortable when exploring an unknown part of my life. And it's possible to be proud of myself for exploring. But my journey does not end here. In fact, it takes me just down the road to a new beginning. As I look back at my time on Jefferson Street, I can't help but smile and laugh a bit. If it's possible for this little place to change a person, it definitely has. I've learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. And I've grown, this is for sure. 


Time for these walls to say their goodbyes. Time to pack away the past year of my life and save it for later. Time for one last morning perched on the window sill, one last look at my view. And one last smile as I look around me, grateful for what I've had, but even more grateful for the life I have ahead of me. 

My newest adventure...

After spending a few weeks going through the application process, (and keeping it a secret from most of you), it became official today that I am the newest contributor of Miss A, an online women's magazine that covers lifestyle topics in cities across the United States. In an effort to expand my writing portfolio and gain experience, I had been searching for a reputable online magazine to possibly write for in the future. When I found out about Miss A, I was eager to get in touch with Andrea Rodgers, the site's creator, to discuss possibilities with her magazine. I had no idea it would only take me a month to become a part of the team! I will be writing for their Chicago section and will be covering everything from events and fun things to do in the city, to restaurants and local businesses. This will give me a chance to utilize my creative mind while educating our audience on what's going on in their city. And, it will give me an opportunity to explore Chicago and take advantage of everything it has to offer! 


For those of you wondering what Miss A is all about, let me explain. Miss Rodgers started this online magazine 3 years ago for the purpose of giving readers advice. Although her audience still comes to her for heartfelt advice, the magazine has expanded to include authentic, informative articles from writers all across the country. "Miss A provides heartfelt, rather than manufactured, content for women’s well-rounded lifestyle interests including political and social issues; art and cultural events; charity galas and volunteer opportunities with nonprofits; women’s organizations and networking events; art and literature; design and entertaining; fashion and beauty; food and dining." (Miss A)


My first three articles will be submitted within the first 10 days of being a Miss A Author, and then I will submit weekly articles. Although I was hopeful that my writing would expand beyond this blog, I never imagined it would happen so quickly and with the support of such an inspiring online magazine. This just helps prove that with determination and a little bit of hard work, I can make progress toward any goal. And so can YOU!


Check out my first article: http://askmissa.com/author/kphillippo/


Feel free to browse through the magazine to see what they're all about...and be sure to keep your eyes open for more articles from me, the newest Miss A author!  


 

Bring on the heat...

The summer heat has arrived! And although there are plenty of you out there moaning and groaning about this extreme sauna-like weather (I assume the same people that moan and groan about the cold during winter months), I happen to be on good terms with the heat. Partially because I can spend the majority of my day in the AC, and partially because when I am outside, I like to just soak it all in. And an appropriate, functional outfit makes it much more enjoyable (ditch the denim and the tight-fitting clothes...please!) Try this cool and comfortable lemonade-inspired dress:

At Old Navy for $36.94

Speaking of lemonade, this is by far the best drink to have by your side when outside in the high temps. And since I don't like all the added sugar and god knows what else that is in store-bought lemonade, I found this all-natural recipe for my fave summer drink:

Ingredients:

-2 lemons, sliced

-3 tablespoons of honey

-4 to 5 cups of water

Directions:

Boil the water in any way that you want. In a large container place the sliced lemons and add in the honey. Next, pour in the boiling water and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes. Pour the hot lemonade into a large container and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy your natural healthy lemonade. It is also great served hot, and is great for preventing and healing colds.

And if this lemonade doesn't keep you hydrated enough, fall back on the classic drink: WATER! I cannot stress the importance of drinking water enough...and since you're probably tired of hearing it from me, take a look at this article:

http://askmissa.com/2011/01/20/miracle-weight-loss-and-beauty-tip/

Believe me now??

Okay, okay...let's all get out there and enjoy the 100-degree summer sun (we all know how fast the days go by)!! Here's a classic tune to get you in the mood:


Happy sweating!!

Simple Saturday...

My first Saturday alone in the city after living a different life for nearly a month. I decided to keep it simple, yet slightly adventurous. 

A train ride north.

                                                                                                                                 

A delicious Starbucks iced coffee with non-fat milk and sugar free hazelnut syrup that disappeared too fast (should have gone with the Trenta).                                                              

A stroll around the Edgewater Art Festival (http://edgewater.org/artsfest) while sipping my cool drink. Here I saw art (and people) of all kinds...

It didn't take me long to browse through the neighborhood of crafts and imagination. I was back on the train. 


Back to my familiar neighborhood. Back to my own imagination. 


To end this little Saturday, I picked up a flick from Redbox and planted myself where I now sit. As my eyes grow heavy, I can't help but smile at the day I've just had.  

Missing my sunrises...

My start to this beautiful day began with a minor struggle. Sure, I understand that my sleeping and eating patterns have been completely unorganized over the past few weeks. And I also understand that getting back into my routine may take a few days of adjustment. But, regardless, I struggled to open my eyes this morning. And if you know me, you know this is an issue that needs to be addressed. I am a morning person, and I don't enjoy the struggle...so I had to get to the bottom of it. 


First thing's first: I need to let my body restore itself after being exposed to an unusual amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Give me a break, I was on vacation and found it unnecessary to follow my usual meal plan. I'm over it, and have moved on. One thing I have found that makes a difference in the quality of my sleep is the type of food I eat for supper, or when I eat my meal. I find that not eating after 7-ish allows my body to wake up well-rested and refreshed, instead of bogged down and exhausted. I will give my body a break from sweets and carbs for awhile, and make sure to gulp down a ton of water (with lemon of course). This will help.


Another thing that I've yet to master is the amount of sleep I get. I've tried everything: 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours...on a couple occasions 12 hours (which I didn't think was even possible, but apparently it is). I've tried 6.5 hours, 7.5 hours...you get it. I'm still hoping to find the right amount, but my best bet is between 7 and 8 hours. And I've also heard that watching TV is the worst thing you can do before bed...good thing I like to read! 


If all else fails, I found that using a good tune as my wake up call helps me get moving in the morning. Better yet, put your phone (if you use your phone like I do) somewhere away from your bed; this way you physically have to get out of bed to turn it off. And I'm not talking some kind of loud, obnoxious song to wake you up, as this can make you irritated right from the start...something soft, but motivating does the trick for me. 


Finally, once you are out of bed, spend at least 10 minutes giving your body a good stretch! There is nothing better than loosening up those muscles and preparing your body for the day ahead. Now, if I listen to my own advice, the transformation from vacation mode to real-life mode should happen fairly quickly. And I will once again be able to enjoy my early mornings, and watch the sun rise over the skyscrapers. 


Take a look at this article from Zen Habits that highlights the benefits of waking up early (I hope you find it as motivating as I did): http://bit.ly/9ykHpN

New meaning to a year...

How do we define a year? Is it simply watching the months pass on a calendar? Or is it a daily, even hourly, progression of time? Yes and yes; both are true. A year consists of 365 days, each following the one before it like a duckling following its mother. Each day the sun rises and sets; only the fortunate ones will see it rise again tomorrow. A year is another chunk of time that we can cross off, another number that can be added to our age, and four more seasons that have said hello and goodbye. As I look at this 12-month piece of time that I carry in my past, I realize it is much more than a $12.99 calendar. For once, I can see the progress that has been made in my life; I can see both the natural and guided progression. I can look back over this so-called "year" and see it as more than just a word. And I do. 


When I process the year in my head, one word comes to mind: growth. Mentally, physically...and personally. The personal growth could be measured with a scale, undoubtedly the greatest amount of invisible matter that I have ever possessed individually. And the greatest impact on my life that I have ever experienced. For that reason, any moments of distress become completely worth it in an instant. All struggles turn into steps taken toward progress, and all tears shed become tears of joy. 


Within this year, I saw 365 versions of myself. Each day seemed to bring a new me, or so I felt. Some versions were repeated, and some were seen only once. It's true that one of the most difficult things in life is finding out who you are, and where you are going. Some may never discover either, and that is just fine. If you are one of those people, take my advice and understand that who you really are is yourself...and go wherever the sun shines on you. 


Which is where I'm headed; to a place where the sun is never sheltered by clouds, and the clouds that are seen only serve the purpose of cooling me down. I have discovered that I am only who I am...nothing more, nothing less; I am content with this. Love has shown me a new meaning of itself, and it has taken me to a new realm for the unveiling. My emotions have been tested, with both loneliness and adventurous taking the most of the heat. They can rest for now. 


And although I've done nothing but rest for the past month or so, I feel like I can breathe now better than ever. With my deep breath comes a new minute, a new beginning. The inhale puts a smile on my face and forces me to remember where I've come, and what I've become. As I exhale slowly, I am ridding myself of any pessimistic thoughts or feelings that may have been lurking in the shadows. I am recognizing my new strengths, and kindly setting my weaknesses to the side. 


And as I open my eyes, I see a new life. One that, in only a year's time, has been altered dramatically...for the better.