I've Moved...

The time has come, Boo's Friendly Corner has a new home.  Thank you for joining me on this wonderful adventure and I hope you will join me at my new home.

Welcome to Brooke Kelly.

I hope you like!

XOXO,

Boo

Something New is Brewing...

I always say reflection is key to learning & growing. Within the past 3 months I've been reflecting on the joys of life, the art of creation & the passions that drive us.  With much reflection I've felt a heavy heart on how often we are robbed of joy due to the comparison game.  I have to admit that my thief of joy, that I've struggled with for years, is comparison.  How sad that we can look right & look left and believe that we are not capable, that we don't have what it takes and that are dream is just that, a dream.  The truth is that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

I believe strongly in sharing with you not only my joys, but my struggles.  For many of us, our struggles have helped to shape us, we've grown from them and we've seen the light of His grace through them.  So, my challenge to you and to myself is step beyond the limitation of our own mind.  I say to you; be you.  There is no greater person to be.

With all of that said, I've decided to launch a brand new site and take the next step in my blogging and design dreams.  Please join me on this journey and keep checking back for the launch of my new site "Brooke Kelly." As I take this next step there is an underlying layer of anxiety that I have to let go of.  I must always remember that in Christ all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).  

So, take that next step...

I hope you like!

XOXO,

Boo

Green Goddess

No more garden insecurities!  After a successful first year of "patio-gardening" & producing some wonderfully delicious bounty, I am officially addicted to my new hobby and I am in high anticipation of next years growing season.  I have definitely caught the gardening bug and I cannot wait to expand my crop, continue to learn and continue to grow, grow, GROW.  Now, I am fully aware that my baby garden compared to most is not extraordinarily impressive, but to me I have surpassed a huge goal and I look forward to expanding this hobby for years to come.  If you are like me and think/thought that you can't do it, you're wrong.  Please take the challenge. Trust me, it is totally worth it.

Have fun and take a look...

I hope you like!  Have a super crafty day!

XOXO,

Boo

#tenyearslater

Oh my, how can it be?!?!  Even though I know it's reality, I still cannot believe that I graduated from high school ten years ago!  Where has the time gone?  I'm still letting the shock wear off, but I just had to share from our fantastic weekend where we reminisced about old times, laughed about silly teenager shenanigans and caught up on life in 2014.  It was such a blast reminiscing with old friends, but it was also such a wonderful experience catching up with those who I haven't seen in 10 years!  Such a blessing to be home and reflect on the last ten years and the amazing journey it's been.  Sending lots of love to the Rhinelander Class of 2004 and to those of you who didn't make it...we'll see you in 2024 :)

Now, our reunion was equipped with lots of fun; including mascot masks, photo booth madness and flashback music.  Three of the lovely ladies you see below were so amazing in putting the entire event together and I had the honor of putting together the decorations and photo booth for the event.  It was so much fun getting crafty on a tight budget and really the purpose was just to pour a lil fun and excitement into the event by adding a special touch.  

Have fun and take a look...

{For more pictures and all the details of the DIY decorations hop on over to Brooke Kelly Design}

I hope you like!  Have a super crafty day!

XOXO,

Boo

Nowhere I'd Rather Be...

In the Summer of 2012 I posted about a place that is very dear to my heart. Growing up my family moved all over the country, but no matter where we moved Montana was always home.  It's where our family lives, where the Kolb family farm resides and it's where we spent countless summers together.  On top of that, over 12 years ago we discovered this small park with hiking trails just outside of Red Lodge, MT that has become very dear to us.  It is a place of peace, joy and beauty.
 And we've been going back every since...

This summer I was fortunate to go back to Montana for my cousins wedding and my parents were gracious enough to drive us out of our way to this very special spot.  As we turned the corner and drove down into the small park I was filled with joy and excitement!  When I'm there I feel like a kid again, crawling around on the rocks, exploring & dipping my feet into the icey waters.  So much fun!  I also love any opportunity for a photo shoot, so we took 30 minutes and tried to capture the beauty of our surroundings.  Even with our efforts, these pictures do not do it justice.  Every time I'm there though, I can't help but marvel at God's creation and this verse seems to come to life; "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge" Psalm 19: 1-2

I encourage you to get out there and explore.  Find a place where you too can leave our fast paced world (work, kids, events, etc.) behind for a moment.

Give yourself the opportunity and time to reflect and grow.  

Keep your eyes open, He is everywhere.  

Have fun and take a look...

I hope you like!

XOXO,

Boo

Jalapeno Heaven

"buds became veggies, veggies became yummy treats" 

I believe I've coined the phrase "you don't know until you try it" this summer.  Who knew I could grow my own bounty of goodness??? I sure didn't!  My gorgeous jalapeño's have turned into the yummiest of summer treats.  Now, I know we've all made them and there are a million recipes under the sun, but here is probably the simplest and most delightful recipe for Boo's Jalapeño Poppers:

Boo's Jalapeño Poppers

Ricotta

Parmesan

AND

Bacon (you can NEVER forget the bacon)

And yes, that is it.

Step 1:  Slice open the peppers and remove the seeds.

Step 2:  Scoop a small amount of ricotta into the jalapeño & sprinkle with parmesan.

Step 3: Wrap with bacon (my favorite part).

Step 4: Place them on the grill over medium heat, either on foil or a pan. 

{side note: I prefer to cook them outside on the grill, but you may also cook them in the oven} 

Step 5:  Remove them from the grill once the pepper is a gorgeous bright green color and the bacon is thoroughly cooked (it does help to buy the pre-cooked bacon).

Step 6: ENJOY

I've included a few pics of the process, but unfortunately there is no "after" pic because the peppers went straight to my belly :)

Have fun and take look...  

I hope you like!

XOXO,

Boo

the evolution of my curl...

Like most women I have done much experimenting with my hair...from a short bob to drastic color changes & bangs, you name it, I've tried it.  As I near my late 20's I've grown to love the tried and true.  Call me a creature of habit, but waking up for work each morning I am very much a woman on a mission and it definitely helps to have a plan.  In 2012, after two years of growing out my locks and bringing them back to their natural deep brown color I begged the question, "What do I do with it now?"  Well, thank goodness for Lauren Conrad, her fabulous hairstylist Kristen Ess and her make-up artist Amy Nadine on the creation of The Beauty Department.  These beautiful ladies saw a great need; a need for the everyday woman to know the tricks of the trade, to be up on the latest trends and they not only share this knowledge, but they also show you how to make it happen.  They are the big sisters I never had :)  I've learned a lot from these ladies, but my pride and joy comes from their "Everyday Wave Tutorial".  Not only have I learned how to manage my hair, but I've been able to teach others too.  It is the gift that keeps on giving; I love it and I love how easy it is!  In the past three years I've also paid more attention to how my hair works and picked up small tricks along the way to help it cooperate for every occasion.  All of that said practice makes perfect and you have to find what works for you.  Have fun experimenting and remember that YOU are beautiful.  Be you.

2012

2013

2014

Three years of fabulous curls all thanks to the lovely Kristen Ess of The Beauty Department.  Below is a pic of her and I when I was chosen for a beauty makeover in December of 2013.  Not only is she unbelievably talented, but she is beautiful inside and out.  I absolutely love & adore her, such an inspiration! 

I hope you like! 

XOXO,

Boo