Guest Post: Katie from Keep Calm & Carry On

You know when you meet someone and they’re so genuine and you feel like you’ve practically been friends forever? Well, that’s how it is for me with Katie from Keep Calm & Carry On. Although we haven’t met in real life yet, we’ve gotten to know each other through this little blog world and I can already tell how great of a friend she is. So, Katie if and WHEN I come to Columbus, we are going to have a blast :) Her blog is a definite daily read of mine – each day is something different and new whether it’s a delicious recipe, DIY idea, fashion find, or a story about her latest outing with her adorable pup and husband. Anyway, I’m going to let her take over from here because she has a ton of awesome stuff to share with you :)

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Hey, hey, hey beautiful bloggers!

My name is Katie and I have a little lifestyle blog called Keep Calm & Carry On!

I know that most guest bloggers typically start out by saying how excited they are to be guest blogging, but I REALLY do mean it! Chelsea and I have formed such a wonderful friendship over a short period of time and I'm honored she asked little ole' me to guest post for her.

You are excited too, right?!

Don't answer that.

Are you excited now?

Chocolate always makes me excited and I just wanted to share that I am currently indulging in this chocolate bar, in hopes that it will give me energy for a super awesome guest post.

I guarantee it will be g-o-n-e by the time I'm finished here....

When Chelsea asked me to guest post, she basically gave me free reign on what to write about {is she insane? ;}}, which could be bad thing. You see, if you come visit my blog or already follow my blog, then you know I enjoy SO many different things that it's hard for me to pick a topic!

So, I decided today I'm going to narrow down my list and give you a glimpse into what makes me.... ME.

{and if you continue reading, I have one of my favorite recipes to share!}

The *3* F's you could say....

Fitness. Fashion. Food.

{in no particular order..I love them all the same}

1. Fitness

Fitness is extremely important to me. Endorphins and I are like bff's.

My favorite form of exercise is running, but spinning is a close second.

Have any of you heard of, or even better, tried Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred?

It kicks my trash!

I first heard of Jillian from one of my favorite shows The Biggest Loser. I knew after seeing her train the contestants on the show, that I had to get one of her workout DVD's. When I can't make it to the gym, I pop this DVD in and sweat some serious bullets. It's really great for your abs & strengthens your core!

TRY IT.

2. Fashion

Fall fashion to be exact.

I'm obsessed with fall clothes and my wallet is already starting to suffer from it {yes, it's not even the end of summer yet. yikes!}

Here are my 3 favorite fall items:

-Scarves

-Boots

-Blazers

I don't know about you guys, but I can't get enough of all of them. I love wearing layers and I can never seem to have enough boots.

What fall trends are you loving?!

3. Food

I'm a food junkie and not afraid to admit it.

Even after 7 years of being together, my husband just doesn't understand how/why I plan my days around what I'm going to eat. Silly hubby...

Food is so important to me..it's our FUEL that keeps us going everyday.

I have just recently hit the 6 month mark of being a pescatarian {a vegetarian who still eats fish} and also around that time I cleaned our kitchen pantry and switched to mostly organic items. I really enjoy eating healthy, but I also love to have some sweets treats every now and again {like today with the chocolate? I blame my monthly friend...}

Here is a simple and healthy but super delish recipe that I love making for friends or just to have around the house as a side dish.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

INGREDIENTS:

1 15.5 oz can black beans rinsed and drained {I use organic}

9 oz frozen corn, thawed

1 tomato, chopped

1 small hass avocado, diced

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 scallion, chopped

1 lime, juice of

3 tbsp EVOO

1 tbls cilantro

salt and fresh pepper

PREPARATION:

Combine beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix with lime juice and EVOO. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 mins. Add avocado right before serving.

It's so YUMMY!

Enjoy :)

Well, that's all I've got for today. When you see this, I will be on my way to BOSTON where my husband and I will be celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary!

I probably could've mentioned my love for TRAVELING on this post..but maybe  if I don't completely scare all of you guys away, Chelsea will let me come guest post again! ;)

Please stop on over at my blog Keep Calm & Carry On and get to know me some more...I love meeting new people & making new friends!

I'm not against begging. hehe just kidding.

thank you Chelsea.

you are the best!

PS-The chocolate bar is gone. Damn you Hershey's. :)

xo.

Katie

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See, I told you. Not only is she GORGEOUS but she has some pretty fun and amazing stuff to write about too! I don’t know about you guys, but I am DEFINITELY trying that black bean dip ASAP! Be sure to head on over to Katie’s blog to say hi and impatiently await her pictures from Boston :)

Thanks so much, Katie!! I just love ya, girl :)