Kylee's Korner

I am a former model and current mother who loves the beauty and fashion industry and seeks the best products and value to keep myself current. I blog to share my thoughts, expertise and research with those who follow me. Those who read my blog gain insight into fashion, save money and avoid frustrations on the products they purchase.

  • Hi there! I am Kylee, a former model and current mother who loves the beauty and fashion industry and seeks the best products and value to keep myself current. I blog to share my thoughts, expertise and research with those who follow me. Those who read my blog gain insight into fashion, save money and avoid frustrations on the products they purchase. Learn more about me here!

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Healthy Alternatives for Two of Your Favorite Holiday Treats

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Every year from October through December it’s a battle of wills between my hereditary sweet tooth (thanks mom) and all of the holiday treats floating around. And since I’m not one to punish my body by starving or denying it a little dessert every now and then, I’ve found a few hacks that deliver the yum while still being totally healthy!

If you’re looking to indulge this holiday season but still stay on track for your health goals, try these genius swaps.

Healthy Alternatives for Two of Your Favorite Holiday Treats

Eat this, not that…

Protein Peanut Butter Cups instead of Reeses

I’ve been notorious for raiding my kids’ trick-or-treat bag for all the Reeses cups. Those things are so good! But this year, because I’m cutting the processed sugar, I whipped up the most delicious copy-cat…protein peanut butter cups! They taste just like a Reeses, but they’re packed with protein and natural ingredients.

Check out this video for easy instructions and the exclusive Kylee’s Korner recipe below!

Kylee’s Korner Protein PB cups:

 (Makes 5-7)
1. Combine all ingredients except dark chocolate in a bowl.
2. Melt Dark Chocolate according to package directions
3. Pour small amount of chocolate into bottom of each silicone cup, swirl around to coat the bottom.
4. Spoon PB mix into each chocolate coated cup, then top with the remaining chocolate.
5. Freeze for at least 15 minutes
6. Pop Out and Enjoy!

Eat this, not that…

Dark Chocolate Salted Protein Truffles instead of that box of chocolates

Every year a box of chocolates inevitably falls into my lap and is usually gone within a day. This year I found the most amazing swap that satisfies my chocolate craving without all the sugar and fat. So I’ll be freezing these dark chocolate truffles to keep on hand and re-gifting that box of chocolates!

Dark Chocolate Salted Protein Truffles:

 (Makes 15)
  • 3 TBSP Natural PB
  • 2 TBSP Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder
  • 1 C Dry Rolled Oats
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Splash of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 2 TBSP hard coconut oil
  • 1/3 C Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder (my most favorite tasting one EVER is LEAN)
  • Drizzle or 2 of all natural Honey
1. Mix PB, Dark Cocoa Powder, Rolled Oats, Protein Powder, coconut oil, salt and splash of almond milk together in a bowl.
2. Drizzle honey to add some strength to help in combine. Add a little more almond milk if needed.
3. Mix in Dark Chocolate Chips
4. Roll into 15 small balls and enjoy! Freeze what you don’t eat and get one out any time you have a sweet attack!
As far as healthy holiday hacks go, protein powder can make some really delicious, guilt-free desserts. Try these healthy protein brownies for example.
The holidays don’t need to be a reason to stop your healthy habits. Before you hit a holiday party, drink a protein shake to avoid overeating. While you’re there, fill your plate first with veggies, fruit, and lean protein and save a bit of room for that sip of eggnog. Happy holidays!

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6 Things To Do with Your Spouse After the Kids Go Down

Love my kids. So much. But they consume a lot of time and energy to the point that all day long, my husband and I are at their beck and call. The only alone time we seem to get nowadays is that brief window after the kids go to bed. Here are some things to do with your spouse after the kids go down (besides Netflix and, you know…”chill”) that can make that brief window fun and meaningful.

6 Things You Can Do with Your Spouse after the Kids Go Down

1. Give foot rubs

One year, my husband jokingly made a New Year’s resolution to rub my feet every single night for 365 days. Although he may have missed a few days here and there, it quickly became the very best part of my day. We’d sit on the couch together (when do you have the time to do that during the day?), he’d rub my feet, and we’d just talk. Next year, I think I’ll return the favor.

(P.S. I love this lotion. We’ve gone through many bottles of it!)

2. Check out new music

Another thing we like to do when the kids go down is check out new music together. We’ll share AirPods, check out what’s new from our favorite artists on YouTube and spend an hour or so just being “real people” again.

3. Couples stretching

How often do you take the time to stretch? If you’re like me, it’s near to never and my husband and I are good to squeeze a workout in, but terrible about stretching. But did you know how important a good stretch is? It has amazing benefits.

My husband and I recently instituted something we call Sunday Stretch. After the kids go to bed, we get out this book and go through the stretches together. There are some great couples’ stretches that are insanely relaxing and give you the physical contact you need to feel close and connected.

4. Start a book club, just you two

With the convenience of streaming services, it’s easy to get into the comfortable rut of show surfing. But if you’re looking to shake it up and increase try something meaningful together, start a book club. The only two members should be you and your spouse. Read the same book (try these Pulitzer Prize books) and then talk about it.

5. Critique movies

To be completely honest, sometimes my husband and I are so beat from a long day or week that all we want to do is lay down and watch a movie together. And that’s great! But sometimes we waste time just searching for a movie to watch.

Instead, turn movie watching into something more. Become a Siskel and Ebert. Start with a list of notable movies (like Shawshank Redemption, Forest Gump, and Schindler’s List). Create a grading system and rate each movie you watch.

6. Late night treat delivery

This has become one of our favorite things to treat ourselves. When the kids go down, we’ll order fresh cookies from a local cookie delivery business or have Uber Eats deliver a desert or appetizer from our favorite restaurant. It feels like a secret, something the kids don’t know about and you don’t have to share.

 

So spice it up! Turn dead time into quality time with a few of these things to do with your spouse that require very little effort but yield a noticeable difference in your relationship.

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Boots, Booties and Flats; Oh My!

Now that fall weather is in full swing, it’s time to do the obligatory switch of footwear in your closet. I have been slowly transitioning all of my summer shoes to hibernation mode and breaking out my fall and winter collection. I have blogged about my love of accessories before and how much they can pull an outfit together. I have always been a shoe loving girl and think they are one of the most important pieces of an outfit. They can also help transition a casual look during the day to a full on glam session at night. When it comes to buying shoes, I am not bias. I am always on the hunt for a pair of cute shoes in all colors, shapes, heights and prices. During the cooler months, I find myself being drawn to boots, booties and all different types of flats. I have put together a list of some of my favorite trending shoes that are up for grabs this fall. I know I will definitely be snagging some of these beauties to add to my own collection- I hope you have the chance to grab a pair, too! In the words of Marilyn Monroe, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”. Let’s go conquer ladies and look fabulous doing it! 😉

 

I love tall boots because they keep you extra warm and can be worn in so many different ways. I love pairing them with jeans or leggings for a casual look or with a dress or skirt for church or a date night. I have linked a few of my favorites that are trending this season!

Over the Knee Boots

Faux Suede Western Boots

Short UGG Boots

Booties are so much fun! Once again, booties can be worn many different ways. I like to cuff my jeans and wear them like I am above. They also look cute with just the toe pointing out if you like to wear bootcut jeans or paired with thick tights and a dress or skirt. Check out these cute pairs below!

Slit Booties

Duck Booties

Wedge Booties

Flats are one of the most comfortable shoes you can wear, in my opinion. I think flats can be perfect for any outfit and can be worn for a casual day look or a simpler date night! I have a big crush on the Steve Madden ones that I have linked below that come in so many different options. Make sure to snag yourself a pair!

Steve Madden Feather Flats

Ballet Flats

Pointed Microsuede Ballet Flats

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How I Manage my Stress During the Holidays

I know it seems too early to be talking about Christmas already, but November will be here by the end of next week! I’ve said it before and I will say it again, time seems to fly by lately. I feel like the holidays are always notorious for being a stressful time for everyone, especially us moms! We always have a billion things to do and as soon as we start making a dent in our to do lists, a billion more things get added to it. I still find myself having moments of feeling overwhelmed, but I have learned how to calm some of the craziness over the years by getting myself organized. Check out some of my tips and tricks below- hopefully you will find them helpful and be able to enjoy yourself a little more during the chaotic months that are about to approach us.

Plan and Make Lists

Is anyone else a list maker? Being a busy mom of three, my brain can sometimes feel like mush when it is on overdrive. Sometimes I forget to do things I need to get done or buy things I need at the store. I find making lists takes a lot of pressure off of myself to remember every little thing. I personally love to use my phone to make and store all of my to do lists. This lets me keep them all in one place and I never leave home without them this way. If making lists on your phone isn’t your thing, just grab a pen and notepad and get to it. Some of the most helpful lists during Christmas for me are the following:

-Who am I buying presents for this year?

-What traditions do I want to plan for my family and do I need to do anything in advance to prepare (i.e. buy movie or concert tickets, reservations at a favorite restaurant, arrange travel arrangements, etc.)?

-What stores will I need to visit over the next couple of months to get everything I need?

Set A Budget

Planning a budget can be one of the most stressful parts of Christmas. I always want to get my kids most of the toys that they ask for, but I don’t want to go overboard. I also love buying for the rest of my family, kids teachers, friends, etc. With that said, the cost of all of the gifts can really start to add up. Start planning a budget and trying to save as early as you can every year. I know it is really hard, but once you have a budget planned, try to stick with it! Christmas should be about making memories with your loved ones and not stressing yourself over how much you are spending.

See What You Already Have

I like to take a quick inventory on what leftover items I have from previous years. Sometimes I find myself buying more wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, cards, etc. that I don’t end up needing. I love to stock up on wrapping paper the day after Christmas because it goes on sale for super cheap. By taking a quick glance at what I already have, I can avoid spending more money on things I do not need.

Set Up Alerts for Sales

You can go onto most of your favorite stores websites and join their email lists. Not only do a lot of stores give you a discount for singing up with them, you will now be alerted when they are having sales. I love being able to go through the weekly ads on my phone or computer and see what the deals of the week are. This is also helpful when comparing prices from store to store and lets you find the best deals!

Meal Prep

There are some days that I feel like I am going 100 mph the entire day trying to get last minute details done. On these days, I find it so much easier if I don’t have to worry about what I am going to cook for dinner. Before the craziness of the holidays is upon us, try to take a day to meal prep. Make as many meals as you can and freeze them. This will be a huge time saver and stress reliever for those days where you are dragging and need some extra time to get other things done (or some time to just put your feet up- you deserve it)!

Ask For Help

I feel like we sometimes forget that we do not have to do everything by ourselves! It is always ok to ask someone to give you a helping hand. Get a close friend, family member or babysitter to come watch your kids for a day so you can run errands by yourself. Ask your hubby for an hour of alone time so you can destress and regroup for the next day. If you are having a get together, make it a pot luck and ask everyone to bring something. If everyone helps to pitch in, it takes the pressure off of yourself and gives you more time to spend with loved ones, relax or focus your energy on doing other things.

Keep it Simple

You do not have to have every square inch of your house covered in lights, a new holiday doormat, holiday dish towels, linens, multiple trees, a runner, etc. to be festive. If you want to decorate, pick out a few fun things to put up in the rooms that get the most traffic. Hang a wreath instead of worrying about putting up all of those strands of lights. You will have just as much fun during your holiday season regardless of how much time and money you spent on decorations. Plus, it will be quicker to take everything down and put it away if you have less out- win, win!

Be Prepared for the Unknown

I definitely do not think anyone should feel obligated to give someone a present just because they give you one. However, I do like to have some extra things in my house or car that I can give out if I need to. The dollar store sells boxes of cards that are perfect for anyone. I like to grab some small candles, bubble bath, soaps, or gift cards throughout the year as well and keep them on hand as just in case gifts. Homemade goodies that are wrapped up in cute tins or bags are also always a big hit!

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Stretch It Out

If you are like me, when you think about working out, your mind goes directly to a piece of gym equipment or some other form of physical activity. We often forget one very important step in the work out process that should take place before and after you exercise every time- stretching! Stretching should be an essential part of your routine every time you work out. One of the best parts about stretching is the lack of equipment that is needed to do it. If you have a little bit of empty space around yourself, you can stretch.  Check out some of the top benefits that are the result of giving your muscles a good stretch before and after you hit the gym. Even if you are not working out for that day, try to make sure you are giving yourself a few minutes to stretch so you can enjoy all of the benefits it will bring to you!

Flexibility

I think one of the most obvious benefits that comes with stretching is it improves flexibility. As we get older, our muscles tend to feel stiffer and less fluid. Have you noticed that little tug or ache when you bend over to pick something up off the floor? When you work on your flexibility, those small bends get easier and more pain free.

Reduces Stress

When you stretch your muscles, you are helping your body relieve muscle tension which helps reduce the feeling of stress. It can also help increase your energy level which helps your overall mental state feel better. Yoga has become one of the most popular choices when wanting to give your muscles a long and peaceful stretch during the day.

Reduces the Risk of Injury

When you stretch, you are increasing the flexibility of your muscle tendons. This will help your performance when working out on machines or in fitness classes. If your muscles are not as stiff and are used more often, you should have a lesser chance of getting injured when you put them to work.

Improves Posture

Poor posture can really take a toll on your health and overall well being. A lot of people are stuck sitting for long hours at a desk during the work week and will often find themselves starting to hunch over their computers. There are a ton of different stretches that can be done to help take away the aches and pains of poor posture and help you improve on standing tall.  Having improved posture can also help  alleviate back pain, strengthen your core and help your overall mental health.

Improves Circulation

Stretching helps improve your body’s circulation by increasing blood flow to your muscles. When you have better circulation throughout your body, you are able to recover faster when working out. Improved circulation also helps your body’s oxygen flow better and allows all of your important parts to function better as a whole!

Helps You Sleep Better

Stretching before bedtime can help you get a better night’s sleep. Since we have learned that stretching can reduce tension, bedtime is a perfect time of the day to try to rid yourself of as much tension as possible. If I go to bed worried about something or feeling extra tense, I never get a restful nights sleep. When this happens, I am more likely to continue to carry that tension with me throughout the next day.  By adding a two minute stretch time to my nightly routine, I can help improve my chance of getting a better night’s sleep.