{invest in something internal}.

Help me...

I don't know about you, but I often think about my life's "net worth." What have I contributed in my lifetime that has made a REAL impact on others? Unfortunately right now I'm coming up a little short. As my business plan has been unfolding I have thought a lot about my goals and mission. A core value I have always held is that I never want to hold anyone back from being able to "dance." Somehow or someway everyone should have the opportunity, no matter what their physical or financial limitations.

Help others...

For every person who signs up for my "8 Week Challenge" I pledge one free class at the battered women's shelter.

Want to see what KaDi Fit is all about?... COME TRY IT! There will be a FREE Demo at St Mark's Catholic Church in Huntersville on Saturday, October 24th from 12-2pm. I am only one of several instructors from the area who will be teaching. It's an afternoon of Zumba and KaDi Fit, and it's going to be a blast!

{m.i.a}

I am so sorry for the lack of posts recently. I have so much to say but I've been focusing on a new and improved blog to launch very soon. It will include new healthy recipes, a style section, fitness tips, and much more! So check back with me soon...
Until then make sure you notice that the deadline for the Fitness Fashion contest has been extended. Send in your pictures by October 30th!
Also, I am going to have another 8 Week Challenge beginning October 22nd. Sign up through Cornelius Parks and Rec. We are a little more than halfway through the first 8 week session. The level of excitement and enthusiasm in that class has absolutely amazed me. I have really seen a huge level of improvement already in the KarDio Dance as well as the Boga. You guys rock!

"Keep the Passion."
Katie

{ex-cessor-ize)

Let's face it, excercise apparel is uber-priced. But it can be worth it, depending on the sport or how much you sweat. You may be looking for special gear to save you from embarrasment; such as cycling without spandex (gasp!), or very dark wet spots in inconspicuous places! Believe me, after teaching an entire class like that, you'll pay anything to avoid it.

However, if you're looking for something to dress up what you already have without paying for it, try ex-cessor-izing!

A hat or headband can keep your face free of fly-aways.

Sweatbands are very practical and so handy for sweat wiping. You can try a punch of color with this American Apparel wrist band.

Throw in the scarf! In my opinion it is the new leg-warmer (although I'm not gonna lie, I still rock those too). During the chilly months throw it on and head into the gym. Then you can easily shed it after warm-up.

I personally see this fabulous-find walking into a Yoga or "Boga" Studio.

Or for an urban sheek look, layer on the bracelets and cuffs (appropriate for guys and gals).

ma-wau-kee and chi-caaa-go.

I recently took an amazing, but all too short, trip to Ma-wau-kee and Chi-caaa-go with my mom and sister. I have never felt so "on-the-go" in my life but it made it an intensely exciting adventure with two of my favorite people in the world.

We flew into O'Hare on Friday evening and were swiftly picked up by my "professional driver" Uncle Mike before the security had a chance to beat us for taking too long at the curb. We drove straight to Oconomowoc (that's "O-con-o-mo-walk"), right outside of Milwaukee. We arrived around midnight at "Aunt Nan's" house. After breakfast the next morning we did as any Nelson would do and walked down the beautiful suburbian streets to a few yard sales. (You will quickly begin to learn from reading my blog that "Yard Saleing" is a favorite hobby of mine).

We then went to a quaint little coffee shop in town that put gingersnaps on your coffee lid.

The rest of the day we spent on the lake with quite a few of aunts, uncles, cousins, and cousins-once-removed.

One of my favorite cousins, "Manda," who lives in Chicago, suggested that I take the 5 'o clock train down to spend the evening there (I was leaving out of O'Hare the next day so it worked out perfect). For an excursion that one 26 year-old is taking alone, you wouldn't believe the amount of safety tips that can come from a group of relatives! "Don't talk to strangers" "Call us as soon as you board and then when you get off" And my personal favorite, "Don't talk at all because they will know you're not from here." But it's good to know you're loved :)

I never thought I would get that much joy and excitement traveling by myself!... But it was probably because of where my destination was, and the fact I had a night of fun ahead of me!

Milwaukee

to Chicago.

Manda let me tag along with her and her friends for the evening. We began at Millenium Park where we sat on the lawn, drank wine, and listened to the symphony. I tried not to act like too much of a tourist but I'm sure it was pretty apparent by how many pictures I took of the skyline. (These are only a few)...

We found out after we got to the airport the next day that our flight had been cancelled. Mom, Kristin and I had to spend one more night in Chicago. We got a hotel room and walked to find dinner.

They say everything happens for a reason... maybe our flight was cancelled to allow the three of us more time together... Or maybe it was so I could be on a flight with Kate Voegele the next morning. (No I did NOT go up and talk to her. I was too embarrassed after my mom took a very loud picture of her backside with her camera phone... BUSTED!... It was pretty freakin hilarious though!)

FITNESS FASHION CONTEST!!

I am looking for serious fitness fashion... Enter for a chance to be featured on my blog, upcoming new website, and my 8 Week Kadifit Challenge FREE! Here's how to register:

Find a fitness outfit with great style and personality and either:

1. Email me a pic katie@kadifit.com . Include: your name, location, and where you got each of the pieces in your outfit.

OR

2. Come to one of my classes dressed in it and tell me you want to enter.

The finalists will be featured on my blog, then YOU vote on the winner!

Helpful Hints: Show your personality and individuality. Stand out with bold statements: a vintage shirt, hot accessory... something you love, but don't go overboard. Pair it with something simple and show me your style!

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2009

Close one chapter to open another.

I apologize, it has been awhile since I've blogged. First I was moving into our new place, and now I'm on vacation. It's a dreary day at Emerald Isle so I thought I would catch up...

The week of the move was an absolute frenzy. No matter how hard I worked to be organized and have everything packed on time, we still ended up throwing things into random boxes (or whatever we found around the house that held multiple items). The fact that I had spent a month trying to avoid that made me feel a small amount of failure. Fortunately I had some pretty awesome friends help in the midst of the frenzy.

Due to the limited space in the new place we are still throwing things out as we unpack. Once we are settled and everything is in place I will share the before and after pictures to tie up the "Live. Life. Simply." series.

Which brings me to my new series... "Fall. Fitness. Fashion." I know many people would say "Why do I need to look good when I workout?" or "I'm not trying to impress anybody at the gym." However, as a person who absolutely loves clothes and fashion, I know that I feel happier when I am wearing a great outfit, even if I am working out. If feeling great effects my energy and makes me workout harder... then bring the fashiON.

So I have tried to research some great fitness fashion online and have found very little. That makes my new project more challenging, which makes it all the more exciting!

Here are the few things I did find...

American Appareal Thigh Highs These will be great for fall. (Leg warmers were one thing I never grew out of). Sport them in a dance class or pair them with shorts on cool weather runs.

Yellow Zumba Cargo Pants I highly reccoment baggy pants for any Kardio Dance or Zumba class. Not many people can feel comfortable "shimmying and shaking" in shorts or spandex!


Urban Outfitters Bird Tshirt Instead of a regular old t-shirt try a graphic Tee... much more flattering than a baggy one.

Nappy Tabs Plaid Hoodie Nappy Tabs is designed by the amazing choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon. They have fabulous urban style to compliment their hip hop routines.

I am totally in to plaid right now. Stoked to add it to my fitness wardrobe for fall!

Nappy Tabs Halter Hoodie The halter hoodie is great to stay a bit cooler but still get the great look of a hoodie. But you may want to wear a sporty tank underneath just in case you get a bit toasty.

Until next time... I'm on the lookout for people I see with great fitness style :)

{Goodbye Room}

Goodbye room...

Goodbye moon... (actually it's hello because it's much prettier at our new house)

Goodbye we'll see you soon...

Goodbye cares and goodbye chairs...

Goodbye kittens behind us (you'll be glad Ellie's gone)...

Goodbye clocks, and hello docks...

Goodbye big house and hello little house...

Goodbye trees and goodbye brush...

Goodbye nobody, goodbye mush...

and goodbye to the old neighbor whispering hush- (Bye bye Jandy!)

Hello stars, hello air

Hello noises everywhere.

(We will be out by the end of this week... it's a bit bitter sweet).

{Stop and Dream.}

I have been furiously gathering my life together in the hopes of making it simple... but for a minute I am going to do as we all should do and focus on my dreams...


I read recently that people who write down their goals are nine times more successful. So here goes... I want to share a vision I have with everyone. It's a a hopelessly-enormous, gigantic, glorious dream, but it's real. And I hope, ever fervishly, that it will be mine, one day.


You all probably know that I'm starting a business teaching fitness classes and (soon) personal training. I want to share my passions for dance, fitness, and life with the world. But here's the problem, training and teaching classes has limits. I loathe limits. But here they are:


1. I can only physically teach/train so many people a week. And possibly one day the demand will exceed the possiblity, (which would be a good problem, but still a problem).

2. Not all people live in the Greater Charlotte Area. Sometimes it may feel like they do. But they don't.

3. Many people may not have access, or the means, to ANY training or exercise classes, period.


Solution to number 1 and 2... Technology. It is such a wonderful thing. Videos, websites, podcasts... all can solve the issues of time and distance. However, that can end up being GREATLY expensive to do it right (hence the "enormous dream" comment). But, I have gotten a little start on the website. It will be up soon!


Solution to number 3... Never turn anyone away, ever. One core value I have always held is that all people should dance. No one should ever be told no. I want to share that joy with EVERYONE. And one day everyone will mean the world. (Again, gynormous dream). But I truly hope that one day I will be able to travel the world and share my passion for dance and life with all people, especially those in need. And hopefully I will make an impact on their lives, because I'm sure it would greatly impact mine.

Day 33 {the light at the end of the tunnel}

STATUS UPDATE:

Day 33 of simplifying my life.

How many days is my journey?? However long it takes... Simplifying your life is an ongoing process that can take a lot of time. It will take constant organization and prioritization until one day it is a way of life that takes little or no effort. And you can sit back, relax and enjoy the simple things.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

This weekend my goal was to get as much moving done as possible. In case you didn't know we are downsizing from a 2400 square foot 5 year old home, to an old 1100 square foot mobile home (on the lake). We have to be moved out of our house within the next 10 days. We will live there for 6 months. The purging process has been a lot of hard work, but I believe we have been pretty successful. This weekend, I even got in some well needed R&R at my new home.

After seeing the pictures of the gorgeous view I will have at the lake, I am sure you don't feel sorry for me, nor do I feel sorry for myself. I will be able to sit back and enjoy my life with my husband and dogs. But I hope to take that habit with me wherever I may go, lakeview or not...

WHAT I'M HOPING TO LEARN:

First, that what I truly "need" is not that much. And hopefully I will be surprised how easy life is without it. Slowly but surely I will be able to live a minimalist, "Zen-type" lifestyle and be completely content.

Second, that will also help prioritize what is important in life. For example, the beautiful house I live in now has all of the amenities: 2 car garage, bonus room, large master bed and bath. Yes, I can afford to live the way I do now, but is it truly fulfilling me? Couldn't I be spending that money on things that will make a difference in my life and the lives of others? I would rather spend that money traveling the world, helping others. At least I know I will have made an impact for the good.

ADVICE FROM WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR:

Selling your house and downsizing is a HUGE step and a major life change. I am all for making big bold statements, but for some of us it may be better to start small . Here are a few tips of what I've learned so far:

1. Go through your house, room by room, closet by closet. Get rid of everything you don't truly need. Set a goal for yourself of when you would like to be done by, and MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR. It will probably take a couple of months. Don't overwhelm yourself, take it slow. Maybe assign 1 room per week to get through. Minimalize as much as possible. Be truly honest. How often do you use the item? Do you REALLY need it? Would you miss it if it were gone?

2. Sell/donate what you don't need.

3. As you live your daily life make note of the times you feel most happy and make note of it. I think you will be surprised at the simplicity of it. It could be as simple as letting a kid borrow your camera.

Being happy doesn't always require planning or extravagent things. Look at what's in front of you. It's there for a reason.

Learn how to get more done with less work. This site will change your life. www.Zenhabits.net

{minor. panic. attack.}

To be honest I have not been totally on on point with the packing and moving thing, but I really do have good intentions! When I do get an a few hours of free time, I have been greatly productive, but that time has been few and far between.

Maybe I sound like a hypocrite. The person who is "simplifying her life" is still constantly busy. But sometimes our lives have to become more chaotic before they can be simple.

Enter chaos. So time has rushed by and I realized that we only have 3 full days (that we're not working or out of town) to move. Cue panic attack. And not only to move out, but to fix a few things in the house and clean before the renters move in. Hyperventilating. As I reminded Mike of this he did not have the same reaction. Surprise surprise. But, that is good. With one of us panicking and the other unusually calm, we're pretty evened out.

Focus. So when I get there, the simple life, the entire journey will have been worth the wait. I envision myself as a girl sitting on a dock, with a cup of coffee, and my laptop blogging about life and my entreprenueral adventures. Until then I am a girl in a cube, with a cup of coffee and a dekstop, blogging about life and my entreprenueral adventures. Either way I am making something happen because a dream is just a dream unless you give it wings. Freedom.

{same dress. 365 days.}

I came across this on Daily Candy the other day and it caught my attention. Same dress. 365 days. My initial reaction was, "Who on earth would want to do that? And, "why?"

Once I watched the video I got it.

Same As It Ever Was.

She changes up the look each day with vintage accessories.
It's for a great cause.
It's ecofriendly.
It's simple.
It's genius.

Since my blog has been about simplifying my life, I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy.

For more information, and how to help the cause go to www.theuniformproject.com.

{easily amused}

Here I sit. Still on my week long break before reality sets back in. Until Monday I am a kid again. It is the Bi-annual Farmer Family Reunion and Wednesday's trip to the amusement park was definitely a highlight. Ironically it was "National Act Like a Kid Day" and boy did I take that to heart. The most memorable part was not the "double-black diamond rides" as my cousin Vicki called them, but the hour or so I spent with Madison, my three-year old niece. Unfortunately I did not have my camera at the time, but the images are forever ingrained in my memory...

I found Madison and my sister, Kristin, in Kids Land. Madison was sitting in the stroller with her signature two fingers in her mouth, holding on to the towel as blankie was not allowed on the trip. My sister greeted me,

"Hi!"

"Everyone else is in the waterpark, but I wanted to come spend some time with you guys," I said.

"OK, do you want to go on the roller coaster with Madison?"

"THE YELLOW ONE?!" Madison shouted, pointing to the miniature yellow coaster in front of us. 

The seemingly exhausted, groggy 3 year-old then jumped up, grabbed my hand, and ran to the coaster saying "run faster Aunt Kate!" I told her we should really sit in the front because it is the best. She gave me a quick look of uncertainty, but showing her true Farmer heritage she went right for it. Click click click... As we chugged up the hill I said "wave to mommy." And we did as we zoomed down and around. It was fifteen seconds of pure happiness. I noticed there was not a soul in line as the car returned to the station. "Do you want to do it again?" I asked and she beamed from ear to ear. Another fifteen seconds of pure happiness. 

For the next hour my niece held my hand dragging me from ride to ride and I loved every second. 

I decided the saying "Easily Amused" should no longer hold a negative connotation. Often in life we go for the biggest, or most extravagant when all we really need is the simplest of things. 

Day 20 {Simply me. Simply kadi}

I have been slacking...big time. With good reason though. I am in the midst of a bi-annual, week-long family reunion.

So the event has stopped Mike and I dead in our tracks of all of the packing/organizing and purging. To be honest, I am thoroughly enjoying the well needed rest. So for now I'm sitting back and reflecting on the journey...

I believe it is important to first reflect on why we are taking this step of simplifying our lives and majorly downsizing our dwelling. Most would assume we are either desperate or crazy. Well... we're not desperate (at least not financially). Honestly, I just wanted to make a BIG change in my life. I am in the wee beginnings of starting my own business and my mind is racing with ideas of all of the things I would love to do with it. Not only will I focus on dance and fitness, but I also want to introduce a lifestyle to others. I, like most everyone, love clothes, electronics, cars, and all of the STUFF I have accumulated over time. But to be honest, I don't need it, and would probably be better off without it. I am not saying I am going to sell all of my clothes and rid myself of any great style. But, my goal is to find those few items that are really awesome and that really define ME, and love them. Then I will free myself from every thing else that is excess weight... an imitation if you will. And there I will be. Simply me. Simply Kadi.

And I will enjoy every minute.

So will my dogs.

Day 14: KaDi's {Ten. Simple. Items.}

One thing that has helped me through transforming chaos into simplicity has been organizing my organization. In order to create order you must have a few simple items. I created a list of the ten I found most useful whether you are moving or simply simplifying your life. :

No. 1- Large Plastic Bins: These are for the things going in storage or that you will be keeping in closets. Organize your stuff by type. Label them:

• "Electronics" for all of your extra cords, portable devices, CDs, etc.



• "Crafts" for your ribbon, stickers, scissors, etc.



• "Sporting Goods" for all of your balls, hand held weights, etc.
  
  You get the idea.

No. 2- Plastic Ziplock Bags: Some things are just to small to throw into a large plastic bin. Create order within them by sorting the small stuff in baggies. For example: in your "craft" bin have one baggie for markers, one for glue... etc. They can also stop your ribbon from getting loose and tangled.

No. 3- Cardboard Boxes: Even your five year old knows you need cardboard boxes if you're moving, but, here's a tip... If you are moving, put the things you know you will be unpacking into these (dishes, toiletrees, clothes, etc). That way they can be thrown away. Use the plastic bins for things you will be tossing into a closet or garage. Voila' instant organization! Start your time in a new place out right.

No. 4-Permanent Markers/Paper: For quick labeling.

No. 5-Packing Tape: Can be used for boxes as well as creating durable labels that you know will stick. Most store-bought labels won't stick to your plastic bins.

No. 6-Zip ties: You can get a ton of these for really cheap and they are great for tying up loose cords, rope, etc.

No. 7- Paint: Believe me, your closet probably needs it! What better time to cover up all of those scuff marks then when everything is already out of it. Real Simple Checklist for Painting And I don't mean sticking with the egg shell white... Add some style to your closet and it will inspire to when you dress in the mornings.


No. 8- Vacuum/Broom: Again, what better time than when your space is empty.

No. 9- Your beverage of choice: Especially if you plan to do this with a spouse or significant other.

No. 10- Music!! For nothing else other than your sanity. Right now I'm digging Trevor Hall's latest "Unity."