It's been over a year since I've moved to Austin, Tx. I love it here! It's great. I miss the small town I'm from, but Austin is growing on me. One of my favorite things about Austin is how this city promotes a healthy active lifestyle....and also tacos.
When I first started my job as a Child & Parent advocate for victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, the word self care came up in every training I went to. People would always ask what do you do to take care of yourself? Well, I like shooting guns, working out hardcore, and hanging out with my kids/family. I would get weird looks about the first two answers and suggestions on self care that was a lot more calmer and relaxing. My work offers yoga or meditation once a month. I thought I'd give yoga a try! 

I did not like it. I wish I did. It looks fun and poses look neat, but for some reason it's not relaxing for me. I also think I'm holding my breathe or not breathing correctly. Maybe with more practice and tries I'll enjoy it.

One thing I enjoy about yoga is how cute their clothes are. prAna yoga clothes are my favorite! They are so comfy and fashionable. The pictures above, I'm wearing their Deco Crop leggings (dragonfly) in a small (http://www.prana.com/deco-crop.html?colors=dragonfly). I tried to do a yoga pose called Kapotasana or King Pigeon pose, I thought I had it, but when I looked at the pictures it looked nothing like the pose. My prAna leggings were so comfortable and stretchy, they didn't bother me. I have other leggings that constrict my movement and/or are very uncomfortable. I for sure would't be able to do many poses with those leggings. I'll stick to my prAna leggings. 

One of my favorite things about prAna is how they give back. They are big supporters of showing love for our planet. The offer sustainable, recycled, fair trade certified and hemp items. They also give back to communities all over the world - one of them is connection underserved youth with the outdoors. 

​Another reason why I love their clothes is how versatile it is. Whether I'm trying out yoga, to grocery shopping with the kids, my leggings go well with my activities. prAna also has a great clothing line. I love my Daria Sweater Hoodie in muted truffle color (small) - http://www.prana.com/daria-sweater-hoodie.html?colors=mutedtruffle​. It's perfect for fall weather! Check out the sweater in the pictures below. 

Daria Sweater Hoodie from prAna (www.prAna.com)

For more information, check out www.prAna.com.

Promo code expires October 19, 2017

I did it! I graduated college with a bachelor of arts in Psychology in 2008. Crazy it’s been over 9 years!

In the middle of my third year in college, I found out I was pregnant. I was excited, but did not think I could finish my studies. I had severe morning sickness and could hardly get out of bed. It was so bad, that I had to go to the emergency room six times in the first few months of my pregnancy. My grades started to suffer and I wanted to give up, but I knew I couldn’t. I was going to bring a precious baby boy in the world and wanted to further my education for a brighter future.
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My last year in college, was the best! My son was born in the middle of the first semester of my last year in college. I had complications after the birth of my son, but as soon as the doctor said I wasn’t bedridden, I attended my classes. The last semester of college, I took 18 credit hours. I had a full school schedule and a newborn baby. I studied hard and felt like I had a new purpose in life - to be an amazing mom, and a role model to my son. I had the best grades/gpa the last year of college. I walked across the stage in May 2008 with my son in the crowd, my parents, and sister cheering me on. It was a huge accomplishment and has helped me in my career today.

I currently work at a non-profit who assist people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. I work with the children and the survivors, as the Child and Parent Advocate. Before this career, I worked as a Forensic Interviewer and a Family Advocate at the Child Advocacy Center in the police department. I worked severe child abuse cases. My careers have been very rewarding and have helped many children and families overcome difficult situations. The children I’ve worked with have taught me so much. Their resilience and ability to find happiness through extremely tough circumstances have made me a better person and has forever touched my life. I truly am blessed by the people I meet at my work.

Getting a college degree has changed my life. Today, as a single mom of two beautiful children, I’m thankful for the financial growth due to my education; I’m thankful for landing my dream job because of furthering my education; and I’m proud to be a college graduate and be a role model to my children to further their education.

​Although getting my college degree was a struggle, it is worth it. Many have struggled, but have found success through taking steps to further their education. Check out these stories from Brightwood College of many struggles, but in the end success : https://weare.brightwood.edu/.

To find out more information about Brightwood College and how people have faced adversities but achieved their goal, click here to learn more.

Thanks for stopping by!

K. Le

As we all know, nothing in life comes easy. We go through challenges daily, but these obstacles push us to our max. Sometimes we hit rock bottom, but then bloom to be the best self we've ever been. 

A few years ago, I was blindsided by a disturbing secret that affected my marriage. Fast forward a couple of years my ex's secret got worst and eventually broke our commitment. 2016 started out to be the worst time in my life. I was married to some one I did not know. I hit a low point in my life. Going through divorce was horrible. It brought out the worst in every one, but I knew it was the best for my kids and myself. 

I made a major decision and decided to move to Austin, TX to be closer to family. I didn't want to leave what I've known for the past 12 years. I loved the small town I say I'm from. I loved my job. I loved my friends. 

I packed up my car, drove off, and didn't look back. I'm blooming in Austin, TX. I love it here. The kids are flourishing. They continue to amaze me. They are so resilient. Although I still face obstacles daily, I feel as if I'm the best me and continue to grow into a better version of myself. 2017 has already been so wonderful. I'm finding myself, healing myself, loving myself, being passionate, building relationships, meeting new people, and making memories. I encourage you to take a leap of faith and follow your dreams. Know yourself and be the best version of you. 

I love the message Wente Vineyards puts out. "For the love of the Journey." This company is incredible. Filled with lavish history and rich heritage. Their journey started in 1883 and continues to flourish. Wente is 130 years strong, and 5 generations as the country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. A common thread that is weaved through from generation to generation is it's Love of the Journey. As they say, “We don’t make wine because we have to, we do it because we love to.”

What is your journey? What are your dreams, goals, and how with you accomplish them?

Thank you for stopping by!

​Kristi

I love animals! My first pet was Fender. Funny story how I got him. I'll have to share that some other day. Long story short, I hid him from my parents for a while because I wasn't allowed to have a dog, at least I think so. I just didn't ask. I lived by that saying, "it's easier to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission". I've also hid a sugar glider, kitten, fish, etc. Sorry Mom and Dad! :) Hiding Fender was the summer after freshman year of college and of course, they found out about every pet I hid. Years later, Fender was my partner in crime. He was my everything! He was with me through college life, heartbreaks, fun times, all the way through the birth of Connor and Scotty! They loved him! Unfortunately, he passed away due to old age this past year. Love you, Fender! We miss you so much!

My ex wanted a Doberman Pincer, but at the time, Connor was little and we lived in a small apartment. My co-worker at that time bred miniature pincers. I thought, how perfect! It's a compromise!  So on Father's Day (years ago), Connor and I surprised my ex with Concho. He is an amazing dog with so much energy and love! He is with my ex. I'm so glad the children still get to see him! We miss him! We have a framed picture of him here, and Scotty kisses it every night. 

I've always wanted a big dog, but timing was never right. Now that I'm staying at home with the kids, it's a perfect time to get a dog! When I woke up this morning, I had great news! My puppy was born!!! Everyone seems to be doing great! Exhausted, but great! 
Also, my parents know about him!! haha :)

So we are excited to announce, we will be getting a boy early September! The family that we are getting the dog from, is so sweet! The mom texts me immediately and you can tell the puppies are very loved! Their Facebook page is so cute, so much love. Check them out at Honey's Doodles! They are far from Austin, but worth it! I can't wait to hold my baby boy! Thank you Michelle! 

I need your help! Go to my Facebook page and comment on my post of Boy names! I need ideas! www.facebook.com/kristiqle 

Please and thank you!!

Love,

KQL

​Thank you for sharing this journey with me!