So… there’s something fun about sharing really good news on my little space on the internet. And, this post has been one I’ve been looking forward to writing about.
Remember when I talked about the Happiness Tour a few weeks back, about how I was going to work on fueling my “happy”? Well, it’s working. I mean, REALLY working.
So, let me tell you about the latest example. Two weeks ago, my friend Jaede reached out and asked me if we could FaceTime.
I don’t really like to do video chat. 1) It feels like work because we use video conferencing quite a bit at my day job and 2) I’m uber-casual on the weekend and most days, makeup-less (which was certainly the case in the video you’ll see below!)
Nonetheless, Jaede is one of my bestest of friends, so I let her insist. BTW we’ve been friends TWENTY years in August – – That’s crazy, Jaede! She is also 7 months pregnant, so I thought she might be interested in showing me the nursery she’s been working on in Tennessee or something like that. I complied, and appeared on video per her request.
We goofed around for a few, like old friends who haven’t seen each other in a few weeks do, and then she got sorta serious. “Kel, you know you’re kind of a big deal,” she starts… to which I respond “Um, yeah” dramatically. This has become sort of an inside joke between me and my girls… we’re all pretty big deals (Jaede’s the executive, Angela’s the doctor, I’m the Rockstar, you get it…)
Then she says “I got a phone call this week from a national brand…” She goes on to share that a brand I’ve started working with recently reached out to her this week… and that they love my blog, what I’m doing, and my positivity along the way. And, that they want to surprise me with an all-expenses-paid weekend wellness retreat with my friends that have supported me along the way. WHAT???
At this point (and maybe sooner), I’m crying on the video chat and just overwhelmed. What brand plans a wellness retreat for a girl like me, super-sleuths and finds my best friend in Tennessee, gets her to surprise me over video-chat, and is planning to send me and my closest friends to Milwaukee for a weekend??? KOHL’S does. Well-played, Kohl’s. Well played.
To watch the reveal, click on the link below. Jaede’s husband recorded it for Kohl’s.
So… we’re off to Milwaukee! The releases have been signed, and the planning has begun. We’ll be in Milwaukee with Kohl’s the weekend of July 10th. (Kohl’s headquarters is located there!) Together, we’re going to be treated to weekend of pampering and fun – – and, we’re participating in The Color Run on Saturday. PS… Color Run = Color WALK for this girl. Color Walk with tutus, to be precise. 🙂
I can’t wait to share this experience with you guys as it happens. Such an awesome opportunity, and a wonderful one at that.
I’m also so glad that Kohl’s sought out Jaede to reveal the surprise. She really is one of the best people I know, and she won’t be able to join us in Milwaukee as she’ll be welcoming her baby girl just a few days before the trip. I asked her 7 year old if she could come with us, and Elizabeth said no… And, as I mention on the video, no one I know shops at Kohl’s as much as Jaede (and my sister-in-law Beth!)
Just the same… I’ve got a star-studded cast of beauties coming on this trip with me – – each of them contributing to my wellness journey in amazing, amazing ways. Honestly, I could have invited like 20-30 people. There are so many lovelies that have been there for me. I wish I could have brought you all!
You’ve “met” all these ladies on NTTC before… but for funsies, I’ll give you a little bio on each.
Angela
Angela is my Kelly Clarkson-loving, Spanish speaking bestest from college. She’s the only doctor on this adventure – recently earning her PhD, and she continues to be one of the hardest working ladies I’ve ever met.
Fun Fact: Angela shares my passion for cooking and she and the hubs eat NTTC recipes on the regular… She taught me how to make Healthy Chicken Pho and Firefly Gazpacho!
Beth
Beth married my stinky brother 15 years ago, and has quickly grown to be one of my nearest and dearest. She has the two most adorable kiddos (Love those Guys!) and takes my calls every day despite not liking to talk on the phone.
Fun Fact: Beth joined Jenny Craig with me back in the early days, to give me extra support during this process! She’s also a culinary genius who introduced me to the Weight Watchers 15 Minute Recipe books… changing my cooking game forever.
Donna
Donna and I have traveled on many an adventure over the years – Montelucia, Iowa, Montelucia, Kansas City, the Dominican, Montelucia (again!), Vegas, etc. Former co-workers, we’ve bonded over fabulous accessories and fine cocktails over the years, and we love to cackle (as seen above!)
Fun Fact: Donna accompanied me on my weight loss reward trip to Montelucia! She has also been one of my biggest cheerleaders in Tennessee, often brainstorming on how to kick NTTC up a notch!
Tiffany
My Colorado bestie, Tiffany and I met two years ago through the Denver blogger community and have been inseparable ever since. She and I have a knack for bonding over an endlesslessly random conversation and try to take adventure days from time to time.
Fun Fact: Tiffany and I have our weight loss/gain struggles in common, which tends to be an area of bonding. Tiffany has had a fierce fitness game in 2015, sharing her daily workout routines via Instagram (follow her, y’all), along with cute pictures of her fuzzy poohuahua, Lincoln.
So… That’s the crew! Looking forward to sharing more about this trip after the fact and via social media along the way. Special thanks to Kohl’s for this amazing opportunity to celebrate with those I have leaned on throughout the years. xoxo
Disclosure: The upcoming trip to Milwaukee I reference above is sponsored by Kohl’s; however, this post contains opinions that do not represent the brand and are solely my personal opinions, filled with gushing excitement.