kelly chen

Welcome to my blog! I’m Kelly Chen (now Okland), and I started this lifestyle blog as a creative outlet to share different aspects of my life, from books to food, home, style, and travel. I’m a twenty-something that grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2019, I moved to Phoenix with my then-boyfriend, Brett (now husband and photographer of this blog). We live with our fur babies, Tucker and Copper. After living here for two years, we put down roots by building a house.

I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2017 and got my Master’s in Business Administration in 2020. I’m working full-time as a contract administrator during the day and blogging in the evenings.

In my free time, I love curling up with a good book. I’ve loved reading since I was young, and I’m glad I’ve continued to make time for reading. There’s nothing better than snuggling up with a cup of coffee and getting sucked into a romance or thriller. You can read all my book reviews here.

Like a true Taurus, I’m a foodie. Give me a tender filet mignon, garlic mashed potatoes, and a sweet, decadent chocolate dessert, and I’ll be a happy gal. While I love a fine dining experience, I’m learning to put together delicious meals at home without breaking the bank. You can browse all my recipes here.

Other fun facts about me: I’m a bit of a control freak and a planner, and sometimes, I’m guilty of reading spoilers to books and movies. When I love a song, I repeat it until I can’t stand it anymore; I do the same thing with my meals and outfits. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and fall is my favorite season. Forever a hopeless romantic and love a restaurant with a cozy ambiance. I am an equal parts homebody and adventurer. To read more about me, click here.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting my blog. xo